Need help with Divine Channeler build.

[Kyoko Hitomu]

Hello all,

Back Story:

I currently have a level 6 Drunken Master Monk and a level 2 Illusionist Wizard in PFS and I'm thinking of making a 3rd character for PFS play. I've ran across 3 scenarios that I've encountered a Cleric that has either used aoe dmg spells (Chaos Hammer and the sort) or Channel + Quick Channel negative energy. With season 4 and 5 things have been shifted more against undead or demons it seems (at least to me) and I'm finally thinking of making a character I've toyed around with, in my mind, in the past.

I'm currently trying to think of playing a high wis / high charisma character that focuses on offensive debuff/dmg spells and channeling. I'm not sure if I should go with a Neutral alignment and focus on negative energy channeling or if I should go with positive energy channeling as a Good aligned character. I'm assuming with positive I could harm undead offensively but not demons?

I've got Abraham Spalding's guide for Channeling but I feel my character idea is a not really discussed beyond just the channeling aspect.

I'd like to build a heavy armored (possibly tower shield using) channel / divine caster. My thoughts are a high AC character with the ability to double channel to hurt undead/demons/or human (I'm not asking to damage all of them but maybe a way to cover at least 2 of those 3 types). I'm looking to use spells that hurt multiple targets like Mass Inflict Wounds, spells "like" Chaos Hammer, etc. Stuff that hurts multiple targets with 1 cast.

In the past I've thought about archer clerics, reach clerics, undead controlling clerics (still like this idea but somewhat expensive in PFS if I'm correct)......but I've not really thought of a cleric that blocks a ton of attacks and just blasts his enemies to oblivion.

Just glancing it looks like Half Elf (Cleric favored bonus) or Aasimar (+2wis +2cha) would be good choices.

Also,just glancing but Crusader seems attractive with grabbing Heavy Armor Proficiency at lvl1 and Tower Shield Proficiency at lvl6, (and I can pick another useful one near the tail end of my character's career at lvl 11). (I know Crusader gives up 1 spell per lvl but I assume there's an item, or items, like Pearls of Power for Clerics to have more spells per day?)

What would you suggest as good races, classes, feats, etc to build a character like this? Class could be anything that channels.

Btw, books I own are Core, APG, ARG, Animal Archive, Blood of Angels, Gnomes of Golarian, Inner Sea World Guide, Sargava The Lost Colony, Ult Combat, Ult Magic, Ult Equipment, and Varisia Birthplace of Legends.

[Tomos]

I have some experience playing Clerics, both through an entire AP and in PFS. I think that it is definitely possible to hit what you're aiming at here, but you have to make some sacrifices.
Make sure that you thoroughly read all of the guides that are available before you commit to a build: http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2m612?Guide-to-the-Class-Guides
They will give you an idea of the strengths/weaknesses of the class.

Also, review the currently popular threads on "oradin" builds which combine at least 2 levels of Paladin with Oracle. That might tempt you, and I think there is an argument for them being more effective than Cleric at some battlefield roles.
A Paladin2/Oracle(Life)8+ would be an effective choice, but full-Cleric can do it very well also.

Some thoughts:
Feats will be tight. To accomplish your stated goals as a Cleric, you need the following: Heavy Armor Proficiency, Selective Channel, Quick Channel, Alignment Channel, Improved Channel, and Extra Channel.
You can only take Extra Channel one time, so you will need to boost Charisma.

Stats are rough, especially if you want to be able to carry all of that armor around, never mind being able to actually swing a weapon.

Crusader is a valid option, but the penalties are serious. Losing the Domain hurts bad.

Going with a straight Cleric is about versatility. You will have a lot of spells to handle a variety of circumstances, decent combat abilities, Domains, and durability.
I recommend Good(Archon) and Glory(Heroism) Domains for your stated purpose. Healing(Restoration) and Travel are also good choices.

The Fate's Favored Trait is a must-have, as it boosts your ability to fight in combat (+1 bonus to Divine Favor, Prayer, Divine Power, etc.)
Exalted of the Society (Faction Guide) gives you 1 additional channel use per day. If you don't want to buy the Faction Guide .pdf, take Birthmark instead and put it on your face or something.

I do not recommend Tower Shield; it is clumsy, heavy, cannot be used to attack, and requires an additional feat to use. A Heavy Shield with the Improved Shield Bash Feat gives you many more options. Use two-hands.

Chaos Hammer/Holy Smite and Searing Light are nice if the target is right and you have decent Wisdom.

You will be a bit MAD. Suggested 20 point Stat Array:
Str 14
Dex 12
Con 14
Int 8
Wis 16
Cha 14

Level bonuses go to Wis.

Muleback Cords (1000gp) solve your carrying capacity woes if your armor is too heavy.

Getting the Reliquary property added to your shield is important.
A Phylactery of Positive Channeling is expensive, but necessary.
Headband of Wis/Cha is essential.

Feats like Craft Wondrous Item and Craft Magic Arms and Armor will make your life much easier if you have access to them.