Mage Armor & Shield Questions

[TwentyQuestions]

Does the armor bonus from the spell mage armor (or bracers of armor) stack with the effects of mundane armor or enchanted armor? Likewise, does the cover bonus from the shield spell stack with the benefits of a regular shield, a tower shield, or mundane cover?

As examples, say Arthur is wearing a chain shirt for an AC of 14. When he casts mage armor, is his AC 14 or 18?

Alicia is wearing leather armor +2 (magical) for an AC of 14. With mage armor, is she at 14, 16, or 18?

 

[Dr. Zoom]

Does the armor bonus from the spell mage armor (or bracers of armor) stack with the effects of mundane armor or enchanted armor?

No. Armor bonuses do not stack with one another, with the single exception of a physical suit of armor with a shield.

Likewise, does the cover bonus from the shield spell stack with the benefits of a regular shield, a tower shield, or mundane cover?

With a regular shield, yes, but not with a tower shield or other forms of cover. Cover overlaps, but does not stack. Simply use the best cover available.

As examples, say Arthur is wearing a chain shirt for an AC of 14. When he casts mage armor, is his AC 14 or 18?

14.

Alicia is wearing leather armor +2 (magical) for an AC of 14. With mage armor, is she at 14, 16, or 18?

14. The +2 enhancement bonus enhances the armor. So +2 leather armor provides a +4 armor bonus to your AC. It does not stack with other armor bonuses, except for the armor bonus of a shield.

 

[dcollins]

The general rule is that like bonuses fail to stack with each other.

Armor does not stack with mage armor/bracers of armor -- you'll find this stated on PH p. 104, under "Armor Bonus". Similarly, the shield spell does not stack with a tower shield or normal cover.

You may wish to consider the following web page discussing armor-stacking issues. Your two examples are almost identical to Examples #2 and #7 herein: www.superdan.net/dndfaq1.html

 

[IceBear]

Hmmmm - posted in wrong thread.