When setting independants on a map, you can equip them with any kind of magic items.
But in the creature entry - I don't think so.
However I don't think it should be to hard to make this modable. It seams, there is no inherent diffrence between armor and other non-weapon items, except for the fact, that armors and helms tend to have protection more often (but there are both kinds of exceptions: Robes and bracers), and protection from items is diffrently applied to torso and head, depending on the slot of the item.
One phrase I was told in the forum of another game: Don't say what <the gamedesigner> can or can't do, unless you are <the gamedesigner>.
However, I hope they look at this at some time and check if they can make such a thing available. I have something in mind that dire needs something like that.
About the second question: No, not possible.
And since this is the modder's
wishlist, let me add a think I'd like to see:
-Currently when going above the maximum number of special abilities (14 or something), the latest just get skipped silently. I'd like to see an error message like "Unit name: To many special abilities" or something, instead.
Minor Wishs:
-#AirShield <percent> for units (self-explaining)
-#Affliction <"name"> for units (to start with afflictions like the Forge Lord or the Allfather)