Wizard Fashion!

[JumboWheat01]

Wands are so last decade. Orbs are where it's at. Staves are too cumbersome, crystals are just what you out on top of a staff, and there's no way I'd be caught dead with an extended fanny pack.

This post over in the spell focus and component pouch (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?475773-Spellcasting-Focus-and-Component-Pouch-is-there-a-distinction-mechanically) thread got me curious. Just how does your wizard go out in the world?

Are you the wizard who goes for the traditional robes, swishing about as you move, or do you prefer a more flexible tunic and trousers for ease of adventuring.

Are you one to go for the tall, pointed hat, with or without a brim? Or are you a hat-less wizard, leaving your head free to the world?

Do you go forth with a trusty staff? A nimble and hidden dagger? A racial weapon, perhaps?

Do you subscribe to the beard?

Let us share our preferred designs!

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For me, I tend to be more tunic and trouser style when out on the road, only going for robes in more "formal" occasions, but almost always without the hat. My wizards usually go with daggers over staves, though usually more for mechanical reasons (daggers can be finessed, staves can't, and I tend to have higher DEX than STR,) than for story based.

As for the beard, well, for the most part, yes, my wizards always have beards, but then, most of my characters have beards. The only ones who don't are the ones who couldn't grow them in the first place, like halflings or elves, though in the case of the former, the sideburns are glorious.

[Douche]

In World of Warcraft, there was a "Postmaster" gear set, which was essentially just a Medieval mail man.

http://wowroleplaygear.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/postmasters1.jpg

I was a gnome mage, wearing that essentially mundane set... But I also wore a hood that made me an eldritch horror with tentacles peeking out.

http://us.media2.battle.net/cms/gallery/TYAMJPJ36BC01315540258661.jpg

So if you could imagine a tiny little guy wearing a postmaster uniform, but with the hood from that other set, that's how I looked. My story was that I was a regular mailman but delivering all that mail instilled me with FORBIDDEN KNOWLEDGE and made me insane... lol. Sounds better for a warlock but I never played one of those

[WarrentheHero]

I'm normally the tunic and trousers sort. I almost always play casters and they're usually very thin in formal ish clothes. If you think 10th Doctor without the coat or glasses, and absolute zero apologizing, you're in the right direction.

One of my most successful mages (depending on how you define successful; he betrayed the party and killed the nation's High Council) wore red pants and vest, darker crimson long-sleeve shirt under the vest, all with gold trim. His spellcasting focus was two Gems inlaid on the back of his gloves.

In fact, I'm a huge fan of focus-is-a-gem-on-gloves and I have no idea why. I just find it nifty. I have a Binder who has a similar set up but only in his left hand.

[JumboWheat01]

In fact, I'm a huge fan of focus-is-a-gem-on-gloves and I have no idea why. I just find it nifty. I have a Binder who has a similar set up but only in his left hand.

Ooh, clever way to get around the whole "can't use a focus for somatics on a spell that doesn't have material costs" thing. Stylish AND functional, all at the same time.

[darkrose50]

Ooh, clever way to get around the whole "can't use a focus for somatics on a spell that doesn't have material costs" thing. Stylish AND functional, all at the same time.

My wizard has robes from his wizard order, and also has normal clothing.

[DanyBallon]

I don't have a particular fashion style for my wizards, but I kinda like how Ezren, the Paizo iconic wizard, is illustrated. He still look like a traditionnal wizard, while wearing gear making him a effective adventurer.

[Oramac]

Do sorcerers count?

I'm playing a Half-Elf Storm sorcerer who started life as an almost completely unknown Pirate.

He wears an off-white sleeveless tunic and loose-ish trousers with a pair of black boots. But the really striking thing about him is the full-sleeve of tattoos he has on his right arm, depicting his exploits as a sailor.

Finally, with DM approval, he has his arcane focus magically tattoo'd into his right palm.

[Hudsonian]

To be honest, I've been REALLY wanting to play a wizard for a while that was absolute NUTS and adventured in his birthday suit. But he would need a component pouch that he normally wears on his side, but if anyone tells him to "put something on" he just slides it around to the front and considers the request fulfilled.

Also, Einstein hair, no beard, and at one point got his mentor to cast alter self so that his eyes look like lightning bolts.

[gfishfunk]

Mountain Dwarf:
- Tweed Ankle-Length Duster (With Elbow Patches) over Scale Mail ("I'd hardly call that armored...")
- Bowler Hat on an otherwise bald head, thick red mutton chops, otherwise no beard
- Battleaxe strapped to the back, Handaxes on the waist, 'component pouch' refers to the random things he has stashed about his Tweed Duster.

[Hudsonian]

Snip

So Classy. I'm assuming you took War Caster?

[gfishfunk]

Nope! That would have been a good idea. I need to bump my Int instead. Only level 4.

Versatile Weapon for the in-combat casting, and a generally good Con for keeping concentration.

[JumboWheat01]

To be honest, I've been REALLY wanting to play a wizard for a while that was absolute NUTS and adventured in his birthday suit. But he would need a component pouch that he normally wears on his side, but if anyone tells him to "put something on" he just slides it around to the front and considers the request fulfilled.

Also, Einstein hair, no beard, and at one point got his mentor to cast alter self so that his eyes look like lightning bolts.

I would say, make him an illusionist. IF, and only if, clothing is absolutely required, you can minor illusion some clothes and make them move as you move. You're still going free to the wind, and anyone to gets a little touchy could easily figure that out, but at least you can join your party when they visit anyone of importance.



Mountain Dwarf:
- Tweed Ankle-Length Duster (With Elbow Patches) over Scale Mail ("I'd hardly call that armored...")
- Bowler Hat on an otherwise bald head, thick red mutton chops, otherwise no beard
- Battleaxe strapped to the back, Handaxes on the waist, 'component pouch' refers to the random things he has stashed about his Tweed Duster.


That... is really badass sounding.

[RickAllison]

I have a storm sorcerer who uses a dorje as his focus. His daily attire is just a pair of trousers that are baggy enough to allow total freedom of movement but are tight around the waist and ankles to prevent getting snagged on anything. He normally goes shirtless because he prefers keeping as much of his body open to information from the wind as possible. Most of his perception checks and such are flavored as him reading the answers through the breeze.

[Levism84]

Whenever I play a wizard or other spellcaster, I go out of my way to dress as non-spellcaster as possible, if that makes sense. Sure, wizards have books and spell pouches or other arcane focuses, however, I try my best to pass myself off as a scholar, an artist, or some other profession that explains the remnants of my wizard trappings.

[Nicodiemus]

A former soldier, Nicodiemus wears a black crew neck sweater with reinforced elbow patches and epauletes and charcoal grey trousers tucked in to polished black boots. His hair, beard and moustache are all close cropped. His only weapon is an officer's dagger, as his spells are his true offense.

[Thisguy_]

I've been thinking to myself for a while now that I should play a wizard who even vaguely resembles the classical image.

Instead of a hat n' robes beardguy, I've played the following in this order:

A relatively young-looking entertainer who picked up wizardry for the reasons a bard would, because he couldn't figure out bard-ing. Short hair, clean face, and either a minstrel's outfit or costume depending on whether he was playing the part of himself. His focus was a wand.

A MIGHTY FIST-WIZARD with zero hair on his head, a bushy brown beard, not long but pretty thick, one less shirt than most people opt for, and a penchant for EXAGGERATED SPEECH PATTERNS! He was ripped. He was REALLY fun to play. Think Armstrong from FMA. His focus (which he preferred not to use, favoring his fists) was a staff, with a wooden fist on top, of course. Fists.

And, most recently, a character native to Pathfinder who looks more like a rogue than anything else. He's got a cloak and a dagger, and favors invisibility spells and illusions.

I figured a purple-robed, pointy hatted, white-beard-growing "regular wizard" would be fun to play after these three guys. I'll probably end up putting it off for something crazy, though.

[Ralanr]

Mountain Dwarf:
- Tweed Ankle-Length Duster (With Elbow Patches) over Scale Mail ("I'd hardly call that armored...")
- Bowler Hat on an otherwise bald head, thick red mutton chops, otherwise no beard
- Battleaxe strapped to the back, Handaxes on the waist, 'component pouch' refers to the random things he has stashed about his Tweed Duster.

Dwarven battle mages are classy as hell.

[Mr.Moron]

I've never had a consistent look for my wizards or any character really. Obviously even the same character is going to dress differently depending on the seasons & terrain. However if I was going to roll up a wizard now I'd probably go for something with a general vibe along these lines of Minwu (http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/finalfantasy/images/4/44/Amano_Minwu.jpg). Depending on how appropriate that was for the setting of course. I kind of just want to play a character rockin' a turban, since it's a pretty cool piece of headwear.

[Blacky the Blackball]

Obviously it varies tremendously from character to character.

My current "wizard" (actually a warlock) dresses in the manner of a rich merchant or minor noble. Basically, some people are in it for the power; some are in it for the prestige. He's in it for the easy life of never having to do a day's proper work again.

Between Mage Hand, Prestidigitation and Unseen Servant (he's got Pact of the Tome so he has almost all the cantrips and rituals) he can live a life of ease; and he dresses accordingly. The emphasis is on comfort rather than fashion - so lots of silk, velvet and fur. He doesn't worry about his fine clothes getting sodden and muddy, or generally being unsuitable for adventuring, because that's what Prestidigitation and Mending are for.

He uses a component pouch rather than a focus, because a component pouch sits out of the way on your belt whereas a focus would have to be carried around in hand and who wants to spend all day carrying something around?

[JackPhoenix]

I don't get to play characters much, being almost always GM for my group.

However, my first D&D character was a wizard. His clothes were pretty typical, grey robe, but no hat or beard (being a half-elf).

Later, I've had chaos sorcerer in 4e. He was dressed more as a rogue then as a caster, practical shirt and pants, armed with dagger (serving both as a weapon and focus). He started as a petty thief, gambler and charlattan and kept true to his origins even after he got access to magic.

In general, though, I prefer some sort of trenchcoat/greatcoat (not sure about the precise english term) and common clothes to classic robes. Either a (non-pointy) hat or hood works. Armor that can be concealed (mithral breastplate) is a plus if I can get proficiency. As for weapons, dagger, some type of sword if possible, or walking cane (perhaps with a hidden blade). Component pouches instead of foci, though if I can get focus in form of ring or amulet, I would take it as a backup. All that can of course change if it doesn't fit the setting or if I have a specific idea on mind.

Basically, this guy without the gun (or with a gun, if setting allows that: http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u502/Nork4/pewpew.png

[Wilko]

I'm going Wizard in an upcoming session i've picked shirt and trousers as both practicality and style choice, honestly clambering around on adventures in big flowing robes just sounds like a recipe for disaster.:smallredface:

I'm going to try and argue if i do end up wearing "robes" it will be in the badass longcoat over my current attire style.:smallbiggrin:

[darkrose50]

He doesn't worry about his fine clothes getting sodden and muddy, or generally being unsuitable for adventuring, because that's what Prestidigitation and Mending are for.

My character grew up in a wizards enclave and academy. He is quite dumbfounded that grown people actually have to wash their bodies and clothing (soaking in a bath for pleasure is one thing). I cannot wait till we get to a point where he can see that people actually have to sweep whats on the floor into a pile, bend down, and collect it. Starting fires also confuse him as he is used to shooting flames at a rock until it radiates enough heat to warm his room.

However we are currently traveling in an area controlled by lizard-folk, kobolds, and dragons . . . are we are far from mammals . . . they call us guinea pig men . . . they breed guinea pigs to eat, so that is a little creepy.

[gullveig]

I put on my robe and wizard hat. :P

Serious now... I usually go with low profile clothes as a peasant/traveler cloths and some expensive outfit if needed to deal if formal authorities.

But if I can go full pimp... I like wizards in fullplate. Nothing scares more than a sardine can with lasers.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b349/zaxter1337/Dungeons%20and%20Dragons/Spellsword.jpg

@Douche
Something like this: http://www.wowhead.com/dressing-room#mk0R0zH8qqzzz9m8I2387VcW287koAd87ccW3808cW587 V

[mgshamster]

Yay! I inspired a thread! :)

My current warlock dresses in run-down clothes - just a pair of pants and a shirt, often needs to be laundered - and has disheveled hair. No hat. He keeps a couple of books on him (uses one as an arcane focus).

My last wizard wore sturdy pants and a good jacket, and carried a backpack. His hair was kept in good condition, but didn't wear a hat. He didn't prescribe to the full on wizard gear, despite attending a wizards college. He preferred practical gear over anything. He was a transmutation specialist, focusing on improving his allies so they could do their job better.

One of the first wizards I ever played (a few decades ago) was very boisterous. Flashy robe and large hat with a wide brim. Wielded a decorated staff and a longsword (was not proficient). He believed that magic was meant to be flashy and showy, somatic components were meant to be grand ("Gesticulate grandly!" was a phrase he could be heard saying). I only chose spells that had strong visual effects. There was absolutely nothing subtle about him. He was a lot of fun.

[Balmas]

I am the wizard who knows that most monsters can scratch together enough brain cells to figure out, "Kill the guy in the robe." As such, I make an effort not to advertise that I am, in fact, a mage. Instead, I usually try to put together some combination of shield and armor that make me look like a rogue or simple traveler while not actually damaging my ability to spellcast.

[Joe the Rat]

My wizards usually dress like bards.
My most recent "wizard" Wizard was a bit of a dandy - a former circus roustabout and knife juggler. He always had sharp looking clothes, and had way too many blades on his person. And a nice hat.

The one before that was a bit of a scoundrel and ladies man. In his own mind, anyway. All buttons and trim and pants cut to draw ones' eye. And a nice hat.

My most recent arcane caster is a Warlock, who looked like a merchant dressed to impress... because that's what he is. A merchant who does murder and soul-reaping as a side job.


I am the wizard who knows that most monsters can scratch together enough brain cells to figure out, "Kill the guy in the robe." As such, I make an effort not to advertise that I am, in fact, a mage. Instead, I usually try to put together some combination of shield and armor that make me look like a rogue or simple traveler while not actually damaging my ability to spellcast.

I'm going to have to make a Barbarian that wears robes and a wide brimmed pointy hat, just to mess with people.

[WarrentheHero]

I'm going to have to make a Barbarian that wears robes and a wide brimmed pointy hat, just to mess with people.
Sounds like a great half of a two-person combo. The Wizard, who wears fake armor, perhaps Illusion'd to look real, and the Barbarian wearing Wizard Robes. They constantly get mistaken for one another, by design. Sometimes that goes awry though.

"We need magical expertise!" Say the townsfolk.
"I'll help y-" says the wizard, interrupted by the townsfolk carrying the Barbarian off.

But it works in combat, too, at least at first.
"Kill the wizard first!" says the bandit leader, pointing to the robed muscle-bound guy with a large axe. Then he gets hit by an Acid Arrow.