A Wizard path for all them new fancy RTA's.

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ColorMeLucky
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A Wizard path for all them new fancy RTA's.

Post by ColorMeLucky » Mon Sep 23, 2019 2:46 pm

So first of all, this is a *big* suggestion. As in, I understand it would take a fair bit of work if someone decided to take it up.
(I am personally already trying to write it up as a test, as presentation.)

That said the introduction of Ranged Touch Attack Spells such as Scorching Ray and Avasculate simply made me want to write this up and hopefully poke at something like this coming about from the Dev Team.

The path I hope to present is "Daggerspell Mage", which is a Non-Evil alternative route for them slippery shadow mages.
Daggerspell mages are distinct and different from their usual kin, seperate from spellswords with their fancy imbues and yet more distinctly narrower of focus than regular mages.

The hallmark of the discreet magi is to combine Sneak Attack with Ranged Touch Attack spells cast from them (and not from scrolls or other sources).
Normally this would also be available to Warlocks and Sorcs, but felt that at an entry level Wizards were the most likely to be more balanced around multiclassing, spell slots and CL, as there are costs to this training.

Now this isn't a 1-1 from the original 3.5e source, but rather just an adaption that I think (hope) is more or less balanced.
The multiclassing features helps add Sneak die and CL while also sacrificing some CL and spell slots. (This could just be eliminated entirely if felt too strong.)

It's intended as a heavy investment Path, strongly limits Epic Spells (but not regular summons, which they will hide behind in order to sneak attack)

Code: Select all

Daggerspell Mage - Wizard Path

Requirements: DEX 16, Non-Evil, DM Token (Lore reasons)

Class Goals: Combine the recent popularity of Ranged Touch Attacks with the classic sneak mage set up. 

Class Features: 
 - D4 Hit die (not a D8 or D6)
 - Daggers add to RTA damage (damage and attack bonus) -  Named Dagger Imbue
 - Sneak attack to RTA
 - 3/4 progression (as a soft bonus)
 - Rogue, Assassin and Shadowdancer CL compensation.
 - Dual Wield (Daggers only)
 - Weapon Finesse
 - Loses Epic Spells besides Epic Mage Armor (No AB bonus)
 
Progression: Every 4 levels, gain +1d6 sneak attack (1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29)

Level 1: Weapon Finesse, 3/4 progression, 1d6 sneak attack (stacks with Rogue, Shadowdancer and Assassin if it ever becomes non-evil)

Level 4: Dual Wield

Level 7: Sneak attack to RTA

Level 14: Weapon Focus (Dagger), Dagger Imbue

Level 19: Improved Two-Weapon fighting

Level 23: Greater Dagger Imbue

Level 25: Epic Skill Focus Hide/MS

Level 28: Gain INT -> Magical damage on melee.

 - - - MULTICLASSING - - -

Sneak and Death attack die from other classes also offer CL toward the Daggerspell mage. (Classes being Rogue, Shadowdancer, and Assassin if it ever becomes non-evil)

 - - - Custom Abilities Explained - - - 

"Daggerspell Sneak Attack" (Level 7):
Ranged Touch Attacks cast from the Daggerspell Mage's Wizard Spellbook (not from scrolls or items) also now include damage from Sneak Attack, where it would normally apply with a bow.

"Dagger Imbue" (Level 14): 
When wielding a dagger or pair of daggers, the attack and damage of the main-hand dagger is added to the damage of a Ranged Touch attack. 
The following applies: Base damage (1d4), enhancement bonus, and base additional damage. It does not include temporary on hit effects or essenses. 

"Greater Dagger Imbue" (Level 23):
As Dagger Imbue, but now it factors in both daggers being dual wielded.

"INT to Magic Damage" (Level 28):
Daggerspell Mages at level 28 gain their Intelligence Modifier added to their dagger's damage as passive magic damage. This is intended to stack with Greater Dagger Imbue
and reward Daggerspell Mages going for this capstone. (Likely as a feat, would be best. They could make this either passive, or an active ability that lasts Rounds/Level)
As a real synopsis of what's going on, the situation is the following:

- The Daggerspell mage has the APR to potentially assist in melee combat, but is very frail and will be relying on spells to keep them alive if they choose this route. They can use True Strike, but no-where near as effectively as a Spellsword.
- The Daggerspell mage will have to balance offense and defense with a more narrower spell list and require careful planning and positioning and spell preparation.
- The Daggerspell mage will focus primarily on INT, DEX and CON.
- The Daggerspell mage is rather easy to determine from their fighting style.
- Their damage potential is high, but their limitations will greatly reduce their effectiveness.
- Specialist spell schools are welcome to this path, as the extra spell slot at the cost (usually quite severe) will indeed aid them.
- The current unique daggers and craftable daggers are currently rather limited, and should control the class to acceptable levels.
Current characters: Mach S. Fryar, Vastin
"I am Silnyir the Silver, and the Frostblades are my scales, wings and breath; and I will be it's heart."
- Mach
"Two hands on the job, that's what Pa says!"
- Vastin

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Irongron
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Re: A Wizard path for all them new fancy RTA's.

Post by Irongron » Sun Oct 20, 2019 10:36 pm

As I've said with other similar suggestions, its not easy for me to approve or reject anything this large, but I can say I find it doubtful a developer will have time for it.

Will leave it here for them, and our players to read and pick up on if they wish.

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Irongron
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Re: A Wizard path for all them new fancy RTA's.

Post by Irongron » Mon Dec 16, 2019 11:01 pm

Rejected as received no further input from players & staff.

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