Prestige Class · Summoning, Calling & Planar Bargains
Thaumaturgist — Master of Planar Allies
A five-level prestige path for experienced spellcasters who specialise in calling, negotiating with and commanding creatures from beyond the mortal world.
A Thaumaturgist does not merely summon creatures; they build relationships, bargains and contingencies across the planes. The prestige class is for spellcasters who want planar beings to become recurring parts of play rather than disposable spell effects.
The path works best when called creatures have motives of their own. A useful ally may agree because the task serves its nature, because the price is fair, because the Thaumaturgist has earned trust, or because both sides need the same enemy defeated.
At a Glance
- Role
- Summoner, negotiator, planar specialist and full spellcasting support.
- Best For
- Players who enjoy summoned allies, extraplanar politics, bargaining and preparing creatures for specific jobs.
- How You Qualify
- Advanced spellcasting plus real experience with conjuration, calling or planar travel.
- How You Enter
- Successfully call and negotiate with a planar being powerful enough to recognise you as more than a novice summoner.
- Signature Ability
- Improved Ally makes called creatures easier to bargain with, while later features extend and prepare planar conjurations.
- Progression
- Five prestige-class levels with full spellcasting progression and one major planar feature at each level.
What Makes a Thaumaturgist Different?
A normal summoner asks what creature a spell can produce. A Thaumaturgist asks who should be called, what that being wants, how long it can remain, what happens if the situation changes and whether the relationship can continue after the spell ends.
Improved Ally
Negotiation becomes part of the class rather than an afterthought to the spell.
Augmented Summoning
Summoned creatures arrive better prepared to survive and contribute without inflating their accuracy.
Extended Summoning
Summoning magic lasts longer when the situation calls for endurance rather than a brief combat burst.
Contingent Conjuration
Prepare one summoning spell in advance and let a clearly defined event release it later.
Planar Covenant
At the height of the path, one planar relationship becomes reliable enough to function as a recurring covenant.
Planar Knowledge
The class naturally connects to creatures, factions and places beyond the mortal world.
Can I Build Toward Thaumaturgist?
Yes, but you need to become a capable spellcaster first. The classic form of the class expects access to powerful calling magic, while the modern versions require 5th-level spellcasting and practical experience with conjuration.
- Keep your spellcasting ability high. The prestige class advances the class that qualified you.
- Invest in planar knowledge. Knowledge, Spellcraft, Arcana and the planes all matter depending on edition.
- Build social competence. A called creature is much more useful when you can persuade it rather than simply threaten it.
- Learn what you are calling. Use the Planes of Existence and Outsiders to understand the beings that can answer.
Alignment & Behaviour
Any alignment. The class does not force a moral position, but the creatures you call will care about your behaviour. A lawful outsider may value fulfilled contracts, a destructive outsider may demand opportunities for ruin, and a guardian spirit may refuse work that violates its purpose.
The important rule is that planar allies are not puppets. The more independent the creature, the more the Thaumaturgist must treat the relationship as an agreement rather than a spell effect with a personality painted on afterwards.
Thaumaturgist Rules by Edition
Choose the tab for your campaign. Each version advances the spellcasting class that brought you into the path while adding stronger summoning techniques and deeper planar relationships.
Thaumaturgist — 5.5e / 2024
Prerequisites
- Character Level: 9th level or higher before taking your first Thaumaturgist level.
- Spellcasting: Ability to cast at least one 5th-level spell.
- Skill: Proficiency in Arcana or Religion.
- Conjuration: You know or can prepare at least one spell that summons, calls or binds a creature.
- Special: You must have successfully negotiated with an extraplanar creature that was free to refuse you.
Hit Point Die: d6 per Thaumaturgist level. Hit Points per Level: 1d6 (or 4) + Constitution modifier. Proficiencies: No new armour, weapon or saving throw proficiencies.
| Level | Features | Spellcasting |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Improved Ally | +1 qualifying class |
| 2 | — | +1 qualifying class |
| 3 | Augmented Summoning, Extended Summoning | +1 qualifying class |
| 4 | Contingent Conjuration | +1 qualifying class |
| 5 | Planar Covenant | +1 qualifying class |
Spellcasting
Choose one spellcasting class that qualified you for Thaumaturgist. Each Thaumaturgist level counts as a level in that class for its Spellcasting feature: spell slots and the number and level of spells you can prepare or know advance normally. You do not gain other class or subclass features from the qualifying class.
Improved Ally
When you communicate with an extraplanar creature you summoned or called, you can use your spellcasting ability in place of Charisma for a Persuasion check made to negotiate the terms of its service. Once per Long Rest, you can give yourself Advantage on one such check after the creature has heard your offer.
This feature never overrides a creature’s nature, loyalties or stated limits, and it does not remove a spell’s normal material costs.
Augmented Summoning
At 3rd level, when one or more creatures first appear because of a summoning spell you cast, choose one of those creatures. The chosen creature gains Temporary Hit Points equal to twice your Proficiency Bonus + your spellcasting ability modifier. Once on each of its turns when it deals damage, it can deal extra damage equal to your Proficiency Bonus to one target of that damage.
Only one creature from each casting can benefit from Augmented Summoning. The choice lasts for that casting and does not increase attack rolls, save DCs or Armour Class.
Extended Summoning
At 3rd level, when you cast a summoning spell with a duration of at least 1 minute, you can double its maximum duration, to a maximum of 24 hours. If the spell requires Concentration, you must maintain Concentration for the full extended duration. You can use this feature once per Long Rest.
Contingent Conjuration
At 4th level, once per Long Rest you can spend 10 minutes preparing one summoning spell of 5th level or lower that you know or have prepared. Expend the spell slot and any material components when you prepare it, then define a clear trigger you can perceive, such as a creature entering a room or you falling below half your Hit Points.
The prepared spell triggers immediately when the condition occurs, provided you are conscious and within 1 mile. If the spell requires Concentration, you begin concentrating when it triggers and any Concentration you were already maintaining ends. You can have only one Contingent Conjuration prepared at a time, and an unused contingency ends when you finish your next Long Rest.
Planar Covenant
At 5th level, choose one summoning spell of 5th level or lower that you know or have prepared and that summons or calls an extraplanar creature. Once per Long Rest, you may cast that spell at its lowest level without expending a spell slot, still providing any costly or consumed material components.
In addition, when the same individual planar creature willingly answers one of your spells on more than one occasion, the GM may treat it as a recurring ally with memory, motives and obligations between appearances. This relationship never grants you a second permanent combatant outside the normal spell or encounter rules.
Thaumaturgist — 5e / 2014
Prerequisites
- Character Level: 9th level or higher before taking your first Thaumaturgist level.
- Spellcasting: Ability to cast at least one 5th-level spell.
- Skill: Proficiency in Arcana or Religion.
- Conjuration: You know or can prepare at least one spell that summons, calls or binds a creature.
- Special: Successfully negotiate with an extraplanar creature free to refuse the request.
Hit Die: d6. Hit Points per Level: 1d6 (or 4) + Constitution modifier. Proficiencies: None.
| Level | Features | Spellcasting |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Improved Ally | +1 qualifying class |
| 2 | — | +1 qualifying class |
| 3 | Augmented Summoning, Extended Summoning | +1 qualifying class |
| 4 | Contingent Conjuration | +1 qualifying class |
| 5 | Planar Covenant | +1 qualifying class |
Spellcasting
Each Thaumaturgist level advances the Spellcasting feature of one qualifying spellcasting class for spell slots and spells known or prepared. Other class and subclass features do not advance.
Improved Ally
Use your spellcasting ability in place of Charisma on one Persuasion check made to negotiate with an extraplanar creature you summoned or called. Once per long rest, you can give yourself advantage on one such check. The feature does not override a creature’s nature or remove material costs.
Augmented Summoning
At 3rd level, when one or more creatures first appear because of a summoning spell you cast, choose one of those creatures. The chosen creature gains temporary hit points equal to twice your proficiency bonus + your spellcasting ability modifier. Once on each of its turns when it deals damage, it deals extra damage equal to your proficiency bonus to one target. Only one creature from each casting can benefit, and the choice lasts for that casting.
Extended Summoning
Once per long rest, double the maximum duration of one summoning spell you cast that normally lasts at least 1 minute, to a maximum of 24 hours. Concentration remains required for the full duration when the spell normally requires it.
Contingent Conjuration
Once per long rest, spend 10 minutes preparing a summoning spell of 5th level or lower, expending its slot and components and naming a clear trigger. It triggers immediately when the condition occurs while you are conscious and within 1 mile. Concentration begins on the trigger and replaces any concentration you were already maintaining. Only one contingency can exist at a time, and it expires at your next long rest if unused.
Planar Covenant
Choose one qualifying summoning spell of 5th level or lower. Once per long rest, cast it at its lowest level without a spell slot, still providing costly or consumed material components. A recurring individual planar ally can remember prior dealings, but it remains bound by the normal spell, encounter and campaign rules.
Thaumaturgist — Pathfinder 1e
Requirements
- Feat: Spell Focus (conjuration).
- Spellcasting: Ability to cast lesser planar ally.
Hit Die: d6. Skill Ranks per Level: 2 + Intelligence modifier.
Class Skills: Craft, Diplomacy, Knowledge (planes), Knowledge (religion), Linguistics, Profession, Sense Motive and Spellcraft.
| Level | BAB | Fort | Ref | Will | Special | Spells |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | +0 | +0 | +0 | +1 | Improved Ally | +1 existing class |
| 2nd | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | Augment Summoning | +1 existing class |
| 3rd | +1 | +1 | +1 | +2 | Extended Summoning | +1 existing class |
| 4th | +2 | +1 | +1 | +2 | Contingent Conjuration | +1 existing class |
| 5th | +2 | +2 | +2 | +3 | Planar Cohort | +1 existing class |
Spellcasting
Every Thaumaturgist level advances one spellcasting class you possessed before entering for spells per day, spells known where applicable and caster level. Other class features do not advance.
Improved Ally
When you cast planar ally or one of its lesser or greater forms, make the normal Diplomacy check to negotiate payment. If the creature’s attitude becomes Helpful and the task is not against its nature, it accepts 50% of the standard payment. Only one ally at a time can benefit from this reduced payment.
Augment Summoning
At 2nd level, gain Augment Summoning as a bonus feat even if you do not meet its prerequisites.
Extended Summoning
At 3rd level, summoning-subschool spells you cast have double their normal duration as though affected by Extend Spell, without changing spell level. This stacks with Extend Spell.
Contingent Conjuration
At 4th level, prepare one summoning or calling spell ahead of time to trigger on a clearly defined condition, using the general restrictions of Contingency. You cast and pay for the conjuration when establishing the contingency. Only one Contingent Conjuration can be active at a time.
Planar Cohort
At 5th level, you can use a planar ally spell to call a willing creature as a cohort. The creature must support a cause you continue to advance, cannot have more Hit Dice than you, and must have an effective character level no higher than your character level −2. Calling it requires the normal spell plus an offering of 1,000 gp × the creature’s Hit Dice; Improved Ally does not reduce this cost. You can have only one cohort, and this replaces any cohort gained from Leadership.
Thaumaturgist — D&D 3.5e
Requirements
- Feat: Spell Focus (conjuration).
- Spellcasting: Ability to cast Lesser Planar Ally.
Hit Die: d4. Skill Points per Level: 2 + Intelligence modifier.
Class Skills: Concentration, Craft, Diplomacy, Knowledge (religion), Knowledge (the planes), Profession, Sense Motive, Speak Language and Spellcraft.
| Level | BAB | Fort | Ref | Will | Special | Spells |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | +0 | +0 | +0 | +2 | Improved Ally | +1 existing class |
| 2nd | +1 | +0 | +0 | +3 | Augment Summoning | +1 existing class |
| 3rd | +1 | +1 | +1 | +3 | Extended Summoning | +1 existing class |
| 4th | +2 | +1 | +1 | +4 | Contingent Conjuration | +1 existing class |
| 5th | +2 | +1 | +1 | +4 | Planar Cohort | +1 existing class |
Spells per Day / Spells Known
Each Thaumaturgist level advances one existing spellcasting class for spells per day, spells known where applicable and caster level. Other class features do not advance.
Improved Ally
When you cast a Planar Ally spell, make the normal Diplomacy check to negotiate a reduced payment. If the creature becomes Helpful and the task is not against its nature, it works for 50% of the normal fee. The creature must share at least one alignment component with you. Only one ally at a time can receive the reduced-payment benefit.
Augment Summoning
At 2nd level, gain Augment Summoning as a bonus feat.
Extended Summoning
At 3rd level, every spell you cast from the summoning subschool has double its normal duration as though affected by Extend Spell, without changing spell level. This stacks with Extend Spell.
Contingent Conjuration
At 4th level, prepare one summoning or calling spell to trigger on a stated condition following the restrictions of Contingency. You cast and pay for the conjuration when establishing the contingency. Only one Contingent Conjuration can be active at a time.
Planar Cohort
At 5th level, use a Planar Ally spell to call a creature as a loyal cohort so long as you continue to advance a cause important to it. The creature cannot have more Hit Dice than you and must have an effective character level no higher than your character level −2. The calling requires an offering of 1,000 gp × the creature’s Hit Dice, and Improved Ally cannot reduce this cost. You can have only one planar cohort; it replaces a cohort gained through Leadership.
How the Thaumaturgist Plays
In combat, you are still the spellcaster who qualified for the prestige class. Summoned allies add bodies, durability and tactical options, while your own spell list remains the centre of your turn.
Before combat, Contingent Conjuration rewards prediction. It is strongest when you can name a simple event that genuinely matters rather than trying to write a paragraph of conditions.
Outside combat, the prestige class becomes a diplomacy engine for planar adventures. Repeated dealings with the same outsider can create alliances, grudges, debts and introductions to factions that a one-off summoning spell would never produce.
Entering the Path
A Thaumaturgist usually earns the title after surviving a negotiation that could not be solved by spell power alone. The candidate must prove that they can recognise what kind of being has answered, understand what it values and secure cooperation without losing control of the situation.
Teachers are often found among planar scholars, summoning specialists, magical colleges and ritual traditions. Masters of Circles understand the boundaries that make calling safer, while Hermetic Mages provide the languages, diagrams and correspondences that make negotiations intelligible.
Sources, Rules & Licensing
The D&D 3.5e Thaumaturgist progression follows the d20 System Reference Document. See d20 SRD — Thaumaturgist.
The Pathfinder 1e tab is a Pathfinder-facing conversion of the same five-level prestige-class concept. The modern editions preserve the class’s planar identity while replacing permanent-cohort and action-economy assumptions that do not transfer cleanly into 5e-style play.
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