Howdy folks. I'd like to find out if anyone knows of any spells, feats, classes, etc, that would make that iconic character type. I speak of course, of the Deal Maker, the specialist of contracts, the Mephistopheles. Or, in Pathfinder terms, the Asmodeus. You know, the guy who seems to know exactly what you need, and is willing to give it to you... For a price.
I'm aware of the spell Spellcasting Contract, however this isn't exactly what I'm looking for. I'm looking for something more... Faustian. Effectively what it is like when you bind an outsider, and make a contract with them. However, this would be more focused around normal, mortal people who desire the power or aide of the powerful spell caster, with binding mystic contracts that do bad things to those that break them.
Does anyone know which class would lend well to this without being a worshiper of Asmodeus? I've been all over d20pfsrd.com, and so far I get the feeling that an Infernal Binder Wizard with, at later levels, the True Name discovery taken several times, for those deals that require outsider help, or a Lore Oracle for the seeming to be aware of everything the contract signer wants.
I'll admit, I got inspired to look into the sort of character by watching the first 4 episodes of Once Upon a Time (the new ABC series). Not only do I love the actor who played him, but the character of Rumplestiltskin in it is just plain awesome. I've always wanted to play the sort of character to entice others into mystic contracts, I just haven't had any major motivation to seriously look into it, what with other fascinating concepts to toy around with. Considering I got reminded of the character archetype, and have theory crafted most of the ideas in my head, figured I'd tackle this one.
I've looked around enough to get the feeling there really isn't much to support this sort of character, outside of epic levels. However, I get the feeling I'm missing something, so I'm finding out if anyone has any particular ideas I haven't thought of.
On a side note, how would you guys work a mystic quill that creates contracts using the signer's blood to bind them to it? I'd imagine Geas/Quest would be an involved spell, but beyond that coming up with magic items isn't exactly my forte.
If this isn't exactly clear enough, or if anyone wants a bit more info, I'll have to get back to ya after I wake up. Figured I forgot about this character archetype enough already I should ask about it while it's on my mind before I get distracted with a new random idea, like trying to find out if I can make a halfling grappler that can throw a dragon.
To clarify, in case it wasn't clear up top, I would prefer to the character to be the devil in the 'deal with the devil' situations. I already know about planar binding and all that.
I'm fairly certain one can play a Dr. Facilier type of character, being the middle man between folk and his extra planar benefactors. You know, the Voodoo Man from Princess & the Frog.
Howdy folks. I'd like to find out if anyone knows of any spells, feats, classes, etc, that would make that iconic character type. I speak of course, of the Deal Maker, the specialist of contracts, the Mephistopheles. Or, in Pathfinder terms, the Asmodeus. You know, the guy who seems to know exactly what you need, and is willing to give it to you... For a price.
I'm aware of the spell Spellcasting Contract, however this isn't exactly what I'm looking for. I'm looking for something more... Faustian. Effectively what it is like when you bind an outsider, and make a contract with them. However, this would be more focused around normal, mortal people who desire the power or aide of the powerful spell caster, with binding mystic contracts that do bad things to those that break them.
Does anyone know which class would lend well to this without being a worshiper of Asmodeus? I've been all over d20pfsrd.com, and so far I get the feeling that an Infernal Binder Wizard with, at later levels, the True Name discovery taken several times, for those deals that require outsider help, or a Lore Oracle for the seeming to be aware of everything the contract signer wants.
I'll admit, I got inspired to look into the sort of character by watching the first 4 episodes of Once Upon a Time (the new ABC series). Not only do I love the actor who played him, but the character of Rumplestiltskin in it is just plain awesome. I've always wanted to play the sort of character to entice others into mystic contracts, I just haven't had any major motivation to seriously look into it, what with other fascinating concepts to toy around with. Considering I got reminded of the character archetype, and have theory crafted most of the ideas in my head, figured I'd tackle this one.
I've looked around enough to get the feeling there really isn't much to support this sort of character, outside of epic levels. However, I get the feeling I'm missing something, so I'm finding out if anyone has any particular ideas I haven't thought of.
...
Aside from Gaes/Quest, there are few ways in pathfinder to bind someone to a contract outside of being the DM and doin it from the strings of the universe. Why would you want to play someone who makes contracts with "mortals" as a PC anyway, wouldn't that be kind of counter intuitive to your position as a PC? I thought PCs were the ones that signed contracts, not the other way around.
If you wanted someone with a kind of Faustian know it all attitude consider someone with high ranks in bluff, diplomacy and sense motive. Guess what they want and convince them you have that item/ability to procure it. Pick up some spell like ability or numerous use spell of Detect Thoughts and you're golden.
Why would you want to play someone who makes contracts with "mortals" as a PC anyway, wouldn't that be kind of counter intuitive to your position as a PC? I thought PCs were the ones that signed contracts, not the other way around.
Never underestimate political power. Having a few monarchs in your pocket keeps you relatively safe, particularly if you happen to be the reason they HAVE the power. It's much better to rule through the shadows, very few people to focus their hate on you.
Beyond that, thanks for the advice.
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 8
|
Almost any caster can become a bit Mephistophelean, if he's grasping and cunning enough. The main problem becomes enforcement: the three easiest methods of "magical enforcement" (lesser and regular geas and mark of justice) are all too-easily removed. (One of my private beefs as a GM is that almost any condition in Pathfinder is far too easily removed - not that I particularly enjoy "crippling" PCs, but I hate having to throw out a plot in which an NPC is compelled to be an involuntary villain because "he could just go get break enchantment done on him, tra la, goodbye Mr. Plot!" Any 'contract' that's more effort than forking over some $ to have a quick remove curse and atonement combo cast on the party of the first part is going to have to work around that plot-hole.
Actually, there is one middling-decent, non-magical way to enforce contracts - you just have to have a kolyarut on your speed-dial - but that presents challenges of its own.
It takes at least a 13th level caster to get rid of a geas, and they aint too common. Plus, you can always do a double dose.
Geas 1: Accomplish evil plan.
Geas 2: Refrain from any activity that would remove or lead to the removal of geases 1 or 2 (other than accomplishing the evil plan).
EDIT: For Mister Mephistopheles above, it gets even easier. Just make your Geas "Refrain from violating the terms of our contract". Said contract includes a "Do not break the geas" clause, BAM, no remove curse allowed.