Gnome Abjurer Wizard Build Guide
Combining Gnomish mental resilience with the defensive shielding of the Abjurer makes you an incredibly durable magical tank who is nearly impossible to shut down.
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Why Abjurer?
Wizards are typically known as "glass cannons"—capable of dealing massive damage but easily defeated if an enemy gets too close. The Abjurer Wizard flips this trope on its head, acting as a magical defender for the party. Your signature feature, Arcane Ward, creates a magical shield that absorbs damage for you, effectively boosting your hit points and keeping you standing in the thick of battle.
Playing as a Gnome elevates this defense to a whole new level. Thanks to the Gnomish Cunning species trait, you gain advantage on mental saving throws against magic. While your Arcane Ward absorbs physical blows, your natural Gnomish resilience shields your mind from hostile spells, making you one of the hardest targets on the battlefield.
As you level up, you can even project your ward to protect your allies. With an optimal starting Intelligence of 15 and a solid Constitution of 14, you have both the mental power to cast devastating spells and the physical stamina to maintain your focus when things get rough.
Abjurer Features
Abjuration Savant
Level 3The gold and time you spend to copy abjuration spells into your spellbook is halved.
Arcane Ward
Level 3When you cast an abjuration spell of 1st level or higher, you can create a magical ward on yourself. The ward has hit points equal to twice your wizard level + your Intelligence modifier. Whenever you take damage, the ward takes the damage instead. If the damage reduces the ward to 0 hit points, you take any remaining damage. When you cast an abjuration spell of 1st level or higher, the ward regains hit points equal to twice the spell's level.
Projected Ward
Level 6When a creature you can see within 30 feet takes damage, you can use your reaction to cause your Arcane Ward to absorb that damage. If the damage reduces the ward to 0 hit points, the warded creature takes any remaining damage.
Spell Breaker
Level 10When you cast the Counterspell or Dispel Magic spell, you add your proficiency bonus to your ability check if one is required.
Spell Resistance
Level 14You have advantage on saving throws against spells. Furthermore, you have resistance against the damage of spells.
Recommended Ability Scores
Gnome Traits That Benefit Abjurer Wizard
Gnomish Cunning
Extra saving throw advantages protect against debilitating spells and effects.
Darkvision
Gnome Darkvision helps Wizards scout ahead and fight in darkness without needing a torch.
Combat Effectiveness
| Level | HP | Melee DPR | Spell DPR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 | 32 | 3.9 | 7.8 |
| Level 11 | 68 | 3.58 | 10.18 |
| Level 17 | 104 | 3.58 | 13.2 |
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Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ♦ Abjurer grants Abjuration Savant at level 3
- ♦ Strong species-class synergy enhances core abilities
- ♦ Darkvision for dungeon exploration
- ♦ Versatile spellcasting options
Weaknesses
- ♦ Low hit points — vulnerable in melee
- ♦ May require careful feat selection to optimize
Pro Tips
Cast low-level abjuration spells like Alarm during downtime to safely recharge your Arcane Ward to full strength without wasting valuable combat spell slots.
Use your high Constitution and Arcane Ward together; the ward absorbs damage first, which often prevents you from needing to make concentration checks.
Once you unlock Projected Ward, position yourself near your squishier allies to intercept incoming damage and keep them alive in tight situations.
Combine Gnomish Cunning with your late-game Spell Resistance feature to become virtually immune to enemy spellcasters trying to control your mind.
Other Wizard Subclasses for Gnome
Other Races for Abjurer Wizard
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Abjurer a good subclass for Gnome Wizard?
What makes Abjurer different from other Wizard subclasses?
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