Not that anyone would use their only level 9 slot that way, but as an option, it doesn't seem like it would disrupt game balance
Mage Armor is 13 + Dex Mod Light Armor tops out at 12 + Dex Mod Medium Armor tops at 15 + Dex (max 2) Heavy Armor tops at 18
So Mage Armor is already equal to the best possible armor, having it be upcastable to be better would IMO disrupt game balance and thus is likely intentionally not possible. Use a Shield or a Ring of Protection or the Shield spell if you need additional protection.
Not that anyone would use their only level 9 slot that way, but as an option, it doesn't seem like it would disrupt game balance
Mage Armor is 13 + Dex Mod Light Armor tops out at 12 + Dex Mod Medium Armor tops at 15 + Dex (max 2) Heavy Armor tops at 18
So Mage Armor is already equal to the best possible armor, having it be upcastable to be better would IMO disrupt game balance and thus is likely intentionally not possible. Use a Shield or a Ring of Protection or the Shield spell if you need additional protection.
Choosing to use your higher level slots for AC instead of mind blowing damage or crowd control disrupts balance? Not sure I agree. Also not sure I completely disagree. Just wanted the thought out there, let the PTBs chew on it, or not.
Point of fact, I think it'd be silly to use your highest level slots; but I think it should be an option. I can see someone playing certain personality types where they'd be all over it, self-preservation despite the cost. I can see others who'd say since they have half the durability of warriors, that's even more reason to try to prevent being hit. I can also see someone getting overconfident, thinking they are as protected as those warriors, and have them get splattered anyway.
Side note, a 1-level dip in fighter or paladin gives the character the same AC options. Upcasting the spell makes it so they could choose not to multiclass, not to come up with some special build, just to cover-their-*** ; at the cost of those rare higher level slots, of course.
I don't actually see this getting used often... certain character tropes, or the occasional, "oh sh*t! run away!", scenarios, perhaps. Like i said, I just think it should be an option.
Not that anyone would use their only level 9 slot that way, but as an option, it doesn't seem like it would disrupt game balance
Mage Armor is 13 + Dex Mod Light Armor tops out at 12 + Dex Mod Medium Armor tops at 15 + Dex (max 2) Heavy Armor tops at 18
So Mage Armor is already equal to the best possible armor, having it be upcastable to be better would IMO disrupt game balance and thus is likely intentionally not possible. Use a Shield or a Ring of Protection or the Shield spell if you need additional protection.
Choosing to use your higher level slots for AC instead of mind blowing damage or crowd control disrupts balance? Not sure I agree. Also not sure I completely disagree. Just wanted the thought out there, let the PTBs chew on it, or not.
Point of fact, I think it'd be silly to use your highest level slots; but I think it should be an option. I can see someone playing certain personality types where they'd be all over it, self-preservation despite the cost. I can see others who'd say since they have half the durability of warriors, that's even more reason to try to prevent being hit. I can also see someone getting overconfident, thinking they are as protected as those warriors, and have them get splattered anyway.
Side note, a 1-level dip in fighter or paladin gives the character the same AC options. Upcasting the spell makes it so they could choose not to multiclass, not to come up with some special build, just to cover-their-*** ; at the cost of those rare higher level slots, of course.
I don't actually see this getting used often... certain character tropes, or the occasional, "oh sh*t! run away!", scenarios, perhaps. Like i said, I just think it should be an option.
Additionally, the humble “make a save for half damage” exists
It's already possible to get insane AC. Having even more insane AC is overkill. It does not need to be upcastable.
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I might be making up a word there, but hopefully you get my drift...
should Mage Armor add 1 for every odd level spell slot, having it give an AC of 17 from a level 9 slot?
Not that anyone would use their only level 9 slot that way, but as an option, it doesn't seem like it would disrupt game balance
I think that there are enough ways of boosting your AC as you level that Mage Armor doesn't need the option to be upcast.
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 don't think it necessarily should, but if it did it'd surly make it even more useful!
Mage Armor is 13 + Dex Mod
Light Armor tops out at 12 + Dex Mod
Medium Armor tops at 15 + Dex (max 2)
Heavy Armor tops at 18
So Mage Armor is already equal to the best possible armor, having it be upcastable to be better would IMO disrupt game balance and thus is likely intentionally not possible. Use a Shield or a Ring of Protection or the Shield spell if you need additional protection.
Choosing to use your higher level slots for AC instead of mind blowing damage or crowd control disrupts balance? Not sure I agree. Also not sure I completely disagree. Just wanted the thought out there, let the PTBs chew on it, or not.
Point of fact, I think it'd be silly to use your highest level slots; but I think it should be an option. I can see someone playing certain personality types where they'd be all over it, self-preservation despite the cost. I can see others who'd say since they have half the durability of warriors, that's even more reason to try to prevent being hit. I can also see someone getting overconfident, thinking they are as protected as those warriors, and have them get splattered anyway.
Side note, a 1-level dip in fighter or paladin gives the character the same AC options. Upcasting the spell makes it so they could choose not to multiclass, not to come up with some special build, just to cover-their-*** ; at the cost of those rare higher level slots, of course.
I don't actually see this getting used often... certain character tropes, or the occasional, "oh sh*t! run away!", scenarios, perhaps. Like i said, I just think it should be an option.
Additionally, the humble “make a save for half damage” exists
It's already possible to get insane AC. Having even more insane AC is overkill. It does not need to be upcastable.
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond.
Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ this FAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.