"You don't like the way this wand works... no
problem... I can fix
that."
Panrol Tritha, Arcanologist with the Fireforgers Mercenary Company
The Arcanologist is a specialist type of wizard who tinkers with the inner workings of magic and studies how magical technology can be applied to the physical world. They are masters of alchemy, lore, magic and metamagic. They specialize in the construction and operation of magic items, artificial constructs and spell effects. Where spell casters deal with pure magic and spells, arcanologists dabble in a variety of related magical and technical areas.
Adventures
Some arcanologists seek to further their studies. They travel to study under masters or peruse dusty tomes in ancient libraries. Others seek adventure to apply their craft in the real world, to plunder ancient lore from crumbling tombs and unearth arcana from ages past.
Characteristics
The arcanologist is the ultimate tinkerer, constantly tinkering with spells, constructs, machines and such to figure out how things work. They have an intense interest in the world and how it works. They can imbue items with magical energy, analyze spells and magic items, modify the function of magic items, alter the functioning of spells, brew potions and other alchemical products, repair damaged enchanted items and magical machinery and craft magic items. Many will specialize in a specific area, while others will combine their studies with interests in other areas such as herbalism, astronomy or languages.
Arcanologists tend to be very intelligent and bookish, endlessly studying and learning. However, they are not afraid to travel great distances or delve into moldering ruins in the pursuit of knowledge. While not the greatest fighters, most arcanologists tend to learn a bit of fighting to protect themselves in dangerous places.
Arcanologists tend to carry a great deal of gear with them for analyzing, testing and creating magic items, alchemical products, potions and such. They will typically have a potion, scroll, tool or magical gadget for just about any occasion. Some arcanologists are like walking laboratories with pockets and packs crammed with odd trinkets, delicate instruments and rare ingredients.
Religion
Arcanologists are not particularly religious although some choose to worship a god of magic while others worship gods of crafts and workmanship.
Background
Like wizards, arcanologists learn their craft through long years of intense study. They have a sense of camaraderie with other spells casters who have themselves endured similar magical training. While they generally get along with other spell casters, they tend to believe that mages take too narrow a view of magic and see their holistic approach to the world as more balanced and more complete.
Races
Most arcanologists are human, although any spell caster, regardless of race, can learn arcanology lore. Other Classes Arcanologists work best when providing magical support to other classes. They generally get along well with wizards and other spell casters and can hold their own amongst rogues and fighters.
Role
The arcanologists is ideal for helping a group deal with unexpected magical obstacles, spell effects or enchanted items. Their ability to understand and alter the functioning of spells and magic items makes them incredibly versatile.
Basic Skills
Appraisal, Craft, Decipher Script, Disable Device, Heal, Knowledge, Open Lock, Profession, Search, Spell Craft, Swim Weapon and Armor Proficiency
Armor and Weapons
Arcanologists are generally only proficient with simple weapons and light armor though some do pursue a more rigorous training with weapons.
Spell Ability
Arcanologists have some limited spell ability. While not as powerful as traditional wizards, they cast the same type of spells. Arcanologists are expert at altering and manipulating spells to great effect to match whatever situation they encounter.
Arcanology Lore
Because of their extensive studies and the body of lore that they have amassed, arcanologists are experts at working with magical constructs, enchanted items and spell effects. Alchemy Arcanologists are masters of alchemy and can create a wide variety of alchemical products given sufficient time and raw materials.
Spell Alteration
The arcanologist’s greatest ability is his intimate understanding of the functioning of magic and items that use magic (this includes enchanted items, constructs, magical traps, etc) . An arcanologist may attempt to alter the functioning of a magic item, construct or active spell effect by altering its fundamental magical “programming”. Whether these changes are temporary or permanent will depend on the specific situation.
This website was last updated February 1, 2026. Copyright 1990-2025 David M. Roomes.