Swordmage, Variant (3.5e Class)

Class Skills (4 + Int modifier per level, ×4 at 1st level)
The class skills (and key ability modifier for each) of the Swordmage are Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Escape Artist (Dex), Gather Information (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge (Arcana) (Int), Knowledge (Local) (Int), Listen (Wis), Martial Lore (Int), Profession (Wis), Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), and Tumble (Dex).

[edit] Class Features

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Swordmasters are proficient with all one-handed simple and martial weapons. They are also proficient with any weapon with the descriptor "sword" in it (Rapiers, Katanas, Scimitars, and Falchions also count as "swords".

Armor and Weapon Proficiencies Swordmages are considered proficient in all of the weapons they can conjure with their Incantations, and with all simple weapons as well. Swordmages are proficient with Light Armor, but not with Shields.

Incantations (Su): Incantations are special, extremely short-lived arcane spells used as weapons by the Swordmage. In general, an Incantation takes an attack action to use, that is, they may be used as many times during a full attack action as the Swordmage has iteratives, and they may be used for attacks of opportunity. Incantations are supernatural abilities, which means they ignore spell resistance, cannot be dispelled or countered, and do not provoke attacks of opportunity nor require concentration checks. Incantations do not require any components per se, but enough freedom of movement is required to actually make the attack in order to use them.

The DC of saving throws for Incantations is equal to 10 + the Incantation's level + the Swordmage's Charisma modifier. The Swordmage also has an Arcane Caster Level equal to his class level, which may be used by Incantations to determine various effects.

Like a Beguiler, a Swordmage knows all of the Incantations on his list, and may cast them spontaneously. In addition to the Incantations specifically listed, he knows a Cantrip, or 0th level Incantation, for each weapon in which he is proficient: this Cantrip simply creates a copy of a perfectly average weapon, and makes a single attack with it.

Unlike spellcasters, Swordmages may end up using any number of Incantations in a given day. However, they can only have a certain, small number of them, as listed in the table above, ready at any given time; readying these requires a mere five minutes of concentration, similar to the way a Sorcerer readies himself to use his magic for the day. A Swordmage may ready his Incantations whenever he likes, and may do so as often as he likes, provided he has the time to do so. When he does, he may ready any of his Incantations known, but none more than once.

Beginning at 14th, the Swordmage gains the ability to cast lower-level Incantations at will; these do not have to be readied before hand, and can simply be used in combat as desired - though the same Incantation cannot be used again once used until the encounter has ended or the Swordmage has Recovered (see below). The Incantations that may be used at will are indicated by a '∞' in the table above.

In combat, he may cast his Incantations, at which point they are expended. Recovering his expended Incantations is a standard action, which he make at any time; in doing so, he provokes attacks of opportunity, and may be forced to make a Concentration check to avoid wasting his action, as if he were casting a spell. He may also recover his Incantations defensively, with the same rules as if he were casting a spell defensively. Upon successfully completing this action, all of his expended Incantations are again readied, but he may not change which Incantations he has readied.

An Incantation's effect is typically to create a "canted weapon" from pure arcana, and attack once with it. This attack typically has side-effects and other benefits associated with it. The weapon is considered magical for the purposes of overcoming Damage Reduction, but is otherwise identical to a perfectly average Medium-sized weapon of the appropriate type unless otherwise indicated by the Incantation's description, regardless of the Swordmage's own size. However, a Swordmage never suffers penalties due to wielding an inappropriately-sized canted weapon, unless the Incantation's description adds specific size penalties (and this penalty will be the same for Swordmages of all sizes).

A Swordmage threatens any squares he could attack with any of his readied but unexpended Incantations.

Weaponized Arcana: In place of the usual Strength or Dexterity modifiers on attack and damage rolls, a Swordmage uses his Charisma modifier when using Incantations. If a weapon uses a multiplier on either the Strength or Dexterity modifier (exempli gratia, 1.5x Strength on a two-handed weapon, 0.5x Strength on an off-hand weapon), the same multiplier applies to his Charisma modifier.

Masterful Cant: At 2nd level, the Swordmage gains knowledge of a Cantrip for each martial weapon, and may use these even if not proficient with the actual weapons.

In addtion, all weapons created with Incantations are considered at least Masterwork.

Enhanced Cant: Starting at 4th level, all weapons from Incantations gain a +1 enhancement bonus. This bonus increases by +1 every four levels thereafter (+2 at 8th, +3 at 12th, +4 at 16th, and +5 at 20th). If an Incantation specifically gives the canted weapon an enhancement bonus, the two do not stack, simply use the greater of the two. Any special abilities of the canted weapon remain on the weapon. Protective Personality: At 6th level, a Swordmage's constant use of Incantations has created a residual effect on him, and he can effortlessly surround himself in swirls of arcana to protect himself. He gains a Deflection bonus to AC equal to his Charisma modifier, so long as he has (or would have) his Dexterity bonus to AC.

Arcanized Weaponry:

Starting at 10th level, a Swordmage may, while casting an Incantation, apply any enhancement bonuses or special abilities found on any actual weapon he is wielding, to the weapon granted by the Incantation. The canted weapon's enhancement bonus cannot exceed +5, nor can its total equivalent enhancement bonus exceed +10. The weapon is considered as if it does not have these bonuses or abilities until the beginning of the Swordmage's next turn. During the Incantation, the physical weapon is absorbed into the canted weapon, and returned to the Swordmage's hand afterwards. Ammunition may never be used for Arcanized Weaponry.

If an Incantation creates more than one weapon, only one may receive the effects of any given weapon. The Swordmage may transfer the effects of other weapons, if he has them in hand, to additional canted weapons, if he desires. However, any single target can only be affected by a Special Ability added through Arcanized Weaponry once in a single Incantation, even if that Incantation would attack the target repeatedly. The Special Abilities listed in individual Incantation descriptions may be applied to a target as many times as the target is hit.

Bonus Feat: At 5^th, 10^th, 15^th, and 20^th levels, the Swordmage gains a bonus feat from the following list. He must meet all requirements for a feat in order to select it.

Adamantine Incantations*, Align Incantations*, Arcane Mastery^{2, 6}, Blind Fight, Cloak Dance, Cloudy Conjuration^{3, 7}, Combat Expertise, Combat Intuition¹, Combat Reflexes, Danger Sense¹, Dazzling Illusion^{3, 7}, Defensive Strike⁴, Dodge, Energy Abjuration^{3, 7}, Evasive Reflexes⁵, Expert Tactician¹, Eyes in the Back of Your Head⁴, Exotic Incantations*, Favored Incantation*, Fearsome Necromancy^{3, 7}, Fleet of Foot, Force of Personality¹, Greater Spell Penetration, Improved Combat Expertise⁴, Improved Initiative, Improved Toughness⁴, Incantation of Choice*, Incantation Focus*, Incantation Specialization*, Innate Cant*, Insightful Divination^{3, 7}, Iron Incantations*, Martial Study⁵, Martial Stance⁵, Metacantation*, Mobility, Piercing Evocation^{3, 7}, Prone Attack⁴, Run, Sidestep Charge, Silver Incantations*, Spell Penetration, Spring Attack, Superior Expertise, Toughening Transmutation^{3, 7}, Weapon Focus

1 Complete Adventurer

2 Complete Arcane

3 Complete Mage

4 Complete Warrior

5 Tome of Battle

⁶ Arcane Mastery may be qualified for with the ability to cast Incantations as well as the ability to cast spells.

⁷ Cloudy Conjuration, Dazzling Illusion, Energy Abjuration, Fearsome Necromancy, Insightful Divination, Piercing Evocation, and Toughening Transmutation may be triggered by casting Incantations from the appropriate school, in addition to spells.

* New Feat.

The new feats designed for the Swordmage may be found at Swordmage Feats.

Swordmage Arts: Some Incantations have the [Art] descriptor. Incantations with this descriptor synergize with other Incantations that have the descriptor: if the Swordmage uses any two Swordmage Arts in a single round, all additional Arts he uses in that round gain extra features, as described in their entry.

[edit] 0^th Level Incantations

• Cantrips - Summon a weapon and attack once with it.

[edit] 1^st Level Incantations

• Berserker Axe - Attack with Power Attack, scare witnesses.
• Blinkplate - Gain 8 Armor AC against three attacks of your choice.
• Charge Breaker - Attack with a halberd and prepare for a charge.
• Charged Arcana - Make a Ride-By Attack Charge.
• Critical Point - Make an attack with Rapier and Improved Critical, and critical threats automatically confirm.
• Daggerhail - Conjure a burst of small knives to lacerate foes in an area.
• Grappling Hook - Attack a foe at range and drag them to you or you to it.
• Light Bow - Attack a foe with a glowing arrow that illuminates the area and causes dazzle.
• Piercing Spear - Spear attack ignores damage reduction, cover, and concealment.
• Rending Claws - Attack with a pair of punchdaggers, deal extra damage if both hit.
• Rope Cant - Thrown bola entangles foes.
• Sable Whip - Illusionary whip convinces foes they've been disarmed.
• Scourge - Attack with a holy flail that Turns Undead.
• Soul Harvester - Attack with the Cleave feat, gain extra damage on Cleave attack based on first foe's former HP.
• Sword and Board - Gain a Sword for a single attack and a Shield for the round.
• Upender - Trip with Improved Trip.

[edit] 2^nd Level Incantations

• Bleed Out - Spiked gauntlets leave a foe bleeding profusely.
• Blink Dagger - Teleport to foe and stab them.
• Cleaving Axe - Attack with the Cleave feat, use different Incantation on follow-up.
• Fellfrost Cross - Attack with two shortswords, leave foes suffering from frostbite and hypothermia.
• Iron of the Mind - Attack with a crossbow that uses Cold Iron bolts.
• Purification - Attack with a silver longsword or warhammer.
• Megaton Hammer - Giant hammer staggers enemies.

[edit] 3^rd Level Incantations

• Balmung - With this dragonslayer's sword, dragons no longer seem so frightening.
• Blade of Woe - Those killed after feeling this blade briefly rise again as zombies or skeletons under your command.
• Blinkplate, Greater - Gain better armor than with Blinkplate.
• Burn (Art) - Whirlwind attack with a flaming sword.
• Disruptive Discharge - Interrupt spellcasting with an electric arrow.
• Enchanted Gladius - This stout and sturdy sword stands stalwart against the subtle sinistry of abberations.
• Everdark (Art) - Sling fires a vile bullet that blinds foes.
• Frost (Art) - Icy gauntlet chills foes to the bone, limiting their actions.
• Purify (Art) - Divine bow destroys the undead.
• Sherwood Bow - This hunter's bow can attack twice as fast, and brings down mighty beasts quickly.
• Shock (Art) - Throw a shocking dagger that can paralyze foes.
• Silence Glaive - This spear can Silence enemies.
• Quickblade - A single attack with this dagger makes you faster.
• Radiance - This golden blade of light ignores armor and burns foes.
• Sever Gravity - Allows you to Fly, as the spell.
• Stonehew - This enormous pick goes through earth and stone like butter.
• Sunder - A blow from this hammer damages constructs, leaving a weak spot for follow-up attacks.

[edit] 4^th Level Incantations

• Chain of Despair - Attack with a spiked chain and bestow a curse upon your target.
• Dragoon Leap - Jump into the air and impale a foe on your halberd.
• Echo Blade - This knife will echo every one of your attacks for the round.
• Hammer of Return - Throwing hammer banishes outsiders.
• Mighty Cleaving Axe - as Cleaving Axe, but Mighty Cleaving!
• Needle of Light - This thinblade scores a critical fully half the time!
• Star of Courage - A brilliant mace encourages your allies and demoralizes your enemies.
• Tempest Attrition - Parry attacks and counter.

[edit] 5^th Level Incantations

• Daggerwing - Summons wings with blades for feathers, to guard yourself or attack your foes.
• Dancing Guards - A pair of dancing rapiers parries blows for you.
• Dominating Whip - Whip dominates humanoid foes.
• Earth Rod - Staff fossilizes enemies.
• Lightning Fury - Throw a lightning bolt that splinters into dozens more.
• Thrice-Betraying Dagger - Attack three foes at once with a powerful teleportation effect.
• Winter's Breath - Shuriken summons a whirlwind to pull foes out of the fight temporarily.

[edit] 6^th Level Incantations

• Assassin's Guile - Sneak a bit of extra damage to those who have been attacked by your teleportation effects.
• Blaze (Art) - Punch out foes with a flaming gauntlet, cause an explosion.
• Brilliance (Art) - A shining blade of justice blinds all but the purest of hearts.
• Dance of Blades - Summon longswords to surround you and fight for you.
• Ice (Art) - Shatter an icy flail and the resulting blizzard freezes an area and batters foes.
• Kinslayer - Dominate your foe with a strike.
• Memory Cutter - Cut away some of your foe's experience.
• Mordenkainen's Sword - Summon a sword to fight for you.
• Null (Art) - Vile chains fill the area with cloying darkness.
• Return to Dust - Net entangles foes and disintegrates their remains.
• Stun (Art) - A whack with this staff releases a discharge that stuns all around you.
• Zero-Sum Interrupt - An attack so fast the foe bleeds before they are even hit, circumventing all defenses.

[edit] 7^th Level Incantations

• Blade of Fate - Strike at your foes and gain incredible fore-knowledge of their movements for the rest of the round.
• Blinkplate, Superior - As Greater Blinkplate, but also gaining the benefits of Greater Blink.
• Chaos Blade - Make a full-attack as a standard action, with a better attack bonus.
• Flaming Sword of the Wrath of God - This sword is absolute anathema to the chaotic and the evil.
• Graviton Hammer - Hammer reverses gravity.
• Subtle Knife - Cut your way into a whole new world.
• Unleash the Sun - Don a helmet forged from the sun itself.

[edit] 8^th Level Incantations

• Cut Off - Separate your mind from others, protecting it from danger.
• Don't Fear - With a coup de grace, trap a foe's soul.
• Ruby Prison - Trap foes in a personalized Forcecage.
• Thunderclap - Blast your foes with a wave of sound.
• The Warrior Returning - When about to die, instead heal yourself and take an attack of opportunity against your would-be killer.
• Will Blade - An illusory sword can nonetheless be really fatal.

[edit] 9^th Level Incantations

• Annulment - Eliminate the supernatural powers of others.
• Deadly Elegance - Shadow copies impale nearby foes.
• Divinity (Art) - Gain angel wings, smite foes, and bolster allies.
• Electrocute (Art) - Thrown javelin becomes an incredible bolt of lightning, damaging and stunning all in its path.
• Freeze (Art) - This icy dart freezes foes solid.
• Incinerate (Art) - Attack with a fiery flindbar.
• Pankratosword - A sword so fine it can cut the indivisible, unleashing destruction and devastation.
• Perfect Strike of the Thrice Betrayer - All those whom you've betrayed before take crippling damage from a shadow strike.
• Prismatic Shield - Use a bit of Prismatic Wall as a shield.
• Ravages of Time - Act at twice your normal speed.
• Starfury - Four shurikens of light explode and attack secondary targets.
• Threadstring Bow - Attack with your very soul.
• Thunderbluss - A shotgun blast devastates foes.
• Void (Art) - This vile strike can slay a foe outright, and blind those who witness it.

[edit] Epic Swordmage

[edit] <-Sample race of your choice-> <-class name-> Starting Package

Weapons: <-Weapon selection for starting at 1st level with this class.->.

Skill Selection: Pick a number of skills equal to 4 + Int modifier.

Feat: <-1st-level feat selection->.

Bonus Feats: <-1st-level feat bonus feats due to class or sample race. remove this section if this sample doesn't get any bonus feats at 1st level. ->.

Gear: <-Starting armor and other equipment outside of weapons.->.

Gold: <-Starting gold using this package.->.

[edit] Campaign Information

[edit] Playing a Swordmage

The culture of the swordmage varies from place to place and person to person but many archetypes exist. Most swordmages favor gods of magic such as Corellon or Selune. Others of a good alignment might follow Torm or Tymora. Evil swordmages or those from Netheril are drawn to the worship of Shar, however, and have a more secretive bent in their traditions.

[edit] <-pluralized class name-> in the World

<-Where characters of this class fit in a d20 world.->

Daily Life: <-day in the life of a character of this class->.

Notables: <-notable NPCs of this class->.

Organizations: <-info on what, where, when, and how characters of this class congregate and assemble->.

NPC Reactions: <-How NPCs react to PCs of this class->.

[edit] <-pluralized class name-> in the Game

<-How characters of this class fit in the game (PC and NPC) and what roles they play.->

Adaptation: <-Possible variant conceptions of this class.->.

Sample Encounter: <-DM placement for NPCs of this class.->.

EL : <-Encounter scenario and character info on sample NPC including stat block. The CR of the NPC is typically the same as the EL for the encounter.->.