I really like barghests. The visual design on them is super cool. Unfortunately, they're clearly not suitable to be player characters. So I guess what I'm wondering is are there any character options - races, feats, class archetypes, &c. - that thematically tie into barghests? Like is there some obscure barghest-based tiefling heritage?
3rd party stuff is probably fine as long as it's reasonably balanced.
There are some things flavored for werewolves that might be easy to use... the Shifter class in general might be the best place to start. A Beastmorph-Vivisectionist Alchemist is certainly another approach. I don't know of anything specifically designed around the Barghest, though.
Depending what level the game is at/level the character is starting... I would just let you play as one.
You wouldn't get the free +4/+4/+2/+2/+0/-2 stat adjustments for adding class levels, but if we were level 6 I would let a Barghest join as a level one PC. If we were level 9, a Greater Barghest as a level one PC. Give them appropriate WBL for where the party is to start, probably.
If they are okay with being lower class levels than the rest of the party, then I don't see it being a problem.
I will dig around and see if I can find something specifically Barghest, though.
There are some things flavored for werewolves that might be easy to use... the Shifter class in general might be the best place to start. A Beastmorph-Vivisectionist Alchemist is certainly another approach. I don't know of anything specifically designed around the Barghest, though.
Depending what level the game is at/level the character is starting... I would just let you play as one.
You wouldn't get the free +4/+4/+2/+2/+0/-2 stat adjustments for adding class levels, but if we were level 6 I would let a Barghest join as a level one PC. If we were level 9, a Greater Barghest as a level one PC. Give them appropriate WBL for where the party is to start, probably.
If they are okay with being lower class levels than the rest of the party, then I don't see it being a problem.
I will dig around and see if I can find something specifically Barghest, though.
Thank you. I feel a little inundated by beastmorph/vivisectionists right now. There's that ratfolk guy you suggested in my Disneyworld-inspired adventure, and one of the PCs in that game is a bloodmarked skinwalker beastmorph/vivisectionist too.
The way barghests gather those growth points, plus the fact that they're literal fiends, make them ill-suited to being playable creatures, I think.
Play a shapechanger Barbarian. Take the Rage Power that let's you tear out someone's heart and eat it.
If you eat four hearts, you can have the Advanced template for free. Lol.
You are right, they really aren't meant to be playable. But they are cool.
Like is there some obscure barghest-based tiefling heritage?
Well, you could take an existing heritage and refluff it. Oni-spawn is probably the closest: same alignment (typically), bonus on Str (barghest's highest stat), +2 on Disguise & Intimidate, alter self, the hunger theme, and can be bulky. You will need some glue for the fur, though.
Where could they come from? Hrm, if a barghest eats a humanoid but they get revived, there is a taint on their soul. Which might manifest generations later...
Like is there some obscure barghest-based tiefling heritage?Well, you could take an existing heritage and refluff it. Oni-spawn is probably the closest: same alignment (typically), bonus on Str (barghest's highest stat), +2 on Disguise & Intimidate, alter self, the hunger theme, and can be bulky. You will need some glue for the fur, though.
Yeah, that might be my best bet. Maw Or Claw might also be a good fit instead of the spell-like ability.
Trying to think what the ideal class might be for this guy. Warpriest looks like a good enough match but I'm wondering if there's any effective way to lean into the shapechanging element of barghests without going full Wild Shape. I've looked at the Hunter but all the wolf-based options (both the Animal Focus and the Animal Companion) seem relatively weak.
Looking at the mooncursed barbarian (although the tiger option just seems vastly superior to everything else) and the agathiel and avenging beast archetypes for vigilante (although I really don't understand that class and it looks a bit more Charisma-reliant than a reskinned Hungerseed wants to go; same problem with the Bloodrager and Oracle options.)
Is there a good martial shapechanging option for an oni-spawn tiefling's ability spread? Maybe a beast totem barbarian?