Sangalor |
I really like the flavor of the wizard archetype, but it seems awfully expensive to use those scrolls...
What I have been thinking is to use the scroll shield for shield bashes since that seems to not reduce its hitpoints - they are only reduced if I am successfully attacked.
Coupled with the shield master feat that could really be great since the enhancement bonuses (it counts as a light wooden shield, so you should be able to make a shield bash with it) are then usable for attacks. However, I need 6 levels of ranger to get that feat somehow...
Are there any further ideas what I could do?
The scroll blade is nice, but it requires switching scrolls often, does not overcame slashing DR...
Thanks in advance :-)
Raisse |
Actually if you use mending you can get rid of the scroll's damage. Two scrolls with a 9th level spell on them should get you through most fights then just mend them using the cantrip. and if you shield bash with them they do still lose the 1 hp.
Actually, the ability says explicitly that the damage can't be repaired.
Nigrescence |
Be level 10, and use the good ability of the archetype?
I was reading through the whole thing again because it's been a while and I was just thinking it's kind of blah for losing Arcane Bond (one of ANY SPELL YOU WANT to cast per day is not worth replacing to get the stuff, or all the familiar shenanigans if that's your style) but then saw the level ten ability which replaces the level ten bonus feat, and that alone made me think it might just be worth it. Just think about the veritable arsenal of scrolls you could cart around and use. Magic Missile is now 5d4+5 unerring for the low low price of just 12.5 GP per casting (I know there might be far better examples)! And you can do that with any level one spell! Even level two spells are ripe for the picking at 75 GP per casting! And they won't count against your limit for the day, and you get full value out of them!
It's almost worth giving up Arcane Bond. Almost. Well, maybe it is. Certainly if I started near tenth level or after tenth level it might be worth it.
Arcane Addict |
I don't feel you need to 'make it worthwhile'. You're a wizard (Harry). You're plenty good as it is. Sure the archetype is arguably weaker than the original but I don't think that matters all that much. I would do whatever the hell I think would be fun for it. Thats really the great thing about the obscene power level 9th level casters have. You cannot suck, unless you deliberately choose to, so you're free to pursue whatever you like.
That said, obviously that isn't the kind of advice you're looking for so... I'll try and give that, too!
First, lets address the loss of Arcane Bond. A very nice ability so I imagine you want it back. I would suggest taking Eldritch Heritage: Arcane Bloodline if you want a bonded item. Unless you want to take more feats in the EH chain you're likely better off choosing Familiar Bond if you want a familiar instead.
As for using the scrolls as weapons and shields, I wouldn't be worried about their destruction too much. Just use the spells before they'd go up in smoke anyway. For this particular purpose I'd always use scrolls that are commonly useful, like Summon Monster.
You're going to go through scrolls very quickly this way so utilize your free Scribe Scroll feat as much as you can (this is an archetype that is noticeably weaker in PFS).
Now the biggest 'problem' with the Scrollmaster is its lack of BAB, or other ways to help you hit. Going into Eldritch Knight and/or Arcane Archer will help with that. If you're really daring you could even go Arcane Trickster! The loss of casting progression hurts a little bit. You know what might mitigate that? Scrolls!
There are a lot of classes you could use to get into those prestige classes, all with their own perks, so choose whatever you like best. Now, I'm a bit on the crazy side so I'd go with Fighter and VMC Magus. Hell you could use the Fighter Archetype Eldritch Guardian to get your familiar back, too, and give it the Mauler Archetype while you're at it. Go Halfling and ride around on your Flyby Attack-ing Hawk, slicing and casting with your scrolls. Its insane, but fun!
Really, you can make a very fun build with it! And it won't suck! Really! You don't need to optimize all that much.
Kurald Galain RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32 |
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Alternatively, a build that effectively wield scrolls in combat is a straight Magus.
Take a rank in Craft: Calligraphy and the trait Rough and Ready. Now you can wield scrolls at no penalty, and gain a +1 to hit with them. Use the Magus's enchant weapon ability to turn them into freezing and shocking scrolls as appropriate. Plus you have a better BAB, hit points, and saving throws than a wizard, although of course you'll have less spellcasting (but hey, your goal was to hit people with scrolls, yes?)
Unlike the scrollmaster archetype, this method doesn't reduce the hit points of the scroll, and if your GM decides it does anyway, use the Mending cantrip (using a cracked orange prism ioun stone to add it to your list).
Optionally, add Card Caster archetype so you can also throw scrolls at people. Ta dah!
Rosc |
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BOOKS FOR THE BOOK GOD!
SCROLLS FOR THE SCROLL THRONE!
This archetype has some interesting play and RP, if nothing else. But after looking it over, the 10th level ability is actually really good. Now those dozens of scrolls you keep on yourself (and you will have a literal library on you at all times if you play this archetype) means that you're pretty much converting cash into tons of extra spells per day. If nothing else, you can ignore the sword/shield combo and hold out for this.
Even with "free equipment" you are not a fighter. You are not a magus. You are not even an Eldrich Knight. You lack the BAB to strike with accuracy, but you do have the ability to keep yourself armed for emergencies. As mentioned earlier,this might have some fun synergy with Arcane Trickster, since turning a scroll into a shank is a great way for that surprise sneak attack. Sadly, the scroll shield ability is kind of counter intuitive thanks to the fact that you have a 1st level spell that gives you a +4 shield bonus to AC AND your 10th level ability makes using scrolls of Shield (as opposed to a shield of scrolls) a perfectly fine pre buff. I guess it's okay if you're caught with your pants down and you have better things to do with your actions on those critical first rounds of combat.
So to answer the OP's question: It is already worthwhile. The archetype has two silly abilities and one big reward for people who stick with it. Honestly, I kind of want to play one myself.
Mark Hoover |
Faith Trait: Blade of Mercy
Level 1: Bludgeoner
Level 1 Human: Enforcer
Pump up your Cha. Take Enlarge Person as a spell but cast it on yourself instead of your fighter. You're still not very accurate but when you hit you're inflicting Shaken.
Also if you take Card Caster cast Returning Weapon. You throw the scroll, it lances out dealing slashing damage and then bounces back to you.