Most wizards cannot wear any armor, for several reasons. Firstly,
most spells require complicated gestures and odd posturings by
the caster and armor restricts the wearer's ability to do these
properly. Secondly, the wizard spent his youth (and will spend
most of his life) learning arcane languages, poring through old
books, and practicing spells. This leaves little time for learning
other things (like how to wear armor properly and use it effectively).
If the wizard had spent his time learning about armor, he would
not have even the meager skills and powers he begins with. There
are even unfounded theories that claim the materials in most armors
disrupt the delicate fabric of a spell as it gathers energy; the
two cannot exist side by side in harmony. While this idea is popular
with the common people, true wizards know this is simply not true.
If it were, how would they ever be able to cast spells requiring
iron braziers or metal bowls?
For similar reasons, most wizards use weapons that are easy to
learn or are sometimes useful in their research. Hence, a wizard
may use a dagger or a staff, items that are traditionally useful
in magical studies. Other weapons commonly used by these spell
using characters are darts, knives, and slings (weapons that require
little skill, little strength, or both).
However, for every rule there is an exception. Several wizard
kits and specialties permit greater access to weapons and armor
than normally allowed.
Wizards can use more magical items than any other characters.
These include potions, rings, wands, rods, staves, scrolls, and
most miscellaneous magical items. A wizard can use a magical version
of any weapon allowed to his class or kit but cannot use magical
armor (unless specifically allowed by his kit or specialty), because
no armor is allowed. Between their spells and magical items, however,
wizards wield great power.
