War MAge?

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Treebore
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War MAge?

Post by Treebore »

Has anyone done a "War mage" concept for C&C? If not I think I will adapt the 3E version from Complete Arcane.
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The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society

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Since its 20,000 I suggest "Captain Nemo" as his title. Beyond the obvious connection, he is one who sails on his own terms and ignores those he doesn't agree with...confident in his journey and goals.
Sounds obvious to me! -Gm Michael

Grand Knight Commander of the Society.

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clavis123
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Post by clavis123 »

WARRIOR-WIZARDS

Few people have a the rare combination of magical talent, intelligence, physical strength, and martial skill necessary to become a Warrior-Wizard. Combining skill at arms with arcane might, they are among the most fearsome combatants. Able to cast spells even while wearing armor, they are unafraid to stand toe-to-toe with the most fearsome monsters.

The Warrior-Wizard's versatility comes at a price. They learn spells more slowly than normal Wizards, and never receive bonus spells. They are also weaker in direct melee combat than normal Fighters.

Warrior-Wizards are most frequently found amongst Elves, who seem to have natural tenancy towards the class. Humans and Gnomes are also well-represented in the ranks of Warrior-Wizards. Dwarves consider mixing arcane magic with "honorable" fighting to be detestable, and are never Warrior-Wizards. Halflings also seem to have no aptitude for the mixture of wizardry and martial prowess. Half-Orcs are seldom disciplined enough to become Warrior-Wizards, but those few who are become veritable machines of destruction.

Warrior-Wizards get along well with both Fighters and Wizards. They sometimes look down on Illusionists, regarding their style of magic as cowardly. Bards and Warrior-Wizards tend to get along particularly well. Clerics are often suspicious of Warrior-Wizards, seeing the Warrior-Wizard's attempt at total versatility as an attempt to live without the restrictions placed on humanity by the Gods. Some Warrior-Wizards do in fact regard themselves as living proof that humanity can can exceed all bounds, and so dislike Clerics and their insistence on following the commands of a deity. Druids, however, appreciate the combination of magical and martial might embodied by the Warrior-Wizard. Warrior-Wizards often regard Monks as imperfect versions of themselves, while Monks often see Warrior-Wizards as corrupted people who turned to the Dark Arts because they lacked the self-discipline for the Monastic life. Warrior-Wizards sometimes come into conflict with Knights and Paladins, who see the Warrior-Wizards use of magic in melee combat as a underhanded cheating. Rangers and Warrior-Wizards often get along well, on the other hand, with many Rangers citing an ancient story of Rangers being trained to use magic.

ABILITIES

SPELLS: Warrior Wizards cast arcane spells. They learn and prepare spells in exactly the same manner as Wizards, and use the same spell list. Warrior-Wizards must maintain and consult spell-books, just like ordinary Wizards. Unlike normal Wizards, however, Warrior Wizards never gain bonus spells as a result of having a high Intelligence.

ARCANE FOCUS: In order to use their spells, a Warriors-Wizard must employ a special object called an Arcane Focus. This is usually a sword or other weapon, but can also be a book of mystical writings, a special gauntlet, etc. The player chooses their character's Arcane Focus. The Focus replaces any other material components needed for spells, and is always employed as part of the somatic component of a Warrior-Wizard's spells. It does not replace the verbal component of spells. The Warrior-Wizard cannot use spells above Level 0 without utilizing their chosen focus.

An Arcane Focus costs 1,000 gp per Level of spell is is usable with. An existing focus can be re-worked by the Warrior-Wizard to make it usable with higher Level spells, at the same cost. Example: It will cost 3,000 gp to make an Arcane Focus usable with 3rd level spells, or that same amount to alter an existing focus to expand its usability to included 3rd Level spells. Creating or altering an Arcane Focus takes 1 week per maximum spell Level. A 3rd level Focus, for example, requires three weeks of effort.

COMBAT CASTING: A Warrior-Wizard may freely use magic while engaged in melee, without suffering any penalties, as long as they can hold and employ their chosen Arcane Focus. Casting a spell counts as the character's action for the round. A Warrior-Wizard cannot cast a spell and attack with a weapon in the same melee round.

CAST IN ARMOR: A Warrior-Wizard may freely use magic while clad in any kind of armor, as long as they can hold and employ their chosen Arcane Focus. A shield will not interfere with this ability, if the character can still utilize their Arcane Focus.

PRIME ATTRIBUTE: Intelligence

HIT DICE: d8

ALIGNMENT : Any

WEAPONS: Any

ARMOR: Any

ABILITES: Spells, Arcane Focus, Combat Casting, Cast In Armor

Level | Hit Dice | Basic To-Hit Bonus | Experience Points

1 | d8 | +0 | 0

2 | d8 | +1 | 4,001

3 | d8 | +1 | 8,001

4 | d8 | +2 | 16,001

5 | d8 | +2 | 32,001

6 | d8 | +3 | 64,001

7 | d8 | +3 | 128,001

8 | d8 | +4 | 256,001

9 | d8 | +4 | 600,001

10 | d8 | +5 | 1,200,001

11 | +3 HP | +5 | 1,800,001

12 | +3 HP | +6 | 2,400,001

13+ | | | +600,000 per level

WARRIOR-WIZARD SPELLS PER DAY

LEVEL

** | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

01 | 2

02 | 3 | 1

03 | 3 | 1

04 | 3 | 2 | 1

05 | 3 | 2 | 2

06 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1

07 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2

08 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1

09 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2

10 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1

11 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2

12 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1

13 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2

14 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1

15 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2

16 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1

17 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2

18 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1

19 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2

20 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2
Daniel James Hanley
Creator of Ghastly Affair, "The Gothic Game of Romantic Horror".
Player's Manual Now Available on DriveThruRPG and Amazon
Reader discretion is advised.

Treebore
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Post by Treebore »

Have you used this yet? If so what was the highest level achieved?
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The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society

Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/

My House Rules: http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... llordgames
Since its 20,000 I suggest "Captain Nemo" as his title. Beyond the obvious connection, he is one who sails on his own terms and ignores those he doesn't agree with...confident in his journey and goals.
Sounds obvious to me! -Gm Michael

Grand Knight Commander of the Society.

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clavis123
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Post by clavis123 »

Unfortunately, the class hasn't been playtested yet. I'd love to hear how it works out for others.
Daniel James Hanley
Creator of Ghastly Affair, "The Gothic Game of Romantic Horror".
Player's Manual Now Available on DriveThruRPG and Amazon
Reader discretion is advised.

Treebore
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Post by Treebore »

I was asking because the version I was looking at adapting from only allows light armors at first, then at 8th level they get "medium" armors, and never get to wear heavy armors.

Plus their spell list is much more restricted.

So just by looking I would say the 3E version will be much more balanced, especially at higher level.
_________________
The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society

Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/

My House Rules: http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... llordgames
Since its 20,000 I suggest "Captain Nemo" as his title. Beyond the obvious connection, he is one who sails on his own terms and ignores those he doesn't agree with...confident in his journey and goals.
Sounds obvious to me! -Gm Michael

Grand Knight Commander of the Society.

User avatar
clavis123
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Joined: Wed Mar 05, 2008 8:00 am

Post by clavis123 »

That's why the XP requirements are so high. For me, a warrior-wizard class has to be able to replicate Malagigi (or Maugris) from the medieval legends of Charlemagne. Malgigi wore the same armor and used the same weapons as Charlemagne's other knights. The Arcane Focus bit is also inspired by Malagigi, who needed to have his book with him in order to use magic. I personally don't think spellcasters in heavy armor are game breaking, if they advance very slowly. Take, for example the Elf class in Classic D&D. Very powerful, but the character will always be levels behind everybody else. I do understand the preference for having classes be balanced against each other at every level, though.
Daniel James Hanley
Creator of Ghastly Affair, "The Gothic Game of Romantic Horror".
Player's Manual Now Available on DriveThruRPG and Amazon
Reader discretion is advised.

Treebore
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Post by Treebore »

True. I guess I can offer it up, and let them decide if its worth the 600K XP per level.

I have allowed a player to experiment with this in my games, where with each "level" of armor he had to make a SIEGE check to successfully fast a spell while wearing armor, and with 25 successes mastered that armor. He stopped at +6 AC bonus, for now.

To illustrate, wearing chainmail and casting a fireball was a CL 9. 6 from the armor, and 3 from spell level, so he had to make a CL total of 21 to successfully do it.

It worked rather well and I particularly liked how the player/PC earned it in play, and how fast he progressed was determined by how often he was willing to risk failure. Which wasn't often, so he didn't get to do it wearing Chainmail until he was 9th level.

So I am thinking of adapting the 3E concept to C&C with the SIEGE check mechanic and successes in combat being the main determinant of when they get to wear what armor.
_________________
The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society

Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/

My House Rules: http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... llordgames
Since its 20,000 I suggest "Captain Nemo" as his title. Beyond the obvious connection, he is one who sails on his own terms and ignores those he doesn't agree with...confident in his journey and goals.
Sounds obvious to me! -Gm Michael

Grand Knight Commander of the Society.

User avatar
Tadhg
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Post by Tadhg »

I played in a 3.5 PBP game a few years ago with this character and thought it was a lot of fun. I never got around to seeing how it might convert to C&C, but I thought I'd post it for comparison and idea purposes.

I don't know which 3.5 book this from, but you may know of this class.

Male Human Battle-Sorcerer

Chaotic Good

Strength 12 (+1)

Dexterity 14 (+2)

Constitution 14 (+2)

Intelligence 10 (+0)

Wisdom 12 (+1)

Charisma 16 (+3)

Age: 19

Size: Medium

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 155 lb

Skin: Brown

Eyes: Dark Brown

Hair: Black; Curly; Light Beard

Total Hit Points: 25

Speed: 30 feet

Armor Class: 16 = 10 +4 [chain shirt] +2 [dexterity]

Touch AC: 12

Flat-footed: 14

Initiative modifier: +6

Fortitude save: +3

Reflex save: +3

Will save: +4

Base Attack: +2

Languages: Common

Feats:

Combat Casting

Eschew Materials

Improved Initiative

Skills:

Appraise +0

Balance +2 (Dex)

Bluff +3 (Cha)

Climb +1 (Str)

Concentration +8 (6 ranks/Con)

Craft: Untrained +0

Diplomacy +3 (Cha)

Disguise +3 (Cha)

Escape Artist +2 (Dex)

Forgery +0

Gather Information +3 (Cha)

Heal +1 (Wis)

Hide +2 (Dex)

Intimidate +9 (6 ranks/Cha)

Jump +1 (Str)

Listen +1 (Wis)

Move Silently +2 (Dex)

Perform: Untrained +3

Ride +2 (Dex)

Search +0

Sense Motive +1 (Wis)

Spellcraft +6 (6 ranks)

Spot +1 (Wis)

Survival +1 (Wis)

Swim +1 (Str)

Use Rope +2 (Dex)

Human:

* Extra feat at first level (already included)

* Four extra skill points at first level (already included)

* One extra skill point at each additional level (already included)

Battle Sorcerer:

* Can gain a familiar (none yet)

* Proficient in Simple/1-Handed Martial Weapons & Light Armor

* Cleric Base attack progression

* Cast fewer spells than a standard Sorcerer

Spells

0 Level: Detect Magic, Mage Hand, Ray of Frost, Read Magic 5 per day

1st Level: Magic Missile, Shield 5 per day

Equipment:

Weapons

Longsword [1d8, crit 19-20/x2 4 lb, one-handed, slashing]

Shorbow [1d6, crit 20/x3 3lb, two-handed, piercing, 60' range]

Armor

Chain shirt [light; +4 AC; max dex +4; check penalty -2; 25 lb.; arcane spell failure 20%]

Gear

Potion of Cure Light Wounds x3

Arrows (quiver of 20) x1, 3 lb

Wand of Ray of Enfeeblement 25 charges

_________________
Count Rhuveinus - Lejendary Keeper of Castle Franqueforte

"Enjoy a 'world' where the fantastic is fact and magic really works!" ~ Gary Gygax

"By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes:" - Macbeth
Count Rhuveinus - Lejendary Keeper of Castle Franqueforte

"Enjoy a 'world' where the fantastic is fact and magic really works!" ~ Gary Gygax

"By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes:" - Macbeth

Treebore
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Post by Treebore »

Rhuvein wrote:
I played in a 3.5 PBP game a few years ago with this character and thought it was a lot of fun. I never got around to seeing how it might convert to C&C, but I thought I'd post it for comparison and idea purposes.

I don't know which 3.5 book this from, but you may know of this class.

Male Human Battle-Sorcerer

Chaotic Good

Strength 12 (+1)

Dexterity 14 (+2)

Constitution 14 (+2)

Intelligence 10 (+0)

Wisdom 12 (+1)

Charisma 16 (+3)

Age: 19

Size: Medium

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 155 lb

Skin: Brown

Eyes: Dark Brown

Hair: Black; Curly; Light Beard

Total Hit Points: 25

Speed: 30 feet

Armor Class: 16 = 10 +4 [chain shirt] +2 [dexterity]

Touch AC: 12

Flat-footed: 14

Initiative modifier: +6

Fortitude save: +3

Reflex save: +3

Will save: +4

Base Attack: +2

Languages: Common

Feats:

Combat Casting

Eschew Materials

Improved Initiative

Skills:

Appraise +0

Balance +2 (Dex)

Bluff +3 (Cha)

Climb +1 (Str)

Concentration +8 (6 ranks/Con)

Craft: Untrained +0

Diplomacy +3 (Cha)

Disguise +3 (Cha)

Escape Artist +2 (Dex)

Forgery +0

Gather Information +3 (Cha)

Heal +1 (Wis)

Hide +2 (Dex)

Intimidate +9 (6 ranks/Cha)

Jump +1 (Str)

Listen +1 (Wis)

Move Silently +2 (Dex)

Perform: Untrained +3

Ride +2 (Dex)

Search +0

Sense Motive +1 (Wis)

Spellcraft +6 (6 ranks)

Spot +1 (Wis)

Survival +1 (Wis)

Swim +1 (Str)

Use Rope +2 (Dex)

Human:

* Extra feat at first level (already included)

* Four extra skill points at first level (already included)

* One extra skill point at each additional level (already included)

Battle Sorcerer:

* Can gain a familiar (none yet)

* Proficient in Simple/1-Handed Martial Weapons & Light Armor

* Cleric Base attack progression

* Cast fewer spells than a standard Sorcerer

Spells

0 Level: Detect Magic, Mage Hand, Ray of Frost, Read Magic 5 per day

1st Level: Magic Missile, Shield 5 per day

Equipment:

Weapons

Longsword [1d8, crit 19-20/x2 4 lb, one-handed, slashing]

Shorbow [1d6, crit 20/x3 3lb, two-handed, piercing, 60' range]

Armor

Chain shirt [light; +4 AC; max dex +4; check penalty -2; 25 lb.; arcane spell failure 20%]

Gear

Potion of Cure Light Wounds x3

Arrows (quiver of 20) x1, 3 lb

Wand of Ray of Enfeeblement 25 charges

That looks like it was based on the class I am referencing in Complete Arcane.
_________________
The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society

Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/

My House Rules: http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... llordgames
Since its 20,000 I suggest "Captain Nemo" as his title. Beyond the obvious connection, he is one who sails on his own terms and ignores those he doesn't agree with...confident in his journey and goals.
Sounds obvious to me! -Gm Michael

Grand Knight Commander of the Society.

User avatar
Tadhg
Cleric of Zagyg
Posts: 10817
Joined: Mon May 01, 2006 7:00 am
Location: Somewhere in Time

Post by Tadhg »

Treebore wrote:
That looks like it was based on the class I am referencing in Complete Arcane.

Hmm, that book is starting to ring familiar. I first thought that my class was a battle-mage - but no battle-sorcerer was it.

Dam, I'm not thinking that someone converted this to C&C.

But, I'm sure that you'll do the best job converting Tree.

I hope you'll post it.

I have been slightly allowing MUs in my game to use weapons, but am still hesitant to go beyond the simple and basic.

_________________
Count Rhuveinus - Lejendary Keeper of Castle Franqueforte

"Enjoy a 'world' where the fantastic is fact and magic really works!" ~ Gary Gygax

"By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes:" - Macbeth
Count Rhuveinus - Lejendary Keeper of Castle Franqueforte

"Enjoy a 'world' where the fantastic is fact and magic really works!" ~ Gary Gygax

"By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes:" - Macbeth

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