[RPG] Is it normal for a 2nd/3rd-level party to face a sub-boss that has AC 20

combatdnd-5eencounter-design

My party of mixed 2nd and 3rd level PCs were stuck in a fight versus what was essentially a town guard (plus friends) with 20 AC, leading to multiple players wasting multiple turns rolling to hit and missing every turn.

Is it in any way normal to be facing that kind of AC at this level?

Best Answer

20 AC is unusual, but not unheard of, for lower CR creatures. Some examples:

  • Helmed Horror: AC 20, CR 4
  • Hobgoblin Warlord: AC 20, CR 6
  • Roper: AC 20, CR 5
  • Cambion: AC 19, CR 5
  • Couatl: AC 19, CR 4
  • Drider: AC 19, CR 6
  • Gorgon: AC 19, CR 5
  • Will o' Wisp: AC 19, CR 2
  • Xorn: AC 19, CR 5
  • Knight: AC 18, CR 3 (but he becomes AC 20 if he is made sword-and-board)
  • Animated Armor: AC 18, CR 1 (AC 20 with a shield)
  • Hobgoblin: AC 18, CR 1/2

As can be seen, a sub-boss with AC 20 is available at CR 1. They are not common, but they certainly exist.