Mage Armor could let you target one more creature with each up tick. It's useful for Rogues too.
However, the visual effect is very obtrusive for something that's always on. Add Arcane Ward on top and your Wizard is a glowing, sparkling, pulsating bubble 24/7 starting from level 1.
I'd like much more subtle effects for these 24/7 protections that are only visible in combat.
Agreed. I hate flashy spell effects which persist on a character forever.
