Wizard - Mage 

Diviner Kit

Description:  Diviners are perhaps the wisest of all wizards.  Their investigations 
into the world around them and their perusal of events of the past and future 
empower them with a base of knowledge and insight that is rivaled by only the 
most learned scholars.  Diviners typically possess striking insight into the minds 
of others, and few are better judges of character.  Diviners tend to be cautious 
and deliberate in their actions.  Because their divinations have taught them that 
others are prone to hiding their true feelings and motivations, many diviners are 
suspicious and distrustful, sometimes to the point of cynicism.  Diviners tend to 
be loners at heart and do not make close friends easily, nor do they raise large 
families (except in rare cases).  They prefer to live alone in remote areas where 
they can conduct their research and investigation undisturbed, with little interest 
in material possessions as a general rule.  Still, some Diviners (especially those 
of low level) do earn a living by selling their services as seers, fortune-tellers, 
and finders of lost objects and persons.

Diviners are not predisposed to the adventuring life, accepting such a career 
only reluctantly.  They are not natural combatants, and in fact many Mages 
lacking in physical prowess find themselves drawn to the subtle art of the 
Diviner.  They nonetheless make very valuable additions to adventuring parties, 
as their judgment, cunning, and plain common sense are welcome commodities.  
Diviners concentrate on spells that reveal or relay information, and their ability 
to reveal hidden truth and the weaknesses of foes often tips the balance of power 
in their favor and maximize the efficiency of their side in combat.  Diviners are 
not particularly skilled combatants, but their advice and direction can smooth the 
road for any party.

Requirements:  As a standard Mage, save that Wisdom of at least 15 is required, 
and there is no minimum Charisma.

Weapons & Armor:  Dagger/knife (any), dart, sling, staff.

Special Benefits:  Diviners strive for new knowledge at all times, whether in the 
form of a new discovery or (more frequently) in the recovery of lost lore of old.  
Their skill in perceiving hidden things allows them the following special 
abilities:

Arcane Lore:  As a standard Mage, save that they do not gain a +1 bonus to all 
Wizard non-weapon proficiencies.

Divining:  Diviners, as might be guessed, are highly skilled at all forms of 
magical and mundane divination, gaining a +1 bonus for every five levels of 
experience (rounding up) to any of their Preferred Proficiencies that they know.

Diviners are able to learn and cast any spell from the Realm of Lore as well as 
any spell from the School of Divination, regardless of Realm, as part of their 
Primary FOS.  In fact, any such spell cast by a Diviner takes effect as if he or 
she was two levels higher than normal.  When researching such spells they 
should be treated as one level lower than normal for determining cost, difficulty, 
etc.

Because of their familiarity with divination spells and effects, Diviners are better 
able to resist them than others.  Thus, no form of scrying, mind-reading, or 
alignment detection will work on a Diviner unless the creature performing such 
divination is of a higher level than the Diviner.  This does not block any sort of 
mind-affecting attacks or telepathic contact, but simply screens against 
unwanted examination.

Fortune Telling:  As a standard Mage two levels higher than his or her actual 
level.

Improvisational Magic:  As a standard Mage, but in addition a Diviner can use 
this ability to create the effect of any spell from the Realm of Lore or the School 
of Divination.

Special Hindrances:  Diviners are highly specialized in their arts of discovering 
things that are hidden or lost, and they devote themselves to this task with a 
passion.  As a result, any bonus spells due to high Intelligence must be selected 
from the Realm of Lore or other Divination spells.  Unlike other Mages, they do 
not gain a +1 bonus to all Wizard non-weapon proficiencies (though they do 
gain a bonus to their Preferred Proficiencies, as described under Special 
Benefits:  Divining).  In this same vein, they have no interest or talent in Stage 
Magic.

Bonus Proficiencies:  choose any one 'Preferred Proficiency'
Required Proficiencies:  Reading/Writing, Spellcraft
Preferred Proficiencies:  Ancient History, Astrology, Divining, Dowsing, 
Hypnosis, Local History, Numerology, Omen Reading, Prophecy

***DISCLAIMER*** 

As with all postings by me of classes or races, it should be noted that portions 
of the information contained herein were inspired by or derived from 
information in published works of TSR, Inc., and may contain references to 
those works, quotations or passages of text (especially in the area of 'Character 
Description', where applicable sections from TSR works were often carried over 
more or less intact into my campaign world), or particular powers or abilities 
invented by TSR staff writers.  No relationship with TSR, Inc., is to be implied 
by this use, nor is any attempt being made to solicit profit or remuneration of 
any kind.  I have read the TSR Online Policy document, and have tried to 
accommodate the stipulations contained therein. 

In instances where I have lifted an essentially complete class or race without 
significant alteration, I have not included these in my postings but instead 
have inserted a reference to the appropriate D&D sourcebook for those curious 
in including it in their campaign.  Only variations that include a significant 
component of original work, alteration, or reformulation (including the 
compositing elements from various TSR sources into new combinations) of have 
been included in this set of postings. 


<a href="mail to:tjaden@u.washington.edu">Jason Eric Nelson </a> < tjaden@u.washington.edu >