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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Dire Bare" data-source="post: 4572762" data-attributes="member: 18182">This is the sauce, right here.  The archetypal wizard does not wear armor, but not because he can't, but rather because he doesn't need to do so to do well at his "job".  D&D players and the wargamers they evolved from (if I may paint with a broad brush) have a pyschological need to know why wizards never seem to wear armor in stories, so we have these goofy explanations from prior editions on why they can't.The whole "metal mystically interferes with spellcasting" trope is in older D&D rules somewhere . . . maybe BECMI . . . but it is just plain silly.  As is the "armor interferes with your crazy gymnastic somatic gestures" explanation.The real reasons wizards generally don't wear armor is that it is hot, heavy, uncomfortable, and somewhat unnecessary when lobbing magic missiles from a distance protected by a shield spell.  And the other wizards will give you funny looks when you show up for battle encased in shiny metal.On a more practical note, are you the DM?  If so, simply tell the players that according to the current D&D rules, and in your campaign, wizards can wear armor.  But it is impractical for them to do so, and his character certainly doesn't have to.If you are a player wanting your wizard decked out in full plate . . . well, first consider a more efficient use of your feat choices . . . or throw some of the excellent examples from literature at your DM and also point out that by wearing armor your wizard is somewhat handicapping himself/herself at being the most efficient at what wizards traditionally do . . . excel at spellcasting.  Or play a swordmage.</blockquote>

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