How to play a Spellcasting Tank 5e
So you want ot play a tank, but you also want to sling spells like the best of them? Here are a few ways to play a martial spellcaster in D&D 5e?
General tips:
Race wise, you may want to consider playing a dwarf or hobgoblin, especially if you’re playing a class with no armor proficiencies. This will allow you to don armor while wielding a spellcasting focus. Additionally, dwarves may provide you with more hitpoints on average than the average mage.
An alternative could be the Human Variant, as there are many feats that would help maintain a combat role. Consider taking Tough, Medium Armor Adept, or even Shield master, all of which will support your durability in combat.
Class wise, most spellcasters will never get a second melee attack, so you may want to consider dual wielding, to make the most of your attack oppertunities.
As for spells, abjurations are going to be your best friend, as a well cast shield or protection from good and evil can keep a spellcaster up even with a lower armor class.
Potential builds
A dwarven abjuration wizard, whose magics best resemble the hard coated gems that their ancestors mined in the deepest mountains. A shield spell appears as a ruby covering them, or false life temporarily binding their wounds in lines of gold or silver.
A Human Swords Bard, whose inspiration comes not from words, but from their talent as a commander. Medium armor may not boost your AC by much, but consider taking the Inspiring Leader feat to increase your hitpoints before any major fight.
A Hobgoblin Draconic Sorcerer, whose features are more reptilian than goblinlike, and whose hide is tougher than any most leather armor they could aquire. Consider taking Blue dragon ancestry and relying on shocking grasp and lightning lure to increase your damage
A Half-Elf Hexblade Warlock, who found a weapon when they were only a child that promised them a home and a family. While their magic may not be as plentiful as a full caster, they could be capable of great magical feats, all while feeding their ever-hungry blade.
