Article-At-A-Glance
- Discover the Warmage build’s fusion with Rainbow Servant and Archmage masteries.
- Gain insights into creating versatile characters capable of high adaptability and combat superiority.
- Understand equipment progression strategies to maximize battlefield effectiveness throughout levels.
- Examine roleplaying themes like power balance, moral conflict, and dynamic character development.
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At level 1, this Warmage focuses on unleashing powerful evocation spells with precision. Utilizing ‘Armored Mage’ to bypass spell failure from light armor, this build maximizes offensive capabilities while maintaining defenses with a spear and shield.
Stat Block Level 1:
No Name: unknown, human warmage 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d8+0; hp 8; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 12, touch 10, flat-footed 12; Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk spear +0 melee (1d8/×3) or thrown +0 ranged (20 ft., 1d8/×3); Full Atk spear +0 melee (1d8/×3) or thrown +0 ranged (20 ft., 1d8/×3); SA Warmage spells; SQ Armored Mage (light), Warmage’s Edge; AL Neutral; SV Fort +2, Ref +0, Will +2; Str 10, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) +5, Spellcraft +5; Spell Focus (Evocation), Spellfire Wielder.
Special Attacks and Qualities: ‘
Armored Mage (light)’ allows casting in light armor without spell failure chance, ‘Warmage’s Edge’ adds Charisma bonus to damage with spells.
Possessions: Spear, light shield, chainshirt.
At level 5, the Warmage has solidified his role as a versatile battlefield controller with capabilities in blasting and defensive measures. With a base strength of casting, emphasized by high Charisma, he excels in unleashing damaging evocations bolstered by the Warmage’s Edge. The combination of Spell Focus (Evocation) enhances his effectiveness in core spellcasting, while Skill Focus (Spellcraft) aids in more nuanced magical situations.
Stat Block Level 5:
Warmage: male, Human Warmage 5; CR 5; Medium Humanoid (Human); HD 5d6+10; hp 30; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 10, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +2; Grp +2; Atk Spear +2 melee (1d8/x3) or Spear +2 ranged (1d8/x3); Full Atk Spear +2 melee (1d8/x3) or Spear +2 ranged (1d8/x3); SA Warmage Spells; SQ Armored Mage (Light), Warmage’s Edge; AL Neutral; SV Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +4; Str 10, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) 8, Spellcraft 9; Spell Focus (Evocation), Spellfire Wielder, Skill Focus (Spellcraft).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Warmage Spells – casts spontaneously from the warmage spell list with enhanced power from Warmage’s Edge.
Possessions: Spear, Shield, Chainshirt.
At level 10, the Rainbow Warsnake[1] benefits from spontaneous casting of warmage and cleric spells, enhancing its versatility. It can fly using its wings and provides air domain powers. With medium armor proficiency, the character is better protected.
Stat Block Level 10:
Rainbow Warsnake[1]: male, human warmage 6/rainbow servant 4; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 6d6+4d4+20; hp 53; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 10, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +5; Grp +5; Atk Spear +5 melee (1d8/x3) or light crossbow +5 ranged (1d8/19-20); Full Atk Spear +5 melee (1d8/x3) or light crossbow +5 ranged (1d8/19-20); SA Spells, Warmage’s Edge; SQ Armored Mage (light), Advanced Learning 2, Extra Domain (Good), Detect Evil, Extra Domain (Air), Grow Wings; AL Neutral Good; SV Fort +8, Ref +3, Will +10; Str 10, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) +14, Spellcraft +14; Spell Focus (Evocation), Spellfire Wielder, Skill Focus (Spellcraft).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Cast warmage and cleric spells spontaneously, flying due to wings, and armored spellcasting.
Possessions: Spear, light crossbow, shield, chain shirt.
This Level 15 build offers immense versatility with the ability to cast not only warmage spells but also access cleric spells spontaneously. The combination of Warmage, Rainbow Servant, and Archmage shines with the ability to provide impressive buffs, healing, and damage output. The build includes key abilities such as Spell Focus in Evocation and Conjuration, growing wings, and extra domain access, supported by optimal spell choices which amplify the Warmage’s traditionally offensive capabilities.
Stat Block Level 15:
Warmage/Rainbow Servant: male, human Warmage 6/Rainbow Servant 9; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 6d6+22d4+30; hp 80; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 13, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +9; Grp +9; Atk Spear +9 (1d8); Full Atk Spear +9 (1d8); SA Spell-like abilities, cleric spell access, spell access (warmage and cleric); SQ Armored Mage (Light), Warmage’s Edge, Extra Domain (Good, Air, Law), Grow Wings, Detect Evil, Detect Chaos, Detect Thoughts; AL Neutral Good; SV Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +12; Str 10, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) 15, Spellcraft 15; Spell Focus (Evocation), Spellfire Wielder, Skill Focus (Spellcraft), Obtain Familiar, Medium Armor Proficiency, Battle Caster, Spell Focus (Conjuration).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Gains cleric spell access, can grow wings, enhanced spellcasting versatility with the ability to spontaneously cast cleric spells.
Possessions: Spear, Shield, Chain shirt.
This Warmage Rainbow Warsnake[1] at level 20 is an unstoppable magic force. They can cast all Warmage and Cleric spells spontaneously, adding immense versatility. They’re equipped with wings for flight and have capabilities like Arcane Reach for boosting allies. This build combines damage with support, making it one of the most versatile and powerful in D&D 3.5.
Stat Block Level 20:
Rainbow Warsnake[1]: male, human Warmage 6/Rainbow Servant 10/Archmage 4; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 6d6+28 plus 10d4+40 plus 4d4+16; hp 142; Init +0; Spd 30 ft., fly 60 ft. (average); AC 22, touch 10, flat-footed 22; Base Atk +13; Grp +13; Atk Spear +14 melee (1d8); Full Atk Spear +14/+9 melee (1d8); SA Arcane Fire, Mastery of Elements; SQ Armored Mage (Medium), Warmage’s Edge, Advanced Learning, Extra Domain (Good, Air, Law), Cleric Spell Access, Detect Evil/Chaos, Detect Thoughts, Arcane Reach, Mastery of Shaping; AL Neutral Good; SV Fort +10, Ref +6, Will +15; Str 10, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 22.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) 15, Spellcraft 15; Spell Focus (Evocation), Spellfire Wielder, Skill Focus (Spellcraft), Obtain Familiar, Medium Armor Proficiency, Battle Caster, Spell Focus (Conjuration), Improved Familiar.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Arcane Fire allows conversion of spells into raw energy. Mastery of Elements changes spell energy types.
Possessions: Spear, Shield, Chainshirt, additional magic equipment suitable for campaign environment.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: The journey begins with Warmage’s foundational skills. Focus on Spell Focus (Evocation) and Spellfire Wielder. Armored Mage (Light) and Warmage’s Edge enhance combat resilience. Advanced Learning augments spellcasting options.
- Levels 6-10: Transition to Rainbow Servant brings new dimensions. Obtain Familiar at Level 6, unlocking new tactical choices. Extra Domains like Good and Air expand spell versatility. Medium Armor Proficiency enhances defense, while wings grant aerial maneuverability.
- Levels 11-15: Delve deeper into Rainbow Servant’s power, gaining Battle Caster at Level 12 for more robust casting in armor. Further domains like Law augment spell arsenal. Reach Spell Focus (Conjuration) at Level 15, enhancing control capabilities.
- Levels 16-20: Embrace Archmage’s pinnacle abilities. Cleric Spell Access at Level 16 opens vast options. Arcane Fire and Arcane Reach at Levels 17 and 18 enhance offensive prowess. Mastery of Shaping and Elements culminate at Level 20, allowing elemental manipulation mastery.
Core Abilities & Features
The Warmage class in this build is where it all begins, offering the quintessential power of Evocation spells, enhanced by the Warmage’s Edge. This is crucial for dealing substantial damage in combat. Starting with Spell Focus (Evocation), these spells are more lethal with increased save DCs, ensuring battlefield control right from Level 1. Coupled with Armored Mage (Light), the Warmage casts spells unimpeded by the restrictions of light armor, a vital feature for survival in combat-heavy situations.
Progressing to the Rainbow Servant class, the build blooms into arcane transcendence. At Level 7, the Extra Domain (Good) not only enhances spell slots but enhances the choice of spells available. Achieving Cleric Spell Access at Level 16 is the highlight, granting spontaneous casting of Cleric spells, unprecedented versatility that breaks typical class barriers. The transformation is physical too, with Grow Wings providing both a majestic and practical flying capability, enhancing mobility both in and out of combat.
Finally, entering Archmage territory elevates the arcane expertise to mastery. The Arcane Fire represents the elemental fury of the Warmage capabilities, while the Arcane Reach at Level 18 enables spell targeting at a distance, a tactical advantage ensuring hexes and healing touch distant allies and foes alike. To control the environment further, Mastery of Shaping ensures area-effect spells spare allies, and with Mastery of Elements, spell damage aligns to any elemental need. Altogether, these classes synergize into a character capable of adapting to and dominating virtually any battle scenario.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Masterwork Chain shirt | Provides a +4 Armor Class bonus with minimal armor check penalty and no arcane spell failure for the Warmage. |
| L1-5 | Spear | This is your primary weapon offering good reach and damage capabilities early on. |
| L6-10 | Mithral Chain Shirt | Upgrade to this lighter armor with an increased max dexterity bonus and reduced weight for better stealth. |
| L6-10 | Handy Haversack | Facilitates easy access to components and equipment with no weight issues. |
| L11-15 | Ring of Protection +3 | Increases your deflection bonus, enhancing overall survivability against higher-level threats. |
| L11-15 | Cloak of Charisma +4 | Increases Charisma, crucial for spellcasting prowess and success with spell-based abilities. |
| L16-20 | Belt of Battle | Provides additional actions in combat, crucial for high-level encounters where action economy can make or break a fight. |
| L16-20 | Robe of the Archmagi | Increases spell penetration, provides bonuses to AC, and boosts saving throws. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In the claustrophobic tunnels, use Arcane Reach to buff allies while keeping your distance. Detect Evil helps anticipate monsters, and wings offer a tactical retreat when needed.
- Open Fields:
- Utilize your wings for aerial advantage. Employ spells like Evocation to maintain distance. Your Chainshirt and shield provide protection, while Spellfire can be unleashed at enemies from afar.
- Ambushes:
- Quickly identify threats with Detect Thoughts. Use Battle Caster to cast without hindrance. Cleric spells allow healing and protection, reversing the ambush’s intent.
- Defensive Stands:
- Stand firm with your medium armor. Buff the front line with spells such as Shield of Faith, while Arcane Fire and Spell Focus (Evocation) help decimate advancing foes.
- Urban Encounters:
- Navigate narrow streets using wings to surprise opponents. Rely on the versatility of your cleric spell access to adapt quickly—such as casting Hold Person to neutralize threats without causing public destruction.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Dexterity (Dex 10) | Equip a Glove of Dexterity (+2 enhancement bonus to Dexterity) to improve reflexes and ranged attack capabilities. |
| Relies on Armor Spells | Acquire a Ring of Protection (+1 to +5 deflection bonus to AC) to provide a similar bonus without casting spells. |
| Limited Physical Offense | Use Staff of Power (grants a bonus of +2 to attack and damage rolls) to add physical offensive capabilities. |
| Spell Resistance Issues | Equip Greater Spell Penetration to lower enemy spell resistance, improving the effectiveness of spells. |
| Vulnerable to Silence | Keep Silent Spell Metamagic feat handy to cast spells even when silenced. |
| Low Intelligence (Int 12) | Use an Headband of Intellect (+2 enhancement bonus to Intelligence) to boost their skill points and related checks |
Roleplaying the Rainbow Warsnake
Opportunities for Dynamic Play
Imagine embodying a character as vivid as the Rainbow Warsnake[1]. With rainbow feathered wings and the ability to channel incredible arcane powers, your roleplaying opportunities are vast. Emphasize this unique appearance in your interactions. As you walk into a room, users interprets the play of colors as an aura of authority, drawing respect or envy. Use the shock and awe effect to assert control over a social encounter or defuse tension through sheer charisma.
Another key aspect is the aura of mystery and secrecy. Your character’s knowledge of both warmage and cleric spells positions you as an enigmatic figure in arcane circles. Roleplay the suspense by having your character pause dramatically before casting powerful spells, giving your words weight and keeping others guessing about your next move. This mystique not only makes interactions more engaging but sets you up as a character whose actions are always unpredictable and intriguing.
Themes of Conflict and Resolution
This build’s thematic core revolves around the blend of destruction and healing; it’s about balancing the scales of life and death. Engage in scenes where your character struggles with the weight of their power. Should they unleash their devastating spells or heal those in need? This internal conflict offers rich storytelling opportunities. Through dialogue, reflect on past decisions and their impact, allowing your character to evolve over time.
The character is also a bridge between varied factions, being both a representative of the Arcane Order and a dependable warmage. This duality can plunge your character into moral debates and power struggles. In group settings or council meetings, play the role of an intermediary, using your versatility to articulate reason and balanced judgment. Over time, let these experiences shape your character’s worldview, ultimately influencing their future choices and allegiances.
FAQ
How does the Rainbow Warmage build capitalize on its class abilities?
The Warmage build leverages evocation spells at its core. With Warmage’s Edge, it enhances damage output significantly. The ability to cast spells in light armor ensures survivability. The build excels in battlefield control and dealing massive damage early in the game.
Why is the Rainbow Servant class crucial for this build?
The Rainbow Servant class enables access to powerful cleric spells at higher levels. Achieving Cleric Spell Access allows for unparalleled versatility. This ability lets you cast both arcane and divine spells spontaneously. It effectively breaks boundaries between typical class abilities.
What are the key milestones in this character’s development?
The build starts with evoking prowess as a Warmage. At levels 6-10, it gains aerial abilities and spell versatility. Levels 11-15 enhance tactical casting capabilities with bonus domains. By levels 16-20, the inclusion of Archmage spells transforms it into a formidable caster.
How do equipment choices affect the Rainbow Warmage build’s performance?
Early on, prioritize a Masterwork Chain Shirt for defensive purposes. Upgrade to Mithral variants for better dexterity and mobility. High-level gear like the Staff of Power boosts both physical and magical prowess. Equipments like Rings of Protection enhance survivability, crucial for tough encounters.
What are the traditional weaknesses of the Rainbow Warmage build and how are they countered?
Main weaknesses include low dexterity and reliance on armor. Equip Gloves of Dexterity and Rings of Protection as counters. Limited physical offense is offset by acquiring a Staff of Power. Utilize Greater Spell Penetration to tackle Spell Resistance issues effectively.
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Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Warmage – Rainbow Warsnake – D&D 3.5 ( Rainbow Warsnake )
Categories: D&D 3.5 Character Builds, D&D 3.5 Warmage Builds
Rainbow Warsnake
The council debate was heated, as per usual. After the head guard made his report, the regent from the Arcane Order was quick to dismiss his interventionism as foolish and erratic behavior. Not many on the council were willing to throw their weight against him and the Arcane Order, even if the head guard was right, so it came to the Sandmage and the Warsnake to defend the head guard.
The Warsnake, a man of great stature with rainbow feathered wings, a real arcane prodigy, was becoming especially venomous toward the old man.
“Your cowardice has no limits, does your Order’s shame have no limits? Innocent lives are at stake here!”
The old man let out a vicious whistle, not unlike that of a viper.
“My Order is your order too, I AM a Warmage, it just so happens that I also represent the Arcane Order young man, an order mind you, who is financing half the research you do. The warsnake sat, knowing full well that the old man was not making idle threats.”
Race
Human
Class
Warmage 6/Rainbow Servant 10/Archmage 4
Atributes
Str 10/Dex 10/Con 14/Int 12/Wis 10/Cha 18
Skills
Knowledge(Arcana) 15, Spellcraft 15
Equipment
You know the drill. Spear, Shield, Chainshirt.
Goal
You can cast all your warmage spells and all cleric spells. Spontaneously. Bam, you wanted versatility? Here’s versatility. Buffs, heals, debuffs, blasting, wings to fly away from danger, and arcane reach to buff your allies from away. Yeah, hard to do better here, it’s one of the most broken combos in 3.5
| Level | Class | HD | Feat | Special |
| 1 | Warmage | 8 | Spell Focus(Evocatio n), Spellfire Wielder | Armored Mage(Light), Warmage’s Edge |
| 2 | Warmage | 1d6+2 | – | – |
| 3 | Warmage | 1d6+2 | Skill Focus (Spellcraft) | Advanced Learning |
| 4 | Warmage | 1d6+2 | – | +1 Cha |
| 5 | Warmage | 1d6+2 | – | – |
| 6 | Warmage | 1d6+2 | Obtain Familiar | Advanced Learning |
| 7 | Rainbow Servant | 1d4+2 | – | Extra Domain(Good), Detect Evil |
| 8 | Rainbow Servant | 1d4+2 | – | +1 Cha |
| 9 | Rainbow Servant | 1d4+2 | Medium Armor Proficiency | – |
| 10 | Rainbow Servant | 1d4+2 | – | Extra Domain(Air), Grow Wings |
| 11 | Rainbow Servant | 1d4+2 | – | – |
| 12 | Rainbow Servant | 1d4+2 | Battle Caster | +1 Cha |
| 13 | Rainbow Servant | 1d4+2 | – | Extra Domain(Law), Detect Chaos |
| 14 | Rainbow Servant | 1d4+2 | – | – |
| 15 | Rainbow Servant | 1d4+2 | Spell Focus(Conjurati on) | – |
| 16 | Rainbow Servant | 1d4+2 | – | Cleric Spell Access, Detect Thoughts, +1 Cha |
| 17 | Archmage | 1d4+2 | – | Arcane Fire |
| 18 | Archmage | 1d4+2 | Improved Familiar | Arcane Reach |
| 19 | Archmage | 1d4+2 | – | Mastery of Shaping |
| 20 | Archmage | 1d4+2 | – | Mastery of Elements, +1 Cha |
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