The Theurge
A character class for 3.5e D&D
for which I need a better name.
This is an attempt to make a balanced non-prestige class that gets full
casting of both Arcane and Divine spells. I may have made it too weak.
The Theurge is a studious and non-physical cleric, who has the ability
to cast arcane spells.
Adventures: Theurges quest for knowledge, and frequently for
power.
Characteristics: Theurges have little interest in physical
combat, and no time to learn any skills but the most intellectual. On
the other hand, they are the most accomplished and versatile
spellcasters known.
Alignment: Theurges can be of any alignment, but they can be no
more than one step away from their deity.
Religion: Most Theurges will be drawn to deities with interests in magic and knowledge. [In the standard 3e mythos, Boccob and Wee Jas are most likely. Vecna is very possible.]
Background: Various, though most Theurges come from civilised lands.
Races: All, though half-orc theurges are rare.
Other classes: All
Game Rule Information
Theurges have the following game statistics:
Abilities: Wisdom and Intelligence are the Theurge's primary
requirements, fundamental parts of her spellcasting. Anything else is a
bonus: with a d4 for hit points, a fair Constitution is a must, and no armour means that
Dexterity is vital. Strength and Charisma are dump stats (which fits the bookish nerd
stuck away in a temple library all the time).
Alignment: Any, within one step of her deity.
Hit Dice: d4
Combat: Base Attack Bonus as a wizard (+L/2, rounded down).
Saving Throws: Will is good (+2+L/2, down), Fortitude and Reflex
bad (L/3, down).
Class Skills
The Theurge's class skills are: Concentration, Craft, Decipher Script,
Heal, Knowledge (Arcana), Knowledge (Religion), Knowledge (Planes),
Profession, Spellcraft and Use Magic Device.
Skill points: 2+Int modifier
Class Features
Armour and Weapon Proficiency: A Theurge is proficient with the
club, dagger, heavy crossbow, light crossbow, and quarterstaff, but not
with any type of shield. She is not proficient in armour and suffers the
usual chance of Arcane Spell Failure if she wears it. This does not
affect her divine spells.
Spells: as per the table. Each of the slots can be allocated to
an arcane or divine spell as determined by the theurge at the time she
prepares them. All spells are cast at her class level. Regarding the maximum
spell level she can cast, and the Save DC of her spells, she uses her Int for
arcane spells and her Wis for divine. She gets bonus spells based on the
higher ability score, but she cannot use the bonus slot(s) for the type of
spell not supported by its ability. For example, Fergi, a 7th level Theurge,
has Int 15 and Wis 18. She gets bonus spells of levels 1, 2, 3 and 4, but
the bonus 3rd and 4th level spells must be divine.
Not a Cleric: A Theurge cannot substitute an Cure or Inflict
Wounds spell for a normal spell of any level. She does not get any
domains. She cannot turn undead. Of course, if she gains a level of
Cleric she does get those abilities, but only for her cleric level(s).
Not a Wizard: A Theurge does not get a familiar. She does not get
bonus feats. She cannot Specialise in a school. Again, if she takes a
level of Wizard, she gets those benefits for that level.
Spell Book: A Theurge uses a spell book for all her arcane
spells, for all practical purposes like that of a wizard. At first
level, her book contains a number of cantrips equal to her Intelligence
and two first level spells. She adds one arcane spell of any spell level that she can cast
(based on her new level) and one cantrip whenever she gains a level.
Spell Selection: The Theurge uses the Cleric spell list for
Divine spells, and the Wizard/Sorcerer list for Arcane spells.
Bonus Languages: A Theurge can learn Draconic, Abyssal, Infernal
or Celestial.
Special Abilities
None. The theurge's devotion to the art of spellcasting leaves her no time for fancy tricks.
Theurge Spell Table
| Level |
0th |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
5th |
6th |
7th |
8th |
9th |
| 1 |
5 |
2 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| 2 |
6
|
3
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| 3 |
6
|
3
|
1
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| 4 |
6
|
4 |
2
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| 5 |
7 |
4 |
3
|
1
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| 6 |
7
|
5
|
4 |
2
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| 7 |
7
|
5
|
4 |
3
|
1
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| 8 |
8
|
5
|
5
|
4
|
2
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| 9 |
8 |
6
|
5
|
4
|
3
|
1
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
| 10 |
8 |
6 |
5 |
5
|
4
|
2
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
| 11 |
9
|
6
|
6
|
5
|
4
|
3
|
1
|
- |
- |
- |
| 12 |
9 |
7
|
6
|
5
|
5
|
4
|
2
|
- |
- |
- |
| 13 |
9
|
7
|
6
|
6
|
5
|
4
|
3
|
1 |
- |
- |
| 14 |
10 |
7 |
7
|
6
|
5
|
5
|
4
|
2
|
- |
- |
| 15 |
10
|
8
|
7
|
6
|
6
|
5
|
4
|
3
|
1 |
- |
| 16 |
10
|
8
|
7
|
7
|
6
|
5
|
5
|
4 |
2
|
- |
| 17 |
11
|
8
|
8
|
7
|
6
|
6
|
5
|
4
|
3
|
1
|
| 18
|
11
|
9
|
8
|
7
|
7
|
6
|
5 |
5
|
4
|
2
|
| 19 |
11
|
9
|
8
|
8
|
7
|
6
|
6
|
5
|
4 |
3
|
| 20 |
12 |
9
|
9
|
8 |
7 |
7 |
6
|
5
|
5 |
4 |
