Another Witch archetype that's in the rough-draft stage. I was inspired by a homebrew prestige class and a post I found here (but can't find now) regarding Ritual Casting.
Archetype: Ceremonial Witch.
Constructive criticism is welcome, as usual.
The wording on Ritual Casting leaves plenty of room for ambiguity, particularly with what types of sources can be used and what happens to said sources after being used. Phrases/Sentences such as "including spellbooks, scrolls, and formula books" and "Using this ability does not consume the original text" could help there.
Circle Magic's added spells have an extraordinarily potent progression, and I think that some of it might happen too quickly. At the least, increase the spell level of planar binding, greater to 7th. Given the boost the witch already gets to spontaneously cast circle spells, I would also return magic circle against XYZ to 3rd level.
While the Pentagram ability borrows effectively from the scrying diviner's 3+Int ability, I see two points for improvement. First, I don't believe that the name of the ability at all conveys its effect; a pentagram suggests a rune, warded area, seal, or curse, not a scrying effect. If you can introduce a sentence of flavor text demonstrating why a pentagram aiding in scrying, you'll make a much better case for the name. The other issue is that Pentagram does not follow a common model for replaced abilities; most archetypes replace existing abilities with ones that are similar in structure, like replacing a fighter's Bravery with something else that increases by +1 every four levels. Anything that replaces Patron Spells would make a great deal more sense if it also increased every even level or granted better spell access.
I propose having Circle Magic replace Patron spells while expanding the offering of Patron spells ever so slightly to give a full nine levels of extra material. I would either rename Pentagram (which would be a shame, really), change its effect, or bolster its flavor to connect the name to the ability. Clean up the language on Ritual Casting, as it's a very different mechanic from anything else out there. Take a page from the Advanced Player's Guide when it describes the alchemist's Alchemy ability — a sizable entry due to its new concept.
I love the idea of a ritual-based witch, but in the past I've merely invented new patrons to represent it. Keep editing, and you'll have a solid archetype.
Thanks for the feedback!
Phrases/Sentences such as "including spellbooks, scrolls, and formula books" and "Using this ability does not consume the original text" could help there.
Added the suggested entries.
At the least, increase the spell level of planar binding, greater to 7th. Given the boost the witch already gets to spontaneously cast circle spells, I would also return magic circle against XYZ to 3rd level.
Valid points and should be corrected to the suggestions. Shifted all the planar binding spells to the sorcerer/wizard progression. It originally used the summoner progression.
While the Pentagram ability borrows effectively from the scrying diviner's 3+Int ability, I see two points for improvement. First, I don't believe that the name of the ability at all conveys its effect; a pentagram suggests a rune, warded area, seal, or curse, not a scrying effect. If you can introduce a sentence of flavor text demonstrating why a pentagram aiding in scrying, you'll make a much better case for the name. The other issue is that Pentagram does not follow a common model for replaced abilities; most archetypes replace existing abilities with ones that are similar in structure, like replacing a fighter's Bravery with something else that increases by +1 every four levels. Anything that replaces Patron Spells would make a great deal more sense if it also increased every even level or granted better spell access.
That's a very good point. I'll have to think more on this one to either fit the role I want or make it more appropriate.
I propose having Circle Magic replace Patron spells while expanding the offering of Patron spells ever so slightly to give a full nine levels of extra material. I would either rename Pentagram (which would be a shame, really), change its effect, or bolster its flavor to connect the name to the ability. Clean up the language on Ritual Casting, as it's a very different mechanic from anything else out there. Take a page from the Advanced Player's Guide when it describes the alchemist's Alchemy ability — a sizable...
Again, I appreciate the feedback. I'm going to spend a bit more time thinking & tinkering and try to update over the course of the day.
I went ahead and made some more minor changes to the pentagram entry and moved some things around.
Thanks! Yeah, when I saw the prestige class, I immediately thought it'd make a great archetype (I'm not a fan of prestige classes, personally) and decided to give it a shot.