Help with a Herald Caller build


Advice


Character is a human cleric of Asmodeus: Rog 1 / Herald Caller Cleric 7 / Diabolist 1. Yes, that's suboptimal, and yes that's deliberate. It's the new Diabolist (eyeroll), which dumps a level of casting, so basically he casts like a 7th level cleric except he has some extra skill ranks and hp and an imp companion and can sneak.

Basically this is an NPC boss who buffs himself, pre-summons a bunch of monsters, buffs them, and then sends them into battle. (The tactical situation will probably give him several rounds advance notice before the PCs appear.) So he'll throw multiple waves of summoned monsters. The setting will be underground, so monsters that can sneak, hide, climb and/or pounce will be particularly favored.

I'd like the option of him being a recurring villain, so any spells or abilities that might grant him a quick escape when things go pear-shaped would be a plus. Not strictly necessary, mind -- if the PCs corner and kill him, then they do.

Thoughts?

Doug M.


I don’t have a build, but I’ll offer some tips. First, combine summon guardian spirit with alter summoned monster to make your summons last minutes per level. You could also possibly do this with a heightened mount spell, but that’s cheesier and possibly problematic. Second, use imbue with spell like ability to give a summon or henchman the ability to cast shield other on the cleric. This should improve the cleric’s lifespan.


Would sacred summons be a feat you will take?


Terevalis Unctio of House Mysti wrote:
Would sacred summons be a feat you will take?

I'm not up to speed on the details of summoning, but doesn't Sacred Summons have to be paired with Expanded Summoning to get the full benefit? Something about aura matching subtype?

Doug M.


Depends on your alignment and level. SM 1-2 would need something different via expanded summoning for sacred summons to work, SM 3 really wants you to be lawful good since lantern archons exist, SM 4+ has options without needing to be one of the good guys or spending another feat.

Edit: Archives of Nethys has an excellent list with subtypes listed.


Melkiador wrote:
I don’t have a build, but I’ll offer some tips. First, combine summon guardian spirit with alter summoned monster to make your summons last minutes per level. You could also possibly do this with a heightened mount spell, but that’s cheesier and possibly problematic.

I see the power of the whole alter summon monster thing, but it does feel kinda cheesy. Also, if I give it to an NPC, I have to let PCs do it.

Quote:
Second, use imbue with spell like ability to give a summon or henchman the ability to cast shield other on the cleric. This should improve the cleric’s lifespan.

Oh absolutely for sure. IWSLA is a go-to spell for any evil NPC cleric high enough level to cast it. Double especially if I'm expecting that cleric to have time to buff.

Doug M.


avr wrote:

Depends on your alignment and level. SM 1-2 would need something different via expanded summoning for sacred summons to work, SM 3 really wants you to be lawful good since lantern archons exist, SM 4+ has options without needing to be one of the good guys or spending another feat.

Edit: Archives of Nethys has an excellent list with subtypes listed.

This is great info to know. Many thanks.


Douglas Muir 406 wrote:
Melkiador wrote:
I don’t have a build, but I’ll offer some tips. First, combine summon guardian spirit with alter summoned monster to make your summons last minutes per level. You could also possibly do this with a heightened mount spell, but that’s cheesier and possibly problematic.
I see the power of the whole alter summon monster thing, but it does feel kinda cheesy. Also, if I give it to an NPC, I have to let PCs do it.

If you just stick to the guardian spirit version then it costs a feat and two rounds to get up to speed. That’s less cheesy than classes that automatically get minutes per level summons as a standard action. For the mount version, I’d maybe allow it, but the creature would be under no compulsion to attack your enemies or do what you want.

You sounded pretty set on your class choices, but had you considered the monster tactician inquisitor? It’d have a similar flavor and better skills and summons. Plus easy acces to invisibility for sneaking away to fight another day.

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