Fireballs & Full Plate?

[Scratched_back]

According to the 3.5 rules, Wizards casting in armour suffer penalties, given as a percentage for spell failure. Also according to 3.5 rules, this rule does not apply to spells with no somatic components (apparantly it's only the complex hand movements that hampers casting).

Does that mean a wizard with "Still Spell" can run around casting in Full Plate with no penalties? Assuming he had the relevant feats of course... or a level in fighter... hmm.

 

[Darklone]

Sure he can. Casting every spell one level higher is a pain in the *** though.

Better stick to True Strike.

 

[Scratched_back]

Sure he can. Casting every spell one level higher is a pain in the *** though.

I haven't really sat down to work out the numbers yet admittedly, but wouldn't it be cool flying about in full plate casting fireballs on from on high with Full Plate complimenting your already raucous mage abilities? Shield, Mirror Image, displacement etc...

Well worth the 1 level down, and you can always switch depending on the terrain/situation.

 

[Lamoni]

Well worth the 1 level down, and you can always switch depending on the terrain/situation.

I don't think it is worth the 1 level down. It would be like always being two levels behind. Being 4th level and only casting level 1 spells would be a pain... a pain that would never go away.

It is true that you can always switch, but only if you have a lot of time and some help. Getting into and out of full-plate isn't just something you do at will when the need arises.

It is still a valid option... it is just something that I would use as the exception rather than the rule. On most occasions having higher level spells is much more beneficial than having a slightly better armor class.

 

[jgsugden]

It is a viable way of going, but it is far from efficient. Unless you have some incredibly good armor just sitting around, it is usually better to use items or spells for armor and shield bonuses.

When considering this tactic, keep a few things in mind:

1.) Mage types often have a low strength. Can you even move in full plate?

2.) There are a few varieties of metamagic feats in the UA and Miniatures handbook. If you use an alternative version, this may not be such a hassle.

3.) You're giving up mobility to get armor. Which is more important to your mage: being able to avoid your enemies by moving or being able to withstand a hit with armor?

4.) Can you get your hands on good armor? Or will the other PCs stake a claim to it?