Powerful spellcaster combining healing and damage.
Stat Block Level 1:
Unnamed: female, human wizard 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d4; hp 6; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 10, touch 10, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk melee touch +0 (d6); Full Atk melee touch +0 (d6); SA spells; SQ wizard features; AL Any Good; SV Fort +2, Ref +0, Will +4; Str 8, Dex 8, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 18.
This build merges healing with powerful spellcasting. Capable of level 9 spells in both wizard and healer paths, it excels in battlefield control and damage.
Stat Block Level 5:
Jane Doe: female, human Healer 2/Wizard 1/Mystic Theurge 2; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 2d8+2d4+8; hp 23; Init -1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 9, touch 9, flat-footed 9; Base Atk +2; Grp +1; Atk touch +1 melee (1d6); Full Atk touch +1 melee (1d6); SA spellcasting; SQ spontaneous healing, versatile spellcaster, 8th-level wizard spells; AL NG; SV Fort +4, Ref +0, Will +4; Str 8, Dex 8, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 18.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge (Religion) 13, Knowledge (Arcana) 8, Spellcraft 8; Extend Spell, Augment Healing, Practiced Spellcaster. Special Attacks and Qualities: Can spontaneously cast healing spells, access to 8th-level wizard spells, versatile in battlefield roles. Possessions: Spellbook, holy symbol.
Level 10 Brief:
A versatile Healer and Wizard capable of battlefield control and potent spellcasting.
Stat Block Level 10:
Gaea’s Healer: female, human Healer 2/Wizard 1/Mystic Theurge 7; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d8+2 plus 8d4+16; hp 42; Init -1; Spd 30 ft; AC 9, touch 9, flat-footed 9; Base Atk +3; Grp +2; Atk melee touch +2 (touch spell) or ranged +2; Full Atk melee touch +2 (touch spell) or ranged +2; SA spells; SQ spells, familiar; AL NG; SV Fort +8, Ref +4, Will +11; Str 8, Dex 8, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 18.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) +11, Knowledge (Religion) +16, Spellcraft +11; Augmented Healing, Combat Casting, Empower Spell. Special Attacks and Qualities: 9th level spells, healing spells, battlefield control spells, familiar that can use wands. Possessions: Spellbook, holy symbol.
Level 15 Brief:
High flexibility in spells, both healing and offensive. Powerful battlefield control.
Stat Block Level 15:
Human Healer 2/Wizard 1/Mystic Theurge 7/Contemplative 1/Dweomerkeeper 9; CR 15; Medium Humanoid (Human); HD 1d4+2+1d8+2+1d4+2+1d6+2+1d6+2*9; hp 116; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14, touch 14, flat-footed 12; Base Atk +7; Grp +7; Atk Touch attack (by spell) or melee unarmed strike (+7 attack); Full Atk Touch attack (by spell) or melee unarmed strike (+7 attack); SA Spellcasting; SQ Spell-like abilities, familiar; AL Neutral Good; SV Fort +12, Ref +6, Will +20; Str 8, Dex 8, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 18.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) +8, Knowledge (Religion) +13, Spellcraft +8; Skill Focus (Knowledge), Healing Expertise, Spell Penetration. Special Attacks and Qualities: Can cast level 9 spells from both wizard and healer lists, high battlefield control, and healing abilities. Possessions: Spellbook, Holy Symbol, Various spell components.
Level 20 Brief:
An absurdly powerful spellcaster capable of high-level healing and battlefield control.
Stat Block Level 20:
Life Master: Female, Human Healer 2/Wizard 1/Mystic Theurge 7/Contemplative 1/Dweomerkeeper 9; CR 20; Medium Humanoid (Human); HD 20d6+56; hp 126; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 10, touch 10, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +10; Grp +9; Atk Unarmed Strike +9 melee (1d3-1) or Touch attack +9 melee; Full Atk Unarmed Strike +9/+4 melee (1d3-1) or Touch attack +9/+4 melee; SA Spells, Spell-like abilities; SQ Spells, Spell-like abilities, Familiar (Monkey); AL Neutral Good; SV Fort +10, Ref +6, Will +13; Str 8, Dex 8, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 18.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) +8, Knowledge (Religion) +13, Spellcraft +8; Practiced Spellcaster (Healer), Practiced Spellcaster (Wizard), Extend Spell, Divine Metamagic (Extend Spell), Item Creation (Wands), Spell Penetration. Special Attacks and Qualities: Greater Spell Penetration, Spontaneous Casting (Healer), Divine Spells (Healer and Contemplative), Arcane Spells (Wizard and Mystic Theurge), Familiar (Monkey capable of using wands), Supernatural Spell (Dweomerkeeper ability to cast any spell as a supernatural ability once per day). Possessions: Spellbook, holy symbol, various wands, spell components.
Critical Milestones of Level Distribution
Level 1: Wizard – Unlocking arcane spellcasting and a familiar
Levels 2-3: Healer – Beginning your journey into divine healing
Levels 4-10: Mystic Theurge – Merging arcane and divine spells for versatile support
Level 11: Contemplative – Accessing higher divine spells and bonuses
As you progress through the levels, each class choice adds a layer of depth to your spellcasting abilities. For instance, as a Wizard, you gain a familiar which can be invaluable for delivering touch spells or using wands. The Healer levels focus on enhancing your healing capabilities, and the Mystic Theurge levels rapidly expand your spell list.
Feats like Spell Penetration and Augmented Healing are crucial for overcoming resistances and maximizing your healing output. Meanwhile, Practiced Spellcaster for both Healer and Wizard classes ensures your caster level keeps up with your character level, keeping your spells potent and difficult to resist.
Equipment Progression for the Healer Life Master Build
Level Range
Equipment
Details
1-5
Spellbook and Holy Symbol
– Spellbook: Essential for preparing and casting wizard spells.
– Holy Symbol: Required for casting divine spells and channeling divine power.
Wands and Scrolls
– Wand of Cure Light Wounds: Provides additional healing when spell slots are low.
– Buckler: Provides additional AC without hampering spellcasting.
6-10
Headband of Intellect +2
– Increases Intelligence, boosting spellcasting and skill checks related to Knowledge (Arcana) and Spellcraft.
Periapt of Wisdom +2
– Enhances Wisdom, improving spell DCs and divine spellcasting.
Metamagic Rod (Lesser Extend)
– Allows you to extend the duration of your spells without using higher-level spell slots.
Wands and Scrolls
– Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds: Provides mid-level healing.
11-15
Headband of Intellect +4
– Further increases Intelligence, enhancing your spellcasting capabilities.
Periapt of Wisdom +4
– Further increases Wisdom, improving divine spellcasting effectiveness.
Rod of Resurrection
– Essential for bringing back fallen allies, ensuring your party stays in the fight.
Belt of Healing
– Provides extra healing charges, useful in prolonged battles.
Metamagic Rod (Lesser Quicken)
– Allows you to cast spells as swift actions, giving you more flexibility in combat.
Wands and Scrolls
– Wand of Cure Serious Wounds: Provides high-level healing.
– Scrolls of Greater Restoration: Essential for handling severe conditions and debuffs.
16-20
Headband of Intellect +6
– Maximizes Intelligence for top-tier spellcasting and skill checks.
Periapt of Wisdom +6
– Maximizes Wisdom for optimal divine spellcasting.
Staff of Healing
– A powerful artifact that significantly boosts your healing capabilities.
Ring of Wizardry (IV)
– Doubles the number of 4th-level wizard spells you can cast per day.
Metamagic Rod (Greater Extend)
– Allows you to extend the duration of powerful spells without using higher-level slots.
Wands and Scrolls
– Wand of Heal: Provides the highest level of healing available.
Resource Management for Equipment Upgrades
Gold and Magic Resources: Prioritize spending on items that boost your core abilities first (Intelligence and Wisdom enhancers), followed by items that enhance your versatility (Metamagic Rods) and healing efficiency (Rod of Resurrection).
Trade and Loot: Always be on the lookout for opportunities to trade lesser items for more powerful ones. Seek out magical markets or allied spellcasters for potential upgrades.
Party Contributions: Coordinate with your party to ensure resource allocation is balanced. Your role as a healer and controller often justifies a significant portion of the group’s resources being allocated to your gear.
Combat Scenarios
Dungeon Crawls
Protection from Traps:
Use ‘Find Traps’ to locate hidden dangers.
Cast ‘Shield Other’ on frontliners to share damage and reduce their risk.
Close-Quarters Combat:
Cast ‘Sanctuary’ to protect yourself or an ally from being targeted.
Use ‘Hold Person’ to immobilize enemies in narrow corridors.
Healing:
Prepare ‘Cure Moderate Wounds’ to quickly patch up injuries from traps or skirmishes.
Utilize ‘Delay Poison’ to counteract any toxins encountered.
Open Field
Area Control:
Cast ‘Fireball’ to damage multiple enemies spread out across the field.
Use ‘Wall of Fire’ to create barriers and control the battlefield.
Boosting Allies:
Cast ‘Haste’ to enhance your party’s speed and combat effectiveness.
Use ‘Mass Bear’s Endurance’ to increase the durability of your allies.
Healing:
Cast ‘Healing Circle’ to heal all allies within range.
Use ‘Regenerate’ to heal severe injuries and lost limbs.
Ambushes
Immediate Response:
Cast ‘Mass Cure Light Wounds’ to quickly heal multiple allies.
Use ‘Dimension Door’ to teleport the party out of a dangerous situation.
Countering Enemy Actions:
Cast ‘Silence’ to prevent enemy spellcasters from casting spells.
Use ‘Cure Critical Wounds’ to address severe injuries from the ambush.
Defensive Measures:
Cast ‘Mirror Image’ to create duplicates of yourself and avoid being targeted.
Use ‘Greater Invisibility’ to become unseen and reposition yourself.
Defensive Stands
Holding Ground:
Cast ‘Wall of Force’ to create an impenetrable barrier against attackers.
Use ‘Prismatic Sphere’ to create a powerful defensive barrier around your party.
Supporting Frontliners:
Cast ‘Cure Serious Wounds’ to keep your frontliners in the fight.
Use ‘Resilient Sphere’ to protect an ally from all damage temporarily.
Disrupting Enemy Plans:
Cast ‘Dispel Magic’ to remove enemy buffs or debuffs affecting your party.
Use ‘Anti-Magic Field’ to neutralize enemy spellcasters.
Urban Encounters
Subtlety and Stealth:
Cast ‘Invisibility’ to sneak past guards or avoid detection.
Use ‘Disguise Self’ to blend in with the crowd or assume another identity.
Gathering Information:
Cast ‘Charm Person’ to persuade a target to reveal crucial information.
Use ‘Detect Thoughts’ to read the surface thoughts of those around you.
Handling Threats Quietly:
Cast ‘Lesser Restoration’ to cure poison or debilitation without drawing attention.
Use ‘Hold Person’ to incapacitate a threat quietly.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Weaknesses
Counters
Low hit points
– Use protective spells like ‘Stoneskin’ to reduce damage.
– Maintain a safe distance from direct combat, leveraging ranged spells and strategic positioning.
Poor melee abilities
– Avoid melee combat; focus on spellcasting and let your familiar or summoned creatures act as your buffer.
– Use defensive spells such as ‘Mage Armor’ and ‘Shield’ to increase your AC.
Component dependency
– Take the ‘Eschew Materials’ feat to cast spells without needing minor components.
– Use the Dweomerkeeper’s Supernatural Spell ability to cast without physical components.
Spell preparation
– Plan your spell list ahead of time, considering the challenges you might face in your adventure.
– Maintain flexibility by preparing a mix of offensive, defensive, and utility spells.
Targeted by enemies
– Use spells like ‘Mirror Image’ and ‘Invisibility’ to avoid being targeted.
– Communicate with your party to ensure they are ready to protect you; stay within their defensive range.
Roleplaying Themes
Themes & RP Opportunities
The balance between life and death: As a healer, you hold the lives of your allies in your hands, but as a Master of Life and Death[1], you also command the forces that can end them.
The weight of knowledge: Your character has studied extensively to master both arcane and divine magic, which could lead to a reputation as a sage or a target for those seeking forbidden knowledge.
Moral dilemmas: With great power comes great responsibility. Your character may struggle with the decision of who to save and who to sacrifice.
Arcane curiosity: Your character’s drive to understand all forms of magic might lead to adventures in search of ancient spells and lost tomes.
Consider how your character’s unique abilities affect their worldview. Being able to heal the gravest of wounds or bring back the dead could lead to a complex relationship with life and death, potentially causing inner conflict or a sense of superiority. How does your character handle the power to make such significant decisions, and how do they cope with the consequences?
Exploring the dichotomy of creation and destruction through your spells and actions.
Dealing with the reverence or fear that your powers elicit from those around you.
Facing the ethical implications of wielding life and death in your hands.
Discovering the limits of your power and the lessons learned from pushing them.
Cultural Influence & Traditions
The culture and traditions of your character’s society will shape their understanding and use of magic. In a society that reveres life, your healing abilities might make you a figure of great respect. If you hail from a place that accepts death as part of life, your darker spells might be viewed as a necessary and honored practice.
Think about the rituals and ceremonies your character might perform. Are there special rites for healing or for honoring the dead? How do these practices influence your character’s approach to adventuring and their interactions with others?
Your character’s unique abilities can be a driving force in your campaign’s narrative. The quest for knowledge could lead your party to ancient libraries or sacred temples. Your skills might be the key to resolving a plague or undead uprising. The possibilities are endless, and your character’s build provides ample opportunities for intriguing plot hooks and character development.
A high-stakes situation where control over life and death and healing are crucial is the perfect environment for a Master of Life and Death[1] Healer. Scenes like war-torn areas, undead-infested areas, or magical worlds that are both revered and feared are ideal for showcasing your skills.
Although the Master of Life and Death build is strong, it performs best in a group setting. You are a vital team member who can guarantee the survival and success of your group thanks to your healing, controlling, and protecting abilities.
Supporting allies with healing and buffs.
Controlling the battlefield with strategic spellcasting.
Working in tandem with other party members to complement their strengths and cover their weaknesses.
Because it places equal emphasis on offensive and healing capabilities, the Master of Life and Death[1] build is distinct. This build is more dynamic and versatile than other healer builds that might only concentrate on healing because it lets you take an active role in managing the battlefield.
What Are the Roleplaying Pitfalls to Avoid with This Build?
One of the pitfalls to avoid is becoming the “heal-bot,” where your entire role is reduced to just healing your allies. Embrace the full spectrum of your abilities and contribute to the party in various ways. Also, be mindful not to let the power of life and death make your character aloof or disconnected from the value of life.
Make sure your character’s actions in combat are consistent with their personality and past in order to strike a balance between combat and roleplaying. Whether you’re using a well-timed heal to protect the innocent or a burst of arcane energy to smite the wicked, use your spells and abilities to weave a tale. Keep in mind that every spell you cast is an embodiment of your character’s spirit.
Join Our Community
You’re not alone if you’re eager to learn more about the nuances of the Master of Life and Death[1] build. Come interact with other enthusiastic tabletop gamers in our community and exchange tactics, anecdotes, and a common love of D&D. We’ll delve into the depths of healing and spellcasting together and support one another in becoming the greatest practitioners of our craft.
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?
The woman was sitting alone in her tower, deep in the woods, pondering her orb. She caressed the monkey’s head that was sitting on the table next to the orb.
Her attention was rapt as she followed the progress of the huntress. This huntress slowly, but surely, made her way to Gaea’s Healer. Who is the greatest healer in the world. At least that’s what they say, mused the woman to no one in particular.
She scratched her chin. What was this one’s intention?
It was unclear, though if that old man in his clearing gave her the directions. Well, that meant he trusted her.
She sighed and leaned back. As she was much less trusting that he. At the same time, though, their leader was more than capable of defending herself.
At last, after a moment, she relented. Rose from her seat, and walked down the stairs. The young woman was about to knock at her door, and she would ask her the same riddle as she did countless times before.
No armor, no weapons either. Don’t worry, it’s fine. Just your spellbook and your holy symbol will do fine.
Goal
I wanted to make this build to demonstrate how completely and utterly absurd you can get with spellcasting here.
You can cast level 9 spells from both wizard AND healer. This makes you capable of absolutely wrecking the battlefield with powerful evocations, all the while without crippling your healing capabilities.
While your heals are slightly behind the other builds, and while you don’t have a unicorn companion, you are capable of much more battlefield control and damage.
All the while, you’re are extremely flexible in your options, and you still get a familiar. Who, if you chose a monkey, can then use wands to further heal. This, then, compensates somewhat for that (very small) gap if you so chose.
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