Complete Arcane is a supplementary rulebook for the 3.5 Edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, published by Wizards of the Coast in November 2004. It is one of several "Complete" series books that expand upon specific aspects of the game system, with Complete Arcane focusing exclusively on arcane magic and its practitioners.
Overview The book serves as a comprehensive resource for players and Dungeon Masters interested in enhancing or diversifying arcane spellcasting in their campaigns. It introduces new options for characters who draw upon magical energies, including base classes, prestige classes, spells, feats, and magical items, alongside rules variants and tips for playing or running arcane-centric adventures.
Contents Key elements and additions found within Complete Arcane include:
- New Base Classes: The book introduces three new core arcane spellcasting classes:
- Beguiler: A stealthy, charismatic arcane caster specializing in enchantment and illusion spells, gaining unique abilities for deception and mind control.
- Warmage: A martial arcane caster focused on offensive evocation spells, featuring an expanded spell list of damaging effects and a simpler spell preparation system.
- Wu Jen: An arcane caster inspired by Eastern mysticism, drawing on elemental powers and featuring unique spell effects and limitations.
- New Prestige Classes: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to new prestige classes designed for arcane spellcasters, offering paths for specialization and character development. Examples include the Blood Magus, Incantatrix, Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil, and Master of the Unseen Hand.
- New Spells: Hundreds of new spells are provided, expanding the spell lists for existing arcane classes (Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard) and providing specific spells for the newly introduced classes. Many focus on niche effects, powerful offensive capabilities, or unique utility.
- New Feats: A wide array of new feats are presented, specifically tailored to enhance arcane spellcasters, offering bonuses to spellcasting, new magical abilities, or ways to customize existing powers.
- New Magic Items: The book includes an assortment of new magic items, such as wands, staves, rings, and wondrous items, all designed with arcane casters in mind.
- Arcane Variants and Rule Expansions: Complete Arcane offers alternative rules and expansions for arcane magic, such as variant spellcasting rules, ways to incorporate magic into crafting, and new types of arcane focus. It also provides advice on playing and designing encounters involving arcane spellcasters.
Impact and Reception Complete Arcane was generally well-received by the Dungeons & Dragons community. It provided a significant expansion to the arcane magic system, offering more diverse character options beyond the core Wizard and Sorcerer. The new base classes and prestige classes were particularly noted for their unique mechanics and thematic depth. The book became a staple for players seeking to optimize or personalize their arcane spellcasters in 3.5 Edition campaigns.