Arcane Scholar

<color=Gold>**Arcane Scholar**</color>

<color=Red>(PRESTIGE CLASS: This class is not available at character creation and must be unlocked by meeting special requirements, listed below.)</color>

Arcane scholars seek to raise the study of magic to the level of an academic discipline. Their interest is not in researching new spells or finding more specialized uses for their craft, but in understanding the fundamental processes of magic and the inner workings of the Weave, which is the fabric that underlies all magic.

By gaining a deeper understanding of magic, and by discerning its underlying principles, arcane scholars become specialists in metamagic. Their spells are more powerful, last longer, and can be cast more quickly than those of their peers. Arcane scholars have also become especially adept at explaining the workings of magic to ordinary folk. Those who travel with arcane scholars gain the benefit of their considerable knowledge and are better able to evade hostile magic.

Arcane scholars do not limit themselves to studying particular sorts of arcane magic. To truly understand the Art, they believe that one must understand all its expressions. Thus, all arcane casters are equally welcome to join their fellowship. Indeed, the insights of sorcerers and bards are particularly prized by arcane scholars, as such casters rarely have the patience to discuss the deeper workings of magic.

<color=Gold>Requirements:</color>

**Skills:** Spellcraft 8 ranks.

**Feats:** Empower Spell, Skill Focus (Concentration), and Skill Focus (Spellcraft).

**Spellcasting:** Able to cast 3rd-level arcane spells.

<color=Gold>Class Features:</color>

- **Hit Die:** d4

- **Base Attack Bonus:** Low.

- **High Saves:** Will.

- **Weapon Proficiencies:** Arcane scholars gain no weapon proficiencies.

- **Armor Proficiencies:** Arcane scholars gain no armor proficiencies.

- **Skill Points:** 6 + Int Modifier.

- **Class Skills:** Appraise, Concentration, Craft Alchemy, Diplomacy, Lore, Search, Spellcraft, and Use Magic Device.

- **Progression :**
1 - Maximize Spell, Spellcasting Progression
2- Spell Knowledge
3 - Lore Knowledge, Improved Empower
4 - Spellweaving (0-3)
5 - Quicken Spell
6 - Protective Studies
7 - Improved Maximize, Spellweaving (0-6)
8 -
9 - Improved Quicken
10 - Spellweaving (0-9)

- **Spells per Day/Spells Known:** When a new arcane scholar level is gained, the character gains new spells per day (and spells known, if applicable) as though he had gained a level in whatever arcane spellcasting class gave him access to 3rd-level arcane spells. If the character has more than one applicable arcane spellcasting class, he must pick one to improve.

- **Bonus Metamagic Feats:** At 1st level, the arcane scholar gains the Maximize Spell feat. At 5th level, he gains the Quicken Spell feat.

- **Spell Knowledge:** At 2nd level, the arcane scholar and any party members gain a +1 bonus to their saves versus spells. This bonus increases to +2 at 8th level.

- **Lore Knowledge:** At 3rd level, the arcane scholar gains a +1 bonus to Lore/Spellcraft every even level of Arcane Scholar.

- **Improved Empower Spell:** At 3rd level, the arcane scholar becomes especially adept at empowering spells. Empowered spells now only use up a spell slot one level higher than the spell's actual level.

- **Spellweaving:** Starting at 4th level, your fundamental understanding of the nature of the arcane allows you to weave two spells together into a unique combination. Choose two spells. Whenever you cast the first spell, you automatically add the effects of the second spell to it. The first spell cannot be higher then level 3, and the second spell must be lower then the first spell. At level 7, you can pick a second combination which may be with a spell of level 6 or lower, and at level 10 you may pick a third combination with no level restriction on the first spell's level. (The second spell must still be of a lower level)

- **Protective Studies**: At 6th level, your studies allow you to better prepare to defend yourself against magic. Twice per day, you can study a scroll to gain immunity to the spell scribed on it until your next rest. (This does not consume the scroll)

- **Improved Maximize Spell:** At 7rd level, the arcane scholar becomes especially adept at maximizing spells. Maximized spells now only use up a spell slot two levels higher than the spell's actual level.

- **Improved Quicken Spell:** At 9th level, the arcane scholar becomes especially adept at quickening spells. Quickened spells now only use up a spell slot three levels higher than the spell's actual level.