Pathfinder Player Companion: Divine Anthology (PFRPG)

I love have divine spell books for int based Cleric.

In some imaginary other world, it would be neat if Clerics (and Druids) had the same sort of spell acquisition schemes of sorcerers or wizards, *either* a small list of spells known learned automatically, *or* a potentially unlimited list of spells known, that must be acquired and recorded and paid for with character resources in some sort of prayer book. No 'I know every Cleric spell ever published automagically, and when a new book comes out, I retroactively always knew that spell, too!'

But that ship has burned down, fallen over, and sank into the swamp. :)

But that ship has burned down, fallen over, and sank into the swamp. :)

And the goblins that did it ran off with the pigs.

Jem'Nai wrote:

I love have divine spell books for int based Cleric.

In some imaginary other world, it would be neat if Clerics (and Druids) had the same sort of spell acquisition schemes of sorcerers or wizards, *either* a small list of spells known learned automatically, *or* a potentially unlimited list of spells known, that must be acquired and recorded and paid for with character resources in some sort of prayer book. No 'I know every Cleric spell ever published automagically, and when a new book comes out, I retroactively always knew that spell, too!'

But that ship has burned down, fallen over, and sank into the swamp. :)

Yah, I think Cleric is the only class that doesn't have an option to add any spells to their list (outside of Domains and other Level 1 only options), which is very annoying.

As for the Int based Cleric, to be honest, I'd much rather see other classes get an option to use Wisdom for casting instead, especially since it would help with multiclassing without breaking the system so easily.

Yah, I think Cleric is the only class that doesn't have an option to add any spells to their list (outside of Domains and other Level 1 only options), which is very annoying.

Its tricky because cleric has one of the most subtly awesome spell lists in the game, combined with an average BAB, great armor and weapon options (because you're likely to pick a god with a weapon you want, if you want something that's not simple), and the game's only real AOE healing option combined with decent spell flexibility for a prepared caster.

In other words, one needs to be careful of not accidentally making a strong class an unstoppable powerhouse, because the potential is there with the cleric.

DM Beckett wrote:

Yah, I think Cleric is the only class that doesn't have an option to add any spells to their list (outside of Domains and other Level 1 only options), which is very annoying.

Its tricky because cleric has one of the most subtly awesome spell lists in the game, combined with an average BAB, great armor and weapon options (because you're likely to pick a god with a weapon you want, if you want something that's not simple), and the game's only real AOE healing option combined with decent spell flexibility for a prepared caster.

In other words, one needs to be careful of not accidentally making a strong class an unstoppable powerhouse, because the potential is there with the cleric.

We're trying to get that message across to Becky for ages, but he still thinks Clerics were a barely viable 3.5 class that got hopelessly gutted in Pathfinder.

It might be more convincing if there wasn't ways for Wizards, Sorcerers, and Druids (and even Paladins) to add Cleric spells to their list.

But it's not so much about power level, which I do disagree with, as much as a lack of cool and fun options on a thematic level. Basically all Clerics, regardless of theme, faith, deity, or even build have a nearly identical spell list. In the setting, occasionally there are small additional options, (such as priests of this deity add 2 or 3 spells to their spell list), and the main variation comes from Alignment restrictions, if any.

However, all of these options all kick in at level 1, and don't change thereafter. It also creates odd situations where, for example an Elven Cleric doesn't have access to something like Cat's Grace but is stuck with Bull's Strength.

Generally speaking, most Clerics, and this is also true for many Oracles and Druids as well, also have very similar Spells known or prepared, simply because there are some very good and generally useful spells and then there are a lot of spells that are not very good or very circumstantial.

I just don't really see it being devastatingly broken for, as an example, a Cleric of thunder and lightening to be able to add a few spells like Shocking Grasp, Jolt, and Lightningbolt to their spell list, and I don't believe that there are any Domains that grant these spells.

On the other hand, Pathfinder has gone out of it's way to take what was originally Cleric only options and grant them to other, (and sometimes many other classes), which has the side effect of making the class even less useful and fun to play. Note I didn't say not fun or useful, just less so, especially when the overall design philosophy is to open up things like that so that no one class is required for play and can cover a lot of other possible roles. The Cleric, pretty uniquely struggles to even have a role at all, with so many other classes taking aspects from it, and often doing so even better than the Cleric.

I'm pretty sure clerics can heal just fine. Now Life Oracle does it better, true, but that's only because it's an oracle. :P :)

Favorite class is Bard. However, two of my favorite spells just happen to be Cleric: Daybreak Arrow and Searing Light...Clerics have it pretty good if you ask me.

My favorite is Deadly Juggernaut.

However, two of my favorite spells just happen to be Cleric: Daybreak Arrow and Searing Light...Clerics have it pretty good if you ask me.

I like the theme and idea of Searing Light, but in truth, it is a pretty bad spell. It's a single target, poorly scaling option. This is somewhat similar with Daybreak Arrow, mainly because there are lower level options (even for other classes) that do something similar enough.

Magic Stone, Scorching Ray, and Flame Arrow, for example kind of steal the thunder levels before hand, except in the case where you are fighting very circumstantial enemies, in which case generally the Cleric already has other built in options. The one major defining aspect that sets these spells apart, but I wouldn't say it's enough to make them worth it on a daily basis, (which is what you will kind of need to have the right spell at the right time), is that they deal "divine" or "radiant" damage rather than something like Fire.

Personally, on of my favorite spells, which admittedly is a little on the broken side would be Burst of Radiance, mainly for two reasons. It's such an iconic and thematic sort of spell so appropriate for a holy man, but also because it A.) has an effect even if the target makes the save, and B.) scales well early on, but drops off quickly too, making it not a must have option. Balance wise, though, I really don't think this should be a Long Range spell. It's also one of the only area effect spells the Cleric can get (to be able to affect a swarm), like Soundburst.

Another one I like is Admonishing Ray, basically the Cleric's Scorching Ray. I like it because it's strong up front, just like Scorching Ray, but not overwhelmingly so, but does scale with level over a longer time, meaning it remains relevant even at later levels, but not to the point of must have. Additionally, unlike Searing Light, it's not another option that you are already good at, but rather can only really target non-undead, (who are immune to Non-Lethal).

Another one I like is Admonishing Ray, basically the Cleric's Scorching Ray.

Yeah, that's a fun one. The last sentence makes me smile, though;

The rays hit about as hard as a punch from a strong adult human, and can knock away unattended objects weighing up to 10 pounds if that amount of force could normally do so.

Can my 'strong adult human' punch for 4d6 nonlethal? Pretty please? :)

Yeah, that's a fun one. The last sentence makes me smile, though;

Can my 'strong adult human' punch for 4d6 nonlethal? Pretty please? :)

Honestly, I always like to flavor it like the deity is pimp-slapping the faithless.

I don't think Cayden does much pimp slapping...

I don't think Cayden does much pimp slapping...

[Citation Needed]

I don't think Cayden does much pimp slapping...

Well, in Cayden's case, he break a metaphysical bar stool over the head of the faithless.

DM Beckett: I understand your point, but I am very much a 'theme' person. If it seems cool to me, I like it. Not necessarily looking to max out damage. So, while those 2nd level spells you mention are very good, they can be situational also. I like "divine", "radiant" instead of "fire". Fire is resisted, divine/radiant not nearly as likely.

I had forgotten Burst of Radiance--fantastic spell, that one. Another great spell from a great book--Player Companion is my favorite product line from Paizo.

Theme and flavor are just fine. Im not saying they are not, just explaining why i generally don't care for those specific spells.

I do however dislike when cool options, flavor, or thematic elements are mechanically poorer options, (which Im not claiming Searing Light to be, or not too much), when it is possible to create both. I do, wish however that there where more things like Searing Light at both higher and lower levels, but also options to boost it more, (like an archetype that focuses on holy/light/sacred energy or negative/profane).

Thomas Seitz wrote:

I don't think Cayden does much pimp slapping...

Well, in Cayden's case, he break a metaphysical bar stool over the head of the faithless.

Probably. But only the ones that started the brawl.

Hope there are some archetypes for spellcasting in non-spellcasting classes like Arcane Anthology had.

Duex,

I'd imagine a few non-spellcasting classes will get a little love. Not sure they'll get spellcasting though.

The moment of truth for this book could be just days away... Hope to have the PDF Tuesday or Wednesday of next week, though I have not checked the shipping thread to know that yet.

I am very excited about this to say the least. I'm wondering if there will be any faith based fighter or barbarian archetypes that my devout Gorumites can make use of.

I had expected my "Pending" email last week, but did not happen. Thought some might start getting their "Shipping" emails...perhaps tomorrow?

If you didn't get your "Pending" e-mail yet, you need to contact Paizo. They completed the order spawning on Friday, and shipping starts today -- so you need for them to get your order "unstuck" from whatever is holding it up.

Hello Fourshadow,

Your order was generated on Thursday and we sent you an email that day about an issue with your order. I am resending you that email.

In the future you will want to create a new thread in the customer service forums for issues with your order as we may not see posts about order issues in the product discussion threads. We also like to keep product discussion threads about the products.

HOLY CRAP that illustration on page 2 XD

You Have It!

What are the tomes? What are the Archetypes?

LOTS of Paladin codes (including Ragathiel and Shizuru)

And a bunch of new subdomains.

You Have It!

What are the tomes? What are the Archetypes?

Just got it a few minutes ago :3

A couple of tomes but they're Iomedaean Enforcer for Paladin, Divine Champion for Warpriest, and Divine Paragon for Clerics.

Heh, page 9.

Samuel L. Jackson is tired of these motherf*+&inh grapple checks in this motherf*%!ing Anthology!

What is the Staff of Nethys?

Oath of the Skyseeker.

For if you want your Dwarven Paladins to be EXTRA scary.

What is the Staff of Nethys?

A staff with spells that also acts as a ring of spell storing.

Followers of Sarenrae (and affiliated Magi) are gonna love her Divine Fighting Technique.

While I wait for mine, out of curiosity, who all gets divine fighting techniques this time around?

While I wait for mine, out of curiosity, who all gets divine fighting techniques this time around?

Asmodeus, Desna, Erastil, Irori, Lamashtu, Sarenrae, and Urgathoa.

zergtitan wrote:

What is the Staff of Nethys?

A staff with spells that also acts as a ring of spell storing.

When you cast the spell from the staff, does it act as if it was cast from a staff or from a ring of spell storing? Big difference! If the former, my wizard will be very, very interested.

Rysky wrote:

zergtitan wrote:

What is the Staff of Nethys?

A staff with spells that also acts as a ring of spell storing.

When you cast the spell from the staff, does it act as if it was cast from a staff or from a ring of spell storing? Big difference! If the former, my wizard will be very, very interested.

It just says you just have to have the spells on your list to use them.

GM Aram Zey wrote:

Rysky wrote:

zergtitan wrote:

What is the Staff of Nethys?

A staff with spells that also acts as a ring of spell storing.

When you cast the spell from the staff, does it act as if it was cast from a staff or from a ring of spell storing? Big difference! If the former, my wizard will be very, very interested.

It just says you just have to have the spells on your list to use them.

Any Calistiran stuffz?

Rysky wrote:

zergtitan wrote:

What is the Staff of Nethys?

A staff with spells that also acts as a ring of spell storing.

When you cast the spell from the staff, does it act as if it was cast from a staff or from a ring of spell storing? Big difference! If the former, my wizard will be very, very interested.

It says, "similarly to a ring of spell storing" so I'd probably treat it as per the ring.

Any Calistiran stuffz?

Just that her holy book is called 'The Book of Joy' and she can grant the Captivation apocryphal subdomain.

Anything in there good for melee clerics? Like, say, that archetype or the divine fighting style or spells or magic items or subdomains? Even something that gave a couple of extra combat feats or bonuses to-hit or damage or even let them poach combat-enhancing spells via domains would be fine.

Woot, got my copy! ...also, holy **** Desna's Shooting Star.

Also some very nice fighter feats for Cayden worshipers...

What can the Divine Paragon do? Do we finally get an awesome caster cleric from it?

Also, what is special about the apocryphal subdomains?