Article-At-A-Glance
- Anomaly build manipulates Impossible and Psychic bloodlines for unique spellcasting.
- Offers flexibility in combat by enabling spellcasting in armor without somatic components.
- Features versatile strategies exploring weaponry options like crafting and metamagic feats.
- Discusses roleplaying opportunities involving mystery and the bending of reality and imagination.
Click on the level for more information
Description
At level 1, this Sorcerer focuses on enhancing spellcasting with the crossblooded archetype and traits like Reactionary for initiative. They maximize Charisma for powerful spell effects and gain the Psychic Strike bloodline power for extra damage. Their feats and traits gear them toward using and crafting magical items effectively.
Stat Block
Anomaly: male, Half-Elf Sorcerer 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 1d6; hp 9; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 11, touch 11, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk Acid Splash +0 ranged (1d3 acid) or Quarterstaff +0 melee (1d6); Full Atk Acid Splash +0 ranged (1d3 acid) or Quarterstaff +0 melee (1d6); SA Psychic Strike; SQ low-light vision, eschew materials, elven immunities; AL CG; SV Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +3; Str 10, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills and Feats
Knowledge (Engineering) +5, Use Magic Device +8, Craft (any one) +5; Toughness, Eschew Materials, Skill Focus (Use Magic Device).
Special Abilities
Psychic Strike allows additional psychic damage on a successful spell hit.
Possessions
None specific at level 1.
Description
The Anomaly[1] Sorcerer build at level 5 capitalizes on the unique abilities derived from the Crossblooded archetype’s Impossible and Psychic bloodlines, breaking through conventional spellcasting limitations by allowing psychic casting. This Sorcerer can don Medium Armor without penalty due to Medium Armor Proficiency and cast spells without relying on somatic components, ensuring resilience in various conditions. With a focus on crafting capabilities and a powerful spell list that includes utility and control magic such as Ghost Sound, Mage Armor, and Id Insinuation, the build is finely tuned for both individual versatility and team support.
Stat Block
Anomaly: male, Half-Elf Sorcerer 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 5d6+10; hp 27; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 10, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +2; Grp +2; Atk None; Full Atk None; SA Psychic Spells; SQ Dual Bloodline, Arcane to Psychic Conversion, Eschew Materials, Medium Armor Proficiency; AL CN; SV Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +5; Str 10, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 19.
Skills and Feats
Knowledge(Engineering) +9, Use Magic Device +12; Toughness, Skill Focus(Use Magic Device), Eschew Materials, Light Armor Proficiency, Medium Armor Proficiency. Psychic Spells: Cast mind-affecting spells on Constructs, no somatic components needed.
Possessions
Medium armor, spell component pouch, crafting kit.
Description
At level 10, the Anomaly[1] Sorcerer utilizes both the Impossible and Psychic Bloodlines for unique spellcasting. They can cast powerful spells as psychic spells without somatic components, allowing casting in armor or even while grappled. The character is highly versatile and has access to a wide array of spells due to their ability to cast any sorcerer/wizard spell thanks to ‘Versatile Spontaneity’ and ‘Paragon Surge’. By this level, the character also benefits significantly from the ‘Sacred Geometry’ feat, allowing metamagic usage without level increase. This build prioritizes crafting and spell versatility.
Stat Block
Sorcerer – Anomaly: female, half-elf sorcerer 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 10d6; hp 60; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 13, touch 10, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +5; Grp +5; Atk short sword +5 (1d6/19-20) or spell; Full Atk short sword +5 (1d6/19-20) or spell; SA Psychic Strike, Spontaneous Generation; SQ Crossblooded, bloodline arcana (Impossible & Psychic), enhanced spell versatility; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +7; Str 10, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 19.
Skills and Feats
Knowledge (Engineering) +10, Use Magic Device +14, Spellcraft +10; Toughness, Skill Focus (Use Magic Devices), Eschew Materials, Light Armor Proficiency, Medium Armor Proficiency, Heavy Armor Proficiency, Sacred Geometry (Empower Spell, Bouncing Spell). Special Attacks and Qualities: Psychic Strike incites forceful psychic damage, Spontaneous Generation facilitates on-the-fly spell crafting, items efficiently crafted.
Possessions
Light armor, magic wand, crafting tools, assorted magical reagents.
Description
A formidable sorcerer using the Crossblooded archetype with Impossible and Psychic bloodlines, able to cast powerful spells as psychic spells without somatic components. Proficient in all armor types without imposing penalties. Utilizes Sacred Geometry to enhance spells without increasing their level, offering immense versatility in combat. Capable of creating magical items and constructs, playing a supportive role while still being a core damage dealer.
Stat Block
Anomaly: Male, Half-Elf Sorcerer 15; CR 15; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 15d6+30; hp 82; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 12, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +7; Grp +7; Atk Touch spell (spell details) or longsword +7 melee (1d8); Full Atk Touch spell (spell details) or longsword +7/+2 melee (1d8); SA Psychic Strike, Spontaneous Generation; SQ Relativity, Versatile Spontaneity; AL CN; SV Fort +6, Ref +8, Will +9; Str 10, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 23.
Skills and Feats
Knowledge (Engineering) +15, Use Magic Device +18, Craft (Armor) +13, Craft (Weapons) +13; Toughness, Skill Focus (Use Magic Device), Eschew Materials, Light Armor Proficiency, Medium Armor Proficiency, Heavy Armor Proficiency, Craft Wondrous Items, Sacred Geometry (Empower Spell, Extend Spell). Special Attacks and Qualities: Cast psychic spells, utilize advanced crafting feats.
Possessions
Mithral Full Plate, crafting supplies, assortment of magical components.
Description
With this Sorcerer build, you’re essentially a magical powerhouse wearing armor, casting spells without being hindered by pesky somatic components due to the Psychic Bloodline. Crossblooded archetype allows you to manipulate magical constructs and cast psychic spells without worrying about somatic components, enabling casting while in armor or restrained. The build boasts incredible crafting abilities and versatile spellcasting, empowering you to shape spells with Sacred Geometry without increasing their levels. By level 14, you’ll have crafted a Golem companion, and your ability to craft items at reduced costs further enhances your utility to your party.
Stat Block
The Anomaly[1]: female, Half-Elf Sorcerer (Crossblooded) 20; CR 20; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 20d6+20; hp 150; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 30, touch 15, flat-footed 28; Base Atk +10; Grp +10; Atk +12 melee (1d6+2, quarterstaff) or +14 ranged (1d8+2, light crossbow); Full Atk +12/+7 melee (1d6+2, quarterstaff) or +14 ranged (1d8+2, light crossbow); SA Psychic spells; SQ Spellcasting (Psychic), Dual Bloodlines (Impossible, Psychic), Craft Magic Items; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +9, Ref +10, Will +15; Str 10, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 20.
Skills and Feats
Knowledge (Engineering) +23, Use Magic Device +28, Craft (Magic Items) +25; Toughness, Skill Focus (Use Magic Device), Eschew Materials, Light Armor Proficiency, Medium Armor Proficiency, Heavy Armor Proficiency, Craft Wondrous Items, Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Sacred Geometry, Craft Wands, Craft Constructs, Spontaneous Versatility, Iron Will.
Special Abilities
Spontaneous Generation, Psychic Strike, Undercasting Prodigy, Relativity, Living Paradox.
Possessions
Best available armor, various crafting materials, quarterstaff, light crossbow.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Begin with the Crossblooded Sorcerer class, focusing on the Impossible and Psychic Bloodlines, granting the ability to cast without somatic components. Important Feats include Toughness for durability and proficiency in magical devices with Skill Focus (Use Magic Devices). Gain the Eschew Materials Feat, allowing you to cast without material components.
- Levels 6-10: Armor proficiency progresses, allowing casting in medium and heavy armor. Craft Wondrous Items and Light Armors Proficiency enhance versatility. Spells like Invisibility and Intellect Fortress I bolster defensive capabilities, while Sacred Geometry empowers spells with metamagic effects without increasing spell level.
- Levels 11-15: Focus shifts to high-impact Feats like Sacred Geometry, incorporating metamagic options such as Quicken Spell. Gain the ability to craft Constructs. The strategy involves using powerful spells such as Disintegrate and Antimagic Field, reinforced by the Craft Wands Feat, enhancing versatility in battle.
- Levels 16-20: Mastery of spellcasting with Feats like Maximize Spell and Spontaneous Versatility. Advanced spells include Maze and Wish, reflecting ultimate power. Crafting completes with Paragon Surge adding adaptability, culminating in the ability to cast any Sorcerer/Wizard spell, supported by high-grade armor and a loyal Golem.
Core Abilities & Features
This Sorcerer build, aptly named ‘The Anomaly[1],’ harnesses the blend of Impossible and Psychic Bloodlines to truly break the norms of traditional spellcasting in Pathfinder 1E. The Psychic Bloodline allows spellcasting to shift from arcane to psychic, eliminating somatic components, which means you can cast spells while grappled or in armor without penalties. The Impossible Bloodline adds the unique twist of casting mind-affecting spells on Constructs, greatly expanding your magical influence.
As you progress, key bloodline powers like Psychic Strike at level 1 enhance your combat effectiveness. By leveling to 3, Spontaneous Generation comes into play, offering potent crafting capabilities. Unlocking Undercasting Prodigy by level 9 empowers you with greater spell versatility. At level 15, the Relativity power adds reality-bending feats, culminating at level 20 with Living Paradox, turning you into a reality-defying entity. These abilities synergize with the Sorcerer’s core traits to maximize your influence in any encounter.
A Half-Elf heritage enhances your social skills and provides the dexterity needed for versatile spellcasting. Loaded with Charisma and crucial feats like Toughness, and Iron Will, you remain resilient in battle. Sacred Geometry is the linchpin of this build, allowing the use of powerful metamagic feats without increasing the spell levels—ideal for crafting legendary spells like Time Stop and Wish without sacrifice. This build is all about flexibility and power, making you a formidable presence—an anomaly in every fight.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Cloak of Resistance +1 | Essential for early game survival, enhances saving throws by +1. |
| L1-5 | Ring of Protection +1 | Increases Armor Class by +1, providing extra defense. |
| L6-10 | Headband of Alluring Charisma +2 | Boosts Charisma, enhancing your spellcasting potency. |
| L6-10 | Amulet of Natural Armor +2 | Further augments Armor Class, improving survivability. |
| L11-15 | Cloak of Resistance +3 | Upgraded resistance cloak offering +3 to all saving throws. |
| L11-15 | Bracers of Armor +4 | Provides an F enhancement to AC, compensating for lack of armor. |
| L16-20 | Headband of Alluring Charisma +4 | Substantial Charisma boost, maximizing spell DCs and effects. |
| L16-20 | Staff of Power | Grants access to additional spells, can be used as a potent melee weapon. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In tight quarters, leverage Vanish and Invisibility for stealth. Use Spider Climb to navigate non-traditional paths. Employ Black Tentacles to control narrow spaces, making it difficult for opponents to maneuver.
- Open Fields:
- Begin with Temporal Stasis or Imprisonment to handle significant threats early. Use Fly to gain altitude and provide a tactical advantage. Lightning Bolt can strike clusters of enemies effectively, while Paragon Surge helps adapt to any unforeseen challenges.
- Ambushes:
- Quickly cast Id Insinuation I to incapacitate unsuspecting foes. If surrounded, Maze or Dimension Door offer rapid exits. Utilize Summon spells like Simulacrum to create distractions. Ally Across Time can provide immediate help from allies not present in the ambush.
- Defensive Stands:
- Activate Stone Skin for improved defense during siege situations. Magic Circle spells prevent leap attacks from aggressors. Use Fabricate to quickly create barricades or barriers. Ego Whip I and Paragon Surge ensure mental defenses remain robust.
- Urban Encounters:
- The bustling environment is ideal for spells like Mass Hunger for Flesh to clear areas. Shadow Body enables discreet casting amid crowds. Use Telekinesis to leverage cityscape elements, turning them into shields or projectile weapons. Mind Thrust I is effective for quick dispatching.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counters |
|---|---|
| Lack of Physical Resilience | Equip Amulet of Natural Armor for a bonus to natural armor and wear Fortification Armor to reduce critical hits and sneak attacks. |
| Fewer Spells Known Due to Crossblooded | Use Scrolls of Page-Bound Epiphany to gain temporary access to spells when needed. |
| Vulnerability to Silence and Anti-magic Field | Acquire Silent Metamagic Rod to make spells unaffected by silence and carry Scrolls of Dimension Door to escape Anti-magic Field areas. |
| Limited Number of Skills | Invest in Ioun Stone (Pale Green Ellipsoid) for +1 competence bonus to all skill checks. |
| Dependency on Charisma for Casting | Equip Cloak of Charisma to boost Charisma and ensure higher spellcasting DCs. |
Roleplaying
Opportunities for Intrigue and Mystery
Playing as the Sorcerer-Anomaly with the Crossblooded archetype presents rich roleplaying potential. Your character could be viewed as an enigmatic figure, with an aura of mystery surrounding their abilities. Imagine walking into a bustling marketplace, subtly casting spells without uttering a single word. This intrigues onlookers, who might whisper about your character’s otherworldly nature. Leveraging this mystique can enhance interactions with NPCs, giving your character an air of advantage in social situations.
Consider the narrative tension created by hiding the secrets of your bloodlines. The world sees you as a typical sorcerer, unaware of the impossible secrets you wield. This duality can lead to thrilling predicaments or potentially contentious alliances. As others try to uncover your secrets, intrigue will fuel your adventures, allowing for an engaging exploration of alliances and rivalries.
Themes of Reality and Imagination
Your character’s ability to cast mind-affecting spells on constructs and ignore somatic components plays into a theme of bending reality. You might roleplay as someone who questions the boundaries between the material and the mystical. Perhaps your character is searching for a deeper understanding of what separates the physical world from the psychic realm, viewing every encounter as a potential puzzle piece.
Embracing the concept of ‘breaking reality’ can lead you to explore moral and ethical questions. How does altering one’s perception of reality affect their true self? This existential theme can lead to poignant storytelling moments, as your character grapples with the consequences of their powers. Use these moments to interact with party members, refining your character’s identity through dialogue and shared discoveries.
FAQ
How do the Impossible and Psychic Bloodlines synergize in Anomaly?
The Impossible Bloodline allows casting mind-affecting spells on usually immune constructs. The Psychic Bloodline lets you cast spells without somatic components. Together, they offer versatility and power. The mix enables casting under restrictive conditions without traditional limitations. This unique blend makes Anomaly unpredictable and versatile in various encounters.
What key skills should I focus on when creating an Anomaly?
Prioritize Use Magic Device due to its versatility in using magic items. Additionally, invest in skills like Spellcraft to identify and comprehend magical effects. Concentration skill ensures successful casting in combat. Keep Acrobatics handy to navigate complex terrains. These skills enhance your adaptability in various scenarios.
What are the major milestones for an Anomaly at different levels?
At levels 1-5, focus on durability with feats like Toughness. Intermediate levels 6-10 offer medium and heavy armor proficiency. Craft Wondrous Items and enhance defensive tactics. By levels 11-15, start crafting Constructs and employ high-impact spells like Disintegrate. Levels 16-20 see ultimate power with feats like Maximize Spell and spells like Wish.
How should I counter the Anomaly[1]’s weaknesses?
Fortify physical resilience with an Amulet of Natural Armor. Combat fewer spells known with Scrolls of Page-Bound Epiphany. Counter silence with Silent Metamagic Rods and use Scrolls of Dimension Door for anti-magic escapes. Equip a Cloak of Charisma to bolster casting power and remain effective in spellcasting.
What equipment should be prioritized at various levels?
Early levels should focus on Cloak of Resistance and Ring of Protection. Levels 6-10 need a Headband of Alluring Charisma for spell potency. Mid-levels 11-15 require Bracers of Armor and a Cloak of Resistance upgrade. At levels 16-20, focus on Staff of Power for additional spell access.
How does the Anomaly[1] adapt to different combat scenarios?
In dungeons, use Vanish for stealth and Black Tentacles for control. Open fields benefit from using Temporal Stasis and Paragon Surge. Ambush situations call for quick exits with Maze or Dimension Door. In urban settings, use Telekinesis to maneuver elements or Mind Thrust for swift attacks.
How does the Anomaly[1] enhance roleplaying opportunities?
The Anomaly[1] exudes an enigmatic aura, fueling intrigue and mystery. NPCs might be drawn to or wary of your unpredictable nature. The theme of bending reality introduces philosophical exploration of magic and existence. Use this to delve into deeper storytelling and character development.
Now that you’re familiar with the Anomaly[1], consider trying it in your next game. Could the Anomaly[1] be the best build in Pathfinder 1E? Join the discussion on the Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Author
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Sorcerer – The Anomaly – Pathfinder 1E ( The Anomaly )
The Anomaly
Okay so now that we had fun with all of those, let’s make something that breaks reality for the giggles. We are once again taking the Crossblooded Archetype as you probably expected by now.
Class
Sorcerer (Crossblooded) 20
Bloodlines
We are taking both the Impossible and the Psychic Bloodlines. One allows us from the get to to cast mind-affecting spells on Constructs which is really nice, and the other turn our spellcasting from arcane to psychic which is broken because now we no longer have somatic components. That means never having to bother with Still Spell, we can cast while grappled, and in armor with zero penalty. Yes, yes yes all the yes. You are taking the following Bloodline powers as you level up:
1-Psychic Strike
3-Spontaneous Generation
9-Undercasting Prodigy
15-Relativity
20-Living Paradox
Race
Half-Elf, put that +2 in Charisma.
Ability Scores
Everything into Charisma, if Intelligence is under 13 at lvl 4 give it +1
15Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 10/Con 12/Int 13/Wis 10/Cha 18
20Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 10/Con 14/Int 12/Wis 10/Cha 19
25Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 10/Con 14/Int 13/Wis 10/Cha 20
Traits
Reactionary for higher Initiative, Hedge Magician to reduce costs of crafting magic items by 5% which may not seem like much at first, but trust me it piles up fast.
Favored Class Bonus
The Human variant for more spells known, as you have noticed, Crossblooded get fewer spells known and gain them in a delayed fashion. More spells is thus great for us.
Skills
Knowledge(Engineering), Use Magic Devices, various Crafts
Feats by Level
1-Toughness
Half-Elf Bonus-Skill Focus(Use Magic Devices) Sorcerer Bonus-Eschew Materials
3-Light Armors Proficiency
Spontaneous Generation-Craft Wondrous Items
5-Medium Armor Proficiency
7-Heavy Armor Proficiency
Bonus 7-Craft Magic Arms and Armor
9-Sacred Geometry(Empower Spell, Bouncing Spell)
11-Sacred Geometry(Quicken Spell Ascendant Spell)
13-Craft Wands
Bonus 13-Craft Constructs
15-Sacred Geometry(Empower Spell, Extend Spell)
17-Sacred Geometry(Maximize Spell, Widen Spell)
19-Spontaneous Versatility
Bonus 19-Iron Will
Casting spells from the Sorcerer/Wizard Spell List in Full Plate Armor HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA.
Heavy Armor Proficiency is great, we get quite a few Crafting Feats, Spontaneous Versatility makes you easily as well prepared as the Wizard. Everything else went straight into Sacred Geometry because Sacred Geometry is broken.
Spells by Level
1-Detect Magic, Read Magic, Prestidigitation, Acid Splash, Color Spray
2-Mage Hand, Light
3-Ghost Sound, Mage Armor, Mind Thrust I
4-Vanish
5-Resistance, Shield, Enlarge Person, Spider Climb, Id Insinuation I
6-Invisibility
7-Spark, Shocking Grasp, Create Pit, See Invisibility, Paragon Surge, Ego Whip I
8-Lightning Bolt
9-Ally Across Time, Fly, Gaseous Form, Black Tentacles, Intellect Fortress I
10-Mending, Dimension Door
11-Web, Haste,Stoneskin, Scrying, Telekinesis, Fabricate
12-Teleport
13-Hungry Earth, Waves of Fatigue, Form of the Alien Dragon I, Animate Objects
14-Disintegrate
15-Hellfire Ray, Antimagic Field, Form of the Alien Dragon II, Insanity
16-Shadow Body
17-Mass Hunger for Flesh, Simulacrum, Form of the Alien Dragon III, Bilocation18-Maze
19-Clone, Death Clutch, Time Stop, Wish
20-Temporal Stasis, Imprisonment
Equipment
Nothing in particular at first, but eventually the best armor you can get.
Final Thoughts on the Build
You are crafting items for your party at a reduced cost, can cast a wide variety of very, very powerful spells as Psychic spells, meaning you can cast in armor or if tied which is great, you say “screw gravity”, and via your Sacred Geometry feat, you can use various metamagic without increasing the levels of your spells which is hilariously good. By lvl 14 you should have your very own Golem following you around which is amazing. Finally you can cast any sorcerer/wizard spell via Versatile Spontaneity and Paragon Surge, making you a supremely versatile spellcaster.
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