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The idea of this thread is to build and optimize a character inspired to the traditional depiction of Archangel Michael for the most iconic campaign for such a character: Wrath of the Righteous. This is 100% theorycrafting.
The class would be, obviously, Paladin, and therefore we will take fully advantage of the campaign-specific weapon (spoiler!) Radiance (/spoiler!). The race would be Aasimar (which bloodline depending on the build), with Angelic Blood and Angel Wings feats. Any other build-related or racial feat are up to you, but these two are the bare minimum for the purposes of this thread
Archangel Michael is usually depicted while wielding a sword (sometimes with a buckler or shield) or a polearm.
Radiance is technically a longsword, which fits well the iconography, however it is quite a mediocre choice for a Paladin. Therefore, since this is also supposed to be an optimized build, for the purposes of this thread, any 1h sword (eventually wielded 2h: so no greatswords) or polearm is accepted, as long as there is a deity thematically fitting the concept with such favoured weapon (both for flavour and Radiance-related mechanical reasons). No axes, hammers, big sticks or ranged weapons. Longsword might still be worth to be considered in case of longsword-specific mechanics I'm not aware of, or a deity with unsuitable favourite weapon but granting particular benefits (traits, feats, Deific Obedience, PrC prerequisite, etc)
Some examples of builds you can start from:
- 2h wielding Bastard sword (Ragathiel)
- TWF Bastard sword & board (Ragathiel)
- Dex based Scimitar & buckler (Serenrae)
- reach build with Glaive (Shelin)
Some final considerations:
- flavour and power are both equally important
- no 3pp, refluff is acceptable within reason
- no dip, no multiclass. VMC allowd although discouraged being Paladins feat starved
- PrC are allowed
- Paladin spellcasting is awesome, so no Virtuous Bravado or other archetypes replacing spellcasting
- keep in mind that this character will be flying using wings, so pay attention to Dex and ACP
- since Radiance levels up by itself, bonding it might not be ideal (just guessing). If you prefer a mount, consider a creature related to traditional iconography, for example a dragon
- build from level 1
Thanks, have fun :)
Since neither a Divine Bond weapon nor a Mount would be ideal for this character mechanically/thematically, I'd suggest the
Angelic Divine Bond Variant from "Healer's Handbook" instead, which would grant him a shining halo with a boosted Protection from Evil aura.
There's very little info about Michael in any religious texts. But most depictions of him use either a spear or a sword and shield. And he is often portrayed as leading angels. So, it's a pretty vague target you're aiming at.
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There's very little info about Michael in any religious texts. But most depictions of him use either a spear or a sword and shield. And he is often portrayed as leading angels. So, it's a pretty vague target you're aiming at.
The target is well enough defined to lock in place race, class, two feats, general combat style, theme and role (at least for the purposes of this thread), while being fluid enough to allow freedom of choice in the build. That's why this character is inspired to the figure of Archangel Michael, and not a flat copy. How to interpolate the missing features is up to the reader and part of the challenge.
In SJ Games' superb RPG "IN NOMINE", Michael carries a battle axe.
I'm looking more at the traditional iconography ;)
Since neither a Divine Bond weapon nor a Mount would be ideal for this character mechanically/thematically, I'd suggest the
Angelic Divine Bond Variant from "Healer's Handbook" instead, which would grant him a shining halo with a boosted Protection from Evil aura.
I did not know about Divine Bond Variants, thank you for pointing them out! They seem quite interesting options, although I think I should give more credit to the bonded weapon option, as it would be the only way to customize Radiance (being a special item, it cannot be enhanced as any magical weapon).
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Any pick on the build? Is there a particular build you think it might fit the concept more than the others? How do you think should this character be constructed and interpreted (both in- and out-of-combat)?