Help me create an Arcane Trickster

[RogueJK]

I’m creating a Moon Elf Ninja3/Wizard3 who is on his way to Arcane Trickster, and I could use some help. (The Ninja class can be found in the Rokugan campaign setting.) He will eventually be a Ninja4/Wizard5/Arcane TricksterX

The following books are allowed: OA, Rokugan, PHB, Magic of Faerun, FRCS, Lords of Darkness, Relics and Rituals, all classbooks, and Book of Eldritch Might 1 & 2. I’m allowed 13,000 gp worth of starting equipment, of which no one item can cost more than 6,500 gp.

His ability scores are 12, 12, 13, 14, 14, and 15, with 7 extra points to distribute as needed. I was thinking something like:
Str 13 Dex 20(15+2+3) Con 12(14-2) Int 18(14+4) Wis 12 Cha 12.
Because of his low Con and my choice of classes, he’ll probably have a rat familiar, which grants a +2 bonus to his Fortitude save.

I’m planning on fighting with a longbow, and using a katana or chain in melee only if absolutely needed. As such, he will probably have Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, and Precise Shot for feats.

I’m considering being a specialist wizard, probably in the school of Illusion, Conjuration, or Transmutation. Illusion has spells that would help the Ninja side of the character as well as help keep me from being hit as often, such as Invisibility and Mirror Image. Transmutation contains many useful utility spells, such as Spider Climb and Alter Self, as well as some nice offensive spells like Blindness/Deafness. Conjuration contains several spells that would allow me to apply my sneak attack damage, along with summoning spells that would help with flanking.

I’d like some suggestions for spells, school specialization, and magic items, as well as any other advice that you could give.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[LGodamus]

Boots and Cloak of elven kind wouldnt hurt but if you want to go for a more traditional ninja get rid of the katana ....ninja usualy never had katana...they had shinobigatana of ninjato....

 

[LGodamus]

Boots and Cloak of elven kind wouldnt hurt but if you want to go for a more traditional ninja get rid of the katana ....ninja usualy never had katana...they had shinobigatana of ninjato....

 

[RogueJK]

*Bump*

He's definitely not a traditional Ninja... He's more of an assassin who's focusing on spellcasting.

Anybody else?

 

[Thanee]

Your stat selection looks good to me.

High INT is of utmost importance for any wizard-type character. And high DEX does help with a lot of your abilities, too! These are clearly the two main attributes for an Arcane Trickster.

STR 13 can be buffed with Bull's Strength, so you can spend all your level up attribute bonus points on INT!

I'm playing a 14th level Grey Elven Rogue/Wizard/Arcane Trickster right now and also focused on (composite) longbow for combat.

You definitely need Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot and Rapid Shot, but other than that, you can spend your feats elsewhere. Improved Initiative is a must-have. Some Metamagic is very useful - I like Empower Spell and Extend Spell from the more basic stuff, I also learned Eschew Materials. If you allow item creation, you should definitely get Craft Wondrous Item, that feat is incredibly good.

Later (much later ) you can also think about Quickened Spell, Improved Critical, and other 'high level' feats.

You should try to get a (Lesser) Rod of Silent Spell - the feat Silent Spell is completely useless for a Wizard, but with the Rod you can make good use of it!

Otherwise, I'd spend equipment on stuff you like. Headband of Intellect, Heward's Handy Haversack, Boots of Springing and Striding, 2 Gloves of Storing (to quickdraw your bow and sword), Ring of Jumping, Travel Cloak. Those are some items I'd recommend.

As for school specialization, I specialized in Transmutation and dropped Evocation (the most useless school, really, only bad thing about not having it is the lack of Light/Darkness (you got Darkvision with Transmutation, tho) and later Contingency). I did never regret this decision! Transmutation has useful spells in every level and you will have to learn one per level up and memorize one per day per level, so that's not an unimportant fact! Illusion would work, too, I suppose. Abjuration is also a good school to specialize in, but doesn't fit to your concept. I'd go with Transmutation!

Hope this helps!

Bye
Thanee