Matrix Mage (Apath)

Unofficial rules compendium

A matrix mage creates and uses magical matrices, and then channels energy through these matrices to cast spells in a way similar to a sorcerer.

Class Information

This is a wizard archetype that has limited spontaneous casting.

Hit Dice: d6.

Class Features

This archetype has all normal class features, except as noted.

Spell Matrix

A matrix mage creates spell matrices instead of preparing spells as a normal wizard does. Once placed in a matrix, a spell can be cast again and again until the matrix mage runs out of spells per day for that level.

All spell matrices from the day before are destroyed when the matrix mage begins to prepare spells, the process must start over from nothing with each spell preparation. When preparing spells, a matrix mage creates one spell matrix for free for each level of spells he can cast. Additional spell matrices of each level uses up one of the matrix mage's spells per day for the level. The matrix mage thus has to constantly weigh the number of matrices against the number of spells he wishes to cast in a day.

During the day, the matrix mage can use any of his spell matrices to cast the spell therein, expending one of his spells per day to do so much like a sorcerer does, but with matrix spells replacing spells known. The spell matrix remains and can be used again. He can also spend spells per day to create additional spell matrices, much like a normal wizard can save spell slots to prepare new spells during the day.

Spell matrices are magical constructs that must be placed inside physical objects, usually crystals or fetishes worn as pendants. Other options include placing the matrices in scrolls, embroidery, runes marked on sticks or cards, or as body paint. As a further option, a matrix mage can use his arcane bond to place some or all spell matrices in a familiar or bonded object. Whatever option is used, the matrix must be within 30 ft. and either touching or visible to the wizard to be used, or he must make a concentration check or lose the spell. The DC for this check is equal to 20 + the spell's level. Unless a matrix object is also a bonded object or magic item, it does not take up an item slot.

A matrix mage with an arcane school must create a matrix of one spell of his school of each level of spell he can cast each day. He also has an additional spell slot of each level, like any school wizard, that can only be used to cast or create matrices for school spells. Creating a matrix of a spell of an opposition school costs nothing extra, but casting it uses up two spells per day of the level.

Metamagic: If a matrix mage knows any metamagic feats, he applies them to his spells when he creates spell matrices for the day. For example, a matrix mage might choose to create a matrix for empowered fireball by using a 5th-level spell slot. Any time he uses fireball during the ensuing day, he must use a 5th-level spell slot to cast it, and it is always empowered. A matrix mage could use a 3rd-level spell slot and a 5th-level spell slot to create matrices for fireball and empowered fireball if he wanted to have both spells available to him in a day. A matrix mage cannot choose to alter his spells with metamagic feats on the fly, as other matrix casters do. Matrix mage using metamagic feats do not have an increased casting time as sorcerers do.

Summary of Changed Class Abilities

These abilities of the original class are lost or modified in this archetype:

• Spells

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