Article-At-A-Glance
- The Shadow Monarch excels in controlling undead through powerful feats and spellcasting.
- Progression guides players through strategic milestones for Cleric build optimization.
- Discusses roleplaying depth, integrating storytelling and strategic gameplay.
- Provides effective counters for vulnerabilities in combat and resource management.
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With the Darkstalker and Extend Spell abilities, the Shadow Monarch cleric is already an opportunist at level 1. These improve stealth and spell duration, respectively. The character is quite good at spotting foes and gaining a tactical edge. The chances of successfully calling forth monsters are increased by Spell Focus (Conjuration). The character starts to establish itself as a powerful necromancer through the Trickery and Dragon Below domains.
Stat Block Level 1:
Shadow Monarch: male, Shadow Human Cleric 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d8+2; hp 10; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 10, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +0; Grp +2; Atk Dagger +2 melee (1d4+2/19–20) or Dagger +1 ranged (1d4/19–20); Full Atk Dagger +2 melee (1d4+2/19–20) or Dagger +1 ranged (1d4/19–20); SA Rebuke Undead, Domains (Trickery, Dragon Below); SQ Adaptive Learning, Murky Eyed, Shaky; AL Neutral Evil; SV Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +5; Str 14, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Concentration +5, Knowledge (Religion) +5, Spellcraft +2; Extend Spell, Darkstalker, Spell Focus (Conjuration), Able Learner, Augment Summoning.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
The Shadow Monarch commands the shadows with Trickery domain spells and preps for summoning powerful creatures.
Possessions: Dagger, armor (to be upgraded to Full Plate), basic adventuring gear.
At level 5, our Shadow Monarch build is a budding powerhouse in summoning and controlling undead. As a Master of Shrouds, we can call upon shadows as undead allies, strengthening our combat presence. With abilities like Rebuke Undead and Summon Undead (Shadow), we already demonstrate significant undead manipulation.
Stat Block Level 5:
Shadow Monarch: male, Shadow Human Cleric 1/Human Paragon 2/Master of Shrouds 2; CR 5; Medium humanoid (augmented); HD 1d8+2 plus 2d8+4 plus 2d8+4; hp 37; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 11, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +3; Grp +5; Atk Dagger +5 melee (1d4+2/19-20) or Shadow touch +5 melee touch; Full Atk Dagger +5 melee (1d4+2/19-20) or 2 shadows +5 melee touch; SA Rebuke Undead, Summon Undead (Shadow); SQ Adaptive Learning, Extra Rebuking, Shadow Blend; AL Neutral Evil; SV Fort +6, Ref +2, Will +8; Str 14, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 17, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Concentration +8, Knowledge (Religion) +8, Spellcraft +5; Extend Spell, Darkstalker, Spell Focus (Conjuration), Able Learner, Augment Summoning.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Rebuke Undead allows control over undead creatures, Summon Undead (Shadow) brings shadow allies to aid in combat, Extra Rebuking increases the number of uses for undead control. Shadow Blend enhances concealment in low-light conditions.
Possessions: Full Plate Armor, enchanted Dagger, Nightsticks, Periapt of Wisdom, Greater Shadow-enchanted cloak.
This Shadow Human Cleric build is quite good at summoning shadow monsters and controlling undead at level 10. As a Master of Shrouds, the character is able to summon strong undead spectres and wraiths. Divine Metamagic for prolonged spell effects, Corpsecrafter to enhance minions, and the ability to gather an army through Leadership feats are some of the key features.
Stat Block Level 10:
Shadow Monarch: male, Shadow Human Cleric 1/Human Paragon 2/Master of Shrouds 7; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d8+14 plus 2d8+4 plus 7d8+14; hp 67; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 11, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +7; Grp +9; Atk Dagger +10 melee (1d4+2/19-20) or Summoned Shadow; Full Atk Dagger +10/+5 melee (1d4+2/19-20) or Summoned Shadow claw attack; SA Rebuke Undead, Summon Undead IV; SQ Darkvision 60 ft., Shadow Blend, Fast Healing 2, Domains (Trickery, Dragon Below); AL Neutral Evil; SV Fort +9, Ref +4, Will +11; Str 14, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 19, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Concentration +12, Knowledge (Religion) +14, Spellcraft +5; Extend Spell, Darkstalker, Spell Focus (Conjuration), Able Learner, Augment Summoning, Persist Spell, Corpsecrafter, Divine Metamagic.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Extra Rebuking allows for additional use of Rebuke Undead, Summon Undead provides strong minions like Greater Shadows, undeads boosted with Corpsecrafter gain extra hit points and strength.
Possessions: Full Plate Armor, Greater Shadow, Nightsticks, Periapt of Wisdom, Dagger with Spell Storing (potentially holding Harm enhanced with Fell Drain for 150 damage and level drain effect, if planned in advance).
At level 15, this Shadow Monarch excels in necromancy and summoning. With an army through Undead Leadership and Augment Summoning, they bolster their forces with raised and summoned minions. Enhanced by Divine Metamagic for persisted spells, the character becomes a melee powerhouse. Supportive items like Nightsticks and a Periapt of Wisdom enhance versatility. Capable with stealth due to Darkstalker and Greater Shadow enchanted armor, they master battlefield control.
Stat Block Level 15:
Shadow Monarch: male, Shadow Human Cleric 1/Human Paragon 2/Master of Shrouds 10/Thaumaturgist 2; CR 15; Medium humanoid (shadow); HD 1d8+4 plus 2d8+8 plus 10d8+40 plus 2d4+8; hp 120; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 24, touch 11, flat-footed 23; Base Atk +10; Grp +12; Atk dagger +13 melee (1d4+2/19-20) or touch attack; Full Atk dagger +13/+8 melee (1d4+2/19-20); SA Rebuke undead, Summon Undead (Spectre); SQ Adaptive Learning, Domains (Trickery, Dragon Below), fast healing 2, Improved Summoning, Planar Cohort; AL Neutral; SV Fort +14, Ref +7, Will +13; Str 14, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 19, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Concentration 5, Knowledge(Religion) 15, Spellcraft 5; Extend Spell, Darkstalker, Spell Focus(Conjuration), Able Learner, Augment Summoning, Persist Spell, Corpsecrafter, Divine Metamagic, Undead Leadership, Fell Animate, Leadership.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
With abilities like Divine Metamagic and Fell Animate, they enhance undead and persist spells, boosting melee ability and undead minion strength.
Possessions: Nightsticks, Periapt of Wisdom, Greater Shadow enhanced Full Plate, Spell Storing dagger, Portable Holes.
The Shadow Monarch build is a powerhouse of necromantic power, with the ability to command both undead and planar creatures. Leveraging Divine Metamagic and Persist Spell, the build utilizes potent spells all day long. With a focus on creating, controlling, and augmenting an army of undead, the character can impact the battlefield dramatically. Not only does it summon effectively, but it also has a variety of followers due to the Leadership feats.
Stat Block Level 20:
Shadow Monarch: male, Shadow Human Cleric 1/Human Paragon 3/Master of Shrouds 10/Thaumaturgist 5/Hierophant 1; CR 20; Medium Humanoid (Shadow); HD 4d8+16 plus 10d8+40 plus 5d4+20 plus 1d8+4; hp 150; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 22, touch 11, flat-footed 21; Base Atk +15; Grp +17; Atk +18 melee (dagger, Spell Storing, 1d4+2); Full Atk +18 melee (dagger, Spell Storing, 1d4+2); SA Rebuke Undead, Summon Undead (Dread Wraith), Fell Animate, Fell Drain; SQ Shadow Blend, Fast Healing 2, Divine Reach; AL Neutral Evil; SV Fort +15, Ref +7, Will +19; Str 14, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 21, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Concentration +23, Knowledge (Religion) +25, Spellcraft +23; Extend Spell, Darkstalker, Spell Focus (Conjuration), Able Learner, Augment Summoning, Corpsecrafter, Persist Spell, Divine Metamagic, Undead Leadership, Leadership, Fell Animate, Fell Drain.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Extra Rebuking allows additional uses of Rebuke Undead. Planar Cohort provides an Outsider companion. Divine Power persists through Divine Metamagic to bolster combat prowess. The character can maintain summoned creatures with Improved and Extended Summoning abilities.
Possessions: Full Plate Armor with Greater Shadow enchantment, Dagger with Spell Storing ability containing Harm spell, Periapt of Wisdom, multiple Nightsticks for extra Rebuking attempts, Portable Hole for transporting undead.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Start out as a Cleric with the ability to use the Trickery and Dragon Below domains to boost allies and Rebuke Undead. Assume the Human Paragon prestige class and develop your Spellcraft and Concentration abilities. Advance to the Master of Shrouds class, where you will be able to call forth shadows and gain more wisdom.
- Levels 6-10: Master summoning undead like wraiths, and incorporate powerful spells with Divine Metamagic. Use Extend Summoning and Augment Summoning to boost your creations. Achieve Undead Leadership to gather more followers, and continue strengthening your summonings with Improved Summoning feats.
- Levels 11-15: Cast Fell Animate to turn the defeated into undead, thriving on your growing army. Utilize Leadership to build a community of necromancers, developing a legion of summoned undead. Progress into the Thaumaturgist class, gaining abilities like Improved Ally and Extended Summoning for more powerful conjurations.
- Levels 16-20: Divine Reach, which increases your spell casting range, is introduced at the Hierophant level. Gain access to advanced skills like Contingent Conjuration by securing a Planar Cohort. Use a broad range of spells and summons to win fights and strategically control the battlefield.
Core Abilities & Features
The Shadow Monarch Cleric is an overlord of death itself, not your usual holy man. This character uses powerful spells and cunning maneuvers to lead an undead legion while being guided by the shadows. At its core are skills that change the course of combat, as darkness serves as a haven and a weapon.
One of the build’s core strengths lies in its spellcasting potency, made possible through feats like Extend Spell and Persist Spell supported by Divine Metamagic. These abilities allow the Shadow Monarch to sustain powerful spells throughout an entire day, such as Divine Power, enhancing their martial prowess significantly. Furthermore, the Darkstalker feat endows stealth comparable to the greatest rogues, rendering the Monarch elusive and hard to target.
This character is built to control and empower vast numbers of undead minions. Rebuke Undead quickly turns enemy ranks into allies, while Corpsecrafter fortifies them, increasing both their strength and resilience. The potent combination of Undead Leadership and Leadership not only results in an overwhelming force of undead minions but also establishes a network of necromancer followers, doubling down the offensive with their ability to cast Animate Dead and other necromancy spells.
The Summon Undead spells and the Master of Shrouds’ Improved Summoning feature ensure that any conjured creature is formidable in its own right. Augmented by gear such as the Nightstick for extra uses of crucial abilities, and a Periapt of Wisdom for heightened spell effectiveness, the build remains thematically consistent with its shadowy prowess. Not to mention, gear like the Greater Shadow enchanted armor further enhances the character’s ability to navigate and survive in darkness.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Basic Full Plate Armor | Provides significant AC bonus, essential for survival in early levels. |
| L6-10 | Periapt of Wisdom | Boosts Wisdom for better spellcasting and more bonus spells per day. |
| L11-15 | Greater Shadow Full Plate Armor | Enchanted with Greater Shadow, enhances stealth capabilities. |
| L16-20 | Enhanced Spell Storing Dagger | Further improved for increased damage output and effect combination. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- Darkstalker does wonders in the cramped passageways of a dungeon. It enables us to pass multiple guardians without being noticed. Call forth a Wraith or Spectre to scout the area. To strengthen our armies, use Animate or Create Undead.
- Open Fields:
- Leverage our Summon Undead to maintain battlefield control. Use Divine Power with Persist Spell for sustained melee strength. Corpsecrafter enhances our minions, making them perfect to overwhelm foes.
- Ambushes:
- When caught off guard, rely on rebuke undead to regain control swiftly. Activate defensive spells like Sanctuary. Use Fell Animate for immediate undead allies from fallen enemies.
- Defensive Stands:
- Set up a defensive perimeter using Summon Undead and our army. Utilize Divine Metamagic and spells like Consecrate to strengthen minions. Fell Drain adds to our enemies’ difficulties, wearing them down over time.
- Urban Encounters:
- Blend into the shadows with Greater Shadow Plate. Darkstalker prevents detection. Slow enemies with spells, and deploy animated undead within confined alleyways to maintain control across urban terrains.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Targeting Vulnerability | Utilize Darkstalker feat for enhanced stealth, combined with Shadow Blend ability for near invisibility in shadows. Equip armor with Greater Shadow enchantment to bolster stealth. |
| Low Direct Damage | Incorporate Dagger with Spell Storing to store powerful spells like Harm for damage and use Fell Drain to additionally inflict level drain. |
| Dependence on Summons | Preserve sufficient Nightsticks to extend the rebuke undead uses and maximize summoned creatures. Invoke Divine Metamagic for persistent buffs to support undead. |
| Limited Mobility | Use Persistent Spell with Divine Power for enhanced movement and combat abilities. Equip Boots of Striding and Springing to negate mobility penalties. |
| Weakness to Turn Undead | Have Magic Circle Against Good ready to form a protective barrier against turning attempts and possess other non undead minions as alternatives. |
Roleplaying
The Shadow Monarch isn’t your everyday cleric. This character is a beacon of fear and reverence, commanding the dead. When roleplaying, embrace a sense of whispered authority. You rule not just shadows but silence, your words carrying the weight of a thousand undead armies.
Opportunities: Lean into the dichotomy of life and death. You’re a diplomat who mediates between realms, using wit and wisdom to solve conflicts or manipulate outcomes. Develop political ties by offering ‘immortal service.’ In desperate times, your character’s network of necromancer followers can create alliances with fallen leaders, who owe their undeath and service to you.
Themes: Explore the theme of sovereign solitude. Despite armies, true understanding is sparse. The character’s shadowy nature makes trust complex. Play up the internal struggle between power’s burden and altruistic intent. Is leading the dead a noble act in preserving life or a descent into darkness? Your cleric is unyielding, a strategist who maneuvers enemies into self made traps, relying heavily on intelligence over brute strength.
FAQ
How does the Shadow Monarch control undead minions so effectively?
The Shadow Monarch excels in undead control through spells and feats. By using Rebuke Undead, they convert foes into allies. With Corpsecrafter, these minions become tougher and stronger. Undead Leadership and Leadership add even more necromancer followers. This creates an overwhelming force that is hard to counter. Such tactics ensure the Shadow Monarch commands a powerful undead legion.
How does stealth factor into the Shadow Monarch’s strategies?
Stealth is pivotal, allowing the Shadow Monarch to move unseen. The Darkstalker feat and Greater Shadow enchantment greatly enhance stealth capabilities. This makes it difficult for foes to target them directly. Shadows and invisibility enable strategic positioning in battles.
What are the Shadow Monarch’s most significant weaknesses?
The build is vulnerable to Turn Undead used by enemies. Heavy armor may restrict mobility, so plan carefully. Overreliance on undead minions can backfire if faced with turning attempts. Swift actions and efficient planning counteract these weaknesses. Using Persistent Spell with buffs aids in offsetting combat weaknesses.
Is playing a Shadow Monarch versatile across different campaigns?
A Shadow Monarch can adapt to many campaign styles with its diverse abilities. Their undead control fits dark campaigns or settings needing tactical depth. The build’s necromancy theme works in horror or intrigue filled worlds. Consult your DM for seamless integration into your campaign narrative. This flexibility makes the Shadow Monarch an engaging build to explore.
How does a Shadow Monarch role play outside of combat?
Embrace the character’s aura of authority and fear, commanding respect. Engage in political maneuvering and cunning diplomacy. Offer ‘immortal services’ to gain alignments and influence. Balance between humane traits and embracing shadows. Such role play enriches interactions and defines the Shadow Monarch’s influence.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Shadow Monarch!
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