Arelith

I am proposing the the Cleric "Path of the Cloistered" view Elven Chain as a light armor, as the noted below paths/class do. I am basing this suggestion on the fact that historically any elf, of any class, can use it with no pre-requisites as it is so light and flexible it it could be the equivalent of wearing long underwear. Additionally that a 'cloistered' cleric is basically the same as a wizard when it comes to their explanation for not being able to use armor.


Chain Armor (Smithing, any race, store bought)
https://wiki.nwnarelith.com/Armor#Chain_Armor
Base Armor Class: 4
Base Arcane Spell Failure: 20%
Armor Check Penalty: -2
Max Dex Bonus: 4
Feats Req: Armor Proficiency (Medium)
Weight: 30.0 lbs


Elven Chain (Smithing, must be Drow or half-elf)
https://wiki.nwnarelith.com/Armor#Chain ... mithing.29
Armor Bonus: +4 (AC Armor Modifier)
Damage Immunity: 5% Bludgeoning
Damage Immunity: 5% Piercing
Damage Immunity: 10% Slashing
Enhancement Bonus: Dexterity +1
Bonus Skill: +5 Hide
Bonus Skill: +5 Move Silently
Weight Reduction: 40% (12 lbs)
Arcane Spell Failure: -15%
Special: Counts as Light Armor for purposes of the Spellsword, Bladesinger Path and for Swashbuckler light armor requirements
Tier 3 Rune (Espruar)

(Note - Feats Req: None listed. Not even simple)




Path of the Cloistered
https://wiki.nwnarelith.com/Cleric#Path ... Cloistered

Cloistered clerics spend more time than other clerics in study and prayer and less in martial training. They give up a cleric's usual combat prowess for a better understanding of the divines and their powers. The time spent in reflection also allows them to take up many crafts as hobbies and ways to fund their missions.

Weapon Proficiency: Simple
Armor Proficiency: Light
Special:

Wearing armor heavier than Light Armor or wielding shield larger than Small Shield will incur a Spell Failure chance penalty




Forgotten Realms (D&D 2-2.5ed) Wiki
https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Elven_chainmail

This armor was of the finest elven craftsmanship, just as resilient as it was delicate and beautifully designed. Elven chain was so finely wrought that it could be worn under regular clothing without being readily noticed. They were commonly crafted from mithral links,[4] and could be enchanted in the same manner as any other suit of armor.
The links of the armor were often inscribed with tiny runes or characters of the elven language that recited elven prayers, quotations and even magical invocations.

Powers

Elven chain did not hamper the spellcasting abilities of wizards and sorcerers nor the stealthy movements of rogues, and could even be worn by those who were not proficient with the use of certain armor.




Original Elven Chain/Elven Chainmail/Elfshirt

I started playing in Chainmail, but my first 'real' character for life was made in basic/advanced. And my mage/priest of the time did have elven chain back then, so i'm sure it's in the 1ed DMG. (Pre-unearthed arcana)
[AD&D 1E DMG p. 27. “It is obtainable only from elvenkind who do not sell it.”]




PHB1
http://www.hahnlibrary.net/rpgs/marmor.html

"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 his spells. This leaves no 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 disrupe the delicate fabric of a spell as it fathers 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? ... A wizard...cannot use magical armor, because no armor is allowed."

Per that, a wizard cannot use armor not because it is metal, but because it is bulkier than usual clothing and interferes with somatic movements. Note that an all-purpose robe fit for all climates is not made of silk, so some bulk must be factored in. Plus pockets (for massive amounts of spell components, familiar treats, general purpose, etc)

As for multi-classed characters:
ibid., p. 62:
"A multi-classed wizard can freely combine the powers of the wizard with any other class allowed, although the wearing of armor is restricted. Elves wearing elven chain can cast spells in armor, as magic is part of the nature of elves."



And of course, Frodo in the Lotr remake wears it quite clearly without any hindering at all. Not even his companions know he has it, and you can clearly see the flexibility when you actually see it portrayed. But with a 5% arcane failure chance, that is the equivalent of padded armor which does have some actual bulk to it. I am requesting that the Cloistered path reduce it to 5% as well, instead of the 20% inherent with any medium armor.


Semi-interesting lore, for old OLD timers on elven armor. Chainmail/Basic Era
https://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/view ... hp?t=86001



Thank you for your consideration

you should save this for when the Suggestion box is back open. There is a reason for why its locked most of the year, and that is that our dev teams can only do so much as volunteers.