Who Can Wear Armor in D&D? A Comprehensive Guide
Anyone can physically put on a suit of armor in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), but the question really is: who can wear armor effectively? The answer boils down to armor proficiency. Your character’s class determines what types of armor they are proficient with, and proficiency is key to avoiding penalties and maximizing your defensive capabilities. Wearing armor you aren’t proficient with can severely hamper your abilities.
Understanding Armor Proficiency
What is Armor Proficiency?
Armor proficiency is a character’s training and skill in using specific types of armor. This proficiency allows a character to wear the armor without suffering penalties. Armor is categorized into Light, Medium, and Heavy, with shields also requiring separate proficiency.
Who Gets Armor Proficiency?
Each class in D&D grants different armor proficiencies. Here’s a breakdown:
- Barbarian: Light armor, medium armor, shields
- Bard: Light armor
- Cleric: Light armor, medium armor, shields
- Druid: Light armor, medium armor, shields (druids will not wear armor or use shields made of metal)
- Fighter: All armor, shields
- Monk: None
- Paladin: All armor, shields
- Ranger: Light armor, medium armor, shields
- Rogue: Light armor
- Sorcerer: None
- Warlock: Light armor
- Wizard: None
Subclasses can also grant additional proficiencies. For example, the Life Domain Cleric and Tempest Domain Cleric gain heavy armor proficiency. Certain races, like Hill Dwarves, gain proficiency with Light and Medium Armor.
Penalties for Wearing Armor Without Proficiency
Wearing armor you lack proficiency in has serious consequences:
- You have disadvantage on any ability check, saving throw, or attack roll that involves Strength or Dexterity.
- You can’t cast spells.
These penalties make wearing armor without proficiency a very bad idea for most characters.
How to Gain Armor Proficiency
If your class doesn’t grant the armor proficiency you desire, there are several ways to acquire it:
- Multiclassing: Taking a level in a class that grants the desired armor proficiency. For example, a Wizard could take a level in Fighter to gain proficiency in all armor.
- Feats: The “Heavily Armored”, “Moderately Armored”, and “Lightly Armored” feats grant proficiency in heavy, medium, and light armor, respectively. These feats often require specific ability score minimums.
- Racial Traits: As mentioned before, some races inherently have armor proficiencies.
- Magic Items: Rare magic items or boons might grant temporary or permanent armor proficiencies.
FAQs About Armor in D&D
1. Can a Wizard wear heavy armor?
Yes, a Wizard can physically wear heavy armor. However, they lack proficiency, resulting in disadvantage on Strength and Dexterity-based rolls and the inability to cast spells. A Wizard could gain proficiency through multiclassing or the Heavily Armored feat.
2. What determines Armor Class (AC) in D&D?
Base Armor Class (AC) is usually calculated as 10 + your Dexterity modifier when not wearing armor. However, wearing armor replaces this calculation. Each type of armor has a base AC and potentially allows you to add your Dexterity modifier up to a certain limit. Shields provide an additional AC bonus. Some classes, like Barbarians and Monks, have special Unarmored Defense features that use different calculations.
3. Can a Sorcerer wear armor?
A Sorcerer can wear armor, but like Wizards, they lack proficiency. If a Sorcerer gains armor proficiency through multiclassing or a feat, they can wear that armor without penalty. Alternatively, Sorcerers often rely on spells like Mage Armor to increase their AC.
4. Can a Warlock wear armor?
Warlocks are proficient with light armor and can cast spells while wearing it. Certain Warlock invocations or subclass features might grant proficiency with medium armor.
5. Why can’t Sorcerers and Wizards wear armor by default?
The in-universe reason is that spellcasting requires mental focus and precise gestures. Armor, especially heavier armor, can hinder these movements and distract the caster. However, proficiency indicates sufficient training to overcome these limitations.
6. Can Dwarves wear heavy armor without penalty?
Dwarves are not inherently exempt from the Strength requirement for heavy armor. If a character, regardless of race, doesn’t meet the Strength requirement for heavy armor (typically 15), their speed is reduced by 10 feet.
7. What are the weakest points of armor to attack?
Historically, the weakest points in plate armor are the joints and gaps, such as the armpits, backs of the knees, hands, and visor. However, D&D typically doesn’t model these vulnerabilities directly. Instead, the armor’s AC represents its overall effectiveness, and feats or abilities might allow characters to target weaknesses in specific situations.
8. What happens if an Attack roll ties the Armor Class (AC)?
If the Attack roll equals the target’s AC, the attack hits.
9. What is the strongest physical class in D&D?
Fighters are generally considered among the strongest physical classes due to their multiple attacks, armor proficiency, and access to powerful combat feats. Paladins and Barbarians are also strong contenders, excelling in different aspects of martial combat.
10. What is the strongest armor in D&D?
The “strongest” armor depends on the specific campaign and available magic items. Generally, +3 full plate armor is extremely powerful. Unique armors with special properties, such as Dwarven Plate (mentioned in the article) or artifacts, can also be incredibly strong. However, it depends greatly on the campaign setting and what the DM makes available.
11. Can you wear armor and a cloak in D&D?
Yes, a character can wear one suit of armor and one cloak simultaneously. The rules generally limit characters to one of each type of equipment worn on the same body part (e.g., one helmet, one pair of boots).
12. Can you wear armor with Mage Armor active?
No. Mage Armor is a spell that provides an AC bonus but does not count as wearing actual armor. Casting Mage Armor ends immediately if you put on armor.
13. Can a Warlock/Paladin multiclass character wear heavy armor?
Whether a Warlock/Paladin multiclass character gets heavy armor proficiency depends on which class they took first. If they started as a Paladin, they would have heavy armor proficiency. However, starting as a Warlock and then multiclassing into Paladin does not grant heavy armor proficiency.
14. Can you cast spells while wearing armor?
Yes, you can cast spells while wearing armor if you are proficient in that type of armor. Lack of proficiency, not the armor itself, is what prevents spellcasting.
15. Can a Druid wear metal armor?
The Druid class has a specific restriction: they cannot wear armor or use shields made of metal. This reflects their connection to nature and the natural world. Druids typically use armor made from organic materials like wood, bone, or hides. If the Druid were to wear metal, they would also have to suffer disadvantage on Strength and Dexterity-based rolls and the inability to cast spells.
Understanding armor proficiency and its implications is crucial for building effective characters in D&D. By carefully considering your class, feats, and multiclassing options, you can ensure your character is well-protected and ready for adventure. Furthermore, for those interested in the educational aspects of gaming, exploring resources like the Games Learning Society can provide valuable insights. Check out the GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.