Arcanist - Generic Character Class

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Spade Marlowe
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Arcanist - Generic Character Class

Post by Spade Marlowe »

I hope someone can help me. In one of the source books (AA, AA Companion, Book of Powers), it was mentioned that the Arcanist can be used as a template for a generic character class. It mentioned that instead of gaining spells, the character would gain an ability. I'm assuming this means gain one ability at 1st level, and 2nd new ability at 3rd level, and so on. Is this correct? Could this be further differentiated with having the option of gaining either 1 combat related ability (for example Precision Shot or Weapon Finesse) or 2 non-combat related abilities (Tracking or Hide)?

Thanks in advance

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Jason Vey
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Re: Arcanist - Generic Character Class

Post by Jason Vey »

Hey, man, sorry for the late response. I'm a bit lazy about checking the forums.

I believe what you're referring to is the references in the Companion about trading off spell casting levels to pick up generic class abilities. By deciding not to advance a level as a spellcaster, the Arcanist can instead gain a Generic Class Ability at that level, with the GM's approval.

That means that, for example, you could choose when you reach 3rd level to pick up a Generic Class Ability instead of gaining a level of spellcasting. In this case your spellcasting would remain at level 2, but you'd get the Generic Ability you chose. Generic Class Abilities are found in Book Two of the AA Core Rulebook. The Companion posits that in such a way you could, feasibly, use the Arcanist as a sort of "Generic" class, by never advancing in spellcasting, but picking up Generic Class abilities instead.

Now, personally, as a GM I don't know that I'd allow that in such a pure form. It would result in a very powerful character who gains a new ability every single level.

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