Andion Isurand
First Post
Covert Arcanist (custom PrC)
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/434/0covert011.jpg
Without additional consideration and practice, the covert use of magic in the presence of others is a difficult task. When required, the covert arcanist is adept at concealing evidence of his spellcasting activities. Possessing penchants for pervasive insight, self-sufficiency and interpersonal efficacy, the covert arcanist often fills a role in support of a larger cause or entity. While they can certainly kill using methods any arcanist might use, they work well as investigators, saboteurs, spies and thieves. To eventually master their art, covert arcanists must also develop the physical and meditative aspects of their being.
Hit Die: d4.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To qualify to become an covert arcanist, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Skills: Bluff 1 rank, Concentration 4 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 9 ranks, Knowledge (local) 5 ranks, Knowledge (any other) 4 ranks, Spellcraft 9 ranks, Sense Motive 1 rank
Feats: Eschew Materials and Guerrilla Scout (HoB 97).
Spells: Ability to cast 3rd-level arcane spells.
CLASS SKILLS
The covert arcanist's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are:
Appraise (Int), Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Gather Information (Cha), Heal (Wis), Hide (Dex), Jump (Str), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Search (Int), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Sense Motive (Wis), Speak Language (none), Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Swim (Str) and Tumble (Dex).
Skill Points at each Level: 4 + Int modifier
Level | Base Attack Bonus | Fort Save | Ref Save | Will Save | Special | Spellcasting
01 | +0 | +0 | +2 | +2 | Descry, Skill Focus (Spellcraft) | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
02 | +1 | +0 | +3 | +3 | Bonus feat | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
03 | +2 | +1 | +3 | +3 | Skill Focus (any one Knowledge) | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
04 | +3 | +1 | +4 | +4 | Bonus feat | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
05 | +3 | +1 | +4 | +4 | Subtle Magic | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
06 | +4 | +2 | +5 | +5 | - - - - - - - | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
07 | +5 | +2 | +5 | +5 | Ninja Pockets | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
08 | +6 | +2 | +6 | +6 | Sleight of Spell | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
09 | +6 | +3 | +6 | +6 | Covert Casting | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
10 | +7 | +3 | +7 | +7 | Spellwoven Ki Pool | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
CLASS FEATURES
All the following are class features of the covert arcanist prestige class.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Covert arcanist gain no proficiency with any weapon, armor or shield.
Spellcasting: With each level you gain as a covert arcanist, you gain new spells per day and an increase in caster level (and spells known, if applicable) as if you had also gained a level in an arcane spellcasting class to which you belonged before adding the prestige class level. You do not, however, gain any other class feature a character of that class would have gained. If you had more than one spellcasting class before becoming a covert arcanist, you must decide to which class to add each level for the purpose of determining spells per day, caster level, and spells known.
Descry (Ex): At 1st level, the covert arcanist can access knowledge in the same manner as a bard can. This ability functions like the bardic knowledge ability, except that the bonus for the check equals the character's covert arcanist level + his Int modifier. If the covert arcanist has another such lore ability from another source (such as bard or loremaster levels), his covert arcanist levels stack with levels of all other classes that grant such an ability for the purpose of Descry checks.
Bonus Feats: At 2nd level, and again at 4th level, the covert arcanist may select any of the following feats as a bonus feat, as long as they meet the prerequisites: Arcane Strike, Enlarge Spell, Extend Spell, Invisible Spell, Mysterious Magic, Silent Spell, Smiting Spell, Somatic Weaponry, Spell Mastery, Still Spell, Sudden Extend Spell, Sudden Enlarge Spell, Sudden Silent Spell or Sudden Still Spell.
Subtle Magic: At 5th level, the spells you cast often don’t register to divination magic. If a divination is attempted against one of your spells, the caster of the divination must succeed on a caster level check (1d20 + caster level) against a DC of 15 + your caster level. The subtle magic class feature covers only your spells; the magic items you possess still register normally to detect magic and other spells.
Ninja Pockets (Su): At 7th level, the items you possess often don’t register to divination magic. If a divination is attempted against one of the objects in your possession, the caster of the divination must succeed on a caster level check (1d20 + caster level) against a DC of 15 + your caster level.
Sleight of Spell: At 8th level, the Ninja class becomes an additional favored class for you. (see Complete Adventurer, pg. 5)
Covert Casting (Ex): At 9th level, if he possesses the corresponding feat (standard or Sudden) and the Ki power class feature, the covert arcanist may spend a daily use of that Ki power while casting a spell to grant it the effect of the Silent Spell or Still Spell feat without affecting the casting time or spell slot of the spell. He may spend two daily uses of his Ki power while casting a spell to grant it the effect of both feats in the same manner.
Spellwoven Ki Pool: At 10th level, the Covert Arcanist gains one extra daily use of his Ki power for each metamagic feat he possesses.
Covert Arcanists in the Field
Covert Arcanists often make a point of utilizing mundane means of accomplishing every day tasks when traveling about in hostile territory and restrict their spellcasting activities when they are unnecessary. When in combat, they often don masks to prevent their lips from being read and the verbal components of their spells from easily being overheard. They also use cloaks or large sleeves to conceal their arcane gestures. Even if the spells of covert arcanists often don't register to divinations, their components can still be observed and identified if not well concealed. Many simply use metamagic or somatic flourishes of weaponry to further conceal evidence of their spellcasting.
Gathering information on covert arcanists can be difficult, since anyone with the right skill set could be considered both covert and an arcanist. True covert arcanists are those that master and employ the methods of subtle magic and even covert casting. By then, in their quest to obtain this mastery, they have developed a strong set of complimentary skills and techniques. While some covert arcanists never complete the physical or meditative aspects of their training to master the ability of covert casting, they suffer little pregidous for it.
Covert arcanists, if identified, can be found amongst any civilized race and can be of any alignment. Most new covert arcanists learn their craft in the traditional manner of an apprentice, typically selected as such by one or more veteran or retired covert arcanists. Often secretive, they typically don't teach these methods in a formal institution of any kind, although some form small circles hidden within them. Many train in hidden strongholds that are either isloated or disguised in plain sight as something innocuous.
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/434/0covert011.jpg
Without additional consideration and practice, the covert use of magic in the presence of others is a difficult task. When required, the covert arcanist is adept at concealing evidence of his spellcasting activities. Possessing penchants for pervasive insight, self-sufficiency and interpersonal efficacy, the covert arcanist often fills a role in support of a larger cause or entity. While they can certainly kill using methods any arcanist might use, they work well as investigators, saboteurs, spies and thieves. To eventually master their art, covert arcanists must also develop the physical and meditative aspects of their being.
Hit Die: d4.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To qualify to become an covert arcanist, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Skills: Bluff 1 rank, Concentration 4 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 9 ranks, Knowledge (local) 5 ranks, Knowledge (any other) 4 ranks, Spellcraft 9 ranks, Sense Motive 1 rank
Feats: Eschew Materials and Guerrilla Scout (HoB 97).
Spells: Ability to cast 3rd-level arcane spells.
CLASS SKILLS
The covert arcanist's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are:
Appraise (Int), Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Gather Information (Cha), Heal (Wis), Hide (Dex), Jump (Str), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Search (Int), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Sense Motive (Wis), Speak Language (none), Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Swim (Str) and Tumble (Dex).
Skill Points at each Level: 4 + Int modifier
Level | Base Attack Bonus | Fort Save | Ref Save | Will Save | Special | Spellcasting
01 | +0 | +0 | +2 | +2 | Descry, Skill Focus (Spellcraft) | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
02 | +1 | +0 | +3 | +3 | Bonus feat | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
03 | +2 | +1 | +3 | +3 | Skill Focus (any one Knowledge) | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
04 | +3 | +1 | +4 | +4 | Bonus feat | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
05 | +3 | +1 | +4 | +4 | Subtle Magic | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
06 | +4 | +2 | +5 | +5 | - - - - - - - | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
07 | +5 | +2 | +5 | +5 | Ninja Pockets | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
08 | +6 | +2 | +6 | +6 | Sleight of Spell | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
09 | +6 | +3 | +6 | +6 | Covert Casting | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
10 | +7 | +3 | +7 | +7 | Spellwoven Ki Pool | +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
CLASS FEATURES
All the following are class features of the covert arcanist prestige class.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Covert arcanist gain no proficiency with any weapon, armor or shield.
Spellcasting: With each level you gain as a covert arcanist, you gain new spells per day and an increase in caster level (and spells known, if applicable) as if you had also gained a level in an arcane spellcasting class to which you belonged before adding the prestige class level. You do not, however, gain any other class feature a character of that class would have gained. If you had more than one spellcasting class before becoming a covert arcanist, you must decide to which class to add each level for the purpose of determining spells per day, caster level, and spells known.
Descry (Ex): At 1st level, the covert arcanist can access knowledge in the same manner as a bard can. This ability functions like the bardic knowledge ability, except that the bonus for the check equals the character's covert arcanist level + his Int modifier. If the covert arcanist has another such lore ability from another source (such as bard or loremaster levels), his covert arcanist levels stack with levels of all other classes that grant such an ability for the purpose of Descry checks.
Bonus Feats: At 2nd level, and again at 4th level, the covert arcanist may select any of the following feats as a bonus feat, as long as they meet the prerequisites: Arcane Strike, Enlarge Spell, Extend Spell, Invisible Spell, Mysterious Magic, Silent Spell, Smiting Spell, Somatic Weaponry, Spell Mastery, Still Spell, Sudden Extend Spell, Sudden Enlarge Spell, Sudden Silent Spell or Sudden Still Spell.
Subtle Magic: At 5th level, the spells you cast often don’t register to divination magic. If a divination is attempted against one of your spells, the caster of the divination must succeed on a caster level check (1d20 + caster level) against a DC of 15 + your caster level. The subtle magic class feature covers only your spells; the magic items you possess still register normally to detect magic and other spells.
Ninja Pockets (Su): At 7th level, the items you possess often don’t register to divination magic. If a divination is attempted against one of the objects in your possession, the caster of the divination must succeed on a caster level check (1d20 + caster level) against a DC of 15 + your caster level.
Sleight of Spell: At 8th level, the Ninja class becomes an additional favored class for you. (see Complete Adventurer, pg. 5)
Covert Casting (Ex): At 9th level, if he possesses the corresponding feat (standard or Sudden) and the Ki power class feature, the covert arcanist may spend a daily use of that Ki power while casting a spell to grant it the effect of the Silent Spell or Still Spell feat without affecting the casting time or spell slot of the spell. He may spend two daily uses of his Ki power while casting a spell to grant it the effect of both feats in the same manner.
Spellwoven Ki Pool: At 10th level, the Covert Arcanist gains one extra daily use of his Ki power for each metamagic feat he possesses.
Covert Arcanists in the Field
Covert Arcanists often make a point of utilizing mundane means of accomplishing every day tasks when traveling about in hostile territory and restrict their spellcasting activities when they are unnecessary. When in combat, they often don masks to prevent their lips from being read and the verbal components of their spells from easily being overheard. They also use cloaks or large sleeves to conceal their arcane gestures. Even if the spells of covert arcanists often don't register to divinations, their components can still be observed and identified if not well concealed. Many simply use metamagic or somatic flourishes of weaponry to further conceal evidence of their spellcasting.
Gathering information on covert arcanists can be difficult, since anyone with the right skill set could be considered both covert and an arcanist. True covert arcanists are those that master and employ the methods of subtle magic and even covert casting. By then, in their quest to obtain this mastery, they have developed a strong set of complimentary skills and techniques. While some covert arcanists never complete the physical or meditative aspects of their training to master the ability of covert casting, they suffer little pregidous for it.
Covert arcanists, if identified, can be found amongst any civilized race and can be of any alignment. Most new covert arcanists learn their craft in the traditional manner of an apprentice, typically selected as such by one or more veteran or retired covert arcanists. Often secretive, they typically don't teach these methods in a formal institution of any kind, although some form small circles hidden within them. Many train in hidden strongholds that are either isloated or disguised in plain sight as something innocuous.
Last edited:
