Hey everyone, I'm looking for some advice with a build. I had an idea for a character that is essentially an armored lightning hurling holy-man for quite some time and have never actually put it into use. I made a concept build at some point in 3.5 but those records are long lost to me. I had a revival of love for the character after playing some good ol' Dark Souls and realizing what a fun character playing Solaire would be.
So yeah, the character.
Divine would help fit the "holy man" role, but honestly, I feel that if Arcane could somehow manage to do it, then prayer and worship could just be flavor for the character and I could pretend he learns from the Gods.
Ideally, I would like the character to use some sort of spear (long, short, trident, etc.) and a shield, though his actual defensive capabilities don't matter too much. As long as he has something more than cloth on, I think I'd be happy. For this reason, it would be great if his BAB was 3/4, perhaps with some full BAB from a PrC if that works well.
The spell list would be mostly focused on blastiness with Lightning (as in a "my gods are smiting you" kind of manner) if at all possible. It seems that fire would be the ideal route, and if necessary, I could see myself changing the character up to go that way. If it isn't too much of a hindrance, lightning and electric would be preferred.
For stats and books, 20 point buy and all Paizo books (and some 3rd party as per GM discretion) are allowed. Traits and all that jazz, too. I don't plan on seeing the character any higher than 14th or 15th level, but a full 20 level build is by all means more than fine.
I'm not looking for some optimized character possible, but to optimize the character concept and make it strong and fun, if that makes sense.
Here are some of my own ideas for starting points for critique, though anything you can think of is more than fine!
Storm Cleric w/ Sorc boosts:
One level in Crossblooded/Tattooed Sorc Orc/Dragon Bloodline
This gives +2 damage per die at a bit of a cost but would really help my few lightning spells hurt. Plus, I could grab an incredibly weak Shocking Grasp.
After that, Theologian Cleric with the Storm or Catastrophe subdomain (Weather and Destruction). Call Lightning doesn't really work with the Theologian Cleric's Domain Secret, though, and would normally be the key spell in my mind... Not sure how great Call Lightning would work with the rest of the build, either.
Eventually, I could enter Holy Vindicator for a bit more BAB and martial prowess.
Pros:
Hard hitting lightning spells
Pretty decent utility spells
Medium armor and martial weapons
Channel positive energy for some healing, too.
Cons:
Not that great martially
Honestly not too many spells that work with the build
Storm Druid w/ Sorc boosts:
As per above with Sorc.
Storm or Tempest Druid Archetype for a pretty similar thing as the Cleric, but a bit more Lightning spells and a lot of things that would allow me to ignore storm effects, if those ever come up. If Storm Druid is chosen, I could spontaneously cast some Domain spells instead of preparing them. With Tempest, I would have Trident proficiency and the ability to bend bolts (would be cool if I could somehow get Lightning Bolt myself and use this to avoid friendly damage, though I don't see a way to)
Pros:
Hard hitting lightning spells
A lot more lightning spells
Still a good selection of utility spells
Cons:
Armor restrictions
Wild Shape doesn't fit the character, really
Druid just doesn't really fit the character that much. More nature based, less smiting based.
A similar thing as the Cleric/Sorc build could work with Oracle if I was going the fire route, but I don't see a good way to do Lightning with Oracles.
Cleric/Fighter/Holy Vindicator or Cleric/Fighter/Hellknight Signifier seem to be possibilities, too. It would definitely have a lot more of the martial ability with some spell support then the other builds, but I'm just not sure if either of these builds could support any blasty spells at all.
The post is getting a bit long but I will list some spells that seem to have potential. Of course, I would have no qualms about using spells like Holy Ice or even Infernal Healing as long as the spell does its job and my character still has a focus.
Gozreh's Trident: A lightning spear for a couple rounds, though Str mod doesn't increase the damage and thus isn't that great for the character if I manage to find the room for a decent strength score.
Call Lightning: Wooh lightning damage! Isn't very bursty and doesn't work well with metamagic, though. Also, though it is a duration spell, I couldn't attack and Call Lightning at the same time, which is too bad.
Call Lightning Storm: As above.
Control Weather: Could boost the damage of the last two listed abilities.
Ball Lightning: Pretty similar to Call Lightning, but can be moved as a move action.
Lightning Bolt: Would be beautiful, but I don't think there is any way for a Divine caster to get it.
Am I better off just going fire? If so, how would you best do it? I think the character is just trying to do too much to actually do anything at all, but perhaps someone out there can save me. Any tips or love?
Sounds to me like you're trying to make a Gish, which Divine Casters..... don't really do that well. If I were trying to smack someone with a sword of electrical vengeance I would just play a Magus.
For blastiness you've got Shocking Grasp, Lightning Bolt, and Defensive Shock if you wanted to annoy people who touched you. As far as being a "Holy Man" it's all in the fluff as far as I'm concerned. I played a Magus who was VERY religious and had a grand ole' time doing it.
Yeah, pretty much a Divine Gish (I guess I always assume Gish means Arcane for whatever reason. Possibly because that is the norm).
I've heard quite a bit about Magus vs Sorc/Fighter/Eldritch Knight (with some Dragon Disciple dipped in for +4 Str). Do you think one build is better than the other for what I'm going for?
I think the big difference would be the Sorc/Fighter would be a buff and fight while the Magus would be the blast and fight with no shield, and in this case the Magus looks more suited.
If I were to go Magus, any suggestions for archetypes? I could see Myrmidarch working, but nothing else stands out.
Yeah, pretty much a Divine Gish (I guess I always assume Gish means Arcane for whatever reason. Possibly because that is the norm).
I've heard quite a bit about Magus vs Sorc/Fighter/Eldritch Knight (with some Dragon Disciple dipped in for +4 Str). Do you think one build is better than the other for what I'm going for?
I think the big difference would be the Sorc/Fighter would be a buff and fight while the Magus would be the blast and fight with no shield, and in this case the Magus looks more suited.If I were to go Magus, any suggestions for archetypes? I could see Myrmidarch working, but nothing else stands out.
I'm not fond of the Eldritch Knight. For starters the build takes a long time to come together and I HATE that. While you are cross/prestige classing and building up you are behind your party members in the curve and that rubs me the wrong way. On the fluff side it also means that I can't play my concept right from first level.
You're looking to lay down the smack and fry some heathens, Magus does that right out of the gate. A Magus can fight and cast at the same time, whereas an Eldritch Knight can fight OR cast barring their capstone power which relies on crit.
I don't see the attraction to Myrmidarch, as it uses archery and you said you wanted to use a spear of some sort. Go straight Magus if you want to wear heavy armor, or Kensai if you don't mind giving up the armor for some sick combat skill with only a small hit to casting.
EDIT: For Kensai you would want to look into getting some extended buff spells going to shore up defenses. That way you can kick ass AND wear your preachers robe, and who doesn't say style matters?
Yeah, I hate that EK and other PrC/MC character combos take forever to get to. Unless you start at level 5 or 6, you'll hate the first months.
I do really like the Spellstrike Magus gets, I just wish I didn't need the open hand. I'll have to look into some things to really make sure I get the character combo right with the Magus, but I'm sure I can do it. I just imagine the guy toting around a shield. Ah well, sacrifices. Magus is definitely the blaster-fighter Gish I'm looking for, while the EK is more of a buff-n-tank.
I was liking Myrmidarch as it isn't as much archery as it is versatility. Yes, you get some ability with ranged, but it would be cool to have a throwing spear of Shocking Grasp or whatever. A lot of the abilities focus on doing ANYTHING. It just also happens to work with archery, too.
Kensai looks pretty attractive, too. I can just imagine some kind of duelist with a spear and lightning while stopping to pray in between blows, heh.
Having a free hand isn't so bad for the Magus (in regards to things like Power Attack) because spellstrike/spell combat more than make up for the damage you're losing by not using two hands.
The Kensai's ability to add Int to their AC is pretty nifty as well. It will never be full-plate defense, but it's better than nothing. Also if you plan on playing as a Human look into swapping your bonus feat & extra skill points for another floating +2 in your attributes. The loss of a feat isn't as bad for a Magus, who picks up a couple bonus feats, and being able to pump up Str and Int at first level is really nice.
I have a 15th level Kensai magus and i think this is what ur looking for.. my standard spellstrike is an intensified shocking grasp for 10d6 at a cost of a 1st level spell via magical lineage.. He also has lightning bolt and next level chain lightning.. U could also pick a few lesser elemental(shock) rods for cheap and toss ard lightning balls, lighning rays etc.. On the melee side he doesnt hit as hard as say a fighter/barb/pally but its still very decent, 1d6+22 with power attack i think and burning an arcane point has over +30 hit with his frrst attack.. He uses a shocking burst scimitar and went crit focus/staggering crit as well.. he has lots of options and i love playing him ntm he's very bursty at times.. burning 2 pool points on a crit is 100 damage from his weapon +20d6 shock.. if u have any questions abt my build feel free
Thanks for the inspiration guys. I'll probably avoid the Scimitar-esque build as a friend of mine had played that sort of character in a previous yet still recent campaign. Perhaps I can make my own spin on things or find some niche party role. The dropping the extra feat for +2 Int could be worth quite a bit, too. The only time I wouldn't do that was if I wanted to grab some wonky exotic weapon as I usually have the urge to and work around that.
A cleric would work for most of what you want. Air and Weather domains are going to get you the closest to what you want, but are not exactly. If your GM will let you create a minor deity and swap out some of the domain spells then you should be good.
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Cleric of Hshurha, choosing the Air and Weather Domains, taking the Channel Smite and Guided Hand feat.
Use your wisdom for attack rolls with the Longbow.
Pump your Wisdom and Strength, and make a good Divine Switch hitter Gish with a Thunder god feel.
Throw in Variant Channeling and choose the Weather option to change half the channeled energy damage to electricity or sonic damage.
My guy isnt a dervish dancer, hes a str build.. He started out as a 3.5 duskblade and i duel wielded a +3 mithril socking burst scimitar(legacy weapon) and a +3 spell storing scimitar.. we switched over to pathfinder and i converted him to a magus, so naturally i still use my leagacy scimiar.. If i had to start at level 1 i would prob use the falcata, because well its the falcata...
As for the Holy Man part, your magus can easily believe that his spellbook is a book of sacred prayers to his god and his daily preparation of spells is him reciting his prayers in order to receive his god's blessing [spells].
I'd go sylph sky druid. You'll spend most of your time flying around. Take the weather (storms) domain and rain lightning upon your foes. You do only get light armor, so maybe that wouldn't work if you want more of the martial aspect, but I think it's a really good fit for the magical part, which is most important.
EDIT: The air domain is also a good choice, and you'd get +1 to your level with your domain powers as a sylph. You could trade out the sylph electricity resistance (because you'd get it via domain) and feather fall (because sky druids get permanent feather fall) for any of the sylph alternatives. They're all good.
Wow, a lot of cool ideas. I'll do my best to respond to everyone.
Mysterious Stranger:
I feel embarrassed for not seeing that the Air domain gave a lightning spell as the power. Good call on that one.
Blackbloodtroll:
Channel Smite was definitely something I was considering but I hadn't seen Guided Hand. Definitely a good pick up, as well as Variant Channeling (Weather).
WerePox47:
Ah, okay. I kind of jumped to conclusions there. Even moreso then before would your build be a bit more versatile in terms of chosen weapon. Glad to hear that.
Xexyz:
Yeah, easily enough RP'd as Divine. Hell, I once RP'd a Paladin as just being a really encouraging Fighter and the DM was cool with it. Took a lot from the DM, but it worked.
Jackissocool:
I didn't consider the Sky Druid either, but it definitely has some potential here. And yeah, I could drop Electricity Resist for say +5 speed or something cool like that. And I'm sure there are always ways to boost my Martial Prowess with a PrC or MC in the later levels.
Blackbloodtroll:
Ooh, a very cool feat. Hell, I could even just ask for it for free from my GM and he'd probably agree. As long as I'm not carrying around a 10,000 gold focus, it isn't all that handy but it is VERY flavorful.
And man do I LOVE that Samsaran power. I mean, I'm not converting Arcane spells to Divine or anything like that, but it allows for a lot of cool combinations. Do you think that would work best with say... an Oracle or a Cleric? Just wondering on your preference of spontaneous vs. prepared with an ability like that!
One thing I picked up on is that the Adept can cast Lightning Bolt as a Divine spell. RAW or RAI, does that mean a Samsaran could learn it for a Divine Class? Now I'm all jittery with excitement. Alas, I may still go the Arcane route, but this is really awesome.
There is a Stormcaller Prestige class, as well as a few domains that give Lightning spells.
You can also take Eldritch Heritage:Arcane to grab some wizard lightning spells you need, along with Arcane Bond and some other goodies.
There are two Druid Archetypes that are Lightning Based.
IIRC, the Stormcaller PrC was really underwhelming at first glance.
3/4 BAB, 3/4 Caster level, and no bonus feats for a bit of stronger Wild Shape. There are a ton of environmental ignoring effects, but I honestly have never dealt with any of them and would likely only if I begged the GM (ignoring the ability to see through smoke). Still, it is a notable as a PrC that fits the theme.
Good point on Eldritch Heritage: Arcane for the Arcane Bond, that could work, too.
Storm and Tempest Druids are very similar and I could honestly go with either if I were to go Druid, but there are some other good options like Sky Druid, too. I just feel Druid is generally weaker for the total character theme of Gish lightning.
You said some 3pp material was available?
You might want to look at Supergenius Games Magister/Magus(it came out before the magus class, so they are renaming it magister) class.
Supergenius Guide to the Magus
It isn't 3/4 BAB but it does have the nifty ability to pick up spells from multiple spell lists(within limits), and a few other nifty tricks. If it sounds interesting enough, it is on the d20pfsrd site, definitely worth buying the book for IMO.
Very cool Krigare! Even if I don't end up using that for this character, a non PrC Mystic Theurge has been something I've been looking at and this just just that.
Looking at the archetypes listed on the d20PFSRD, they seem to have some martial options but I have a feeling those are incorrect as they seem to be Adept Godling archetypes instead. Not entirely sure, I'll look into it some more.
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Samsaran Cleric of Hshura with the Mystic Past Life alternate racial trait, and the Guided Hand feat.
For a more Martial focus, I suggest the Crusader archetype.
You will have a robust spell selection, and use your Wisdom for spellcasting and attack rolls with the Longbow.
As you will not need to invest heavily into dex, you can wear the heaviest of armor, and you can put more into strength.
BBT, I'll be posting a full build soon (at least one of which will be of your flavoring, the other probably a Magus), but I'm curious. RAW, can a Samsaran take spells from the Adept list? I know it would depend on the GM, but let's say my GM was very particular with RAW unless someone like JJ says otherwise. Would it fly for me to sneak in a Divine Lightning Bolt from Adept?
Again, I appreciate all the feedback guys. I can only hope I get the chance to help any of you guys in the future in some way.
If I were to go a single Domain (from Crusader or any other archetype that does the same), would you recommend Air or Weather (or Storm?) or even Catastrophe? I feel like the big difference is the is the power, which the Air has the best early one, Weather has a decent utility power, and Catastrophe has some smiting love (though not sure what god would fit), though it is a small damage bonus.
Sounds great, thanks. I've heard arguments that the Mystic Past Life only allows me to select one class and take spells from that, but I've heard about as many (and the JJ dinosaur) say otherwise. I'm sure I can convince my GM to side with me for that.
I'm going to do a looksee for any really strong Paladin or Inquisitor spells that would be strong for a spell level for a full caster (Holy Sword and Heroism come to mind as potentials). Perhaps something like Battlemind Link depending on the party. Though I have a feeling most of my bonus spells will be Lightning or Smitey based.
Oh wow, I totally forgot to post the full build. I have it on my desktop somewhere, I should get it posted by the end of the weekend.
Too bad none of the domains grant shocking grasp. If they did you coulc play a separatist of Torag, and with the feat from Inner Sea Gods (Cant remeber it off the top of my head) basically get spellstrike with a warhammer.
I don't have access to Inner Sea Gods, but that sounds really cool. I'm desperately searching for ways to gain Shocking Grasp as Divine, but I'm not finding anything.
If anyone has any ideas, that'd be great.
I guess you could Oracle + (optional Paragon Surge + ) Imp. Eldritch Heritage: Arcane, but that's high level and not terribly worth.
EDIT: You can use Ancient Lorekeeper with Oracle if the feat is valid.
Also, I think Pathfinder Savant could work with a 2 level dip. Kind of painful for something like this, seeing how you need two feats for it.
Found it, the feat is called Blessed Hammer. It only applies to divine touch spells though. But still a great feat for a divine caster who worshops the Father of Creation. Although this does leave open the door for druids with poison, hairline fractures, or other various spells on the druid's spell list.
An alternative could be the Thundercaller Bard. He gains the ability to drop scaling sound bursts and call lightning via his bardic performance. The Bard gains has several divine spells on his list as well.
Another option is to go Blaster Druid and select the air domain instead of an animal companion. Between call lightning, chain lightning, and call lightning storm you should have all of your lightning needs covered. Druid also has some nice 'lightning' themed archetypes.
Ashiel once made a few posts as a sort of 'guide to blaster druid' which I then copied into a Google Doc if you feel so inclined to go the Druid route. As Ashiel mentions several times (and even devotes a section explaining why it's so good), one big benefit of the Blaster Druid is they get to make use of the Incense of Meditation which, when burned, allows a Divine Caster to prepare all of their spells as if though they were maximized.
As a Druid, if you wanted more lightning spells, you could take a single level dip of Sorcerer for the Elemental (Air) bloodline and then you can turn any energy spell into lightning. Take Crossblooded (Orc) and get some extra bonus damage as well.
Of course, now you can just be an Evangelist Magus and get your holy man without needing to go into a divine class at all.
Not gonna get this up tonight. Sorry, finals week is coming up and I'm stuck on my laptop in the library day and night.
Bard is definitely doable. Would definitely let you mix the combat with performances a bit more.
Concerning the druid, I've taken a much more martial interest in the build than I initially wanted. Druid definitely works and is probably the strongest the a pure blaster. Can even Wild Shape and kick some ass that way, but doesn't fit thematically for what I want.
That being said, if someone wants a caster like this, I think it's the way to go.
Evangelist Magus is actually a really good idea. Sadly, there isn't anything to go towards the lightning-theme, really. Gozreh's evangelist boons are just off-point and he's the only god I'm aware of that would fit. Even if you convinced your GM to let you use Celestial Boons with it, you're not getting anything thematic. That being said, there are some pretty good boons that can be unrelated thematically and you get the cool spirit form at level 10.
Pulling off a Divine Magus with that Blessed Hammer feat, though? Sounds amazing. Again, not sure if doable.
What I'm about to suggest is overpowered. Know that going in.
Eldritch Godling (3rd party from SGG)
1/2 BAB, all poor saves, full 9th level spontaneous spellcaster, choose your spell list and casting stat, no arcane spell failure for armor, no concentration checks.
Choose Cleric/Oracle spell list (for flavor) or Wizard/Sorcerer list (for power) and STR as casting stat. Use minor ascendency for common element ascendency: lightning. Now any spell you cast that does HP damage can be lightning damage. Choose human as race, drop your favored class bonus into getting +1/2 divine trait, at level two get Divine Trait: Divine Power I: Battle Mystery: Skill at Arms. You are now proficient in Heavy armor and all martial weapons. Use a 2-hander of some variety. Use one of your feats at level 1 to get Extra Talent: Force of Brawn to use Str as ability score for all saves. At some point drop another feat into Extra Talent: Smite Rival for a 1/day smite that uses CON to attack and level to damage. At level 13, use Major Ascendency converted to Minor Ascendency to get Talent for Mysticism: Divine Weapon so as a free action you can summon a weapon you are proficient in that is made of lightning. You also get 1 domain (2 if you drop another minor ascendency into it). Pick up Air or Weather Domain (or both). Obviously, get Power Attack at some point.
You are the son of Zues, walking around in full plate calling lighting down on everyone and striking with a 2-hander made of lightning that you summon into existence.
There are other, more powerful things you can do, but I'll stop there as you can find them on your own if you desire and the above makes a powerful character with the flavor you desire.
P.S. I call the dragonslayer son of Kord I stat'd up as a variant of what I suggested to you "Strong SAD"..... I crack myself up.
What I'm about to suggest is overpowered. Know that going in.
Eldritch Godling (3rd party from SGG)
1/2 BAB, all poor saves, full 9th level spontaneous spellcaster, choose your spell list and casting stat, no arcane spell failure for armor, no concentration checks.
Choose Cleric/Oracle spell list (for flavor) or Wizard/Sorcerer list (for power) and STR as casting stat. Use minor ascendency for common element ascendency: lightning. Now any spell you cast that does HP damage can be lightning damage. Choose human as race, drop your favored class bonus into getting +1/2 divine trait, at level two get Divine Trait: Divine Power I: Battle Mystery: Skill at Arms. You are now proficient in Heavy armor and all martial weapons. Use a 2-hander of some variety. Use one of your feats at level 1 to get Extra Talent: Force of Brawn to use Str as ability score for all saves. At some point drop another feat into Extra Talent: Smite Rival for a 1/day smite that uses CON to attack and level to damage. At level 13, use Major Ascendency converted to Minor Ascendency to get Talent for Mysticism: Divine Weapon so as a free action you can summon a weapon you are proficient in that is made of lightning. You also get 1 domain (2 if you drop another minor ascendency into it). Pick up Air or Weather Domain (or both). Obviously, get Power Attack at some point.
You are the son of Zues, walking around in full plate calling lighting down on everyone and striking with a 2-hander made of lightning that you summon into existence.
There are other, more powerful things you can do, but I'll stop there as you can find them on your own if you desire and the above makes a powerful character with the flavor you desire.
P.S. I call the dragonslayer son of Kord I stat'd up as a variant of what I suggested to you "Strong SAD"..... I crack myself up.
Ugh, the Godling... My cousin has a Godling in his campaign and it's been a problem character. Min-maxed Int, Int for saves, and he also has some ability that lets him add his Int to his AC instead of Dex...
The Godling is just a poorly designed class IMO.
Ugh, the Godling... My cousin has a Godling in his campaign and it's been a problem character. Min-maxed Int, Int for saves, and he also has some ability that lets him add his Int to his AC instead of Dex...
He's probably using the Divine Trait: Divine Power I: Lore Mystery: Sidestep Secret to get his casting stat instead of Dex to AC and Reflex. The Lunar Mystery has a similar ability as well.
The Godling is just a poorly designed class IMO.
No real argument here. I find it best used for a BBEG or for when you have a character concept in mind that you want to create but don't want to create a crippled character in the process.
For example, instead of lightning as a minor ascendency he could do sonic or force as a major one and almost guarantee nothing will ever be resistant to his damage. Also you can get absolutely silly with the divine traits. If you go into it with being broken in mind, it will be disgusting. If you go into it wanting flavor, you will still be very powerful. But you will accomplish your flavor without being a liability to the party.
Depends on your maturity, level-headedness, and relationship with the GM and the world he is building (no offense intended to your cousin). Something about "with great power" or some-such.
Ugh, the Godling... My cousin has a Godling in his campaign and it's been a problem character. Min-maxed Int, Int for saves, and he also has some ability that lets him add his Int to his AC instead of Dex...He's probably using the Divine Trait: Divine Power I: Lore Mystery: Sidestep Secret to get his casting stat instead of Dex to AC and Reflex. The Lunar Mystery has a similar ability as well.
The Godling is just a poorly designed class IMO.No real argument here. I find it best used for a BBEG or for when you have a character concept in mind that you want to create but don't want to create a crippled character in the process.
For example, instead of lightning as a minor ascendency he could do sonic or force as a major one and almost guarantee nothing will ever be resistant to his damage. Also you can get absolutely silly with the divine traits. If you go into it with being broken in mind, it will be disgusting. If you go into it wanting flavor, you will still be very powerful. But you will accomplish your flavor without being a liability to the party.
Depends on your maturity, level-headedness, and relationship with the GM and the world he is building (no offense intended to your cousin). Something about "with great power" or some-such.
The thing about the Godling is it's got the same issues the Summoner has. Because the Eidolon is completely customizable, it can get very, very powerful, very quickly. The Godling is like the Eidolon, but worse. Everything about him can be custom built, which can mean a huge problem from synergies. It probably wouldn't have been so bad if the various Godlings were restricted to their own list (and not able to choose abilities from the other Godlings), but with them able to select anything they want, it gets very powerful, very quickly.
I mean, if that Son of Zeus character you proposed were to select Strength to AC, he would have nearly every aspect of his character, other than skills, running off a single ability score.
Funnily enough, Strength is the single easiest score to boost in the game as well. The Blood Rage spell can give you a +10 Morale Bonus to Strength, Form of the Dragon III can give you a +10 size bonus to strength, so just from those 2 spells, one gets a +20 bonus to strength, which you can stack on the fact you went 20 Str at 1st level, have a +6 inherent bonus (Imp. Eldritch Heritage - Abyssal), put all of you ability increase into Strength and are wearing a +6 belt. So you end up with a 57 Strength or a +23 modifier. You're going to have an obscene number of spells-per-day, a nearly impossible to resist DC, amazing saves, great AC, and a beast in melee combat as well.
I mean, if that Son of Zeus character you proposed were to select Strength to AC, he would have nearly every aspect of his character, other than skills, running off a single ability score.
Funnily enough, Strength is the single easiest score to boost in the game as well. The Blood Rage spell can give you a +10 Morale Bonus to Strength, Form of the Dragon III can give you a +10 size bonus to strength, so just from those 2 spells, one gets a +20 bonus to strength, which you can stack on the fact you went 20 Str at 1st level, have a +6 inherent bonus (Imp. Eldritch Heritage - Abyssal), put all of you ability increase into Strength and are wearing a +6 belt. So you end up with a 57 Strength or a +23 modifier. You're going to have an obscene number of spells-per-day, a nearly impossible to resist DC, amazing saves, great AC, and a beast in melee combat as well.
Agreed. The Strength to AC and inherent strength increases through bloodlines are part of the silly divine trait things you can do, which I consciously chose to leave out of my suggestion above. If a player values his DM's campaign, he doesn't do that. He chooses not to select those spells, chooses not to take that bloodline(s), and chooses not to take the Rage subdomain. He instead chooses spells like Flaming Sphere, Fireball, Sleet Storm; taking advantage of being able to apply his lightning in ways not normally seen (and if really committed, refuses to cast those spells without altering their type to lightning, regardless of resistances). He chooses to take the air or weather domain to get cloud spells, flying spells, and lightning themed spells and domain powers. He chooses to not take STR to AC so he doesn't lose all possible frailties. I suggested STR to saves because having all poor saves would be crippling for a character. Alternatively he could take the STR replacing DEX to AC and Reflex so he has a great reflex save, probably a decent Fort as he wouldn't want a poor CON with only d6 HP. And that would leave only Will low. But a player who values his DM and game won’t do both STR to all saves and to AC. Responsible players build their characters with flaws and weaknesses without being crippled and a liability to their party.
As I said, if used for flavor, it can serve to make a useful ally. If used for brokenness, it quickly becomes game breaking.
And remember, I did say it was overpowered in my initial post suggesting it.
If you went druid. And wanted a couple of specific arcane spells. Go the eldritch heritage route till you get improved eldritch heritage of the arcane bloodline. The level 9 ability nets you 3 arcane spells of your choice from the wizard spell list. Granted the 3rd spell is late game.
As potential alternate idea you could make a warpriest (from the advanced class guide play test) of Gozreh taking weapon focus touch spells and automatically getting the trident as a spiritual weapon. Then focus on Gozreh's trident as your main spell, taking all the various abilities that boost caster level to increase your damage and dazing spell and magical lineage to add a nice debuff. Wisdom to hit with guided hand can come online at level four and either samsaran or Eldritch heritage arcane to add lightning spells to your list.
This gives you full base attack, heavy armor and 6/9 spellcasting with a spell that will give you your attacks as touch attacks and swift action buffs.
Eldritch Heritage won't work, the Arcane bloodline adds to spells known, something no Prepared spell caster has.
For the Druid route, one could go Samsaran Druid, and use the Adept spell list as their divine source for Mystic Past Life, to take Lightning Bolt and other Arcane spells the Adept has.
For example, one might take Burning Hands, Scorching Ray/Invisibility, Lightning Bolt and Heal. The big thing about taking Heal is you get early access to it. Heal is a 6th level Cleric spell and a 7th level Druid spell, but with the Adept, you get it at 5th level instead.
You could do the same for the Polymorph spell instead of something like Burning Hands, because then you could make a Wand of Polymorph.