Article-At-A-Glance
- The War Wizard[1] merges exceptional melee strength with powerful spellcasting for tactical advantage.
- Utilizes classes like Incantatrix and Runesmith to enhance spell persistence and armor capabilities.
- Strategically counters weaknesses such as spell limitations and mobility with detailed solutions.
- Roleplays with themes of warfare, discipline, honor, providing depth to character interactions.
Click on the level for more information
A level 1 War Wizard with a focus on spellcasting and resilience. Equipped with basic wizard essentials and leveraging their high intelligence to bolster defense and spell efficiency.
Stat Block Level 1:
Unnamed Male Dwarf Wizard 1; CR 1; Medium Humanoid (Dwarf); HD 1d4+2; hp 6; Init +1; Spd 20 ft.; AC 11, touch 11, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk quarterstaff +0 melee (1d6); Full Atk quarterstaff +0 melee (1d6); SA Spells; SQ Dwarf traits, Familiar (Toad); AL Neutral; SV Fort +2, Ref +1, Will +4; Str 10, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 14, Cha 6.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Concentration +6, Craft (Stoneworking) +8, Knowledge (Arcane) +8, Spellcraft +8; Iron Will, Scribe Scroll. Dwarf Traits: +2 Constitution, -2 Charisma, Darkvision 60 ft., stonecutting, weapon familiarity, stability, +2 racial bonus on saving throws against poison, spells, and spell-like effects, +1 racial bonus on attack rolls against orcs and goblinoids, +4 dodge bonus to AC against monsters of the giant type.
Possessions: Spellbook, Component Pouch.
The build at level 5 is focused on preparing the character to transition into a formidable battle-ready wizard. Using spells like Divine Power, the character begins to excel in melee combat. With the addition of armor proficiency from Dragonslayer and skill-enhancing feats like Extend Spell, the character becomes resilient and highly mobile, setting the stage for future levels.
Stat Block Level 5:
Unnamed War Wizard: male, dwarf Wizard 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (dwarf); HD 5d4+10; hp 25; Init +1; Spd 20 ft.; AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +2; Grp +2; Atk melee +2 (1d10/×3, dwarf waraxe) or ranged +3 (damage/type); Full Atk melee +2 (1d10/×3, dwarf waraxe); SA spells; SQ stability, stonecunning, racial bonuses on saves; AL Lawful Neutral; SV Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +6; Str 10, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 14, Cha 6.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Concentration 6, Craft(Stoneworking) 8, Knowledge(Arcane) 8, Spellcraft 8, Tumble 2; Iron Will, Scribe Scroll, Dodge, Extend Spell.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
As a dwarven wizard, superior spell knowledge combined with physical resilience. Can use spells in a tactical and defensive manner in combat due to high Intelligence and Concentration.
Possessions: Spellbook, Component Pouch, basic clothing, a good one-handed melee weapon (dwarven waraxe).
The level 10 War Wizard is a blend of casting prowess and melee capability. With the combination of Persist Spell and Battlecast, this character can function effectively in melee while still providing potent magical support. The Swiftblade and Havoc Mage classes augment speed and offensive capability, respectively, making this wizard particularly mobile and effective in close-quarters combat.
Stat Block Level 10:
Unnamed War Wizard: Male, dwarf wizard 5/incantatrix 3/swiftblade 1/havoc mage 1; CR 10; Medium humanoid (dwarf); HD 9d4+1d6+20; hp 54; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 11, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +5; Grp +5; Atk Dwarven waraxe +5 melee (1d10); Full Atk Dwarven waraxe +5 melee (1d10); SA Battlecast, Spring Attack; SQ Stonecunning, dwarven resilience, persist spell, swift surge; AL Neutral; SV Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +13; Str 10, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 14, Cha 6.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Concentration +12, Craft (Stoneworking) +11, Knowledge (Arcane) +12, Spellcraft +12; Iron Will, Scribe Scroll, Dodge, Extend Spell, Mobility, Persist Spell, Arcane Disciple (War), Spring Attack.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Battlecast allows casting of lower-level spells while attacking; the ability to persist spells provides ongoing spell effects in combat.
Possessions: Dwarven Waraxe, Adamantine Full Plate, Spellbook, Component Pouch.
The War Wizard[1] at level 15 into a formidable melee combatant as well as a powerful spellcaster. Utilizing Persist Spell and Arcane Disciple for Divine Power, the War Wizard[1] maintains strong melee capabilities by delivering explosive damage through Battlecast. Wearing heavy Adamantine Full Plate courtesy of Runesmith, the defenses are stellar, enhanced by high Intelligence and the defensive casting prowess from Combat Casting and Skill Focus (Concentration). Mobility is extraordinary with Spring Attack, offering tactical advantage in melee skirmishes.
Stat Block Level 15:
Unnamed: male, dwarf Wizard 5/Incantatrix 3/Swiftblade 1/Havoc Mage 5/Runesmith 1; CR 15; Medium humanoid (dwarf); HD 15d4+30; hp 68; Init +1; Spd 20 ft.; AC 30, touch 11, flat-footed 29; Base Atk +11; Grp +11; Atk +14 melee (1d10+6/×3, Dwarven Waraxe) or spell +13 ranged touch; Full Atk +14/+9 melee (1d10+6/×3, Dwarven Waraxe) or spell +13/+8 ranged touch; SA arcane spells, Battlecast (8th level spells); SQ Dwarven traits, metamagic effect, rune magic; AL LN; SV Fort +8, Ref +9, Will +17; Str 10, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 14, Cha 6.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Concentration +18, Craft (Stoneworking) +8, Knowledge (Arcana) +20, Spellcraft +20, Tumble +2; Iron Will, Scribe Scroll, Dodge, Extend Spell, Mobility, Persist Spell, Arcane Disciple (War), Spring Attack, Spell Penetration, Skill Focus (Concentration), Combat Casting.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Divine Power grants high BAB, Wraithstrike bypasses AC, high spell penetration.
Possessions: Adamantine Full Plate, Dwarven Waraxe, Spellbook, Component Pouch.
This War Wizard build upon finally reaching level 20 is robust, balancing spellcasting mastery with melee prowess. As a Dwarven Runesmith, you are armored in Adamantine Full Plate without hindrance to spellcasting. The combo of Persist Spell with Incantatrix makes continuous buffs like Divine Power effortless, boosting your melee capability. Swiftblade’s Haste enhances your speed, while Havoc Mage’s Battlecast delivers devastating spell-weapon attacks, maximizing both burst damage and team support.
Stat Block Level 20:
War Wizard: male, dwarf wizard 5/incantatrix 3/swiftblade 1/havoc mage 5/dragonslayer 1/runesmith 5; CR 20; Medium humanoid (dwarf); HD 1d4+14 plus 9d8+42 plus 10d4+42; hp 150; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 28, touch 11, flat-footed 27; Base Atk +14; Grp +15; Atk +20 melee (1d10+6, dwarven waraxe); Full Atk +20/+15/+10 melee (1d10+6, dwarven waraxe); SA Battlecast, spellcasting; SQ Dwarven traits, rune magic, cooperative metamagic, metamagic effect, focused study (illusions), aura of courage, permanent rune, stonecraft expertise, share runes; AL Lawful Neutral; SV Fort +14, Ref +14, Will +21; Str 10, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 22, Wis 14, Cha 6.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Concentration +26, Craft (Stoneworking) +24, Knowledge (Arcane) +26, Spellcraft +26, Tumble +10; Iron Will, Scribe Scroll, Dodge, Extend Spell, Mobility, Persist Spell, Arcane Disciple (War), Spring Attack, Spell Penetration, Skill Focus (Concentration), Combat Casting.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Battlecast allows delivering spells through weapon attacks up to 8th level; Divine Power grants nearly full BAB and bonuses; Haste from Swiftblade boosts speed and actions; Wearing Adamantine Full Plate without casting penalties; runes and spell persistence from Incantatrix and Runesmith.
Possessions: Adamantine Full Plate armor, dwarven waraxe, component pouch, spellbook, crafted permanent runes.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: The character starts as a Wizard, gaining foundational abilities and spells. Key feats include Iron Will and Scribe Scroll. Wisdom is enhanced (+1 Int), and the character forms a bond with a familiar (Toad).
- Levels 6-10: Transition into Incantatrix and Swiftblade classes, focusing on metamagic capabilities and agility. Notable feats are Persist Spell and Arcane Disciple (War). The character begins leveraging Cooperative Metamagic and spells like Divine Power through Arcane Disciple.
- Levels 11-15: The character expands combat capabilities with Havoc Mage, learning Battlecast skills. Essential feats include Skill Focus (Concentration). By gaining Dragonslayer and entering Runesmith, they develop resilience and tactical versatility.
- Levels 16-20: Advanced Runesmith techniques allow casting without Somatic Components, enhancing heavy armor proficiency. Adding Combat Casting increases defensive casting reliability. Permanent Rune usage and mastery of stonecraft mark significant growth in magical prowess.
Core Abilities & Features
The War Wizard[1] build, a Dwarf Wizard with a staggering class combination, is a powerhouse in both mobility and melee prowess. Drawing upon the strength of being a Dwarf, this build maximizes resilience while amplifying its war capabilities. The backbone rests on key feats and class features that enable it to persist and enhance its spellcasting ability to formidable levels.
The spell ‘Persist Spell’ granted by the Incantatrix allows the War Wizard[1] to maintain spells like Divine Power throughout the day, effectively transforming the low BAB of a wizard into the high BAB more akin to a fighter. Add ‘Arcane Disciple’ featuring divine spells and the inclusion of ‘Spring Attack’, the War Wizard[1] striking and maneuvering away becomes a tactical nightmare for opponents. Additionally, ‘Skill Focus (Concentration)’ and ‘Combat Casting’ ensure that casting under duress or defensive situations is never compromised.
Defensively, the build shines with its Runesmith and Dragonslayer classes making heavy armor usage possible. The ‘Rune Magic’ ability cancels out the traditional somatic components required, essential when casting in full plate. Equipment-wise, using an Adamantine Full Plate boosts its AC substantially, while spells like Greater Ironguard provide near immunity to mundane attacks.
Ultimately, offensive capabilities steal the show with ‘Battlecast’ from the Havoc Mage, allowing the War Wizard[1] to channel high-level spells through melee attacks. This, coupled with the Swiftblade’s enhancements to the ‘Haste’ spell, makes mobility, multitarget attacks, and rapid spellcasting a reality, making it a relentless combatant on the battlefield.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Spellbook and Component Pouch | Essential for casting spells and managing components. |
| L6-10 | Adamantine Full Plate | Acquired when obtaining Rune Magic, offers excellent defensive capabilities. |
| L11-15 | Dwarven Waraxe | Chosen for its one-handed use, complements melee spellcasting strategies. |
| L16-20 | Permanent Rune Supplies | Facilitates the use of permanent runes for added spell versatility and utility. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- With high defensive capabilities and a range of spells, the War Wizard[1] becomes an indomitable force in tight corridors. Use Persistant Wraithstrike to bypass enemy armor, and rely on Rune Magic for quick spell deployment without gestures, ideal for fighting in cramped spaces. The heavy armor from Dragonslayer ensures you withstand ambushes from lurking monsters.
- Open Fields:
- In an open setting, leverage Swiftblade’s Haste for unparalleled mobility. Combine this with Spring Attack to dart in and out of combat, delivering spells like Divine Power enhanced attacks, avoiding retaliation. The resilience of Dwarven training keeps you grounded against tumults of the battlefield.
- Ambushes:
- Unexpected attacks meet their match against your carefully chosen feats. With Combat Casting and Skill Focus(Concentration), your spells are hard to interrupt. Use Battlecast to counterattack with devastating high-level spells through weapon strikes, turning the tide before foes can capitalize on their surprise.
- Defensive Stands:
- When defending a position, maximize your defensive spells like Greater Ironguard. Utilize Runesmith abilities to set up runes as magical traps or enhancements for allies. The Adamantine Full Plate and high Constitution support prolonged engagements, ensuring you outlast your opponents while providing spell-based support.
- Urban Encounters:
- In crowded cityscapes, the War Wizard[1]’s versatility shines. Use non-lethal spells or crowd control to minimize collateral damage – Crucial in cities. The Dwarven Waraxe delivers potent blows amidst confusion, while heavy armor provides protection from opportunistic strikes in bustling streets.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Limited Illusion Spells | The Incantatrix’s Focused Study means you lose illusion spells. Counter this by using other spells to create similar effects. Utilize spells like Mirror Image or Blink from different spell schools for deception. |
| Limited Spells per Day | Your spellcasting capability is reduced due to multiple classes. Use a Ring of Wizardry, which doubles the amount of available spells per day for a specific level, ensuring you can cast more spells overall. |
| Heavy Armor Casting Penalties | Mitigated by the Runesmith’s abilities allowing you to cast without somatic components. Ensure you have Adamantine Full Plate which provides maximum protection without causing the traditional penalties associated with heavy armor in spellcasting. |
| Battle Complexity | Managing spells, melee combat, and class abilities can be overwhelming. Counter this by creating a detailed combat flowchart and preparing spell lists in advance, focusing on synergy between spells like Haste and Divine Power. |
| Mobility Issues | While Spring Attack enhances mobility, armor can slow you down. Use the Swiftblade class features like Swift Surge for bonus speed, and consider acquiring a Boots of Striding and Springing to further increase your mobility on the battlefield. |
Roleplaying the War Wizard
Opportunities to Shine
As a War Wizard, you’re a master of combining might and magic. Roleplay your prowess by emphasizing the disciplined partnership between physical combat and arcane casting. In interactions, let your dual proficiency come forth, whether in a heated battle or a tense diplomatic gathering, paving the way for your strategic brilliance.
The story hook involving family secrets provides a rich backstory backdrop. Explore your character’s emotions and motivations about your heritage and the mysterious circumstances around your kin. This can be a driving force behind your adventuring goals, always lingering at the forefront of your decisions and interactions with NPCs!
Themes of Warfare and Honor
Given your heavy armor and weaponry, leaning into themes of honor and warrior’s duty add depth to your interactions. Balance the power you command with a moral code, akin to a knight’s chivalry. When faced with injustice or the oppressed, your character should grapple with the decision to act, guided by a personal code developed over years of experience.
Reflect on how war has shaped your worldview. Do past battles give you a harsh, pragmatic edge? Or have they imbued you with a deep longing for peace? These perspectives can influence your decisions and how allies and foes perceive you, shaping your journey through conflicts both personal and shared with your party.
FAQ
How does the War Wizard[1] build handle heavy armor casting penalties?
The War Wizard[1] counters armor penalties with Runesmith training. This class removes somatic components for spellcasting in armor. Wear an Adamantine Full Plate for maximum defense. Rune Magic further allows casting without traditional gestures. This ensures seamless spellcasting, even in tightly secured armor.
What makes the War Wizard[1]’s offensive capabilities exceptional?
The War Wizard[1] excels with a blend of melee and spellcasting. The Incantatrix’s Persist Spell lets spells last all day. Havoc Mage’s Battlecast allows spells through weapon attacks. The Swiftblade enhances speed and multi-target capabilities. This combination makes the War Wizard[1] a formidable battlefield presence.
How are mobility issues managed in the War Wizard[1] build?
Spring Attack significantly improves mobility for the War Wizard[1]. Swiftblade abilities provide bonus speed, enhancing battlefield movement. Consider Boots of Striding and Springing to boost movement further. This helps overcome heavy armor’s speed restrictions. Your character remains agile, even in full combat gear.
How should one prepare for limited spells per day as a War Wizard?
Multi-classing reduces your number of spells per day. A Ring of Wizardry compensates by doubling available spells for specific levels. Focus on strategic spell usage. Combining buff and defensive spells maximizes each spell’s impact. This ensures sustained magical performance in prolonged battles.
How does the War Wizard[1]’s role-playing potential enhance gameplay?
Explore dual proficiency in combat and spells for a unique persona. Emphasize family secrets as a backstory for depth. Internal conflicts between warfare and moral codes offer role-playing opportunities. This adds nuance to diplomatic and strategic encounters. Challenge others’ perceptions through actions and decisions.
Join us as a War Wizard at Stellar Dragons!
Consider playing with a War Wizard in your next game. They offer unique combat styles and role-playing opportunities. Do you think the War Wizard[1] could be the best build in D&D 3.5? Join the fun and debate on the Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Wizard – The War Wizard – D&D 3.5 ( The War Wizard )
Categories: D&D 3.5 Character Builds, D&D 3.5 Wizard Builds
The War Wizard
As the first couple was dealing with the strange hermit, the other two headed to the city to meet the other lead, who also happened to be the older brother’s contact for the warmage monastery.
“So…are you going to tell me what was that between you two earlier?” The white coated woman asked as they walked in the muddied street.
The man scratched his chin while looking up. Clearly he was uncomfortable.
“Well, it’s a long story…a family story…”
The woman raised an eyebrow.
“I thought you two were the only surviving members of your house?” She asked.
“Well, it’s complicated, began the man as he opened the door of the guild which stopped both of them in their tracks as inside a dwarf in armor was casting a fireball at several undead assaillants…“
Race
Dwarf
Classes
Wizard 5/Incantatrix 3/Swiftblade 1/Havoc Mage 5/Dragonslayer 1/Runesmith 5
Ability Scores
Str 10/Dex 13/Con 14/Int 18/Wis 14/Cha 6
Skills
Concentration 6, Craft(Stoneworking) 8, Knowledge(Arcane) 8, Spellcraft 8, Tumble 2
Feats
1-Iron Will
1-Scribe Scroll
3-Dodge
5-Extend Spell
6-Mobility
6-Persist Spell
9-Arcane Disciple(War)
9-Spring Attack
12-Spell Penetration
15-Skill Focus(Concentration)
18-Combat Casting
Between Persist Spell and Arcane Disciple to grab spells such as Divine Power, we are turning this Wizard into a formidable melee combattant. We are also surprisingly mobile with Spring Attack.
Finally, Skill Focus(Concentration) and Combat Casting means that casting defensively is never going to be a problem.
Equipment
We begin as a classic wizard, and as thus we will be grabbing a Spellbook and a Component Pouch. As soon as we get the Rune Magic ability however, we can go ahead and buy(or craft) ourselves a suit of Adamantine Full Plate as we gain proficiency in Heavy Armor via Dragonslayer. We also want to grab a good one handed melee weapon such as a Dwarven Waraxe.
Final Thoughts on the Build
Via Incantatrix we can Persist Spells virtually for free, so constant Divine Power, Greater Ironguard and Wraithstrike shenanigans.
As a Dwarf we are already surprisingly resilient to a variety of things, and via the Runesmith PrC we get to cast spells as Runes, canceling Somatic Components meaning wearing Heavy Armor becomes a legitimate choice for us. Meaning our Defenses are crazy high by default and via our vast collection of spells they can get in the stratosphere really, really fast.
Offensively, we make excellent use of Divine Power granting us all but a High BAB, great Strength and Haste which is amplified by Swiftblade, making us ridiculously mobile. To top it off, via Battlecast, we can deliver spells up to 8th lvl via weapon attacks for incredible damage bursts or giving debuffs on top of adding to the dps of the team in melee.
As a Spellcaster, you stay a generalist, so a few less spells per day, but in exchange you only lose Illusions due to the Incantatrix’s Focused Study and thus maintain a vast repertoire of backup options.
Level Table
|
Level |
Class |
HD |
Feats |
Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Wizard |
9 |
Iron Will, Scribe Scroll |
Familiar(Toad) |
|
2 |
Wizard |
1d4+2 |
- |
- |
|
3 |
Wizard |
1d4+2 |
Dodge |
- |
|
4 |
Wizard |
1d4+2 |
- |
+1 Int |
|
5 |
Wizard |
1d4+2 |
Extend Spell |
- |
|
6 |
Incantatrix |
1d4+2 |
Mobility, Persist Spell |
Focused Study (Illusions) |
|
7 |
Incantatrix |
1d4+2 |
- |
Cooperative Metamagic |
|
8 |
Incantatrix |
1d4+2 |
- |
+1 Wis, Metamagic Effect |
|
9 |
Swiftblade |
1d6+2 |
Arcane Disciple(War), Spring Attack |
Swift Surge(+1/+0) |
|
10 |
Havoc Mage |
1d8+2 |
- |
Battlecast (2nd Level) |
|
11 |
Havoc Mage |
1d8+2 |
- |
- |
|
12 |
Dragonslayer |
1d10+2 |
Spell Penetration |
+1 Int, Aura of Courage, Damage Bonus |
|
13 |
Runesmith |
1d6+2 |
- |
Rune Magic |
|
14 |
Havoc Mage |
1d8+2 |
- |
Battlecast (4th Level) |
|
15 |
Havoc Mage |
1d8+2 |
Skill Focus(Concentration) |
- |
|
16 |
Havoc Mage |
1d8+2 |
- |
+1 Int, Battlecast (8th Level) |
|
17 |
Runesmith |
1d6+2 |
- |
Stonecraft Expertise |
|
18 |
Runesmith |
1d6+2 |
Combat Casting |
Share Runes |
|
19 |
Runesmith |
1d6+2 |
- |
- |
|
20 |
Runesmith |
1d6+2 |
- |
+1 Int, Permanent Rune |
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