Strategist - Class Tree
Strategist (Playable in Starter Set)
Calculating predators who win before the first blow lands, Strategists use intelligence, positioning, and layered deception to dismantle opponents from angles they never considered, equally dangerous in the shadows, in plain sight, or threading a spelled blade through a gap in armor that nobody else saw was there.
‡ Abilities from their respective trees are summarized below. Ability Cards are released with Module and their expansions, supporting various Character Levels, and list the DIFS for any check an Ability requires. Refer pg. 6 for more on Ability Cards.
Alignment: Alignments range from Moral, Ambivalent, Amoral and Evil, and are Path and Branch Dependent.
To use the Abilities of this Path or Branch, you must fall within the Alignment's Spectrum. To devote to the Path's Higher Power you must fall exactly at that Alignment (see Alignment, Basic Rules pg. 2).
Higher Power: Path Dependent (see Path below)
Strategist's Paths individually restrict by alignment from LVL 4 on, see each Path above for its specific Alignment.
To learn a Path's Abilities, or any of its three Branches', your own alignment need only sit inside this Class's Spectrum.
To draw a Path's Higher Power bonus you must hold that Path's exact base Alignment, and that same base is what its three Branches require (see Alignment, pg. 2).
Favored Races:
Bast +5, Drow +5, Dwarf (Glimmerstone) +5, Helf +5, Goblorc +5, Halfling† +5, Dwarf (Common)† +5, Human† +5, Miceling +5
†Halfling, Dwarf, and Human Playable with Starter Set.
Averse Races: Skrath -5
Refer to Races for details on favored and averse paths and branches.
Passive Abilities:
These passive Abilities belong to the Main Class alone, granted once and active regardless of Tier, Path, or Branch; they are not re-granted, replaced, or duplicated at any Path or Branch.
Tactical Precision, lasts 6 hours (must be recast every 6 hours to stay active). No mana cost for Main Class Abilities.
Killing Edge, Once Per Day the Strategist strikes from an unseen angle, dealing damage equal to twice their Deceit SCR to one target, with the attack always counting as a Critical Hit.
Extra 1d6 + LVL shadow damage on Critical Hits.
Once per encounter, Strategists can Flourish their blade that lowers their target's Perception at a number equal to their Deceit SCR.
Strategists get +5 feet their base movement speed, once per encounter.
Strategists get +4 plus their DECEIT SCR on Stealth checks.
Strategist Paths and Branches
Each Path and Branch has full descriptions in their Ability section.
i. Rogue - A stealth-focused Strategist who strikes from the shadows before the fight ever truly starts.
Alignment: Amoral
Observance: Bargain and price. Devotion is a contract kept, whatever it was for.
Will not share a Character with: Moral.
The Higher Power bonus requires holding Amoral exactly, and that same base carries through all three of its Branches below.
a. Assassin - A Rogue who ends fights before they begin, striking once from perfect position.
b. Recon - A Rogue focused on scouting and information, staying unseen until the moment it matters.
c. Shroud - A Rogue who fights from concealment, wrapped in shadow and silence.
ii. Shadow Stalker - A Strategist who fights from between shadows themselves, unnerving enemies as much as outmaneuvering them.
Alignment: Evil
Observance: Offering and dominion. Devotion is paid in what it costs someone.
Will not share a Character with: Lawful and Moral.
The Higher Power bonus requires holding Evil exactly, and that same base carries through all three of its Branches below.
a. Abyssal - A Shadow Stalker who draws on something darker than shadow alone.
b. Specter - A Shadow Stalker who lingers just out of sight, striking before ever being seen.
c. Wraith - A Shadow Stalker who moves like smoke, barely touching the world they haunt.
iii. Spellblade - A blade-and-spell hybrid Strategist who weaves magic directly into every strike.
Alignment: Ambivalent
Observance: None. Ambivalent Paths answer to no god and no patron at all.
No Higher Power, so no exact alignment is required at this Path or at any of its three Branches below.
a. Phantom Blade - A Spellblade whose weapon strikes as much through illusion as through steel.
b. Shadowblade - A Spellblade who weaves shadow magic directly into every strike.
c. Sprightly - A Spellblade who fights with quick, light footwork, always a step ahead.
Favorite Talent and Profession Trees
Talent Trees: Thief
Professions: Gem Crafter, Tech Salvager, Data Broker
No Cost to open Talent Tree. 5% rate increase on Profession tiers. See Talent and Profession Bonuses: Races vs. Classes for how these bonuses work.
Features such as; Companion Pairing, buffs, and various Armaments and Accessories and their Modifiers and Enhancements modify base stats, refer to Basic Rules for more.
Strategist Tier Armaments
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Armor Threshold (Tier): Light Grade. Armor heavier than Light will incur an Armament Penalty (-5 per Grade of difference) when performing Tier Abilities, though heavier armor can still be worn (see Armament Penalties, pg. 4).Weapon Proficiency (Tier): Variant: Telluric. Type: Tactical. Hand: 1h (Main), or 1h (Off) with a second Dagger or an empty hand. Distance: Melee. Style: Piercing or Slashing. Forbidden: All Variants outside Telluric. Magic Type. Each Path refines these specifications further; see each Path below for its baseline, and each Branch for any exceptions it states.
Strategist Main Class Abilities
Each tree below runs LVL 1 through 30, Tier (1-3), Path (4-20), Branch (21-30). Each LVL offers 3 choices, learn only ONE. See Ability Cards individually for details, see card examples on this page. See Slots and Prerequisites, above, for how a later choice can require an earlier one.
Armaments reminder: Light Grade armor or lighter; Weapon Style: Piercing or Slashing, 1h, Melee (e.g., dagger, stiletto, shortsword, or rapier). Weapon Type: Tactical for Martial, Magic for Spell. Wearing a heavier Grade brings a -5 Armament Penalty per Grade of difference.
Note: See each Classes respective Ability Card for full details; Ability Cards are released with Module and their expansions, supporting various Character Levels, and list the DIFS for any check an Ability requires. Refer pg. 6 for more on Ability Cards.
For full versions see each Ability's Card, per module.
Tier Abilities (Strategist)
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LVL 1 Strategist Tier Ability †
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† For Paths see LVL 3 Tier Abilities Below
| Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
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†See Ability Cards for LVL 1.5 midpoint Abilities.
LVL 2 Strategist Tier Ability
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| Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
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†See Ability Cards for LVL 2.5 midpoint Abilities.
LVL 3 Strategist Tier Ability
▸ Select to Expand Abilities
| Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
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† For Branches, refer to LVL 20 of each Path
Alignment: Amoral
Higher Power: TBA (Amoral)
A stealth-focused Strategist who strikes from the shadows before the fight ever truly starts. (LVL 4-20)
(see Rogue Path and Branch Abilities Below)
Rogue Path
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Weapon Proficiency (Culture, Rogue) (Abilities require one of the weapons below to be readied; Basic ATTKs do not)Weapon Style: Piercing, 1h, Melee. Weapon Type: Tactical for Martial, Magic for Spell. +8 to Hit when wielded (Weapon/Hand Proficiency).
Weapons Forbidden (Culture, Rogue):
◆TAW
◆Chthonic
Armor Thresholds
Armor Grade: caps at Light (Guildleather).
See Weapon/Hand Proficiency, Armor Thresholds, and Special Armaments above.
A Rogue who ends fights before they begin, striking once from perfect position.
Assassin Branch
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Weapon Proficiency (Abilities require one of the weapons below to be readied; Basic ATTKs do not)Set by the Assassin Branch chosen at LVL 21 - see Assassin above for its specific Weapon Style and Type.
This Path's Culture carries through to whichever Branch is chosen at LVL 21; see that Branch for any exceptions it states to the armaments below.
Armor Thresholds
Set by the Assassin Branch chosen at LVL 21 - see Assassin above for its specific Armor Grade.
See Weapon/Hand Proficiency, Armor Thresholds, and Special Armaments above.
A Rogue focused on scouting and information, staying unseen until the moment it matters.
Recon Branch
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Weapon Proficiency (Abilities require one of the weapons below to be readied; Basic ATTKs do not)Set by the Recon Branch chosen at LVL 21 - see Recon above for its specific Weapon Style and Type.
This Path's Culture carries through to whichever Branch is chosen at LVL 21; see that Branch for any exceptions it states to the armaments below.
Armor Thresholds
Set by the Recon Branch chosen at LVL 21 - see Recon above for its specific Armor Grade.
See Weapon/Hand Proficiency, Armor Thresholds, and Special Armaments above.
A Rogue who fights from concealment, wrapped in shadow and silence.
Shroud Branch
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Weapon Proficiency (Abilities require one of the weapons below to be readied; Basic ATTKs do not)Set by the Shroud Branch chosen at LVL 21 - see Shroud above for its specific Weapon Style and Type.
This Path's Culture carries through to whichever Branch is chosen at LVL 21; see that Branch for any exceptions it states to the armaments below.
Armor Thresholds
Set by the Shroud Branch chosen at LVL 21 - see Shroud above for its specific Armor Grade.
See Weapon/Hand Proficiency, Armor Thresholds, and Special Armaments above.
For full versions see each Ability's Card, per module.
Path: Rogue Abilities (Strategist Tier)
(Weapon Style: Piercing, 1h, Melee)
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LVL 4 Strategist - Rogue Path Ability
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| Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
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†See Ability Cards for LVL 4.5 midpoint Abilities.
LVL 5 Strategist - Rogue Path Ability
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| Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
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†See Ability Cards for LVL 5.5 midpoint Abilities.
LVL 6 Strategist - Rogue Path Ability
▸ Select to Expand Abilities
| Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
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†See Ability Cards for LVL 6.5 midpoint Abilities.
LVL 7 Strategist - Rogue Path Ability
▸ Select to Expand Abilities
| Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
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†See Ability Cards for LVL 7.5 midpoint Abilities.
LVL 8 Strategist - Rogue Path Ability
▸ Select to Expand Abilities
| Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
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†See Ability Cards for LVL 8.5 midpoint Abilities.
LVL 9-20 Strategist - Rogue Path Abilities
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| LVL 9-20 (Path) | Content TBA. The same 3-Slot choice pattern as the Path Levels above continues this Path's progression through LVL 20, before its three Branches open at LVL 21. |
A Rogue who ends fights before they begin, striking once from perfect position.
Branch: Assassin Abilities (Rogue Path)
(unlocks poisoned blades)
▸ Expand Ability Tree Branches
| LVL | Choices (1 choice of 3 per LVL) - see Martial Ability for details. |
|---|---|
| LVL 21-30 (Branch) | TBA. The Assassin Branch continues this Path's progression exclusively through LVL 30. |
A Rogue focused on scouting and information, staying unseen until the moment it matters.
Branch: Recon Abilities (Rogue Path)
(light armor and dagger, built for reconnaissance)
▸ Expand Ability Tree Branches
| LVL | Choices (1 choice of 3 per LVL) - see Martial Ability for details. |
|---|---|
| LVL 21-30 (Branch) | TBA. The Recon Branch continues this Path's progression exclusively through LVL 30. |
A Rogue who fights from concealment, wrapped in shadow and silence.
Branch: Shroud Abilities (Rogue Path)
(no armor for maximum stealth; dagger only)
▸ Expand Ability Tree Branches
| LVL | Choices (1 choice of 3 per LVL) - see Martial Ability for details. |
|---|---|
| LVL 21-30 (Branch) | TBA. The Shroud Branch continues this Path's progression exclusively through LVL 30. |
Alignment: Evil
Higher Power: TBA (Evil)
A Strategist who fights from between shadows themselves, unnerving enemies as much as outmaneuvering them. (LVL 4-20)
(see Shadow Stalker Path and Branch Abilities Below)
Shadow Stalker Path
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Weapon Proficiency (Culture, Shadow Stalker) (Abilities require one of the weapons below to be readied; Basic ATTKs do not)Weapon Style: Piercing, 1h, Melee. Weapon Type: Tactical for Martial, Magic for Spell. +8 to Hit when wielded (Weapon/Hand Proficiency).
Weapons Forbidden (Culture, Shadow Stalker):
◆TAW
◆Chthonic
Armor Thresholds
Armor Grade: caps at Light (Shadowsilk).
See Weapon/Hand Proficiency, Armor Thresholds, and Special Armaments above.
A Shadow Stalker who draws on something darker than shadow alone.
Abyssal Branch
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Weapon Proficiency (Abilities require one of the weapons below to be readied; Basic ATTKs do not)Set by the Abyssal Branch chosen at LVL 21 - see Abyssal above for its specific Weapon Style and Type.
This Path's Culture carries through to whichever Branch is chosen at LVL 21; see that Branch for any exceptions it states to the armaments below.
Armor Thresholds
Set by the Abyssal Branch chosen at LVL 21 - see Abyssal above for its specific Armor Grade.
See Weapon/Hand Proficiency, Armor Thresholds, and Special Armaments above.
A Shadow Stalker who lingers just out of sight, striking before ever being seen.
Specter Branch
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Weapon Proficiency (Abilities require one of the weapons below to be readied; Basic ATTKs do not)Set by the Specter Branch chosen at LVL 21 - see Specter above for its specific Weapon Style and Type.
This Path's Culture carries through to whichever Branch is chosen at LVL 21; see that Branch for any exceptions it states to the armaments below.
Armor Thresholds
Set by the Specter Branch chosen at LVL 21 - see Specter above for its specific Armor Grade.
See Weapon/Hand Proficiency, Armor Thresholds, and Special Armaments above.
A Shadow Stalker who moves like smoke, barely touching the world they haunt.
Wraith Branch
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Weapon Proficiency (Abilities require one of the weapons below to be readied; Basic ATTKs do not)Set by the Wraith Branch chosen at LVL 21 - see Wraith above for its specific Weapon Style and Type.
This Path's Culture carries through to whichever Branch is chosen at LVL 21; see that Branch for any exceptions it states to the armaments below.
Armor Thresholds
Set by the Wraith Branch chosen at LVL 21 - see Wraith above for its specific Armor Grade.
See Weapon/Hand Proficiency, Armor Thresholds, and Special Armaments above.
For full versions see each Ability's Card, per module.
Path: Shadow Stalker Abilities (Strategist Tier)
(Weapon Style: Piercing, 1h, Melee, favors stealth)
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LVL 4 Strategist - Shadow Stalker Path Ability
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| Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
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†See Ability Cards for LVL 4.5 midpoint Abilities.
LVL 5 Strategist - Shadow Stalker Path Ability
▸ Select to Expand Abilities
| Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
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†See Ability Cards for LVL 5.5 midpoint Abilities.
LVL 6 Strategist - Shadow Stalker Path Ability
▸ Select to Expand Abilities
| Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
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†See Ability Cards for LVL 6.5 midpoint Abilities.
LVL 7 Strategist - Shadow Stalker Path Ability
▸ Select to Expand Abilities
| Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
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†See Ability Cards for LVL 7.5 midpoint Abilities.
LVL 8 Strategist - Shadow Stalker Path Ability
▸ Select to Expand Abilities
| Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
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†See Ability Cards for LVL 8.5 midpoint Abilities.
LVL 9-20 Strategist - Shadow Stalker Path Abilities
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| LVL 9-20 (Path) | Content TBA. The same 3-Slot choice pattern as the Path Levels above continues this Path's progression through LVL 20, before its three Branches open at LVL 21. |
A Shadow Stalker who draws on something darker than shadow alone.
Branch: Abyssal Abilities (Shadow Stalker Path)
(unlocks a cursed blade infused with shadow)
▸ Expand Ability Tree Branches
| LVL | Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
|---|---|---|
| LVL 21-30 (Branch) | Same 3-choice pattern as the Path Levels above, content TBA. The Abyssal Branch continues this Path's progression exclusively through LVL 30. | |
A Shadow Stalker who lingers just out of sight, striking before ever being seen.
Branch: Specter Abilities (Shadow Stalker Path)
(no armor; dagger only, favors ambush)
▸ Expand Ability Tree Branches
| LVL | Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
|---|---|---|
| LVL 21-30 (Branch) | Same 3-choice pattern as the Path Levels above, content TBA. The Specter Branch continues this Path's progression exclusively through LVL 30. | |
A Shadow Stalker who moves like smoke, barely touching the world they haunt.
Branch: Wraith Abilities (Shadow Stalker Path)
(light armor and dagger, ethereal mobility)
▸ Expand Ability Tree Branches
| LVL | Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
|---|---|---|
| LVL 21-30 (Branch) | Same 3-choice pattern as the Path Levels above, content TBA. The Wraith Branch continues this Path's progression exclusively through LVL 30. | |
Alignment: Ambivalent
Higher Power: TBA (Ambivalent)
A blade-and-spell hybrid Strategist who weaves magic directly into every strike. (LVL 4-20)
(see Spellblade Path and Branch Abilities Below)
Spellblade Path
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Weapon Proficiency (Culture, Spellblade) (Abilities require one of the weapons below to be readied; Basic ATTKs do not)Weapon Style: Piercing, 1h, Melee. Weapon Type: Tactical for Martial, Magic for Spell. +8 to Hit when wielded (Weapon/Hand Proficiency).
Weapons Forbidden (Culture, Spellblade):
◆TAW
◆Chthonic
Armor Thresholds
Armor Grade: caps at Light (Runeleather).
See Weapon/Hand Proficiency, Armor Thresholds, and Special Armaments above.
A Spellblade whose weapon strikes as much through illusion as through steel.
Phantom Blade Branch
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Weapon Proficiency (Abilities require one of the weapons below to be readied; Basic ATTKs do not)Set by the Phantom Blade Branch chosen at LVL 21 - see Phantom Blade above for its specific Weapon Style and Type.
This Path's Culture carries through to whichever Branch is chosen at LVL 21; see that Branch for any exceptions it states to the armaments below.
Armor Thresholds
Set by the Phantom Blade Branch chosen at LVL 21 - see Phantom Blade above for its specific Armor Grade.
See Weapon/Hand Proficiency, Armor Thresholds, and Special Armaments above.
A Spellblade who weaves shadow magic directly into every strike.
Shadowblade Branch
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Weapon Proficiency (Abilities require one of the weapons below to be readied; Basic ATTKs do not)Set by the Shadowblade Branch chosen at LVL 21 - see Shadowblade above for its specific Weapon Style and Type.
This Path's Culture carries through to whichever Branch is chosen at LVL 21; see that Branch for any exceptions it states to the armaments below.
Armor Thresholds
Set by the Shadowblade Branch chosen at LVL 21 - see Shadowblade above for its specific Armor Grade.
See Weapon/Hand Proficiency, Armor Thresholds, and Special Armaments above.
A Spellblade who fights with quick, light footwork, always a step ahead.
Sprightly Branch
▸ Select to Expand Armaments
Weapon Proficiency (Abilities require one of the weapons below to be readied; Basic ATTKs do not)Set by the Sprightly Branch chosen at LVL 21 - see Sprightly above for its specific Weapon Style and Type.
This Path's Culture carries through to whichever Branch is chosen at LVL 21; see that Branch for any exceptions it states to the armaments below.
Armor Thresholds
Set by the Sprightly Branch chosen at LVL 21 - see Sprightly above for its specific Armor Grade.
See Weapon/Hand Proficiency, Armor Thresholds, and Special Armaments above.
For full versions see each Ability's Card, per module.
Path: Spellblade Abilities (Strategist Tier)
(Weapon Style: Piercing, 1h, Melee, arcane-enchanted)
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LVL 4 Strategist - Spellblade Path Ability
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| Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
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†See Ability Cards for LVL 4.5 midpoint Abilities.
LVL 5 Strategist - Spellblade Path Ability
▸ Select to Expand Abilities
| Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
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†See Ability Cards for LVL 5.5 midpoint Abilities.
LVL 6 Strategist - Spellblade Path Ability
▸ Select to Expand Abilities
| Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
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†See Ability Cards for LVL 6.5 midpoint Abilities.
LVL 7 Strategist - Spellblade Path Ability
▸ Select to Expand Abilities
| Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
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†See Ability Cards for LVL 7.5 midpoint Abilities.
LVL 8 Strategist - Spellblade Path Ability
▸ Select to Expand Abilities
| Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
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†See Ability Cards for LVL 8.5 midpoint Abilities.
LVL 9-20 Strategist - Spellblade Path Abilities
▸ Select to Expand Abilities
| LVL 9-20 (Path) | Content TBA. The same 3-Slot choice pattern as the Path Levels above continues this Path's progression through LVL 20, before its three Branches open at LVL 21. |
A Spellblade whose weapon strikes as much through illusion as through steel.
Branch: Phantom Blade Abilities (Spellblade Path)
(dagger or short blade, illusion-focused)
▸ Expand Ability Tree Branches
| LVL | Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
|---|---|---|
| LVL 21-30 (Branch) | Same 3-choice pattern as the Path Levels above, content TBA. The Phantom Blade Branch continues this Path's progression exclusively through LVL 30. | |
A Spellblade who weaves shadow magic directly into every strike.
Branch: Shadowblade Abilities (Spellblade Path)
(unlocks a shadow-infused enchanted blade)
▸ Expand Ability Tree Branches
| LVL | Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
|---|---|---|
| LVL 21-30 (Branch) | Same 3-choice pattern as the Path Levels above, content TBA. The Shadowblade Branch continues this Path's progression exclusively through LVL 30. | |
A Spellblade who fights with quick, light footwork, always a step ahead.
Branch: Sprightly Abilities (Spellblade Path)
(light armor and dagger, favors speed and agility)
▸ Expand Ability Tree Branches
| LVL | Martial Abilities | Spell Abilities |
|---|---|---|
| LVL 21-30 (Branch) | Same 3-choice pattern as the Path Levels above, content TBA. The Sprightly Branch continues this Path's progression exclusively through LVL 30. | |