Arcane Pyrotechnician (3.5e Class)
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Arcane Pyrotechnician
An Arcane Pyrotechnician is a person who had the talent to become a sorcerer but gave up his ability to cast the regular spells. He does so in order to take advantage of the power flowing through him in a slightly different way, gaining access to a list of spells unavailable to other sorcerers. Arcane Pyrotechnicians use the magic coursing through them in order to create explosives such as grenades, bombs, or mines that can be used to achieve his goals in replace of the usual arcane spells.
Making an Arcane Pyrotechnician
An Arcane Pyrotechnician's strong suit is of course in combat. However, its unique abilities tend to allow it to be useful in other sorts of situations, like when something needs to be broken, or a door needs to be passed.
Abilities: An arcane pyrotechnician uses CHA for spellcasting. They also like DEX for defense and a decent INT keeps up their crafting skills.
Races: Any race can be an arcane pyrotechnician; however, gnomes, humans, and halflings tend to choose this class due to their innate desire to work with strange things such as explosives.
Alignment: Any non-lawful.
Starting Gold: 3d4x10 gp.
Starting Age: As Sorcerer
| Level | Base Attack Bonus |
Saving Throws | Special | Spells per Day | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort | Ref | Will | 0 | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1st | +0 | +0 | +0 | +2 | Arcane Suppression 6 | 6 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2nd | +1 | +0 | +0 | +3 | 7 | 5 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3rd | +1 | +1 | +1 | +3 | Arcane Suppression 8 | 7 | 6 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4th | +2 | +1 | +1 | +4 | 7 | 7 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5th | +2 | +1 | +1 | +4 | 7 | 7 | 5 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6th | +3 | +2 | +2 | +5 | Arcane Suppression 10 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7th | +3 | +2 | +2 | +5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8th | +4 | +2 | +2 | +6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9th | +4 | +3 | +3 | +6 | Arcane Suppression 12 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10th | +5 | +3 | +3 | +7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11th | +5 | +3 | +3 | +7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12th | +6/+1 | +4 | +4 | +8 | Arcane Suppression 14 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13th | +6/+1 | +4 | +4 | +8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14th | +7/+2 | +4 | +4 | +9 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 15th | +7/+2 | +4 | +4 | +9 | Arcane Suppression 16 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16th | +8/+3 | +5 | +5 | +9 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17th | +8/+3 | +5 | +5 | +10 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 18th | +9/+4 | +6 | +6 | +11 | Arcane Suppression 18 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19th | +9/+4 | +6 | +6 | +11 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 20th | +10/+5 | +6 | +6 | +12 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Class Skills 2 + Int modifier per level, ×4 at 1st level) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class Features
As heavy spellcasters, arcane pyrotechnicians can't use big weapons well, and can't wear armor well, especially because it would interfere with his spellcasting. His spells are incredibly powerful and useful, but dangerous as well, especially when not handled properly. All of the following are class features of the arcane pyrotechnician.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The arcane pyrotechnician is proficient only in simple weapons and has no armor or shield proficiencies.
Spells: An arcane pyrotechnician learns and casts arcane spells found in the Arcane Pyrotechnician Spell list. They do so as if they were a sorcerer, without preparing the spells ahead of time; however, in order to cast spells that create a clay based explosive they must make a craft(explosives) check DC(10+spell level). Failure means the clay is wasted but not the spell. Failure by more than five results in the clay detonating. Create Arcane Blasting Clay spells are known in addition to normal spells known and do not require a craft check. His spells' power and save DC are based on Charisma, like a sorcerer, and he is eligible for bonus spells per day based on Charisma, like a sorcerer, if he has the Cha for it.
Based off of the spells known chart, there are a few spells are needed for minimum, more would be nice for the whole idea that spontaneous casters need to choose their spells carefully not just take the whole book. Spell levels that need a few spells more for choices;5(2), 9(1) and each level should have an Animated Clay or something. Not all the spells have to be fire and brimstone types. A few Universal and anti-magic spells would be good. With the way the example PyroTech seemed like it was going, invisibility or illusion spells might be good for the secret saboteur type.
The Arcane Pyrotechnician draws from spells found in the Arcane Pyrotechnician Spell list.
| Level | Spells Known | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | |
| 1st | 4 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2nd | 5 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 3rd | 5 | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 4th | 6 | 3 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 5th | 6 | 4 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 6th | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 7th | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 8th | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 9th | 8 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 10th | 9 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — |
| 11th | 9 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | — | — | — | — |
| 12th | 9 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — |
| 13th | 9 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | — | — | — |
| 14th | 9 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | — | — |
| 15th | 9 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | — | — |
| 16th | 9 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | — |
| 17th | 9 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | — |
| 18th | 9 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 19th | 9 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| 20th | 9 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Arcane Suppression (Ex): An arcane spellcaster's various explosives resonate a slight field of arcane power approximately 3 ft. in radius. If this field is allowed to interact with several others, the results could be catastrophic, causing all the explosives the arcane pyrotechnician has on him to detonate at once. However, he has been trained to suppress these fields when they are close to him (within 5 ft.) If the arcane pyrotechnician has any more explosives on his person at a time than his suppression allows, every hour (and immediately after any extra explosive's creation) there is a 10% chance per explosive over that limit that they will all detonate, causing All affected explosives or fireworks to ignite activating their respective effects. 8 Oz. of raw Arcane Blasting Clay counts as one explosive(rounded up). Any Shaped or Animated Clay counts as one explosive each spell (Bees for example create two bees but count as one explosive). Arcane Grenades and Explosive Arrows count as one explosive each. Animated Clay creatures that are active and outside of the square occupied by the PyroTech do not count against the Suppression; however if they occupy the same square as other explosives and are beyond the 5 ft. radius of Suppression both spells explode.
- For example, Kei Masaki, the Lv. 2 gnome arcane pyrotechnician is carrying 8 explosives. This is of course 2 explosives higher than his field allows. 4 of these are lvl 1 and 4 are level 0. There is therefore a 20% chance every hour (adding 10% for every explosive over his limit) that they react violently, causing the total added amount of damage of the user's clay explosives to him (no save) and one half of that result (rounded down) dealt to anything within a 10-ft radius (reflex halves).
The max carrying capacity is increased by 2 every 3 levels, starting at level 3. If an arcane pyrotechnician ever wears armor of any type, his suppression halves, as it's harder to control the explosives through the thickness of the armor. This stacks (to 75%, rounded down)with the suppression penalty for multiclassing.
Ex-Arcane Pyrotechnicians
Arcane Pyrotechnicians who become lawful can no longer create or handle any of his/her explosives. If an arcane pyrotechnician has levels in a class other than his own, or takes levels in a class other than his own, then the limit of his suppression ability is halved; otherwise, the class functions as normal.
Epic Arcane Pyrotechnician
Table: The Epic Arcane Pyrotechnician
Hit Die: d4
| Level | Special | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21st | Arcane Suppression 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 22nd | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 23rd | Arcane Suppression 22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 24th | Bonus Feat | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 25th | Arcane Suppression 24 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 26th | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 27th | Arcane Suppression 26 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 28th | Bonus Feat | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 29th | Arcane Suppression 28 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 30th | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2 + Int modifier skill points per level. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sarli Arcane Pyrotechnician Starting Package
Weapons: Dagger, Light Crossbow
Skill Selection: Pick a number of skills equal to 4 + Int modifier.
| Skill | Ranks | Ability | Armor Check Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craft (Explosives) | 4 | Int | — |
| Spellcraft | 4 | Int | — |
| Concentration | 4 | Con | — |
| Knowledge (arcana) | 4 | Int | — |
| Bluff | 4 | Cha | — |
| Gather Information (cc) | 2 | Cha | — |
| Diplomacy (cc) | 2 | Cha | — |
| Hide (cc) | 2 | Dex | 0 |
| Move Silently (cc) | 2 | Dex | 0 |
Feat: Toughness
Bonus Feats: Combat Casting
Gear: Standard Adventurer's Kit, Spell Component Pouch, Case with 10 crossbow bolts
Gold: 3d4 gp
Campaign Information
Playing an Arcane Pyrotechician
Religion: Many arcane pyrotechnicians revere the deity Onatar (Lord of Fire and Forge) while others revere Wee Jas (goddess of death and magic) due to the destructive nature of their spells. Many others choose to not revere any god whatsoever because of their ability to seemingly create life out of clay themselves or their preoccupation with mastering magic.
Other Classes: Arcane Pyrotechnicians find that they have a lot of common ground with those of the self-taught classes such as rogues and sorcerers. They sometimes find themselves at odds with more disciplined classes such as paladins and monks. While arcane pyrotechnicians may not have issues with druids, druids may have issues with the destructive and unnatural nature of the clay spells.
Combat: Tactical Spellcaster/ Demolitionist
Advancement: With a little effort they can qualify for many different prestige classes without hurting their ability to maintain a wide array of skills, however their Arcane Suppression will be halved. There is no "best" choice when it comes to advancement but versatility exists for whatever direction the player wishes to take.
Arcane Pyrotechnicians in the World
| “ | What? The temple's been reduced to rubble? No, I wouldn't know anything about it... | ” |
| —Kei Masaki, Gnome arcane pyrotechnician | ||
Arcane Pyrotechnicians travel in order to improve abilities. They may go to the various guilds found around the towns, but they may tend to find themselves getting into trouble due to their abilities for playing tricks and their unlawful or chaotic behaviors. However, they aren't the most common, so a fair amount of people haven't even heard of them let alone know what their abilities are.
Daily Life: Many arcane pyrotechnicians have an average life in a large town where every day they travel to their local guild for the sake of research and better harnassing of their skills. Many more travel abroad for the same reasons any adventurer might - gold, glory, and a piece of the action.
Notables: Kei Masaki, the first arcane pyrotechnician and pioneer of the class.
Organizations: Arcane pyrotechnicians develop guilds so that likeminded individuals may research more spells or gain training in the destructive arts.
NPC Reactions: People generally regard arcane pyrotechnicians with fear or suspicion; an irresponsible caster who has made one too many explosives is quite literally a ticking time bomb, after all.
Arcane Pyrotechnician Lore
Arcane Pyrotechnicians aren't the rarest class out there. However, they aren't the most common, so a fair amount of people haven't even heard of them let alone know what their abilities are. However, they are prominent enough that with a little research, more can be learned about them.
Characters with ranks in Knowlege (arcane) can research arcane pyrotechnicians to learn more about them. When a character makes a skill check, read or paraphrase the following, including information from lower DCs.
| DC | Result |
|---|---|
| 5 | Arcane Pyrotehnicians can create explosives. |
| 10 | Arcane pyrotechnicians need time to cast their spells, so carry their creations with them. |
| 15 | The explosives of an arcane pyrotechnician can do more than just deal straight damage. |
| 20 | Arcane pyrotechnicians are limited in the amount of explosives that they can carry at once. |
Arcane Pyrotechnicians in the Game
Arcane pyrotechnicians aren't the most common class, but they do exist. Many times their guilds will be hidden away in forests, or deserts, but usually near mountains, as it allows easy access to the materials for researching new spells. A very large city will almost always have an Arcane pyrotechnician's guild. However, it will most likely be outside the town limits for fear of residual damage to buildings around it if something goes wrong.
Arcane pyrotechnicians are usually drawn into adventure due to their typically curious nature and innnate desire to explore. Sometimes, they're feared or not trusted by their peers, simply because of the possibility of being splashed by the explosives that their ally creates.
Sample Encounter: Tetsu The Burninator has improved his skills quite a lot lately, so he decides he wants to put them to the test. He decides to set a selection of traps around a lair with explosives and living clay animals. He then lures the adventurers into his lair in order to test them and his skills. He may use traps that require some problem solving in order to reach him.
