Article-At-A-Glance
- The Spell Burglar employs strategic spell acquisition, focusing on versatility and adaptability.
- Explores an application D&D 3.5 Sorcerer Builds for character creation and development.
- Emphasizes equipment, roleplaying depth, and counter strategies for a well-rounded character.
- Utilizes feats like Master Spellthief and Mindsight for enhanced spellcasting capabilities.
Click on the level for more information
At level 1, the build is a Sorcerer with Precocious Apprentice and Southern Magician feats, enhancing spellcasting capabilities across different magic schools.
Stat Block Level 1:
Unnamed Female, Human Half-Nymph Sorcerer 1; CR 1; Medium Humanoid (Human, Fae); HD 1d4+2; hp 6; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 10, touch 10, flat-footed 9; Base Atk +0; Grp -1; Atk Light Crossbow (+0 ranged, 1d8/19-20) or Shortsword (-1 melee, 1d6/19-20); Full Atk Light Crossbow (+0 ranged, 1d8/19-20) or Shortsword (-1 melee, 1d6/19-20); SA Spells; SQ Summon Familiar, LA Buyback; AL Neutral; SV Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +5; Str 8, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 18, Cha 20.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Bluff +6, Diplomacy +4, Intimidate +4, Knowledge (Arcana) +15, Spellcraft +15; Precocious Apprentice, Southern Magician, Spell Focus (Evil), Iron Will.
Possessions: Light Crossbow, Component Pouch.
At level 5, this character is a versatile caster with access to both arcane and divine magic.. Master Spellthief allows versatility by enabling spell stealing from foes, enhancing the character’s tactical options.
Stat Block Level 5:
Sorcerer/Spellthief/Mystic Theurge: female, Human Half-Nymph Sorcerer 2/Spellthief 1/Ur-Priest 1/Mystic Theurge 1; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d4+1 plus 1d6+1 plus 1d8+1 plus 1d4+1; hp 19; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14, touch 12, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +1; Grp +0; Atk Shortsword +2 melee (1d6/19-20) or Light Crossbow +2 ranged (1d8/19-20); Full Atk Shortsword +2 melee (1d6/19-20); SA Sneak Attack +1d6, Steal Spell; SQ Spellcasting, Trapfinding, Theurge Spells, Aura of Evil, Poison Use, Control Undead; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +6; Str 8, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 18, Cha 20.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Bluff +6, Diplomacy +4, Intimidate +4, Knowledge (Arcana) +15, Knowledge (Religion) +8, Knowledge (The Planes) +5, Profession (Gambler) +5, Sense Motive +4, Spellcraft +15; Precocious Apprentice, Southern Magician, Spell Focus (Evil), Iron Will, Laborious Training.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Can steal a spell from a target and use it, combining spellcasting capabilities for wide utility, proficient in detecting traps.
Possessions: Light Crossbow, Shortsword, Component Pouch, Bracers of Armor, Amulet of Natural Armor, Wands, Cloak of Charisma.
At level 10, the build allows for stealing of magical power from all types of users. Utilization of Teleportation magic offers unmatched mobility, while Weapon Finesse aids melee adaptability. The use of Mindsight significantly enhances reconnaissance capabilities. The Inclusion of Ur Priest allows for use of both the arcane and divine.
Stat Block Level 10:
Unnamed Sorcerer: female, Human Half-Nymph Sorcerer 2/Spellthief 1/Ur-Priest 1/Mystic Theurge 6; CR 10; Medium humanoid (extraplanar); HD 1d4+2, 1d6+2, 1d8+2, 6d4+2; hp 38; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +5; Grp +4; Atk Shortsword +6 melee (1d6/19–20) or Light Crossbow +6 ranged; Full Atk Shortsword +6 melee (1d6/19–20) or Light Crossbow +6 ranged; SA Sneak Attack +1d6, Steal Spell (0, 1st); SQ Telepathy, Spellcasting; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +14; Str 8, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 18, Cha 20.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Bluff +6, Diplomacy +4, Intimidate +4, Knowledge(Arcana) +15, Knowledge(Religion) +8, Knowledge(The Planes) +5, Profession(Gambler) +5, Sense Motive +4, Spellcraft +15; Feats: Precocious Apprentice, Southern Magician, Spell Focus(Evil), Iron Will, Laborious Training, Master Spellthief, Weapon Finesse.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Sneak Attack: Deals extra 1d6 damage when attacking from concealment or flanking. Steal Spell: Can steal a spell as per spellthief ability. Telepathy: Communicate with creatures with a mind within 100 feet.
Possessions: Light Crossbow, Shortsword, Component Pouch, Bracers of Armor +2, Amulet of Natural Armor +1, +1 Radiant Shortsword, Wands of basic spells, Cloak of Charisma +2.
This level 15 build for this Sorcerer focuses heavily on spellcasting versatility and reconnaissance. With 10 levels in Mystic Theurge, the character can cast spells as both a Sorcerer and a Cleric. Master Spellthief allows stealing spells up to 9th level from others, enhancing spell variety further. Mindsight offers superb scouting capabilities.
Stat Block Level 15:
Sorcerer-Spell Burglar: female, Human Half-Nymph Sorcerer 2/Spellthief 1/Ur-Priest 1/Mystic Theurge 10/Mindbender 1; CR 15; Medium humanoid (nymph); HD 15d4+30; hp 67; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +7; Grp +6; Atk +8 melee (1d6-1/18-20, +1 Radiant Shortsword) or Light Crossbow +11 (1d8/19-20); Full Atk +8/+3 melee (1d6-1/18-20, +1 Radiant Shortsword) or Light Crossbow +11 (1d8/19-20); SA Steal Spell, Telepathy; SQ Mindsight, Spin Fate, Sneak Attack +1d6; AL Neutral; SV Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +16; Str 8, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 18, Cha 20.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Bluff 6, Diplomacy 4, Intimidate 4, Knowledge (Arcana) 15, Knowledge (Religion) 8, Knowledge (The Planes) 5, Profession (Gambler) 5, Sense Motive 4; Precocious Apprentice, Southern Magician, Spell Focus (Evil), Iron Will, Master Spellthief, Weapon Finesse, Spell Focus (Enchantment), Mindsight.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Capable of casting both Sorcerer and Cleric 9th level spells; can steal spells up to 9th level due to Master Spellthief; Mindsight enables detection of nearby sentient creatures.
Possessions: +1 Radiant Shortsword, Light Crossbow, Bracers of Armor, Amulet of Natural Armor, wands, Cloak of Charisma.
At level 20 the Spell Burgler merges the power of 9th level Sorcerer and Cleric casting with the ability to steal and cast spells from opponents. With Mindsight, it functions as an exceptional scout. Weapon Finesse compensates for melee weaknesses. Master Spellthief allows the character to steal spells whenever a sneak attack occurs.
Stat Block Level 20:
Unnamed: female, Human Half-Nymph Sorcerer 2/Spellthief 1/Ur-Priest 1/Mystic Theurge 10/Mindbender 1/Fatespinner 4/Archmage 1; CR 22; Medium Humanoid (Human, Nymph); HD 20d4+40; hp 90; Init +1; Spd 30 ft; AC 21, touch 15, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +9; Grp +8; Atk +10 melee (1d6+1/18-20, +1 Radiant Shortsword); Full Atk +10/+5 melee (1d6+1/18-20, +1 Radiant Shortsword) or by spell; SA Steal Spell 9th level, Sneak Attack +1d6; SQ Mindsight, Telepathy 100 ft, Arcane Reach; AL Neutral; SV Fort +11, Ref +11, Will +20; Str 8, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 18, Cha 26.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Bluff +26, Knowledge (Arcana) +18, Knowledge (Religion) +11, Knowledge (The Planes) +8, Spellcraft +28; Precocious Apprentice, Southern Magician, Spell Focus (Evil), Iron Will, Laborious Training, Master Spellthief, Weapon Finesse, Spell Focus (Enchantment), Mindsight, Skill Focus (Spellcraft).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
The Spell-Burglar can cast both 9th level Sorcerer and Ur-Priest spells, use Sneak Attack with spells, and steal spells up to 9th level.
Possessions: Bracers of Armor +5, Amulet of Natural Armor +2, +1 Radiant Shortsword, Wands of utility spells, and a Cloak of Charisma +6.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: This adventure starts with our Sorcerer acquiring basic spellcasting skills. The addition of Spellthief brings the clever Steal Spell skill. Upon entering Ur-Priest, the character begins to harness clerical abilities.
- Levels 6-10: Mystic Theurge enhances spellcasting skill through the fusion of arcane and divine magic. Master Spellthief is a crucial enhancement, allowing the Sorcerer to steal advanced spells from enemies, while Weapon Finesse increases the reliability of touch attack spells during combat.
- Levels 11-15: Progressing onwards, the addition of Mindbender bestows telepathic abilities, enhanced by the Mindsight feat for improved situational awareness in combat. Fatespinner increases the unpredictability of spellcasting, making formidable enchantment spells readily accessible and changing the tactical method in engagements.
- Levels 16-20: The ultimate evolution has the character reaching the peak of spellcasting. The Archmage[1] class provides notable metamagic abilities such as Arcane Reach, which improves spell casting. Mastering Mindsight and Fatespinner abilities further hones strategic skills, resulting in an exceptionally adaptable and powerful magic wielder.
Core Abilities & Features
The Spell Burglar is a magical force in D&D, utilizing a distinctive mix of spells and feats to develop a highly adaptable character. An essential aspect of this build is the Master Spellthief feat, which collaborates with other Arcane classes to enable high-level spell theft. This build serves as a powerful opponent to enemy spellcasters, allowing for spell theft of up to 9th level.
The Weapon Finesse feat guarantees efficient action in melee touch attacks, supporting combat effectiveness despite the vulnerability caused by the Noncombatant flaw. This counters restrictions and leverages the character’s strong charisma. With the Mindsight ability, the character acquires a mental radar that detects nearby creatures, proving essential for reconnaissance and tactical placement.
The addition of the Arcane Reach ability increases spell casting distance, while the Fatespinner’s powers of enabling manipulation of probability in key moments. This build emphasizes not only strong offense and defense but also tactical gameplay through spell acquisition and use.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Light Crossbow, Component Pouch | Start with basics for ranged attacks. Collect spell components. |
| L6-10 | Shortsword, Bracers of Armor | Gain a melee option and increase your defense with Bracers. |
| L11-15 | Amulet of Natural Armor, Cloak of Charisma | Boost your AC further and increase Charisma for spellcasting. |
| L16-20 | +1 Radiant Shortsword, Wands of Key Spells | Enhance melee potential significantly. Wands provide spellcasting flexibility. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- Use Mindsight to detect enemies through walls before they detect you. Send familiar for reconnaissance, then coordinate an attack, starting with a potent spell like Shivering Touch or Polymorph.
- Open Fields:
- Begin with Greater Invisibility and Greater Teleport for positioning, keeping enemies unaware of your position. Engage with spells like Orb of Force to pick off key targets or Acid Arrow for sustained engagements.
- Ambushes:
- Counter with Web or Hold Monster to immobilize attackers. Quickly regroup, and as foes falter, dispatch them with Vampiric Touch or Power Word Sicken, replenishing your vitality while weakening them.
- Defensive Stands:
- Establish protective zones with Wall of Force, operating behind it with Legion’s Snake Swiftness for rapid ally coordination. Ready Contingency and prepare spells like Prismatic Spray for maximal damage once the defense is set.
- Urban Encounters:
- Utilize Charm Person in crowds for diplomacy or distraction. Employ Steal Summoning on enemy casters, turning their allies against them within a chaotic street fight. Blend into surroundings with Mirror Image as street engagements grow hectic.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Physical Attack Strength | Equip a +1 Radiant Shortsword to enhance melee capability with Weapon Finesse. |
| Murky Eyed Flaw | Invest in items like Goggles of Night to improve visibility, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Dependency on Spellcasting | Carry a variety of wands such as Wand of Magic Missiles to ensure magic-based damage when low on spells. |
| Poor Physical Defense Without Armor | Enhance durability using Bracers of Armor and maintain high mobility with spells like Fly. |
| Susceptibility to Mind Control | Equip items like a Cloak of Resistance to bolster saving throws against mental attacks. |
Roleplaying
Picture a character defined not only by her captivating beauty but by her ingenious mind and sharp tongue. As the Sorcerer-Spell Burglar, she embodies deception and expertise in both magic and persuasion. A natural charm draws people in, but it’s her Mystical Theurge abilities and enigmatic style that hold them.
Seize the unique charm of this build by weaving tales of espionage between the threads of extravagance. Invest effort in roleplaying the Fatespinner’s aspects, making each decision appear calculated, and her success viewed as fate’s will. Use Bluff and Diplomacy to manipulate situations, showcasing her charisma.
Explore her Spellthief abilities by creating complex relationships with spellcasters. Imagine enriching interactions where she trades wits with crafty wizards and cunning clerics. The Mindsight trait can lend itself to excellent spy missions, amplifying her allure as a formidable ally or dangerous adversary.
She finds joy in the thrill of negotiation, and her Noncombatant flaw adds layers, particularly when caught without a spell. She’d rely on quick thinking, persuading foes, or taking a gamble with her Profession: Gambler skills. This flaw doesn’t limit her; it enriches her persona with depth and wit.
FAQ
What makes the Spell Burglar a unique Sorcerer build?
The Spell Burglar build uniquely combines spellcasting and thievery. It uses the Master Spellthief feat, allowing you to steal spells at high levels. This build excels in encounters against enemy spellcasters by taking their spells and using them. Moreover, the Fatespinner’s control over probability makes this build strategically threatening. Rounding it off, Mindsight grants hyperawareness, essential for battlefield supremacy.
How does the Spell Burglar counter its weaknesses?
The Spell Burglar effectively counters low physical attack strength with a +1 Radiant Shortsword. It uses spell-like Greater Invisibility to mitigate direct combat situations due to the Noncombatant flaw. Anti-Magic Zones are a threat, but magic defense items like Bracers of Armor can help. The build uses various wands to maintain offense when low on spells. Enhanced mobility comes from spells like Fly, offsetting poor physical defense. Mindsight and magical defenses counter susceptibility to mental attacks.
How should the Spell Burglar approach different combat scenarios?
In dungeon crawls, Mindsight detects threats through walls. Send a familiar for reconnaissance and strike first with spells like Polymorph. In open fields, use Greater Invisibility for positioning and engage with Orb of Force. Ambushes require Web or Hold Monster for control, followed by spells like Vampiric Touch for recovery. Defensive stands with Wall of Force ensure safety, while Prismatic Spray maximizes offense. In urban settings, Charm Person aids diplomacy, and Steal Summoning turns foes’ spells against them.
How does roleplaying enhance the Spell Burglar experience?
Roleplaying as a Spell-Burglar means embracing charm, deception, and strategy. Use the character’s beauty and intellect to navigate social situations. The Fatespinner abilities imply calculated actions, making successes seem like destiny. Relationship dynamics with other casters can be intricate, showcasing your Spellthief abilities. Leverage Mindsight for espionage, emphasizing the character’s allure as either an ally or foe. Spell theft enriches interactions, providing depth and intrigue to your role in the campaign.
What stands out about the Spell Burglar’s spellcasting capabilities?
It fuses sorcerer and clerical magic via Ur-Priest for unique spell combinations. Master Spellthief steals higher-level spells, broadening your magical arsenal. Arcane Reach extends spell range, increasing combat flexibility. With Fatespinner, you manipulate chance, giving crucial advantage in dire situations. The build’s spells provide versatile solutions for varied encounters.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Spell Burgler!
Try casting spells with the Spell Burglar in your next game. Could this be the ultimate D&D 3.5 build? Join the debate and friendly discussions on the Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Wizard – The Archmage – D&D 3.5 ( The Archmage )
Categories: D&D 3.5 Character Builds, D&D 3.5 Wizard Builds
The Archmage
As both leads would go, they reunited rapidly back at the Academy, for it turns out that the real target was none other than the Headmaster himself. They hurried themselves, but their guard dropped a little.
“The Headmaster is not only one of the rare Archmages out there, but he also is an Abjurer to top it up,” said the older brother in a way to calm the rest of his group. Yet something was wrong. He knew it. All this strategy and false flags. He had encountered such a clever killer only once in the past.
His concerns did not go unnoticed. The girl in the white coat put a hand on his shoulder.
“You have my sister and I now. I know something is gnawing at you, but this time, you have us to cover your backs.”
The two brothers smiled, and they proceeded up the tower, only to find the door leading into the headmaster’s quarters wide opened…
Race
Human
Classes
Wizard 5/Master Specialist 1/Geometer 2/Wild Mage 1/Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil 7/Archmage 4
Ability Scores
Str 8/Dex 14/Con 14/Int 18/Wis 10/Cha 10
Skills
Decipher Script 9, Disable Device 4, Knowledge (Arcana) 15, Knowledge(Nature) 4, Knowledge (The Planes) 4, Search 4, Spellcraft 15, Use Magic Devices 4
Feats
1-Magical Aptitude
Human 1-Metamagic School Focus(Abjuration)
Wizard Bonus 1-Scribe Scroll
3-Spell Focus(Abjuration)
Master Specialist Bonus 5-Skill Focus(Spellcraft)
6-Practiced Spellcaster
9-Greater Spell Focus(Abjuration)
Bonus Wizard 9-Extend Spell
12-Spell Focus(Enchantment)
15-Quicken Spell
18-Improved Counterspell
Most of our feats serve as Prerequisites fulfilling. Then again, the ability to reduce the level adjustment of Extend Spell to zero a few times per day via Metamagic School Focus is nothing to sneeze at, and Improved Counterspell fits in just well with being an Abjurer.
Practiced Spellcaster however is of note. As a Wild Mage, we get a permanent -3 penalty to our Caster Level in exchange to be able to roll 1d6 and add that amount to our Caster Level each time we cast a spell. With Practiced Spellcaster, we outright cancel that penalty, meaning we get a straight +1d6 to our caster level at all time which is ridiculously good, and all that starting level 6(meaning at level 6 we can possibly cast spells with a caster level of 12. Hello 10d6 Fireball four levels early).
Special Abilities
Specialist School(Abjuration)
Forbidden Schools(Conjuration, Necromancy)
Familiar(Toad)
High Arcana 17-Spell Power
High Arcana 18-Mastery of Counterspelling
High Arcana 19-Arcane Reach
High Arcana 20-Spell-Like Ability(Dispel Magic-9th Level)
We specialize in Abjuration, making us what amounts to an expert anti-spellcasters wizard. Having to choose Conjuration as one of the Forbidden Spells hurts my soul to no end, but Contingency alone for an Abjurer Specialist is too good to pick Evocation. If that doesn’t bother you, absolutely do switch up those.
Our High Arcana gives us another +1 to Caster Level on top of our Wild Mage’s Wild Magic, meaning a +2 to +7 to CL of all our Spells, the ability to cast touch spells at a 30ft. range, sending counterspelled spells back at sender and the Spell-Like Ability to Dispel Magic 6/day which is really good considering our Caster Level.
Equipment
Early on, you will be relying on a good old Light Crossbow for support and your obvious Spellbook and Component Pouch. Later on, adding a Rod of Absorption to your arsenal can only do great things to further emphasize your anti wizardry. Otherwise, standard stuff for high level wizards you would normally look for(Robe of the Archmagi, Magic Staffs, Wands etc).
Final Thoughts on the Build
So, our Caster Level is 21-27 at any time we cast a spell at a minimum(namely, before spells shenanigans). We are a master of the Abjuration School, meaning protection and countering other spellcasters is our specialty. Yet we remain quite effective against most other situations too. And for those who complain that there are no offensive spells in Abjuration: Maw of Chaos? Dispel Magic? Explosive Runes Bombs? Energy Vulnerability+Fireball? Also, we still have Evocation (Because a Contingency->Wall of Force is always a good panic button. Or Contingency->Prismatic Wall/Sphere for extra hilarity).
Finally, as an Initiate of the Sevenfold Veils, we get access to various Wards and Veils which, if used correctly, can be used to become what amounts to immune to almost everything, get total control over the battlefield and completely and utterly disrupt the enemy movements while dealing them significant damage and debuffs (Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil is largely considered one of the best prestige classes in the game and frankly? As contrarian as I like to be, I have to admit it is up there powerscale-wise). And all of that is just the Wardings, don’t get me started on its other features like Kaleidoscopic Doom turning your Dispels into downright lethal events once per day or the fact that dispelling your Abjuration becomes near impossible with Unimpeachable Abjuration…
We finish up as Archmage rounding up our few weaknesses and adding more versatility to our spellcasting and counterspelling, turning us into one of the best anti-batman wizard possible. Whether that makes us the Joker is entirely up to your interpretation of course ~
Level Table
|
Level |
Class |
HD |
Feats |
Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Wizard |
9 |
Magical Aptitude, Metamagic School Focus(Abjuration, Scribe Scroll |
School Focus(Abjuration), Forbidden School(Conjuration, Necromancy), Familiar |
|
2 |
Wizard |
1d4+2 |
- |
- |
|
3 |
Wizard |
1d4+2 |
Spell Focus(Abjuration) |
- |
|
4 |
Wizard |
1d4+2 |
- |
+1 Int |
|
5 |
Master Specialist |
1d4+2 |
Skill Focus(Spellcraft) |
- |
|
6 |
Wild Mage |
1d4+2 |
Practiced Spellcaster |
Wild Magic |
|
7 |
Geometer |
1d4+2 |
- |
Glyph of Warding, Spellglyph |
|
8 |
Geometer |
1d4+2 |
- |
Book of Geometry, +1 Int |
|
9 |
Wizard |
1d4+2 |
Greater Spell Focus(Abjuration), Extend Spell |
- |
|
10 |
Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil |
1d4+2 |
- |
Warding 1/Day, Unimpeachable Abjuration, Red Veil |
|
11 |
Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil |
1d4+2 |
- |
Unanswerable Strike +2, Orange Veil |
|
12 |
Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil |
1d4+2 |
Spell Focus(Enchantment) |
Warding 2/Day, Yellow Veil, +1 Int |
|
13 |
Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil |
1d4+2 |
- |
Reactivating Warding, Green Veil |
|
14 |
Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil |
1d4+2 |
- |
Warding 3/Day, Blue Veil |
|
15 |
Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil |
1d4+2 |
Quicken Spell |
Unanswerable Strike +4, Double Warding, Indigo Veil |
|
16 |
Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil |
1d4+2 |
– |
Kaleidoscopic Doom, Violet Veil, Warding 4/Day, +1 Int |
|
17 |
Archmage |
1d4+2 |
- |
Spell Power |
|
18 |
Archmage |
1d4+2 |
Improved Counterspell |
Mastery of Counterspelling |
|
19 |
Archmage |
1d4+2 |
- |
Arcane Reach |
|
20 |
Archmage |
1d4+2 |
- |
Spell-Like Ability(Dispel Magic 6/Day), +1 Int |
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