The archmage prestige class

[Mournblade94]

I ahve always loved the archmage. Recently I have converted some of my Archmage NPC's to Pathfinder rules. I am trying to convert the prestige class, but I am not sure if it will work.

For one the Wizard Class is great, but I am not sure how the parts of teh archmage, with shaping of area, changing elements and such will infringe on other characters.

Has anyone tried to convert the archmage? I am trying. But I am not sure whether I should include it or leave it out.

 

[Starbuck_II]

I ahve always loved the archmage. Recently I have converted some of my Archmage NPC's to Pathfinder rules. I am trying to convert the prestige class, but I am not sure if it will work.

For one the Wizard Class is great, but I am not sure how the parts of teh archmage, with shaping of area, changing elements and such will infringe on other characters.

Has anyone tried to convert the archmage? I am trying. But I am not sure whether I should include it or leave it out.

All of the Archmage abilities are feats in D&D (not in Pathfinder books though).
The designers said that they saw no reason for the class as high level casters are archmages, but mechnically yeah they admit there is no replacement.

I really see no reason that Archmage will be too strong. It gives up spell slots for greater power after all.
1) Arcane Fire for example is weak. Your giving up a 9th level spell to gain it.
Next you only deal 5d6 + 1d6 per of spell slot given up to use it. Assuming a 9th level (a waste) = 13d6.
You could have just shot Scorching ray for 12d6 (a 2nd level spell). Yes, Arcane fire is untyped, but seems alot not to just put Searing Metamagic on Scorching ray to bypass Fire resistance instead (+1 damage/d6 so you deal more damage).

The rest are decent to okay, but Arcane Fire sucks.

If you were to Pathfinderize Archmage I say you'd need to give the Archmage a reuseable Arcane fire.
Why not 3d6 per Archmage level, but useable every 1d4 rounds (like dragon breath weapons). You already sacrificed a 9th level spell slot (seems a waste) to sacrifice more.

 

[pawsplay]

For legacy reasons, one of my players is playing 3.5 Archmage. It works fine. Hit dice are d6, and, of course, the skill list needs updating.

 

[Mournblade94]

Many thanks!

I never liked Arcane Fire myself. Most of the reason for Archmage is legacy.