So I have not played D&D since 3.5E, so to say it has been a while is an understatement. That said, in 3.5E armor had a property called "Arcane Spell Failure" meaning that a spellcaster wearing that armor would have a certain percent chance to fail at casting a spell. Is that still a thing in 5E? I searched the forums, but could not find a similar question or an answer to that question. Thanks.
It is not. Instead, if a spellcaster wears armor they're not proficient in, they cannot cast any spells at all until they take that armor off. Most arcane spellcasters are not proficient in any armor, while divine and primal casters are proficient in light and medium.
Armor Proficiency. Anyone can put on a suit of armor or strap a shield to an arm. Only those proficient in the armor's use know how to wear it effectively, however. Your class gives you proficiency with certain types of armor. If you wear armor that you lack proficiency with, you have disadvantage on any ability check, saving throw, or attack roll that involves Strength or Dexterity, and you can't cast spells.
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And note that that applies to any spellcaster, whether they're an arcane spellcaster, a divine spellcaster, or even just casting a spell from a racial ability.
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Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
It is not. Instead, if a spellcaster wears armor they're not proficient in, they cannot cast any spells at all until they take that armor off. Most arcane spellcasters are not proficient in any armor, while divine and primal casters are proficient in light and medium.
I genuinely appreciate the use of the new terminology already. +1!
I'm not sure if it's RAW/RAI or not, but I allow Elven Chain to be an exception to this rule as you do not need proficiency to wear it and it is mithral, I rule spellcasting can still happen in Elven Chain.
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Thank you for your time and please have a very pleasant day.
So I have not played D&D since 3.5E, so to say it has been a while is an understatement. That said, in 3.5E armor had a property called "Arcane Spell Failure" meaning that a spellcaster wearing that armor would have a certain percent chance to fail at casting a spell. Is that still a thing in 5E? I searched the forums, but could not find a similar question or an answer to that question. Thanks.
It is not. Instead, if a spellcaster wears armor they're not proficient in, they cannot cast any spells at all until they take that armor off. Most arcane spellcasters are not proficient in any armor, while divine and primal casters are proficient in light and medium.
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No. Instead, wearing armor you aren't proficient in in prevents spellcasting. Here's the relevant section from the Basic Rules: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/equipment#ArmorandShields
Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)
And note that that applies to any spellcaster, whether they're an arcane spellcaster, a divine spellcaster, or even just casting a spell from a racial ability.
Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
I genuinely appreciate the use of the new terminology already. +1!
I'm not sure if it's RAW/RAI or not, but I allow Elven Chain to be an exception to this rule as you do not need proficiency to wear it and it is mithral, I rule spellcasting can still happen in Elven Chain.
Thank you for your time and please have a very pleasant day.
Elven Chain is indeed an exception by RAW, as the wearer is proficient in it even without proficiency in medium armor.
Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)
Adamantine armor = no crits.
Mithral = no stealth or strength penalties
Elven = can wear and cast no matter what.