Arcane Spy prestige class

From AJS.COM

The Arcane Spy prestige class (ASp Prc) is a combination PrC, much like Mystic Theurge, Arcane Trickster or Sacred Fist. The unusual attribute of the Arcane Spies is that they are designed to blend three core classes: fighter, rogue, arcane caster. They are fairly light on special abilities, but they do grant ideal BAB and reflex/will saving throw progressions. The balance is very roughly based on the Assassin and Arcane Trickster PrCs.

Contents 1 Background 2 Classes 3 Adaptation 4 Mechanics 4.1 Weapon and Armor Proficiency 4.2 Special abilities

Background

The Arcane Spy is an enigma to most, to be sure, but they are not particularly suited to any alignment or outlook. Rather, an Arcane Spy tends toward the outlook of the nation or organization that they represent. Typically, one is "chosen" for such a role, and because of the cost involved in training, and the risks presented by double-agents, only those willing to offer their service whenever needed are called on. Typically, a mentor will seek out worthy individuals, training them and learning how devoted they are (or can be) to the cause that the mentor serves (a nation, a powerful wizard, or even a church). Because this can take years, a character might find that an existing mentor has been grooming them for the ranks of Arcane Spy without their knowledge.

Classes

Rogues with levels in Wizard are the most common combination to seek out this class, however, a Sorcerer or Bard with their typically high Cha can make an interesting Arcane Spy as well. The Spellthief can also be an interesting class to base an Arcane Spy on.

Adaptation

In most campaign worlds which involve magic, it should be expected that any government will have its share of spies that use any means at their disposal to dispense their duties. Orcs in most worlds tend to avoid this PrC, so nations primarily controled by orcs or half-orcs (such as Greyhawk's Orcish Empire of the Pomarj) will rarely have such, instead relying on Ur-Priests and other divine and martial classes for the ranks of their (counter-)intelligence services.

Mechanics

Hit Die: d6

Requirements

• Base attack bonus: +4
• Access to first level arcane spells
• trapfinding class special ability

Special: The character must have a mentor who is a member of a spy organization for a nation or other major group with enough resources to field such efforts.

Class skills

Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disable Device (Int), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Gather Information (Cha), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (local) (Int), Knowledge (Nobility and royalty) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Open Lock (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Speak Language (None), Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), Tumble (Dex), Use Rope (Dex)

Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier.

Advancement

Level	Base attack	Saves			Special abilities
		Fortitude	Reflex	Will
1st	+1	+0	+2	+2
2nd	+2	+0	+3	+3	+1d6 sneak attack
3rd	+3	+1	+3	+3	+1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
4th	+4	+1	+4	+4	figher bonus feat
5th	+5	+1	+4	+4
6th	+6	+2	+5	+5	instant search 1/day
7th	+7	+2	+5	+5	+1d6 sneak attack
8th	+8	+2	+6	+6	+1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
9th	+9	+3	+6	+6	figher bonus feat
10th	+10	+3	+7	+7	instant search 2/day, instant locksmith 1/day

Weapon and Armor Proficiency

The Arcane Spy gains no weapon or armor proficiencies.

Special abilities

Instant search

Starting at 6th level, the Arcane Spy gains the Instant Search spell (from Complete Adventurer) as a spell-like ability once per day at a caster level equal to their class level. At 10th level this ability can be used one additional time per day.

Instant locksmith

Starting at 10th level, the Arcane Spy gains the Instant Locksmith spell (from Complete Adventurer) as a spell-like ability once per day at a caster level equal to their class level.