This level 1 Shadowcaster begins mastering the shadow arts, emphasizing stealth and spellcasting foundation. Darkstalker and Shadow Weave Magic feats provide early concealment and spell-boost support. Fundamentals of Shadow give access to introductory mysteries, ideal for early adventuring.
Stat Block Level 1:
Unnamed Shadowcaster: female, Shadow Human Shadowcaster 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d8+0; hp 8; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk dagger +3 melee (1d4/19-20) or light crossbow +3 ranged (1d8/19-20); Full Atk dagger +3 melee (1d4/19-20) or light crossbow +3 ranged (1d8/19-20); SA Fundamentals of Shadow; SQ Apprentice Mysteries; AL Neutral; SV Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +2; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 17, Wis 11, Cha 8.
At level 5, the Noctumancer has a strong mix of Shadow Magic abilities from the Shadowcaster class and foundational Wizard spells. Capture Magic’s Shadow allows counteracting enemy spells. This combination makes the character versatile and an effective spellcaster with counterspelling potential.
Stat Block Level 5:
Shadowcaster: male, Shadow Human Shadowcaster 3/Wizard 1/Noctumancer 1; CR 5; Medium humanoid (shadow); HD 3d6+2d4+10; hp 24; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +1; Grp +0; Atk none (non-combat oriented) or spell; Full Atk none (non-combat oriented) or spells; SA Capture Magic’s Shadow; SQ Fundamentals of Shadow, Apprentice Mysteries, Summon Familiar; AL Neutral; SV Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +6; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 11, Cha 8.
Capture Magic’s Shadow allows disruption of enemy spells and gaining spells.
Possessions: Basic equipment including a spellbook.
This level 10 build is a Shadow Human with a diverse skill set, combining shadow and arcane magic. As a level 5 Noctumancer with previous levels in Shadowcaster and Wizard, the character has developed considerable counterspelling abilities and can disrupt enemy magic effectively. With additional intelligence and key feats like Improved Counterspell, this character is adept in both offensive and defensive magical strategies.
Stat Block Level 10:
Unnamed Male, Shadow Human Shadowcaster 3/Wizard 1/Noctumancer 6; CR 10; Medium Humanoid; HD 5d4+20; hp 42; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 13, flat-footed 12; Base Atk +4; Grp +3; Atk Quarterstaff +3 (1d6-1) or Ranged Touch +7; Full Atk Quarterstaff +3 (1d6-1) or Ranged Touch +7; SA Capture Magic’s Shadow, Innate Counterspell 2/Day; SQ Darkvision 60 ft., Fundamentals of Shadow, Umbral Sight, Eldritch Disruption; AL Neutral; SV Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +9; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 19, Wis 11, Cha 8.
Can effectively counter low-level spells, disrupts magical arcs with Eldritch Disruption, continued learning boosts Intelligence.
Possessions: Spellbook, components for counterspelling activities, and basic adventuring gear.
The Night Mage[1] build at level 15 is an exceptional blend of shadowcasting and wizardry, gaining prowess as both a competent spellcaster and a formidable anti-spellcaster. This character has advanced counterspelling capabilities, utilizing Insidious Magic and Pernicious Magic to undermine enemy spellcasters effectively. With the combined might of Shadow Weave Magic feats and high-level mysteries, it can cast powerful spells and mysteries of both arcs.
Stat Block Level 15:
Night Mage[1]: female, Shadow Human Noctumancer 10/Mystic Theurge 5; CR 15; Medium humanoid; HD 15d4+20+6; hp 65; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +7; Grp +6; Atk dagger +7 melee (1d4-1/19-20) or shadow bolt+10 ranged touch; Full Atk dagger +7 melee (1d4-1/19-20) or shadow bolt +10 ranged touch; SA Eldritch Vortex, Pernicious Magic; SQ Innate Counterspell 3/Day, Capture Magic’s Shadow; AL Neutral Good; SV Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +10; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 22, Wis 11, Cha 8.
This build combines the arcane prowess of a 9th-level Wizard with the shadowy mastery of 9th-level Mysteries. Unleashing the power of both the Weave and its shadow, the character excels in offensive spells like Wish and control spells like Simulacrum. With the Noctumancer class, it gains exceptional counterspelling capabilities and can reduce enemy caster levels. It uses the Mystic Theurge for spell progression, making this character a formidable spellcaster and anti-spellcaster.
Stat Block Level 20:
Unnamed: female, Shadow Human Shadowcaster 3/Wizard 1/Noctumancer 10/Mystic Theurge 6; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 20d4+40; hp 90; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 13, flat-footed 12; Base Atk +10; Grp +8; Atk Quarterstaff +10 (1d6-2) or Ray +13; Full Atk Quarterstaff +10/+5 (1d6-2) or Ray +13/+8; SA Shadow Magic, Wizard Spells; SQ Darkvision, Innate Counterspell 3/Day, Capture Magic’s Shadow, Eldritch Disruption; AL Neutral; SV Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +16; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 22, Wis 11, Cha 8.
Shadow Familiar, Eldritch Vortex, Shadow Persistence, Maintain power during Innate Counterspell.
Possessions: Spellbook, Rod of Absorption, Cloak of Resistance +5, Headband of Intellect +6.
Milestones Of Character Development
Levels 1-5: The character initially trains in shadow magic as a Shadowcaster, gaining the Darkstalker and Shadow Weave Magic feats. They further expand their magical repertoire by multiclassing into Wizard, focusing on increasing their intelligence and gaining the Scribe Scroll feat for versatility.
Levels 6-10: Ascending into a Noctumancer, the character focuses on integrating and mastering both arcane and shadow magic. Key features like Shadow Familiar and innate counterspell abilities emerge, bolstering their magical defenses and offensive capabilities.
Levels 11-15: Continued growth as a Noctumancer brings Eldritch Disruption and Eldritch Vortex abilities, enhancing their capability to counter enemy magic. Transitioning into Mystic Theurge, the character maintains their growth in spellcasting power.
Levels 16-20: The character reaches their zenith of power as a Mystic Theurge, mastering both wizard spells and mysteries up to the 9th level. Strategic intellect increases and persistent magical abilities ensure dominance over both arcane and shadow from level 20.
Core Abilities & Features of the Night Mage
Starting with the Shadowcaster class, the build gains the ability to navigate both light and dark magic. Key abilities include Fundamentals of Shadow and Apprentice Mysteries, which lay a solid foundation for spellcasting. At 4th level, Umbral Sight grants critical superiority in dark environments, adding significant stealth advantages.
The progression into Noctumancer introduces the skill to capture and counter enemy magic effectively. The highlights include Capture Magic’s Shadow at level 5, which can nullify enemy spells, and Innate Counterspell abilities that grow in potency, eventually allowing the Night Mage[1] to counterspell multiple times per day. With abilities like Eldritch Disruption and Eldritch Vortex, the Night Mage[1] disrupts and controls enemy spellcasting with precision.
As the build advances into the Mystic Theurge, it optimizes both arcane and divine spellcasting, enhancing its magical versatility. The feat progression, featuring Insidious Magic, Pernicious Magic, and Tenacious Magic, represents mastery over augmented spell deployment and enemy nullification. By maximizing Intelligence through level bonuses, each stride in this build emphasizes power and strategy, crafting one of the game’s most comprehensive magic users.
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Equipment
Details
L1-5
Cloak of Resistance +1
Provides a +1 bonus on all saving throws to boost defenses against spells.
L6-10
Amulet of Natural Armor +2
Increases natural armor bonus, enhancing AC to protect from physical attacks.
L11-15
Headband of Intellect +4
Boosts Intelligence, enhancing spellcasting ability and bonus spell slots.
L16-20
Robe of the Archmagi
A confers spell resistance, protection bonuses, and increases DCs of spells cast.
Combat Scenarios as a Night Mage
Dungeon Crawls:
Utilize ‘Umbral Sight’ to navigate dark tunnels unseen, while relying on ‘Fundamentals of Shadow’ to detect hidden threats. Prepare ‘Consume Essence’ to weaken any formidable adversaries you might encounter.
Open Fields:
Capitalize on your long-range capabilities with ‘Shadow Weave Magic’ to target enemies from afar. Use ‘Eldritch Disruption’ to control large areas and disrupt enemy formations, maximizing your strategic advantage in open terrain.
Ambushes:
With ‘Insidious Magic’, set traps using illusions while remaining hidden. Initiate counterspells with ‘Innate Counterspell’ to cripple enemy spellcasters before they can retaliate, turning their magic against them.
Defensive Stands:
Employ ‘Eldritch Vortex’ to create a barrier, pushing enemies back. Use ‘Shadow Persistence’ to maintain an ongoing defense, repelling any repeated attempts to breach your stronghold.
Urban Encounters:
Navigate the crowded and chaotic streets with precision using ‘Shadow Familiar’ to scout ahead and distract potential threats. Execute ‘Pernicious Magic’ to manipulate the environment, using architecture and crowded alleyways to your advantage.
Weaknesses & Counters
Weakness
Counter
Vulnerability to Anti-Magic Fields
Equip “Ring of Spell Turning” to deflect blocking spells and “Rod of Cancellation” to suppress barriers.
Low Hit Points
Boost Constitution with “Amulet of Health +4” and preemptively cast “False Life” for temporary hit points.
Complex Resource Management
Manage spells efficiently with “Heward’s Handy Haversack” for carrying potion reserves like “Elixir of the Cunning” simplifying decision-making.
Poor Melee Capabilities
Summon “Greater Weapon of Warding” to deter melee threats, enhancing defense and “Mirror Image” for avoidance.
Spell Resistance of Enemies
Use the “Pierce Magical Concealment” and “Spell Penetration” feats, alongside “Staff of Overcoming” to nullify high resistances.
Low Dexterity Saves
Utilize “Gloves of Dexterity +2” and the spell “Cat’s Grace” to bolster reflexes during encounters
Roleplaying a Night Mage
The Night Mage[1] is a masterpiece of mystery and duality. Embrace this enigmatic nature in roleplaying by emphasizing the harmony between shadow and weave magic. Consider a backstory of seeking equilibrium in contrasting forces, or perhaps an insatiable curiosity driving you to balance light and dark.
Opportunities for themes in roleplay abound. Perhaps this mage is a seeker of knowledge, navigating between realms both mystical and mundane. Develop interactions reflecting their growing insight, or a mysterious aura that intrigues and intimidates allies and foes alike. Highlight their mastery of counterspelling through narrative – showing how nullifying enemy magic becomes second nature.
The Shadowcaster combines arcane and shadow magic, wielding both 9th-level wizard spells and 9th-level shadow mysteries. This gives it versatility unmatched by other classes. The ability to manipulate light and darkness allows for creative tactical solutions. It’s a class that thrives on situational adaptation and nuanced strategy.
Anti-Magic Fields are significant threats, but not insurmountable. Equip items like the Ring of Spell Turning to deflect magic-blocking attempts. A Rod of Cancellation can also help suppress fields temporarily. Strategic retreat is often advisable until you can counter the field’s effects. Resourcefulness often wins the day.
What Strategies Can a Night Mage[1] Use to Improve Their Low Hit Points?
Shadowcasters should bolster Constitution with the Amulet of Health. Spells like False Life offer temporary hit points, increasing survivability. Maintaining a good distance and using spells to control the battlefield is crucial. Defensive gear such as a Cloak of Resistance provides further protection.
How Should a Night Mage[1] Develop Their Skill Progression?
Start by focusing on shadow magic, then diversify with wizard abilities. Move into Noctumancer levels to integrate arcane and shadow seamlessly. As a Mystic Theurge, maximize spellcasting proficiency across both domains. Ensure your Intelligence remains high to leverage maximum spell potency.
What Roleplaying Opportunities Exist for a Night Mage[1]?
Shadowcasters can evoke a sense of mystery and duality in roleplay. Themes of balance between light and darkness provide rich narrative fodder. They might be seekers of equilibrium or insatiable knowledge hounds. Their mastery of counterspelling can underscore their enigmatic aura.
Writer, Editor, GM, Technologist – Andrew’s been playing TTRPGs since as far back as he can recall… at least sometime in the nineties… or was it the early 2000s?
As the two brothers left the camp, the master of shadow magic came to send them off.
–“Don’t forget what you have learned here young man.” The master said, smiling at the elder brother, who smiled back.
–“I have…a question sir, before I leave. Have you ever taught Shadow Magic to a Weave Mage before?”
The smile of the older man widened.
-“No, I have not. Shadow Magic and Regular Magic do not work well together, as you can attest yourself.”
–“So why teach me?” Asked the nobleman, curious to his reasons.
–“Because a mage who masters both the weave and its shadow is bound to become one of the most powerful spellcasters that has ever walked the land, young one…”
Race
Shadow Human
Class
Shadowcaster 3/Wizard 1/Noctumancer 10/Mystic Theurge 6 (2 LA Buyback)
What the old man in my story says to the Arcane Trickster is not wrong. A Noctumancer well built can cast both 9th level wizard spells and 9th level mysteries, making it, by far, one of the most powerful and versatile builds in dungeons and dragons period. Between the insanity of Wish, Simulacrum and Shapechange, with the shenanigans of Consume Essence and Shadow Time…Yeah, there really isn’t much that can cause you problems. And with your Counterspelling mastery and ability to lower caster levels of enemies, along the Shadow Weave Magic feat tree, yeah, you are not only one of the strongest spellcasters in the game, you’re also one of the strongest anti spellcasters in the game.
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