The Handbook for the Earth-Focused Witch is a comprehensive guide for witches who are deeply connected to the earth and are looking to incorporate this connection into their practice. This handbook focuses on various aspects of earth-centered witchcraft, providing information, rituals, and spells that align with the natural world. **One of the main ideas throughout the handbook is the importance of cultivating a strong and genuine connection to the earth.** It emphasizes the need to observe and respect the cycles of nature, such as the changing seasons, the phases of the moon, and the cycles of life and death. These natural rhythms become the foundation for earth-focused witchcraft. The handbook delves into different elemental correspondences and the different ways in which witches can work with earth, air, fire, and water energies.
Scarred Witch Doctor -- I really miss the pre-Errata version . . . after the Errata, it's no longer good for Gish builds, but makes otherwise conventional Half-Orc Witches overpowered (somebody must have forgotten that Half-Orcs can put their +2 anywhere). Now if you want a Witch who can't spell, you're stuck with Seducer . . . .
When you rate Winter Witch I think that if you are playing very defensively instead of offensively -- for instance if your job is not to be an Irriseni Ice Witch but instead to keep your party including yourself alive under the noses of the Irriseni Ice Witches -- taking the archetype without the prestige class could actually be better than taking the prestige class. after the Errata, it s no longer good for Gish builds, but makes otherwise conventional Half-Orc Witches overpowered somebody must have forgotten that Half-Orcs can put their 2 anywhere.
The handbook delves into different elemental correspondences and the different ways in which witches can work with earth, air, fire, and water energies. It emphasizes the importance of grounding and centering oneself, as well as finding balance within these elements. **Another key aspect of the handbook is the practice of green witchcraft and herbalism.
Owl's Witch Guide (now with working link)
I posted this a week ago, but botched the link. Let's try again.
There are very good witch guides already (which I link to), and I only made this one to broaden their coverage. My aim here is to cover the material online at:
That is, I'm covering more hexes, patrons & spells. To keep the length manageable I limit much of this to "only the good stuff". E.g., the motivation to take a given patron lies in the good-to-excellent spells it offers, so let's just skip the chaff.
If you think I've overlooked something of note, maybe a spell that's not an everyday choice but that has particularly nice uses, please let me know.
One tiny thing - an arcane trickster wannabe can use the accomplished sneak attacker feat to cut down on the number of non-spellcasting levels in the build. Witch 3 / rogue or roguish class 1 / arcane trickster X can cast spells a full spell level ahead of the witch 3 / rogue 3 / arcane trickster X in your sample builds.
Hex Channeler wrote:<. . .>Every time the hex channeler is able to learn a new hex (including major or grand hexes, but not hexes gained through the Extra Hex feat), she can instead increase her channel energy amount by 1d6.
So you can't get more than (Level/2) * d6. And using all your even-level Hexes on boosting the damage is a semi-waste, since you are giving up what makes Witches great. What Hex Channeler IS good for is for channeling with rider effects that don't depend on Channeling dice, since just taking the archetype gives you full Cleric level for Channel DC, etc. So if you want it for Command/Turn Undead or one of the rider effects that some types of Variant Channeling have (assuming you worship the right deity), then it's good for that.
For rating Ley Line Guardian, trading out your familiar can in some respects be considered a feature, not a bug, since this means you don't have to worry about your Familiar getting taken out to prevent you from preparing spells. The Hex Substitute ability Conduit Surge is rather lackluster for 2 Hexes, though.
Scarred Witch Doctor -- I really miss the pre-Errata version . . . after the Errata, it's no longer good for Gish builds, but makes otherwise conventional Half-Orc Witches overpowered (somebody must have forgotten that Half-Orcs can put their +2 anywhere). Now if you want a Witch who can't spell, you're stuck with Seducer . . . .
When you rate Winter Witch: I think that if you are playing very defensively instead of offensively -- for instance if your job is not to be an Irriseni Ice Witch but instead to keep your party (including yourself) alive under the noses of the Irriseni Ice Witches -- taking the archetype without the prestige class could actually be better than taking the prestige class.
For rating Arcane Trickster, I wouldn't rate this as being good for a Witch. Not only do you not gain more Hexes, but you also don't progress the ones you have, many of which get stronger as you level up (in Save DC if nothing else). (In contrast, Stargazer does progress your Hexes.) In addition, the Witch spell list doesn't natively have Mage Hand, so you have to invest in getting that (like the Two World Magic trait in your Ashiftah Trickster example -- and that's at the same time as you also have to invest in Magical Knack and possibly also a Campaign Trait). If you want to go Arcane Tricskter anyway, at least concentrate on Hexes that are not strongly level-dependent, and consider Vivisectionist Alchemist as a way of getting one of your d6 of Sneak Attack. It does have the disadvantage relative to Rogue of not giving you free Weapon Finesse, but it gives you free Brew Potion and Throw Anything (the latter being better than the feat version), as well as the 1st level Extracts being useful for utility, and the limited Mutagen even being potentially useful. Of the Alchemist archetypes that stack with Vivisectionist and actually change something at 1st level, Sacrament Alchemist (trades out Mutagen) could be useful even with only 1 level, if you worship the right deity (needs to offer a Domain that has a 1st level power that doesn't depend upon effective Cleric level); if you didn't want Brew Potion but want a martial weapon proficiency (especially if treats weapons as martial weapons), Grenadier might be for you. Having said all of that, if you want an effective Arcane Tricskter (and you aren't the GM building something weird like a Divine Arcane Tricskter), Wizard is the way to go, not Witch or Sorcerer (hard to get enough skill ranks per level), and not even Arcanist (like Witch, loses too much in the way of juicy class features other than spellcasting).
** It provides information on the magical properties of various plants and herbs, as well as instructions on making herbal remedies, teas, and potions. The use of plants and herbs in spells and rituals is also explored, highlighting the role they play in healing, protection, and manifestation. The Handbook for the Earth-Focused Witch also explores different forms of divination that align with the earth, such as reading the patterns of the clouds, working with crystals and stones, and using the energy of the land to enhance tarot and oracle card readings. **One of the central themes of the handbook is the concept of reciprocity and ethical considerations when working with the earth.** It emphasizes the importance of giving back to the earth and being responsible stewards of the land. This can mean engaging in eco-friendly practices, such as using sustainable materials and supporting local and ethical farming practices. Overall, the Handbook for the Earth-Focused Witch serves as a valuable resource for witches who wish to deepen their connection to the earth and incorporate it into their magical practice. It offers a wealth of information, rituals, and practices to help witches foster a deeper relationship with the natural world and embrace their role as guardians and caretakers of the earth..
Reviews for "Grounding and Centering: A Handbook for Earth-Focused Witches"
1. Amy Johnson - 2/5
I was excited to delve into the world of earth-focused witchcraft with the "Handbook for the Earth Focused Witch," but I was ultimately disappointed. The book lacked depth and substance, and I found myself wanting more information and guidance on various aspects of the practice. The author touched on many different topics but failed to provide any real insight or practical advice. Overall, I felt let down by this handbook and would not recommend it to others looking to explore earth-focused witchcraft.
2. Jacob Thompson - 3/5
As an aspiring earth-focused witch, I had high hopes for this handbook. However, I found it to be quite basic and lacking in originality. The information presented was nothing that couldn't be found in a quick internet search or a beginner's guide to witchcraft. The book did not offer any unique or innovative ideas for connecting with the earth or deepening one's understanding of the craft. While it may be suitable for complete beginners, those with more experience in earth-focused witchcraft will likely find this handbook underwhelming.
3. Sarah Mitchell - 2/5
"Handbook for the Earth Focused Witch" failed to meet my expectations. I was looking for a comprehensive guide to earth-based magic, but instead, I found a superficial and generic overview. The author seemed to rely heavily on well-known and widely available information, without providing any additional insights or personal experiences. The book lacked depth and could have gone into more detail on various practices and rituals. Overall, it fell short of what I was hoping to find, and I would not recommend it to serious practitioners or individuals seeking a more profound exploration of earth-based witchcraft.
4. Michael Turner - 2/5
I found "Handbook for the Earth Focused Witch" to be disappointing and lacking in substance. The author seemed to skim over important topics and failed to provide enough practical advice or guidance. While the book had potential to be a comprehensive resource for earth-focused witchcraft, it fell short and left me unsatisfied. I was hoping for more detailed instructions and insights into connecting with the earth and nature, but instead, I found a collection of surface-level information that left me wanting more. Overall, this handbook did not live up to my expectations.