Harper Mage - Faerun Prestige Class
This is a Forgotten Realms Exclusive Class
Wizards and sorcerers have been part of the Harpers since the organization's inception. Many of its senior members today are powerful mages. Among the organization's principal allies are several influential wizards and sorcerers who have made some of their accumulated knowledge available to the Harpers. Mystra, the deity of magic, is one of the patron deities of the Harpers; her predecessor was one of the deities who met at the Dancing Place centuries ago to inspire the founding of the organization. With such a rich magical tradition, it is inevitable that Harpers would develop some of their own magical lore and techniques to pass on to their agents.
The Harper mage has two principal responsibilities. The first of these is aiding the Harpers with spells and arcane knowledge. This aid might include anything from casting spells in a battle in which Harper agents are involved to using divination magic to find a missing Harper to examining a vanquished Red Wizard's personal spellbooks. Of course, many Harper mages are agents themselves, using their magic to investigate the activities of any number of evil groups.
The other primary responsibility of the Harper mage is to study, record, and pass on ancient lore, particularly that dealing with arcane discoveries. Harper mages do not limit themselves to just the study of arcana, however. Many a mage becomes an expert in other fields as well. Some study nature, supplementing the knowledge and wisdom offered by druids. Others study history, synthesizing their understanding of ancient magical lore with an insight into what forces of history may have played a part in shaping a particular approach to magic. Although perhaps not the equal of some of the more distinguished sages of the Realms, these Harper scholars are nevertheless respected in their own right.
Wizards, sorcerers, and bards all make fine harper mages. Multiclassed rogue/wizards and rogue/sorcerers are also common among their ranks.
Harper mages generally travel in the company of other Harpers or allies of similar outlooks. Even alone, the Harper mage can count on support from those friendly to the Harper cause.
Hit Die: d4
To qualify to become a Harper Mage, a character must fulfill all the following criteria:
- Skills: Concentration 4 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 8 ranks, Knowledge (any other) 4 ranks, Sense Motive 2 ranks, Spellcraft 8 ranks.
- Feats: Alertness, Education, Extend Spell.
- Spellcasting: Ability to cast 3rd-level arcane spells.
- Special: Sponsorship by a member of the Harpers, approval of the High Harpers.
From:
Magic of Faerûn
Older Prestige class adapted to 3.5
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