What Armor Do Wizards Wear? A Comprehensive Guide

The simple answer is: Wizards typically don’t wear armor, at least not in the traditional sense of heavy metal plates or even hardened leather. Their primary defense comes from their magical abilities, most notably the spell Mage Armor, which provides a magical protective force that sets their Armor Class (AC) to 13 + their Dexterity modifier. While Wizards can technically wear armor, their lack of proficiency in most types of armor, coupled with the restrictions it imposes on spellcasting, makes it an uncommon choice. This article delves into the specifics of why wizards often choose magical defenses over physical armor, exploring the nuances of armor proficiency, alternative options, and other frequently asked questions.

The Wizard’s Approach to Defense

Magical Protection: The First Line of Defense

Wizards, by their very nature, are more attuned to arcane energies than physical combat. The Mage Armor spell embodies this perfectly. It is a spell specifically designed to protect spellcasters, creating a magical barrier around them. This spell allows wizards to maintain a decent AC, typically around 15 with a moderate Dexterity score, without hindering their spellcasting abilities. This allows them the freedom to prioritize feats that empower their spells. Wizards typically rely on spells like Shield, Mirror Image, and Blink to augment their defenses, emphasizing a tactical approach that leverages magic over raw physical resilience.

Proficiency and its Limitations

In the current edition of D&D (5th edition), proficiency in armor is essential for spellcasting. If a wizard attempts to wear armor they are not proficient with, they cannot cast spells. This is a critical rule that significantly influences wizard behavior. The standard wizard class does not grant proficiency with any kind of armor; they are neither proficient with light armor, medium armor, or heavy armor. Wizards rely on their spells, not physical bulk to stay alive.

Atypical Armor Choices for Wizards

While typical wizards shy away from armor, several ways exist for them to become proficient with it. Some of these options include:

• Multiclassing: Choosing a starting class or a level of a class like Fighter, Cleric or Paladin that grants armor proficiency can allow a wizard to use those armor types.
• Racial Bonuses: Certain races, such as Hill Dwarves, start with proficiency in light and medium armor, potentially opening up these options for a wizard.
• Feats: The Lightly Armored feat grants proficiency with light armor, and the Moderately Armored feat grants proficiency with medium armor. However, these feats come at the expense of an Ability Score Improvement, a tradeoff many wizards are unwilling to make.
• Magical Items: The Robe of the Archmagi is a very potent magical item that grants a significantly improved Armor Class compared to Mage Armor while also providing additional benefits.

Why Robes?

Wizards often wear robes due to the traditional imagery associated with magic users. Robes help evoke the feeling of a timeless world of magic, but more importantly, they also are a nonrestrictive clothing option that won’t interfere with the use of spells. They also accommodate the wearing of other magical garments, such as cloaks, amulets, and rings, that provide magical boosts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a wizard wear heavy armor?

Yes, a wizard can wear heavy armor, but they won’t be able to cast spells unless they have proficiency in heavy armor. This proficiency must come from a different class, race, or feat. Without proficiency, attempting to cast a spell will fail.

2. What is Mage Armor, and how does it work?

Mage Armor is a 1st-level abjuration spell that creates a magical barrier that protects the caster. It sets the target’s base AC to 13 + their Dexterity modifier. The target is not wearing traditional armor but benefits from magical protection. It lasts for eight hours but can be dismissed as an action.

3. Do wizards need Mage Armor?

Not always. Mage Armor provides a crucial defensive buff, particularly at lower levels, before wizards get a lot of hit points or other options. Its effectiveness wanes as players get access to more powerful magical items and higher-level spells. However, it remains a worthwhile option for many wizards, especially when they cannot use physical armor.

4. Can a wizard wear a shield?

Yes, a wizard can wear a shield but, they are not proficient with them and must acquire proficiency. They can get proficiency through a feat or multiclassing. When using a shield, however, the wizard must have a free hand to cast spells with somatic components.

5. What happens if a wizard wears armor without proficiency?

If a wizard attempts to wear armor without proficiency, they will be unable to cast spells. This is the primary reason wizards rarely wear anything other than robes or magical garments.

6. Can a wizard wear light armor?

Yes, a wizard can wear light armor if they are proficient in it. They can gain proficiency in light armor through a feat like the Lightly Armored feat or by playing a race that gives armor proficiency, such as a Hill Dwarf.

7. Do wizards start with any armor?

No, wizards do not start with any armor proficiencies and do not start with any armor by default.

8. Why do wizards rely on spells instead of armor?

Wizards are primarily spellcasters, not warriors. Their strength lies in their magical abilities, and spells like Mage Armor, Shield, and Mirror Image provide better defensive capabilities without hindering their spellcasting potential.

9. Are there any magical items that work as armor for wizards?

Yes, items like the Robe of the Archmagi grant wizards an enhanced base AC, additional magical benefits, and increase spell effectiveness. Such items are ideal for wizards because they do not require proficiency checks and don’t interfere with spellcasting.

10. Can a wizard cast spells while wearing armor if they are proficient in it?

Yes, as long as they are proficient, they can cast spells while wearing armor. There are no penalties to casting spells in armor if proficient.

11. Can a wizard wear gauntlets or gloves?

Yes, there are no rules preventing a wizard from wearing gauntlets or gloves, regardless of whether or not they are armored.

12. Do wizards need wands to cast spells?

While wands are a common visual for wizards, they do not technically need them to cast spells in D&D 5e. However, wands can serve as spellcasting focuses, allowing wizards to cast spells without needing material components.

13. Can a wizard take a feat to get armor proficiency?

Yes, there are several feats that can provide armor proficiency for a wizard, including Lightly Armored (light armor), Moderately Armored (medium armor and shields), and the Heavily Armored (heavy armor).

14. Why do mages prefer robes instead of armor?

Mages primarily prefer robes because armor can encumber them and interfere with spellcasting if they are not proficient. Robes also provide an iconic visual and allow wizards to equip magical items that do not take an armor slot.

15. Can sorcerers wear armor?

Yes, sorcerers can wear armor they are proficient in, but similar to wizards, they are not proficient with armor by default. They must gain proficiency through a feat, multiclassing, or a racial trait. Wearing armor without proficiency will hinder their spellcasting.

Conclusion

While wizards aren’t typically seen clad in heavy plate armor, their defensive options are far from weak. Mage Armor, coupled with strategic spell use and the occasional magical item, equips them well to survive dangers. Understanding the rules around proficiency and the benefits of magical defenses, wizards can choose the best path to stay alive and contribute to their party effectively. Ultimately, a wizard’s true armor is the magic that flows through their fingertips, not the metal on their bodies.