Master the Bladebound archetype in Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. Learn about its unique Black Blade, level progression, special abilities like Sharpening the Black Blade, Changeable Gist, and Independent Ego.
The Bladebound archetype in Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous requires the Dance of Masks DLC. This archetype focuses on forming a bond with a sentient weapon, which gains unique abilities and can even fight independently.
Compared to a standard Magus, the Bladebound gains fewer Magus Arcana and bonus feats but receives a unique weapon that fights on its own.
Bladebound Level Progression and Abilities
The Bladebound's progression is detailed below, highlighting key feats and special abilities gained at each level:
| Level | Feats | Special 1 | Special 2 | Special 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | - | Magus Proficiencies | Arcane Pool | Black Blade |
| 1 | Feat | Spell Combat | - | - |
| 2 | - | Spellstrike | - | - |
| 3 | Feat | - | - | Sharpening the Black Blade |
| 4 | - | - | Spell Recall | - |
| 5 | Feat | - | Arcane Weapon +2 | Changeable Gist |
| 6 | - | - | - | Magus Arcana |
| 7 | Feat | Arcane Medium Armor | - | - |
| 8 | - | Improved Spell Combat | - | - |
| 9 | Feat | - | Arcane Weapon +3 | Magus Arcana |
| 10 | - | Fighter Training | - | - |
| 11 | Feat | Bonus Magus Feat | Improved Spell Recall | - |
| 12 | - | - | - | Independent Ego |
| 13 | Feat | Arcane Heavy Armor | Arcane Weapon +4 | - |
| 14 | - | Greater Spell Combat | - | - |
| 15 | Feat | - | - | Magus Arcana |
| 16 | - | - | Counterstrike | - |
| 17 | Feat | Bonus Magus Feat | Arcane Weapon +5 | - |
| 18 | - | - | - | - |
| 19 | Feat | Greater Spell Access | - | Life Drinker |
| 20 | - | - | - | True Magus |
Black Blade Details
Black Blade
At level 0, a Bladebound receives a magical +1 scimitar that can be summoned as a swift action. This blade's enhancement bonus increases by +1 at 5th level and every four subsequent levels, reaching a maximum of +5 at 17th level.
Sharpening the Black Blade
Starting at 3rd level, a Bladebound can spend one point from their arcane pool as a free action to grant the blade +1 damage for 1 minute. This bonus increases by +1 for every three additional levels, capping at +6 at 18th level.
Changeable Gist
From 5th level, the Bladebound can spend 1 arcane pool point to change the blade's damage type to cold, electricity, or fire. Spending 2 points allows changing the damage type to sonic or force. This effect lasts until the start of the Bladebound's next turn.
Independent Ego
At 12th level, the Bladebound can release their blade to fight independently for 1 minute as a free action. The weapon gains a damage bonus equivalent to the Sharpening the Black Blade ability and possesses the following characteristics:
- Ability scores equal to the Bladebound's Intelligence score.
- Base Attack Bonus (BAB) identical to the wielder's, with a deflection bonus to AC equal to the wielder's BAB.
- Hit Points (HP) calculated as 2 x Intelligence modifier x class level.
- Traits of a Construct.
Lifedrinker
From 19th level, if the Bladebound or their blade kills a creature with 10 or more Hit Dice (HD), the Bladebound gains temporary HP equal to their class level + 3. If temporary HP from the blade is already active, the Bladebound instead restores 1 point to their Arcane Pool.
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