The battlemage is a very important individual when it comes to the protection of the elven city of evereska. They are trained specificly in the arts of battle magic and even spend time learning some sword play from the acadamy of arms. Unlike most elven wizards their numbers are mostly filled by elven youths looking for adventure and excitement. At least one Battlemage is assigned to every company of patrols around evereska and the greycloak hills. After reaching 5'th level the battlemages are given the choice to come and go as they please within the acadamy of magical arts to study at their leisure. Some even leave the city to find adventure as elven bounty hunters or search for anciect elven ruins to discourage the plundering of these sites with their amazing talents.
Hit Die: d4.
Requirements: To qualify to become a elven battlemage, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Race: Character must be a Elf
Skills: Spellcraft 10 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 10 ranks.
Feats: Maximise Spell, Twin Spell.
Spellcasting: Ability to cast 4'th level arcane spells. Able to cast at least two ray spells and two energy missile spells.
Class Skills: Craft (int), Concentration (con), Spellcraft (Int), Bluff (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Gather Information (Cha), Scry (Int), Knowledge (any)(Int), Profession (wis), Use magic devise (cha).
Skill points at each level: 2 + Int Modifier.
Class Features:
Weapon & Armor Proficiency: Battlemages gain proficiency with small or light weapons.
Spells per day: A Battlemages training focuses on magic. Thus, when a character gains a new level of Battlemage, she gains new spells per day as if she aso gained a level in whatever spellcasting class she belonged to before she added the prestige class. She does not however gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained.
Battle-spell focus: At 1'st level you gain the weapon focus feat with either energy missile spells, Touch spells or ray spells. Once chosen you may not change the type
Battle-spell specialization: At 2'nd level you gain weapon specialization with either energy missile spells, Touch spells or ray spells. Once chosen you may not change it.
Signature Spell: As a Battlemage you earn a reputation with a certain spell, a calling card of sorts. At 3'rd level you gain the Signature Spell feat.
Depress resistance: At 3'rd level the Battlemage can temporarily reduce the Spell resistance of a target creature. The Spell resistance of the creature works against the Depress resistance spell at half its normal value. No saving throw is allowed. A creature that does not resist the effects of this spell has it's SR reduced by 50%. This is a spell-like ability that may be used one time a day for every two caster levels attained, and can affect two opponents for every intelligence bonus modifier attained. It has a range of 60 yards and a duration of 1 round per caster level.
Energy Spell power: At 4'th level, the Battlemage chooses one type of energy: acid, cold, electricity, fire, or sonic. from here on you gain a +2 bonus on saving throws against any spells with the chosen type of energy descriptor, and a +2 bonus to the DC of all spells with the chosen type of energy descriptor. Once chosen the energy type cannot be changed.
Innate Spell: At 5'th level the Battlemage gains the Innate Spell feat without meeting its prerequisites.
Steal protections: At 5'th level the Battlemage may attempt to steal an opponent's beneficial spell effects for yourself. Upon using this spell-like ability, you instantly discern all spells currently afftecting the target (including their effects). For each spell so discerned, you can make a dispel check (1d20 + your caster level) against a DC of 11 + the spell's caster level. If the check succeeds, you gain the effect of the spell for the remainder of its duration, as if it had been cast on you instead of the original target, and the opponent loses that effect. This spell-like ability is a standard action and has a range of 60 feet. No saving throws are allowed against this ability and any SR is negated. This ability may be used one time a day, plus one extra time a day for every bonus intelligence modifier attained.
CL-BAB-FS-RS-WS-Special- Spells per day
1'st-+0-+2-+0-+2 Battle spell focus -+1level
2'nd-+1-+3-+0-+3-Battle spell specialization-+1level
3'rd-+2-+3-+1-+3 Signature spell, Depress resistance -+1level
4'th-+3-+4-+1-+4 Energy spell power -+1level
5'th-+3-+4-+1-+4 Innate spell, Steal protections -+1level
*Any advice, ideas or comments are welcome. Thanks! ;)
Evereskan Battlemage
The battlemage is a very important individual when it comes to the protection of the elven city of evereska. They are trained specificly in the arts of battle magic and even spend time learning some sword play from the acadamy of arms. Unlike most elven wizards their numbers are mostly filled by elven youths looking for adventure and excitement. At least one Battlemage is assigned to every company of patrols around evereska and the greycloak hills. After reaching 5'th level the battlemages are given the choice to come and go as they please within the acadamy of magical arts to study at their leisure. Some even leave the city to find adventure as elven bounty hunters or search for anciect elven ruins to discourage the plundering of these sites with their amazing talents.
Hit Die: d4.
Requirements: To qualify to become a elven battlemage, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Race: Character must be a Elf or Half Elf.
Skills: Spellcraft 10 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 8 ranks.
Feats: Maximise Spell, Twin Spell.
Spellcasting: Ability to cast 4'th level arcane spells. Ability to cast at least three spells requiring a fortitude save and at least three spells that require a reflex save.
Class Skills: Craft (int), Concentration (con), Spellcraft (Int), Bluff (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Gather Information (Cha), Scry (Int), Knowledge (any)(Int), Profession (wis), Use magic devise (cha).
Skill points at each level: 2 + Int Modifier.
Class Features:
Weapon & Armor Proficiency: Battlemages gain proficiency with small or light weapons.
Spells per day: A Battlemages training focuses on magic. Thus, when a character gains a new level of Battlemage, she gains new spells per day as if she aso gained a level in whatever spellcasting class she belonged to before she added the prestige class. She does not however gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained.
Battle-spell specialization: At 1'st level you gain weapon specialization with either energy missile spells, or ray spells. Once chosen you may not change it.
Battle-spell focus: At 2'nd level you gain the weapon focus feat with either energy missile spells, or ray spells. Once chosen you may not change the type.
Signature Spell: As a Battlemage you earn a reputation with a certain spell, a calling card of sorts. At 3'rd level you gain the Signature Spell feat.
Energy Spell Resistance: At 4'th level, the Battlemage chooses one type of energy: acid, cold, electricity, fire, or sonic. from here on you gain a +4 bonus on saving throws against any spells with the chosen type of energy descriptor. Once chosen the energy type cannot be changed.
Innate Spell: At 5'th level the Battlemage gains the Innate Spell feat without meeting its prerequisites.
CL-BAB-FS-RS-WS-Special- Spells per day
1'st-+0-+0-+0-+2 Battle spell specialization -+1level
2'nd-+1-+0-+0-+3-Battle spell focus-+1level
3'rd-+1-+1-+1-+3 Signature spell-+1level
4'th-+2-+1-+1-+4 Energy spell resistance -+1level
5'th-+2-+1-+1-+4 Innate spell -+1level
*Any advice, ideas or comments are welcome. Thanks! ;)
Energy spell resistance: I would change it so the character adds +2 DC when he casts a spell of the energy type and gets +2 save against the energy type.
How do the weapon specialization and weapon focus work with ray spells and missile spells? I like the idea, but I don't understand the mechanics. Could you give examples?
I like seeing a blasty elf wizard prc for a change. Good one, GEV.
But where is the (albeit little) training they get with swordplay represented? I like that part of the flavour description, as well as the further training path you described. I'd give them a free weapon focus (long sword) at second level.
You can not take weapon focus (energy missiles) with the normal rules. You can take weapon focus (ray) though. Weapon specialisation I'm not sure. But you could choose to have him do +2 damage on all ray and force spells with a new ability.
Page 38 and 42 in Tome and Blood describes that you may use these feats for Energy missile and Ray spells.
I like seeing a blasty elf wizard prc for a change. Good one, GEV.
Thank you very much Suin, that means a lot to me.
But where is the (albeit little) training they get with swordplay represented? I like that part of the flavour description, as well as the further training path you described. I'd give them a free weapon focus (long sword) at second level.
The little swordplay training they receive I placed in the BAB. I do like your idea though of a free weapon focus. I'll have to work that one out in my head.
Energy spell resistance: I would change it so the character adds +2 DC when he casts a spell of the energy type and gets +2 save against the energy type.
Hey, I like that idea very much Fing!
How do the weapon specialization and weapon focus work with ray spells and missile spells? I like the idea, but I don't understand the mechanics. Could you give examples?
Page 38 and 42 in Tome and Blood tell you that Weapon focus and Weapon specialization are feats that your spell caster may choose with either Energy missile or Ray spells.
any up coming chosen builds or are you open to request? :P
Let's take a look at this one.
Fighter 2/Wizard 4/Spellsword 1/Eldritch Knight 10/Archmage 3.
Or this one.
Fighter 1/Wizard 5/Spellsword 1/Eldritch Knight 8/Abjurant Champion 5
Or This one.
Swashbuckler 3/Wizard 5/Spellsword 1/Eldritch Knight 6/Abjurant Champion 5
Or This one, if you want a more fighter oriented build...
Fighter 4/Wizard 5/Eldritch Knight 3/Spellsword 1/Abjurant Champion 5
If you want a more nature oriented mage, and you are from the Yuirwood, you can do this one, but this is just plain noxious and should be discouraged. (Warning, I did not realize how broken this was until AFTER I decided to attempt to play it. And it's too late now.)
Ranger 2/Wizard 5/Master of the Yuirwood 9/Abjurant Champion 4
A much crueller variant of this is: Ranger 2/Fighter 1/Sorcerer 4/Spellsword 1/Master of the Yuirwood 9/Abjurant Champion 3
I really don't think a PRC like this is necessary. Feel free to replace any of these classes with Olin Gisir if you want a more Veronica Mars style mage who is smarter rather than mightier.
However, msatran, I'm a little confused about your MoY builds, and why you think they're so broken, more so than the more normal gish builds you posted first. What have you seen in playing one that I might be missing just reading them?
The MoY build is highly flexibel and has excellent travel abilities, reducing costs of travel with standing stone portals.
Eh. The 'theme' is similar to my Aryvandaari War Magus. Only mine was very much more about blasting, and casting in concert with each other... Sort of combined an improved Argent Savant with Circle Magic. Force armor, immunity to Force effects, radial Force blasts, etc.
So do you like this PrC? Why don't you PM me your PrC?
I'll PM you mine if I ever get around to recreating it.
I like the idea of this PrC, but I think it could use a little more... Flavor.
I'll PM you mine if I ever get around to recreating it.
Any suggestions for some more flavor? I'd value any input.
Finally, I'd change the race to just elven, since Evereska doesn't let half elves in, and doesn't like them (Arilyn being an exception).
I'd try taking out a few of the bonus feats and add instead some kind of unique ability (like some of the stuff GothicDan was mentioning). As it stands, your battlemage is little more than a whole bunch of bonus feats for class abilities (energy spell power being the exception), which means it can be easily duplicated by other classes just taking those feats. You need to offer more that's unique to this class, and also something that sets it apart as distinctly elven, as opposed to any other race.
Finally, I'd change the race to just elven, since Evereska doesn't let half elves in, and doesn't like them (Arilyn being an exception).
Good points Thinblade! Let me brainstorm and I'll vamp it.
However, while I like the abilities in themselves, I think there's a disconnect between them and the fluff of the class. The class seemed to be a master blaster, "one elf standing against the horde" kind of PrC. Spell power was in line with this. The new abilities, however, are much more "mage dueling" focused. They can only affect one person, and only twice a day. They don't fit with the theme.
To try and build something (instead of just tearing you down), how about some kind of synergy between either near-by allies or enemies? If you want him on the front lines, have him become better as the numbers increase. Maybe a varient of the wild mage, but where he gets stronger the more people are attacking? It's a thought, at least.
It's better. Now it has abilities that can't be easily duplicated by feats. Two things: first of all, you should explicitly say what action steal spells requires. It's an implied standard, but not stated. Second, you might want to add some sort of modifier to the times/day, but that one's your call.
However, while I like the abilities in themselves, I think there's a disconnect between them and the fluff of the class. The class seemed to be a master blaster, "one elf standing against the horde" kind of PrC. Spell power was in line with this. The new abilities, however, are much more "mage dueling" focused. They can only affect one person, and only twice a day. They don't fit with the theme.
Good advice. I have made some changes to the new abilities so it would affect multiple opponents.
I like depress resistance now; it seems like something the elves would have come up with to deal with drow raiding parties/armies. I'm also glad you upped the usage of steal protections. A capstone ability, even of a 5 level PrC, should have some zing to it. Now it definitely does.
Thanks Thinblade, your suggestions have been helpful and of use. I appreciate your input and critique and look forward to your future ideas.
Another version could be, that its only the Evereskan Battlemage's own spell's that gets the benefit, and only takes a free action to activate.
[Depress resistance: At 3'rd level the Battlemage can temporarily reduce the Spell resistance of a target creature. The Spell resistance of the creature works against the Depress resistance spell at half its normal value. No saving throw is allowed. A creature that does not resist the effects of this spell has it's SR reduced by 50%. This is a spell-like ability that may be used one time a day for every two caster levels attained, and can affect two opponents for every intelligence bonus modifier attained. It has a range of 60 yards and a duration of 1 round per caster level.
QUOTE]
So the depress resistance, takes one round to activate?
Another version could be, that its only the Evereskan Battlemage's own spell's that gets the benefit, and only takes a free action to activate.
[Depress resistance: At 3'rd level the Battlemage can temporarily reduce the Spell resistance of a target creature. The Spell resistance of the creature works against the Depress resistance spell at half its normal value. No saving throw is allowed. A creature that does not resist the effects of this spell has it's SR reduced by 50%. This is a spell-like ability that may be used one time a day for every two caster levels attained, and can affect two opponents for every intelligence bonus modifier attained. It has a range of 60 yards and a duration of 1 round per caster level.
QUOTE]
It's a standard action to use this ability. Don't quite understand what you mean by your version.
I just test played this today and it worked out great. My DM actually said it may end up with a NPC in our campaign. ;)
I hope so, you'll have to let me know how it works out in your game. The mechanics are working just fine in our game.
Good job! I like the flavor and unique-ness of the class. In an up and coming campagin, I think i'll be taking this class along with the war weaver PrC. Thanks!
P.S. Don't be suprised if you see a few NPCs with this class in my Create an NPC thread
Hey GEV,
Good job! I like the flavor and unique-ness of the class. In an up and coming campagin, I think i'll be taking this class along with the war weaver PrC. Thanks!
P.S. Don't be suprised if you see a few NPCs with this class in my Create an NPC thread
Thank you very much Diffan!! You'll have to keep me informed how it works out and send me your PC stats once you take this PRC.
Skill points at each level: 2 + Int Modifier.
***
A number of issues here.
01. Nowhere in the text description of this PrC does it indicate that Bluff is a skill suitable for such a class. Intimidate I can see, due to the martial and power-projecting bent of this PrC.
02. There is no Scry skill in 3.5. Nor does this class show a predilection for even using such a subtle spell direction (I don't think any Diviner Specialists will be taking this PrC any time soon).
03. Very few Wiz/Sorc PrC's offer the UMD skill. The ones that due indicate a scholarly m.o., which this PrC is not (it's a war/battle themed PrC).
04. In your text description of the PrC, you mentioned that Battlemages *SEARCH* ancient Elven ruins. Why not add the Search skill?
05. 04. In your text description of the PrC, you mentioned that Battlemages are assigned to outdoor patrols. Why not add the Survival skill?
***
There's a lot of other issues and verbiage problems with the PRC (the weapon proficiencies, listing of (Su)/(Sp)/(Ex) after the titles of each special ability, Depress Resistance's "action" cost, etc.) ... and I'll try to get to those later.
Skill points at each level: 2 + Int Modifier.
***
A number of issues here.
01. Nowhere in the text description of this PrC does it indicate that Bluff is a skill suitable for such a class. Intimidate I can see, due to the martial and power-projecting bent of this PrC.
Maybe the said mage would like to cast a spell without being noticed... hence Bluff.
02. There is no Scry skill in 3.5. Nor does this class show a predilection for even using such a subtle spell direction (I don't think any Diviner Specialists will be taking this PrC any time soon).
This PrC is for those who play both 3ED and 3.5ED
03. Very few Wiz/Sorc PrC's offer the UMD skill. The ones that due indicate a scholarly m.o., which this PrC is not (it's a war/battle themed PrC).
04. In your text description of the PrC, you mentioned that Battlemages *SEARCH* ancient Elven ruins. Why not add the Search skill?
05. 04. In your text description of the PrC, you mentioned that Battlemages are assigned to outdoor patrols. Why not add the Survival skill?;/quote]
Good points which I'll address when I can.
***
There's a lot of other issues and verbiage problems with the PRC (the weapon proficiencies, listing of (Su)/(Sp)/(Ex) after the titles of each special ability, Depress Resistance's "action" cost, etc.) ... and I'll try to get to those later.
Please feel free to comment more with your thoughts. I welcome all opinions.
good idea. ;)
i never noticed that you put their sword play training represented by the BaB.
good idea. ;)
I'm sneaky like that Hanali.
