Saving Throw Question

[sirjimbob]

noob here.

I've searched and searched but cannot get a clear answer on how saving throws work in combat.

The rules say that a saving throw is determined by the DC of the attack itself but how is that DC determined? I know some spells list the DC but what about a melee attack? Is it simply the attack d20 roll made for the attack?

Thanks. I dunno why I'm struggling so much with this.

[Plausible Pseudonym]

Anything that requires a saving throw will list the DC or the formula for calculating a saving throw.

You don't roll a saving throw against a melee or ranged attack that hits you. If their attack roll beats your armor class you're hit, the end.

[Rothlis]

sirjimbob wrote:

noob here.

I've searched and searched but cannot get a clear answer on how saving throws work in combat.

The rules say that a saving throw is determined by the DC of the attack itself but how is that DC determined? I know some spells list the DC but what about a melee attack? Is it simply the attack d20 roll made for the attack?

Thanks. I dunno why I'm struggling so much with this.

For most monsters the DC for abilities or effects will be roughly .5 HD +relevant modifier spells are a bit different but it will say in a monster's stat block melee attacks are a d20 vs the appropriate ac value if the attack has a rider effect like poison or something you roll the proper saving throw after the attack is resolved