Mage Armor & Monks

[nittanytbone]

Can a Monk benefit from his Wisdom-to-AC class function AND a mage armor spell? That is, do the bonuses stack? And does the mage armor spell interrupt the monk's AC "mojo"?

When unarmored and unencumbered, the monk adds her Wisdom bonus (if any) to her AC. In addition, a monk gains a +1 bonus to AC at 5th level. This bonus increases by 1 for every five monk levels thereafter (+2 at 10th, +3 at 15th, and +4 at 20th level).

These bonuses to AC apply even against touch attacks or when the monk is flat-footed. She loses these bonuses when she is immobilized or helpless, when she wears any armor, when she carries a shield, or when she carries a medium or heavy load.

Mage Armor
Conjuration (Creation) [Force]
Level: Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S, F
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
Duration: 1 hour/level (D)
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Spell Resistance: No

An invisible but tangible field of force surrounds the subject of a mage armor spell, providing a +4 armor bonus to AC. Unlike mundane armor, mage armor entails no armor check penalty, arcane spell failure chance, or speed reduction. Since mage armor is made of force, incorporeal creatures can’t bypass it the way they do normal armor.

Thanks!

 

[Goldmoon]

I dont see why not. The monk should be able to function normally with mage armor.

 

[Sejs]

It's a spell that provides an armor bonus - they're not actually wearing any armor, so it wouldn't interfere with their monk abilities.

No mojo interruption, and yep, the bonuses stack.

 

[Chronoglenn]

We've always had Mage armor stack with wisdom modifiers. Mage armor is more of a spell buff than actual armor. Although it is tangible, it does not inhibit movement, so I think the monk would be perfectly fine retaining his wisdom modifier. The armor is not mundane armor, it's made of force!

 

[Bad Paper]

Can a Monk benefit from his Wisdom-to-AC class function AND a mage armor spell? That is, do the bonuses stack? And does the mage armor spell interrupt the monk's AC "mojo"?

Yes. Yes. No.

 

[moritheil]

One of the WOTC books specifically points out that a low-level mage who takes mage armor ought to have a great friend in the party monk, since it stacks with the monk's wisdom bonus to AC.