Does Mage Armor Work With Unarmored Movement?
The short answer is a resounding **yes**. Mage Armor and Unarmored Movement work together harmoniously in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e). Mage Armor is a spell that provides a magical AC calculation, while Unarmored Movement is a class feature, primarily associated with Monks, that enhances movement capabilities. They don’t interfere with each other because they address different aspects of character capabilities. Let’s break down why they mesh so well, and then delve into some common questions about how Mage Armor interacts with other rules and abilities.
Understanding the Mechanics
To understand why Mage Armor and Unarmored Movement work together, it’s vital to understand each element separately. **Mage Armor** is a 1st-level abjuration spell that, when cast on a willing creature not wearing armor, changes the creature’s base AC to **13 + their Dexterity modifier**. It does not count as wearing armor, it’s an alteration to your base AC. The spell lasts for 8 hours and doesn’t require concentration, making it a very reliable form of protection for spellcasters. **Unarmored Movement**, primarily used by Monks, increases their movement speed and improves maneuverability *while not wearing armor*. Importantly, it does not define or change the method of AC calculation.
Why They Don’t Conflict
The key point is that Mage Armor does not count as wearing armor. It alters the character’s AC calculation method, but it doesn’t impose the restrictions of actual armor. Therefore, as long as the character is not wearing physical armor, **Mage Armor** is completely compatible with **Unarmored Movement**. The Monk still gets their movement enhancements because they are not wearing physical armor, and their AC is determined by the calculation provided by the Mage Armor spell.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s explore some common questions that arise concerning Mage Armor and its interactions with other game mechanics.
1. Does Mage Armor stack with Unarmored Defense?
No, **Mage Armor and Unarmored Defense do not stack.** Both are methods of calculating your base AC. If you have both active, you must choose which one to use. **You can’t add the effects together.** Usually, Mage Armor (13 + Dex Mod) is used if your Dexterity is high and you lack a high Wisdom or Constitution modifier (as used in the Monk/Barbarian Unarmored Defense features respectively).
2. Can I use Mage Armor while wearing armor?
No. Mage Armor explicitly states that it only works if you are not wearing armor. If you *don* armor while under the effects of Mage Armor, the spell ends immediately.
3. Does Mage Armor stack with other AC bonuses?
Yes, Mage Armor **stacks with any AC bonus**, such as those from magical items, spells like *Shield of Faith*, or a shield. However, it will not stack with another method of determining base AC such as *Barkskin* or Unarmored Defense.
4. Does Mage Armor affect Touch AC?
In 5th Edition, there is no “Touch AC” as there was in previous editions. However, Mage Armor does not apply to Saving Throws against spells. It provides an armor bonus and works against any attack roll made by a creature unless that attack is an Incorporeal Touch attack. In those cases, it will apply.
5. Can a Sorcerer twin Mage Armor?
Yes, a Sorcerer can use the Twinned Spell metamagic to target two different willing creatures, but not to put multiple instances on the same target. Mage Armor is not a concentration spell, so it’s a valid target for twinning, provided you have the required Sorcery Points. The spell will still affect each target for the full 8-hour duration and will not stack.
6. Why does Mage Armor use Dexterity?
Mage Armor is described as a **magical force field** that doesn’t impede movement. This is why it allows you to use your Dexterity modifier to determine AC. It’s meant to be a replacement for actual armor for those who rely more on agility and magic.
7. Does Mage Armor stack with Natural Armor?
No, **Mage Armor and Natural Armor do not stack** if the creature’s natural armor is a base AC calculation. If a creature’s natural armor calculates AC with its own modifier (such as Tortle, or Lizardfolk), then Mage Armor can replace this. If the Natural Armor is greater, though, then there is no benefit to casting Mage Armor. For example, Tortles have a base AC of 17, so Mage Armor provides no benefit.
8. Can a Monk use Mage Armor?
Yes, **a Monk can use Mage Armor**, but the Monk’s Unarmored Defense and Mage Armor won’t stack. The Monk would need to choose which AC calculation method they want to use. It’s generally only advantageous for a monk if the Mage Armor offers a better AC based on their Dexterity modifier and their Wis or Con modifier is particularly low.
9. Does Mage Armor carry over during Polymorph?
Yes, **any spell effects, including Mage Armor, remain active during Polymorph** unless the spell is broken or the effect ends. This means if you have Mage Armor active and transform into a new form, you’ll still have the Mage Armor’s benefits, albeit recalculated for your new form’s stats.
10. Does Mage Armor stack with Bracers of Defense?
Yes, Mage Armor **stacks with items like Bracers of Defense** since those items provide a bonus to AC, not a new way to determine base AC.
11. What is the Dexterity bonus for Mage Armor?
The Dexterity bonus for Mage Armor is **your normal Dexterity modifier, up to a maximum of +5**. It does not have its own special modifier.
12. Can Mage Armor be cast multiple times?
Yes, you can cast Mage Armor on multiple targets if you have the spell slots available, but not on the same target multiple times. It is a non-concentration spell and can be used to protect multiple allies. However, only one instance of Mage Armor can be effective on a single creature at a time.
13. Can I stack Mage Armor and the Shield spell?
Yes, **Mage Armor and the Shield spell stack**. *Shield* gives a bonus to AC for a round as a reaction, whereas *Mage Armor* sets your base AC. Since one is a base and one is a bonus, the bonus stacks with the base.
14. Can I cast Mage Armor on myself?
Yes, you can and generally should cast Mage Armor on yourself if you are a spellcaster who lacks armor proficiency. It provides a reliable form of protection, lasts for 8 hours, and doesn’t require concentration.
15. Is Studded Leather better than Mage Armor?
No, Mage Armor is often a better choice than Studded Leather if your Dexterity modifier is +1 or higher. Studded Leather gives you an AC of 12 + your Dexterity modifier, while Mage Armor gives you 13 + your Dexterity modifier. **Mage Armor is strictly better** in the case of base AC. If a rogue has studded leather and casts Mage Armor, they must choose which AC calculation to use. Mage Armor is not an additional +1AC on top of their armor; it is a replacement for the AC calculation.
Conclusion
Mage Armor and Unarmored Movement are compatible because they address separate parts of character capabilities. Mage Armor is not armor, it’s a method of determining your base AC, while Unarmored Movement is about how you move. Understanding the mechanics of these abilities and their interactions allows you to effectively build your characters and fully utilize their abilities on the table. This combination provides excellent protection and agility for many character builds.