[RPG] Still spell with Arcane Spell Failure and Mounted casting

dnd-3.5e

My players asked a couple of questions concerning the Still Spell feat.

First, on armor:

Arcane Spell Failure: Armor interferes with the gestures that a
spellcaster must make to cast an arcane spell that has a somatic
component.

Ok, that's pretty clear.
But does that really mean that a Wizard can be in a full-plate and be able to cast a spell with no somatic component? There's no other limit to it?

Second, on combat while on horseback:

Casting Spells while Mounted: [If] you’re casting the spell while the mount is moving [then] you have to make a Concentration check […] (DC 10 + spell level) or lose the spell. [etc]

Would still spell make the concentration check easier?
Or it is already assumed that the somatic part of the spell should be considered separately? (ie: no ride roll needed but concentration stays the same)

Best Answer

Does that really mean that a Wizard can be in a full-plate and be able to cast a spell with no somatic component? There's no other limit to it?

As far as a wizard wearing full plate, there would be no inhibition on spellcasting other than stilling a spell and having the necessary higher level spell slot to do it. Note however that there are other stipulations to wearing armor one is not proficient in, and there isn't a spell that I know of which grants temporary proficiency to armor specifically.

Pertinent is this rule about armor proficiency:

A character who is wearing armor with which she is not proficient applies its armor check penalty to attack rolls and to all skill checks that involve moving, including Ride.

And including concentration. Just in case you want your wizard in full plate on top of the mount.

Would still spell make the concentration check easier? Or it is already assumed that the somatic part of the spell should be considered separately? (ie: no ride roll needed but concentration stays the same)

I would rule that it would not, agreeing with KRyan's answer as far as that goes. Just like concentrating in a swarm or other distracting conditions, it seems the rule for mounted spellcasting is derived from the same. Concentration check still stands.

Related Topic