CB: Arcane Ally

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Updated Fri, Feb 13, 2009 by Darkgolem

The Arcane Ally

By Darkgolem

The arcane ally is a halfling hybrid class with the unusual mix of wizard, rogue and ranger. An arcane allies focus is supporting fellow party members. With the fighting ability of a rogue, the ability to disable most traps and unlock most locks (but not all of them), and the ability to buff allies quite a bit, they can be quite gifted at keeping a party functioning.

It is important to note that the arcane ally is not a primary rogue, primary fighter, or primary arcane caster. Instead, they can fill in quite a bit. When flanking an opponent, they have a +11 to hit, and do an additional 3d6 damage (or 4d6 with a flame arrow spell). They have a good heal skill and repair skill, allowing party members to benefit well from shrine usage. They can also damage opponents using spells, though this is only used in support of other damage dealers. Finally, using the halfling's companion bonus, the arcane ally can make a fellow ally a powerful juggernaut.

As a rogue, the arcane ally is effective, but not able to handle the most difficult to disarm traps, unlock the most difficult of locks. But, when not dealing with these particular problems, the arcane ally is quite handy, able to reach 37 in disable device (before spells and the d20 roll), and 36 with opening locks.

Starting abilities:

Halfling (28 pt)	Halfling (with Bonuses)	Halfling (32 pt)
Str 12	Str 12	Str 12
Dex 12	Dex 17	Dex 16
Con 12	Con 12	Con 12
Int 17	Int 18	Int 17
Wis 13	Wis 14	Wis 13
Cha 8	Cha 8	Cha 8

Note regarding ability scores: There appears to be no reason for a wisdom of 14 at level 14, but this not only provides a better will save, it allows later advancement as a ranger, gaining healing spells and barkskin after level 14. This in addition to levelling of rogue levels makes the arcane ally formidable at range, and even more of a help to a party.

(Below information based upon 28 point build, level 14)

Hit Points: 108

Armor Class: 15 + Items/spells

Saving Throws:
Fortitude: +8
Reflex: +13
Will: +9

Class/Race Features:
Small Sized (-1 bonus to ac, +1 to attack rolls, +4 to hide)
+2 to jump, listen, move silently
+1 bonus to all saving throws
+1 additional bonus to fear saves
+1 bonus with thrown weapons
Sneak Attack 3d6
Evasion
Trap Sense +1
Uncanny Dodge
Favored Enemy (Evil Outsiders)
Wild Empathy
Bow Strength
Rapid Shot

Skills:
Disable Device +22
Open Locks +21
Search +21
Spot +19
Move Silently +9
Hide +11
Heal +20
Swim +8
Tumble +7
Haggle +3
Jump +9
Repair +19
Concentration +16

Feats: Skill Focus : Disable Device, Extend Spell, Mental Toughness, Dodge, Enlarge Spell, Skill Focus: Open Lock, Weapon Finesse

Enhancements:
Rogue Skill Boost 2
Rogue Search 2
Rogue Spot 2
Rogue Open locks 2
Rogue Disable Device 2
Ranger Search 1
Ranger Spot 1
Energy of the Scholar 2
Halfling Dexterity 2
Rogue Dexterity 1
Ranger Dexterity 1
Halfling Heroes Companion 4
Halfling Cunning 2
Force Manipulation 2

Spells
(DC 14 + spell level)
Spell Points: 495 (base 280 + Feats 65 + Enhancements 50 + Ability bonuses 64)
Level 1: Magic Missile, Jump, Protection From Evil, Detect Secret Doors, Expeditious Retreat
Level 2: Resist Elements, Blur, Scorching Ray, Flame Arrow
Level 3: Haste, Rage, Ray of Exhaustion
Level 4: Wall of Fire, Stoneskin

Spell Note: Note that spells with saves are avoided in the choice of spells the arcane ally uses. Also, with Force Manipulation, the arcane ally can use magic missile to good effect.

Detailed progression by level

Level 1
Class: Rogue
Feats: Skill Focus: Disable Device
Skills: Disable Device +4, Open Locks +4, Search +4, Spot +4, Move Silently +4, Hide +4, Heal +2, Swim +4, Tumble +4, Haggle +4, Jump +4
Enhancements: Rogue Skill Boost 1, Rogue Disable Device, Rogue Open Lock, Rogue Search 1

Level 2
Class: Wizard
Feat: Extend Spell
Skills: Repair +5
Enhancements: Energy of the Scholar 1, Halfling Hero's Companion, Halfling Cunning 1

Level 3
Class: Wizard
Feats: Mental Toughness
Skills: Repair +1, Concentration +4
Enhancements: Halfling Dexterity 1, Force Manipulation 1

Level 4
Class: Rogue
Ability Score: Intelligence +1
Skills: Disable Device +3, Open Locks +3, Search +3, Spot +3
Enhancements: Rogue Sneak Attack Accuracy 1, Rogue Dexterity 1

Level 5
Class: Wizard
Skills: Repair +2, Concentration +2, Swim +1

Level 6
Class: Wizard
Feats: Dodge
Skills: Repair +1, Concentration +1, Swim +1, Jump +1
Enhancements: Force Manipulation 2, Halfling Cunning 2, Halfling Hero's Companion 2

Level 7
Class: Rogue
Skills: Disable Device +3, Open Locks +3, Search +3, Spot +3

Level 8
Class: Wizard
Ability Score: Wisdom +1
Feat: Enlarge Spell
Skills: Repair +2, Concentration +2, Swim +1
Enhancements: Energy of the Scholar 2, Halfling Hero's Companion 3, Halfling Dexterity 2

Level 9
Class: Wizard
Feats: Skill Focus: Open Lock
Skills: Repair +2, Concentration +2, Jump +1

Level 10
Class: Rogue
Skills: Disable Device +3, Open Locks +3, Search +3, Spot +3
Enhancements: Rogue Skill Boost 2, Rogue Disable Device 2, Rogue Open Lock 2, Rogue Spot 2

Level 11
Class: Wizard
Skills: Repair +2, Concentration +2, Swim +1
Enhancements: Halfling Hero's Companion 4

Level 12
Class: Ranger
Feats: Weapon Finesse
Ability Score: Dexterity +1
Skills: Heal +10
Enhancements: Ranger Search 1, Ranger Spot 1

Level 13
Class: Rogue
Skills: Disable Device +3, Open Locks +3, Search +3, Spot +3
Enhancements: Rogue Search 2

Level 14
Class: Ranger
Skills: Heal +6, Spot +1, Search +1, Concentration +2

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CB: Arcane Ally

The Arcane Ally

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