Bladecaster (5e Class)
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The Bladecaster
An elf in armor spins his blade before ramming it into a bloodthirsty orc. Right as the rapier pierces him, a blinding light knocks the Orc back 30 feet. A crater of force detonates in his stomach, blasting him to smithereens. A human, studying ancient texts before muttering an incantation and releasing a burst of pure force from his hand, searing thousands of enemies. A Dragonborn smiles as he talks to the guards, his honeyed words convincing them to let him in. Walking with his sword near his belt, he easily makes it past the brigade of guards with nothing but his smirk.
The Bladecaster
A Bladecaster’s life is almost synonymous with adventure. There is always some piece of lore or knowledge long forgotten in the world, waiting to be unveiled by a Bladecaster. Furthermore, a Bladecaster's character background should incorporate the reasons they decided to pursue the art, as well as their various personal goals that drove them to endure the harsh training.*
- (*)Bladecaster training is very harsh and rigorous, as it typically takes 5 years of training to perfect.
Creating a Bladecaster
How did you first realize your potential for the arcane arts? Were you a soldier with untapped magical potential, discovered by another Bladecaster? Perhaps one of your ancestors was a member of a Bladecaster order and you found their bonded weapon and books. What Bladecaster order did you train under? Who was your mentor? What are the connections you made with other knights and what is the specific goal of your order? Were you groomed to be in the frontlines against abusers of magic, to become a teacher yourself and enlighten the future generations, or perhaps to undergo secret missions to recover lost artifacts? What techniques did you decide to dedicate yourself to, as you polish your unique way of fighting?
- Quick Build
You can make a Bladecaster quickly by following these suggestions. First, Strength or Dexterity should be your highest ability score, followed by Intelligence. Second, choose the Soldier or Sage background. Third, choose Scale Mail or Studded Leather, 1 Martial Weapon, and a Shield
Class Features
As a Bladecaster you gain the following class features.
- Hit Points
Hit Dice: 1d8 per Bladecaster level
Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + Constitution modifier
Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d8 (or 5) + Constitution modifier per Bladecaster level after 1st
- Proficiencies
Armor: Light Armor, Shields
Weapons: Simple, Martial
Tools: None
Saving Throws: Constitution, Intelligence
Skills: Choose 2 from Acrobatics, Athletics, Insight, Intimidation, Perception, or Stealth
- Equipment
You start with the following equipment, in addition to the equipment granted by your background:
- (a) Scale Mail or (b) Studded Leather
- (a) Martial Weapon and Shield or (b) 2 Martial Weapons or (c) Longbow and 20 arrows
- (a) Scholar's Pack or (b) Explorer's Pack
- (a) Component Pouch or (b) Arcane Focus
| Level | Proficiency Bonus |
Features | Cantrips known | Spells Known | —Spell Slots per Spell Level— | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | |||||
| 1st | +2 | Cantrips | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2nd | +2 | Spellcasting, Fighting Style | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — |
| 3rd | +2 | Arcane Archetype, Arcane Strike | 2 | 3 | 3 | — | — | — | — |
| 4th | +2 | Ability Score Improvement, Combat Caster | 2 | 3 | 3 | — | — | — | — |
| 5th | +3 | Extra Attack | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | — | — | — |
| 6th | +3 | Magic Weapon | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | — | — | — |
| 7th | +3 | Archetype Feature | 2 | 5 | 4 | 3 | — | — | — |
| 8th | +3 | Ability Score Improvement | 2 | 5 | 4 | 3 | — | — | — |
| 9th | +4 | — | 2 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | — | — |
| 10th | +4 | Archetype Feature, Scroll Magic | 2 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | — | — |
| 11th | +4 | Quick Cast, Magic Weapon Improvement | 2 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | — | — |
| 12th | +4 | Ability Score Improvement | 2 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | — | — |
| 13th | +5 | — | 2 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | — |
| 14th | +5 | Bladecaster Presence | 2 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | — |
| 15th | +5 | Archetype Feature | 2 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | — |
| 16th | +5 | Ability Score Improvement | 2 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | — |
| 17th | +6 | — | 2 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| 18th | +6 | Archetype Feature, Quick Cast (2/rest) | 2 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| 19th | +6 | Ability Score Improvement | 2 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| 20th | +6 | Magical Weapon Enhancement | 2 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
Cantrips
You know 2 cantrips of your choice from the bladecaster list. You do not learn any more cantrips from the Bladecaster Cantrip list. Whenever you gain a Bladecaster level, you may exchange 1 cantrip you know for another cantrip from the Bladecaster spell list.
Spellcasting
You have split your time learning to hone your martial prowess as well as your arcane ability. You focused your study of magic on only those spells best suited to enhance your abilities when wading into combat. As a result, you learn a comparatively small number of spells, committing them to memory instead of keeping them in a spellbook.
- Casting Spells
The Bladecaster table shows how many Spell Slots you have to cast your Spells of 1st level and higher. To cast one of these Bladecaster Spells, you must expend a slot of the spell's level or higher. You regain all expended Spell Slots when you finish a Long Rest.
- Spell Slots
The Bladecaster table shows you how many spell slots you have to cast your spells of 1st level and higher. To cast one of these spells, you must expend a slot of the spell's level or higher. You regain all expended spell slots when you finish a long rest.
- Spellcasting Ability
Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for your Bladecaster spells since you learn your spells through your understanding of magic. You use your Intelligence whenever a spell refers to your spellcasting ability. In addition, you use your Intelligence modifier when setting the saving throw DC for a Bladecaster spell you cast and when making an attack roll with one.
Spell save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Intelligence modifier
Spell attack modifier = your proficiency bonus + your Intelligence modifier
- Spellcasting Focus
You can use an arcane focus as your spellcasting focus for your Bladecaster spells.
Fighting Style
At 2nd level, you adopt a style of fighting as your specialty. Choose one of the following options. You can’t take a Fighting Style option more than once, even if you later get to choose again.
- Arcane Warrior
You learn two cantrips of your choice from the Bladecaster spell list. Whenever you gain a level in this class, you can replace one of these cantrips with another cantrip from the Bladecaster spell list.
- Archery
You gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls you make with ranged weapons.
- Defense
While you are wearing armor, you gain a +1 bonus to AC.
- Dueling
When you are wielding a melee weapon in one hand and no other weapons, you gain a +2 bonus to damage rolls with that weapon
- Great Weapon Fighting
When you roll a 1 or 2 on a damage die for an attack you make with a melee weapon that you are wielding with two hands, you can reroll the die and must use the new roll, even if the new roll is a 1 or a 2. The weapon must have the two-handed or versatile property for you to gain this benefit.
- Two Weapon Fighting
Whenever you engage in 2 weapon fighting, you may add your ability modifier to the second attack
Arcane Strike
Starting at 3rd level, you learn how to imbue your weapons with arcane power. Once per turn, when you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can expend one spell slot to enhance an attack. Choose one of the following effects:
- Forceful Spellstrike
Arcane force envelops your strike. The target takes force damage, in addition to the weapon's damage. The extra damage is equal to your Bladecaster level, plus 1d4 per level of the spell slot.
- Shrouded Spellstrike
An aura of mist surrounds your weapon. Choose an additional target that is within 5ft of the original target. They take the same amount of damage the original target does, regardless of Immunities/Resistances
Arcane Archetype
At 3rd level, you choose an Archetype that you strive to perfect. Choose between the Willcaster, STAB, or the Spellslinger, all described at the end of the class description. The archetype you choose grants you features at 3rd level and again at 7th, 10th, 15th, and 18th level.
Combat Caster
Your training with sword and spell alike has granted you the experience to expertly combine the two, even in the midst of combat. Beginning at lvl 4, you can perform the somatic components of spells even when you have weapons or a shield in one or both Hands. Additionally, at the beginning of a long rest, you can initiate a 10-minute ritual with a weapon. After the ritual is completed, if your weapon is on the same plane of existence, you can summon your weapon as a bonus action on your turn, causing it to teleport instantly to your hand. Only two weapons can benefit from this feature at a time. If you attempt this ritual with a third weapon, the first one loses the benefits of this feature.
Ability Score Improvement
When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th and 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature.
Extra Attack
Beginning at 5th Level, you can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn.
Magic Weapon
Beginning at 6th level, your arcane bond with your weapons grows stronger. When you form a bond with a weapon via the 10-minute ritual, you can use that weapon as an arcane focus.
Beginning at 11th level, your magical weapon’s prowess increases. It now does an extra 1d4 force damage. The damage is increased to 1d8 if its a one-handed weapon. Additionally, your weapon gains the finesse property if it doesn’t already have it.
Scroll Magic
You learn how to create scrolls imbued with magic. Beginning at 10th level, you can transcribe any Bladecaster spell that you know into a scroll, by expending a spell slot with a level equal to the spell's level, as well as 2 hours and 50 gp for each level of the spell, in addition to any material components the spell already has.
Once you have created a scroll, it retains its magical potency for a number of days equal to your Intelligence modifier (a minimum of one). After this time has passed, the scroll loses its potency and becomes non-magical as the spell is lost.
Quick Cast
At 11th level, you gain the ability to increase the speed with which you weave spells. When you cast a spell with a casting time of 1 action, you can use your Quick Cast to change the casting time to 1 bonus action for this casting. You must then finish a long rest to use your Quick Cast again.
Beginning at the 18th level, you can use your Quick Cast twice between rests.
Bladecaster Presence
Beginning at the 14th level, your presence as Bladecaster becomes well known. Your presence enhances your persuasion skills. You can add half of your Intelligence modifier, rounded down, to any charisma check you make.
Magical Weapon Enhancement
At 20th level, your magic weapon is enhanced. It gains the following abilities:
You gain a flying speed of 40ft while holding your weapon.
Enemy creatures that start their turn with 5ft of your weapon take 1d8 force damage.
In addition, choose between the following features:
If you have a heavy/ two-handed weapon you may now wield it with one hand only
Your weapon’s extra damage is increased to 2d4 force damage. The extra damage is 2d8 if the weapon is 1 handed.
You must attune to the weapon to gain these benefits
Willcaster
Moving her arms through the air to begin in incantation, an elf summons the power of fire, burning her enemies to ash. Quickly turning around, a Human clad in armor summons a magic shield, blocking the blast of fire. Willcasters are Bladecasters that focus on the arcane side over martial. They have the unique ability to learn spells from any list and cast certain spells at will.
- Versatile Skills
At 3rd level, when you choose the Willcaster Archetype, you gain proficiency with 3 skills of your choice.
- Spell Versatility
Beginning at 7th level, whenever you learn a Bladecaster spell, you can trade 2 learned spells in exchange for 1 spell known of any class. Intelligence will be your spellcasting modifier for these spells.
- Master of Beguiling Speech and Spells
At 10th level, your Intelligence allows you to comprehend all languages. You can now speak all languages. You cannot, however, read or write in these languages. In addition to this, you may now choose one 1st level spell to cast at will without expending a spell slot.
- Skill Mastery
At 15th level, you gain the become more experienced with practical adventuring. You gain proficiency with one skill or tool of your choice. Choose one of your skill or tool proficiencies. Your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make that uses the chosen proficiency. You may now choose two first level spells to cast at will, or one-second level spell to cast at will.
- Willcaster Spellweaving
Beginning at 18th level, you can choose an additional 2nd level spell to cast at will. In addition, you now gain proficiency in more saving throw of your choice.
STAB
Spinning a hammer, a dwarf rushes into battle faster than his companions, bashing the enemy with magically enhanced strike. His swords a flash of steel, a dragonborn slashes the enemy 3 times before turning them to ash with a blast of fire. STABs are Bladecasters that focus on martial prowess, using magic to enhance their combat skills.
When you choose this class at 3rd level, you gain proficiency with medium armor and Athletics
- Quick to Strike
Starting at 3rd level, at the start of your first turn of each combat, your walking speed increases by 10 feet, and your attack deals an extra 1d4 force damage
- Arcane Eye
Beginning at 7th level, you learn how to observe your enemies. If you spend 1 minute observing an enemy(looking at them), you can learn one of the following details:
Their AC Their HP Their Class Their Level
You can only use this on a target once per 24 hours.
- Arcane Strike Improvement
At 10th level, you gain the following arcane strike options:
- Disarming Spellstrike
Your weapon is encompassed with magic. Everyone with 10ft of your weapon (Besides you) must make a Dexterity saving throw. The DC is equal to your spell saving throw. On a failed save, the target is disarmed, takes 1d8 force damage, and is pushed 10ft away from you in a straight line. If they are forced against an object, such as a wall or table, they take an additional 1d8 bludgeoning damage.
- Channelled Spellstrike
You channel a spell through your blade. Select a spell that requires an attack roll of first level or higher. On a hit, the target is affected by the spell and takes weapon damage as normal.
- Additional Extra Attack
Beginning at the 15th level, when you take the attack option, you can attack 3 times.
- True War Magic
At 18th level, you have mastered the art of weaving spells while performing your deadly strikes. When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can forgo one of your attacks and cast a spell with a casting time of 1 action in its place.
Spell Slinger
Observing the advancing army, a Halfling in a tree summons a swarm of meteors, instantly decimating the entire army. Assisting her companion, a Tiefling in Chain Mail imbues his strikes with magic power, helping her slice through the armor of an orc. Spell Slingers are versatile spellcasters, going into the melee with their weapons and magical assistance, meant to stab and cast.
When you choose this class at the 3rd level, you gain proficiency with Arcana and one language of your choice.
- Arcane Knowledge
Also beginning at 3rd level, you gain the following ability:
Whenever you level up, including 3rd level, you gain 1 spell point. You can use spell points to learn spells. A 1st level spell costs 1 point, a 2nd level spell costs 2 points, etc. You may use you points only during a short or long rest. You may also choose to save your points for later usage. Whenever you learn a spell this way, you also gain an equivalent spell slot (i.e 1st level spell, 1st level spell slot, etc).
- Arcane Support
Beginning at 7th level, as a reaction, when one of your allies hits a creature, you may expend one use of your arcane strike and apply it to their attack.
- Arcane Gift
At 10th level, you learn one 5th level spell. You may cast this once per long rest. You learn a 6th level spell at 13th level, a 7th level spell at 15th, and an 8th level spell at 17th. You may also cast these once per long rest. These spells must be Bladecaster spells.
- Master of Magic
At the 15th level, you arcane prowess increases. You learn an additional 3rd level spell, and gain an additional 3rd level spell slot.
- Ranged Spell Prowess
Beginning at 18th level, each spell you cast has double its range. If a spell deals damage, it deals an additional 1d10 force damage.
Bladecaster Spell List
- Cantrips
Acid Splash
Blade Ward
Booming Blade
Fire Bolt
Green-Flame Blade
Poison Spray
Ray of Frost
Resistance
Sword Burst
Thaumaturgy
- 1st Level
Burning Hands
Chromatic Orb
Detect Magic
Expeditious Retreat
Feather Fall
Longstrider
Shield
Thunderwave
- 2nd Level
Blindness/Deafness
Enlarge/Reduce
Enhance Ability
Flame Blade
Heat Metal
Invisibility
Magic Weapon
Mirror Image
Misty Step
Scorching Ray
- 3rd Level
Call Lightning
Elemental Weapon
Fear
Fireball
Glyph of Warding
Haste
Lightning Bolt
Magic Circle
Slow
- 4th Level
Banishment
Dimension Door
Fire Shield
Greater Invisibility
Ice Storm
Stoneskin
- 5th Level
Cone of Cold
Flame Strike
Hold Monster
Teleportation Circle
Wall of Force
If you go Spell Slinger, here are higher level spells:
- 6th Level
Chain Lightning
Flesh to Stone
Freezing Sphere
Guards and Wards
Move Earth
True Seeing
Wall of Ice
Widogast’s Transmogrification
- 7th level
Finger of Death
Magnificent Mansion
Plane Shift
Prismatic Spray
Reverse Gravity
- 8th Level
Antimagic Field
Clone
Control Weather
Demiplane
Dominate Monster
Incendiary Cloud
Sunburst
- 9th Level
Gate
Meteor Swarm
Power Word Kill
Prismatic Wall
Time Stop
Wish
Multiclassing
Prerequisites. To qualify for multiclassing into the Bladecaster class, you must meet these prerequisites:
Strength 13
Dexterity 13
Intelligence 13
Proficiencies. When you multiclass into the Bladecaster class, you gain the following proficiencies:
Light Armor, Medium Armor, Shields
Simple Weapons, Martial Weapons
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