Spy (5e Class)
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This page is of questionable balance. Reason: 1d6 x spy level. So many proficiencies. Reducing your own max hp permanently? Backstab deals 50% or 100% of target max hp at 20. Defensive acting and some other features may be overtuned.
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This page is incomplete and/or lacking flavor. Reason: Electro Sapper is missing a DC. Is Temporary shield connected to alternative rules? What's Burn? Does this class use alternative rulesets? Gunspy features are incomplete.
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This page needs grammatical help. Reason: Expertise isn't an universal 5e term, it's a class feature. Is ice damage meant to be cold? "damage .. turned from physical to magical"? The word "regenerate" often feels misused. Typically items have charges. Various confusing or muddled statements.
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Spy[edit]
| “ | "Tell me", the Blu Spy said, looking around at his colleagues. "Did anyone happen to kill a Red Spy on the way here?" The Heavy, Scout, and Soldier each shook their head. "No? Then we still have a problem." The Blu Spy tossed his luggage his shoulder. He then presented a Blu Sniper with a butterfly knife driven into his back. |
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Introduction To the Spy[edit]
A new approach to the Rogue's playstyle, the role of a Spy is to move on ahead and infiltrate into the enemy's backline, stalk for vulnerable openings and so, with quick and precise backstabs, cut their party's problems down. One by one.
Creating a Spy[edit]
- Quick Build
Spies are nimble and cunning, which may require an additional investment on Dexterity, and for creating their own openings, require Charisma for their tricks to be convincing enough. Constitution is the least of their worries, as any good spies will not give any chances at retaliation.
Class Features
As a Spy you gain the following class features.
- Hit Points
Hit Dice: 1d4 per Spy level
Hit Points at 1st Level: 4 + Constitution modifier
Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d4 (or 3) + Constitution modifier per Spy level after 1st
- Proficiencies
Armor: light armor proficiency
Weapons: All forms of dagger-like weaponry, plus hand crossbow, rapier, Handgun and Revolver.
Tools: Thieves' Tools, Poison Kit.
Saving Throws: Dexterity, Charisma.
Skills: Choose four from Acrobatics, Athletics, Deception, Insight, Intimidation, Investigation, Perception, Persuasion, Sleight of Hand, and Stealth.
- Equipment
You start with the following equipment, in addition to the equipment granted by your background:
- (a) leather armor or (b) Fine Clothes
- (a) A Butterfly Knife (dagger) and a Revolver or (b) A Wrist Blade (dagger) and an Arm Crossbow or (c) A rapier and a Flintlock
- (a) Thieves' Tools or (b) Poison Kit
- (a) Adventurer's pack or (b) Dungeoneer's pack or (c) Explorers pack
| Level | Proficiency Bonus |
Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | +2 | First Strike, Resourceful, Flanking Mastery |
| 2nd | +2 | Infiltration Tool (Invisibility) |
| 3rd | +2 | Backstab |
| 4th | +2 | Ability Score Improvement |
| 5th | +3 | Resourceful, Sleeve Draw, Spy Path |
| 6th | +3 | Infiltration Tool (Sapper) |
| 7th | +3 | Hurried Sabotage, Rewired Sabotage |
| 8th | +3 | Ability Score Improvement |
| 9th | +4 | Resourceful, Butterfly Effect, Spy Path Feature |
| 10th | +4 | Infiltration Tool (Disguise Kit) |
| 11th | +4 | Impersonation |
| 12th | +4 | Ability Score Improvement |
| 13th | +5 | Resourceful, Spy Path Feature |
| 14th | +5 | Infiltration Tool Upgrades |
| 15th | +5 | Trickstab, Headshot |
| 16th | +5 | Ability Score Improvement |
| 17th | +6 | Infiltration Tool (Fake Death), Spy Path Feature |
| 18th | +6 | Collector's Edition |
| 19th | +6 | Ability Score Improvement |
| 20th | +6 | Perfectionism |
First Strike[edit]
At 1st level you gain the ability to kill faster than anything.
For your first attack roll in combat, you add a bonus equal to 1d6 x your level in spy to that roll.
Resourceful[edit]
You always have a way with things. Be it due to natural talent or a quick grasp of how things tick, your natural resourcefulness works mostly for your advantage.
At the levels 1, 5, 9 and 13, you may choose to be proficient at any bonus skill, weapon, armor or tool. If you are already proficient at it, you may double to expertise.
Flanking Mastery[edit]
Starting at 2nd level, you can add your spy level to your initiative rolls.
Infiltration Tool[edit]
Eventually as your adventure progresses and your fame increases, you appropriate yourself of better tools of trade to help your jobs to become more easy. Be it by finding, creating them yourself with stolen knowledge or receiving it from third party contacts, you'll gain a specific trinket at levels 2, 6, 10 and 14.
- Invisibility Watch
At 2nd level, The first tool allows you, as an Action, to cast the invisibility on yourself and your equipment for a maximum of 3 rounds before the tool's power runs out and the user is forced out of invisibility. When the artifact is not in use, it will recharge. The recharge time is equal to the amount of time the user spent while cloaked, for a max of 3 rounds. While invisible, you cannot take any offensive action. If you are touched, you become visible to anyone within line of sight with a passive Perception above 12.
This tool can be either a bracelet or wristwatch. The Spy will be able to perceive the effect's time left on the display, and coming out of visibility makes a faint noise that can be heard by enemies in melee range, or if the area is silent.
- Electro Sapper
At 6th level, The second tool allows you, as a bonus action, to lay a device that damages and disables Constructs, Devices and Powered Traps (Magic or not). This effect lasts indefinitely, or until the device is removed.
- You can only have a maximum of 3 devices at a time, so if it ends up breaking or you need more than your free one, you will have to find more by visiting any town with your criminal contacts, and paying a sum of 100~300 gd each (The amount may vary based on the DM's discrepancy.)
This tool is a small box with runic engravings, or a metallic box with a few loose wirings and switches, as well as a magnet belt. This will not break Invisibility, nor remove Disguises.
- Disguise Kit
At 10th level, The third and most iconic tool allows you to cast the disguise self spell as an Action, but also allow your illusion to be tangible for contact purposes, and your voice to become equal to the person or creature you are disguised as. Enemies can detect through your disguise with an Investigation check. Disguising in front of an enemy will not convince them that you are someone else. Dealing direct damage to enemies or taking any direct damage will end the spell. Note that you cannot disguise as a Tiny, Large nor Colossal sized creatures.
The usage of this tool is the same as a Cantrip's. Disguising can take an Action or a bonus action, and can be done while invisible.
This tool is a small case with runic engravings, or a metallic casing which has a selection of cigarettes or cigars, with a small gem on the edge that is used to 'snapshot' any entity's appearance so you may steal it. It does work on photos or pictures, but the illusion loses tangibility.
- Dead Ringer
At 14th level, The fourth and final tool allows you to feign your death. As a reaction, you can activate this tool, which casts the greater invisibility and haste spells on yourself for 6 rounds or until deactivated, while a tangible illusion of your dead body falls in your place. Any damage you take is also halved. If the damage would have killed you, you instead fall to 1 hit point. This device can only be activated once per long rest.
- You can only have one of those at a time, so if it ends up breaking or becoming unpowered, you will have to find another by visiting a town with any criminal contacts, and paying a sum of 100 gd.
This tool is a golden locket, compass or pocket watch with many trimmings of silver and arcane engravings both inside and outside. Pressing the button on the last second will activate the spells held within it in a chain reaction.
Backstab[edit]
Beginning at 3rd level, striking unaware targets has become fortuitous for you. Attacking an enemy with daggers (or similar weaponry) while behind their back will automatically become a critical hit, but this only happens once per target.
Backstabbing surprised enemies, or enemies that did not take a turn yet will allow you to force them to make a Constitution saving throw (DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Dexterity modifier). A creature failing this saving throw will have the paralyzed condition for three rounds.
Ability Score Improvement[edit]
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.
Sleeve Draw[edit]
You're capable of swapping weapons with a flick of a wrist. Swapping from a Revolver to a Dagger-type weapon (and vice versa) costs no Action, once per round.
Spy Path[edit]
At 5th level, you chose a path. Choose between Assassin, Deceitor, Gunspy, and Style, all detailed at the end of the class description. Your choice grants you features at 5th level, and again at 9th, 13th, and 17th levels.
Hurried Sabotage[edit]
Sometimes you don't have all day to wait for the Sapper to do the job, so you give it an extra hand with the trigger finger.
You can perform, as a bonus action, an extra ranged attack with advantage against a sapped unit if you have a Revolver on your hand, and if it hits, there is a chance based on Dexterity save throw (DC12) that both the Sapper and the construct being sabotaged will be destroyed.
Rewired Sabotage[edit]
Other times you do. And with patience you're able to throw a solid wrench into the construct's plans.
By spending either Two Full Actions or One Action and One bonus action without moving, on a sapped enemy, you may attempt to convert them to your party's side with an Intelligence save throw (DC 12). On success, you will retrieve the Sapper deployed and the converted constructs will fight for you for two rounds, then shut down/get destroyed afterwards. Otherwise, your sapper is destroyed but they fight for one round before shutting down/getting destroyed.
Butterfly Effect[edit]
This is your lucky day. A generous Black Marketeer decided to pay back for one of your small services that you did long ago, which ended up benefiting them majorly. He offered to trade your current weapons, at your own choice, for others.
- Dagger
- Conniver's Kunai. Your maximum hit points are permanently reduced by 50%, but performing a Backstab on an enemy will grant you a temporary shield (3 rounds) equal to 50% of their maximum hit points. Landing a killing blow with it will also restore 1d10 + Constitution modifier hit points.
- The Big Earner. Your maximum Health is permanently reduced by 25%, but performing a Backstab on an enemy will set your maneuvers to both dash and disengage without taking a bonus action. Landing a killing blow with it will prolong the free disengage for 2 rounds.
- The Spy-cicle. Damage becomes Ice and magic. Negates fire damage and Burn status effects once, but the dagger melts into an useless mist for the rest of the fight, requiring a short rest to rematerialize. Landing a killing blow with it will convert the enemy into an ice statue before it can react loudly to it.
- Your Eternal Reward. You cannot disguise in the middle of fights anymore, but allows you to Backstab (only once, same rules) enemies while invisible without breaking it. Landing a killing blow with it will also disguise you as the victim while disposing of the body before it can react loudly to it.
- Revolver
- Ambassador. 3 shots before reload. You can spend an Action to aim down a headshot, which will be a critical hit.
- L'etranger. 6 shots before reload. 'Bumping' against Invisibility will no longer reveal the Spy.
- Enforcer. 2 shots before reload. While disguised, all of your attacks gain advantage.
- Diamondback. 4 shots before reload. Backstabbing an enemy will make your next shot ignore damage reductions.
Impersonation[edit]
Acting is 99% of the job while disguised as someone. But not only that. A good acting can net you into a lot of newer opportunities for a fight. While disguised as the enemy, you can attempt to act in two ways to gain their trust:
- Offensive Acting. Attack an ally and beat their AC. The attack will not damage them.
- Offensive Acting will lower sentient enemies' morale, nullifying any shields granted by Charisma and giving your allies advantage on Charisma-based checks.
- Defensive Acting. You may attempt to throw yourself in front of a nearby enemy to protect them from an attack. If you beat a Dexterity saving throw of DC 15, you will take no damage, otherwise damage taken is halved.
- Defensive Acting will make sentient enemies not suspect you or give them disadvantage on Investigation checks against you.
If both Acts are done flawlessly, your next Backstab will surprise all enemies in the fight, and the target will be frightened.
Infiltration Tool Upgrades[edit]
You've survived this far. The underworld of crime's well-aware of your clout and importance, so from time to time, a few new visitors will reclaim each one of your tools and come back with an upgrade for them. (Time taken for each upgrade is on DM's discrepancy.)
- Invisibility Tool can regain charges if you stand still while invisible for more than one round.
- Sapper Tool can now cast dispel magic on the affected unit with a Dexterity-based spell saving throw.
- Disguise Tool does not require a snapshot anymore, its fueled from the Spy's memory.
Trickstab[edit]
A master of an advanced, acrobatic way of attacking your foes in the middle of their momentum.
You can take a reaction for when enemies get into your melee range to move behind them and score a free Backstab.
Headshot[edit]
Aim right between the eyes.
You can take an Action to aim down at the enemy's head. The next attack, if it hits, will be a critical hit. If you are using Ambassador, damage will be doubled and turned from physical to magical.
Collector's Edition[edit]
Remember that Black Marketeer of yours? The same guy who's now close to becoming a millionaire? You have enough credit with him now to buy his whole arsenal. And that you did. Fancy, enchanted blades and guns make their way to you whenever you give time to appreciate your now complete collection.
Once per long rest you're able to swap daggers and Revolvers from 'Butterfly Effect', but only have one of each kind at a time.
Perfectionism[edit]
You've reached the point where you're the sole inspiration for all Spies everywhere. Perfection is within reach but not even that is enough to satisfy your immense ego. At this point, you're a double or triple agent for everything and everyone. Espionage, murdering or information dealing is like a walk in the park.
Backstab deals a bonus 50% of the target's maximum hit points as damage. If it did not take a turn yet, the bonus is doubled.
disengage will allow you to intently become invisible if so you desire.
Trickstab can be performed as a bonus action.
You gain bonus proficiency on all Charisma-based skills, Stealth and Sleight of Hand.
You're also addicted to nicotine, and snort while laughing. Hon hon hon.
Assassin[edit]
Jack of all trades, master of murder. Though you may not be the most flashy or deceptive 100% of the time, you get your job done effectively and all the while looking sharp.
- Quick Handed
Once you start this Path at 5th level, you may now use your knife to perform a Backstab attack as a bonus action.
- Shadowed Figure
At 9th level, you gain advantage + your proficiency bonus on Stealth checks while under cloak.
- Cloak & Dagger
When you reach 13th level, although your cloak is reduced to only 2 round instead of three, the cloak meter regenerates while under cloak while stationary. It regenerates 2x slower under cloak.
- Master Stab
Once at level 17, when ever you attack with a Backstab, it is considered magical and will deal an extra 2d10 piercing damage on a successful hit.
Deceitor[edit]
Rogues are not the only ones who can lie. As a Deceitor Spy, you specialize in the act of roleplay and acting.
- Disguise Kit
At the 5th level, you gain the ability to use the disguise kit (provided that you have one) in a pinch, You can use an action to disguise as an enemy that you have seen in a cloud of mist. While disguising, you are considered under the effects of the disguise self spell. While disguising, you cannot attack. If you do, you immediately lose your disguise. Upon disguising, any Perception check done to investigate if you are a Spy or a teammate is rivaled by either a Performance check or Deception check. You may change disguises if you already have one with a bonus action.
- Anything you can do, I can do better
At the 9th level, you invoke proficiency in Performance and Deception while disguised with the Disguise Kit.
- Enforcer
At the 13th level, your revolver is now linked magically to your Disguise Kit. Whenever you shoot a creature while disguised, you deal an extra 1d10 damage.
- Surprise!
At the 17th level, all Backstabs made from disguising are considered magical and deal necrotic damage equal to half of your current Spy level (rounded up).
Gunspy[edit]
You know, Backstabbing is overrated and overused. I have this gun, though, that's pretty cool. Yeah, I'll have what the Gunslinger's having.
- Good? Bad? I'm the guy with a gun
At the 5th level, you choose a gun that fits your play style. You are considered proficient with the gun you choose.
- Ambassador (Coming out)
- Diamondback (Coming out)
- L'Entranger (Coming out)
- Catchphrase
At the 9th level, you choose a catch phrase to utter before shooting. Once said, your gun becomes infused with magic. Whenever you shoot, it deals an extra 1d8 necrotic damage.
- Extra Attack
At the 13th level, you can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the attack action on your turn.
- Boom. Headshot.
At the 17th level, you cannot roll below a 10 with your gun when rolling to hit.
Style[edit]
Taking style over effectiveness, Style spies can impress any who witness them doing their dirty work.
- Show-Off, Show-Stopper
When you start on this spy path at level 5, you gain proficiency with Performance skill checks.
- Trickstabs
At the 9th level, you gain the ability to utilize the Style spy's signature trait: Trickstabs. These Backstabs are special ways to get behind your opponent using strafing and misdirection. Each one of these maneuvers requires the user to beat an Acrobatics check of DC equal to 10 + you proficiency bonus. Such moves include:
- Stairstab: on any slope while the opponent is chasing you, you can roll the Trickstab check. On a successful save, you jump and allow your opponent to pass under you and in front of you.
- Cornerstab: on any corner going in, you can roll the Trickstab check. On a successful Dexterity save, you pretend to turn the corner and your opponent follows you. When they do this, you move around them to their back.
- Mattador Stab: when your opponent is moving towards you, you can roll the Trickstab check. On a successful save, you pretend to move to the right and your opponent compensates by going to your right. When they do this, you curve to the left and to their back.
- Conniver's Kunai
At the 13th level, you lose exactly half of your maximum hit points (and cannot be regained) and gain advantage in Dex saves. Whenever you perform a successful Backstab or Trickstab, you gain hit points equal to the amount of damage dealt. Any damage dealt that cannot be converted into hit points is instead converted into temporary hit points which will fade after 3 rounds (see Overheal) (Note: This page will update when the Medic class becomes available)
- Sidestabs
At the 17th level, whenever you attack with a Backstab, it is considered magical. At this level, the Backstab is no longer exclusively the back of a foe. A stab attack will now be considered a Backstab if it occurs in the back or the corners of a foe.
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