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Swordmage Class

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From Shyr to Faerûn, the ancient traditions of swordmages have been rediscovered. The punishing elemental fury of the assault style and the protective wards of the shielding style bring flashy techniques, unique spells, and arcane knowledge once thought lost back to your tabletop.

This class contains:

Two archetypes.  The Aegis of Assault, which specializes in punishing foes by unleashing the fury of the elements while utilizing teleportation to harry your rune-marked foes, and the Aegis of Shielding, which specializes in protecting your allies by extending your defensive magics to them while utilizing protective barriers to reduce the effectiveness of your rune-marked foes.

New spells.  Over fifty new spells designed to be channeled through your bonded weapon, ranging from temporary weapon enchantments to cataclysmic feats of elemental evocation.

You will need a copy of the Player's Handbook and Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide in order have access to all of the spells in the swordmage's repertoire.

May 13th, 2016 - Swordmage v1.6

Features:

  • Extra Attack: Moved to 5th level from 6th level to bring progression in line with other classes.
  • Arcane Recovery: Moved to 6th level from 5th level to accomodate Extra Attack.

Spells:

  • Corrosive Strike: Clarified the AC penalty duration and acid damage duration.

Inspired by the 4th edition Swordmage, my favorite class in any edition of Dungeons and Dragons.

Feedback is welcome and appreciated.  Happy gaming!

Liked what you saw here?  Check out my other works below!

Classes:

Dervish

Warden

Archetypes:

Fighter - Warlord

Swordmage - Aegis of Ensnarement

Races:

Race Compendium - Vol. 1

Race Compendium - Vol. 2

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Reviews (4)
Discussions (22)
Customer avatar
Sven D September 18, 2017 5:54 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Shouldn't Swordbond also add your Int mod to damage rolls with the bonded weapon?
Customer avatar
Deyshaun M April 14, 2017 10:10 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Looking forward to any new Aegis' or spells that you can add to this class
Customer avatar
Talib Z April 10, 2017 1:00 am UTC
PURCHASER
If you decide to multi-class can Arcane Empowerment work with the spells of the other class as well or only Swordmage spells?
Reply
Customer avatar
Juan M April 11, 2017 2:37 am UTC
CREATOR
It can work with the spells of other classes as long as you meet the spell's material requirements.
Customer avatar
Adam M February 07, 2017 3:20 pm UTC
PURCHASER
For Arcane Empowerment I have a few questions, while still active and concentrating you can cast any spell available to be cast at a higher level as level 9 provided you have the necessary spell slot to cast it in the first place? Since Arcane Empowerment is concentration I am assuming you cannot cast any other concentration spells or it ends? And lastly, when you use arcane empowerment and lose the ward AC do you also lose the feature that switches AC bonus to INT from DEX? Great class, thanks in advance!
Reply
Customer avatar
Juan M February 07, 2017 4:18 pm UTC
CREATOR
Hey Adam, thanks for the questions.

While Arcane Empowerment is active, you can cast any non-concentration spell as though you cast it using a 9th-level spell slot. The reason you can't cast another concentration spell at 9th-level is because per the PHB, you immediately lose concentration on a spell if you begin to cast another spell that requires concentration. While Arcane Empowerment is active, you lose the Swordmage Warding feature, so you would use DEX instead of INT for your AC until the round after you expend Arcane Empowerment.

I'm glad you like the class! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Customer avatar
Cain M December 22, 2016 1:35 am UTC
PURCHASER
I find Focused Mind to be a bit overkill, given that the class already has proficiency in CON.
Also, the Bladesinger only is allowed to use INT modifier for their AC twice per rest, but at the same time as the other Bladesong abilities. Why did you choose to make the Swordmage get the permanent replacement INT instead of DEX for AC?
Don't you think a class that only need to put points in INT is overpowered a bit?
Reply
Customer avatar
Juan M January 14, 2017 2:38 pm UTC
CREATOR
Hey Cain, thanks for the feedback.

Regarding Focused Mind, the Swordmage is designed to be constantly in the thick of battle rather than at a distance like other spellcasters, including the Bladesinger which is meant to quickly dive in and out of melee engagements. As such, I found it needed a means to ensure its concentration wasn't being constantly broken.

Also, the reason the Swordmage uses INT for AC rather than DEX is because otherwise it would need to focus on STR, CON, INT, and DEX, while other classes generally focus on two or three stats (INT, DEX, and CON for the Bladesinger). I don't feel that the Bladesinger Wizard is a fair comparison because they also have access to the entire Wizard spell list and generally have more options and flexibility than a Swordmage, as a Wizard should.

As it stands, the Swordmage has three stats that fuel most of its abilities/attacks - STR (attack actions), CON (important for melee combatants), and INT (important for spellcasting)....See more
Customer avatar
Deyshaun M September 14, 2016 7:04 am UTC
PURCHASER
Any thoughts toward making any other Aegises for this class, besides the Aegis of ensnarement? Or making anymore spells? Like how the warden has 6 archetypes and way more spells. You already have a great array of spells, Im just looking for more cool things for my swordmage to do.
Reply
Customer avatar
Juan M September 16, 2016 12:36 pm UTC
CREATOR
Hey Deyshaun,

I do have some ideas for another aegis, but I haven't had much time to write in the last several months. Hopefully I'll be able to get back into the swing of things in the coming weeks.
Customer avatar
Tyler H August 24, 2016 5:56 am UTC
PURCHASER
In the section for "Swordbond", it's listed that you can "add your Intelligence modifier rather than your Strength or Dexterity modifiers to attack rolls made with a bonded weapon". Does this include damage rolls, or only attacks? If it includes damage, I see no reason why a Swordmage should put any points into STR, since their INT so heavily affects their melee damage.
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Customer avatar
Juan M August 24, 2016 2:30 pm UTC
CREATOR
Hey Tyler, thanks for the question. Attack rolls are what you roll to hit, and damage rolls are what you roll to deal damage. Swordbond allows you to use your Intelligence for your attack rolls only; damage rolls still involve Strength or Dexterity.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
Customer avatar
jesse C August 08, 2016 11:02 pm UTC
PURCHASER
If the character's wields a longsword and changes from one handed to two-handed due to the versatile property, will the Swordmage Warding's AC bonuses change because of that?
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Customer avatar
Juan M August 09, 2016 8:04 pm UTC
CREATOR
Hey Jesse,

You are correct. If you do not have your other hand open, you lose the maximum effect of the Swordmage Warding bonus.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
Reply
Customer avatar
jesse C August 10, 2016 9:10 am UTC
PURCHASER
Thank you! I'll let you know if I do.
Customer avatar
Deyshaun M June 27, 2016 5:19 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Dimensional Swap is centered on you? So the 2 targets must be within a 15 ft radius of you?
Or is it centered on ay point you see and targets must be within 15 of that point?
Can I Swap myself and another target?
Reply
Customer avatar
Juan M June 29, 2016 1:06 am UTC
CREATOR
Hey Deyshaun,

The two targets must be within a 15 ft radius of you, and you can in fact swap yourself with another target. Since its a radius on you, the spell is centered on you, as with most other spells.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
Customer avatar
Deyshaun M June 12, 2016 11:55 pm UTC
PURCHASER
When I use Arcane might to teleport for my attack, can i use any spells or cantrips or is it only regular melee attacks?
Reply
Customer avatar
Juan M June 13, 2016 12:18 am UTC
CREATOR
Hey Deyshaun,

I'm guessing you meant when you use your Rune-mark of Assault to teleport, as Arcane Might just gives you some proficiencies. If so, then yes, you can only make a standard weapon attack against the target; no spells allowed. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Reply
Customer avatar
Deyshaun M June 13, 2016 12:33 am UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks again man. I just wanted to make sure I'm using this dope class properly because that question came up in one of my past sessions
Reply
Customer avatar
Deyshaun M June 13, 2016 1:07 am UTC
PURCHASER
And would that be even if i took the war caster feature? Or is the Rune Mark of assault not technically an Opportunity attack?
Reply
Customer avatar
Juan M June 13, 2016 2:09 am UTC
CREATOR
The Rune-Mark of Assault's teleport is a reaction, not an opportunity attack. You are simply able to make opportunity attacks against the rune-marked target as a "free" reaction.
Customer avatar
Deyshaun M May 17, 2016 6:23 am UTC
PURCHASER
The bonuses you use for spells are they both the attack bonus from your weapon and the spell attack bonus? I mean for the spells that say you must make a melee attack for the spell to activate

Ex) Attack roll for Frigid Blade as level 1 Swordmage - would it be 13(d20) +Attack Bonus - 5(Bonded longsword prof(+2) + Int Mod(+3)) + Spell attack bonus 5(Int Mod(+3) + Prof(+2)) = 23?

Or would you only use the spell attack bonus plus a d20? so Frigid Blade Attack Roll - 13 + 5 = 18?
Reply
Customer avatar
Juan M May 17, 2016 12:55 pm UTC
CREATOR
The way the spells are written, they don't mention making a spell attack against a target (except for Arcane Spear). You instead make a melee weapon attack against the target, and on a hit the rest of the spell's effects take place. Therefore, your attack roll with Frigid Blade or any other spell that begins with "As part of the action used to cast this spell, you must make a melee attack with a weapon" would be Proficiency Modifier + Intelligence Modifier + 1d20.

Hope this helps!
Reply
Customer avatar
Deyshaun M May 21, 2016 8:33 pm UTC
PURCHASER
So then on a miss you would still loose the spell slot correct or would you keep them since the spell didn't activate?

Twin blade pretty much gives you a companion like the beastmanster hunter, right? So it acts using your action, so both of you can't do an action on the same turn? Or is it its own being(for the purpose of actions per turn and movement) Like i can move and attack, end my turn, then let it mov, and act as though or group gained a new member?

Nothing in here is unclear it just that Im a newby and am just starting to learn the rules for D&D and want to make sure I'm using this class properly. So sorry for all the, probably dumb, Questions.

But Definitely thanks for the help. I love this class and can't wait to try him out in my new campaign
Reply
Customer avatar
Juan M May 22, 2016 3:56 am UTC
CREATOR
Yup, just like with other spellcasters, if you miss (or the target saves) you still expend the spell slot.

Twinned Blade functions like a pet, correct. You could move the twin to provide cover for an ally, then your real character can cast another spell against an adjacent target, but your twin couldn't also attack.

Don't sweat asking questions. If anything else comes to mind about the class or the game in general, feel free to ask. I'm glad you like the class, and I hope you enjoy it as much as my group does. If you haven't already, please leave a rating and review with your thoughts.

Happy gaming!
Customer avatar
Deyshaun M May 10, 2016 7:59 pm UTC
PURCHASER
For the Corrosive strike, on an enemy that is wearing natural armor does it take the 1 AC damage and the additional acid damage every turn from one use? Or do i need to use corrosive strike twice to get the acid damage every turn?
And I assume that i would need to use it twice to get the acid damage every turn if it is wearing nonmagical armor?
Reply
Customer avatar
Juan M May 11, 2016 2:05 am UTC
CREATOR
If you hit with Corrosive Strike, the target takes your weapon damage plus 1d8 acid damage. The spell then checks to see if they have nonmagical armor or natural armor, and if they do it deals 1 AC damage to it (same effect as the Rust Monster's Rust Metal trait, which I might reword the spell to reflect).

The second part of the spell checks to see if the target has natural armor, isn't wearing armor, or has already taken AC damage. If any of those are true, the acid seeps through their protective armor and onto their more vulnerable bits if they fail their Constitution save, and continues to deal damage each round until they save against it. However, this ongoing damage does not continue to deal AC damage as it is already beyond their armor. You'd have to apply more acid to the surface by using the spell again in order to continue eating away at the outer armor.

Hope this helps!
Reply
Customer avatar
Deyshaun M May 11, 2016 3:02 am UTC
PURCHASER
Im assuming that the AC damage required for the second part of the spell is fulfilled by the first part when hitting nonmagical armor that isn't natural? And then the AC damage only lasts the 1 min like the poison correct?
Lastly you can use two spells per turn because of you extra attack or would you only get 2 attacks by only using regular attacks? Spell and attack option on same turn?
Sorry for all the questions. Im a new player and just wanted clarification so i can explain properly to a DM.

Thanks for the help
Reply
Customer avatar
Juan M May 11, 2016 6:11 am UTC
CREATOR
Yes, if the first part of the spell deals AC damage, then the second part of the spell takes place. The AC damage should last indefinitely, or until the nonmagical armor is repaired through labor or magic (such as with the mending spell), or the natural armor recovers 1 AC every 24 hours after receiving the wound, or by 1 AC for every spell slot expended to use magic that closes wounds (such as healing touch).

No need to apologize. I'll update the verbiage of the spell a bit to make it more clear, and add the criteria for expiration.

You can only cast one spell per turn, as casting a spell is an action (or a bonus action, depending on the spell's casting time).
Customer avatar
Matt M April 21, 2016 8:32 am UTC
PURCHASER
Well, A) I agree with Rodolfo's comments. B) You allow/encourage the Assault mage to use a glaive, but all of the spells have 5ft range, which would remove the ability to use the glaive's reach effectively. Just food for thought.
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Customer avatar
Juan M April 21, 2016 1:46 pm UTC
CREATOR
I'll be revising the range of spells that require you to make a melee attack to be based off your weapon's reach instead.

Regarding combat math, my group hasn't had any issues with our Swordmage player feeling underpowered so far, which makes me hesitant to tweak the numbers any more than I already have. That said, I'll take a look at the spells that I revise with the reach wording and see if a miss condition would be appropriate.

Thanks for the feedback!
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Customer avatar
Matt M April 22, 2016 4:59 am UTC
PURCHASER
Hmm. Taken a bit more time to analyze. I don't know that the Eldritch Knight is a fair comparison so much as the Ranger or Paladin. My major concern would be the Assault Swordmage. Unlike the damage dealers in Paladin (Of Vengeance) and Ranger(Hunter), they don't actually deal any more damage, they just get the ability to act defensively in a more aggressive manner. You might consider having them deal an extra 1d6 damage to the target of their Rune-mark when they hit it with an attack (A bit like hex.)

Also there's some stuff I would think would be on their spell list that isn't such as:
Counterspelling, Mirror Image, Haste, Misty Step, Stoneskin, and Fire Shield.
Customer avatar
Rodolfo M February 10, 2016 8:23 am UTC
PURCHASER
Perhaps, instead of Extra Attack, you could add a special power called Eldritch Persistence in which whenever you use a spell attack that requires a weapon attack, you instead make 2 weapon attacks and may choose to discharge your spell with either, with the other dealing normal damage (if both hit). This would encourage SMs to always use at least a cantrip, would compensate for the lower STR score as well as the lack of "on miss" mechanic.

At lvl 6 It would add an average of 11 dmg with a greatsword, dealing aproximately 30 dmg, in line with an EK using his action surge to deal 48 dmg with 4 attacks, once per short rest.
At lvl 11 using a lvl 3 slot it would deal around 38 dmg with a cool effect or 47 with a cantrip (Greenflame). Compared to 44 from EK with their shield spells, exp retreat, action surge, second wind, tons of feats.

I would probably place it at lvl 7 so its in line with EK's cantrip cast ability and caster's lvl 4 spells for the curve.
Might as...See more
Customer avatar
Rodolfo M February 10, 2016 7:31 am UTC
PURCHASER
Now here is a little thingy that bothered the back of my mind... Careful with the wall of text:



Standard Greatsword Attack with 3 str and 1d4 elemental with imbue.
1 attack: avrg 12.5
2 attacks: avrg 25
3 attacks: avrg 37.5

Greenflame Cantrip adds avrg 3 dmg (lowest cant) (16 int)
Lvl 1 spell adds avrg 4.5 dmg and status.
Cantr spell adds avrg 13 dmg (from lvl 5) (18 int)
lvl 2 spell adds avrg 9 dmg and status
lvl 3 spell adds avrg 13.5 dmg and status
(except lightning strider which averages 37.5+13.5+9+4.5=64.5)
Cantr spell adds avrg 23 dmg (from lvl 12) (20 int)

at lvl 6:
25 dmg with 2 attacks
21.5 dmg with lvl 2 spell
24.5 dmg with cantrip

at lvl 11:
25 dmg with 2 attacks
26 dmg with lvl 3 spell
35 dmg with cantrip

Now consider an Eldritch Knight. by lvl 11, has 3 attacks or 1 attack and one cantrip, and has been focusing on STR, 3 attacks,...See more
Customer avatar
Rodolfo M February 09, 2016 8:56 am UTC
PURCHASER
I just have one little comment on the new warding. If you allow int+dexterity it can seriously break the balance of AC. If not using point buy you could potentially have 10 + (dex+int) + 2 + 3 = 25 armor at very early levels. It could also break multiclassing specially with a headband of intellect. As it stands it's fine by giving 20 AC with no magic items just like a plate wearing character with a shield. It needs to specify that you may use your intelligence bonus INSTEAD of your dexterity for determining AC
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File Last Updated:
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This title was added to our catalog on January 14, 2016.