Article-At-A-Glance
- Stargazer embodies cosmic mysteries, seeking wisdom through celestial powers.
- Navigating stellar phenomena enhances spellcasting and tactical advantages.
- Crafting and controlling magical constructs demonstrates mastery over cosmic mechanics.
- Guide covers Pathfinder 1E insights for strategic character roleplay.
Click on the level for more information
The Stargazer[1] build at Level 1 focuses on being a resilient psychic with strong initiative bonuses and concentration checks, thanks to traits like Reactionary and Focused Mind. While the physical stats are low, the character compensates with magical abilities and preparation for future levels. At this stage, it’s more about setting the groundwork with essential skills and feats to ensure survival and effective spellcasting.
Stat Block level 1
Stargazer: male, human Psychic 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d8; hp 9; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 11, touch 11, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk None (no melee attacks) or Telekinetic Projectile (+1 ranged touch); Full Atk Telekinetic Projectile (+1 ranged touch); SA Mage Hand; SQ Phrenic Pool (Intelligence based); AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +0, Ref +1, Will +3; Str 7, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 20, Wis 12, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Sense Motive +5, Spellcraft +9, Perception +5, Knowledge (Geography) +9, Knowledge (Planes) +9, Knowledge (Arcana) +9, Survival +5, Craft (Sculpture) +9; Toughness, Armor Proficiency (Light).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Initiative bonuses from Reactionary trait; Concentration bonuses from Focused Mind trait; Phrenic Amplification not yet acquired.
Possessions:
Light armor, basic spellcasting components.
At level 5, the Stargazer[1] Psychic is a resilient spellcaster with a focus on divination and battlefield control. With heavy armor proficiency, they offset their low AC without penalties to spellcasting, thanks to Psychic Magic’s lack of somatic components. The addition of Craft Construct prepares them for future equipment enhancements. With essential spells like ‘Invisibility’ and ‘Haste’, they begin to excel in offensive and strategic spellcasting.
Stat Block level 5
Stargazer: male, Human Psychic 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d6+10; hp 27; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 10, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +2; Grp +1; Atk Quarterstaff +1 melee (1d6-1); Full Atk Quarterstaff +1 melee (1d6-1); SA spells; SQ phrenic amplifications, esoteric starseeker abilities; AL NG; SV Fort +3, Ref +1, Will +6; Str 7, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 14, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Sense Motive +9, Spellcraft +13, Perception +9, Knowledge (Geography) +13, Knowledge (Planes) +13, Knowledge (Arcana) +13, Survival +9, Craft (Sculpture) +13; Toughness, Armor Proficiency (Light), Armor Proficiency (Medium), Armory Proficiency (Heavy), Craft Wondrous Item.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Psychic spells, Spell Penetration (upcoming), Craft Construct (forthcoming equipment enhancement), Reactionary trait for initiative, Focused Mind trait for concentration boosts.
Possessions:
Chainmail armor, basic adventuring gear, materials for crafting wondrous items.
This Stargazer build reaches level 10 combining the Psychic class with the Stargazer[1] prestige class. With a focus on divination and battlefield control, it offers high intelligence and moderate wisdom, perfect for spellcasting and tactical maneuvers. The character can summon a familiar, adding additional tactical advantages by boosting initiative.
Stat Block Level 10
Stargazer: male, human Psychic 6/Stargazer 4; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 6d6+4d8; hp 58; Init +7; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 10, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +6; Grp +3; Atk dagger +4 melee (1d4-1/19-20); Full Atk dagger +4 melee (1d4-1/19-20); SA Mage Hand, Telekinetic Projectile; SQ Sidereal Arcana – ‘The Rider’, Hex – Slumber, Detect Psychic Significance, Familiar – an animal of choice with initiative boost; AL Neutral Good; SV Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +12; Str 7, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 20, Wis 14, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Sense Motive +17, Spellcraft +19, Perception +17, Knowledge (Geography) +19, Knowledge (Planes) +19, Knowledge (Arcana) +19, Survival +14, Craft (Sculpture) +19; Toughness, Armor Proficiency (Light, Medium), Craft Wondrous Items, Spell Penetration, Improved Initiative.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Can penetrate SR with increased spell potency due to Spell Penetration. Possesses two Hexes including Slumber, which can incapacitate foes, and Evil Eye for debuffs.
Possessions:
Crafted light armor, magical items like wands of Fly and Haste, and several scrolls carrying damaging and defensive spells.
This Stargazer psychic build for Level 15 centers around using Int for spellcasting power and leveraging a range of defensive feats, including high-level armor proficiencies and crafting capabilities. The character uses the Stargazer[1] prestige class to gain unique abilities like Sidereal Arcana and Hexes, which enhance both divination and battle control spells. Strategic feats like Craft Construct and Spell Penetration ensure high resilience and success against spell resistance.
Stat Block level 15
Stargazer: male, human psychic 6/stargazer 10; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d6; hp 85; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 10, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +7; Grp +7; Atk +11 quarterstaff (1d6) or spell; Full Atk by spell; SA spellcasting, phrenic amplifications; SQ enlightenment discipline, sidereal arcana, hexes (slumber, evil eye), possession spellcasting, familiar; AL neutral; SV Fort +9, Ref +6, Will +15; Str 7, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 15, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Perception +22, Sense Motive +22, Spellcraft +25, Knowledge (Geography) +18, (Planes) +18, (Arcana) +18, Craft (Sculpture) +20, Survival +18; Toughness, Armor Proficiency (Light, Medium, Heavy), Craft Wondrous Items, Craft Magical Weapons and Armors, Craft Construct, Spell Penetration, Greater Spell Penetration, Improved Initiative, Shield Proficiency.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Slumber Hex: Can put a creature into a magical sleep with a touch. Sidereal Arcana: Various unique abilities to manipulate spells and resistances.
Possessions:
Adamantine golem armor, crafted magical items, crafting materials.
The Psychic Stargazer build at level 20 features a powerhouse of divination and battlefield control spells, with the innovative use of crafting a magical armor golem for formidable defense. Despite low physical stats, the combination of high intelligence and magical prowess makes it extremely resilient and versatile. With significant initiative boosts and spell penetration capabilities, it navigates high level challenges effectively.
Stat Block level 20
Stargazer: male, human psychic 10/stargazer 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 6d8+10d8+4d8; hp 120; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 10, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +13; Grp +10; Atk spell (mind thrust VI) or Adamantine golem slam +20 (2d10+10); Full Atk Adamantine golem slam +20 (2d10+10); SA mind thrust VI, ego whip V; SQ hexes (slumber, evil eye), Sidereal Arcana (bridge, rider, stranger, stargazer, wagon), subdomain, revelation, phrenic amplifications (undercast surge, relentless casting), familiar (+initiative boost); AL NG; SV Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +15; Str 7, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 15, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Sense Motive +23, Spellcraft +23, Perception +23, Knowledge(Geography) +23, Knowledge(Planes) +23, Knowledge(Arcana) +23, Craft (Sculpture) +23, Survival +23; Toughness, Armor Proficiency (Light, Medium, Heavy), Craft Wondrous Items, Craft Magical Weapons and Armors, Craft Construct, Spell Penetration, Greater Spell Penetration, Improved Initiative, Shield Proficiency.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Golem armor enhances AC significantly, psychically connected familiars, versatile spell list including disintegrate, form of the alien dragon III.
Possessions:
Adamantine Golem (armor form), crafted magical items and armors, wand of scrying, spell component pouch, various crafted wondrous items.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Begin with a Psychic base focusing on building a solid foundation in Initiative and Concentration. Acquire basic Armor Proficiencies to bolster defenses since Psychic magic isn’t hampered by armor. Traits like Reactionary and Focused Mind enhance readiness and spellcasting reliability. Skills in Sense Motive and Spellcraft lay groundwork for future stargazing.
- Levels 6-10: Transition into a Stargazer, evolving with cosmic abilities like Hexes and Sidereal Arcana. These enhance both offensive and defensive capabilities, with Slumber Hex neutralizing threats. The Bridge and The Rider start to expand the Stargazer[1]’s celestial influence, while continuing to enhance magical crafting abilities.
- Levels 11-15: This phase focuses on mastering spell penetration and crafting. The acquisition of Heavy Armor Proficiency and Greater Spell Penetration strengthens defensive and offensive fronts. Unlock powerful Hexes like Evil Eye, and continue expanding abilities with constructs and the Sidereal Arcana, such as The Stargazer[1] and The Stranger.
- Levels 16-20: Reach the pinnacle of cosmic prowess with spells like Wish and Meteor Swarm. Strategic phrenic amplifications boost spellcasting efficiency with Relentless Casting. Employ advanced constructs and golem crafting techniques, eventually creating an Adamantine Golem for unparalleled defense. Culminate with invulnerability rivaling even the sturdiest barbarians, balancing stellar perceptions and potent destructive spells.
Core Abilities & Features for the Stargazer
The Stargazer[1] build doesn’t just stop at admiring the stars; it empowers you to harness their mystical energies. The core ability structure leverages Intelligence with strategic point allocation to ensure maximum spell potency. Prioritizing Intelligence through race and ability score boosts, this build focuses heavily on Psychic magic, utilizing its uniqueness such as no Somatic components.
By adopting the Esoteric Starseeker archetype, you tap into the Stargazer[1] Prestige Class’s celestial arsenal, like Hexes and Sidereal Arcana. At 7th level, the ‘Slumber’ Hex makes enemies easy targets, while ‘Evil Eye’ at 15th level weakens their resolve. These Hexes create opportunities to control the battlefield unpredictably.
The discipline of Enlightenment further deepens the Psychic’s insight. This gives a tactical advantage through enhanced Initiative due to trait selection with ‘Reactionary’, which is vital for striking at the opportune moment. Phrenic Amplifications also supercharge abilities: use ‘Undercast Surge’ at level 3 to maximize spell versatility, while ‘Relentless Casting’ at level 17 ensures no spell slot goes wasted.
Equipment Progression for the Stargazer
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Light Armor | Start with the best available light armor, taking advantage of our Light Armor Proficiency to improve AC without hindrance. |
| L6-10 | Medium Armor | Switch to medium armor as your proficiency increases, balancing protection with nimbleness required by a Psychic. |
| L11-15 | Crafted Magical Armor | Utilize your Craft Magical Weapons and Armors feat to create custom armor that enhances spell-casting abilities and defenses further. |
| L16-20 | Adamantine Golem Armor | Construct an Adamantine Golem as part of your Craft Construct feat, using its Armor Form for a formidable defense. This essentially turns the golem into wearable armor, providing immense protection. |
Combat Scenarios for the Stargazer
- Dungeon Crawls:
- Navigate narrow corridors easily using Vanish in emergencies. Leverage your Divination spells like Detect Magic and Detect Secret Doors to avoid traps and find hidden passages. Have your Golem guard the party’s rear, ensuring a strategic retreat option.
- Open Fields:
- Utilize Fly and Mirror Image for mobility and evasion. Your golem, armored in its indestructible form, should take the frontline to distract enemies. Cast Mind Thrust III from a distance for effective crowd control.
- Ambushes:
- Detect Psychic Significance can alert you to unseen threats. The Improved Initiative from Reactionary Trait ensures you act first. Use Invisibility combined with Phrenic Amplifications to reposition and launch a counterattack.
- Defensive Stands:
- Fortify positions using Forcecage to control the battlefield’s flow. Have the Adamantine Golem form a nearly impregnable barrier. Employ Ego Whip IV to incapacitate major threats quickly.
- Urban Encounters:
- Disguise your presence with Hypnotic Pattern or Disguise spells. Leverage the familiarity with urban environments using Knowledge (Geography) for strategic positioning. In case of crowd control issues, a well-timed Haste or Bilocation can provide tactical advantages.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Physical Stats | Creating and wearing an Adamantine Golem as armor provides high protection and reduces incoming damage significantly. |
| Risk of Spell Resistance (SR) Failure | Taking Spell Penetration and Greater Spell Penetration increases the odds of successfully casting spells against targets with SR. |
| Limited Close Combat Capability | Invest in crafting defensive and utility items that enhance survivability and provide tactical advantages. |
| Slow Reflexes | Boost initiative and select a Familiar that enhances Initiative to ensure action priority. |
| Reliance on Spells for Utility and Damage | Always carry scrolls (such as Scroll of Dispel Magic) and wands to ensure utility and combat options remain available. |
Unlocking the Stargazer’s Mystique
Channel the Stargazer[1]’s cosmic allure as you step into this role. This character spent countless nights gazing at the night sky, deciphering the cryptic alignments of stars. You’re not just a psychic; you’re a celestial philosopher who sees beyond the mundane. Lean into the Stargazer[1]’s rich backstory by portraying them as a seeker of cosmic truths. Every spell cast and every enemy faced is a part of a larger cosmic design.
Bring out your Stargazer’s wonder through vivid descriptions—speak of the stars you once witnessed, those that guide your actions today. Your intuition derives from ages of cosmic wisdom, drawing strength from the constellations. Whether advising allies or outsmarting foes, the stars are your guide. Use this celestial context to evoke awe and curiosity among your party members, inspiring them to see you as both a leader and a sage.
Navigating Mystical Powers
The Stargazer[1]’s abilities are as vast as the night sky, with skills in intricately understanding and manipulating starry phenomena. Harness this power by vividly describing mental visions of stars aligning when casting spells like ‘Mind Thrust’ or ‘Ego Whip’. Engage others by sharing these celestial insights during tense moments, wrapping your divination in the deep enigma of the cosmos.
Your proficiency with crafting magical constructs and wielding them in battle truly sets you apart. Imagine your party’s awe as you animate a golem, transforming an inanimate form into an armor-clad behemoth. Cast your creations with the gravitas of a cosmic architect, not simply a mage. Infuse your interactions with constructs, both ally and adversary, with respect for the intricate stellar mechanics at play.
FAQ
What makes the Stargazer[1] unique among psychics in Pathfinder 1E?
The Stargazer[1] is defined by its celestial connection and star-focused abilities. Unlike other psychics, they draw power from cosmic phenomena. This allows them to wield unique spells and insights from the stars. Stargazers can foresee events, providing tactical advantages in any scenario. Their affinity with the stars offers unparalleled divination abilities.
How should I build a Stargazer to maximize their potential?
Prioritize Wisdom and Charisma, the foundation of your Stargazer’s abilities. Invest in feats that boost spellcasting effectiveness and mental defenses. Consider picking Spell Focus (Divination) to enhance your star-based insights. Gear like Crystal Balls or Celestial Charts can amplify your celestial powers. Regularly update your spell repertoire to adapt to cosmic shifts.
What are some of the Stargazer[1]’s signature spells?
Signature spells include Mind Thrust and “go Whip which astound with cosmic force. Also, Starlight’s Embrace holds enemies in awe, tapping into stellar energy. Use Astral Projection to foresee battles or guide allies’ strategies. Starry Barrier creates a protective celestial shield for you and allies. Each spell reflects the Stargazer[1]’s connection to the cosmos.
How does the Stargazer[1]’s backstory enhance roleplaying opportunities?
Embrace the Stargazer[1]’s history of nights spent under the vast night sky. Tap into their existence as cosmic philosophers seeking deeper universal truths. Roleplay them as insightful guides, with the cosmos as a storytelling canvas. Share tales of starry epiphanies or cosmic adventures, enriching your party’s experience. Use their knowledge to unlock ancient lore in mystical inscriptions.
How does the Stargazer[1] interact with other party members?
The Stargazer[1] serves as both leader and wise consultant within the group. They use cosmic insights to guide party strategies, minimizing risks. Their unique perspective fosters a sense of awe and curiosity among peers. Providing cosmic inspired advice, they bolster allies’ morale and encourage strategic discussions. Stargazers synergize well with other casters, sharing divination knowledge.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Stargzager!
Experience the celestial brilliance of the Stargazer[1] in your next Pathfinder session. Join our community on Stellar Dragons Discord: https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7
Author
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Psychic – The Stargazer – Pathfinder 1E ( The Stargazer )
The Stargazer
As long as humanity existed, we were fascinated by the stars. We gave names to constellations, and assigned mystical significance to them. This build is to honor that long, long story of mankind’s search for answers by looking at the cosmos. We will be taking the Esoteric Starseeker Archetype and the Stargazer Prestige Class. Our leveling should look like the following:
Class
Psychic 6/Stargazer 10/Psychic +4
Discipline
Enlightenment
Race
Human, put that floating +2 in Intelligence.
Ability Scores
Round up Wis if odd, then everything else in Intelligence.
15Point-Buy
Str 7/Dex 10/Con 10/Int 20/Wis 12/Cha 10
20Point-Buy
Str 7/Dex 10/Con 12/Int 20/Wis 14/Cha 10
25Point-Buy
Str 7/Dex 10/Con 14/Int 20/Wis 15/Cha 10
Traits
Reactionary for a most-welcomed bonus to Initiative, and Focused Mind for a bonus to Concentration Checks.
Favored Class Bonus
Ayup, it is HP once more.
Skills
Sense Motive, Spellcraft, Perception, Knowledge(Geography, Planes, Arcana), Survival(as a prerequisite). Craft(Sculpture)
Feats by Level
1-Toughness
Human Bonus-Armor Proficiency(Light)
3-Armor Proficiency(Medium)
5-Armor Proficiency(Heavy)
7-Craft Wondrous Items
9-Craft Magical Weapons and Armors
11-Craft Construct
13-Spell Penetration
15-Greater Spell Penetration
17-Improved Initiative
19-Shield Proficiency
As Psychic Magic doesn’t have Somatic Components, we get Armor Proficiency to increase our considerably lackluster AC. We also go pick Craft Construct for a little trick I will detail in the equipment section. Finally, Spell Penetration will help us against SR which is very common at higher levels.
Phrenic Amplifications by Level
3-Undercast Surge
17-Relentless Casting
Stargazer
So, the Stargazer grants us a bunch of fun toys, including two Hexes, a Revelation, a Subdomain, a class specific list of abilities called Sidereal Arcana and a Familiar. For our Familiar pick something that boosts your Initiative. I will detail next the Hexes and Sidereal Arcanas of this build
7-Slumber(Hex)
8-The Bridge
10-The Rider
12-The Stargazer
14-The Stranger
15-Evil Eye(Hex)
16-The Wagon
Spells Learned by Level
1-Mage Hand, Telekinetic Projectile, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Color Spray, Detect
Secret Doors2-Detect Psychic Significance
3-Mind Thrust I
4-Dancing Lights, Mind Thrust II
5-Ill Omen, Invisibility
6-Read Magic, Haste
7-Vanish, Mirror Images, Fly
8-Detect Poison, Scrying
9-Augury, Mind Thrust III, Freedom of Movements
10-Sift, Mind Thrust V, Hypnotic Pattern
11-Detect Desires, Ego Whip I, Ego Whip II, Possession
12-Mind Thrust VI
13-Mind Thrust IV, Teleport, Ego Whip IV
14-Ego Whip V, Sunbeam
15-Ego Whip III, Disintegrate, Form of the Alien Dragon I
16-Form of the Alien Dragon II
17-Forcecage, Bilocation
18-Wish, Meteor Swarm
19-Call Construct, Akashic Form
20-Form of the Alien Dragon III
Equipment
So we will be picking the best armor we can get(make). We will eventually create a Golem(and eventually an Adamantine Golem) with the special Armor Form so we can wear said golem as an armor. Because people trying to harm us at all, you have to kill an Adamantine Golem first and good luck with that.
Final Thoughts
We are extremely perceptive for a human, and we have tons of Divination spells, backed by some nasty damaging, and battlefield control spells. Plus we have our Armor Golem and despite having shit physical stats, we are about as impossible to kill as our friend barbarian so it’s all good.
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