Orc Abjurer Wizard Build Guide
Combining the Orc's relentless survival instincts with the Abjurer’s magical barriers transforms you into the ultimate tanky, front-line spellcaster.
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Why Abjurer?
Wizards are typically known as "squishy" glass cannons, but the Orc Abjurer flips this trope on its head to become a formidable frontline Defender. Your primary defense is the Arcane Ward, a magical shield you gain at level 3 that absorbs damage before it can touch your actual hit points. Because you cast protective abjuration spells to recharge this ward, you can confidently stand close to danger to protect your allies.
The Orc species traits turn this defensive playstyle up to eleven. If an enemy manages to break through your magical ward, your high Constitution and the Orc's Relentless Endurance act as a perfect safety net, keeping you standing with 1 hit point instead of knocking you unconscious. Additionally, the Adrenaline Rush trait lets you dash as a bonus action while gaining temporary hit points, allowing you to reposition quickly to shield a vulnerable teammate.
By combining defensive spells, racial resilience, and high mobility, you become a wizard who actively seeks the spotlight on the battlefield. You aren't just surviving; you are controlling the flow of combat and absorbing hits that would easily defeat lesser mages.
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
Orc Traits That Benefit Abjurer Wizard
Adrenaline Rush
Bonus action Dash with temp HP gives the Wizard both mobility and survivability.
Relentless Endurance
Dropping to 1 HP instead of 0 once per rest is a powerful survival tool for frontline Wizards.
Darkvision
Orc 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
- ♦ Darkvision for dungeon exploration
- ♦ Versatile spellcasting options
Weaknesses
- ♦ Low hit points — vulnerable in melee
- ♦ May require careful feat selection to optimize
Pro Tips
Use Adrenaline Rush to close the gap and protect allies with your Projected Ward without wasting your main action.
Keep your Arcane Ward active by casting ritual abjuration spells like Alarm between combats to start every fight fully shielded.
Rely on Relentless Endurance as your safety net; use your durability to maintain concentration on powerful control spells while on the front lines.
Target enemy spellcasters directly once you get Spell Breaker, using your robust defenses to shrug off their retaliatory attacks.
Other Wizard Subclasses for Orc
Other Races for Abjurer Wizard
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Abjurer a good subclass for Orc Wizard?
What makes Abjurer different from other Wizard subclasses?
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