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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Falling Icicle" data-source="post: 5942810" data-attributes="member: 17077">The armor restriction on spells has always seemed contrived to me. The explanations given for it, such as the idea that it interferes with the somatic gestures required by most spells, are nonsensical. In order for something like chainmail or even plate armor (which don't really inhibit the movement of one's limbs, or else it would be difficult to sword fight while wearing them), the somatic components of spells would have to be so ardous that one would have to be a contortionist to perform them. Yet most of the time when somatic components of spells have been described they have been quite simple, such as holding one's hands out together with one's thumbs touching and fingers spread for the burning hands spell. Why would wearing chainmail  or even full plate interfere with that gesture?Of course, we all know the real reasons that the armor restriction exists. First, there's niche protection. The image of the long-bearded wizard in a robe is quite iconic. Second, there's the game balance side of it, where this was just one of many punishments meted out on wizards in an attempt to balance the power of their spellcasting against other classes. I don't think either of these is really valid anymore. The typical Gandalf-like wizard is just one of the many wizard archetypes, and I don't think it's right to force people to conform to that mold, especially not in a system that is supposed to be a big tent and be all modular and have lots of options.As for game balance, I don't see why a wizard in armor is overpowered at all, especially if he has to invest alot of character resources, such as feats, in order to get it. Wizards have always had other means of getting a good AC anyway, whether it was by spells like mage armor and shield, or things like bracers of armor or robes of the magi.So in the end, I would prefer that there not be any artifical restrictions against casting spells in armor, but I wouldn't give wizards proficiency in any type of armor by default. If they want it, I'd make them multiclass, take armor proficiency feats, etc. And if they go to all that trouble, well hey, good for them. The other wizard in a robe spent all of his feats on being better at casting spells. Both types of character should be a viable option, IMHO.</blockquote>

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