Article-At-A-Glance
- The Wild Sage[1] is renowned for its masteries, as explored in the guide.
- Explores an application Pathfinder 1E Arcanist Builds for character creation and development.
- Outlines spell strategies and skill unlocks to maximize Wild Sage[1] potential effectively.
- Suggests role-playing enhancements to enrich gaming experience using specific Wild Sage[1] features.
Click on the level for more information
Wild Sage[1] Arcanist is a versatile build with access to both wizard and druid spells. At Level 1, focus is on high Intelligence for spellcasting and skill acquisition, with emphasis on spellcraft, linguistics, and stealth.
Stat Block Level 1:
Wild Sage[1]: male, human arcanist 1 (Collegiate Initiate); CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d6; hp 7; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk Dagger (melee) +0 (1d4/19–20); Full Atk Dagger (melee) +0 (1d4/19–20); SA Spells; SQ Human traits, Collegiate Initiate benefits; AL Neutral; SV Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +2; Str 7, Dex 13, Con 15, Int 20, Wis 7, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Spellcraft +8, Linguistics +8, Stealth +4; Feats: Scholar, Skill Focus (Linguistics).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Access to wizard and certain druid spells, flexible spell mastery.
Possessions: Spellbook, component pouch, a jar of dirt.
At level 5, the Wild Sage[1] build focuses on magic versatility and crafting. The character has the ability to shift spells using Spell Mastery with great ease, access both wizard and druid spell lists, and benefits from a third eye for impressive bonuses. At this level, they begin to excel in crafting magical items, particularly with Craft Magic Weapons and Armor feats, setting the stage for future construct-related endeavors.
Stat Block Level 5:
Wild Sage[1] Arcanist: male, Human Arcanist (Collegiate Initiate) 6/Collegiate Arcanist 4/Mage of the Third Eye 10; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d6; hp 29; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +2; Grp +3; Atk Dagger +3 melee (1d4+1 19-20/x2) or Light Crossbow +4 ranged (1d8 19-20/x2); Full Atk Dagger +3 melee (1d4+1 19-20/x2) or Light Crossbow +4 ranged (1d8 19-20/x2); SA Magic spells; SQ Arcanist Exploits, Third Eye Prestige Features; AL N; SV Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +5; Str 7, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 20, Wis 7, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Spellcraft +11, Linguistics +11, Stealth +8, Knowledge (Arcana) +10, Diplomacy +5; Scholar, Skill Focus (Linguistics), Extra Exploit, Eye of the Arclord, Spell Mastery, Craft Magic Weapons and Armor.
Arcanist Exploits:
Magaambyan Initiate, Item Crafting (Craft Wondrous Items), School Understanding (Universalist).
Possessions: Spellbook, Component Pouch, Light Crossbow, Dagger, A Jar of Dirt (symbolic for the wild sage[1] theme).
The Wild Sage[1] at level 10 is a unique blend of an Arcanist and a Collegiate spellcaster with the Mage of the Third Eye Prestige Class. This hermit excels in magical versatility, blending arcane and druidic spellcasting, while also holding utility in the form of crafting and social manipulation. Bringing a mystic presence and practicality to any adventuring party.
Stat Block Level 10:
Wild Sage[1]: male, human Arcanist (Collegiate Initiate) 6/Collegiate Arcanist 4; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 10d6; hp 55; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14, touch 11, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +5; Grp +5; Atk Quarterstaff +5 melee (1d6) or light crossbow +6 ranged (1d8/19-20); Full Atk Quarterstaff +5 melee (1d6) or light crossbow +6 ranged (1d8/19-20); SA Arcane spells, Druid spells; SQ Exploits, Mage of the Third Eye abilities, Third Eye vision, Crafting feats; AL Neutral; SV Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +10; Str 7, Dex 14, Con 15, Int 20, Wis 7, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Spellcraft +13, Linguistics +15, Stealth +12, Knowledge (Arcana) +15, Diplomacy +10, Craft (Sculpture) +10; Scholar, Skill Focus (Linguistics), Extra Exploit, Eye of the Arclord Bonus, Spell Mastery.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Arcane Exploits including School Understanding (Universalist), Item Crafting, and Adaptive Spell Mastery.
Possessions: Spellbook, Component Pouch, Jar of Dirt, Quarterstaff, Light Crossbow.
This Arcanist build at level 15 offers a unique blend of arcane and divine spellcasting due to collegiate and druid access. With unparalleled spell mastery and a powerful third eye for enhanced insights, the Wild Sage[1] can craft constructs and armaments, using spells like Fabricate and Wall of Iron for economic gain and golem crafting. Defensive and initiative based boosts ensure survival, while versatile spell access bolsters its role as both a lone wanderer and an unexpected social adept.
Stat Block Level 15:
Wild Sage[1]: male, human Arcanist (Collegiate Initiate) 6/Collegiate Arcanist 4/Mage of the Third Eye 10; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d6; hp 105; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +7; Grp +7; Atk Dagger +7 melee (1d4-2) or Ranged Touch +9; Full Atk Dagger +7 melee (1d4-2) or Ranged Touch +9; SA Exploits; SQ Spell Mastery, Third Eye Insight, Divination Bonuses; AL N; SV Fort +7, Ref +9, Will +13; Str 7, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 20, Wis 7, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Spellcraft +22, Linguistics +15, Stealth +10, Knowledge (Arcana) +20, Knowledge (Engineering) +15, Knowledge (Nature) +20, Diplomacy +10; Scholar, Skill Focus (Linguistics), Extra Exploit, Spell Mastery, Craft Magic Weapons and Armor, Craft Construct, Orator, Sacred Geometry, Improved Initiative, Iron Will.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Can switch spells using Spell Mastery at will, bonus from Mage of the Third Eye.
Possessions: Spellbook, Component Pouch, Jar of Dirt.
The Wild Sage[1] is a versatile Arcanist build with great spellcasting prowess, accessing both wizard and druid spells. Combining the powers of the Collegiate Arcanist and the Mage of the Third Eye, this build excels in crafting and social interactions. With Sacred Geometry and the ability to change spells mastered, the character can adapt to various situations, maximizing its utility and magical dominance.
Stat Block Level 20:
Wild Sage[1]: male, human Arcanist (Collegiate Initiate) 6/ Collegiate Arcanist 4/ Mage of the Third Eye 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 20d6; hp 140; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 16, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +10; Grp +8; Atk +8 melee (unarmed strike); Full Atk +8 melee (unarmed strike); SA Third Eye Vision; SQ Exploit Metamagic Knowledge, Druidic Spell Access; AL N; SV Fort +11, Ref +12, Will +18; Str 7, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 26, Wis 7, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Spellcraft +26, Linguistics +23, Stealth +18, Knowledge (Arcana) +23, Knowledge (Nature) +23, Diplomacy +15; Scholar, Skill Focus (Linguistics), Extra Exploit, Eye of the Arclord, Spell Mastery, Craft Magic Weapons and Armor, Craft Constructs, Orator, Sacred Geometry (Quicken Spell, Ascendant Spell), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Toughness.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Third Eye grants extensive spell bonuses and abilities; Sacred Geometry for precise spell enhancement.
Possessions: Spellbook, Component Pouch, Jar of Dirt, Fossil Golem (constructed via Craft Construct and Fabricate).
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Begin your journey as an Arcanist (Collegiate Initiate), focusing on developing core skills. Feats like Scholar and Extra Exploit lay the foundation for crafting, while traits such as Reactionary and Silent Hunter enhance agility and stealth. Secure valuable skills in Spellcraft, Linguistics, and Stealth to bolster your versatility early on.
- Levels 6-10: Transition to the Collegiate Arcanist class. Engage with crafting magic weapons and armor, maximizing the use of the Eye of the Arclord. Dive deeper into crafting with feats like Spell Mastery and Item Crafting, further refining your magical toolkit. Utilize school understanding for added spell versatility.
- Levels 11-15: Unlock advanced abilities such as Craft Constructs, allowing you to create powerful golems. Sacred Geometry provides access to complex spell effects. Orator and Improved Initiative enhance your social and tactical presence, while exploits deepen your magical capabilities. Strategic use of quickened and ascendant spells can turn the tide in your favor.
- Levels 16-20: Reach mastery in the Mage of the Third Eye class. Iron Will and Toughness bolster your resilience, while crafting expertise allows for economic and combative advantages. Your unique build allows for the integration of druid spells, making this Arcanist not only adaptable but formidable, able to command both arcane and nature’s magic.
Core Abilities & Features
This Wild Sage[1] build, rooted in the Arcanist class, blends elements of both wizardry and druidic traditions. The core of its power hinges on strategic multiclassing, starting with the Collegiate Initiate Archetype, progressing through Collegiate Arcanist, and culminating with Mage of the Third Eye. This combination imbues the character with a robust understanding of arcane mysteries, augmented by the mystical insights drawn from the Third Eye.
The choice of Human as a race further amplifies this potential, allowing the player to maximize Intelligence, the wellspring of their magical prowess. By honing ability scores towards Intelligence (with a peak of 20 across various point-buy options), this character excels in spellcasting efficiency and knowledge checks. Skills such as Spellcraft, Linguistics, and Stealth become essential, alongside a robust repertoire of knowledge domains, ensuring the character can adapt to diverse challenges while effortlessly identifying arcane phenomena.
The choice of feats like Spell Mastery and Sacred Geometry, combined with the versatile spell list (fusing Wizard and Druid capabilities), enables unparalleled flexibility in spell selection and application. This character will craft golems, dismantle enemy defenses with Fabricate or Wall of Iron spells, and utilize Sacred Geometry to optimize powerful spells. The trait setup, with Reactionary for enhanced initiative and Silent Hunter for stealth skills, ensures the character is both prepared for combat and adept in infiltration.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Wand of Magic Missile | Provides a reliable source of damage and is useful against incorporeal foes. |
| L6-10 | Headband of Vast Intelligence +2 | Increases your Intelligence, giving you more spells and skills. Choose a skill to gain a bonus rank as well. |
| L11-15 | Belt of Physical Might +2 (Dex, Con) | Enhances your Dexterity and Constitution, improving both your survivability and initiative. |
| L16-20 | Staff of Power | Offers a range of potent spell options and can be used as a melee weapon in a pinch. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- With high Intelligence and access to both Wizard and Druid spell lists, use ‘Detect Magic’ frequently to spot hidden dangers and magical traps. Prioritize spells like ‘Mage Armor’ for self-protection and ‘Silent Image’ for deceptive tactics in tight corridors. Employ ‘Light’ to guide your way through dark passages.
- Open Fields:
- Capitalize on ‘Longstrider’ and ‘Expeditious Retreat’ to enhance mobility. Cast ‘Entangle’ to impede enemies from a distance, and ‘Magic Missile’ to focus fire on key targets without missing. Utilize your Craft Construct feat to have formidable allies like a Fossil Golem at your side for extra battlefield control.
- Ambushes:
- Prep spells like ‘Invisibility’ for surprise attacks, and use ‘Grease’ or ‘Web’ to create chaos among enemies. Utilize Silent Hunter trait for stealthy positioning and ensure your team has an advantageous start. ‘Burning Hands’ or ‘Color Spray’ can be effective for creating quick confusion and thinning out clustered foes.
- Defensive Stands:
- When holding a position, use ‘Wall of Stone’ or ‘Wall of Iron’ to create strong fortifications. ‘Mage Armor’ and ‘Shield’ increase survival chances. ‘Fear’ can scatter enemies, while ‘Command’ disrupts leader directives. If facing a siege, regularly fabricate cover and barriers with spells like ‘Fabricate’ as needed.
- Urban Encounters:
- Leverage knowledge skills to influence NPCs with ‘Diplomacy’, using Creative Orator feats for effective communication. ‘Disguise Self’ coupled with adaptable spell use like ‘Charm Person’ provides an edge in gathering information. In fights, narrow streets mean ‘Web’ or ‘Stinking Cloud’ becomes advantageous. Remain versatile with ‘Alter Self’ for blending into varied environments.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Strength & Dexterity | Focus on spells that don’t rely on physical attacks, employ defensive spells like Blur to minimize impact. |
| Vulnerability to Physical Attacks | Cast defensive spells such as Mage Armor and Shield. Utilize a Cloak of Resistance +3 for increased saving throws. |
| Reliance on Spells | Keep a diverse spellbook. Use Scrolls of Dispel Magic for counter-spelling, and have wands with emergency spells like Invisibility. |
| Low Charisma & Social Challenges | Use skills from the Orator feat to replace low Charisma-based skill checks with Linguistics. Equip a Headband of Alluring Charisma. |
| Concentration Checks | Improve concentration with feats like Combat Casting, and use the Focused Mind trait for a bonus to concentration checks. |
Roleplaying
Embrace the wilderness as the Wild Sage[1] and let your character become one with nature. Living in isolation, you hoard knowledge and power, staying hidden from civilization. Interact with the world as an enigmatic figure, someone who appears miraculously to aid others, or perhaps to perplex them with your arcane wisdom.
Create a character with mysterious motives. Use your immense intelligence to manipulate situations, often playing the role of the misunderstood hermit who knows more than anyone expects. Speak in cryptic phrases. Offer advice and foresight that seems magical to others. As a collector of secrets and forbidden knowledge, you can approach new encounters with curiosity, yet maintain a level of detachment and mystique.
Your character can serve as a guardian of hidden lore or even ancient artifacts. Imagine confronting a group of adventurers trespassing in your realm, initially presenting yourself as a threat, then becoming an ally once intentions align. You are cunning, always prepared to defend your territory and leveraging your arcane exploits to gain the upper hand.
Take advantage of your dual spellcasting abilities. Impersonate a venerable seer when using druid spells, or a brilliant sage with wizard spells. You can shape-shift or summon woodland creatures, blurring the lines between human and nature. As you evolve, imagine transforming your domicile into a magical wonderland, a testament to your unique abilities and the eccentric life you lead.
FAQ
What makes the Wild Sage[1] build unique?
The Wild Sage[1] combines the power of an Arcanist with the versatility of druidic abilities. This build lets you access both arcane spells and wild shaping. It’s perfect for those who love both spellcasting and transformation. You can adeptly toggle between slinging spells and shapeshifting. This gives you a strategic edge in diverse scenarios.
What are some essential spells for the Wild Sage[1]?
Focus on spells that offer utility and control, like ‘Blizzard’ and ‘Entangle’. Such spells allow you to manage the battlefield, giving you an edge. Consider ‘Mage Armor’ for defense and ‘Cure Light Wounds’ for emergencies. Tailor your spellbook to suit diverse scenarios you expect to face.
What feats complement the Wild Sage[1] build?
‘Improved Initiative’ lets you act swiftly in battles, crucial for controlling the fight. ‘Spell Focus’ boosts your spell DCs, making them harder to resist. Consider ‘Toughness’ for added HP, enhancing your survivability. These feats can significantly enhance your effectiveness in combat.
How does the Wild Sage[1] fit into a typical party?
The Wild Sage[1] fits into nearly any party due to its versatility. In one moment, you are a powerful spellcaster; the next, a formidable animal form. Complementing healers and tanks, you can adapt to fill necessary roles. Expect to shine in environmental and combat adaptability, becoming indispensable in dynamic encounters.
Why should I try playing a Wild Sage[1] in Pathfinder 1E?
The Wild Sage[1] offers an unmatched blend of magic and transformation powers. It challenges you to balance two distinct sets of skills for strategic plays. Experimenting with this build may lead to unexpected and rewarding gameplay moments. Consider trying the Wild Sage[1] in your next game; it might just surprise you.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Wild Sage!
Do you believe the Wild Sage[1] could be the best build in Pathfinder 1E? Join us in discussing these ideas on the Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Arcanist – Wild Sage – Pathfinder 1E ( Wild Sage )
Wild Sage
Okay, but what if I want to play the weird hermit that lives in a dirt house in the middle of the moors and lives off of mushrooms and wild game and plants? Well, as weird as that is going to sound, I do, in fact, have a build for you. We are taking the Collegiate Initiate Archetype.
We are taking the Collegiate Arcanist and the Mage of the Third Eye Prestige Classes. Our leveling should look like the following:
Class
Arcanist (Collegiate Initiate) 6/Collegiate Arcanist 4/Mage of the Third Eye 10
Race
Human, put that floating +2 in Intelligence.
Ability Scores
Put everything in Int.
15Point-Buy
Str 7/Dex 13/Con 15/Int 20/Wis 7/Cha 7
20Point-Buy
Str 7/Dex 14/Con 16/Int 20/Wis 7/Cha 7
25Point-Buy
Str 7/Dex 16/Con 16/Int 20/Wis 7/Cha 7
Traits
Reactionary for that +2 to Initiative, Silent Hunter to get Stealth as a Class Skill.
Favored Class Bonus
HP again!
Skills
So, we need Spellcraft, Linguistics and Stealth. We also need Knowledge(Arcana, Engineering, Nature) and Diplomacy at least at 5. I would also recommend Craft(Sculpture).
Feats by Level
1-Scholar
Human Bonus-Skill Focus(Linguistics)
3-Extra Exploit
5-Eye of the Arclord Bonus
5-Spell Mastery
7-Craft Magic Weapons and Armor
9-Craft Constructs
11-Orator
13-Sacred Geometry(Quicken Spell, Ascendant Spell)
15-Improved Initiative
17-Iron Will
19-Toughness
You do eventually get Orator, you get Craft Construct meaning Fabricate+Wall of Iron shenanigans for lots of money to craft your favorite golem. Sacred Geometry is as busted as it always has been.
Arcanist Exploits by Level
1-Replaced by Magaambyan Initiate
3-Item Crafting(Craft Wondrous Items)
3-School Understanding(Universalist)
5-Replaced by Magaambyan Initiate
Equipment
Spellbook, Component Pouch. A Jar of Dirt.
Final Thoughts on the Build
So, not only do you get to switch your Spell Mastery spells pretty much at will meaning shenanigans, but you also get a magic third eye that grants you insane bonuses, are a surprisingly good social character despite being a…well…weird ass hermit covered in mud… On top of getting access to the Wizard spell list, you also get access to druid spells which gives you some great versatility. Get yourself a Fossil Golem and get to play the absolute mad man that your character is.
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