Article-At-A-Glance
- From levels 1 through 20, the Base Arcanist maximizes magic through spell improvements and class characteristics.
- Maximizes versatility with spell specialization by combining aspects of Wizard and Sorcerer.
- Emphasizes teamwork through the skillful application of counterspelling and metamagic feats.
- Enhances battle effectiveness by preparing arcanists with Quick Study and exploits like Spell Succo.
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This Level 1 Arcanist build focuses on maximizing intelligence for spellcasting potency. With Elf’s Fleet-Footed racial trait and Warrior of Old trait, the initiative is impressive. Toughness adds durability. The use of Familiar (Compsognathus) bolsters action possibilities.
Stat Block Level 1:
Arcanist: [unknown], Elf Arcanist 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 1d8+3; hp 11; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk Dagger +0 melee (1d4/19-20) or Light Crossbow +1 ranged (1d8/19-20); Full Atk Dagger +0 melee (1d4/19-20) or Light Crossbow +1 ranged (1d8/19-20); SA Arcane Exploits (Familiar); SQ Arcane Reservoir, Elven Immunities, Extended Life; AL N; SV Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +2; Str 7, Dex 13, Con 16, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Spellcraft +9, Knowledge (Arcana) +9, Craft (Sculpture) +9; Toughness.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Arcane Reservoir (3 points), Familiar (Compsognathus), Fleet-Footed, Warrior of Old.
Possessions: Spellbook, Component Pouch, Dagger, Light Crossbow with 20 bolts.
The Arcanist is a master of adaptability and readiness at level 5. With a strong emphasis on intelligence, this character’s initiative-boosting characteristics allow them to think quickly and predict adversary movements. Sacred Geometry improves the character’s ability to cast spells, enabling both metamagic and impromptu spell casting. Along with creating magical objects for oneself or as party supplies, the power to create an Adamantine Golem begins to take shape.
Stat Block Level 5:
Arcanist: male, Elf Arcanist 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 5d6; hp 30; Init +5; Spd 30ft.; AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +2; Grp +1; Atk +6 touch (ranged spell); Full Atk +6 touch (ranged spell); SA Exploit: Quick Study, Potent Magic; SQ Elf racial traits, Exploit: Obfuscated Spellcasting; AL CN; SV Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +4; Str 7, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Spellcraft +15, Knowledge (arcana) +12, Knowledge (planes) +12, Craft (Sculpture) +10; Toughness, Improved Initiative, Sacred Geometry (Extend Spell, Still Spell).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Arcane Reservoir boosts spellcasting, Quick Study for fast spell preparation, Potent Magic increases spell damage or DCs.
Possessions: Spellbook, Component Pouch, Crafted Magic Items (as budget permits).
The Arcanist can quickly adjust to threats by level 10, prioritizing survival by using strong spells and a high HP. It is excellent at controlling the battlefield and possesses a combination of offensive and utility exploits. It produces strong magic items with notable crafting feats, improving party and personal skills.
Stat Block Level 10:
Arcanist: male, elf arcanist 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 10d6+20; hp 65; Init +9; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +5; Grp +3; Atk Ray (by spell) or quarterstaff -1 melee (1d6-2); Full Atk Ray (by spell) or quarterstaff -1 melee (1d6-2); SA spells, potent magic; SQ arcane reservoir, quick study, obfuscated spellcasting; AL CG; SV Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +9; Str 7, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Spellcraft +18, Knowledge (arcana) +18, Knowledge (all others) +10, Craft (sculpture) +10; Toughness, Improved Initiative, Sacred Geometry (Extend Spell, Still Spell), Craft Magic Weapons and Armor, Craft Wondrous Items.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Potent Magic enhances spellcasting capabilities; Quick Study allows spell preparation as an immediate action; Obfuscated Spellcasting aids in concealing spells.
Possessions: Spellbook, component pouch, various wondrous items as crafted.
This level 15 Arcanist specializes in spellcasting with great versatility, utilizing Sacred Geometry to perform free transformations of mythic spells. Spells are more effective due to the build’s high intellect, and buff spells are improved by the Arcane Reservoir. With Fabricate and Wall of Iron, the character can create magic objects and structures, even an Adamantine Golem.
Stat Block Level 15:
Arcanist: male, Elf Arcanist 15; CR 15; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 15d6+45; hp 105; Init +11; Spd 30 ft.; AC 23, touch 13, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +7; Grp +7; Atk melee touch +7 (1d3 Acid Splash) or ranged touch +10 (1d3 Acid Splash); Full Atk melee touch +7 (1d3 Acid Splash) or ranged touch +10 (1d3 Acid Splash); SA Arcane Exploits, Potent Magic; SQ Arcane Reservoir, Quick Study; AL Neutral; SV Fort +9, Ref +14, Will +16; Str 7, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 11, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Spellcraft 18, Knowledge (Arcana) 18, Knowledge (Engineering) 18, Craft (Sculpture) 18; Toughness, Improved Initiative, Sacred Geometry (Extend Spell, Still Spell), Craft Magic Weapons and Armors, Craft Wondrous Items, Craft Construct, Sacred Geometry (Ascendant Spell, Quicken Spell), Sacred Geometry (Maximize Spell, Empower Spell).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Arcane Exploits include Familiar (Compsognathus), Quick Study, and Swift Consume.
Possessions: Spellbook, Component Pouch, tools for crafting constructs.
This powerful Level 20 Arcanist build is a versatile spellcaster with the capacity to modify magic on the fly, an Adamantine Golem ally, and exceptional Initiative benefits. Its spells are powerful and effective because of the utilization of Sacred Geometry and a high Intelligence score. The character has the ability to steal special Pathfinding skills, use magic objects to increase spell strength, and fast prepare spells.
Stat Block Level 20:
Arcanist: male, Elf Arcanist 20; CR 20; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 20d6; hp 100; Init +17; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 15, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +10; Grp +3; Atk staff +3 melee (1d6/20) or spell; Full Atk staff +3 melee (1d6/20) or spell; SA spells, Adamantine Golem ally; SQ Arcane Exploits, Arcane Reservoir, Elf racial traits, access to Wizard’s True Name Arcane Discovery; AL N; SV Fort +11, Ref +15, Will +12; Str 7, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 11, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Spellcraft +23, Knowledge (all) +20, Craft (Sculpture) +20; Toughness, Improved Initiative, Sacred Geometry, Craft Magic Weapons and Armors, Craft Wondrous Items, Craft Construct, Scribe Scrolls.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Quick spell preparation, spell stealing, energy consumption for spells, Sacred Geometry enhancements.
Possessions: Spellbook, Component Pouch, Adamantine Golem, various magic weapons and constructs.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1–5: Use important achievements like Toughness and Improved Initiative to strengthen your base throughout these early stages. To gain control over spells and increase your adaptability in combat situations, choose exploits such as Familiar and Obfuscated Spellcasting.
- Levels 6–10: As you begin crafting magical weapons and armor and crafting wonderful items, your build grows. You are pushed into more potent spellcasting area by Sacred Geometry feats, Quick Study, and Philanthropic Magic.
- Levels 11-15: Harness the might of damage-dealing and defensive capabilities with Craft Construct and introducing Sacred Geometry feats for spell power maximization. Exploits such as Suffering Knowledge and Redirect Spell allow strategic manipulation and increased spell potency.
- Levels 16-20: At the peak stages, you can wield an Adamantine Golem, boost your prowess with Arcane Discovery, and use Swift Consume to maximize the utility of your magic items. Intense spellcasting freedom is achieved, and you exert dominance over the battlefield with Sacred Geometry’s rapid spellcasting feats.
Core Abilities & Features
The Arcanist’s core abilities define its superiority in spellcasting versatility. The build capitalizes on the intelligence-boosting race choice — Elf with Fleet-Footed. This grants unparalleled speed, both physically and in thought, enhancing initiative. Intelligence is maximized, seeing scores reach lofty heights like 20 from the get-go. This powers up spell DCs and more, setting the stage for masterful spellcasting capabilities.
Look to the Arcanist Exploits for unique abilities: Familiar grants a simplistic but crucial companion. Quick Study allows swapping spells within a moment’s notice. Meanwhile, Potent Magic steps up the spell output’s lethality. The Arcane Reservoir is pivotal, storing magical energy to augment spells, boosting both their power and effectiveness when needed.
Feats such as Sacred Geometry and Improved Initiative are keystone. Sacred Geometry is convoluted but offers significant buffs by leveraging mathematical spells. Crafting further enhance this, transforming the Arcanist into an unparalleled artisan. Feat selections morph spells into mythical forms, accelerating cast times to instantaneous and more. These contributions transform battlefield dynamics, enabling the Arcanist to control both creation and destruction.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Cloak of Resistance +1 | Grants +1 to all saving throws, critical for early survival. |
| L6-10 | Headband of Vast Intelligence +2 | Increases your most crucial ability, buffing your spells. |
| L11-15 | Belt of Physical Might +2 | Builds resistance by enhancing physical attributes. |
| L16-20 | Robe of the Archmagi | Boosts spell resistance and offers various bonuses to a caster. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- Utilize your Adamantine Golem as a frontline tank, absorbing traps and triggering hazards first. With your high Initiative, start with a buff, casting Shield or Mage Armor. Use Quick Study to quickly adapt spells based on discovered threats.
- Open Fields:
- Leverage your extended spell range by using Sacred Geometry to cast Quicken Spells from afar. Boost your mobility with spells like Expeditious Retreat or Fly to maintain advantageous positioning while your familiar offers distraction or scouting information.
- Ambushes:
- Thanks to Improved Initiative, react swiftly. Use Obfuscated Spellcasting to cast invisibility or mirrored images. Employ Potent Magic for more powerful spells, counter-attacking with a blast, such as Fireball, maximized for optimal sudden impact.
- Defensive Stands:
- Setup fortifications using spells like Wall of Iron or Stoneskin to stall aggressors. Quick Study allows you to change tactics quickly. Your Adamantine Golem can reinforce choke points while you support with dispelling or area denial magic, like Black Tentacles.
- Urban Encounters:
- Subtlety is key; cast Silent Image or Disguise Self to navigate without drawing attention. Use Swift Consume to recover arcane points discretely. Prepared with spells like Charm Person or Knock, your adaptability ensures you can handle authorities or obstacles alike.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Strength (STR 7): Susceptible to physical challenges and over-encumbrance. | Acquire Ant Haul Elixir (Increases carrying capacity by three times for 8 hours). |
| Poor Charisma (CHA 7): Limited effectiveness in social interactions and some Charisma-based skills. | Invest in Hat of Disguise (Alter appearance for better social standing). |
| Dependency on Intelligence: If affected by Intelligence drain, effectiveness diminishes. | Cure Negative Levels and Ability Damage with Restoration spells or items, like a Lesser Restoration Potion. |
| Sacred Geometry Complexity: Errors can occur due to complex calculations. | Practice extensively and use Mathematical Proficiency feats or items like Mnemonic Vestment granting rerolls on failed attempt. |
| Limited HP due to class choice: Low constitution can lead to vulnerability in battle. | Wear a Amulet of Health (Increases Constitution) or utilize Arcane Shield for additional protection. |
Roleplaying the High Intellect Arcanist
This Arcanist build emphasizes intellect, portraying the elf character as a strategic leader who anticipates threats and leverages Initiative perks for decisive planning. However, their genius brings isolation, creating a conflict between their thirst for knowledge and desire for connection. This struggle serves as a central roleplaying theme.
Exploiting Magical Constructs and Allies
Building constructs like an Adamantine Golem reflects an Arcanist’s desire to shape reality. Consider how your character views these creations: are they mere tools or valued entities? Roleplay this complexity by treating constructs as extensions of your intellect, possibly with affectionate names and backstories.
Arcane Power Struggles and Wizard Rivalries
Stealing the Wizard’s True Name opens up rich roleplaying opportunities, emphasizing personal dramas in rivalries. The Arcanist faces dilemmas about borrowing power from the Jealous Wizarding Community, deciding whether to flaunt superiority or tread carefully. With mastery over spells via the Arcane Reservoir, power struggles emerge, prompting questions about methods, ethics, and identity. This Arcanist must navigate challenges that redefine their persona, focusing on their impact and legacy within their adventuring party and the wider world, beyond mere power.
FAQ
How does an Arcanist’s Exploit system work?
An Arcanist excels by utilizing Exploits, which offer spell-like abilities. You gain these versatile resources as you level up, with selections like Quick Study for rapid spell adjustments. Choose Exploits that complement your play style, enhancing versatility or power. They are crucial to differentiate an Arcanist from other spellcasters.
What are the suggested ability scores for a Base Arcanist?
Since intelligence determines your spellcasting and exploiting abilities, give it top priority. Constitution improves health, whereas dexterity helps with initiative and armor class. Refrain from overemphasizing charisma or strength; these are not very useful for your position. Adapt skills to your own combat style and plan.
How can I optimize a Base Arcanist for combat efficiency?
Focus on blending spells with strategic Exploits for the best results. Leverage potent spells like fireball, then shift tactics with exploits like Dimensional Slide. Prepare spells that complement your team’s strategy. Quick decisions and adaptability will define your combat prowess.
What spells should I select for a versatile Base Arcanist?
Select a mix from offensive and defensive spells, such as Magic Missile and Shield. Utility spells like Invisibility broaden your role beyond simple damage dealing. Your choice of spells should support team synergy and adapt to various threats. Consider spells two levels higher for added power.
How does a Base Arcanist handle roleplaying scenarios?
In roleplay, leverage your intelligence and knowledge over brute force. Use spells creatively to manipulate conversations or environments subtly. The ability to masquerade as other classes opens narrative pathways. In-depth understanding of your spells will attract admiration from friends and foes alike.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Base Arcanist!
Why not try a Base Arcanist in your next game? Join our discussion and debate at the Stellar Dragons Discord: https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7
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