Is Mage Armor Good for a Warlock? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, Mage Armor is exceptionally good for a Warlock, and often the optimal choice for defense, particularly at lower levels. While Warlocks are proficient in Light Armor, the unique benefits of Mage Armor, specifically how it interacts with a Warlock’s class features, make it a compelling option. The key is the invocation that allows Warlocks to cast Mage Armor at will, effectively removing the need to expend valuable spell slots. This free, consistent access to a solid AC boost without the encumbrance of actual armor provides a substantial advantage, allowing Warlocks to focus on their spellcasting and other tactical options.
Why Mage Armor Shines for Warlocks
The Invocation Advantage
The most significant reason why Mage Armor excels for Warlocks is their ability to acquire an invocation that grants them the power to cast Mage Armor on themselves at will without expending a spell slot or material components. This is a crucial advantage as Warlocks have limited spell slots compared to other spellcasters. The ability to maintain a consistent 13 + Dexterity modifier to AC, without sacrificing spell slots, significantly increases survivability.
Infiltration and Flexibility
Unlike actual armor, Mage Armor is invisible and doesn’t encumber the wearer. This makes it ideal for scenarios where stealth or social interactions require a more inconspicuous appearance. While some armors can be hidden beneath clothing, they might still give off a telltale clink or rustle, Mage Armor is completely silent and undetectable, providing an edge in covert operations.
Synergy with Dexterity
Warlocks, especially those focused on ranged spell attacks, often benefit from investing in Dexterity. Mage Armor’s AC calculation of 13 + your Dexterity modifier means it scales effectively as a Warlock’s Dexterity increases. Light armors have their own AC caps based on the specific type, making them less flexible for characters who prioritize Dexterity.
Stackability
It’s important to understand that Mage Armor stacks with other AC bonuses, most notably a shield. This makes it very effective, especially for those Warlocks who may have taken a feat or multiclass into a class with shield proficiency. While Mage Armor does not stack with other armor or similar abilities (e.g., Unarmored Defense), the ability to combine it with a shield can significantly raise a Warlock’s defenses.
Early Level Advantage
In the early levels, Warlocks often struggle with survivability due to their lower hit point dice and limited spell slots. Mage Armor provides a much-needed AC boost, on par with studded leather armor, without requiring gold or proficiency. The ability to use the spell without costing a spell slot means Warlocks are always combat ready.
Light Armor: When is it a Good Alternative?
While Mage Armor is a staple for Warlocks, situations exist where Light Armor might be considered.
Limited Dexterity
If a Warlock has a low Dexterity score (12 or lower), light armor might provide a higher AC, especially if they acquire medium armor proficiency through enhancements. Light armor provides a base AC that doesn’t rely as heavily on Dexterity modifiers, though it has its own drawbacks, primarily maximum Dex bonus limitations.
Roleplaying and Theme
Some players prefer the aesthetic of wearing physical armor, regardless of the mechanical benefits. In such cases, roleplaying a Warlock in light armor might be the preferred choice, even if it’s not the most optimal option from a pure numbers perspective.
Specific Feats and Magic Items
Certain feats or magical items might interact better with Light Armor, but it’s important to consider the trade-offs. Generally, Mage Armor provides a more consistent and flexible defensive option.
Conclusion: Mage Armor is a Warlock’s Best Friend
Mage Armor is an outstanding choice for Warlocks, due to its free, consistent AC boost, its synergy with Dexterity, and its inherent flexibility for infiltrations. The invocation that enables Warlocks to cast it at will is the main reason why it is so powerful and beneficial. While Light Armor can be considered in certain situations, particularly with low Dexterity scores, it is often a less desirable choice. With its ability to stack with shields and other forms of AC bonuses, Mage Armor remains a cornerstone of Warlock defense, freeing them to concentrate on their offensive spellcasting abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a Warlock cast Mage Armor?
Yes, Warlocks can cast Mage Armor. More importantly, through a specific invocation, they can cast it on themselves at will without using spell slots or material components. This makes it an extremely efficient defensive option.
2. Does Mage Armor stack with regular armor?
No, Mage Armor does not stack with regular armor. It functions as an alternative to wearing physical armor.
3. Can Mage Armor stack with a shield?
Yes, Mage Armor stacks perfectly with a shield. This provides a significant increase to AC, making a Warlock much more difficult to hit.
4. What is the base AC provided by Mage Armor?
Mage Armor provides a base AC of 13 + your Dexterity modifier.
5. How long does Mage Armor last?
By default, Mage Armor lasts for 8 hours. However, Warlocks utilizing the invocation to cast it at will, effectively have it always active.
6. Does Mage Armor require material components?
Normally, Mage Armor requires a piece of cured leather as a material component. However, Warlocks casting it with the invocation do not require any material component.
7. Can other classes cast Mage Armor?
Yes, Sorcerers and Wizards can cast Mage Armor. However, they do not have the invocation that allows them to cast it freely.
8. What happens if a Warlock wears Light Armor while Mage Armor is active?
Wearing armor while Mage Armor is active does not grant the AC bonuses from both. The armor’s AC is used instead of Mage Armor’s effects.
9. Is Light Armor better than Mage Armor for a Warlock with low Dexterity?
If a Warlock has a very low Dexterity (12 or lower), light armor might provide a higher base AC, but only up to its specific Dexterity bonus limitations. However, as Warlocks generally prioritize Dexterity, Mage Armor is often the preferred method of AC protection.
10. Can a Warlock get Medium Armor proficiency?
Yes, Warlocks who invest in Enlightened Spirit enhancements can eventually pick up Medium Armor proficiency and ignore Arcane Spell Failure in Medium Armor.
11. Is Mage Armor considered unarmored?
No, Mage Armor provides a form of magical protection that is not the same as being unarmored. Abilities that trigger on unarmored characters are not generally compatible with someone under the effect of Mage Armor.
12. Does Mage Armor work during polymorph?
Yes, any spells active on you stay active when polymorphed. So, if a Warlock casted Mage Armor prior to being polymorphed, it will stay active.
13. Does Mage Armor stack with Unarmored Defense from other classes?
No, Mage Armor does not stack with Unarmored Defense or other AC calculation mechanics. It replaces the unarmored method of calculating your AC, not stacking with it.
14. What is the best defensive approach for a Warlock?
In general, the best defensive approach for a Warlock is to use Mage Armor via their invocation, and a shield if they have proficiency. Investing in Dexterity also aids their AC and allows for better spell attack rolls.
15. Can a Warlock wear Heavy Armor?
Warlocks are not proficient in Heavy Armor by default. However, they can gain proficiency by taking a level in Cleric with a domain that grants Heavy Armor proficiency, such as Nature, Life, or Forge, or by starting as a Fighter for at least two levels.