"Those who neglect to sharpen their mind might be no better than animals. But having a helpless body unable to enact change in the world might be even worse."
This subclass is about turning the Mage into a capable melee combatant.
Level 3
Arcane Ward.
(INT/encounter) Spell you use to Defend cost -1 mana.
Martial Studies.
You can wear Leather and Mail Armor and have Advantage on Concentration checks.
Savant's Strike.
(1/round) After attacking in melee you can cast a cantrip for free.
Level 7
Mage Armor.
Gain INT Armor.
Watchful Guardian.
Spells that allow you to Defend for free as a Reaction may be casted on a Single Target at Range 4 using your Defense Reaction.
Level 11
Eldritch Knight.
You can wear Plate Armor, use all Melee Weapons and all Shields.
Magical Bulwark.
If you Defend using a spell you can perform a second Defend Reaction this round.
Level 15
Instinctual Defense.
When you Defend using a spell, if you took no damage, you gain an additional Action for your next turn.