The Arcanist — Could You be Strangelight’s Next Spellslinger?
From the pen of agent, Matt Goetz
So you’re thinking of becoming an Arcanist?
As you may already be aware, there’s a large compound full of stuffy sorts in robes who occasionally blow stuff up with their minds. We have a—let’s call it an understanding with the folks at the Order of Wizardry. We try to stay out of their way, and they try not to explode us with a poorly aimed arcane blast. Seeing as I prefer not to explode, I encourage you all to maintain this understanding.
However, having a spellslinger on hand can prove very useful in investigations. For such occasions, we have a roster of reliable talents we can bring on as arcane consultants. If you find yourself working with an Arcanist in the field, that Arcanist is there for a reason—one which nobody else on the team can manage.
The Strangelight Workshop features six classes, each with its own subclasses. The Arcanist class represents the typical spellcaster found in the city of Ceryl. Arcanists are powerful individuals who use arcane formulas to create potent magical effects. An arcanist is usually a magus in the Order of Wizardry, one of the leading arcane societies in the Iron Kingdoms.
Within the halls of the Order of Wizardry Arcanists form loose societies, typically based on the study of a particular aspect of arcane power. These informal groups, or cabals, represent the subclasses available to an Arcanist character, and the aspect of magic that your Arcanist studies most fervently.
The Arcanist class functions very similarly to the Wizard in core 5e rules, but certain adjustments have been made to reflect the unique way magic is expressed in the Iron Kingdoms. The spell choices and abilities of an Arcanist have been carefully curated to closely match how those with the Gift of Magic wield it in the Iron Kingdoms.
Like the Wizard, the Arcanist has a mix of spells that deal high damage and produce special effects, as well as more practical options to manipulate and control a battlefield or a back-alley ambush on the streets of Ceryl. Consider an Arcanist character if you want to wield the most powerful spells in the setting, or if you prefer using magic for subtle manipulations or large knockout punches.
As you gain more experience as an Arcanist, you’ll ultimately choose which Cabal to join. Will you select the Arcanodynamic Studies Circle, which seeks to understand the very nature of the arcane and how to best control it? Do the Progenesists, who believe that no magical knowledge should be off-limits and who walk the fine line of forbidden lore, suit your beliefs? Or will you turn away from darkness for the Radiance of Morrow and serve as an Illuminated Arcanist, working with the Order of Illumination to eliminate infernalists and those who employ forbidden magic?
No matter where your career leads, you can rest assured that without your magical talents, the yahoos of the Strangelight Workshop would be in even greater danger than they usually face. And given that the Workshop’s agents willingly run into the most haunted places in the Iron Kingdoms… that’s quite a statement.
Pre-order The Strangelight Workshop now and begin your otherworldly adventure.
The Strangelight Workshop roleplaying game allows us to fully explore every darkened corner of the Iron Kingdoms setting, every complicated aspect of a secret society devoted to explaining the unexplainable, and offers you a 5e compatible RPG experience unlike any other!
Join other eager agents over in the Steamforged Discord.
