Black Mage 3 tier class PEACH [Archive] - Wizards Community

Black Mage 3 tier class PEACH [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
deshrimp
12-02-06, 04:46 PM My search for a Black Mage has been far and wide, and pretty much futile. So I decided to create my own. This is a 3 tier class. It includes a core class Black Mage, Prestige class Black Wizard, and a second Prestige class Black Sorcerer. I took many Ideas from other Black Mage classes i found and merged them into one.

Ive been working on this tier class for about 2 weeks. I think its just about finished. Any input would be appreciated.

I am posting the core class now, as i have yet to put the finishing touches on the two prestige classes. Also This class does not have a spells per day chart since I didnt know what would be appropriate.

EDIT: updated version :EDIT
Changes are in red

Black Mage

The headaches of the arcane world, the Black Mages are known equally for their enthusiasm, their love of raw magical power, and their lack of restraint. While not necessarily evil, it is true that there are very few lines that a black mage won’t cross. The driving force behind a Black Mage’s personality is ultimately a kind of curiosity; as an order, they are fascinated by all forms of magic, and will go to any lengths to make the latest discovery. Anyone who knows a Black Mage knows that when they say “Ooh! That’s neat!” you better head for the hills, litterally.
Hit Die: d4

CLASS SKILLS
The Black Wizard’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are:
Class Skills: Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually) (Int), Spellcraft (Int), and Use Magic Device (Cha). Tumble skill removed
Skill Points per Level: 2 + Int modifier.
Skill Points at 1st level: (2 + Int Mod) * 4.

CLASS FEATURES
All of the following are class features for the Black Mage Class.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Black Mages gain no proficiency with any weapons and armor.
Spells/Spells per Day: A Black Mage prepares spells as a Wizard does. The Black Mage gains 2 new spells every level. His Intelligence controls the level of the spells he/she is able to cast, spells' saving throw DCs, and bonus spells per day. A Black Mage may only learn spells from the school of Black Magic every level. The only way to learn spells from the other schools is by gaining the Non-Black Magic School Specialization ability.
Black Magic: Black Magic is a focus on destruction and damage spells, usually by control of elements. A Black Mage begins play knowing only spells from the evocation school. Since this specialization is near absolute the Black Mage has spent time learning how to use these spells so that other spellcaters will have a harder time figuring out which spell they are casting. They do this by deciding on a theme for their spells and applying it during the casting of the spell. A Black Mage gains the benefits of school specialization for the school of evocation and the Spell Thematics feat for free.
Bonus Feat: Starting Starting at 1st level the Black Mage gains a bonus feat. It must be a metamagic, save, or mage related feat. He also gains a bonus feat at 7th, 13th, and 18th level.
Evasion (Ex): As per the rogue ability, as described on pg. 50, PHB. Black Mages who don't learn to dodge explosions, nameless things from other worlds, strange eldritch magics, mage-killers, and point-blank crossbow bolts to the head fired by upset villagers don't last very long.
Arcane Ability: At 5th level, and again at 10th, 15th and 20th, the Black Mage may learn one of the following abilities if the requirements are met. (as per Rogue Special Ability)
1. Non-Black Magic School Specialization: The Black Mage has learned much about the evocation school and decides its time to expand his knowledge.
Benefit: The Black mage may choose one other school of magic of which he may now learn spells from. He must have access to a spellbook or another mage who knows the spell and learn the spell through research. (same costs and time).
Req: 10 evocation spells.
2. Black Defense: The Black Mage is specialized at casting damaging spells.
Benefit: The Black Mage gains a +4 bonus vs. any spell that deals damage.
Req: Black Mage 9th, 15 evocation spells
3. Angry Casting: Black Mages who are provoked or has their abilities challenged tend to get angry quickly.
Benefit: The Black Mage gains a +2 concentration check to cast a spell, and a +2 to the DC for that spell increases by 2. However the Mages AC is decreased by 2. Lasts until the provoker or challenger is defeated.
Req: Must have been provoked or had their power challenged at least 3 times before
4. Avid Learner: The Black Mage has learned how to wisely use his time when researching spells.
Benefit: The time required for the Black Mage to learn a new spell by researching is halved.
Req: Must have learned at least 10 spells by research. Black Mage 14th
5. Improved Black Magic: A Black Mage knows how to best use a spell and maximize the effect of the spell.
Benefit: A Black Mage can increase the damage of all evocation spells. He adds 1d6 damage to all evocation spells he knows.
Req: Spell Focus (evocation), Combat Casting, Black Mage 14th
6. Greater Black Magic: A Black Mage knows how to best use a spell and maximize the effect of the spell.
Benefit: A Black Mage can increase the damage of all evocation spells. He adds 2d8 damage to any evocation spells he can cast with Spell Mastery. This ability stacks with the Improved Black Magic ability.
Req: Greater Spell Focus (evocation), Spell Mastery, Black Mage 19th
7. Specialty Magic: The Black Mage has learned the ins and outs of a couple spells.
Benefits: The Black Mage May choose 2 spells in which he casts at a +1 caster level. These spells are considered the Black Mages trademark.
Req: Spell Mastery (spells choosen)
8. Bonus Feat: Instead of the ability, a Black Mage may gain a bonus feat instead. Can be done only once.
9. Black Magic Counter: The Black Mage has learned how to better counter spells.
Benefits: The Black Mage may substitute one spell of equal level to attempt to counter any spell. If the counterspell fails, the spell is lost.
Req. Improved Counterspell.
Magical Infusion: At 20th level, a Black Mage becomes a magical creature. He is forevermore treated as an outsider rather than as a humanoid (or whatever the Black Mage’s creature type was) for the purpose of spells and magical effects. Additionally, the Black Mage gains Spell Resistance 35. Unlike other outsiders, the Black Mage can still be brought back from the dead as if he were a member of his previous creature type.

Table 1-1: Black Mage
Class Base Fort Ref Will Special
Level Attack Save Save Save Abilities
Bonus
1st +0 +0 +0 +2 Black Magic, Bonus Feat
2nd +1 +0 +0 +3
3rd +1 +1 +1 +3 Evasion
4th +2 +1 +1 +4
5th +2 +1 +1 +4 Arcane Ability
6th +3 +2 +2 +5
7th +3 +2 +2 +5 Bonus Feat
8th +4 +2 +2 +6
9th +4 +3 +3 +6
10th +5 +3 +3 +7 Arcane Ability
11th +5 +3 +3 +7
12th +6/+1 +4 +4 +8
13th +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 Bonus Feat
14th +7/+2 +4 +4 +9
15th +7/+2 +5 +5 +9 Arcane Ability
16th +8/+3 +5 +5 +10
17th +8/+3 +5 +5 +10
18th +9/+4 +6 +6 +11
19th +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 Bonus Feat
20th +10/+5 +6 +6 +12 Arcane Ability, Magical Infusion
jeff-heikkinen
12-02-06, 04:55 PM What sense does Tumble make as a class skill?
andinel
12-02-06, 04:56 PM You might want to try this (http://nuklearpower.com/redmage20.php) for your Black Mage needs.

It's better if you read the comic on that site too. It's funny (and helps explain everything in the PrC in that link)
deshrimp
12-02-06, 05:37 PM First off, I must have forgot to remove tumble. Second, I've seen the 8-bit Black Mage, and read the comic. Thats partly why i made the Black Mage, That and my love for Final Fantasy.
jeff-heikkinen
12-02-06, 07:23 PM You might want to try this (http://nuklearpower.com/redmage20.php) for your Black Mage needs.

It's better if you read the comic on that site too. It's funny (and helps explain everything in the PrC in that link)

This is borderline spam, and borderline spam for what looks like a very low-quality PrC as well. It's not updated to 3.5 (Alchemy, Innuendo); the Hadoken ability is pathetic considering the levels you have to be to get it; and Stabbing Frenzy is unusable as written (what is the DC of the Wisdom check?).
deshrimp
12-03-06, 01:22 PM Lets try to stay on topic. The 8-Bit Black Mage is funny, and thats about it. As for my Class, I've almost finished the spells per level chart, and will post it when I do finish it.
deshrimp
12-12-06, 09:35 PM Okay, Ive finished the spells per day, They are going to be the same as the Sorcerer.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
5 3 - - - - - - - -
6 4 - - - - - - - -
6 5 3 - - - - - - -
6 6 4 - - - - - - -
6 6 5 3 - - - - - -
6 6 6 4 - - - - - -
6 6 6 5 3 - - - - -
6 6 6 6 4 - - - - -
6 6 6 6 5 3 - - - -
6 6 6 6 6 4 - - - -
6 6 6 6 6 5 3 - - -
6 6 6 6 6 6 4 - - -
6 6 6 6 6 5 3 - - -
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 4 - -
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 3 -
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 4 -
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 3
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 4
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

Also I have the first prestige class almost finished. I will post that in a little bit.
andinel
12-12-06, 09:41 PM Looking over the class abilities again, the 20th level ability seems a little weak. Being an outsider for the purposes of spells doesn't change all that much at such high levels, as almost all spells affect outsiders by that point. The SR 25 is also very easily penetratable. At this point, a monk would have SR 30, which is slightly better, and they aren't even spellcasters.
deshrimp
12-14-06, 09:49 PM Ive modified the Greater Black Magic ability. It now gives more damage increase, and requires the Spell Mastery feat for those spells. I have also lowered the number of spells required to gain the Black Magic School Specialization ability to 10 evocation spells, and no required level. Also, the Black Defense ability now requires 15 evocation spells, not 20.

For the 20th level ability Magical Infusion, I changed the SR from 25 to 50. A wizard or sorcerer dont have anything like this ability. All the wizard gets is bonus feats, and the sorcerer doesnt even get those. So I figured a simple ability like that should be fine. Plus he can choose the 20th level arcane ability Greater Black Magic which allows him to add 2d8 damage to any spell known with Spell Mastery, +1d6 from the Improved Black Magic ability.
andinel
12-14-06, 09:53 PM Okay. SR 25 was too low, but SR 50 is way too high. I suggest a more moderate value, perhaps 35. Wizards and sorcerers may not have SR as a class feature, but there is a spell that grants them SR 12+caster level for a duration.
Seerow
12-14-06, 10:01 PM Okay. SR 25 was too low, but SR 50 is way too high. I suggest a more moderate value, perhaps 35. Wizards and sorcerers may not have SR as a class feature, but there is a spell that grants them SR 12+caster level for a duration.

That's actually a Cleric Only Spell iirc.

Also, being considered an outsider for spells is friggin awesome. Ignore what anyone else says, being able to Polymorph/Shapechange into any outsider you want is sick.
deshrimp
12-14-06, 10:13 PM Okay, Ive made a few changes, These changes were developed by extensive studying. The changes are in red.

And I lowered the SR to 35
Spell Resistance is a Cleric spell only.

That's actually a Cleric Only Spell iirc.

Also, being considered an outsider for spells is friggin awesome. Ignore what anyone else says, being able to Polymorph/Shapechange into any outsider you want is sick.
You cant Polymorph/Shapechange into any outsider with that ability. It only changes your type iirc.

I will be posting the first of two Prestige Classes for the Black Mage later this week or sometime next week.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
deshrimp 12-02-06, 04:46 PM	My search for a Black Mage has been far and wide, and pretty much futile. So I decided to create my own. This is a 3 tier class. It includes a core class Black Mage, Prestige class Black Wizard, and a second Prestige class Black Sorcerer. I took many Ideas from other Black Mage classes i found and merged them into one. Ive been working on this tier class for about 2 weeks. I think its just about finished. Any input would be appreciated. I am posting the core class now, as i have yet to put the finishing touches on the two prestige classes. Also This class does not have a spells per day chart since I didnt know what would be appropriate. EDIT: updated version :EDIT Changes are in red Black Mage The headaches of the arcane world, the Black Mages are known equally for their enthusiasm, their love of raw magical power, and their lack of restraint. While not necessarily evil, it is true that there are very few lines that a black mage won’t cross. The driving force behind a Black Mage’s personality is ultimately a kind of curiosity; as an order, they are fascinated by all forms of magic, and will go to any lengths to make the latest discovery. Anyone who knows a Black Mage knows that when they say “Ooh! That’s neat!” you better head for the hills, litterally. Hit Die: d4 CLASS SKILLS The Black Wizard’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are: Class Skills: Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually) (Int), Spellcraft (Int), and Use Magic Device (Cha). Tumble skill removed Skill Points per Level: 2 + Int modifier. Skill Points at 1st level: (2 + Int Mod) * 4. CLASS FEATURES All of the following are class features for the Black Mage Class. Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Black Mages gain no proficiency with any weapons and armor. Spells/Spells per Day: A Black Mage prepares spells as a Wizard does. The Black Mage gains 2 new spells every level. His Intelligence controls the level of the spells he/she is able to cast, spells' saving throw DCs, and bonus spells per day. A Black Mage may only learn spells from the school of Black Magic every level. The only way to learn spells from the other schools is by gaining the Non-Black Magic School Specialization ability. Black Magic: Black Magic is a focus on destruction and damage spells, usually by control of elements. A Black Mage begins play knowing only spells from the evocation school. Since this specialization is near absolute the Black Mage has spent time learning how to use these spells so that other spellcaters will have a harder time figuring out which spell they are casting. They do this by deciding on a theme for their spells and applying it during the casting of the spell. A Black Mage gains the benefits of school specialization for the school of evocation and the Spell Thematics feat for free. Bonus Feat: Starting Starting at 1st level the Black Mage gains a bonus feat. It must be a metamagic, save, or mage related feat. He also gains a bonus feat at 7th, 13th, and 18th level. Evasion (Ex): As per the rogue ability, as described on pg. 50, PHB. Black Mages who don't learn to dodge explosions, nameless things from other worlds, strange eldritch magics, mage-killers, and point-blank crossbow bolts to the head fired by upset villagers don't last very long. Arcane Ability: At 5th level, and again at 10th, 15th and 20th, the Black Mage may learn one of the following abilities if the requirements are met. (as per Rogue Special Ability) 1. Non-Black Magic School Specialization: The Black Mage has learned much about the evocation school and decides its time to expand his knowledge. Benefit: The Black mage may choose one other school of magic of which he may now learn spells from. He must have access to a spellbook or another mage who knows the spell and learn the spell through research. (same costs and time). Req: 10 evocation spells. 2. Black Defense: The Black Mage is specialized at casting damaging spells. Benefit: The Black Mage gains a +4 bonus vs. any spell that deals damage. Req: Black Mage 9th, 15 evocation spells 3. Angry Casting: Black Mages who are provoked or has their abilities challenged tend to get angry quickly. Benefit: The Black Mage gains a +2 concentration check to cast a spell, and a +2 to the DC for that spell increases by 2. However the Mages AC is decreased by 2. Lasts until the provoker or challenger is defeated. Req: Must have been provoked or had their power challenged at least 3 times before 4. Avid Learner: The Black Mage has learned how to wisely use his time when researching spells. Benefit: The time required for the Black Mage to learn a new spell by researching is halved. Req: Must have learned at least 10 spells by research. Black Mage 14th 5. Improved Black Magic: A Black Mage knows how to best use a spell and maximize the effect of the spell. Benefit: A Black Mage can increase the damage of all evocation spells. He adds 1d6 damage to all evocation spells he knows. Req: Spell Focus (evocation), Combat Casting, Black Mage 14th 6. Greater Black Magic: A Black Mage knows how to best use a spell and maximize the effect of the spell. Benefit: A Black Mage can increase the damage of all evocation spells. He adds 2d8 damage to any evocation spells he can cast with Spell Mastery. This ability stacks with the Improved Black Magic ability. Req: Greater Spell Focus (evocation), Spell Mastery, Black Mage 19th 7. Specialty Magic: The Black Mage has learned the ins and outs of a couple spells. Benefits: The Black Mage May choose 2 spells in which he casts at a +1 caster level. These spells are considered the Black Mages trademark. Req: Spell Mastery (spells choosen) 8. Bonus Feat: Instead of the ability, a Black Mage may gain a bonus feat instead. Can be done only once. 9. Black Magic Counter: The Black Mage has learned how to better counter spells. Benefits: The Black Mage may substitute one spell of equal level to attempt to counter any spell. If the counterspell fails, the spell is lost. Req. Improved Counterspell. Magical Infusion: At 20th level, a Black Mage becomes a magical creature. He is forevermore treated as an outsider rather than as a humanoid (or whatever the Black Mage’s creature type was) for the purpose of spells and magical effects. Additionally, the Black Mage gains Spell Resistance 35. Unlike other outsiders, the Black Mage can still be brought back from the dead as if he were a member of his previous creature type. Table 1-1: Black Mage Class Base Fort Ref Will Special Level Attack Save Save Save Abilities Bonus 1st +0 +0 +0 +2 Black Magic, Bonus Feat 2nd +1 +0 +0 +3 3rd +1 +1 +1 +3 Evasion 4th +2 +1 +1 +4 5th +2 +1 +1 +4 Arcane Ability 6th +3 +2 +2 +5 7th +3 +2 +2 +5 Bonus Feat 8th +4 +2 +2 +6 9th +4 +3 +3 +6 10th +5 +3 +3 +7 Arcane Ability 11th +5 +3 +3 +7 12th +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 13th +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 Bonus Feat 14th +7/+2 +4 +4 +9 15th +7/+2 +5 +5 +9 Arcane Ability 16th +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 17th +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 18th +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 19th +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 Bonus Feat 20th +10/+5 +6 +6 +12 Arcane Ability, Magical Infusion
jeff-heikkinen 12-02-06, 04:55 PM	What sense does Tumble make as a class skill?
andinel 12-02-06, 04:56 PM	You might want to try this (http://nuklearpower.com/redmage20.php) for your Black Mage needs. It's better if you read the comic on that site too. It's funny (and helps explain everything in the PrC in that link)
deshrimp 12-02-06, 05:37 PM	First off, I must have forgot to remove tumble. Second, I've seen the 8-bit Black Mage, and read the comic. Thats partly why i made the Black Mage, That and my love for Final Fantasy.
jeff-heikkinen 12-02-06, 07:23 PM	You might want to try this (http://nuklearpower.com/redmage20.php) for your Black Mage needs. It's better if you read the comic on that site too. It's funny (and helps explain everything in the PrC in that link) This is borderline spam, and borderline spam for what looks like a very low-quality PrC as well. It's not updated to 3.5 (Alchemy, Innuendo); the Hadoken ability is pathetic considering the levels you have to be to get it; and Stabbing Frenzy is unusable as written (what is the DC of the Wisdom check?).
deshrimp 12-03-06, 01:22 PM	Lets try to stay on topic. The 8-Bit Black Mage is funny, and thats about it. As for my Class, I've almost finished the spells per level chart, and will post it when I do finish it.
deshrimp 12-12-06, 09:35 PM	Okay, Ive finished the spells per day, They are going to be the same as the Sorcerer. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 3 - - - - - - - - 6 4 - - - - - - - - 6 5 3 - - - - - - - 6 6 4 - - - - - - - 6 6 5 3 - - - - - - 6 6 6 4 - - - - - - 6 6 6 5 3 - - - - - 6 6 6 6 4 - - - - - 6 6 6 6 5 3 - - - - 6 6 6 6 6 4 - - - - 6 6 6 6 6 5 3 - - - 6 6 6 6 6 6 4 - - - 6 6 6 6 6 5 3 - - - 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 4 - - 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 3 - 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 4 - 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 3 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 4 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 Also I have the first prestige class almost finished. I will post that in a little bit.
andinel 12-12-06, 09:41 PM	Looking over the class abilities again, the 20th level ability seems a little weak. Being an outsider for the purposes of spells doesn't change all that much at such high levels, as almost all spells affect outsiders by that point. The SR 25 is also very easily penetratable. At this point, a monk would have SR 30, which is slightly better, and they aren't even spellcasters.
deshrimp 12-14-06, 09:49 PM	Ive modified the Greater Black Magic ability. It now gives more damage increase, and requires the Spell Mastery feat for those spells. I have also lowered the number of spells required to gain the Black Magic School Specialization ability to 10 evocation spells, and no required level. Also, the Black Defense ability now requires 15 evocation spells, not 20. For the 20th level ability Magical Infusion, I changed the SR from 25 to 50. A wizard or sorcerer dont have anything like this ability. All the wizard gets is bonus feats, and the sorcerer doesnt even get those. So I figured a simple ability like that should be fine. Plus he can choose the 20th level arcane ability Greater Black Magic which allows him to add 2d8 damage to any spell known with Spell Mastery, +1d6 from the Improved Black Magic ability.
andinel 12-14-06, 09:53 PM	Okay. SR 25 was too low, but SR 50 is way too high. I suggest a more moderate value, perhaps 35. Wizards and sorcerers may not have SR as a class feature, but there is a spell that grants them SR 12+caster level for a duration.
Seerow 12-14-06, 10:01 PM	Okay. SR 25 was too low, but SR 50 is way too high. I suggest a more moderate value, perhaps 35. Wizards and sorcerers may not have SR as a class feature, but there is a spell that grants them SR 12+caster level for a duration. That's actually a Cleric Only Spell iirc. Also, being considered an outsider for spells is friggin awesome. Ignore what anyone else says, being able to Polymorph/Shapechange into any outsider you want is sick.
deshrimp 12-14-06, 10:13 PM	Okay, Ive made a few changes, These changes were developed by extensive studying. The changes are in red. And I lowered the SR to 35 Spell Resistance is a Cleric spell only. That's actually a Cleric Only Spell iirc. Also, being considered an outsider for spells is friggin awesome. Ignore what anyone else says, being able to Polymorph/Shapechange into any outsider you want is sick. You cant Polymorph/Shapechange into any outsider with that ability. It only changes your type iirc. I will be posting the first of two Prestige Classes for the Black Mage later this week or sometime next week.