The Low-magic Wizard

[jmberaldo]

As I mentioned in some other(s) thread(s), I'm working on a low-magic campaign and, among other things, I decided to remove some classes from the players choices, among them Wizard, Cleric and Sorcerer.

While browsing the Advanced Guide, I came across the Archivist, a bard Variant. While the idea sounded amazing, I felt like there were something lacking to fit into what I had in mind.

So, I've scribbling around the idea of a low-magic wizard based on the Bard. Yes, he can use some weapons and even some armor, but thats somewhat common on low-magic stories. Also, he is a bit more focused on knowledge and research than straight magic (or singing, for that matter ;))

Same as Bard, but replace level abilities to the following:
* Level 1:
------Bardic Knowledge
------Bardic Performance
------------Uses Spellcraft (Countersong, Distraction)
------------Uses Knowledge (Fascinate, Naturalist)
*Level 2:
------Lore Master 1/day
------Magic Lore
*Level 3:
------Inspire Competence
*Level 5
------Arcane Bond (object only)
*Level 6
------+2 spells known (3rd), +1 spell slot (3rd), Lore Master 2/day

Now, you see. I'm running a game up to level 6, so I believe that if you would use this on further levels, I'd not add that extra spell on level 6 (since you get it on level 7). Id suggest something else (which I can't think about right now).

Another possible change (which I'm still considering) is trading the Bard's spell list for the Wizards. Might make sense to change the casting style as a whole (spellbook instead of powers known) and even the spell table, but I'm unsure of it.

What I'm unsure is if Arcane Bond is too powerful for level 5. I added it there based on studing other Bard variants (like the Magician).

I don't think this would fit all flavours of campaigns, but it seems appropriate to me. Now, is it balanced? Are these the best class abilities?

Comments and suggestions greatly appreciated!

[yellowdingo]

Well in 3.0 I used to do a Wizard who had to create his own spells at zero level so that he could have spells to memorize at first level permanently using spell wizardry.

You need to think Primitive Wizard who has to build his own magical spells. THink Wizard one.

That means Scribe Scroll and create Spell. Ordinary guy goes off and adventures for spell ingredients.

[MordredofFairy]

for low magic, why not just give him the adept spell list?

I did in a low magic campaign i was running.

http://www.pathfindersrd.com/classes/npc-classes/adept

It's a very small list, true, but i allowed them to add to it based on research.

Basically i made them "casters"(both arcane and divine) into adepts with d8 HP, and 6+int modifier skill points per level.
Also, no arcane spell failure, and the casting stat would be choosen on creation and add all skills dominated by that stat as class skills.

I know it's not what you have in mind, but maybe you can draw on something to use for yourself? ;)