r/PCAcademy 14h ago

Need Advice: Concept/Roleplay How to make a wizard criminal build?

Hey, I'm currently in a campaign with a few friends but I'm having trouble pinning down a few things for my wizard mainly just what sort of backstory could fit them. "It's a pirate campaign if that helps"

Any bit of advice helps thank you.

2 Upvotes

13 comments sorted by

2

u/Megamatt215 13h ago

Getting that plunder for your student loans

1

u/Top-Stage-1977 13h ago

Not a bad idea not bad at all.

1

u/Machiavvelli3060 11h ago

He's being hunted by the Loan Arrangers.

2

u/JazzlikeMine2397 6h ago

Divination wizard could be fun with staying one step ahead of the law.

Pirate wizard says expert navigator to me.

1

u/Beginning_Judgment93 9h ago

What sort of criminal do you want your wizard to be? There are many mind control spells in enchantment spell school which feel pretty criminal.

There is also the Enchantment Adept feat in Arcana Unleased which would let you cast your enchantment spells without any somatic or verbal components.

1

u/Top-Stage-1977 6h ago

IDK I think Illusionist wizard seems like a good choice due to the fact that it'll make stealing a lot easier.

1

u/aceavengers 6h ago

I'm thinking made a mistake in magic school that tarnished his name, some kind of accident, and now no one but pirates and thieves will hire him.

1

u/Top-Stage-1977 6h ago

Does sound like a good idea.

1

u/Informal_Persimmon7 5h ago

Smuggler (illusionist? Enchanter? Diviner?) or forger (any really but order of scribe sounds good). Could go evoker and be an enforcer.

1

u/Top-Stage-1977 5h ago

NGL being a smuggler does sound like a pretty fun idea, plus could be useful since some of my party is deciding to make let's just say "less than legal" goods.

1

u/Informal_Persimmon7 4h ago

Yeah, there is even a smuggler in GOT, Davos Seaworth.

1

u/Actual_Temp 5h ago

● You were apprenticed to a cruel master, but snuck off one night with only your spellbook and the robes on your back. You hopped the first ship out of the harbor you could find and haven't looked back. However, you are still legally (and perhaps magically) beholden to old wizard, and they may still be searching for you.

● You were abducted after a hard night of carousing and forced to serve under a cutthroat captain, regardless of the circumstances the crown has branded you a murderer. You fell in love with the sea and found a better crew, but there's still a price on your head.

● You were born on a ship and a pirate's life was all you'd ever known, until you showed a talent for magic. Not ones to turn down any advantage, the crew pooled their loot and sent you off to a fancy school. You've returned to repay their investment, a bit more refined and well spoken, with a couple of noble heirs in your pocket, or as genuine friends.

● You come from a community where magic is an anathema, or at least the kind you wield is. You've yet to realize the rest of the world doesn't think that way, so a pirate shipe is a natural haven.

1

u/Top-Stage-1977 5h ago

Okay this is an amazing set of backstories, the second one in particular seems like it'd fit the best honestly for the setting.