School of Contingencies

The School of Contingencies is based entirely around the archetype of "That One Guy that Always has Just The Right Thing in his Bindle." Meaning: you're constantly prepared, your eyes give the distinct impression that they'd like nothing better than to orbit your head, you stay lean, you cast Detect Poison before you eat anything, and you're probably always on the move. It's honestly: kind of terrible. And the worst part is that now you're stuck acquiring more of this power, knowledge, and suffering, lest you lose the metaphysical arms race.

There are other variations on this theme, of course, don't let me railroad you into a character concept. But the initial idea was very much, "What happens when that wizard veteran from AD&D migrates to the universe where you don't have to divinate for a week before you step out of your tower."w

Paranoia is an Art Form

You're not the type to just let your spells range about behind your back. Who knows what's on its mind?! What it could be plotting!?

So, like a responsible magician, you obsessively analyze the marble index of your consciousness for a few hours a day and make sure each spell is in its proper place and nowhere else.

Beginning at 2nd level, when you select this subclass, you use classic vancian rules when preparing your spells.

In brief, this means that each spell slot is assigned a spell of that level-- the spell can be an upcasted version of a lower level spell.

To offset this quirk of your magic, you’ve spent a whole hell of a lot of time studying, and learn twice the number of spells on level up.

At the DM's discretion, you can choose to make your spell slots sequential too and learn three times the number of spells on level up.

(I recommend keeping track of this on paper)

ALARMING WARDS!

It takes you a while to get to sleep. And who even knows what could be waiting for you when you do get to sleep? You've read too many dream sequences to be eager to find out firsthand. So why not make the most of the rest of the time you're awake? That is, if you sleep at all. Gods you really need to do something about this brain itch.

You take one hour to ward your campsite against intruders.

You cast the alarm spell, any spell of a level equal to half your proficiency bonus, and tie them together with a very minor conditional charm.

When the alarm is tripped, your spell goes off at the point where the barrier was breached. The spell automatically hits, even if it normally requires an attack roll. Spells that require separate attack rolls are treated as if they make only one attack roll.

You can do this once every long rest and the Ward expires when the Alarm expires.

(Caveat Emptor! Many an absentminded master has centered his Ward of Fireball on his tent only to flash fry himself over the trespass of a butterfly)

Formulae! My Only Bedmate!

Who needs loved ones when you've got a veritable herd of quasi-conscious, home grown, Universal Commandments living in your head. (PROBABLY!) not me.

One irreductible fact, though, is that you absolutely rely on and treasure your spells and Arcana to keep you alive and in this way they are an extremely significant part of your life. Using the intimate knowledge forged by this intense bond, one hour, and 15gp of material you can create a Formula

A Formula is a lot like a spell scroll with the exception that it doesn't require you to use it-- and in fact, you can't use it  (I mean what if someone took it from you?).

The Formula stores a spell of a level equal to your proficiency bonus. Upon creation you must specify a trigger that is as complex and specific as you like-- or as general.

The Formula resides in a tiny object with 5hp and 10 AC. Destruction of The Formula-- unless specified as the triggering condition --destroys the formula and the magic it retains.

The Formula spell is either centered on The Formula or on one location/person designated at creation of The Formula. The Location or Person must be within 30ft of The Formula.

You can have only one formula at a time and they expire in one day.

 

BE PREPARED!

You have mastered the art of contingent magic. Congratulations, you're just getting started.

Add Glyph of Warding to your spellbook if it wasn't already there. If it was, then take a free spell!

Once per long rest you can cast Glyph of Warding as a 5th level spell for free

You can maintain a number of Glyphs created in this way equal to your Intelligence Modifier.

 

Contingencies within Contingencies

Finally! The NAMESAKE!

Obsessive analysis paralysis is second nature to you. Because of that, you are capable of designing conditional spells of such convoluted complexity with ease.

Contingency doesn't eat a spell slot

You can have one Contingency per spell level

Contingency has a duration of Until Dispelled