I have a group of 4 that doesn't like to play clerics. This usually means we have an NPC cleric that mainly is used as a healer and buffer for the party. We do give the cleric full XP so it advances with the party and the NPC gets a share of treasure as well. What do you think about a cleric/ sacred exorcist NPC? The class seems to fit the campaign I am just worried about issues later when the whole "enemy of my enemy is my friend" dilemma comes up.
The other 2 PrCs I am debating are the divine oracle (Complete Divine) and the windwalker (Faiths and Pantheons). I like the divine oracle better since it isn't as combat focused but the windwalker could be useful to the group with it's track and other outdoor related abilities. Of course the divine oracle could provide information as needed during the campaign.
I am still trying to come up with a deity as well for a sacred exorcist character. I would use Savras or Shaundakul for the other 2 choices. Many decisions to make in the next few weeks. I am getting pumped to start the campaign!
Well, if your players don't like to play clerics I don't think you should bail them out by supplying one for them as a NPC. Instead force them to solve the buffing/healing problem using other methods. For example, if one of the players likes to play druid he can solve the healing problem by taking the Spontaneous Healer feat (CD). If anyone has a class with healing spells on their spell list (like ranger) they can use healing wands even if they can't cast the spell yet (in fact, they don't even have to have reached the spellcasting levels of the class yet). The same goes for buffing.
Now if you really want to supply them with a NPC cleric I think you should make it as easy to run as possible (since you're the one running it and you also have to run the campaign), that is no PrCs. You should also make it a pure spellcaster, so no melee cleric. And most important, you should not make it a party face, so low Cha and no Diplomacy.
This is a decision we made as a group a couple of campaigns ago. We used to go the other route but it just meant someone ended up playing a PC they didn't want to play. I also don't run the cleric, someone in the party runs their PC and the NPC. Usually the NPC cleric doesn't participate in combat (other than healing) but will from time to time make some knowledge checks to give the party information. It has turned out rather well and usually our party fighter types end up being rather fond of the NPC. This last campaign two members of the party pitched in for her to buy a metamagic quicken rod.
I suppose I need to decide which character to go with and get on with it. I think the cleric of Shaundakal is out, I like Savras or the sacred exorcist better. I'd be happy to listen to some more input if anyone else has any to give.
hmm; I have always been amazed that so many people dont like playing cleric types; I wonder why, several peeps in my game dont want to play clerics again because they want to do something new; but with npc clerics I would highly recommend that you dont let them be static healing batteries. Dieties grants powers for a reason; make sure your npc cleric gets his bang for his buck so to speak. the npc should not be used. And should have adequate compensation with gifts to his diety and more than just an acknowledgement in devotion.
do you have the exalted book? some peeps like it some dont; some of the favored and sacred feats dont require a cleric and can still be useful to overcoming bad guys. NPC's are great for filling gaps; providing plot hammers, missinformation; good information, missing things while on guard duty; shirking duties; holding everyone accountable; just like real people; try not to let any npc be just a piece of paper. The only other way to be a sacred exorcist that I can think of is by going the paladin route and taking some upgraded turning feats; though it can probably be done with a wizard as well taking some sacred vows and feats as they have spells of necromancy and things like magic jar as well as several others.
Does anyone think a sacred exorcist would have problems making deals with outsiders to help the party defeat other outsiders once the path gets in the later adventures? I really think the prestige class is a good fit for this campaign but this is the only point that concerns me.
I was planning on starting with the cloistered cleric (less martial, more book smart) variant along with the planar banishment (instead of turn undead) class feature variant. Both of these are from Unearthed Arcana. I want this NPC to be the main provider of healing for the group along with supplying them with knowledge when needed, particularly about outsiders and such. I picture this NPC as an intelligent addition to the group and really would only take part in combats that involved outsiders and possibly undead. I planned to have this NPC worship Tyr.
The other NPC I was thinking about was a divine oracle who worships Savras. Another good fit since that is one of the main deities where the campaign begins. I'd start this NPC the same way as the one above and would love to make it a sacred exorcist as well but the alignments don't line up. This NPC would still have a bunch of knowledge but wouldn't be as effective in combat as the first NPC. I'd still plan on being the main healing provider with this NPC as well.
The last NPC cleric I am debating on is one who worships Mystra. This NPC would have a good amount of knowledge as well but would have more magical ability that the other two. I would take the dweomerkeeper prestige class and use my mantle for removing status effects, negative levels, etc. I really don't know what I'd use the supernatural spell ability for as of yet. Most likely it'd be for buffing and utility spells but thats still up in the air.
So all three will start as cloistered clerics and then branch off in three separate directions. I want each of them to be the primary healer and information giver when needed. I also don't want them to be ultra healers but to have their own identity within the group. The remainder of the group is as follows:
duskblade/ swordsage/ jade phoenix mage
crusader/ battle sorcerer/ jade phoenix mage
rogue/ ????? (trader of information)
wizard/ war weaver/ ?????
The campaign will start in about three weeks so there is no rush as of yet. I think the sacred exorcist coupled with the planar banishment class feature would work nicely in this campaign. I am just concerned about the whole "enemy of my enemy" thing that starts happening later in the path.