Variant Arcanist Spell Lists

The “flavour” of the arcanist class is easily varied by substituting the base spell list for a more specialized one.

Presented here are two such variants for Basic Red Box arcanists, plus spells as needed; one from a semi-generic archetype for a spellcasting warrior, the other an adaptation of a familiar class from another source --


Magic Knight

With a few exceptions, the spells of these arcanists focus on dealing exotic damage effects in melee – and making that melee easier.


First Level

Accuracy
Bolt
Bulwark
Detect Magic
Elemental Blade I
Entanglement
Read Magic
Stunblade


Accuracy
Range: 0
Duration: 2 turns
Effect: The arcanist's next attack is more accurate

This spell is cast upon the arcanist's ready weapon, enveloping it in a visible sheath of magical energy. The next attack that the arcanist makes with the enspelled weapon is granted a +3 to its roll to hit.


Elemental Blade I
Range: 0
Duration: 1 turn
Effect: Adds elemental damage to a weapon

A simple elemental enchantment, this spell bestows a bonus to damage the next time a weapon with the spell cast upon it is used in battle. The weapon will do an additional 1-3 hit points of elemental damage, exact type chosen by the arcanist at the time the spell is learned, until the end of the spell's duration. Additional variations of elemental blade I may be learned by the arcanist.

Alternately, the spell may be cast to cause all damage inflicted by the weapon to be of the specific elemental type. This version does not grant additional damage.


Entanglement (Black Iron Briars)
Range: 40'
Duration: 4 rounds
Effect: One target is held in place

When this spell is cast, a mesh of magical energy coils around the legs and lower body of the chosen target -- which must be no larger than an ogre -- and roots it to the ground. For the spell's duration the target cannot move from its spot, though it may still attack, defend itself, cast spells, etc.


Stunblade
Range: 0
Duration: 2 turns
Effect: Grants a stunning effect to a weapon

When this spell is cast upon the arcanist's ready weapon, the weapon is sheathed in a dully shining field of magical energy. The next successful attack made with the enspelled weapon will cause the target to be stunned for two rounds in addition to the weapon's normal damage.


Crimson Arcanist

For those who want their fantasy to be a little more “Final”, the crimson arcanist is a true Renaissance spellcaster, fitting between the cleric on the one hand and the magic-user on the other.

First Level

Bolt*
Bulwark**
Carbuncle
Cure Light Wounds
Detect Magic
Protection From Evil
Read Magic
Remove Fear

*Bolt may use any form of energy, chosen when the spell is cast. (traditionally, the choices are fire and electricity.)

**When the caster is a crimson arcanist bulwark may be cast on any target, with a range of 50'.


Carbuncle
Range: 150'
Duration: 3 turns
Effect: Worsens the Armour Class of one creature

When this spell is cast, a ruby orb flies from the arcanist to strike one chosen target. that target's Armour Class immediately worsens by three due to the magical interference of the spell. Carbuncle does not allow a saving throw.