Article-At-A-Glance
- Counterspell Savant[1] is renowned for its masteries, as explored in the guide.
- Emphasizes Arcanist class abilities combining Abjuration spells and meta-strategies.
- Focuses on skill checks using ‘School Savant’ and ‘Skill Focus (Spellcraft)’ options.
- Details quick adjustments for spell mastery, utilizing Quicken Spell for timely countering.
Click on the level for more information
This Level 1 Half-Elf Arcanist build specializes in counterspelling as a School Savant with a focus on Abjuration. With high Intelligence, it can react quickly with spells during enemy turns using its arcane reservoir. Key traits enhance initiative and dispel checks, crucial for counteracting enemy magic efficiently.
Stat Block Level 1:
Arcanist Counterspell Savant[1]: gender, Half-Elf Arcanist 1; CR 1/2; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 1d6; hp 6; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 10, touch 10, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +0; Grp +1; Atk dagger (1d4/19-20) or light crossbow (1d8/19-20); Full Atk dagger (1d4/19-20) or light crossbow (1d8/19-20); SA Counterspell; SQ Arcane Reservoir, School Savant; AL N; SV Fort +0, Ref +0, Will +2; Str 7, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Spellcraft +9, Knowledge (Arcana) +9; Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Spellcraft).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Counterspell as an immediate action using Arcane Reservoir.
Possessions: Spellbook, Component Pouch, Masterwork Tools (Fantasia Hat for +2 Spellcraft).
At level 5, the Arcanist Counterspell Savant[1] excels in quickly identifying and neutralizing enemy spells, exploiting the powerful synergy between School Savant abilities and classic counterspelling feats. It can react swiftly using immediate actions to negate spell threats.
Stat Block Level 5:
Arcanist Counterspell Savant[1]: gender, half-elf arcanist (school savant) 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (half-elf); HD 5d6+5; hp 27; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +2; Grp +0; Atk melee (dagger +0 melee, 1d4-2/19-20); Full Atk dagger +0 melee (1d4-2/19-20); SA Counterspell, Improved Counterspell; SQ Elven Immunities, Arcane Reservoir, Exploits(Counterspell, Familiar); AL Neutral; SV Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +6; Str 7, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Spellcraft +17, Knowledge(Arcana) +12, Improved Initiative, Skill Focus(Spellcraft), Spell Focus(Abjuration), Extra Exploit.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Counterspelling as an Immediate Action, Free Dispel Attempts.
Possessions: Spellbook, Component Pouch, Masterwork Tools (+2 Spellcraft bonus, themed as Mickey Mouse Fantasia Wizard Hat).
At level 10, the Counterspell Savant[1] Arcanist excels in disrupting enemy spellcasters. Utilizes immediate action counterspells using Arcane Reservoir points and can replenish these points by successfully countering spells. With their favored school of Abjuration and specialized Dispel Magic, they weaken or incapacitate threats, leaving allies free to capitalize.
Stat Block Level 10:
Arcanist: unknown, Half-Elf Arcanist 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 10d6; hp 71; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +5; Grp +4; Atk Scorpion Familiar or light weapon; Full Atk Scorpion Familiar or light weapon; SA Arcane spells (CL10th, concentration +15); SQ Elf Blood, Multitalented, Arcane Reservoir, Exploits (Counterspell, Spell Disruption); AL CN; SV Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +9; Str 7, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Spellcraft +18, Knowledge (Arcana) +18; Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Spellcraft), Spell Focus (Abjuration), Extra Exploit, Improved Counterspell, Dispel Synergy.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
As a Counterspell Savant[1], he can counterspell as an immediate action using Arcane Reservoir points, and refresh those by successfully counterspelling. Destructive Dispel may cause Sickened or Stunned conditions.
Possessions: Spellbook, Component Pouch, Masterwork Tools (Mickey Mouse Fantasia Wizard Hat +2 Spellcraft).
This Counterspell Savant[1] build combines the peaceful control of an Arcanist with the aggressive taste of a specialized counter-speller. At level 15, using Greater Counterspell and Parry Spell, counter opponents’ spells and redirect them back with ease. This character can replenish his Arcane Reservoir by counterspelling, making each spell stop an opportunity to gain something in return.
Stat Block Level 15:
Arcanist (Counterspell Savant[1]): male, half-elf arcanist 15; CR 15; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 15d6; hp 78; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +7; Grp +6; Atk touch spell +8 melee (by spell) or daggers +6/-1 melee (1d4-2/19-20); Full Atk touch spell +8 melee (by spell) or daggers +6/-1 melee (1d4-2/19-20); SA counterspell; SQ pool of arcane reservoir; AL Neutral; SV Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +10; Str 7, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Spellcraft +20, Knowledge (Arcana) +18; Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Spellcraft), Spell Focus (Abjuration), Extra Exploit, Improved Counterspell, Dispel Synergy, Spell Specialization (Dispel Magic), Varisian Tattoo (Abjuration), Destructive Dispel, Parry Spell.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Counterspell as Immediate Action, replenish Arcane Reservoir by counterspelling, Destructive Dispel effect.
Possessions: Spellbook, Component Pouch, Masterwork Tools (Fantasy Wizard Hat for +2 Spellcraft bonus).
The Arcanist Counterspell Savant[1] is a potent spellcaster specializing in countering enemy spells while maintaining their own arsenal. At level 20, this build can counterspell as an immediate action without forfeiting their own turn. Through feats and exploits, they can disrupt and even return spells to casters, causing debilitating effects like stunning or sickening them. They utilize a scorpion as a familiar, and replenish their Arcane Reservoir by counterspelling.
Stat Block Level 20:
Arcanist: male, Half-Elf Arcanist 20; CR 20; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 20d6; hp 120; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +10; Grp +13; Atk +13 melee (scorpion or spell attack detail) or ranged; Full Atk +13/+8 melee (scorpion or spell attack detail) or ranged; SA Counterspell, Disruptive Spells; SQ Arcane Reservoir, Immediate Counterspell, Spellbook Access; AL Neutral; SV Fort +7, Ref +8, Will +14; Str 7, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Spellcraft +24, Knowledge (Arcana) +24; Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Spellcraft), Spell Focus (Abjuration), Extra Exploit, Improved Counterspell, Dispel Synergy, Spell Specialization (Dispel Magic), Varisian Tattoo (Abjuration), Destructive Dispel, Parry Spell, Leadership, Improved Familiar.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Counterspell as an immediate action, spells rebound via Parry Spell, Arcane Reservoir replenishment.
Possessions: Masterwork Spellbook, Component Pouch, Fantasia Wizard Hat (Masterwork Tool), Familiar (Scorpion).
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Start with a strong base as the Arcanist utilizes Improved Initiative for faster spellcasting reactions. Cultivate proficiency in Spellcraft via Skill Focus and adopt the School Savant archetype, which substitutes initial exploits and paves the way for forthcoming feats such as Improved Counterspell.
- Levels 6-10: Establish yourself as the top counterspeller with skills such as Dispel Synergy and Extra Exploit. Enhance your skills in Spell Specialization for Dispel Magic, boosting efficiency in countering enemy magic quickly.
- Levels 11-15: Showcase your skill by further specializing in combat manipulation with Destructive Dispel, applying status conditions such as Sickened or Stunned on enemies. Parry Spell reflects enemy spells, demonstrating your exceptional mastery in magical confrontations.
- Levels 16-20: Command culminates with Leadership and an Improved Familiar for enhanced strategic options. Quick Study and Siphon Spell ensure magical dominance, replenishing resources and permitting immediate counterspelling, effectively asserting control over any magical engagement.
Core Abilities & Features
Imagine halting an enemy spellcaster with a snap. The Counterspell Savant[1] build excels at this. By choosing the Arcanist class with a School Savant Archetype, this build prioritizes counterspelling to a remarkable degree. The favored school is Abjuration, which focuses on stopping spells before they can manifest. Opposition schools are Necromancy and Evocation, reducing distractions from the primary goal: outsmarting and hampering enemy spellcasters.
Ability scores are given a lot of weight. Invest in intelligence since it improves skill checks and spellcasting. Apply the additional benefit to Intelligence for a Half-Elf. Qualities like Spell Duel Prodigy (raising dispel checks) and Warrior of Old (enhancing initiative) are crucial for this build, which depends on quick reactions to enemy moves. Fast reflexes are guaranteed by feats like Improved Initiative, but the raw potency of countering spells is increased by feats like Improved Counterspell. With each successful counter, the Arcanist reloads Arcane Reservoir points using Greater Counterspell and Counter Drain.
Exploits and feats flesh out the build. With Spellcraft focusing on skill checks, you need tools, like Masterwork Spellcraft tools, to boost performance. This build grants immediate action counterspelling by utilizing Arcane Reservoir points, a game-changer in combat efficiency. Further, feats like Quick Study and Siphon Spell enable flexible responses, allowing you to adapt tactics rapidly. Equipment like the spellbook and component pouch are necessary, but a twist comes with adding a familiar for added utility.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Spellbook | Essential for casting and recording spells. Prioritize Abjuration spells for counterspelling. |
| L6-10 | Headband of Vast Intelligence +2 | Increases Intelligence, important for spellcasting ability and extra skill points. |
| L11-15 | Ring of Counterspells | Can store and automatically counter a spell, ideally one that’s problematic frequently. |
| L16-20 | Staff of the Master | Provides spell slots, spell-like abilities, and other powerful enhancements tailoring to your build. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In the tight, dark corridors of a dungeon, the Counterspell Savant[1] can effectively manage spellcasting foes. Use immediate action counterspells to prevent enemy spellcasters from using powerful area spells that could trap or damage your party. Remember to utilize your Improved Initiative and traits to act before others.
- Open Fields:
- You have lots of room to concentrate on managing the battlefield. You can use Abjuration-based control spells to manipulate the arena while your melee and ranged friends clean up after you use Destructive Dispel to incapacitate hostile spellcasters.
- Ambushes:
- Having fast reflexes is essential during an ambush. You can change the course of events with enhanced initiative and the ability to counterspell as a quick action. By thwarting the enemy’s opening spells and employing Siphon Spell to swiftly recover resources, concentrate on upsetting their ambush strategy.
- Defensive Stands:
- In a defensive position, such as guarding a fortress entrance, the Savant’s toolkit shines. Use spells to fortify defenses while countering major threats with Greater Counterspell. Spell Specialization on Dispel Magic ensures enemy strategic spells fail to cause chaos amid your ranks.
- Urban Encounters:
- Navigating narrow, bustling streets, the Counterspell Savant[1] can use the environment to their advantage. Quickly identify and counter key threats without collateral damage, using Leadership to coordinate efforts among any allied NPCs. Focus on precision over raw power to minimize disruption in crowded areas.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Requirement to Delay Action | Use the exploit ‘Counterspell’ as an Immediate Action to respond quickly. |
| Need Access to Opposite Spell | Build a diverse spellbook with a wide range of spells. Use ‘Quick Study’ to prepare spells quickly as needed. |
| Necromancy and Evocation Schools | Focus on Abjuration magic to maximize counterspell efficacy and minimize effect of opposition schools. |
| Physical Vulnerability (Low Strength and Constitution) | Engage a strong party role protection strategy, relying on allies for defense while focusing on magic use. |
| Arcane Reservoir Management | Counterspell effectively to replenish the reservoir, using ‘Siphon Spell’ to maintain resources. |
Roleplaying as the Counterspell Magnate
Representing a genius who views spellcasting as a game of chess, constantly five moves ahead, is what it means to play as an Arcanist-Counterspell Savant[1]. Your character may take great pleasure in outwitting opponents and countering their spells. Consider a highly clever Half-Elf whose main objective is to keep the world’s arcane equilibrium intact by stopping rogue magicks.
This character despises disorder in the narrative, particularly when it results from unbridled magic. Their concern with counterspelling may be a result of their careful academic background or their enigmatic past as a magical referee, who always tried to keep magical duels in order. As a badge of honor, they might carry a Spellbook openly, signifying their responsibility to uphold arcane balance.
Opportunities and Themes
The theme of control is central to this character. Your character thrives in situations where they can prevent chaos, likely valuing strategy and intelligence over brawn. They’ll be quick to identify enemy casters, relishing the opportunity to foil their plans. The thrill of sending an enemies’ spell back to them with ‘Parry Spell’ is unmatched—a smirk cracking their lips as foes crumble in confusion.
Roleplay opportunities flourish in spell-driven scenarios. Imagine debates with wizard counterparts about the ethics of counterspelling, or offering tutelage to younger spellcasters seeking discipline in their chaos. Aligning with groups or factions dedicated to pruning rogue magic might appeal to them, as well as keeping company with characters valuing order and predictability.
FAQ
How does the Counterspell Savant[1] enhance a party’s spellcasting defense?
The Counterspell Savant[1] significantly boosts a party’s defensive capabilities against enemy spells. Armed with specialized abilities, it nullifies or alters spells targeting you and your allies. By focusing on Abjuration and opposition schools, you consistently disrupt enemy tactics. This protection is both reactive and preemptive, offering strategic advantages.
What feats are crucial for an effective Counterspell Savant[1] build?
Key feats include Improved Counterspell and Spell Penetration. Improved Counterspell lets you rapidly counteract enemy spells using the same spell type. Spell Penetration increases your success rate when overcoming opponents’ spell resistance, as such it is recommended to acquire its greater variant later.
What role does spell selection play in a Counterspell Savant[1]’s strategy?
The foundation of a Counterspell Savant[1]’s effectiveness is their choice of spells. Give Abjuration school spells priority in order to combat particular magical dangers. Add practical spells to your repertoire, such as Dispel Magic and Silence. These qualities impair opponents’ tactical maneuvers and interfere with their powers.
How should a Counterspell Savant[1] manage their spell slots across levels?
A Counterspell Savant[1] must wisely allocate spell slots to balance offense and defense. Focus on maintaining a repertoire of low-level spells for frequent counterspells. Reserve high-level slots for spells crucial to exceeding enemy spell defensiveness. Utilize metamagic feats, like Quickened Spell, for rapid response. Diversify your spell-level access strategy for flexible battlefield reactions.
What scenarios highlight the strengths of a Counterspell Savant[1]?
Counterspell Savants excel in encounters where enemy casters dominate the battle. Situations with multiple spellcasters let you shine using rapid and efficient counters. In campaigns focused on mystery and deception, the Savant protects against magical traps and illusions. Your countering prowess is key in preventing unforeseen magical calamities. This role is best suited for encounters emphasizing strategic prevention over brute force.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Counterspell Savant!
Why not try a Counterspell Savant[1] in your next game? Join our discussion and debate at the Stellar Dragons Discord: https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Arcanist – Counterspell Savant – Pathfinder 1E ( Counterspell Savant )
Counterspell Savant
There is a certain rule of thumbs that Counterspelling is bad because one you must delay your action and two you gotta have access to a spell opposite of the casted spell, succeed on a Spellcraft check and your action limits yourself at stopping that one spell.
We’re taking the School Savant Archetype for this build.
Class
Arcanist (School Savant) 20
Favored School: Abjuration(Counterspell)
Opposition Schools: Necromancy, Evocation
Race
Half-Elf, put that floating +2 into Intelligence.
Ability Scores
Put everything into Intelligence.
15Point-Buy
Str 7/Dex 10/Con 12/Int 20/Wis 10/Cha 10
20Point-Buy
Str 7/Dex 14/Con 12/Int 20/Wis 10/Cha 10
25Point-Buy
Str 7/Dex 14/Con 14/Int 20/Wis 10/Cha 12
Traits
Warrior of Old for a nice +2 to Initiative, Spell Duel Prodigy gives you a +2 on Dispel Checks which is crucial for our build.
Favored Class Bonus
HP.
Skills
Spellcraft and Knowledge(Arcana). Everything else is extra gravy.
Feats by Level
1-Improved Initiative
Half-Elf Bonus-Skill Focus(Spellcraft)
3-Spell Focus(Abjuration)
5-Extra Exploit
Bonus 6-Improved Counterspell
7-Dispel Synergy
9-Spell Specialization(Dispel Magic)
11-Varisian Tattoo(Abjuration)
13-Destructive Dispel
15-Parry Spell
17-Leadership
19-Improved Familiar
Dispel Synergy makes targets of your Dispel Magic more susceptible to your own spells, and if you do a targeted Dispel Magic at a target via Destructive Dispel, they get at best Sickened and at worst Stunned. Parry Spell makes it so when you successfully counter a spell, you send it back to caster. This is hilarious. Finally you get Leadership because at this point you’re already broken, I do not think anyone will argue against it anyway.
Arcanist Exploits by Level
1-Replaced by School Savant
3-Replaced by School Savant
5-Counterspell
5-Familiar(Scorpion)
7-Replaced by School Savant
9-Spell Disruption
11-Counter Drain
13-Greater Counterspell
15-Greater Spell Disruption
17-Siphon Spell
19-Quick Study
So, now you can Counterspell as an Immediate Action by spending points from your Arcane Reservoir. And you replenish your Arcane Reservoir…hear me out…by counterspelling. That’s right. So now you get to Dispel for free on the spot, and you still get to play your normal rounds.
Equipment
Spellbook. Component Pouch. Get yourself some Masterwork Tools(Mickey Mouse Fantasia Wizard Hat) for a free +2 in Spellcraft.
Final Thoughts on the Build
You get to get the best of both worlds from Wizard and Sorcerer, and get to tell enemy spellcasters “no” once per turn during their turn for essentially free, on top of possibly stunning them, or sickening them. Again, that’s on top of casting all the spells. Stupid good build.
Leave a Reply