Armor and Weapons by class [Archive] - Wizards Community

Armor and Weapons by class [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
acarpenter
11-06-07, 12:15 PM I am just going through the players hand book 3.5 rules, and I thought certain classes could not use certain types of weapons and armor? For example, a wizard weilding a sword and heavy armor is not allowed? From what I've read so far I can't tell if this is the case or not???

Thanks,

Alan
Cifer
11-06-07, 12:20 PM First thing, everyone can wield and wear anything. However, there are certain drawbacks to be considered:
All classes receive proficiencies with certain classes of weapons and armor (listed usually as the first class ability). If they wear armor they have no proficiency for, they have to subtract the armor check penalty from their attack roll in addition to the usual penalty to skill checks. If they wield weapons they aren't proficient with, they take a -4 penalty to hit.

Further, there are certain classes that are hindered by using certain kinds of armor, as described in their class abilities: Wizards are subject to arcane spell failure (which goes up with the armor), monks can't use most of their abilities while wearing armor and druids are not allowed metal armor.
zx75
11-06-07, 12:22 PM For each class listing near the front of the book, check the sub-section labelled "Weapon and Armor Proficiencies". This will list which weapons and armor the class knows how to use.

If a character of that class chooses to use a weapon or armor they are not proficient with they suffer a penalty. (I believe it is -4 to attack rolls for weapons, and for armor they apply the armor check penalty against most actions and skill checks.)
StevenO
11-06-07, 11:44 PM There are no hard rules (except perhaps size restrictions) that prevent anyone from using any weapon or armor. If a Wizard wanted they could don Full Plate and wade into battle with a Greatsword. Game mechanics make some options far less desirable however; the afore mentioned wizard would get the Full Plates +8 AC and deal Greatsword damage but it would suffer a -10 attack penalty (-6 ACP -4 non-proficient) and have a 35% chance that most of its spells would fail.
acarpenter
11-07-07, 08:19 AM Thanks for the replys. That cleared everything up for me. I'm still going through all the core books at the moment. Hopefully I will be starting my first sesson in a few weeks. Very excited to start playing again.

Thanks,

Alan

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
acarpenter 11-06-07, 12:15 PM	I am just going through the players hand book 3.5 rules, and I thought certain classes could not use certain types of weapons and armor? For example, a wizard weilding a sword and heavy armor is not allowed? From what I've read so far I can't tell if this is the case or not??? Thanks, Alan
Cifer 11-06-07, 12:20 PM	First thing, everyone can wield and wear anything. However, there are certain drawbacks to be considered: All classes receive proficiencies with certain classes of weapons and armor (listed usually as the first class ability). If they wear armor they have no proficiency for, they have to subtract the armor check penalty from their attack roll in addition to the usual penalty to skill checks. If they wield weapons they aren't proficient with, they take a -4 penalty to hit. Further, there are certain classes that are hindered by using certain kinds of armor, as described in their class abilities: Wizards are subject to arcane spell failure (which goes up with the armor), monks can't use most of their abilities while wearing armor and druids are not allowed metal armor.
zx75 11-06-07, 12:22 PM	For each class listing near the front of the book, check the sub-section labelled "Weapon and Armor Proficiencies". This will list which weapons and armor the class knows how to use. If a character of that class chooses to use a weapon or armor they are not proficient with they suffer a penalty. (I believe it is -4 to attack rolls for weapons, and for armor they apply the armor check penalty against most actions and skill checks.)
StevenO 11-06-07, 11:44 PM	There are no hard rules (except perhaps size restrictions) that prevent anyone from using any weapon or armor. If a Wizard wanted they could don Full Plate and wade into battle with a Greatsword. Game mechanics make some options far less desirable however; the afore mentioned wizard would get the Full Plates +8 AC and deal Greatsword damage but it would suffer a -10 attack penalty (-6 ACP -4 non-proficient) and have a 35% chance that most of its spells would fail.
acarpenter 11-07-07, 08:19 AM	Thanks for the replys. That cleared everything up for me. I'm still going through all the core books at the moment. Hopefully I will be starting my first sesson in a few weeks. Very excited to start playing again. Thanks, Alan