Why should [Barkskin] not stack? Is there clarification somewhere on that? I was reading the spell, and it said:
"You touch a willing creature. Until the spell ends, the target's skin has a rough, bark-like Appearance, and the target's AC can't be less than 16, regardless of what kind of armor it is wearing."
Note, it says that the target's AC can't be less than 16. It doesn't say anything about being higher than 16. Is there some kind of sage clarification for this?
Barkskin doesn't stack because it doesn't specifically say anything about adding a bonus to your AC. Spells do what they say they do. If Barkskin stacked with other sources of AC, it would say e.g., "Add +2 to your AC."
https://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/DND/SA-Compendium.pdf - search "Barkskin"
Importantly,
Barkskin doesn't even stack with half- or three-quarters-cover!That said, Barkskin is underpowered imo mainly because it requires concentration. It has such a low effect (increasing your AC by 2, maybe), such a high opportunity cost (can't cast other concentration spells), and can so easily be lost if you take damage.
Seems very similar to Shield of Faith. A plus two bonus to AC that requires concentration.
Yes, but
- Shield of Faith is a 1st level spell, a bonus action, gives a +2 stackable bonus to AC and has a 60 foot range, although it's only 10 minutes.
- Barkskin is a 2nd level spell, costs a full action, doesn't give a stackable AC bonus, has a range of "touch", although it lasts for an hour.
I'd argue that the stackable +2 bonus at range completely overshadows the shorter duration. Additionally, Barkskin can be a +2 AC bonus
only for characters with low AC so on average it's less than a +2 bonus. Increasing a frontline fighter's AC to 20 or even 22 can make them nigh-unhittable, while Barkskin's "set AC to 16" isn't that great of an AC. Especially because each time you get hit you'll have to make a Con ST or else lose the spell.
Barkskin is effectively a worse spell for a higher cost.
