Wu Jen Wizard archetype


Conversions

Silver Crusade

Here is the Wu Jen wizard archetype for your oriental campaigns, converted from Oriental Adventures 3.0 and AD&D first edition. References: AD&D OA, D&D 3rd OA, Complete Arcane, Dragon Empires Gazetteer, GURPS China.

Wu Jen

Wu jen are mysterious beings with powers unknown. In the lands of the East, the wu are typically divine sorcerers who acted as advocates between the people of the East and their ancestor spirits and the dragons. Wu jen, on the other hand, seeking out the arcane secrets of the elements and the elemental spirits. In such lands, Wizardry isn't organized and taught in colleges or guilds, so the wu jen typically studies alone or with a master or coach.

Prerequisite: Any Wizard specialization will do, however, to maintain their wizardly powers; a wu jen must abide by certain taboos -- promises he keeps to the spirits. A wu jen must adopt one taboo at 1st level, and then adopts one additional taboo every time he or she gains a new spell secret. If a wu jen breaks a taboo, he or she are unable to cast spells for one day. Example taboos include:

  • Cannot eat meat.
  • Cannot own more than the wu jen can carry.
  • Must make a daily offering to one or many of her ancestors, gods, and/or dragon powers.
  • Mustn't bathe.
  • Mustn't cut his or her hair.
  • Cannot touch a dead body.
  • Cannot touch blood.
  • Cannot drink alcohol.
  • Must practice celibacy.
  • Can't wear a certain color.

    ELEMENTAL MASTERY (Ex)
    At 1st level, rather than work with the Classical Elements -- Earth, Air, Fire, and Water; Wu Jen depend on the Oriental cycle of elements: Fire, Earth, Water, Wood, and Metal. When a wu jen learns all the spells of a particular element up to the highest level of spells they can cast, then they are considered a master of that element. There after, when ever a wu gen casts a spell of the element, the saving throw DC of the spell gains a mastery bonus of +2, while the wu jen gains a competent bonus of +2 on the saving throws of spells of that element. This bonus stacks with the Spell Focus feat.

    This ability replaces the Arcane Bond class feature.

    Sudden Action (Ex)
    Also at first level, the wu jen gains the ability to focus her chi (or ki) energy to give her a burst of speed into an Immediate Action once per a day. This also gives her a +4 bonus to her initiative check for that particular combat, once per a day.

    This replaces the cantrips class feature.

    Bonus Feat
    A wu jen also learns a bonus metamagic feat at first level and at 20th level. This replaces the scribe scroll bonus feat.

    Spell Secret (Su)
    At 3rd level, and every three levels thereafter, the wu jen can choose one spell known to her that then becomes permanently modified by one of the following metamagic feats: Enlarge Spell, Extend Spell, Still Spell, Silent Spell, or Widen Spell. The spell's level does not change and once the spell and it's modification are chosen, it cannot be changed. She does not need to know the metamagic feat she applies to the spell. Although, in place of a Spell Secret, a wu jen may learn a Discovery.

    This feature replaces the Wizard's bonus feats.

    Spell lists (guidelines from GURPS China)

    Earth Spells:

    All the Earth spells are available, although using them may attract the anger of a local spirit lord. Only dragons know Tremors and Volcano Seed.

    Air Spells:

    Air is not an observed element in the Far East. However spells associated with air such as fly, expeditious retreat, feather fall, sleep and overland flight (i.e. air spells only available in the Core Rule Book) are available for use by the wu jen. However, unauthorized attempts to control the weather may draw the anger of a dragon or local spirit minister. However, they may implore the wu jen for help when they have been lazy.

    Water spells:

    All available, except using them may also draw the attention of dragons or spirit ministers.

    Animal Spells:

    Of the druid animal spells, Wu Jen have access to levels 1-3. Dragons, of course, know only the higher levels. Animal spells are governed by fire.

    Divination school:

    All Divination spells are available to the wu jen. Most spells between 3rd and 7th level require the I Ching as a spell focus.

    Enchantment School:

    Most of the spells from the Enchantment school are available to the wu jen. Only most dragons know geas/quest and Power Word, Kill.

    Transmutation School:

    Most of the spells from the Transmutation school are available to the wu jen, although; only dragons know Polymorph Self, Shapechange, World Wave, and Mass Polymorph.

    Necromancy School:

    The spells of the necromancy school are commonly known by the wu (priests) and not the wu jen. Never the less, arcane necromancy spells are available for the wu jen to learn. Wu jen who know them and pass on their secrets are incredibly rare because of religious reasons. Dragons and Ministers get angry when a wu jen uses his magic to reanimate dead tissue or skeletons.

    Abjuration school:

    All are available, but Alarm and Protection from (alignment) are the most common.

    Metal school:

    Spells from the elemental metal list are available to wu jen. Although dragons tend to know the 9th level spells. Frequent use of metal spells would attract the anger of dragons.

    Universal:

    All are available, even Wish.

    Evocation school:

    Evocation spells that don't fit in the five elements are available.


  • I would suggest keeping the 20th level bonus feat just so they can take the immortality discovery if desired.

    Silver Crusade

    Paladin of Baha-who? wrote:
    I would suggest keeping the 20th level bonus feat just so they can take the immortality discovery if desired.

    How about adding Discoveries as apart of spell secrets?

    Silver Crusade

    Paladin of Baha-who? wrote:
    I would suggest keeping the 20th level bonus feat just so they can take the immortality discovery if desired.

    There we go, the wizard bonus feat is kept at level 20.

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