Article-At-A-Glance
- Characters with the Broken Mind[1] build have powerful Phrenic Amplifications for risky spellcasting.
- Broken Mind characters possess heightened Intelligence and social manipulation abilities.
- Roleplaying involves balancing their brilliance with fragility from abyssal experiences.
- Offers insights into ethical dilemmas between power pursuit and maintaining sanity.
Click on the level for more information
The Broken Mind[1] Psychic at level 1 is a human Psychic Marauder specializing in harnessing mental powers. With high Intelligence driving their abilities, they focus on versatility and mental acumen, using metamagic to boost their spells. Building resilience with high HP, armor proficiency, and defensive skills, they’re adept at tackling foes with a combination of offensive and supportive spells, particularly excelling in social situations with powerful social skills.
Level 1 Stat Block
Broken Mind Psychic: male, human psychic 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid; HD 1d6; hp 8; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 10, touch 10, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk club +0 (1d4); Full Atk club +0 (1d4); SA psychic spells, undercast surge; SQ phrenic pool, lore discipline; AL true neutral; SV Fort +2, Ref +0, Will +2; Str 7, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 19, Wis 7, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Bluff +6, Diplomacy +6, Intimidate +6, Spellcraft +8; Toughness, Armor Proficiency (Light).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Phrenic Pool allows phrenic amplifications such as Undercast Surge to enhance spellcasting.
Possessions
the best available armor, a club, basic adventurer’s gear.
By Level 5, the Broken Mind[1] is a cerebral powerhouse. Aiming to expand knowledge and reality itself through a rich spell list, with an emphasis on Mind-affecting spells and spells of utility. With Armor Proficiency in Medium Armor and the Extend Spell feat, this build has the endurance for prolonged encounters. Your core strength lies in your intelligence, facilitating exceptional spellcasting abilities that allow you to influence the battlefield strategically.
Level 5 Stat Block
Broken Mind: male, human psychic 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d6+10; hp 30; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +2; Grp +1; Atk Telekinetic Projectile +5 ranged (1d6 force damage) or dagger +0 melee (1d4-2/19-20); Full Atk Telekinetic Projectile +5 ranged (1d6 force damage) or dagger +0 melee (1d4-2/19-20); SA Spell-like abilities, Mind Thrust II; SQ Psychic discipline (Lore), Phrenic amplifications; AL Neutral Good; SV Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +6; Str 7, Dex 11, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 7, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Spellcraft +13, Bluff +12, Diplomacy +12, Intimidate +10, various Knowledge skills +10; Toughness, Armor Proficiency (Light), Extend Spell, Armor Proficiency (Medium).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Undercast Surge to reroll dice from cast spells, enabling better control over outcomes.
Possessions
Masterwork Studded Leather (Medium Armor), Dagger, Arcane Focus, Spell Component Pouch.
This build at level 10 focuses on sheer magical dominance through metamagic feats and spell penetration. With enhanced armor proficiencies that allow casting without somatic components, the character is protected well in combat. The broken mind[1] theme enhances the character’s ability to tap into powerful spells sooner than most. With key spells like Haste and Dispel Magic, supported by Extend and Empower Spell, the character excels in both offensive and support roles, maintaining high utility and survivability.
Level 10 Stat Block
Broken Mind: male, human psychic (psychic marauder archetype) 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 10d8 plus 10; hp 76; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 11, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +5; Grp +5; Atk Mind Thrust II (psychic attack details) or Quarterstaff (1d6); Full Atk Mind Thrust II or Quarterstaff (1d6); SA Mind Thrust II, Contact Entity II, Dispel Magic; SQ Undercast Surge, Relentless Casting; AL Neutral; SV Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +9; Str 7, Dex 11, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 7, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Bluff +9, Diplomacy +9, Intimidate +12, Spellcraft +18; Toughness, Armor Proficiency (Light, Medium, Heavy), Extend Spell, Spell Penetration, Empower Spell.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Undercast Surge allows rerolling damage for undercasted spells, Relentless Casting grants casting benefits in dire situations.
Possessions
Masterwork breastplate (or similar armor of good quality), various scrolls, standard adventurer’s pack.
At level 15, the Broken Mind[1] build is a formidable spellcaster with a solid arsenal of metamagic-enhanced spells. They excel in controlling the battlefield with spells like Reverse Gravity and using spells like Form of the Alien Dragon I for combat adaptability. Their mental fortitude, thanks to Phrenic Amplifications like Mimic Metamagic, allows for versatile spellcasting including quickened spells. They remain resilient while performing as an exceptional party face with social skills and spells like Possession and Mind Probe.
Level 15 Stat Block
Broken Mind: male, Human Psychic 15; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d6; hp 87; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 10, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +7; Grp +7; Atk Telekinetic Projectile (1d10) or Heavy Crossbow; Full Atk Telekinetic Projectile (1d10) or Heavy Crossbow; SA Mind Thrust III, Impossible Angles; SQ Phrenic Pool, Undercast Surge, Relentless Casting; AL Neutral; SV Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +13; Str 7, Dex 11, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 7, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Bluff +18, Diplomacy +18, Intimidate +18, Spellcraft +20, Knowledge (Arcana) +20; Toughness, Armor Proficiency (Light, Medium, Heavy), Extend Spell, Spell Penetration, Greater Spell Penetration, Empower Spell, Maximize Spell.
Psychic Spells and Phrenic Amplifications:
Access to and augmented versions of spells including Mind Thrust III, Enlarge Person, Haste, and Reverse Gravity; Mimic Metamagic (Quicken Spell, Ascendant Spell).
Possessions
+3 Full Plate, Magnificent Mansion (via Lore), Wand of Enervation.
The Broken Mind[1] build finalized at level 20 utilizes a Human Psychic Marauder, exploiting high Intelligence for powerful spells. It has a robust spell arsenal, enhanced by Metamagic feats like Empower and Widen Spell. With Lore discipline, it offers a strong defense and versatile spell utility, capable of significant social influence through spells like Possession and Mind Probe.
Level 20 Stat Block
The Broken Mind[1]: male, human psychic 20; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 20d6; hp 140; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 10, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +10; Grp +9; Atk Mind Thrust III (ranged touch attack) or Staff of Power +10 melee; Full Atk Staff of Power +10/+5 melee; SA Telekinetic Projectile, Mind Thrust, Black Tentacles; SQ Phrenic Amplifications (Mimic Metamagic, Undercast Surge), Lore discipline; AL Neutral; SV Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +18; Str 7, Dex 11, Con 14, Int 22, Wis 7, Cha 16.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Bluff +25, Diplomacy +25, Spellcraft +30, Knowledge (arcana) +30; Toughness, Armor Proficiency(Light, Medium, Heavy), Extend Spell, Spell Penetration, Greater Spell Penetration, Empower Spell, Maximize Spell, Enlarge Spell, Widen Spell.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Can access spells like Wish, Gate, and Form of the Alien Dragon III through high Intelligence and Phrenic Amplifications, exceptional at disabling enemies and battlefield control.
Possessions
+5 Full Plate Armor, Staff of Power, various Metamagic rods.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Establish the foundation with Toughness and Light Armor Proficiency for durability. Learn key early-level spells like Telekinetic Projectile, Mage Hand, and Mind Thrust I. Emphasize increasing Armor proficiency and begin extending spell durations with Extend Spell.
- Levels 6-10: Transition to Medium Armor Proficiency for added protection. Bolster your spellcasting with Spell Penetration for breaking through defenses. Introduce important spells such as Invisibility and Haste, enhancing both exploration and combat capabilities.
- Levels 11-15: Complete Armor Proficiency with Heavy Armor, gaining maximum defense. Focus on powerful metamagics with Greater Spell Penetration, Empower Spell, and Maximize Spell. Master more advanced spells like Freedom of Movement, Teleport, and Conjure Black Pudding, greatly expanding your magical repertoire and mobility.
- Levels 16-20: Reach the pinnacle of your psychic potential with Enlarge, Widen, and Quicken Spell for spell versatility. Expand your spell arsenal with complex and reality-altering spells such as Wish, Gate, and Divide Mind, allowing unprecedented control over reality itself.
Core Abilities & Features
Psychic Marauder Archetype: At the heart of the Broken Mind[1] build is the Psychic Marauder archetype. This choice delivers unique abilities and connections with the psychic discipline Lore, enhancing knowledge-based spells and abilities throughout the character’s progression to level 20.
Race and Attributes: Human is the chosen race, leveraging its flexibility, particularly in allocating a floating +2 to Intelligence. This is crucial as Intelligence directly impacts your psychic power, spellcasting capacity, and overall effectiveness in utilizing mind-bending spells.
Chosen Traits: Armor Expert is selected to reduce armor penalties, which can encumber less physically inclined characters. Meanwhile, Arcane Temper provides initiative and concentration bonuses, critical when quickly reacting to threats and maintaining complex spells.
Aspect of Metamagic: Metamagic feats like Extend Spell and Empower Spell are central to this build, broadening spell impact. This is further enhanced by Spell Penetration, ensuring efficacy against resistant foes. Progressions to Greater Spell Penetration and Maximize Spell emphasize devastating spell effects, while Enlarge Spell and Widen Spell significantly broaden spell reach.
Intrigue of Phrenic Amplifications: Amplifications such as Undercast Surge and Relentless Casting increase psychic flexibility and resilience. The Mimic Metamagic amplification allows the incorporation of powerful adjustments like Quicken Spell. This adaptability is critical in applying strategic metamagic boosts as needed.
Spell Arsenal: With spells like Telekinetic Projectile and Mind Thrust, the build starts strong at early levels. Spells develop into potent tools such as Hypercognition and Gate. This expansive selection enhances lore and tactical versatility. From buffing allies to debilitating adversaries, the spell list is holistic and comprehensive.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Corset of Cleared Handiwork | Gives bonuses on Dexterity-based checks, vital early game boost. |
| L6-10 | Darkleaf Cloth Breastplate | Provides improved AC without hindering psychic abilities with somatic components or heavy penalties. |
| L11-15 | Celestial Armor | Enhanced AC and minimal penalties, excellent for sustained battles with high mobility. |
| L16-20 | Mithral Full Plate of Speed | Exceptional defense with added speed benefit; perfect for end-game encounters with rapid spellcasting needs. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- With confined spaces, rely on spells like ‘Black Tentacles’ to control narrow corridors. Utilize ‘Mage Hand’ strategically to trigger potential traps from a safe distance, and employ ‘Mind Probe’ to anticipate encounters further down the corridors.
- Open Fields:
- Capitalize on the range of ‘Mind Thrust’ to strike at enemies before they close in. Use ‘Fly’ to keep a aerial advantage for observing battlefield. ‘Reverse Gravity’ can turn terrain to your favor, tipping the odds when facing numerous foes.
- Ambushes:
- React quickly with ‘Relentless Casting’ to throw off surprise attackers. ‘Invisibility’ helps reposition until favorable. Follow it with ‘Color Spray’ or ‘Bloodbath’ to incapacitate or cause panic among your foes, turning ambushes into opportunities.
- Defensive Stands:
- Fortify with ‘Contingency’ to prepare for unexpected threats. Use ‘Gate’ as a strategic secondary escape, while ‘Wish’ could be employed to tip scales or retrieve allies swiftly. Defensive spells like ‘Defensive spells like ‘Form of the Alien Dragon III’ add to defense and offense simultaneously.
- Urban Encounters:
- Blend into city settings by utilizing ‘Prestidigitation’ to alter mundane scenes. ‘Teleport’ affords strategic retreat or repositioning behind barriers. In high rise altercations, ‘Orb of the Void’ can plunge groups into chaos or clear paths indoors. ‘Haunting Mists’ can obscure and dismantle a structured assault.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Strength | Focus on controlling the battlefield with spells like ‘Black Tentacles’ to limit enemies’ movement. |
| Difficulty with Physical Combat | Utilize ‘Possession’ to control powerful physical opponents. Equip a ‘Cloak of Displacement’ for added protection. |
| Chaotic Spell List Management | Organize spells using ‘Hyperconsciousness’ or ‘Contact Entity’ to prioritize situational spells. |
| Limited Close Combat Ability | Enhance spells with ‘Greater Spell Penetration’ to ensure ranged attack efficiency rather than engaging in melee. |
| Spell Resistance Challenges | Use ‘Spell Penetration’ feat early in the build; rely on ‘Piercing Spell’ whenever possible as an alternative. |
Roleplaying
Imagine a character who has peered into the void, and managed to pull themselves back, albeit with a mind forever altered. The Broken Mind build leans into the narrative of someone who has experienced the unimaginable and who now walks the fine line between genius and madness. Each spell cast is a reminder of the abyss they once stared into. These experiences not only bestow immense power but also create opportunities for deep roleplaying.
Set your character’s path on a quest for knowledge and power at any cost. Their lore discipline gives them a unique perspective, seeing connections others miss. They might be driven by an insatiable curiosity or a desire to protect the world from the horrors they’ve glimpsed. However, this connection to the arcane comes with a price. Their mental state might be fragile, sometimes leading to unpredictable behavior, offering roleplaying moments of conflict or inspiration for the group dynamic.
Phrenic Amplifications
The Phrenic Amplifications provide intrigue for roleplaying. As your character’s powers grow, they might find it increasingly hard to distinguish reality from the visions that haunt them. Can your allies rely on you when reality itself seems a blur? A human character placing their bonus into Intelligence might have flashes of brilliance that lift the party out of peril. Yet, they’re prone to moments of doubt, a reminder of the mind’s fragility.
Community interactions can be nuanced. The Broken Mind[1]’s social skills, like Bluff and Diplomacy, allow for manipulation and persuasion with an undercurrent of enigma or unease. Perhaps locals view you as a sage, or maybe they whisper about your past scars. The equipment, especially the best armor you can find, could be a heavy metaphor, a physical barrier between the character and the overwhelming forces they’ve engaged with. A chance to roleplay the struggle between vulnerability and the need for armor-like protection.
FAQ
What makes the Broken Mind[1] build unique in Pathfinder 1E?
The Broken Mind[1] taps into the deep psyche for powerful spells. It explores a character’s journey to the abyss and back, adding rich narrative depth. This build balances immense power with a fragile mental state. It opens numerous roleplaying opportunities, from twisted genius to unstable visionary.
How do Phrenic Amplifications enhance the Broken Mind[1] character?
Phrenic Amplifications expand a psychic’s abilities significantly. They allow for reality manipulation based on mental energy reserves. With these, your character accesses a suite of mind-bending powers. This enhances both combat capabilities and narrative interactions. Your character can even blur the lines between the conscious and the subconscious.
What character motivations suit the Broken Mind[1] build?
Motivations vary from a quest for forbidden knowledge to saving the world. A Broken Mind may seek answers to questions beyond mortal grasp. They might aim to protect others from arcane horrors witnessed. Alternatively, they could be driven by an inner turmoil to understand themselves.
How does the Broken Mind[1] affect party dynamics?
The Broken Mind[1] can influence through skills like Bluff and Diplomacy. They offer unique perspectives, often seeing patterns others miss. Yet their mental fragility can pose challenges, creating tension or inspiration. This duality fosters dynamic interactions and unexpected plot developments.
What equipment should a Broken Mind prioritize?
Focus on equipment supporting mental resilience and spellcasting. Items boosting Intelligence and mental defenses are essential. Consider gear like Headbands of Vast Intelligence and Cloaks of Resistance. High-quality armor can symbolize a psychological barrier. These help manage the dual nature of power and vulnerability effectively.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Broken Mind!
Absolutely! Embrace the challenging yet rewarding nature of the Broken Mind[1]. The complexities offer rich storytelling and thrilling tactical choices. Join our Stellar Dragons Discord to explore more at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Author
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Psychic – The Broken Mind – Pathfinder 1E ( the Broken Mind )
The Broken Mind
So, sometimes, when you look into the Abyss. The Abyss stares back. And it breaks the mind of fools who dared observe its infinity. But for some, with a shattered psyche comes incredible power. This is what this build is supposed to represent. We will be taking the Psychic Marauder Archetype all the way to level 20 for this build.
Discipline
Lore
Race
Human, put that floating +2 into Int
Ability Scores
Round up Dex if odd, then everything else in Int.
15Point-Buy
Str 7/Dex 10/Con 14/Int 19/Wis 7/Cha 14
20Point-Buy
Str 7/Dex 11/Con 14/Int 20/Wis 7/Cha 14
25Point-Buy
Str 7/Dex 11/Con 14/Int 20/Wis 7/Cha 16
Traits
Armor Expert for a reduced Penalty and Arcane Temper for a small bonus both on Initiative
and Concentration.
Favored Class Bonus
HP.
Skills
Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, Spellcraft, and then various Knowledge as you feel.
Feats by Level
1-Toughness
Human Bonus-Armor Proficiency(Light)
3-Extend Spell
5-Armor Proficiency(Medium)
7-Spell Penetration
9-Armor Proficiency(Heavy)
11-Greater Spell Penetration
13-Empower Spell
15-Maximize Spell
17-Enlarge Spell
19-Widen Spell
Once again taking advantage of the lack of somatic components with Armor Proficiency, but this time our focus is on Metamagic feats, such as Extend Spell and Empower Spell that are great for both buffs, debuffs and blasts. We also take Spell Penetration much earlier for maximized efficiency on that end.
Phrenic Amplifications by Level
1-Undercast Surge
7-Relentless Casting
15-Mimic Metamagic(Quicken Spell, Ascendant Spell)
Spells Learned by Level
1-Telekinetic Projectile, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Color Spray, Mind Thrust
I, Comprehend Languages
2-Detect Psychic Significance
3-Vanish
4-Read Magic, Contact Entity I, Hypercognition5-Enlarge Person, Mind Thrust II
6-Light, Contact Entity II, Dispel Magic
7-Ventriloquism, Invisibility, Haste
8-Stabilize Black Tentacles, Mind Probe
9-Bloodbath, Fly, Eyes of the Void
10-Bleed, Contact Entity III, Retrocognition
11-Haunting Mists, Countless Eyes, Dimension Door, Possession
12-Contingency, Legend Lore
13-Freedom of Movements, Teleport, Conjure Black Pudding
14-Form of the Alien Dragon I, Greater Arcane Sight
15-Impossible Angles, Dream Travel, Contact Entity IV
16-Bilocation, Moment of Prescience
17-Reverse Gravity, Form of the Alien Dragon II
18-Form of the Alien Dragon III, Divide Mind
19-Orb of the Void, Wish
20-Gate
Equipment
The best armor you can get. And…that’s about that.
Final Thoughts
This build is all about cracking reality open. You’ve got a very powerful spell list, backed by metamagic, your Lore lets you have a physical repository of all your knowledge in the form of a Magnificent Mansion, and on top of being fairly resilient, you are also a fantastic face between your social skills and your possession and mind probe spells.
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