Can You Use Magic Armor for Arcane Armor? A Deep Dive into Artificer Infusions
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The question of whether you can use magic armor as a base for the Artificer’s Arcane Armor is a frequent point of discussion among players. The short answer is: No, you cannot directly turn magic armor into Arcane Armor. The Arcane Armor feature specifically states you turn “a suit of armor you are wearing” into Arcane Armor, implying a non-magical suit. Let’s unpack the reasoning and intricacies behind this answer, exploring the limitations and possibilities within the rules.
The Foundation of Arcane Armor
The Artificer’s Arcane Armor subclass is a fascinating blend of technology and magic. It allows you to transform a regular suit of armor into a magical conduit, enhancing your abilities and providing unique combat options. However, the feature’s specific wording about using a “suit of armor you are wearing” suggests a non-magical base. Think of it like this: you’re imbuing the potential of the armor with your artificing skills, rather than enhancing pre-existing magic.
Using a pre-existing magic item as the base introduces significant complications. How would the existing magical properties interact with the Arcane Armor’s features? Would they stack, negate each other, or create unintended consequences? The rules don’t provide clear guidance on this, and the potential for imbalance is high.
Infusions and Arcane Armor: A Synergistic Relationship
While you can’t create your Arcane Armor from magic armor, you can infuse your Arcane Armor (or parts of it) with infusions once you reach 9th level. This is where the true power of the subclass shines. At 9th level, your Arcane Armor breaks down into separate “items” for infusion purposes: the armor itself (chest piece), boots, helmet, and the armor’s special weapon. This allows you to apply infusions like Enhanced Defense, Repulsion Shield, or Winged Boots, greatly enhancing your Arcane Armor’s capabilities.
However, remember that you’re still limited by the number of infusions you can maintain. Careful planning and resource management are key to optimizing your Arcane Armor’s effectiveness.
The Importance of RAW (Rules as Written)
In Dungeons & Dragons, sticking to the RAW (Rules as Written) is crucial for maintaining balance and avoiding confusion. The Arcane Armor feature’s specific language implies a non-magical armor base. While some DMs might be willing to bend the rules for narrative or thematic reasons, it’s important to understand the core mechanics before attempting any modifications.
The Flavor and Lore
Beyond the mechanical aspects, consider the flavor of the Arcane Armor. It’s about an Artificer using their ingenuity and skill to imbue a mundane object with magical properties. Starting with magic armor arguably undermines this aspect, diminishing the Artificer’s role in the process. You’re not creating something new; you’re just adding to something that already exists. This subtle difference is important for understanding the intended playstyle and feel of the subclass.
FAQs: Arcane Armor Explained
Here are some frequently asked questions about Arcane Armor to further clarify its mechanics and limitations:
1. Can I infuse my Arcane Armor?
Yes! Starting at 9th level, your Arcane Armor counts as separate items for infusion purposes: the armor (chest piece), boots, helmet, and the armor’s special weapon. This allows you to apply infusions to enhance its capabilities.
2. Can someone else wear my Arcane Armor?
Others can wear the armor and gain the benefits of the base armor type (e.g., heavy armor proficiency). However, the specific benefits of Arcane Armor (like the armor model and Perfected Armor) only apply when you are wearing it.
3. How long does Arcane Armor last?
Your armor remains Arcane Armor until you don another suit of armor or you die. It’s a persistent transformation, providing long-term benefits.
4. Does Arcane Armor count as heavy armor?
The armor retains its original type (Medium or Heavy). You still need proficiency in that armor type to avoid penalties.
5. Is Arcane Armor considered a magic item?
No, Arcane Armor is not considered a magic item. It’s a class feature, which is a crucial distinction for interactions with abilities like Antimagic Field. Thus, Arcane Armor does not count as a magic item, and thus would continue to function in an Antimagic field.
6. Can Arcane Armor be light armor?
No, the Arcane Armor retains the armor type of the original suit (Medium or Heavy).
7. Does Arcane Armor Training apply to shields?
No, the benefits of Arcane Armor Training do not extend to shields.
8. Can I use the Enhanced Weapon Infusion on my Thunder Gauntlets?
Yes, since the Thunder Gauntlets count as simple weapons, you can use the Enhanced Weapon infusion on one of them.
9. Can my weapon be my arcane focus while using Arcane Armor?
While a weapon can be used as a spellcasting focus, an arcane focus is not inherently a weapon. You can use your Arcane Armor’s weapon as a focus if you have the proper feature, but it doesn’t automatically become one.
10. Can I infuse a shield while using Arcane Armor?
No, the Arcane Armor feature only breaks down the chest piece, boots, helmet, and special weapon into separate items for infusion purposes. A shield isn’t included.
11. What happens if I wear armor I’m not proficient in while using Arcane Armor?
You suffer the standard penalties for wearing armor you lack proficiency in: disadvantage on ability checks, saving throws, and attack rolls involving Strength or Dexterity, and you can’t cast spells.
12. Does Arcane Armor have weight?
The arcane armor weighs 60 pounds, however it is designed to support its own weight while you wear it; its weight is not included in the amount of weight that you are carrying while you are wearing it.
13. Is Mage Armor considered armor?
No. Being under the effect of Mage Armor does not count as wearing armor (indeed, the spell ends if you put on armor).
14. Can I use magical armor modifications with Arcane armor?
At 9th level, you learn how to use your artificer infusions to specially modify your Arcane Armor. That armor now counts as separate items for the purposes of your Infuse Items feature: armor (the chest piece), boots, helmet, and the armor’s special weapon.
15. How to make arcane armor?
As an action, you can turn a suit of armor you are wearing into Arcane Armor, provided you have smith’s tools in hand. Beginning at 3rd level, you can customize your Arcane Armor.
Conclusion
While the initial question of using magic armor for Arcane Armor is a “no,” the Artificer’s innovative spirit allows for customization through infusions. The beauty of the Arcane Armor subclass lies in its ability to transform mundane equipment into powerful tools, reflecting the Artificer’s ingenuity and magical prowess. Remember to carefully consider the rules, embrace the flavor, and explore the synergistic possibilities of infusions to make the most of your Arcane Armor.
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