Armor and Barbarians....

[Kiethoo]

I get ARMOR = Bad for Barbarians,
But what about "clothing" that isn't armor correct?
Also what about helmets,gloves,boots ?
Those also have to not have armor tags like medium armor right?

[Pan Darius Cassandra]

It depends. If you're going to play a Dexbarian, then yeah, go ahead and go nekkid. If you're playing a Strengthbarian, then forget about Unarmored Defense and just wear armor.

Afaik, helmets, gloves, boots etc. that have an armor tag count as armor.

[KeepCleaving]

Originally posted by Kiethoo:

I get ARMOR = Bad for Barbarians,
But what about "clothing" that isn't armor correct?
Also what about helmets,gloves,boots ?
Those also have to not have armor tags like medium armor right?

Armor isn't bad for Barbarians, it's just useless until the armor itself exceeds that of your natural defense, to quickly know, just equip the armor, if your ac goes up, wear it. Unlike spellcasters, armor really is bad if you're not proficient in it, you can't spell cast.

Helmets, glove's and boots do affect casters if their'e not proficient the same as chest armor. But in terms of any limitations on Barbarian, nope.

The only armor you can't wear is "heavy" armor I believe as you're not proficient, tho this atm seems wishy washy for items that aren't chest slot. Unless you pickup a feat for that or subclass, multiclass (nyi).

[sevensided]

Currently the highest AC you can get as an unarmored barbarian is 16 + 2(if you use a shield), and eventually 17+2 if you boost con or dex at level 4, forgoing a feat. That requires a 16 in con and dex to start, and since reckless attack isn't as yet (afaik) limited to strength only attacks, as it is in actual D&D, its totally doable to go without armor.

You can even be a strength attacking barb with 16 unarmored, but it requires going human, with a 16,16,16,9,9,9 attribute spread.

That said, you can get a 17 + 2 AC with medium armor and a 14 dexterity, and that would allow a bit more points on things like charisma or wisdom, or using other races without dexterity bonuses.

TLDR- Armor is not bad for barbarians, and in actuality, barbarians are better off wearing the best medium they can get. Especially when you take into account bonuses that will likely be offered by magical armor in the actual release.

Gloves, boots, helmets have no proficiency requirements in this game, so wear them however you want.