Article-At-A-Glance
- The Hellfire Hierophant dominates enemies with infernal spells and strategic metamagic use.
- Comprehensive build targets weaknesses and enhances strengths for optimal TTRPG play.
- Discusses equipment and character progression for boosting magical and combat prowess.
- Provides roleplaying tips for embodying a charismatic and fearsome Hellfire Priest in game.
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At level 1, the character is a Warlock with an impressive defensive setup due to Brand of the Nine Hells and Mark of Nessus feats. The character can effectively redirect attacks through a Will save. Utilizing Eldritch Blast 1d6 and the Invocation Beguiling Influence, supports thematic abilities of persuasion and control.
Stat Block Level 1:
Farindal: male, Fey’ri Warlock 1; CR 1; Medium outsider (elf); HD 7; hp 7; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 13, touch 11, flat-footed 12; Base Atk +0; Grp -2; Atk Eldritch Blast (1d6); Full Atk Eldritch Blast (1d6); SA Eldritch Blast 1d6, Brand of the Nine Hells; SQ Invocations, Brand of the Nine Hells, Mark of Nessus; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +5; Str 6, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 15.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) 6, Knowledge (Religion) 15, Knowledge (The Planes) 4; Brand of the Nine Hells, Mark of Nessus, Precocious Apprentice.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Eldritch Blast (1d6) for ranged attack. May cast Command three times per day as a swift action using Brand of the Nine Hells. Mark of Nessus forces attackers to make a Will Save or choose another target.
Possessions: Chain Shirt, Unholy Symbol.
This build at level 5 showcases a strong blend of divine and arcane elements. The character can leverage Rebuke Undead to cast powerful domain spells spontaneously. With a focus on control and damage, the character uses Mystics and Warlock abilities to increase combat versatility. With Brand of the Nine Hells and Mark of Nessus, defenses are fortified, making offensive spells more reliable.
Stat Block Level 5:
Farindal: Male, Fey’ri Warlock 1/Cloistered Cleric 3/Mystic Theurge 1; CR 6; Medium outsider (native); HD 7 (Warlock) + 2d6+2 (Cleric) + 1d4+1 (Mystic Theurge); hp 30; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 11, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +4; Grp +0; Atk Eldritch Blast +5 (1d6) or Quarterstaff +3 melee; Full Atk Eldritch Blast +5 (1d6) or Quarterstaff +3 melee; SA Eldritch Blast, Domain Spontaneity; SQ Fey’ri Traits, Rebuke Undead, Lore, Domains (Knowledge, Fire, Diabolic), Brand of the Nine Hells, Mark of Nessus; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +5, Ref +4, Will +12; Str 6, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 15.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge(Religion) 12, Knowledge(Arcana) 6; Precocious Apprentice, Alternative Spell Source, Brand of the Nine Hells, Mark of Nessus.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Brand of the Nine Hells allows casting Command as a Swift Action thrice daily; Mark of Nessus forces a Will Save to target Farindal.
Possessions: Quarterstaff, Unholy Symbol, Chain Shirt.
With a combination of eldritch and divine skills, this Cleric Hellfire Hierophant build at level 10 demonstrates tremendous strength. You are now competent with Eldritch Blast up to 4d6 damage and have improved your casting from Eldritch Disciple. While Domain Spontaneity enables you to cast domain spells on the spur of the moment, the Searing Spell feat allows your fire spells to circumvent common immunities. Special skills like Mark of Nessus and Brand of the Nine Hells increase your offensive and defensive adaptability.
Stat Block Level 10:
Farindal: male, Fey’ri Warlock/Cleric/Mystic Theurge/Eldritch Disciple 10; CR 10; Medium outsider (native); HD 2d6+2 plus 8d8+8; hp 54; Init +1; Spd 30 ft., fly 15 ft. (average); AC 16, touch 11, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +6; Grp +5; Atk Eldritch Blast +5 ranged touch (4d6) or staff +0 melee (1d6-2); Full Atk Eldritch Blast +5 ranged touch (4d6) or staff +0 melee (1d6-2); SA Eldritch Blast; SQ Brand of the Nine Hells, Mark of Nessus, Rebuke Undead, Lore, Eldritch Spellweave; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +15; Str 6, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 15.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) +6, Knowledge (Religion) +15, Knowledge (The Planes) +4; Brand of the Nine Hells, Mark of Nessus, Precocious Apprentice, Domain Spontaneity, Searing Spell, Alternative Spell Source.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Eldritch Blast deals force damage in a 20 ft. line, bypassing fire immunity with Searing Spell. Dominating personality through Eldritch Disciple gifts.
Possessions: Unholy Symbol, Chain Shirt, Robe of the Archmagi, potential Rod of Extend Spell.
This build merges the destructive capability of Hellfire with divine spells for optimal area damage. The Fey’ri optimally leverages brands for defense, bypassing enemy fire immunity, while making formidable use of Divine Metamagic for spellcasting efficiency.
Stat Block Level 15:
Farindal: male, Fey’ri Warlock 1/Cloistered Cleric 3/Mystic Theurge 1/Eldritch Disciple 10; CR 15; Medium Outsider (Native); HD 1d6+6 plus 3d6+12 plus 1d4+4 plus 10d8+40; hp 91; Init +1; Spd 30 ft., fly 30 ft. (average); AC 18, touch 15, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +9; Grp +10; Atk Eldritch Blast +11 ranged touch (6d6 fire) or slam +10 melee (1d4 fire); Full Atk Eldritch Blast +11 ranged touch (6d6 fire) or two slams +10 melee (1d4 fire each); SA Eldritch Blast, Gift of the Divine Patron; SQ Rebuke Undead, Lore, Eldritch Spellweave, Timeless Body, Brands of the Nine Hells; AL Chaotic Evil; SV Fort +10, Ref +6, Will +14; Str 6, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 22, Cha 15.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge (Religion) 15, Knowledge (Arcana) 6, Knowledge (The Planes) 4; Brand of the Nine Hells, Mark of Nessus, Precocious Apprentice, Alternative Spell Source, Domain Spontaneity, Searing Spell, Quicken Spell, Divine Metamagic, Violate Spell.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Brands of the Nine Hells grant action economy and defensive Will save requirements. Searing Spell bypasses fire immunity, Violate Spell prevents healing of spell damage.
Possessions: Unholy Symbol, Chain Shirt, Robe of the Archmagi, Rod of Extend Spell, Belt of Magnificence.
This Hellfire Hierophant build expertly combines divine and arcane magic to unleash devastating fire based attacks. With powerful metamagic and the ability to bypass fire immunity, it can devastate foes and armies alike. Exceptional defenses further bolster its capability.
Stat Block Level 20:
Farindal: male, Fey’ri Warlock 1/Cloistered Cleric 3/Mystic Theurge 1/Eldritch Disciple 10/Mystic Theurge 4/Hierophant 1; CR 20; Medium Outsider (Native); HD 20d8+20; hp 180; Init +1; Spd 30 ft., fly 60 ft. (average); AC 18, touch 11, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +10; Grp +9; Atk Eldritch Blast +13 ranged touch (7d6) or Longsword +10 melee (1d8-1/19-20); Full Atk Eldritch Blast +13 ranged touch (7d6); SA Eldritch Blast, Domain Spontaneity, Rebuke Undead, Gift of the Divine Patron, Eldritch Spellweave; SQ Damage Reduction 15/cold iron, Spell Resistance 21, Mark of Nessus, Brand of the Nine Hells; AL Chaotic good; SV Fort +10, Ref +8, Will +16; Str 6, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 22, Cha 15.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge(Religion) +15, Knowledge(Arcana) +6, Knowledge(The Planes) +4; Brand of the Nine Hells, Mark of Nessus, Precocious Apprentice, Alternative Spell Source, Domain Spontaneity, Searing Spell, Quicken Spell, Divine Metamagic, Violate Spell.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Eldritch Blasts bypass resistance and immunity, violent damage with Hellfire Blast, several potent buffs like Divine Power, can become invisible with Walk Unseen.
Possessions: Robe of the Archmagi, Rod of Extend Spell, Belt of Magnificence, Unholy Symbol, Chain Shirt.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: The journey begins with our character starting as a Warlock, gaining access to Eldritch Blast 1d6 and Invocations. They also take on the role of a Cleric, acquiring abilities like Rebuke Undead, Lore, and Domains (Knowledge, Fire, Diabolic). The Precocious Apprentice feat enhances their prowess while enabling mastery over early spells.
- Levels 6-10: Advancing to an Eldritch Disciple, they gain Gift of the Divine Patron and eldritch abilities. Domain Spontaneity allows spontaneous casting from domains, and Searing Spell unlocks the ability to bypass fire immunity.
- Levels 11-15: With Divine Metamagic, Quicken Spell, and Violate Spell, they manipulate magic with speed and force. The Eldritch Disciple class offers continued development in the form of additional gifts, while Eldritch Blast reaches a formidable 6d6.
- Levels 16-20: The character culminates their arc with the Mystic Theurge and Hierophant classes. Spell Power enhancement and further level boosts in Wisdom amplify their magical prowess. Eldritch Blast tops at 7d6, complementing their devastating repertoire, bolstered by layered defensive and offensive spells.
Core Abilities & Features
The Hellfire Hierophant Cleric build unleashes supreme fiery havoc with its core abilities, starting with the combination of Searing Spell and Divine Metamagic. These features allow you to penetrate fire immunity and resistance, making fiery spells devastatingly effective. Casting the spell “Erupt” as a Divine Metamagic Searing Spell can obliterate foes within a 2000 ft radius, as no resistance can bring solace from this infernal rain of fire.
This build leverages Brand of the Nine Hells and Mark of Nessus for superior combat options and defense. Brand of the Nine Hells permits casting “Command” as a swift action, introducing tactical flexibility. Meanwhile, Mark of Nessus provides a layer of protection. Foes must succeed in Will saves to even target the caster, blending perfectly with the Sanctuary spell, ensuring most attacks are shrugged off.
The Domain Spontaneity allows the cleric to wield fire spells with impunity. Utilizing Rebuke Undead to spontaneously cast domain spells turning the tide of battles with Hellfire Blast. The Violate Spell permanently infects attacks like “Hellfire Blast” or “Harm,” ensuring no healing for afflicted damage. Coupling this with quickened spells further emphasizes the relentless assault capabilities in stark contrast to the stereotype that clerics lack blasting firepower. With these abilities, the Hellfire Hierophant tramples opposition under scorching infernal spells, unseen and unchallenged.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Chain Shirt | Provides decent early game defense while retaining maneuverability. |
| L6-10 | Robe of the Archmagi | Raises your caster level, improves saving throws, and provides spell resistance. |
| L11-15 | Belt of Magnificence | Boosts all ability scores by +2, supporting overall character effectiveness. |
| L16-20 | Cloak of Resistance +5 | Boosts all saving throws, providing significant protection against spells and effects. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In the confined spaces of a dungeon, leverage the Hellfire Blast to clear paths. Use ‘Walk Unseen’ for stealth, bypassing threats to position yourself. If cornered, cast ‘Erupt’ to ensure minimal survival of enemies in tight corridors.
- Open Fields:
- With ample room, your aerial advantage from natural wings aids in surveying the battlefield. Begin with ‘Darkfire’ followed by ‘Erupt’, targeting enemy clusters. Utilize ‘Searing Spell’ to bypass resistances and wreak havoc across vast areas efficiently.
- Ambushes:
- When caught off guard, swiftly cast ‘Repelling Blast’ to gain distance. Use ‘Frightful Blast’ to instill fear, then disappear using ‘Walk Unseen’. Counterattack with a quick succession of ‘Hellfire Blast’ while remaining obscured.
- Defensive Stands:
- Stand ground casting ‘Divine Metamagic’ enhanced spells like ‘Harm’ or ‘Hellfire Blast’ to obliterate charging foes. ‘Mark of Nessus’ provides strong defenses, protecting against most attacks, allowing counter with quick spell volleys.
- Urban Encounters:
- In cities, manage collateral with precision strikes. ‘Beguiling Influence’ helps navigate social confrontations, delaying conflict. When battle ensues, use ‘Quicken Spell’ on ‘Divine Power’ to rapidly outcast adversaries without alerting reinforcements.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Strength | Enhance physical abilities with spells like Bull’s Strength or equip a Gauntlets of Ogre Power to boost strength. |
| Limited Physical Durability | Use a Belt of Magnificence to improve Constitution or cast protective spells like Stoneskin or Barkskin. |
| Complex Skill Roster | Select skills wisely, focusing on essential skills such as Knowledge skills. Consider the Headband of Intellect for a boost. |
| Dependence on Metamagic | Utilize Rods of Metamagic to conserve resources while maximizing spell effectiveness. |
| Spell Vulnerability | Regularly use defensive spells such as Protection from Evil and equip items like Armor of Resistance to enhance defenses. |
Roleplaying the Hellfire Hierophant
It takes a combination of theatrical charm and imposing presence to portray the menacing might of a Hellfire Hierophant. Imagine yourself wielding the wild power of Hellfire after having formerly been a lowly cleric. Your Farindal-like character is an expert at chaos and control. In roleplay, project a blend of composure and fury by expressing your terrible spells with calm yet ominous language. Stress contempt for lower creatures, assuming a stately demeanor appropriate for a person speaking with demons.
Describe your character’s aspirations for power and ambition, constantly seeking to further your demonic sway. With your deep understanding of prohibited regions, you can use your strategic insight to surprise both allies and enemies. Embrace your eccentricities, which may include a propensity to play with mortals or a penchant for poetic justice in retaliation with a fire theme. Perhaps your belief that you alone are capable of directing Hell’s wrath without repercussions contains a hint of arrogance. Engage people by threatening them with dire consequences if they support or oppose you.
Opportunities and Themes
This build thrives on themes of power unconfined by moral constraints. Roleplaying offers opportunities to explore personal transformation from duty bound cleric to an awe inspiring, hellfire wielding demigod. Dive into internal conflicts: the seductive pull of hellish power versus the original clerical duties. Perhaps you wrestle with questions of loyalty, knowing that your patronage to infernal powers sometimes conflicts with divine responsibilities.
Opportunities abound for rich personal narratives. Consider a backstory where your character sought infernal favors to protect a cherished realm, only to enjoy the newfound dominion too much. The build’s mechanics like command as a swift action allowing you to exert subtle, yet significant, influence, weaving complex plots and dramatic confrontations into your games. Embrace the duality of your nature, reveling in newfound chaos while occasionally reminiscing divine roots. These conflicts make for compelling character driven stories, deepening your engagement in the game.
FAQ
What are the core abilities of the Hellfire Hierophant build?
The Hellfire Hierophant excels with Searing Spell and Divine Metamagic. These abilities break through fire immunity, turning spells incredibly powerful. Coupling with ‘Erupt’, spells devastate a vast radius. Additional features like Brand of the Nine Hells enhance your combat versatility. The Mark of Nessus further strengthens your defenses and spellcasting options.
How does the Hellfire Hierophant handle complex skill rosters?
With fewer skill points, every allocation matters. Focus on essential Knowledge skills to enhance role versatility. Consider equipment like the Headband of Intellect to boost Intelligence. This ensures a wider range of skill options. Balancing between combat and support skills increases overall effectiveness.
What are some effective counters for the build’s weaknesses?
Low durability issues are mitigated with Constitution boosting gear. Protective spells like Stoneskin also contribute to survivability. Utilize spellcasting to enhance physical abilities, compensating for low strength. Resource management for Metamagic extends spell potency in prolonged combat scenarios.
In which combat scenario does the Hellfire Hierophant truly excel?
Open battlefields allow aerial advantages to survey and strike effectively. Utilize ‘Searing Spell’ in open spaces for maximum effect. Swift movements and devastating spells control large enemy groups. Maximizing area effects leverages the builds infernal arsenal effectively.
What roleplay opportunities does the Hellfire Hierophant offer?
Embodying a figure of controlled chaos, the role offers dynamic storytelling. You straddle the line between power and restraint, hinting at infernal ties. Explore themes of power, consequence, and internal struggle. Your character navigates an evolving identity with dramatic impact.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Hellfire Hierophant!
Try playing a Hellfire Hierophant in your next D&D session. Its power, strategy, and roleplay potential offer thrilling gameplay experiences. Join our Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7 to discuss!
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