BlivetWidget
Explorer
Ahoy, good reader! Inspired by the Acq-Inc company roles here:
http://www.enworld.org/forum/content.php?6248-Download-Acquisitions-Inc-s-8-Iconic-Characters
but not satisfied with the roles in their final, as-printed form, I've been working on some variations.
The basic premise is a wizard library. The Head Archivist has the ability to bind tools to the Archive, allowing them to benefit from its power. As the hired adventurers use their magically-linked tools to carry out their functions, the tools record and transmit specific information back to the Archive to add to its great stores of knowledge. This benefits not only the Archive, but the adventurers as well, as the conduit goes both ways.
The basic idea for each role is:
-Two tools are relevant to a position. Pick one. You get proficiency and equipment for that tool.
-Rank 1: You add your position rank to checks you make with that tool or the relevant skill.
-Rank 2: You get a 1/day spell or spell-like ability on the order of a first level spell.
-Ranks 3-5: Still 1/day, but now you have another option that's one level higher.
The first two roles are the outliers, I'm mostly interested in balancing them vs the others. If you don't like the general premise of ability benefits from working for an organization, you're not going to like these any better. So, without further ado:
The Arcanist and Appraiser get more options than the others, but their abilities are intended to lag a power level behind and/or take more time to use. I feel like I'm pretty happy with the Arcanist, but the Appraiser has a lot of dials, and I had difficulty deciding on the value and number of times per day for Deselection. Thoughts welcome, and thanks for reading!
http://www.enworld.org/forum/content.php?6248-Download-Acquisitions-Inc-s-8-Iconic-Characters
but not satisfied with the roles in their final, as-printed form, I've been working on some variations.
The basic premise is a wizard library. The Head Archivist has the ability to bind tools to the Archive, allowing them to benefit from its power. As the hired adventurers use their magically-linked tools to carry out their functions, the tools record and transmit specific information back to the Archive to add to its great stores of knowledge. This benefits not only the Archive, but the adventurers as well, as the conduit goes both ways.
The basic idea for each role is:
-Two tools are relevant to a position. Pick one. You get proficiency and equipment for that tool.
-Rank 1: You add your position rank to checks you make with that tool or the relevant skill.
-Rank 2: You get a 1/day spell or spell-like ability on the order of a first level spell.
-Ranks 3-5: Still 1/day, but now you have another option that's one level higher.
The first two roles are the outliers, I'm mostly interested in balancing them vs the others. If you don't like the general premise of ability benefits from working for an organization, you're not going to like these any better. So, without further ado:
Arcanist
An Arcanist knows that understanding reality is the key to shaping it. They believe learning the fundamentals is the most important step towards mastery.
Rank 1 (level 1):
~Applicable tools: Calligrapher's Supplies and Forgery Kit.
~Core functions: Collect information on spells and other arcane knowledge, activities related to reading or writing (which includes ciphers, contracts, research, scribing spells, etc.).
~Proficiency: Choose one applicable tool.
~Equipment: Choose one applicable tool.
~Feature: Ready Reference. All your applicable tools are bound to the magic of the Archive's library. As an action, you can use them to transmute a blank sheet of paper or parchment into a Reference Card. This card provides a bonus equal to your Arcanist rank to any one check related to Arcana or to your applicable tools. You can have only one such Reference Card at a time, but can revert it back to a blank sheet at will.
~Rank 2 (level 4): Feature: Arcane Reference (1/day). Your magical link increases in power. As an action, you can transmute a blank sheet of paper or parchment into a Spell Reference Card for a cantrip of your choice. Treat the Spell Reference Card as a Spell Scroll that reverts to a blank sheet once used or after 10 minutes.
~Rank 3 (level 8): Your Arcane Reference can now be any spell up to level 1.
~Rank 4 (level 12): Your Arcane Reference can now be any spell up to level 2.
An Arcanist knows that understanding reality is the key to shaping it. They believe learning the fundamentals is the most important step towards mastery.
Rank 1 (level 1):
~Applicable tools: Calligrapher's Supplies and Forgery Kit.
~Core functions: Collect information on spells and other arcane knowledge, activities related to reading or writing (which includes ciphers, contracts, research, scribing spells, etc.).
~Proficiency: Choose one applicable tool.
~Equipment: Choose one applicable tool.
~Feature: Ready Reference. All your applicable tools are bound to the magic of the Archive's library. As an action, you can use them to transmute a blank sheet of paper or parchment into a Reference Card. This card provides a bonus equal to your Arcanist rank to any one check related to Arcana or to your applicable tools. You can have only one such Reference Card at a time, but can revert it back to a blank sheet at will.
~Rank 2 (level 4): Feature: Arcane Reference (1/day). Your magical link increases in power. As an action, you can transmute a blank sheet of paper or parchment into a Spell Reference Card for a cantrip of your choice. Treat the Spell Reference Card as a Spell Scroll that reverts to a blank sheet once used or after 10 minutes.
~Rank 3 (level 8): Your Arcane Reference can now be any spell up to level 1.
~Rank 4 (level 12): Your Arcane Reference can now be any spell up to level 2.
~Rank 5 (level 16): Your Arcane Reference can now be any spell up to level 3.
Appraiser
An Appraiser believes the provenance of an artifact is at least as important as its function, if not more so. One of the best ways to determine the origin of an item is to analyze the materials used to make it. Appraisers know a variety of alchemical techniques for doing just that without leaving so much as a mark.
Rank 1 (level 1):
~Applicable tools: Alchemist's Supplies and Brewer's Supplies.
~Core functions: Verify the authenticity of artifacts, take note of interesting items, determine the nature of potions and artifacts.
~Proficiency: Choose one applicable tool.
~Equipment: Choose one applicable tool. You also receive a Bag of Holding.
~Feature: Authenticate. All your applicable tools are bound to the magic of the Archive's laboratory. By spending one minute with an item, you can perform a non-destructive alchemical test on it. The results of this test allow you to add your Appraiser rank to any check related to History or to your applicable tools.
~Feature: Safe Delivery. Your Bag of Holding is bound to the magic of the Archive's vaults. Missions requiring delivery of an item to the Archive may be completed by placing the item into your bag of holding, if it fits. The item does not count against the bag’s capacity.
~Rank 2 (level 4): Feature: Deselection (1/day). As your magical link increases in power, you gain access to the Vault of Surplus through your Bag of Holding. As an action, you can withdraw an item of your choice from chapter 5 of the Player's Handbook. The item must be of a size that can fit into your bag and be worth no more than 15 gp (e.g. arrows, rope, traps). A maximum of 1 surplus item can be out at any time. To withdraw further items, you must return one or deposit another item of equal or greater value (coins are accepted).
~Rank 3 (level 8): Feature: Arcane Authentication. By focusing the power of your magical link, you can use your applicable tools to cast the Identify spell as a ritual.
~Rank 4 (level 12): Your Deselection items can now be up to 50 gp. (e.g. holy water, lute, potion of healing).
~Rank 5 (level 16): Your Deselection items can now be up to 100 gp (e.g. hand crossbow, vial of poison, magnifying glass).
Atlaser
An Atlaser knows that being able to find something is just as important as the thing itself. Atlasers see the world in terms of logical groups and relative positions, and excel at finding where they need to go.
Rank 1 (level 1):
~Applicable tools: Cartographer's Tools and Navigator's Tools.
~Core functions: Take note of important locations, create and interpret maps, navigate, find landmarks.
~Proficiency: Choose one applicable tool.
~Equipment: Choose one applicable tool.
~Feature: Finding Aid. All your applicable tools are bound to the magic of the Archive's atlas collection. They allow you to add your Atlaser rank to any check related to Survival or to your applicable tools. Your tools also provide you with directions to well-known locations, even if you have never been there yourself.
~Rank 2 (level 4): Arcane Atlas (1/day). As your magical link increases in power, your maps begin to help you explore. You can use your tools to cast the Jump spell.
~Rank 3 (level 8): Your Arcane Atlas adds the Locate Object spell to its options.
~Rank 4 (level 12): Your Arcane Atlas adds the Water Walk spell to its options.
~Rank 5 (level 16): Your Arcane Atlas adds the Locate Person spell to its options.
Anatomist
An Anatomist knows that for every need, nature has already provided an answer… if one only knows how to find it. Through careful study of plants and animals, Anatomists learn how to reap the benefits of the world around them.
Rank 1 (level 1):
~Applicable tools: Herbalism Kit and Poisoner's Kit.
~Core functions: Gather lore on plants an animals, identify plants and animals, discern a creature's inherent properties (natural weapons, damage resistances, etc.).
~Proficiency: Choose one applicable tool.
~Equipment: Choose one applicable tool.
~Feature: Naturalism. All your applicable tools are bound to the magic of the Archive's bestiaries and herbals. They allow you to add your Anatomist rank to any check related to Nature or to your applicable tools.
~Rank 2 (level 4): Arcane Thumb (1/day). As your magical link increases in power, your tools help you to learn more about the natural world. You can use your tools to cast the Speak with Animals spell.
~Rank 3 (level 8): Your Arcane Thumb adds the Locate Animals or Plants spell to its options.
~Rank 4 (level 12): Your Arcane Thumb adds the Speak with Plants spell to its options.
~Rank 5 (level 16): Your Arcane Thumb adds the Guardian of Nature spell to its options.
Ambassador
An Ambassador recognizes that the Archive exists within society and cannot fulfill its purpose without good relationships. Materials that are never seen by anyone may as well not exist.
Rank 1 (level 1):
~Applicable tools: Disguise Kit and Musical Instruments.
~Core functions: Increase positive perception of the Archive, take note of important contacts, convince others of your good intentions and the societal value of the Archive.
~Proficiency: Choose one applicable tool.
~Equipment: Choose one applicable tool.
~Feature: Face Time. All your applicable tools are bound to the magic of the Archive's welcoming hall. They allow you to add your Ambassador rank to any check related to Persuasion or to your applicable tools.
~Rank 2 (level 4): Arcane Presence (1/day). As your magical link increases in power, your tools help you turn uncertain social interactions to your favor. You can use your tools to cast the Charm Person spell.
~Rank 3 (level 8): Your Arcane Presence adds the Enthrall spell to its options.
~Rank 4 (level 12): Your Arcane Presence adds the Tongues spell to its options.
~Rank 5 (level 16): Your Arcane Presence adds the Charm Monster spell to its options.
Acolyte
An Acolyte seeks to understand the unseen forces actively shaping the world and guiding its progress. Acolytes study sources of divine power and investigate the fundamental difference between arcane and divine magic.
Rank 1 (level 1):
~Applicable tools: Carpenter's Tools and Mason's Tools.
~Core functions: Analyze the construction of religious structures, shrines, and other places of worship, study divine sources of magic, take notes on extraplanar entities.
~Proficiency: Choose one applicable tool.
~Equipment: Choose one applicable tool.
~Feature: Theologistics. All your applicable tools are bound to the magic of the Archive's theological works collection. They allow you to add your Acolyte rank to any check related to Religion or to your applicable tools.
~Rank 2 (level 4): Arcane Scripture (1/day). As your magical link increases in power, your tools help you to more safely find and interact with extraplanar entities or their emmisaries. You can use your tools to cast the Detect Evil and Good spell.
~Rank 3 (level 8): Your Arcane Scripture adds the Augury spell to its options.
~Rank 4 (level 12): Your Arcane Scripture adds the Magic Circle spell to its options.
~Rank 5 (level 16): Your Arcane Scripture adds the Divination spell to its options.
Appraiser
An Appraiser believes the provenance of an artifact is at least as important as its function, if not more so. One of the best ways to determine the origin of an item is to analyze the materials used to make it. Appraisers know a variety of alchemical techniques for doing just that without leaving so much as a mark.
Rank 1 (level 1):
~Applicable tools: Alchemist's Supplies and Brewer's Supplies.
~Core functions: Verify the authenticity of artifacts, take note of interesting items, determine the nature of potions and artifacts.
~Proficiency: Choose one applicable tool.
~Equipment: Choose one applicable tool. You also receive a Bag of Holding.
~Feature: Authenticate. All your applicable tools are bound to the magic of the Archive's laboratory. By spending one minute with an item, you can perform a non-destructive alchemical test on it. The results of this test allow you to add your Appraiser rank to any check related to History or to your applicable tools.
~Feature: Safe Delivery. Your Bag of Holding is bound to the magic of the Archive's vaults. Missions requiring delivery of an item to the Archive may be completed by placing the item into your bag of holding, if it fits. The item does not count against the bag’s capacity.
~Rank 2 (level 4): Feature: Deselection (1/day). As your magical link increases in power, you gain access to the Vault of Surplus through your Bag of Holding. As an action, you can withdraw an item of your choice from chapter 5 of the Player's Handbook. The item must be of a size that can fit into your bag and be worth no more than 15 gp (e.g. arrows, rope, traps). A maximum of 1 surplus item can be out at any time. To withdraw further items, you must return one or deposit another item of equal or greater value (coins are accepted).
~Rank 3 (level 8): Feature: Arcane Authentication. By focusing the power of your magical link, you can use your applicable tools to cast the Identify spell as a ritual.
~Rank 4 (level 12): Your Deselection items can now be up to 50 gp. (e.g. holy water, lute, potion of healing).
~Rank 5 (level 16): Your Deselection items can now be up to 100 gp (e.g. hand crossbow, vial of poison, magnifying glass).
Atlaser
An Atlaser knows that being able to find something is just as important as the thing itself. Atlasers see the world in terms of logical groups and relative positions, and excel at finding where they need to go.
Rank 1 (level 1):
~Applicable tools: Cartographer's Tools and Navigator's Tools.
~Core functions: Take note of important locations, create and interpret maps, navigate, find landmarks.
~Proficiency: Choose one applicable tool.
~Equipment: Choose one applicable tool.
~Feature: Finding Aid. All your applicable tools are bound to the magic of the Archive's atlas collection. They allow you to add your Atlaser rank to any check related to Survival or to your applicable tools. Your tools also provide you with directions to well-known locations, even if you have never been there yourself.
~Rank 2 (level 4): Arcane Atlas (1/day). As your magical link increases in power, your maps begin to help you explore. You can use your tools to cast the Jump spell.
~Rank 3 (level 8): Your Arcane Atlas adds the Locate Object spell to its options.
~Rank 4 (level 12): Your Arcane Atlas adds the Water Walk spell to its options.
~Rank 5 (level 16): Your Arcane Atlas adds the Locate Person spell to its options.
Anatomist
An Anatomist knows that for every need, nature has already provided an answer… if one only knows how to find it. Through careful study of plants and animals, Anatomists learn how to reap the benefits of the world around them.
Rank 1 (level 1):
~Applicable tools: Herbalism Kit and Poisoner's Kit.
~Core functions: Gather lore on plants an animals, identify plants and animals, discern a creature's inherent properties (natural weapons, damage resistances, etc.).
~Proficiency: Choose one applicable tool.
~Equipment: Choose one applicable tool.
~Feature: Naturalism. All your applicable tools are bound to the magic of the Archive's bestiaries and herbals. They allow you to add your Anatomist rank to any check related to Nature or to your applicable tools.
~Rank 2 (level 4): Arcane Thumb (1/day). As your magical link increases in power, your tools help you to learn more about the natural world. You can use your tools to cast the Speak with Animals spell.
~Rank 3 (level 8): Your Arcane Thumb adds the Locate Animals or Plants spell to its options.
~Rank 4 (level 12): Your Arcane Thumb adds the Speak with Plants spell to its options.
~Rank 5 (level 16): Your Arcane Thumb adds the Guardian of Nature spell to its options.
Ambassador
An Ambassador recognizes that the Archive exists within society and cannot fulfill its purpose without good relationships. Materials that are never seen by anyone may as well not exist.
Rank 1 (level 1):
~Applicable tools: Disguise Kit and Musical Instruments.
~Core functions: Increase positive perception of the Archive, take note of important contacts, convince others of your good intentions and the societal value of the Archive.
~Proficiency: Choose one applicable tool.
~Equipment: Choose one applicable tool.
~Feature: Face Time. All your applicable tools are bound to the magic of the Archive's welcoming hall. They allow you to add your Ambassador rank to any check related to Persuasion or to your applicable tools.
~Rank 2 (level 4): Arcane Presence (1/day). As your magical link increases in power, your tools help you turn uncertain social interactions to your favor. You can use your tools to cast the Charm Person spell.
~Rank 3 (level 8): Your Arcane Presence adds the Enthrall spell to its options.
~Rank 4 (level 12): Your Arcane Presence adds the Tongues spell to its options.
~Rank 5 (level 16): Your Arcane Presence adds the Charm Monster spell to its options.
Acolyte
An Acolyte seeks to understand the unseen forces actively shaping the world and guiding its progress. Acolytes study sources of divine power and investigate the fundamental difference between arcane and divine magic.
Rank 1 (level 1):
~Applicable tools: Carpenter's Tools and Mason's Tools.
~Core functions: Analyze the construction of religious structures, shrines, and other places of worship, study divine sources of magic, take notes on extraplanar entities.
~Proficiency: Choose one applicable tool.
~Equipment: Choose one applicable tool.
~Feature: Theologistics. All your applicable tools are bound to the magic of the Archive's theological works collection. They allow you to add your Acolyte rank to any check related to Religion or to your applicable tools.
~Rank 2 (level 4): Arcane Scripture (1/day). As your magical link increases in power, your tools help you to more safely find and interact with extraplanar entities or their emmisaries. You can use your tools to cast the Detect Evil and Good spell.
~Rank 3 (level 8): Your Arcane Scripture adds the Augury spell to its options.
~Rank 4 (level 12): Your Arcane Scripture adds the Magic Circle spell to its options.
~Rank 5 (level 16): Your Arcane Scripture adds the Divination spell to its options.
The Arcanist and Appraiser get more options than the others, but their abilities are intended to lag a power level behind and/or take more time to use. I feel like I'm pretty happy with the Arcanist, but the Appraiser has a lot of dials, and I had difficulty deciding on the value and number of times per day for Deselection. Thoughts welcome, and thanks for reading!
