Article-At-A-Glance
- The Puppet Lord[1] build is renowned for its masteries and abilities, as we will explore in this guide.
- Detailed strategies to optimize your Puppet Lord Magus with Companion and Fusion benefits.
- Provides practical examples of casting spells like “Dominate” for control via Illusions.
- Insight into role playing the Puppet Lord[1] effectively with Pathfinder 1E tips.
Click on the level for more information
As the Puppet Lord[1] at level 1, we harness our Magus abilities to start shaping the battlefield with enchantment spells. Our focus is on skills and feats that maximize our control and social prowess, using spells like Charm Person and Sleep. We are a social mastermind, laying the foundation for controlling enemies with our enchantments.
Stat Block Level 1:
Puppet Lord: male, half-elf Magus 1 (Puppetmaster); CR 1/2; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 1d8+0; hp 8; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 11, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +0; Grp +2; Atk Longsword (+2 melee, 1d8, 19-20/x2) or Magic Missile; Full Atk Longsword (+2 melee, 1d8, 19-20/x2); SA Spell Combat; SQ Elven Immunities, Magus Arcana, Half-Elf Traits, Spellbook; AL CG; SV Fort +2, Ref +1, Will +0; Str 14, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Linguistics +8, Spellcraft +8, Sense Motive +4; Orator, Skill Focus (Linguistics). Familiar, Low-Light Vision, The half-elf is not affected by sleep spells and gains a bonus against enchantment effects.
Possessions: Longsword, Chain Shirt, Spellbook, Component’s Pouch.
This Puppetmaster Magus becomes a master of enchantment, using spells to charm and confuse foes. With ‘Orator’ and ‘Skill Focus (Linguistics)’, the character is surprisingly potent in social situations, despite a low Charisma. Armed with ‘Combat Expertise’ and ‘Craft Wondrous Items’, they can craft essentials and shield themselves in combat. The familiar (Raven) enhances Linguistics.
Stat Block Level 5:
Puppet Lord: Male, Half-Elf Magus (Puppetmaster) 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 5d8; hp 32; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 10, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +3; Grp +5; Atk Longsword +5 (1d8+2/19-20) or spells; Full Atk Longsword +5 (1d8+2/19-20) or spells; SA Spellstrike; SQ Low-light vision, Elven immunities, Arcane pool (5 points), Magus Arcana—Familiar; AL CN; SV Fort +3, Ref +1, Will +4; Str 14, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Linguistics +13, Spellcraft +12, Knowledge (arcana) +12, Sense Motive +7, Perform (act) +7; Orator, Combat Expertise, Skill Focus (Linguistics), Spell Focus (Enchantment), Craft Wondrous Items.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Spell Combat, Magus Arcana—Familiar (Raven for Linguistics boost).
Possessions: Longsword, Chain Shirt, Spellbook, Component Pouch.
This level 10 Puppet Lord build excels in enchantment magic and battlefield control. With the Enchanting Courtesan prestige class, the character possesses enhanced Illusions and Enchantment spells. The strategy focuses on using Enchantment spells to manipulate the enemy while constructs act as barriers. This setup also includes crafting feats to create powerful magical items and constructs.
Stat Block Level 10:
Puppet Lord: male, Half-Elf Magus (Puppetmaster) 5 / Enchanting Courtesan 5; CR 9; Medium humanoid (half-elf); HD 10d8; hp 60; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +7; Grp +8; Atk +1 Longsword +9 (1d8+2/19-20); Full Atk +1 Longsword +9 (1d8+2/19-20); SA Arcane Pool, Spell Combat, Spellstrike; SQ Spell recall, Enhanced Familiar, Multi-talented; AL CN; SV Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +8; Str 14, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 19, Wis 10, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Spellcraft +15, Linguistics +15, Sense Motive +12, Bluff +5, Knowledge (Arcana) +15, Stealth +10; Orator, Spell Focus (Enchantment), Craft Magic Weapons and Armor, Craft Construct, Wand Wielder.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Extra Arcane Pool, Familiar (Raven for Linguistics), Impressive wand usage capabilities.
Possessions: A Longsword, a Chain Shirt, a Spellbook, a Component’s Pouch, and assorted alchemical items.
At level 15, the Puppet Lord[1] build excels at controlling the battlefield using a wide variety of Enchantment spells with high DCs. The Enchanting Courtesan levels enhance versatility with illusion and enchantment magic. Multiple constructs provide protection while the Magus’ enchantments manipulate foes. Strategic use of wands and a raven familiar boost social and combat capabilities.
Stat Block Level 15:
Puppet Lord: male, Half-Elf Magus (Puppetmaster) 5/Enchanting Courtesan 10; CR 15; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 10d8; hp [Hit Points]; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +11; Grp +8; Atk Longsword +12 melee (1d8+4/19-20) or Magic Missile +10 ranged (1d4+1); Full Atk Longsword +12/+7 melee (1d8+4/19-20) or Magic Missile +10 ranged (1d4+1); SA Enchantment spells, Craft Construct; SQ Low-light vision, Elven Immunities, Arcane Pool, Magus Arcana, Familiar (Raven), Wand Mastery; AL CN; SV Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +9; Str 14, Dex 10, Con 13, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Linguistics +9, Spellcraft +18, Sense Motive +5, Bluff +5, Perform (act) +10, Knowledge (Arcana) +19, Sleight of Hand +5, Stealth +5, Craft (Alchemy) +8, Craft (Sculptures) +8; Orator, Spell Focus (Enchantment), Combat Expertise, Craft Wondrous Items, Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Craft Construct, Greater Spell Focus (Enchantment), Extra Arcane Pool (x2), Craft Wands.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Arcane Pool, Enchantment Spell DCs increased, constructs provide defense, enhanced wand use.
Possessions: Longsword, Chain Shirt, Spellbook, Component Pouch.
This Half-Elf Puppetmaster Magus excels in controlling the battlefield using potent Enchantment spells. Specializing in mind manipulation, this build utilizes constructs as shields while launching multiple devastating spells. With high Intelligence, boosted spell DCs, and mastery over wands, it operates as a formidable presence both in combat and social settings.
Stat Block Level 20:
Puppet Lord: male, Half-Elf Magus (Puppetmaster) 15/Enchanting Courtesan 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (half-elf); HD 10d8+10d10; hp 123; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 14, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +15; Grp +17; Atk touch spell +16 melee (ranged touch, 1d6+1); Full Atk +16/+11/+6 melee (Longsword, 1d8+2) or cast +16/+11/+6 (spell); SA Arcane Pool, Magus Arcana, Enchantment Spells; SQ Low-Light Vision, Elven Immunities, Enchanting Presence; AL CN; SV Fort +7, Ref +10, Will +11; Str 14, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 22, Wis 10, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Linguistics +23, Spellcraft +20, Sense Motive +15, Sleight of Hand +10, Stealth +10, Craft (Alchemy) +15, Craft (Sculptures) +15; Orator, Skill Focus (Linguistics), Spell Focus (Enchantment), Greater Spell Focus (Enchantment), Craft Construct.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Familiar (Raven), Wand Wielder, Wand Mastery, Greater Spell Focus (Enchantment).
Possessions: Longsword, Chain Shirt, Spellbook, Component’s Pouch, various wands.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Focus on building the foundation with a strong start in Magus (Puppetmaster). Prioritize Orator and Skill Focus for enhanced social interaction. Begin with essential spells like Charm Person and Sleep, augment with useful abilities like Craft Wondrous Items for crafting and Combat Expertise for increased survivability.
- Levels 6-10: Transition seamlessly into the Enchanting Courtesan prestige class. Hone enchantment and Illusion skills with Spell Focus and Craft Magic Weapons. Bolster your spell roster with Hypnotism and Suggestion, enhancing your ability to control encounters.
- Levels 11-15: Continuing deeper into Enchanting Courtesan, focus on acquiring Craft Construct for puppet golem creation. Boost enchantment power with Greater Spell Focus. Gain pivotal spells like Dominate Person and Scrying to expand control and surveillance capabilities.
- Levels 16-20: Return to Magus (Puppetmaster) to finalize your build. Enhance wand usage proficiency with Magus Arcanas such as Wand Wielder and Wand Mastery. Acquire potent spells like Animate Object and Hellfire Ray, raising lethality and battlefield manipulation to the apex.
Core Abilities & Features
The Puppet Lord isn’t just your run of the mill Magus build. This unique creation leverages Enchantment and Illusion magic to manipulate and disrupt battlefields with shocking efficiency. With a focus on turning the tides mentally, it centers around the Puppetmaster archetype, which synergizes with the Enchanting Courtesan Prestige Class. Together, they pave the way for unprecedented control over the enemy’s willpower.
Optimally, this build takes you on a journey from being a puppetmaster Magus to embracing the full potential of an Enchanting Courtesan, then back again. The progression (Magus 5/Enchanting Courtesan 10/Magus +5) ensures access to both a vast array of enchantments and the potent Mind Mastery abilities. You’ll wield spells like Charm Person and Dominate Person to take control of foes, while still having the combat prowess to hold your own if needed.
The strategic allocation of ability scores propels Intelligence to the forefront, essential for spellcasting potency. Half-Elf is the chosen race, thanks to its racial adaptability and skill versatility, maximizing intelligence for spellcasting power. Traits like Cosmopolitan and Reactionary enhance Linguistics and Initiative, heightening the build’s tactical edge. Through customized crafting feats like Craft Construct and Extra Arcane Pool, this build can deploy actual puppets or golems to protect the caster while enchanting enemies from the shadows.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Longsword, Chain Shirt, Component Pouch | Basic martial weaponry for early encounters, Chain Shirt provides decent AC. Component Pouch holds spell components. |
| L6-10 | +1 Mithral Chain Shirt, +1 Longsword, Wand of Charm Person | Mithral Chain Shirt increases Dexterity bonus to AC, lighter for improved use of stealth. Wand enhances your primary Enchantment spells. |
| L11-15 | +2 Adamantine Longsword, Cloak of Resistance +3, Amulet of Natural Armor +2 | Adamantine Longsword for dealing with harder foes, Cloak boosts saving throws. The amulet increases AC without armor penalty. |
| L16-20 | +3 Ghost Touch Longsword, Robes of Archmage, Belt of Physical Might +4 | Ghost Touch ensures effectiveness against incorporeal foes. Robes of Archmage maximize spell capacity. The belt enhances crucial physical stats. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- Use Silent Image to scout ahead. In narrow spaces, block enemy advancement with Animate Object and keep baddies busy while you prepare powerful spells like Waves of Ecstasy when they’re tightly packed.
- Open Fields:
- Start with an Illusion to confuse opponents. Utilize Greater Invisibility, making it hard for enemies to locate you. Dominate a strong opponent to turn them against their allies, creating chaos from afar.
- Ambushes:
- Immediately cast Dimension Door for quick escape if necessary. Use Quickened Spell (if available) for a fast Charm Monster, turning the tables on unsuspecting foes. Reinforce with a swift Deployment of constructs to soak damage.
- Defensive Stands:
- Set up Covetous Aura around entry points. Mime fortifications with Hallucinatory Terrain. Your constructs play critical roles here, keeping invaders occupied while you carefully pick foes with Dominate Person.
- Urban Encounters:
- Deploy Stealth to navigate crowded environments. If conflict arises, use Disable Device skills disguised with Hypnotism, manipulating influential targets. If pressed, summon constructs to create fast barriers and block pursuers.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Hit Points | Focus on increasing Constitution in Point-Buy. Use protective spells like ‘Shield’ to raise AC. Consider the ‘Cloak of Resistance’ for additional saving throw bonuses. |
| Reliance on Constructs | Pair with a party member who can also control or summon creatures to share the burden. Ensure constructs are properly equipped or enchanted for additional protection. |
| Low Charisma | Utilize the ‘Orator’ feat to leverage Intelligence for social skills. Equip ‘Orator’s Mask’ to enhance social interactions if available. |
| Strong Dependence on Enchantment Spells | Prepare a variety of spells like ‘Dispel Magic’ or ‘Greater Invisibility’ for situations where enchantments are ineffective. Incorporate Illusion spells as a backup strategy. |
| Limited Spell Slots | Take the ‘Extra Arcane Pool’ feat multiple times to extend spell capacities. Keep a ‘Pearl of Power’ for recovering used spells. |
Roleplaying
Stepping into the shoes of a Puppet Lord in-game, there’s a unique charm to be shared with your group. As a Magus wielding Enchantment spells, you’re a master of subtlety and manipulation on the battlefield. This isn’t just about magical might; it’s about instilling fear without lifting a finger.
Embrace your role as the puppeteer. Your spells like ‘Charm Person’ and ‘Dominate Person’ allow you to control foes, making them allies, at least temporarily. Imagine your character’s satisfaction as once fierce enemies become unwitting shields and spies. Flaunt this skill during negotiations, letting allies recognize your prowess in turning adversaries into allies.
The Puppet Lord[1] transforms encounters into theatrical displays of wit and cunning. Picture the scene as you make use of your Craft Construct feat. Discuss the designs of your golems and puppets with fellow players, adding a layer of depth to every creation. Be sure to describe the elegance with which your character orchestrates battles from the backline, pulling strings with precision.
Social scenarios are where you truly shine. Despite having a low Charisma score, your character’s study and cunning transform you into a persuasive force. Your fellow players will be relying on your ‘Orator’ feat, watching as you guide conversations like a verbal puppet show. Emphasize how your character collects the art of conversation as meticulously as spells.
Your journey deserves an ongoing story arc, crafted from your encounters. Maybe a saga emerges of how you took control of a notorious enemy gang, won the favor of a local noble, or maybe even how a miscalculation led to chaos. Each encounter is a stage, each outcome a narrative thread in your Puppet Lord’s story.
FAQ
What Makes the Puppet Lord[1] Magus Unique?
The Puppet Lord[1] Magus combines magic with strategic manipulation of combat. Its hallmark is crafting powerful illusory displays to control enemies’ actions. Skill with spells like ‘Command’ and ‘Dominate’ is key. Puppet Lords excel in mental warfare, making foes puppets under their will.
How Can I Optimize My Puppet Lord Build in Pathfinder 1E?
First, focus on Intelligence and Charisma to enhance your spellcasting and influence. Acquire feats like ‘Spell Focus: Enchantment’ for improved control spells. Choose a mix of Enchantment and Illusion spells for versatility. Equip items boosting these abilities, like ‘Headband of Alluring Charisma’.
What Challenges Might I Face Using a Puppet Lord in Combat?
Low hit points and limited physical defense can be major drawbacks. Your focus is on spellcraft, not melee, so avoid close combat. Strong-willed enemies might resist your controlling spells, making strategy vital. Always have backup tactics in case a target breaks free. Work with your party to mitigate these weaknesses.
Why Should I Choose Puppet Lord Over Other Magus Builds?
The Puppet Lord[1] offers unparalleled battlefield control. Its spell versatility lets you adapt to nearly any encounter. You’ll love turning adversaries against each other, saving allies energy. If you enjoy complex, mind-bending strategies, this build offers a deep rewarding playstyle.
Is the Puppet Lord[1] Build Suitable for Beginners?
It’s better for players who understand spell synergies and tactical play. Puppet Lord demands careful resource management and tactical planning. New players may find its intricacies challenging compared to simpler classes. However, a dedicated learner can grow into this build with guidance.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Puppet Lord!
Join the Stellar Dragons Discord at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7 to discuss and share strategies!
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Magus – The Puppet Lord – Pathfinder 1E ( The Puppet Lord )
Categories: Pathfinder 1E Character Builds, Pathfinder 1E Magus Builds
The Puppet Lord
So you saw the previous build and thought “It would be great if we could do that, but with Enchantment Spells to absolutely mess with the enemy”?
Puppetmaster is the Archetype for you. We will also get levels in the Enchanting Courtesan Prestige Class for additional shenanigans involving Enchantment and Illusions. Our leveling should look like the following:
Class
Magus (Puppetmaster) 5/Enchanting Courtesan 10/Magus (Puppetmaster) +5
Race
We’re going Half-Elf and putting our floating +2 in Intelligence.
Ability Scores
Round up Constitution if odd, then everything in Intelligence.
15Point-Buy
Str 14/Dex 10/Con 10/Int 18/Wis 10/Cha 7
20Point-Buy
Str 14/Dex 10/Con 12/Int 19/Wis 10/Cha 7
25Point-Buy
Str 14/Dex 10/Con 13/Int 20/Wis 10/Cha 7
Traits
Cosmopolitan to get Linguistics as a class skill, Reactionary to get a bonus on Initiative.
Favored Class Bonus
Skills, actually. While capable of getting in melee as any other magus, this really ain’t our main goal here, and so our HP can take a small hit.
Skills
Linguistics, Spellcraft, Sense Motive, we need five ranks in Bluff even though we won’t really roll it, your choice of Perform(dance) or (act) and you’ll need Knowledge(Arcana), otherwise Sleight of Hands, Stealth, and also grab a few Craft, including (Alchemy) and (Sculptures).
Feats by Level
1-Orator
Half-Elf Bonus-Skill Focus(Linguistics)
3-Spell Focus(Enchantment)
5-Craft Wondrous Items Bonus
5-Combat Expertise
7-Craft Magic Weapons and Armor
9-Craft Construct
11-Greater Spell Focus(Enchantment)
13-Extra Arcane Pool
15-Craft Wands
17-Extra Arcane Pool
19-Extra Arcane Pool
Orator turns our 7 in Charisma Magus suddenly into a masterful social character. Everything else is geared toward getting Craft Construct because we want actual puppets and golems to shield us while we mess with the minds of our targets. Extra Arcane Pool helps increase our Enchantment and Illusion DCs through the damn roof more regularly.
Magus Arcana by Level
3-Familiar
16-Wand Wielder
19-Wand Mastery
We get a familiar(Raven for Linguistics), and we are really good with wands if you catch my meaning.
Spells Learned by Level
1-Charm Person, Sleep, Shield, Magic Missile, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Secret Doors,
Disguise Self
2-Identify, Hypnotism
3-Vanish, Silent Image
4-Suggestion, Demand Offerings
5-Detect Desires, Detect Relationships
7-Invisibility, Bull’s Strength
8-Charm Monster, Martial Marionnette
9-Haste, Fly
10-Dispel Magic, Crushing Despair
11-Dominate Person, Scrying
12-Contagious Suggestion, Dimension Door
13-Hallucinatory Terrain, Hold Monster
14-Unwilling Shield, Teleport
15-Covetous Aura, Cloak of Dreams
16-Greater Invisibility, False Vision
17-Animate Object, Yellow Sign
18-Waves of Ecstasy, Disintegrate
19-Greater Shout, Project Image
20-Hellfire Ray, Explode Head
Equipment
Get yourself a Longsword and a Chain Shirt, your Spellbook and a Component’s Pouch.
Final Thoughts on the Build
We get many nasty enchantment spells and when we affect a target with a spell we can immediately target em with another Enchantment Spell, meaning we can truly and utterly end an encounter very, very rapidly. Plus we are investing heavily into getting multiple constructs to shield us, and our Enchantments and Poisons, of which we will coat our constructs from head to toe, have very difficult to resist DCs, which we can further boost, and we can camouflage our spellcasting. We are a fantastic social character that can control the battlefield with great efficiency, and we have quite a few get out of jail spells to escape situations that are getting out of control. A wild direction to send the Magus into but works surprisingly well actually.
Leave a Reply