So my dog died this past Thursday and I want to honor him with a PC.


Advice

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Said PC also had a beloved dog that passed on but instead of joining the eternal cycle, the dog stays on as his master beloved ghost dog. How would one create such as character?


Shaman.

The rest should be up to you, out of respect to your dog.


Cavall wrote:

Shaman.

The rest should be up to you, out of respect to your dog.

I've considered that but what about something from Occult Adventures? Like say Spiritualist?


Summoner could work nicely, flavoring your eidolon as the loyal spirit of your dog.

Do you have any preference on how the character itself acts/fights/solves problems, or is your focus just on the bond between them and their dog? Because that could have an impact on which class would work best.


I'm mostly interested in the bond between them, Avoron. Solving problems, fighting aren't high on the list of things I want to do with this character. Mostly because I want it to be more like "A boy and his dog."


The spiritualist will probably be a good option assuming there will be an animal option. I don't know if you want to wait a month to build your character though.


Melkiador wrote:
The spiritualist will probably be a good option assuming there will be an animal option. I don't know if you want to wait a month to build your character though.

Well I'm not in a game right now. I was in Wrath of the Righteous but that's on hiatus until our DM figures out how to balance work with his free time/scheduled play.

So I could wait I suppose. Not 100% sure I want to. But again, I just want something where it's "A boy and his dog" doing adventures.


Well I don't know about the occult classes and the fit. I do know you're bound with a spirit in the Shaman class, which would be a perfect fit. I like the summoner suggestion too, but then I think about adding 3 heads and it gets weird.


Alchemists and take the tumor familiar discovery.


Cavall wrote:
Well I don't know about the occult classes and the fit. I do know you're bound with a spirit in the Shaman class, which would be a perfect fit. I like the summoner suggestion too, but then I think about adding 3 heads and it gets weird.

Yeah but I'm more for keeping it simple. A dog's spirit, not some planar thingie with more heads.

Shaman is definitely a strong contender, Cavall.

Dorian,

No. Definitely not.


A few options come to mind:

Druid with a dog as his animal companion

Witch with a dog familiar

A Halfling or Gnome Cavalier who has a wardog as his trusty mount.

Or a Samsaran who was your dog in a past life and has unusually good memories of that life.

Just spitballing a few ideas. (Though after looking at them the Halfling cavalier looks kind of interesting.)


Victor Von Fausten wrote:

A few options come to mind:

Druid with a dog as his animal companion

Witch with a dog familiar

A Halfling or Gnome Cavalier who has a wardog as his trusty mount.

Or a Samsaran who was your dog in a past life and has unusually good memories of that life.

Just spitballing a few ideas. Though after looking at them the Halfling cavalier looks kind of interesting.)

Well my only problem is all these things are living. I was kind of going for...not living. You know, G-H-O-S-T or something like that. Not evil undead just...no longer of this world. Spirit and such.

Still might take up the halfling idea.


Thomas Seitz wrote:
Victor Von Fausten wrote:

A few options come to mind:

Druid with a dog as his animal companion

Witch with a dog familiar

A Halfling or Gnome Cavalier who has a wardog as his trusty mount.

Or a Samsaran who was your dog in a past life and has unusually good memories of that life.

Just spitballing a few ideas. Though after looking at them the Halfling cavalier looks kind of interesting.)

Well my only problem is all these things are living. I was kind of going for...not living. You know, G-H-O-S-T or something like that. Not evil undead just...no longer of this world. Spirit and such.

Still might take up the halfling idea.

I kind of missed that, my bad, I just woke up from a nap - had to work late yesterday, and work this morning. Anyway, I too am a dog lover and I sympathize with your loss.


Thanks Mister Von Fausten. I'm not mad. I just wanted to honor my dog since he's passed on...and felt this was one way to do that.

Victor Von Fausten wrote:
Thomas Seitz wrote:
Victor Von Fausten wrote:

A few options come to mind:

Druid with a dog as his animal companion

Witch with a dog familiar

A Halfling or Gnome Cavalier who has a wardog as his trusty mount.

Or a Samsaran who was your dog in a past life and has unusually good memories of that life.

Just spitballing a few ideas. Though after looking at them the Halfling cavalier looks kind of interesting.)

Well my only problem is all these things are living. I was kind of going for...not living. You know, G-H-O-S-T or something like that. Not evil undead just...no longer of this world. Spirit and such.

Still might take up the halfling idea.

I kind of missed that, my bad, I just woke up from a nap - had to work late yesterday, and work this morning. Anyway, I too am a dog lover and I sympathize with your loss.


If I could suggest one more, I will second the witch with some notes. the witch has a familiar and a patron. The patron could be the spirit of your dog, who takes form in the familiar. There's even an archtype that's very closely bound to sharing that familiar body. With a patron choice that's appropriate you'd find a lot of boxes checked here.

Like I said before I won't recommend much past vague suggestions out of respect for your pet. But this is a good RP.


Cavall wrote:

If I could suggest one more, I will second the witch with some notes. the witch has a familiar and a patron. The patron could be the spirit of your dog, who takes form in the familiar. There's even an archtype that's very closely bound to sharing that familiar body. With a patron choice that's appropriate you'd find a lot of boxes checked here.

Like I said before I won't recommend much past vague suggestions out of respect for your pet. But this is a good RP.

So far I don't see ANYONE (especially you Cavall) that hasn't been respectful of my feeling or the nature of my relationship with my dog was.

So you're good.

I could see kind of a "Great Spirit Animal" patron for a witch...but we'll see. That being said it's still a good way to go, especially with that archetype you mentioned.


How about the hunter class?


Ciaran Barnes wrote:
How about the hunter class?

Considering it sure, but again, I'd prefer to have a S-P-I-R-I-T/G-H-O-S-T, type deal rather than just a regular animal companion. However I'm sure there might be an archetype for it...maybe.


I'd toss my vote in for the summoner as well. Nothing says you have to have the eidolon have multiple heads, arms, swords and wings after all. While it is an outsider, it wouldn't be difficult at all to flavor it as a ghost / spirit, especially if you choose evolutions that make it more ghost like (which I think there are some). There's even a shaman-like archetype called the spirit summoner.

If you're not interested nor intending on having the dog be part of battle or skill use, what if you picked a class that talked to ghosts often (say cleric, witch or somethings else), and simply RP'd your interaction with the ghost dog? Your character being able to see it (due to powers or past experience / connection with the dog) but your party not being able to see it themselves unless something happens where they can. If you had a class that could use telekenisis or even just mage hand or unseen servant to have things move about in the world via the dog carrying them. I'm sure a DM could find plenty of ways for it to effect the game and would be fine with it... if this is what you felt like doing that is. Which it may not be and I'd understand.

That said, shaman would work too. Anyways, good luck.


Looking through the rules, I see no insurmountable reason that a ghost dog couldn't be a necromancer's or witches familiar. It would depend on your Dm of course, but I think it could be worked out with the right background. A character with the magical lineage trait may have had a parent or close relative who was a necromancer and brought his dog's ghost back. It would cost you a trait, but you would have your ghost dog. This could also work with other classes as well, but take a look at the Beast Bonded Witch archetype. I also like your Shaman idea.


Third Mind wrote:
I'd toss my vote in for the summoner as well. Nothing says you have to have the eidolon have multiple heads, arms, swords and wings after all. While it is an outsider, it wouldn't be difficult at all to flavor it as a ghost / spirit, especially if you choose evolutions that make it more ghost like (which I think there are some). There's even a shaman-like archetype called the spirit summoner.

I'll check into Spirit Summoner. Just again, wasn't sure I'm for outsider thingie. Especially with more than one head, four legs and a tail. No wings either.

Third Mind wrote:
If you're not interested nor intending on having the dog be part of battle or skill use, what if you picked a class that talked to ghosts often (say cleric, witch or somethings else), and simply RP'd your interaction with the ghost dog? Your character being able to see it (due to powers or past experience / connection with the dog) but your party not being able to see it themselves unless something happens where they can. If you had a class that could use telekenisis or even just mage hand or unseen servant to have things move about in the world via the dog carrying them. I'm sure a DM could find plenty of ways for it to effect the game and would be fine with it... if this is what you felt like doing that is. Which it may not be and I'd understand.

I'm not sure I'd have him do ALL the battles, but certainly help in some aspects, like a) RP use and b) give the character some more table flavor during down time sessions. Fighting just wasn't a strong aspect for what I wanted to do for this character AND paying homage to my dog.

Third Mind wrote:
That said, shaman would work too. Anyways, good luck.

Thanks and yeah shaman is like my second choice.


Victor Von Fausten wrote:
Looking through the rules, I see no insurmountable reason that a ghost dog couldn't be a necromancer's or witches familiar. It would depend on your Dm of course, but I think it could be worked out with the right background. A character with the magical lineage trait may have had a parent or close relative who was a necromancer and brought his dog's ghost back. It would cost you a trait, but you would have your ghost dog. This could also work with other classes as well, but take a look at the Beast Bonded Witch archetype. I also like your Shaman idea.

Well I don't see an insurmountable reason either I couldn't have one. But again, I didn't want like a shambling undead. More like a spectral aspect of the dog, much like Beast Bonded might work, or else Shaman.


there will be a ghost rider cavalier archetype in occult, so maybe a halfling ghost dog rider cavalier?


the xiao wrote:
there will be a ghost rider cavalier archetype in occult, so maybe a halfling ghost dog rider cavalier?

It's a consideration. However I'm a bit meh towards mounted combat. We'll see though when Occult Adventures comes out.


The closest thing I can think of would be a shadow dancer and see if you GM will let the summon shadow be a dog.


Mysterious Stranger wrote:
The closest thing I can think of would be a shadow dancer and see if you GM will let the summon shadow be a dog.

Well I think I can do better than that. But then again, never much cared for Shadow Dancer.

Thank you though for your thought.


Ghosts are not shambling undead, and any creature with a charisma of 6 or higher can become a ghost. Dogs have a charisma of 6. Ghosts have a good fly speed and technically don't touch the ground. Even though they are generally associated with evil, they don't have to be. As a DM I have used good ghosts before. In the pathfinder world, there is much that deities can do. If you want your character to be evil this is easy to have a ghost dog companion. If you want your character to be good, look at the "Totem Guide Companion" in the Animal Archive book. I could see Desna, Sarenae, or Shelyn using such a tool to further your character's development. If your DM doesn't use the "official" pathfinder deities, I'm sure the two of you can figure something out. I know you said that you're not in a game right now, so I hope you find a good DM with whom to play this character. I'm sure others will have a different take on the deities whom I mentioned, oh well, that's one of the the things that makes RPGs so much fun.


Victor Von Fausten wrote:
Ghosts are not shambling undead, and any creature with a charisma of 6 or higher can become a ghost. Dogs have a charisma of 6. Ghosts have a good fly speed and technically don't touch the ground. Even though they are generally associated with evil, they don't have to be. As a DM I have used good ghosts before. In the pathfinder world, there is much that deities can do. If you want your character to be evil this is easy to have a ghost dog companion. If you want your character to be good, look at the "Totem Guide Companion" in the Animal Archive book. I could see Desna, Sarenae, or Shelyn using such a tool to further your character's development. If your DM doesn't use the "official" pathfinder deities, I'm sure the two of you can figure something out. I know you said that you're not in a game right now, so I hope you find a good DM with whom to play this character. I'm sure others will have a different take on the deities whom I mentioned, oh well, that's one of the the things that makes RPGs so much fun.

I know Ghosts aren't shambling undead. I've seen and dealt with more than my fair share of good ghosts. This character and his dog will be good. Well the character will be. The dog will probably be pretty neutral. I'll also check out Animal Archive just in case. I was thinking for a patron/divinity to follow might closer to Erastil or else Iomedae perhaps. Hell Cayden might be another choice! :) But yeah we'll just wait and see when this comes up. Which might not be until after August.


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I really like the idea of the Spiritualist and his phantom pet. Also, I'm sorry for the loss of your beloved friend. My dogs keep me sane, give me love, and make me laugh. I'd be devastated if I lost them. I'd probably do something like your idea to "keep them around", even if it was only in an RPG.


Thomas Seitz wrote:
Victor Von Fausten wrote:
Ghosts are not shambling undead, and any creature with a charisma of 6 or higher can become a ghost. Dogs have a charisma of 6. Ghosts have a good fly speed and technically don't touch the ground. Even though they are generally associated with evil, they don't have to be. As a DM I have used good ghosts before. In the pathfinder world, there is much that deities can do. If you want your character to be evil this is easy to have a ghost dog companion. If you want your character to be good, look at the "Totem Guide Companion" in the Animal Archive book. I could see Desna, Sarenae, or Shelyn using such a tool to further your character's development. If your DM doesn't use the "official" pathfinder deities, I'm sure the two of you can figure something out. I know you said that you're not in a game right now, so I hope you find a good DM with whom to play this character. I'm sure others will have a different take on the deities whom I mentioned, oh well, that's one of the the things that makes RPGs so much fun.
I know Ghosts aren't shambling undead. I've seen and dealt with more than my fair share of good ghosts. This character and his dog will be good. Well the character will be. The dog will probably be pretty neutral. I'll also check out Animal Archive just in case. I was thinking for a patron/divinity to follow might closer to Erastil or else Iomedae perhaps. Hell Cayden might be another choice! :) But yeah we'll just wait and see when this comes up. Which might not be until after August.

I wish you well. No offence intended. I hope everything works out well for you in August. HAVE FUN.


DungeonmasterCal wrote:
I really like the idea of the Spiritualist and his phantom pet. Also, I'm sorry for the loss of your beloved friend. My dogs keep me sane, give me love, and make me laugh. I'd be devastated if I lost them. I'd probably do something like your idea to "keep them around", even if it was only in an RPG.

That's kind of the idea Cal. I just want to keep the memory of him from when he was still young, bright, and able to do all he wanted to do before he became old, unable to really walk/run and do much on his own. This is part of that.


You could see if your GM would allow you to choose a dog/wolf as a Divine Bonded Paladin mount. It'll eventually receive the celstial template and you're able to summon it to your side. You could flavor that as a divine spirit that you have close ties with.


Kyrrion wrote:
You could see if your GM would allow you to choose a dog/wolf as a Divine Bonded Paladin mount. It'll eventually receive the celstial template and you're able to summon it to your side. You could flavor that as a divine spirit that you have close ties with.

Two problems with that.

1) I've played like 7 different paladins in the past 5-6 years. I'm pretty sure the group is tired of them.

2) I never cared much for mounted combat.

But thank you anyway for your idea.


Be any class with a familiar/animal companion, though I personally like the witch, then take the Spirit's Gift feat and use the Bones shaman spirit to make your dog ghostly

Edit: maybe a Eldritch Guardian Fighter?

Grand Lodge

+1 the Spirit Summoner idea

I know about the whole ghost=/=outsider thing, but the souls of mortals go on to become the fuel in the birth of outsiders.

As such, your dog reborn, returning from the outer planes to his master. At least, that is the flavor I would go for in your situation.


Hazrond wrote:

Be any class with a familiar/animal companion, though I personally like the witch, then take the Spirit's Gift feat and use the Bones shaman spirit to make your dog ghostly

Edit: maybe a Eldritch Guardian Fighter?

Well I was thinking about animal companion but forgot about Spirit Gift's feat. I had considered more using Ancestors Spirit. I thought that was more appropriate than Bones. I could be wrong.


Dafydd wrote:

+1 the Spirit Summoner idea

I know about the whole ghost=/=outsider thing, but the souls of mortals go on to become the fuel in the birth of outsiders.

As such, your dog reborn, returning from the outer planes to his master. At least, that is the flavor I would go for in your situation.

Yeah but I'm not sure I feel it as strongly. I like the idea. I just don't want an Eidolon too. The spirit part from Shaman is pretty much swinging it towards it.


Thomas Seitz wrote:
Hazrond wrote:

Be any class with a familiar/animal companion, though I personally like the witch, then take the Spirit's Gift feat and use the Bones shaman spirit to make your dog ghostly

Edit: maybe a Eldritch Guardian Fighter?

Well I was thinking about animal companion but forgot about Spirit Gift's feat. I had considered more using Ancestors Spirit. I thought that was more appropriate than Bones. I could be wrong.

the reason for Bones is that it makes the dog ghostly and gives him a blur effect to boot


Hazrond wrote:
the reason for Bones is that it makes the dog ghostly and gives him a blur effect to boot

I thought Ancestors gave you something like that too...


Thomas Seitz wrote:
Hazrond wrote:
the reason for Bones is that it makes the dog ghostly and gives him a blur effect to boot
I thought Ancestors gave you something like that too...

no, it just makes them look old and give them the ability to talk


Hazrond wrote:
Thomas Seitz wrote:
Hazrond wrote:
the reason for Bones is that it makes the dog ghostly and gives him a blur effect to boot
I thought Ancestors gave you something like that too...
no, it just makes them look old and give them the ability to talk

Eh. Not sure how I feel about having necromantic powers with a dog that's really not THAT "feed me the living!" kind of undead.


Thomas Seitz wrote:
Hazrond wrote:
Thomas Seitz wrote:
Hazrond wrote:
the reason for Bones is that it makes the dog ghostly and gives him a blur effect to boot
I thought Ancestors gave you something like that too...
no, it just makes them look old and give them the ability to talk
Eh. Not sure how I feel about having necromantic powers with a dog that's really not THAT "feed me the living!" kind of undead.

like I said, Spirit's Gift, on your companion-granting class of choice


Hazrond wrote:
like I said, Spirit's Gift, on your companion-granting class of choice

I didn't that altered Hexes though.


Spirit's Gift has nothing to do with the shaman class other than giving the benefits one shaman spirit would grant to the familiar/animal companion


Hazrond wrote:
Spirit's Gift has nothing to do with the shaman class other than giving the benefits one shaman spirit would grant to the familiar/animal companion

K. I must have mis-read the feat some how.


anyone else?


I don't have the unchained book yet. Maybe there's something in there that can help you. I'm just plum out of ideas.


Victor Von Fausten wrote:
I don't have the unchained book yet. Maybe there's something in there that can help you. I'm just plum out of ideas.

Well I've looked it over but there's nothing in Unchained I'd really feel good about.

Now Occult Adventures! Spiritual, especially, that works. (No I don't have it either but I'm just going off the preview.)


Ugh I looked at the preview and was thinking of you and thought to myself "this is not the best way to honour his friend."

Plus you'll have to wait some time.


Cavall wrote:

Ugh I looked at the preview and was thinking of you and thought to myself "this is not the best way to honour his friend."

Plus you'll have to wait some time.

Well a) I figure his emotional focus will be devotion, not hatred and b),

it's not like I'm needing this character RIGHT now.

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