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Subclass Rogue Arcane Trickster
The Arcane Trickster is a Rogue subclass that layers Intelligence-based spellcasting onto the Rogue's core. Mage Hand Legerdemain at Level 3 upgrades Mage Hand with invisible action options — picking locks, disarming traps, and sleight of hand checks from a distance. Spellcasting gives access to Wizard spells (Enchantment and Illusion specialties). Magical Ambush at Level 9 applies Disadvantage on saving throws against your spells when you're hidden or Invisible.
| LEVEL | FEATURE |
|---|---|
| 3 | Mage Hand Legerdemain, Spellcasting |
| 9 | Magical Ambush |
Mage Hand Legerdemain When you cast Mage Hand, you can make the spectral hand invisible. You can use the hand to perform the following tasks:
- Stow one object the hand is holding in a container worn or carried by another creature
- Retrieve an object in a container worn or carried by another creature
- Use thieves' tools to pick locks and disarm traps at range
You can perform one of these tasks without being noticed by a creature if you succeed on a Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check contested by the creature's Wisdom (Perception) check.
Spellcasting You augment your Rogue skills with the ability to cast spells using Intelligence as your spellcasting ability. You can prepare spells from the Wizard spell list, with emphasis on Enchantment and Illusion schools.
Magical Ambush If you are Invisible when you cast a spell on a creature, it has Disadvantage on any saving throw it makes against the spell on the same turn.
Triggers from: Sneaking (clear, lightly obscured, or heavily obscured) or Invisible status.
The Arcane Trickster is the stealth spellcaster Rogue subclass. Mage Hand Legerdemain handles utility tasks at range without needing the Rogue to be physically present — pick locks, steal items, and disarm traps while remaining hidden. This is particularly strong in BG3 where proximity detection and line-of-sight are strictly enforced.
Magical Ambush at Level 9 creates a powerful loop: Hide (Cunning Action Bonus Action), then cast a save-or-suck spell — the target saves with Disadvantage. Spells like Hold Person, Hypnotic Pattern, or Blindness/Deafness become significantly more reliable when the target rolls twice and takes the lower.
The Intelligence-based spellcasting creates a stat split: Rogues typically maximize Dexterity, but the Arcane Trickster also benefits from high Intelligence for spell save DC and Mage Hand Legerdemain checks. This can be managed by prioritizing Dexterity first and Intelligence second.
Enchantment spells like Charm Person and Hold Person pair well with Sneak Attack: a charmed or paralyzed target creates automatic Advantage on melee attacks, guaranteeing Sneak Attack without needing an ally adjacent.
Rogue, Arcane Trickster, Assassin, Highway Rider, Scion of the Three, Soulknife, Swashbuckler, Thief