Article-At-A-Glance
- Ritualist thrives in critical situations with powerful occult rituals and battlefield control.
- Base Spiritualist excels in melee through necromantic spells and a Phantom’s support.
- Strengths include adaptability and high damage potential against various foes.
- Common weaknesses involve mobility limits and dependency on specific scenarios or skills.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Build Name | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Jungian Mastermind[1] | Incredible Perception (+46 at level 20); powerful Phantom with high stats and supernatural abilities; adept at detecting enemies; versatile spell list supporting combat and healing. | Relatively low combat ability without Phantom; requires careful management to utilize all abilities effectively; lacks raw Strength-based power due to primary focus on Wisdom and Spellcasting. |
| Base Spiritualist | High damage potential with scythe and Power Attack; versatility with necromantic spells; resilient with toughness and heavy armor proficiency. | Limited Dexterity and mobility without Phantom; can be vulnerable to high damage without careful positioning. |
| Gravekeeper Witch | Immense damage capability with Phantom Blade; blend of melee and spell combat; unique abilities through Mortal Usher class like at-will invisibility. | Complex multiclassing may require detailed management; low Constitution and average armor options can lead to fragility. |
| Haunted Exorcist | Strong versus undead; effective use of Channel Energy and Turn Undead; high mobility with Spring Attack; good defensive capability with Shield Proficiency. | Relies heavily on specific scenarios involving undead; limited damage against non-undead foes without adaptation. |
| Ritualist | Powerful occult rituals; great healing potential; improved reach with Lunge and Longspear; good stealth capabilities with invisibility. | Dependent on skill checks for ritual success; low Constitution can be risky without proper planning in battle. |
Jungian Mastermind
The Jungian Mastermind[1] exclusively employs the Spiritualist Shadow Caller to merge the Phantom as a shadow, prioritizing Wisdom for increased spellcasting and detection prowess. Key abilities include high Perception and versatile spell selection, coupled with a Phantom that excels in offensive and defensive roles.
- The Phantom’s resilience and offensive capabilities, with feats like Phantom Fighter and Spiritualist’s Call, set it apart, allowing it to tackle various threats while ignoring half of critical damage.
- The exclusive focus on Wisdom and Phantom-oriented abilities can result in lower physical stats, making the Spiritualist less effective in physical combat independently.
- Despite being a support character, the Spiritualist gains mobility akin to a Shadowdancer with Shadow Jump, allowing quick repositioning on the battlefield.
Base Spiritualist
The Base Spiritualist[2] build excels in melee combat, wielding a scythe with the support of a Phantom companion for enhanced combat prowess. The build benefits from high Wisdom and necromantic spellcasting, making it versatile in both offense and defense.
- High damage potential through Power Attack and Vital Strike, supported by a Phantom’s incorporeal or manifested abilities.
- Relies on medium to heavy armor proficiency, impacting mobility and Dexterity-based checks.
- Utilize the Hatred emotional focus for the Phantom, enhancing its slam attacks with feats like Improved Natural Attack and Piranha Strike.
Gravekeeper Witch
The Gravekeeper Witch[3] build transforms the Phantom into a Sentient weapon using Phantom Blade, while integrating Barbarian’s Titan Mauler for one-handed Scythe combat and Rage. By multiclassing into Mortal Usher, it gains flavorful abilities like At-Will Invisibility and synergy with Psychopomps for excellent battlefield utility.
- Incredibly high damage output using a combination of Phantom Blade, Vital Strike, and Cerberus Style for devastating multi-target strikes.
- Low AC and Constitution make the build vulnerable to sustained attack, challenging its survivability in prolonged encounters.
- Utilize the Phantom Blade’s spellstrike capabilities for both ranged and melee, allowing you to effectively deal with enemies from various distances.
Haunted Exorcist
The Haunted Exorcist[4] embraces the Haunted archetype, pairing it with the Soul Warden Prestige Class to excel as an anti-undead specialist. Building as a Samsaran, it focuses on leveraging Control Undead and a strategic mix of feats like Piranha Strike for high damage and mobility.
- Mastery over undead enemies through the Channel Smite and Turn Undead feats gives this build a significant advantage in combating evil spirits.
- Low Strength can limit melee options, relying heavily on Dexterity for combat effectiveness with a Kukri.
- Utilizing the Mystic Past Life alternate racial trait allows the selection of Control Undead, giving an edge when encountering vampire lords or other undead threats.
Ritualist
The Ritualist[5] build leverages the Necrologist archetype to turn your Phantom undead, enhancing survivability with undead traits. Emphasizing Occult Rituals, it empowers characters with high DC skills for potent battlefield control.
- With bonuses to Occult Rituals, this build can unleash powerful magical effects that can turn the tides in critical situations. The combination of high skill checks and strong reach makes it a formidable foe in melee combat.
- The Ritualist[5]’s reliance on Occult Rituals means it can have high setup requirements and is dependent on skill checks, making it vulnerable if the dice don’t roll in your favor.
- Utilize ‘Anger’ Emotional Foci with your undead Phantom to maximize your Intimidance in combat, while using ‘Cornugon Smash’ to debuff enemies effectively.
FAQ
What are the primary strengths of the Ritualist[5] build?
The Ritualist[5] is powerful due to its bonuses to Occult Rituals. It makes your Phantom undead, granting it survivability through undead traits. Its high skill checks allow for potent battlefield control. The build’s versatility offers significant melee reach, elevating its threat level. Mixing occultism with combat makes the Ritualist[5] exceptionally adaptable.
How can the Base Spiritualist[2] maximize combat effectiveness?
Leverage Power Attack and Vital Strike for high damage output. Pair these with necromantic spells for versatile tactics. Use heavy armor proficiency to enhance defenses. Rely on your Phantom for extra damage and battlefield control. With strategic positioning, tap into both offensive and defensive abilities.
What are the major weaknesses of the Jungian Mastermind[1] build?
This build suffers without its Phantom’s support. Its fighting capacity is weaker if separated from the Phantom. It demands meticulous management for optimal performance. The build prioritizes Wisdom over Strength, impacting some combat situations. However, when well-managed, its perception and versatility shine.
What role does skill checks play in a Ritualist’s success?
Skill checks are crucial for executing powerful rituals. They are impacted by the build’s overall success. Proper planning and character development can mitigate risks from poor rolls. Hence, Ritualists must emphasize skill enhancements and practice. This ensures their rituals will have the desired impact during battles.
Can Gravekeeper Witch multiclass effectively?
The Gravekeeper-Witch thrives with detailed management despite complexity. This blend of melee and spell combat creates unique tactics. Its low Constitution and armor create vulnerability without protection. Mastery comes from strategic skill allocation and experience. Therefore, players must balance between strengths and weaknesses carefully.
How does the Haunted Exorcist[4] handle non-undead foes?
It’s essential for Haunted-Exorcists to adapt their tactics against non-undead. They may struggle if relying solely on undead-specific abilities. Instead, lean on Spring Attack and shield proficiency for defense. Maximizing mobility allows better positioning and escape tactics. By diversifying skills, they can mitigate non-undead weaknesses.
Which build suits high diplomacy and intimidation tactics?
The Ritualist[5], particularly with ‘Anger’ emotional foci, excels here. Its undead Phantom enhances intimidation in combat. Integrating ‘Cornugon Smash’ amplifies debuffs effectively. These traits benefit parties requiring both force and negotiation. Ultimately, Ritualists turn communication into a battle advantage.
What role does armor play in the Base Spiritualist[2] build?
Armor is crucial for survival, thanks to proficient use of heavy protections. Yet, it can impede agility and Dexterity checks. Therefore, balance is key for situational adaptability. This build leverages resilience by enhancing defensive skills. Combat positioning is vital to mitigate weakness and maximize power. Conclusion
Consider incorporating these builds into your next Pathfinder game for varied experiences.
Do you think these Spiritualist builds could be among Pathfinder 1E’s best?
Join our discussions on the Stellar Dragons Discord server.
Author
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Spiritualist – Jungian Mastermind – Pathfinder 1E ( Jungian Mastermind )
Jungian Mastermind
Okay, this one is mostly because I was reading the Shadow Caller Archetype and turning your Phantom into a literal shadow that can hide in yours, or in your mind…Yeah, Carl Jung just immediately jumps to mind here.
We’re going all in with Spiritualist Shadow Caller, no multiclassing with this build.
Race
Human, put that floating +2 in Wisdom.
Ability Scores
Put everything into Wisdom.
15Point-Buy
Str 7/Dex 12/Con 10/Int 10/Wis 20/Cha 10
20Point-Buy
Str 7/Dex 12/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 20/Cha 10
25Point-Buy
Str 8/Dex 14/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 20/Cha 10
Traits
Reactionary for more Initiative, Seeker for Perception as a Class Skill.
Favored Class Bonus
We need more HP.
Skills
Sense Motive, Knowledge(The Planes), Perception, Spellcraft, Knowledge(Arcana).
Feats by Level
1-Toughness
Human Bonus-Elongated Cranium 3-Weapon Finesse
5-Phantom Fighter
7-Spiritualist’s Call
9-Phantom Fortification
11-Improved Initiative
13-Vigilant Phantom
15-Skill Focus(Perception)
17-Alertness
19-Medium Armor Proficiency
So, we are focusing early on on making our Phantom an absolute menace. With Phantom Fighter, Phantom Fortification and Spiritualist’s Call, our Phantom will have higher stats, a 50% chance to ignore Crits and Precision damage, and will be able to hit Incorporeal creatures. And with Vigilant Phantom, Alertness and Skill Focus, we act as a friggin radar to detect enemies for our party.
Phantom
Pick Weapon Finesse, Piranha Strike and the like. Boost our Phantom Damage and Stealth as much as possible.
Spells Learned by Level
1-Telekinetic Projectile, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Mage Hand, Shield, Cure Light Wounds
2-Guidance, Identify
3-Stabilize, Detect Undead
4-Detect Thoughts, See Invisibility
5-Locate Object
6-Invisibility
7-Deathwatch, Detect Anxieties, Haste
8-Detect Desires
9-Fly
10-Instigate Psychic Duel, Detect Scrying, Dimension Door
11-Detect Evil, Enervation
12-Freedom of Movement
13-Nondetection, Dream, Scrying
14-Cure Moderate Wounds, Nightmare
15-Break Enchantment
16-Locate Creature, Heal, Analyze Dweommer
17-Tongues, Find the Path
18-Shadow Transmutation
19-Dominate Person
20-Shadowform, Greater Possession
Equipment
We ourselves will be content with a Dagger, a Light Crossbow and a Chain Shirt.
Final Thoughts on the Build
If you did everything as I said, your Perception at lvl 20 should be at +46. Yeah, even Invisible creatures can’t escape detection. We also get some great mobility via Shadow Jump like the Shadowdancer, and our Phantom is a ridiculously powerful and hardy companion capable of sustained offense and defenses, plus all of our spellcasting making us a fantastic support character while still contributing to the total damage output of the team.
2. ↑ Spiritualist – The Base Spiritualist – Pathfinder 1E ( The Base Spiritualist )
The Base Spiritualist
Our Base Spiritualist build will be a reaper, a man with a scythe, supported by his Phantom, who can cast necromantic spells and get in melee for some great damage.
Race
We will take Human and place our floating +2 in Wisdom.
Ability Scores
Put everything in Str.
15Point-Buy
Str 14/Dex 10/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 16/Cha 10
20Point-Buy
Str 16/Dex 10/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 16/Cha 10
25Point-Buy
Str 17/Dex 10/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 17/Cha 10
Traits
Reactionary is great for better initiative, Seeker makes Perception a class skill which is great.
Favored Class Bonus
You thought you could avoid putting those in HP did you?
Skills
Perception, Knowledge(Religion), Spellcraft, Sense Motive, Use Magic Devices
Feats by Level
1-Toughness
Human Bonus-Medium Armor Proficiency
3-Power Attack
5-Heavy Armor Proficiency
7-Improved Initiative
9-Vital Strike
11-Weapon Focus(Scythe)
13-Improved Critical(Scythe)
15-Improved Vital Strike
17-Dirty Fighting
19-Improved Trip
So, your scythe is dealing lots of damage with Vital Strike and Power Attack. Plus you are reasonably resilient via Toughness and Heavy Armor Proficiency.
Phantom Emotional Focus
Hatred, since it gains Weapon Finesse: continue increasing dex and pick feats such as Improved Natural Attack and Piranha Strike for its slam.
Spells Learned by Level
1-Bleed, Detect Magic, Grave Words, Telekinetic Projectile, Chill Touch, Cure Light Wounds
2-Resistance, Obscuring Mist
3-Guidance, Shield
4-Lesser Animate Dead, Death Knell
5-Cure Moderate Wounds
6-Invisibility
7-Ventriloquism, Animate Dead, Bestow Curse
8-Fly
9-Haste
10-Ghoul Touch, Slough, Wall of Bones
11-Inflict Light Wounds, Deathward
12-Possession
13-Displacement, Scrying, Telekinesis
14-Spectral Hand, Slay Living
15-Dominate Person
16-Greater Invisibility, Harm, Heal
17-Invisibility Purge, Circle of Death
18-Create Undead
19-Break Enchantment
20-Imbue with Spell Ability, Disintegrate
Equipment
A Scythe and the best Medium Armor you can get. Eventually a full plate.
Final Thoughts on the Build
So not only do we deal stupid damage with our Scythe, have some excellent defenses and have our own Companion that can be Incorporeal or fully manifested, or into our mind to give us great boosts, we have some of the best buff spells in the game, can animate our own army of the dead and can heal decently well? Yeah. Very powerful.
3. ↑ Spiritualist – The Gravekeeper Witch – Pathfinder 1E ( The Gravekeeper Witch )
The Gravekeeper Witch
And we have finally come to our third and final Witch Sister for our three builds. This sister was adopted early on by a Gravekeeper and taught her the methods of a Phantom Blade, a great Archetype that switches our Phantom for a Sentient weapon. We will multicall into Barbarian with the Titan Mauler Archetype. We will also Variant Multiclass into Witch and take the Mortal Usher Prestige Class. Our leveling should look like the following:
Class
Spiritualist 8/Barbarian 2/Mortal Usher 10 Variant Multiclass(Witch)
Race
Changeling, we will also pick the Hulking Changeling Racial Trait for more melee damage.
Ability Scores
Put everything in Strength.
15Point-Buy
Str 16/Dex 10/Con 10/Int 10/Wis 16/Cha 10
20Point-Buy
Str 17/Dex 10/Con 10/Int 10/Wis 17/Cha 10
25Point-Buy
Str 18/Dex 10/Con 12/Int 10/Wis 16/Cha 10
Talents
We wank Seeker for Perception as a Class Skill, and Reactionary for a nice bonus to Initiative
Favored Class Bonus
We are a melee character with piss poor AC and low Con. Repeat after me: Hit Points.
Skills
Perception, Knowledge(Planes and Religion), Spellcraft
Feats and Variant Multiclass by Level
1-Toughness
1-Patron(Woodlands)
3-Familiar
Bonus 3-Power Attack
5-Cleave
7-Hex(Evil Eye)
Bonus 8-Cerberus Style
9-Cerberus Style
11-Cantrip(Prestidigitation)
Bonus 11-Vital Strike
13-Cerberus Snare
15-Hex(Cackle)
Bonus 16-Improved Vital Strike
17-Cerberus Crush
19-Hex(Animal Shape)
Bonus 20-Heavy Armor Proficiency
So, we get a few very nice Hexes, and with Power Attack and the Cerberus Style combined with Vital Strike, we will deal some downright stupid damage, both with our Manifested weapon or with our Fists.
Phantom Blade
So, Phantom Blades let us Spell Combat and Spellstrike like a friggin Magus. This lets us do some crazy ass stuff. And if the Blade resides in our mind, we can punch stuff like a Monk. I love this Archetype so damned much.
Why Titan Mauler Barbarian
Because Spellstrike and Spell Combat specifically requires you to use a weapon one handed. But we really want a Scythe for roleplay purposes. So we get to use both here. Plus Rage is neat once our spells are used.
Mortal Usher
Okay, so Mortal Usher is chokeful of flavor, grants us some kickass abilities like At Will Invisibility????????
Plus we get friends with Psychopomps which is nice. Also, Plague Doctor Mask yay!
Spells Learned by Level
1-Stabilize, Bleed, Telekinetic Projectile, Detect Magic, Cure Light Wounds, Shield
2-Read Magic, Inflict Light Wounds
3-Guidance, Obscuring Mist
4-Death Knell, Cure Moderate Wounds
5-Inflict Moderate Wounds
6-See Invisibility
7-Detect Undead, Bestow Curse, Haste
10-Vampiric Touch
12-Fly
14-Touch of Idiocy, Dimension Door, Black Tentacles
16-Positive Pulse, Enervation18-Freedom of Movements
20-Blindness/Deafness, Suffocation, Telekinesis
Equipment
The best Medium armor you can get. You get your Phantom Blade from the get go anyway.
Final Thoughts on the Build
So, we get to be full witchy, deal stupid levels of damage Vampiric Touch+Scythe+Improved Vital Strike+Cerberus Style+Reaping Strike for 6d4+25d6+21 on three targets each turn, grant some great debuffs, some great buffs, some battlefield control, can be invisible at will for the best Scouting ever. And we can do all that both with a Scythe one handed(before level 10 just use a Longsword, as you can shift the Phantom Blade’s appearance), as a Whip, or with our Fists. This gets ridiculous really, really darned fast and is a massively good build. Easily one of my favorites thus far.
4. ↑ Spiritualist – The Haunted Exorcist – Pathfinder 1E ( The Haunted Exorcist )
The Haunted Exorcist
Okay so the previous two builds were cool and all but what if I want to play an anti-undeads, anti-evil spirits build?
Well, I do have a build for that. We’re picking the Haunted Archetype to add much flavor to our Character, and we’re picking the Soul Warden Prestige Class. Our leveling should look like the following:
Class
Spiritualist 5/Soul Warden 10/Spiritualist +5
Race
Samsaran with the Mystic Past Life Alternate Racial Feature (we need to pick Control Undead with it).
Ability Scores
Round up Con, then everything in Wis.
15Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 14/Con 13/Int 10/Wis 16/Cha 10
20Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 14/Con 13/Int 10/Wis 18/Cha 10
25Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 16/Con 13/Int 10/Wis 18/Cha 10
Traits
Silent Hunter for that sweet Stealth Proficiency, Armor Expert to completely nullify the penalty on your Chain Shirt.
Favored Class Bonus
Moar HP.
Skills
Stealth, Perception, Knowledge(Religion) and Spellcraft.
Feats
1-Weapon Finesse
3-Piranha Strike
5-Shield Proficiency
7-Weapon Focus(Kukri)
Bonus 8-Channel Smite
9-Slashing Grace
11-Improved Initiative Bonus
11-Turn Undead
13-Dodge
Bonus 14-Quick Channel
15-Mobility
17-Spring Attack
19-Improved Critical(Kukri)
So, we are doing some surprisingly high damage with our Kukri via Slashing Grace+Piranha Strike+Improved Critical. Getting Shield Proficiency increases our AC by a few points, and Spring Attack turns us into a surprisingly mobile character.
Phantom
For this build, we will once again go for Hatred, picking feats such as Piranha Strike and the like. Our Phantom will have a weird hate of the Undead. Also, as a Haunted, it will be able to make us Sick to get more stats.
Spells Learned by Level
1-Virtue, Stabilize, Guidance, Resistance, Cure Light Wounds, Sanctuary
2-Detect Magic, Magic Fang
3-Read Magic, Protection from Evil
4-Control Undead, Cure Moderate Wounds
5-Aid
6-Gentle Repose
7-Identify, Cure Serious Wounds, Haste
8-Heroism
9-Fly
10-Purge Spirit, Cure Critical Wounds, Anti-Incorporeal Shell
11-Alarm, Death Ward
12-Dimension Door
13-Gaseous Form, Scrying, Raise Dead
14-Lesser Restoration, Plane Shift
15-Dream
16-Entrap Spirit, Heal, Undeath to Death
17-Displacement, Soulseeker
18-Speak with Soul
19-Sending
20-Restoration, Ectoplasmic Eruption
Equipment
Chain Shirt and a Kukri. Eventually a Shield of some sort.
Final Thoughts on the Build
You are the Anti Undeads build. You can Channel Energy to harm undeads, can smite them for absurd damage, plus you have various healing and anti undead spells that are fantastic for your job. As a Samsaran you naturally resist well Negative Energy shenanigans and you have some critically important buffs and restoring spells. This makes you a fantastic overall support and an anti-undead expert easily on par – even surpassing classes like the Cleric and the Paladin.
5. ↑ Spiritualist – The Ritualist – Pathfinder 1E ( The Ritualist )
The Ritualist
So, our Phantom is usually an Outsider tied to the Ethereal Plane and as such has a variety of such resistances and all. But what if we wanted to go full undead here?
Enters the Necrologist Archetype which turns our Phantom into an Undead, and the Ritualist Prestige Class to play heavily into the Occult classes, giving us many bonuses to use Occult Rituals. Our leveling should look like the following:
Class
Necrologist 10/Ritualist 10
Race
We will go for a Nosferatu-Born Dhampir.
Ability Scores
Throw everything into Strength.
15Point-Buy
Str 16/Dex 12/Con 10/Int 10/Wis 16/Cha 10
20Point-Buy
Str 16/Dex 14/Con 12/Int 10/Wis 16/Cha 10
25Point-Buy
Str 16/Dex 14/Con 12/Int 10/Wis 16/Cha 10
Traits
Reactionary is great for that boost to Initiative, Silent Hunter to get Stealth as a Class Skill
Favored Class Bonus
Skills. Occult Rituals require Skill Checks and thus we want more of these.
Skills
Stealth, then max as many Knowledge as you can. Spellcraft too.
Feats by Level
1-Toughness
3-Power Attack
5-Medium Armor Proficiency
7-Heavy Armor Proficiency
9-Dirty Fighting
11-Improved Trip
13-Lunge
15-Combat Reflexes
17-Stand Still
19-Improved Initiative
Toughness will compensate for our low Con and FCB into Skills, Power Attack is always great, Heavy Armor Proficiency turns us into a fairly resilient character, Improved Trip is amazing, Lunge paired with our Longspear gives us a 15ft reach which is great, and your already 10ft reach combines extremely well with Combat Reflexes and Stand Still.
Phantom
So, your Phantom is undead. Which means like you it heals on Negative Energy. I recommend picking up the Anger Emotional Foci with this one, and then picking Feats like Intimidating Prowess and Cornugon Smash and turn your Phantom into a Power Attacking Intimidancer for you.
Spells Learned by Level
1-Bleed, Stabilize, Detect Magic, Telekinetic Projectile, Inflict Wounds, Shield
2-Read Magic, Magic Fang
3-Resistance, Obscuring Mist
4-Invisibility, Inflict Moderate Wounds
5-Life Pact
6-False Life
7-Touch of Gracelessness, Inflict Serious Wounds, Haste
8-Animate Dead
9-Gaseous Form
10-Death Knell, Inflict Critical Wounds, Crushing Despair
11-Unseen Servant, Dimension Door
12-Enervation
13-Invisibility Purge, Vampiric Shadow Shield, Teleport
14-Detect Thoughts, Waves of Fatigue
15-Scrying
16-Freedom of Movement, Banishment, Harm
17-Hostile Levitation, Create Undead
18-Shadow Walk
19-Plane Shift
20-Black Tentacles, Unwilling Shield
Ritualist
So, Ritualist gives you a bonus on Occult Rituals. Occult Rituals usually have a fairly high DC, but if you succeed they have some tremendously powerful effects. Enough so to warrant multiclassing out and not progressing our Phantom so good they are.
Equipment
A Chain Shirt and a Longspear at first, but do aim for that Full Plate armor.
Final Thoughts on the Build
We can heal ourselves and our Phantom, or damage enemies, we have some crazy good buffs, and on top of that we have a fairly good chance of learning and casting Occult Rituals. This build may not look like it, but it is easily amongst the most powerful I have presented thus far. Plus you are fairly good as a scout via a good Stealth+Invisibility, and you have a great reach meaning some great melee presence!
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