Neuromancer_18
2015-01-20, 10:52 PM
Ok, so a friend of mine is working on a Prestige class for the Final Fantasy campaign setting for Pathfinder (Source (http://www.finalfantasyd20.com/ffd20/index.html)), but he needs some help balancing the abilities. He's trying to base the class off of This (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYF5czB3XEg) Guy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leQlPDjiqYo), so keep that in mind when making suggestions.
Without further ado, I present to you, the Circle Mage:
Circle Mage
A circle mage is someone who learns to effectively weave ritual magic with combative “spontaneous” magic. By creating magic circles and magic marks, the circle mage can amplify his magic, or set it into dormancy until the time is right.
Though most circle mages are Black Mages, it is not unheard of for red, blue, or even illusionists or Bards to seek to amplify their power.
Hit Die: d6
Requirements
To qualify to become a circle mage, the character must fulfil the following requirements.
Skills: Knowledge (arcana): 5 ranks
Feats: Spell Focus (any), Any metamagic feat
Spells: Ability to cast 3rd level spells.
Class Skills
The circle mage’s class skills (and key ability) are Craft (Int), Knowledge (arcana)(Int), Knowledge (history)(Int), Knowledge (planes)(Int), Knowledge (religion)(Int), and Spellcraft (int).
Skill Points at Each Level: 4+Int modifier
Level
Base Attack Bonus
Fort Save
Ref Save
Will Save
Special
1st
+0
+0
+0
+2
Circle Magic, Limit Break, +1 Caster Level
2nd
+1
+0
+0
+3
Magic Mark, Transport Circle, +1 Caster Level
3rd
+1
+1
+1
+3
Metamagic Circles, +1 Caster Level
4th
+2
+1
+1
+4
Mana Circles
5th
+2
+2
+2
+4
Hidden Mark, Duplicate Circle, +1 Caster Level
6th
+3
+2
+2
+5
Layered Circles, +1 Caster Level
7th
+3
+3
+3
+5
Permanent Circle, +1 Caster Level
8th
+4
+3
+3
+6
Epicenter, Floating Mark, Chain Circle
9th
+4
+4
+4
+6
Efficient Circles, +1 Caster Level
10th
+5
+4
+4
+7
Master of Circles, +1 Caster Level
Class Features
The following are class features of the Circle Mage.
Weapon and Armor Proficiencies
The Circle Mage gains no additional proficiency.
Limit Break
Circle Storm As a swift action, the circle mage creates a number of mana magic circles equal to his class level in circle mage, which he may imbue with any spell equal to half his circle mage level rounded up. So a second level circle mage would create two magic circles with spells up to 1st level. The maximum numbers of spell levels you can place is equal to your total character level. You may add free layers, maximum of two layers.
Circle Magic
At level 1 the Circle Mage can create magical circles of any spell they have the ability to cast. The circle requires no mana to create, but requires time to construct. The circle mage sets a condition which upon being fulfilled will release the spell. This condition can be anything including being instantly cast. To create the circle, he spends one minute per spell level in order to construct it, cantrips take one full round to create. Any spell cast from a circle has its effects centered on the circle. As such any spell with an area of effect has it’s center point being the center of the circle. Cone or Line spells are cast as if the circle was the caster. Touch spells are cast either by whoever is standing in the circle, whoever is touching the circle, or whoever the circle is drawn on, depending on caster intent. The circle mage can only have a number of circles equal to his circle mage class level plus the modifier of his primary casting stat.
Magic Mark
The circle mage’s understanding of symbols and markings allow him to create markings which they can use in the future. At the cost of one mana point, he may place a mark on any surface he chooses. A circle mage may have a number of marks active equal to his Circle Mage class level. The circle mage can use this mark to augment his casting in specific ways, however he must know where the mark is in relation to himself. If he does not know the exact location of the mark in relation to himself, he may attempt a difficult spellcraft check to attempt to locate it. Magic marks disappear after the Circle mage has rested. During his turn, the circle mage may choose any of the following.
Transport Circle
For no additional cost, the Circle Mage may transport a magic circle from where he is creating it, to any mark he has placed.
Duplicate Circle
The circle mage may duplicate the magic circle he created, which creates the spell effect at the location of the mark chosen. To do this, he must pay a cost equal to half of what he would have to pay if he were to cast the spell normally.
Chain Circle
At 8th level, the Circle mage may link his marks, using them to make a spell even more powerful than normal. He must declare that he is linking the marks, and they must be no farther than 30 feet from each other. Chained marks give any metamagic bonus to any other spell linked in the chain. (Insert mana cost here)
Metamagic Circles
The circle mage understands the secrets of magic enough to modify his circles to be modified with metamagic capabilities. The time to create the circle is increased by one minute per two additional spell levels.
Hidden Mark
The circle mage can choose to hide any Magic mark from regular view. Detect magic and true seeing reveal the location of the mark.
Mana Circles
The circle mage has learned how to apply his mana to create magic circles without physical requirements. Additionally he can take expedite the creation process. Creating a circle in this way costs half of the mana of a spell rounded up, minimum of 1. The time to create the spell is reduced to one round per spell level. Any minute added due to metamagic is also converted into rounds. The caster must not be inhibited, however should the circle mage have metamagic feats that allow them to cast if inhibited, such as Still Spell or Silent spell, they are allowed to make the circle if they pay the extra cost.
Layered Circles
The circle mage has learned how to layer spells on each other to magnify their effect. Through careful planning and the circle mage can set up multiple magic circles of the same spell, increasing it’s effectiveness. The spell level is considered to be multiplied by the number of instances of the spell. For example, a first level spell with 5 layers is considered to be a fifth level spell. Additionally one effect die is added per instance of spell. For example, if Fira was layered 5 times, it would act like a 5th level spell for the purposes of determining DC, deal 5d6 +bonuses instead of 1d6 and the burning effect would last 5d4 rounds.
Permanent Circle
Through careful study, the circle mage has the ability to create a single Magic Circle with which they may cast at any time that is convenient to them. The circle acts like a staff with a single charge, however it can be on anything. The spell may have metamagic added to it, however that does increase the mana cost. The circle mage needs no crafting feats to make the circle.
Efficient Circles
The Circle mage improves upon his technique for creating mana circles. The effective cost for creating mana circles is reduced by one (third?).
Epicenter
The circle mage’s understanding of magic circles allows him to make himself the epicenter of spells, modifying them in ways beyond the scope of standard spellcasters. A number of times per day equal to half the circle mage’s class level, the circle mage casts a spell. This spell can be either a drawn out circle spell or cast immediately at mana cost. The spell will continue to endure for the spell’s duration and will follow the circle mage, moving the area of effect as he moves. The circle mage can choose to opt out of the spell’s effect. Should the Circle mage choose, he may extend the duration of the spell, even if it is instantaneous, which would have the spell’s effect simply proc on the next turn, however this brings strain on the circle mage and he must pay the cost of the spell again as if he cast it as he normally would. Extending the duration does not require another use of Epicenter. For example, a circle mage may cast Fireball from a circle he created ahead of time on himself, then pay the cost the next turn to have the effect happen again after he has moved, however he has still only used one of his uses of Epicenter.
Master of Circles
At 10th level, the Circle Mage has perfected his art to the point where all the spells he casts manifest into a circle. With the speed of thought he can manifest a mana circle and instantly cast the spell from it as if he were casting the spell as anyone else would. The circle mage reduces the cost of all his spells by 1 mana point. Additionally the DC to identify what spell he is casting is increased by 5 for any class other than circle mage.
Because his standard spells manifest in the form of Circles, any class feature that requires a magic circle can now use with his standard spells.
Without further ado, I present to you, the Circle Mage:
Circle Mage
A circle mage is someone who learns to effectively weave ritual magic with combative “spontaneous” magic. By creating magic circles and magic marks, the circle mage can amplify his magic, or set it into dormancy until the time is right.
Though most circle mages are Black Mages, it is not unheard of for red, blue, or even illusionists or Bards to seek to amplify their power.
Hit Die: d6
Requirements
To qualify to become a circle mage, the character must fulfil the following requirements.
Skills: Knowledge (arcana): 5 ranks
Feats: Spell Focus (any), Any metamagic feat
Spells: Ability to cast 3rd level spells.
Class Skills
The circle mage’s class skills (and key ability) are Craft (Int), Knowledge (arcana)(Int), Knowledge (history)(Int), Knowledge (planes)(Int), Knowledge (religion)(Int), and Spellcraft (int).
Skill Points at Each Level: 4+Int modifier
Level
Base Attack Bonus
Fort Save
Ref Save
Will Save
Special
1st
+0
+0
+0
+2
Circle Magic, Limit Break, +1 Caster Level
2nd
+1
+0
+0
+3
Magic Mark, Transport Circle, +1 Caster Level
3rd
+1
+1
+1
+3
Metamagic Circles, +1 Caster Level
4th
+2
+1
+1
+4
Mana Circles
5th
+2
+2
+2
+4
Hidden Mark, Duplicate Circle, +1 Caster Level
6th
+3
+2
+2
+5
Layered Circles, +1 Caster Level
7th
+3
+3
+3
+5
Permanent Circle, +1 Caster Level
8th
+4
+3
+3
+6
Epicenter, Floating Mark, Chain Circle
9th
+4
+4
+4
+6
Efficient Circles, +1 Caster Level
10th
+5
+4
+4
+7
Master of Circles, +1 Caster Level
Class Features
The following are class features of the Circle Mage.
Weapon and Armor Proficiencies
The Circle Mage gains no additional proficiency.
Limit Break
Circle Storm As a swift action, the circle mage creates a number of mana magic circles equal to his class level in circle mage, which he may imbue with any spell equal to half his circle mage level rounded up. So a second level circle mage would create two magic circles with spells up to 1st level. The maximum numbers of spell levels you can place is equal to your total character level. You may add free layers, maximum of two layers.
Circle Magic
At level 1 the Circle Mage can create magical circles of any spell they have the ability to cast. The circle requires no mana to create, but requires time to construct. The circle mage sets a condition which upon being fulfilled will release the spell. This condition can be anything including being instantly cast. To create the circle, he spends one minute per spell level in order to construct it, cantrips take one full round to create. Any spell cast from a circle has its effects centered on the circle. As such any spell with an area of effect has it’s center point being the center of the circle. Cone or Line spells are cast as if the circle was the caster. Touch spells are cast either by whoever is standing in the circle, whoever is touching the circle, or whoever the circle is drawn on, depending on caster intent. The circle mage can only have a number of circles equal to his circle mage class level plus the modifier of his primary casting stat.
Magic Mark
The circle mage’s understanding of symbols and markings allow him to create markings which they can use in the future. At the cost of one mana point, he may place a mark on any surface he chooses. A circle mage may have a number of marks active equal to his Circle Mage class level. The circle mage can use this mark to augment his casting in specific ways, however he must know where the mark is in relation to himself. If he does not know the exact location of the mark in relation to himself, he may attempt a difficult spellcraft check to attempt to locate it. Magic marks disappear after the Circle mage has rested. During his turn, the circle mage may choose any of the following.
Transport Circle
For no additional cost, the Circle Mage may transport a magic circle from where he is creating it, to any mark he has placed.
Duplicate Circle
The circle mage may duplicate the magic circle he created, which creates the spell effect at the location of the mark chosen. To do this, he must pay a cost equal to half of what he would have to pay if he were to cast the spell normally.
Chain Circle
At 8th level, the Circle mage may link his marks, using them to make a spell even more powerful than normal. He must declare that he is linking the marks, and they must be no farther than 30 feet from each other. Chained marks give any metamagic bonus to any other spell linked in the chain. (Insert mana cost here)
Metamagic Circles
The circle mage understands the secrets of magic enough to modify his circles to be modified with metamagic capabilities. The time to create the circle is increased by one minute per two additional spell levels.
Hidden Mark
The circle mage can choose to hide any Magic mark from regular view. Detect magic and true seeing reveal the location of the mark.
Mana Circles
The circle mage has learned how to apply his mana to create magic circles without physical requirements. Additionally he can take expedite the creation process. Creating a circle in this way costs half of the mana of a spell rounded up, minimum of 1. The time to create the spell is reduced to one round per spell level. Any minute added due to metamagic is also converted into rounds. The caster must not be inhibited, however should the circle mage have metamagic feats that allow them to cast if inhibited, such as Still Spell or Silent spell, they are allowed to make the circle if they pay the extra cost.
Layered Circles
The circle mage has learned how to layer spells on each other to magnify their effect. Through careful planning and the circle mage can set up multiple magic circles of the same spell, increasing it’s effectiveness. The spell level is considered to be multiplied by the number of instances of the spell. For example, a first level spell with 5 layers is considered to be a fifth level spell. Additionally one effect die is added per instance of spell. For example, if Fira was layered 5 times, it would act like a 5th level spell for the purposes of determining DC, deal 5d6 +bonuses instead of 1d6 and the burning effect would last 5d4 rounds.
Permanent Circle
Through careful study, the circle mage has the ability to create a single Magic Circle with which they may cast at any time that is convenient to them. The circle acts like a staff with a single charge, however it can be on anything. The spell may have metamagic added to it, however that does increase the mana cost. The circle mage needs no crafting feats to make the circle.
Efficient Circles
The Circle mage improves upon his technique for creating mana circles. The effective cost for creating mana circles is reduced by one (third?).
Epicenter
The circle mage’s understanding of magic circles allows him to make himself the epicenter of spells, modifying them in ways beyond the scope of standard spellcasters. A number of times per day equal to half the circle mage’s class level, the circle mage casts a spell. This spell can be either a drawn out circle spell or cast immediately at mana cost. The spell will continue to endure for the spell’s duration and will follow the circle mage, moving the area of effect as he moves. The circle mage can choose to opt out of the spell’s effect. Should the Circle mage choose, he may extend the duration of the spell, even if it is instantaneous, which would have the spell’s effect simply proc on the next turn, however this brings strain on the circle mage and he must pay the cost of the spell again as if he cast it as he normally would. Extending the duration does not require another use of Epicenter. For example, a circle mage may cast Fireball from a circle he created ahead of time on himself, then pay the cost the next turn to have the effect happen again after he has moved, however he has still only used one of his uses of Epicenter.
Master of Circles
At 10th level, the Circle Mage has perfected his art to the point where all the spells he casts manifest into a circle. With the speed of thought he can manifest a mana circle and instantly cast the spell from it as if he were casting the spell as anyone else would. The circle mage reduces the cost of all his spells by 1 mana point. Additionally the DC to identify what spell he is casting is increased by 5 for any class other than circle mage.
Because his standard spells manifest in the form of Circles, any class feature that requires a magic circle can now use with his standard spells.