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).