Witch Hunter or Spellbreaker, which archetype to choose?


Advice


First off, let me say I'm not necessarily looking for the best optimization choice, but rather a thematic choice. I'm writing up a dwarf inquisitor of Nethys and I'm torn between which archetype would fit the character better (Witch Hunter or Spellbreak).

The premise of the character is as follows: Young dwarf witnesses the utter devastation that can be caused be reckless users of arcane magic (likely his family and many of his clan are killed by an arcane magic wielder). He is then drawn towards the dichotomous nature of Nethys and his strange ways of dealing with magic, specifically his view of responsible usage of magic. He is drawn into an elite group of inquisitors within the faith whose primary goal is to hunt down reckless arcane wielders and punish them for their actions. (Which of course puts them at odds with many of the other faithful of Nethys).

I love the Witch Hunter archetype as it really fits this idea; however, Spellbreaker also seems like a very powerful archetype as well in regards to hunting down errant magi. Which archetype would you all suggest and why?


Bump.


I posted... Then it didn't post. I'd go spellbreaker. Just for the simple fact that your beef is with reckless spells and not specifically witches.

Liberty's Edge

Ok, one of the reasons no one is commenting is because you specifically state you don't care about optimization. As such, we have no basis on which to suggest either archetype. Also, neither one is particularly strong.

Shadow Lodge

Both on Flavor and strength of archetype I would suggest Spellbreaker.

The abilities you get don't replace any of the core parts of the inquisitor and buffs to your saves and eventual immunity to some magics are very strong.

Meanwhile as a inquisitor of Nythis you don't care where they get their magic just how they use it. Its more universal.

I once played a NG magus who worship the good side of Nythis only. It was a lot of fun. I recommend carefully choosing what magics you cast with this idea. Choosing domains that align with his creation/protection half and then not casting destructive spells. It could be awesome.


Chaotic Fighter wrote:
I posted... Then it didn't post. I'd go spellbreaker. Just for the simple fact that your beef is with reckless spells and not specifically witches.

Well, the thing I like about Witch Hunter... is that the abilities don't focus solely on witches... it's all arcane users essentially.

ShadowcatX wrote:
Ok, one of the reasons no one is commenting is because you specifically state you don't care about optimization. As such, we have no basis on which to suggest either archetype. Also, neither one is particularly strong.

Okay, let me clarify then... I'm not basing this decision solely on optimization. I prefer flavor over optimization, but I'm also curious what others think of the overall power level of each archetype.

Seriphim84 wrote:

Both on Flavor and strength of archetype I would suggest Spellbreaker.

The abilities you get don't replace any of the core parts of the inquisitor and buffs to your saves and eventual immunity to some magics are very strong.

Meanwhile as a inquisitor of Nythis you don't care where they get their magic just how they use it. Its more universal.

I once played a NG magus who worship the good side of Nythis only. It was a lot of fun. I recommend carefully choosing what magics you cast with this idea. Choosing domains that align with his creation/protection half and then not casting destructive spells. It could be awesome.

These are all great points. If I go the road of Spellbreaker, which schools of magic would you suggest placing at the "top" of the list for most protection against?

And yes, that's exactly the idea I had, less concerned about the source of the magic and more concerned about how they use it. As to the domains, I'm actually looking at taking the Spellkiller Inquisition as opposed to a domain power. And lastly, I really like that last idea. Currently at first level I'm looking at Divine Favor and Sanctuary... Sanctuary to give him that extra few rounds to pump up some buffs and close the distance to his target while, hopefully, keeping Mr. Spellcaster from pummeling me from a distance lol.

Shadow Lodge

From optimization, if you don't plan to go to 20th level, I recommend enchantment. If you do, evocation.

Flavor wise evocation and necromancy are both inherently destructive and would make the most sense. Maybe Conjuration as well because alot of (though not all) conjuration can be seen as destructive.


Cool. Thanks for the recommendations, Seriphim.

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