Magi (Researcher)

"Magi from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, 'Where is the child who has been born?'"
Luke 2:1

Seekers of Knowledge. Although some translations of the Bible record them as "kings" or "wise men," the original word used in the Greek language is Magi, a word borrowed from Akkadian that referred to an order of priests and mystics of the Zoroastrian religion in ancient Media. As the Medes fell from prominence in the Parthian empire, the term Magi eventually became more generally applied to magic practitioners who sought esoteric knowledge through the study of astronomy, alchemy, and ancient practices from other ancient civilizations.

Seekers of Wisdom. The main characteristic that sets the Magi apart from other Mages is their search for meaning in the universe. Many wizards or sorcerers are interested in power for power's sake, but the Magi seek the meaning behind it all. For the Magi, the acquisition of secrets and greater power is merely one step in the pursuit of meaning in the universe. In this way, the Magi are philosophers and theologians as much as they are practitioners of magic. The following stat blocks outline 3 general types of Magi that are likely to be encountered in the world, but because each Magi seeks truth in their own way, no two Magi are exactly alike.

Medium humanoid, any alignment

Armor Class 11

Hit Points 60

Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
8 (-1)	12 (+1)	10 (+0)	14 (+2)	14 (+2)	10 (+0)

Saving Throws Int +6, Wis +6

Skills Arcana +6, History +6, Religion +6

Languages Common, Akkadian, Hebrew, Sign Language, Sabaic

Senses Passive Perception 11

Challenge 4 (700 XP)

Features

Magic Resistance. The magi has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Namburbu (3/Day). The Magi can ask the GM a yes/no question, to which it receives a truthful reply.

Spellcasting. The Magi is a 9th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit). It has the following spells prepared.

At will: Light, Mage Hand, Mending

1st level (4 slots): Mage Armor, Magic Missile (3 targets) (1d4 + 1 Force)

2nd level (3 slots): Misty Step, Scorching Ray (3 targets) (+6 to hit) (2d6 Fire)

3rd level (3 slots): Fly, Haste

4th level (3 slots): Arcane Eye, Private Sanctum

5th level (1 slot): Animate Objects, Legend Lore (No material components required)

Bible5e custom monster. Its specific traits supplement the current rules. See Using Bible5e Monsters.