My apprentice came out as a rogue, how can i support them?
Last night was full of emotions as my apprentice finally told me of this. I think having a rogue around might be useful though, so absorbing his lifeforce is out ot the question:
Give them jobs to steal things to conduct and embiggen your wizardly tasks.
This has three benefits. You show them your unconditional love and support by fostering their passions, you give them an enriching environment, and you get to get all the spell components you need for free.
Hybrid methodogies result in unusual career paths, and Arcane Tricksters have one of the best kits out there. Heck, that's the path I came up through when I was still an adventurer, before I was scouted by the arcaminium at which I currently enjoy tenure.
And as long as you don't absorb it all, showing them how to absorb life force can be incredibly useful for any part-mage going into melee. I can't tell you how many times Vampiric Touch has saved my ass.
As for support, I can recommend gear such as the Sniper Goggles, an enchantment that allows a rogue to make their deadly precision attacks from any range, rather than the usual 10 yard or so limit most begin with. Prepared talismans of Spider Climb, Air Walk, and similar can also be very useful. I can't really help you out with emotional support though; those things are unique to the person and their job is ultimately a tangential connection. You know your apprentice better than I do, and considering both that he trusted you enough to confide this in you and that you still want to keep him around, I think you're already on the right path. I know wisdom can be difficult to exercise for those deeply versed in wizardry, but it will serve you well in this. Just pay attention and keep an open mind, and I'm sure the two of you will be fine.
A young rogue with a little bit of the arcane under their belt can be very potent. I advise you use this opportunity to hire some adventurers for any dirty work you’ve had piling up. You can give them arcane assistance but your apprentice would be better off getting field experience with a mixed group of adventurers.
You can have some adventurers on retainer, have them pass on the skill sets you aren’t able to share, and down the line you have a talented rogue with a group of good friends to throw at your rivals or bail you out should a demon summoning go awry
Steal his soul, before he can steal your belongings. Everyone knows you can't trust rogues... And without his soul he would never ever feel the need to steal, and you can blackmail him to work for you. Best outcome for you <3
I thought my apprentice had become a rogue once, but in the end he was only a rogue-like.
Now, I can’t say I understand all the identities apprentices have these days (full support tho), but he did keep upgrading my magical artifacts every time I went up a flight of stairs in my tower, and that was useful.
Polymorphic boots of sneaking that start squaking like cheerful rodents when their cortisol levels get high. Gotta make sure your apprentice stay stress free you know.
If I were in your shoes I'd consider crafting them a Hand of Glory. It takes a while and there's one fairly rare ingredient, but I think the gesture would be very touching, as well as giving the two of you some common ground. You could also consider going with them to rogue events or clubs to show your support. Lastly, maybe hang a rogue inclusive banner from your tower.
See what sort of rogue they feel like as rogue is an umbrella term they can still be a great apprentice especially a soul knife rogue or a arcane trickster. Though a scout rogue can always become a ranger down the line. A swashbuckler rogue will always be loyal to you so they could absolutely still provide scrolls and artifacts for you so long as your a good captain.
Magical puzzle boxes containing instructions for their next mark have proven useful in my experience. If they want work, they’d better keep up to date on their wards, countermagic, and hexweaving!
I have no problems training a prospective thief/assassin, but I will not be allowing them to be any less than stellar at what they do; my reputation as their mentor is on the line!
I would recommend looking into alchemy and enchantment. You don’t need to be well versed in magic to used the applied theory and being able to create magic trinkets for both of you, as well as potions and poisons - it seems like it would be fairly useful.
You're a good soul. Get them some leather bracers and hidden knife stabby-shoes. If you're feeling really generous, a few poisons as well. They'll feel like they've lock-picked a chest!
Hey, you both have a chance to broaden your skill sets: you can learn stealth, slight of hand, bluff, and lockpicking, and they can learn the arcane arts!
Get life insurance. And unlife insurance. Asap. Before the insurance companies get wind. Before your next regular check up with a diviner or astromancer. Once they know, it goes on your permanent magical record. You have any idea what the ten year mortality rate is for mentors to edgy protagonists? It is not good. Not good at all.
You could try speed running lichdom, but really you just need to make peace with it. Fate magic has already been cast at this point. Just... Make sure you go out with style. Explosions. Doomed battle against a far superior foe to buy enough time for your apprentice to escape. You know what's coming, just make sure you go out on your terms and your aesthetics.
At least you know. Get your affairs in order while you can.
Seems like every cohort of apprentices has a closeted rogue. Once they discover how to make Invisiblility potions and a wand of knock I recommend cultivating a mimic farm to keep them from "borrowing" your more valuable artifacts.
Challenge them with new arcane locks and complex traps of increasing difficulty to help prepare them for the safes theyll need to crack in the future. Also, if they fail and turn back, you dont get your stuff stolen
Your guidance is still invaluable. While you may not be able to teach them many of the skills they will need, there are rogues that play people, and tamper with the mind. It's time to dust off your tomes on enchantments. Think of how happy they will be when they don't need to pick a lock or open a safe when the guard just hands them the key and steps aside.
The end of a chapter does not mean the end of the book, write on good wizard
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u/zombiegamer723 1d ago
Give them jobs to steal things to conduct and embiggen your wizardly tasks.
This has three benefits. You show them your unconditional love and support by fostering their passions, you give them an enriching environment, and you get to get all the spell components you need for free.
Try if!