Arcane Observer (Wizard/Investigator)

Arcane observers are students of both arcane theories and alchemical processes. They spend their off-time researching spells in more scientific way by seeking to combine the study of the physical and mystical world. By using a more ritualistic style of casting, the arcane observer creates stronger effects when using magic to alter, transform, or create, using that which is around them. (Original Concept by JonathonWilder)

Primary Class: Wizard.

Secondary Class: Investigator.

Alignment: Any.

Hit Dice: d6.

Bonus Skills and Ranks: The arcane observer may select six investigator skills to add to her class skills in addition to the normal wizard class skills. The arcane observer gains a number of ranks at each level equal to 4 + Int modifier.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The arcane observer is proficient with all simple weapons, but not with any type of armor or shield. Armor interferes with an arcane observer’s movements, which can cause his spells with somatic components to fail.

Spellcasting: An arcane observer casts arcane spells drawn from the wizard/sorcerer spell list and the alchemist formulae list. If a spell appears on both the wizard spell list and the alchemist formulae list, the arcane observer uses the wizard spell level. For instance, ablative barrier is a 2nd-level alchemist formula and a 3rd-level wizard spell, making it a 3rd-level arcane observer spell. If a spell appears only on the wizard spell list, it can only be prepared as a spell (see Arcane Alchemy). Furthermore, if an extract (spell) only appears on the alchemist’s formulae list, it can only be prepared as an extract.

In addition, due to their methodology, an arcane observer’s spells always have a somatic component. An arcane observer otherwise casts spells as a wizard of equal level. He also gains bonus spells if he has a high Intelligence score.

Arcane Alchemy (Su): At 1st level, an arcane observer gains the investigator’s alchemy ability and can create alchemical substances and potion-like extracts. When using Craft (alchemy) to create an alchemical item, an arcane observer gains a competence bonus equal to his class level on the skill check. In addition, an arcane observer can use Craft (alchemy) to identify potions as if using detect magic. He must hold the potion for 1 round to attempt such a check.

At 3rd level, an arcane observer learns to create extracts drawn from the wizard spell list. While studying his spellbook, he prepares his spells as normal. He can create any extract of a prepared spell, but the spell must appear on both the wizard spell list and the alchemist formulae list. Only wizard spells found on the alchemist formulae list can be made into extracts, and uses a spell slot equal to the wizard’s spell level instead of the alchemist’s formula level. For example, if a 1st–level wizard spell is also a 2nd–level alchemist extract, then the arcane observer must use a 1st–level spell slot to create an extract of that spell. The arcane observer can choose to create his extracts at the start of the day, or create them in the field as needed by using an open spell slot of the appropriate formula’s level. In either case, mixing an extract takes 1 minute of work.

Like an alchemist, when an arcane observer creates an extract, he infuses the concoction with a tiny fraction of her own magical energy, binding the effects to him (the creator). At 3rd level, the arcane observer can create 1st–level extracts from her spells. Every two levels thereafter, the arcane observer can create each subsequent level of extracts from his spells, up to a maximum of 9th–level extracts at 19th level. An arcane observer can also create extracts of the following wizard spells at their indicated spell levels, in addition to any normal alchemist formulae: 7th–arcane sight (greater), control construct, control undead, elemental body IV, ethereal jaunt, form of the dragon II, ice body, magnetic field, plant shape III, polymorph (greater), spell turning; 8th–discern location, form of the dragon III, frightful aspect, giant form II, iron body, moment of prescience, protection from spells, undead anatomy VI; 9th–fiery body, foresight, shapechange.

Unlike wizards, an arcane observer can learn spells from an alchemist’s formula book that are on the wizard spell list and copy them into his spellbook as spells, but only if they are on both the wizard spell list and the alchemist formulae list. If an extract is found only on the alchemist formulae list and not on the wizard spell list, it can only be prepare as an extract using the formula’s level as the spell level. If a spell is found only on the wizard spell list and not on the alchemist formulae list, it can only be prepare as a spell. An arcane observer does not need to decipher arcane writings before copying them. This ability replaces arcane bond.

Inspiration (Ex): At 1st level, an arcane observer gains the investigator’s inspiration ability and can augment skill checks and ability checks through his brilliant inspiration. His inspiration pool is equal to 1/2 his arcane observer level + his Intelligence modifier (minimum 1). An arcane observer's inspiration pool refreshes each day, typically after he gets a restful night's sleep. An arcane observer’s inspiration pool cannot be used on attack rolls. This ability replaces scribe scroll.

Dual Specialist (Su): This ability is exactly like the wizard’s arcane school ability, except that the arcane observer specializes in both the transmutation and evocation schools. As such, the arcane observer must select four schools as his opposition schools (excluding the necromancy spell). At 1st level, the arcane observer can gain both his 1st level power from a single school (evocation or transmutation) or one from each school. He may not gain equivalent powers from both schools. For example, if the arcane observer gains the Intense Spells power from the evocation school, he cannot also gain the Physical Enhancement power from the transmutation school. At 8th level he gain either his evocation or transmutation school power.

In addition, the arcane observer receives an additional spell slot of each spell level he can cast, from 1st on up. Each day, an arcane observer can prepare a spell from one of his specialty schools in that slot. This spell must be in the arcane observer's spellbook and must be on the wizard’s spell list. An arcane observer can select a spell modified by a metamagic feat to prepare in his school slot, but it uses up a higher-level spell slot.

Swift Extracts (Su): Starting at 5th level, an arcane observer can create extracts with astounding speed. By spending 1 point from his inspiration pool, an arcane observer can create an extract from a prepared 1st-level spell that is on both the wizard spell list and the alchemist formula list as a standard action. Every three levels thereafter (8th, 11th, 14th, and so on), he can use this ability to create extracts of each subsequent level, up to 6th level spells at 20th level.

Alternatively, an arcane observer can spend 1 point from his inspiration pool to cast a spell of a prepared extract that is on both the wizard spell list and alchemist formulae list. This expends the extract in the same way as casting the spell from a scroll. This ability replaces the bonus feat gained at 5th level.

Feats: The new Metamagic Extracts feat complements the Arcane Observer multiclass archetype.

Table: Arcane Observer