Article-At-A-Glance
- The Cultist of Rovagug[1] leverages War and Destruction Blessings for explosive combat potency.
- This build focuses on damage maximization and tactical Chracter Development.
- Highlight weaknesses with counter strategies and gear progression for enhanced performance.
- Roleplay options explore accommodating chaos and unpredictability with thematic character depth.
Click on the level for more information
This Cultist of Rovagug[1] is a Half-Orc Warpriest using a Strength-focused build. The character leverages their racial abilities and feats to enhance power in melee combat with a Greataxe, benefiting from the Strength modifier and War blessing. The character’s bite attack and supportive traits reinforce its offensive capabilities. Emphasis is on melee prowess and survivability despite limited starting abilities.
Level 1 Stat Block
Cultist of Rovagug[1]: male, Half-Orc Warpriest 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (half-orc); HD 1d10; hp 10; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 11, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +0; Grp +2; Atk Greataxe +2 melee (1d12+3/x3) or Bite +2 melee (1d6+3); Full Atk Greataxe +2 melee (1d12+3/x3) and Bite +2 melee (1d6+3); SA Blessings (War, Destruction); SQ Aura, Sacred Weapon, Fervor; AL CE; SV Fort +2, Ref +1, Will +3; Str 15, Dex 13, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Stealth +4, Perception +6, Disguise +4; Racial Heritage (Dwarf), Tusked.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
With the Tusked trait, gains a bite attack; Fate’s Favored trait doubles all Luck bonuses.
Possessions:
Chain Shirt, Greataxe, Unholy Symbol of Rovagug.
At level 5, this Half-Orc, thanks to Racial Heritage and the Cult Leader Archetype, uses Power Attack and Cleave to handle multiple foes. With the Sacred Tattoo’s bonus and the right positioning tactics, this build increases offense and makes strategic use of Surprise Follow Through for high damage potential across multiple targets on the battlefield.
Level 5 Stat Block
Cultist of Rovagug[1]: male, Half-Orc Warpriest (Cult Leader) 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (orc, human); HD 5d8; hp 38; Init +1; Spd 20 ft.; AC 17, touch 11, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +3; Grp +6; Atk Greataxe +8 melee (1d8+4) or Bite +5 melee (1d6+3); Full Atk Greataxe +8 melee (1d8+4) and Bite +5 melee (1d6+3); SA Surprise Follow Through, Cleave, Power Attack; SQ Blessings (War, Destruction), Sacred Tattoo (+2 luck to saves), Tusked; AL CE; SV Fort +6, Ref +2, Will +7; Str 18, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Stealth +9 (5 ranks), Perception +8 (5 ranks), Acrobatics +6 (5 ranks), Disguise +8 (5 ranks); Racial Heritage (Dwarf), Power Attack, Cleave.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
With the Tusked trait, gains a bite attack; Fate’s Favored trait doubles all Luck bonuses. A power attack enhanced cleave.
Possessions:
Chain Shirt, Greataxe, Unholy Symbol of Rovagug
At level 10 we begin to master battlefield control with a Cleave chain from a Warpriest Cultist of Rovagug[1], devastating groups of enemies with strategic movements. Using Surprise Follow Through, glean additional attacks via sneak attack damage. Maximized strength and strategic positioning make for high-impact attacks with a reach that underlines the unstoppable force of this build.
Level 10 Stat Block
Cultist of Rovagug[1]: male, Half-Orc Warpriest 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (orc); HD 10d8+20; hp 70; Init +1; Spd 20 ft.; AC 22, touch 11, flat-footed 21; Base Atk +7; Grp +12; Atk Greataxe +13 melee (1d12+7/×3) or Bite +12 melee (1d6+5); Full Atk Greataxe +13 melee (1d12+7/×3) and Bite +12 melee (1d6+5); SA Cleave, Surprise Follow Through; SQ War and Destruction Blessings, Fervor, Sacred Weapon, Fate’s Favored; AL CE; SV Fort +11, Ref +7, Will +10; Str 20, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Stealth +10, Perception +13, Acrobatics +7, Disguise +10; Power Attack, Cleave, Surprise Follow Through, Fate’s Favored, Tusked, Racial Heritage (Dwarf), Improved Surprise Follow Through.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Focus on attacking multiple enemies in a single round with Cleave chain strategy and Surprise Follow Through enabling sneak attack damage on flat-footed foes.
Possessions:
Chain Shirt, Greataxe, Unholy Symbol of Rovagug
As a 15th level Half-Orc Warpriest using the Cult Leader Archetype, you can maximize damage across multiple targets by making them flat-footed and triggering Sneak Attacks with a Greataxe. The build heavily focuses on mobility with 5ft steps, enabling you to hit and cleave through multiple enemies in massive encounters, making it ideal for battles with numerous foes.
Level 15 Stat Block
Cultist of Rovagug[1]: male, Half-Orc Warpriest 15 (Cult Leader); CR 15; Medium humanoid (orc); HD 15d8+30; hp 105; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 10, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +11; Grp +15; Atk +19/+14/+9 melee (Greataxe 4d8+18/x3) or +15 melee (Bite 1d4+6); Full Atk +19/+14/+9 melee (Greataxe 4d8+18/x3) and +15 melee (Bite 1d4+6); SA Cleave, Greater Cleave, Sneak Attack; SQ Aura, blessings (War, Destruction), fervor, sacred weapon, channel energy; AL CE; SV Fort +12, Ref +7, Will +11; Str 23, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Stealth +10, Perception +10, Acrobatics +10, Disguise +10; Racial Heritage (Dwarf), Power Attack, Cleave, Surprise Follow Through, Greater Cleave, Improved Surprise Follow Through, Goblin Cleaver, Cleave Through.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Sneak attack improves damage potential through precision damage, and the cleave attacks provide opportunities to him more targets.
Possessions:
Chain Shirt, +2 Sacred Greataxe, +4 Belt of Giant Strength, Unholy Symbol of Rovagug, Boots of Speed, Ring of Protection +2.
This Warpriest build capitalizes on the Cult Leader archetype, optimizing combat with a focus on Cleave mechanics. Utilizing Sacred Weapon, Fervor, and Sneak Attacks through Surprise Follow Through, it’s designed for high-volume enemy engagement. The character can maximize damage across multiple enemies per round. Strength and Wisdom form the core attributes, supported by the Half-Orc’s versatility and numerous racial feats.
Level 20 Stat Block
Gromkar: male, Half-Orc Warpriest (Cult Leader) 20; CR 20; Medium humanoid (orc); HD 20d8+60; hp 230; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 25, touch 11, flat-footed 24; Base Atk +20; Grp +31; Atk Greataxe +35 melee (2d8+25/19-20/x3) or Bite +30 melee (1d4+8); Full Atk Greataxe +35/+30/+25/+20 melee (2d8+25) and Bite +30 melee (1d4+8); SA Sneak Attack +6d6, Cleave, Great Cleave, Surprise Follow Through; SQ Sacred Weapon, Fervor, Blessings (War, Destruction); AL CE; SV Fort +18, Ref +7, Will +14; Str 30, Dex 13, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Stealth +18, Perception +18, Acrobatics +18, Disguise +10; Racial Heritage(Dwarf), Power Attack, Cleave, Surprise Follow Through, Greater Cleave, Improved Surprise Follow Through, Goblin Cleaver, Cleave Through, Orc Hewer, Giant Killer.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
With Surprise Follow Through, depending on enemy positioning allowing a 5 ft. step after each attack, the character can chain attacks across the battlefield, maintaining offensive output with ongoing cleave and feasible Sneak Attacks.
Possessions:
+4 Chain Shirt, +4 Greataxe, Unholy Symbol of Rovagug, Boots of Speed, items enhancing movement speed.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Establish your foundation with Racial Heritage to access Dwarf feats. Unlock Power Attack to boost your basic damage with a Greataxe, crucial for your Cleave build. Ensure you grab Tusked for an additional Bite attack.
- Levels 6-10: Equip yourself with Cleave and Surprise Follow Through, making multiple enemies flat-footed for powerful Sneak Attacks. Focus on survival with Fate’s Favored to enhance your Sacred Tattoo’s Luck Bonuses, ensuring better Saving Throws.
- Levels 11-15: Expand your Cleave capability with Greater Cleave and initiate the Goblin Cleaver feat chain. Begin employing Cleave Through, allowing uninterrupted attacks as you move across the battlefield. Disguise skill ensures your allegiance to Rovagug remains hidden.
- Levels 16-20: Maximize battlefield control with Orc Hewer and Giant Killer, addressing a variety of foes. Your movement and Cleave synergy peak, allowing you to navigate battles and hit strategically. Gear towards increased speed with items, ensuring you can position effectively and maintain momentum within fights.
Core Abilities & Features
The Cultist of Rovagug[1] Warpriest build revolves around maximizing damage through sheer brute force and tactical positioning. Central to its potency is the use of the War and Destruction Blessings, granting explosive combat capabilities. This combination increases not only raw damage output but also amplifies the ability to dismantle foe lines rapidly.
A Half-Orc with the Sacred Tattoo trait means increased resilience, achieving a significant +2 bonus on all saving throws. Coupled with Fate’s Favored, these enhancements become even more robust. The strategic focus on Strength ensures that each attack carries maximum impact. With a point-buy system, the alignment of ability scores, particularly in Strength and Wisdom, provides a perfect balance between offense and divine spellcasting efficiency.
The feat progression is structured to leverage the Cleave mechanics, awarding the Warpriest the capacity to attack multiple targets each round. Surprise Follow Through plays a crucial part in rendering enemies flat-footed, thereby triggering deadly sneak attacks with each swing of the mighty Greataxe. Equipment selection, such as a Chain Shirt for protection and speed enhancing items, allows fluid movement across the battlefield, turning the Warpriest into a berserk whirlwind of devastation. With tactics finely tuned to obliterate groups of foes, the Cultist of Rovagug[1] excels in both skirmishes and wide scale battles.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Chain Shirt, Greataxe | Start with basic equipment. Ensure the Greataxe is your primary weapon. Prioritize defense with a Chain Shirt. |
| L6-10 | +1 Greataxe, Ring of Protection +1 | Upgrade your Greataxe to +1 for increased reliability in attacks. A Ring of Protection +1 adds to AC, improving survivability. |
| L11-15 | Belt of Giant Strength +2, Cloak of Resistance +2 | Boost Strength for more damage output. The Cloak of Resistance enhances saving throws, boosting overall defenses. |
| L16-20 | +2 Greataxe with Holy or Unholy enchantments, Boots of Speed | The upgraded Greataxe with Holy/Unholy deals significant additional damage. Boots of Speed allow quicker pace in battle, facilitating strategic positioning. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- These cramped, narrow spaces favor positioning and utility of your Warpriest’s mobility. Focus on engaging small groups quickly using your Surprise Follow Through to turn tight corridors into ambush zones. Leverage your Cleave abilities to maximize damage output against clustered enemies. Utilize Perception and Stealth skills to detect hidden threats before they strike.
- Open Fields:
- Wide expanses are perfect for using Goblin Cleaver. Position your Warpriest to cover large areas, executing Cleave Chains that strike multiple foes in scattered formations. Take advantage of your high mobility, using chain dependent feats to execute hit and run tactics, spreading chaos among enemies. Prioritize ranged units or spellcasters by closing in quickly with the aid of speed enhancing items and Blessings.
- Ambushes:
- Ambush scenarios flip your typical strategy. Here, War Priest’s enhanced Stealth and Disguise skills come into their own. Start by identifying threats using Perception, disguising your intentions. With Surprise Follow Through, you make the most of the initial round by ensuring your targets are flat-footed, leveraging your Sneak Attack bonuses.
- Defensive Stands:
- When forced to defend a position, use the Cleave build strategically to hold lines against encroaching foes. Enhance defenses with spells and Blessings such as War, while planting yourself centrally within range of the greatest number of adversaries. As they advance, your attack chains slowly chip away at numbers, wearing down the assault force.
- Urban Encounters:
- Urban settings allow situational engagement with your Disguise skill to move unnoticed. Exploit narrow alleyways to channel enemies, setting up powerful cleaving sequences. Quick movement and stealth grant tactical advantage, maintaining pressure in environments where line of sight may often be broken. Use verticality to your benefit when operating in tiered streets or buildings, gaining high ground for tactical strikes.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Dexterity | Amulet of Natural Armor (+1 to +5) increase natural armor to compensate for low Dodge AC. |
| Average Hit Points | Barkskin increase AC to reduce incoming damage. |
| Limited Range | Javelins or Alchemist’s Fire provide temporary ranged options. |
| Sneak Attack Reliance | Focus on surprise strategies and ambush tactics to maximize initial combat advantage. |
| Alignment Restrictions | Communicate clear boundaries and limits for violent actions during party alignment discussions. |
Roleplaying
Playing a Cultist of Rovagug[1] challenges players to explore chaos and destruction. Your character, a Warpriest with the Cult Leader archetype, reveres Rovagug, the Rough Beast. This deity brings raw, unyielding chaos. When portraying a follower of such a destructive entity, embrace the unpredictable. Every decision should mirror Rovagug’s love for havoc—aim to disrupt, unsettle, and transform your game sessions into thrilling narratives.
Dive into your Half-Orc roots; your character might struggle with their dual nature, experiencing moments of internal conflict. Tapping into this can add depth. As a Half-Orc, your connection to both orcish aggression and human adaptability presents roleplaying opportunities. Use your strength as a metaphor for overpowering challenges, both physical and moral. Your Blessings of War and Destruction fuel your actions, glorifying battle while sowing disarray.
Adopt a philosophy where life’s unpredictability is celebrated. Whether adversaries or allies, engage them with a readiness to tear down existing structures. This aligns with your secretive devotion, hidden beneath layers of disguise. Invest in your Stealth and Disguise skills—not just for practicality, but as symbols of your duplicity and mystery. Whenever possible, ensure others underestimate or misinterpret your intentions.
FAQ
How does the Cultist of Rovagug[1] exploit battlefield conditions?
Battlefield conditions matter immensely for a Cultist of Rovagug[1]. Use narrow corridors and tight spaces during dungeon crawls. Position to maximize damage via Cleave and Surprise Follow Through. In open fields, employ mobility to hit spreading foes quickly. Always consider terrain to enhance your advantage.
What races work best for a Cultist of Rovagug[1] build?
Half-Orcs are optimal due to their innate strength and racial traits. The Sacred Tattoo trait enhances survivability with bonus saving throws. Dwarves can be considered for additional durability and access to Dwarf specific feats. The focus should remain on races that boost Strength and resilience.
Which feats are essential for optimizing a Cultist of Rovagug[1]?
Crucial feats focus on Cleave mechanics and damage output. Prioritize Power Attack for increased damage on attacks. Cleave and Surprise Follow Through permit attacks on multiple enemies. Greater Cleave and Cleave Through enhance these capabilities, allowing continual attacks as you move.
Can the Cultist of Rovagug[1] take on a leadership role in gameplay?
A Cultist of Rovagug[1] typically sows chaos over structured leadership. Roleplay can involve leading others into destruction as opposed to traditional leadership. Use Blessings to inspire allies through chaos driven strategies. Leadership stems more from fear and respect rather than order and command.
How do equipment choices influence the Cultist of Rovagug[1]’s effectiveness?
Equipment choices significantly impact survivability and power. Early on, prioritize defensive gear like a Chain Shirt. Upgrade to a +1 Greataxe to improve attack reliability. Late game upgrades include Boots of Speed for movement advantage. Choices should complement attacking multiple foes efficiently.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Cultist of Rovagug!
Why not explore playing as a Cultist of Rovagug[1] in your next game? Do you think the Cultist of Rovagug[1] could be the best build in Pathfinder 1E? Join our discussions on the Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Author
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Warpriest – Cultist of Rovagug – Pathfinder 1E ( Cultist of Rovagug )
Cultist of Rovagug
The final Warpriest build is a wild idea I had some times ago and wanted to test as this class is making some very fun but considered underpar combat styles much better. We will be taking the Cult Leader Archetype but staying Warpriest the whole way through.
Class
Warpriest (Cult Leader) 20
Deity
Rovagug
Blessings
War, Destruction
Race
We’re taking Half-Orc here with the Sacred Tattoo Alternate Racial Feature. Put the floating +2 in Wisdom.
Ability Scores
Put everything in Strength and laugh very very hard.
15Point-Buy
Str 15/Dex 13/Con 10/Int 10/Wis 16/Cha 10
20Point-Buy
Str 16/Dex 13/Con 12/Int 10/Wis 16/Cha 10
25Point-Buy
Str 17/Dex 13/Con 12/Int 10/Wis 16/Cha 10
Traits
Tusked to get a Bite Attack, Fate’s Favored to double all Luck Bonuses(including that of Sacred Tattoo giving us +2 to all Saving Throws!!!)
Favored Class Bonus
Hit Points. We will be doing a lot of melee so we will need all the HP we damn can.
Skills
As a Cult Leader we get a few more skills, so invest in Stealth, Perception, Acrobatics and Disguise(We do not want people to know we worship Rovagug at all).
Feats by Level
1-Racial Heritage(Dwarf)
3-Power Attack
5-Cleave
7-Surprise Follow Through
9-Greater Cleave
11-Improved Surprise Follow Through
13-Goblin Cleaver
15-Cleave Through
17-Orc Hewer
19-Giant Killer
As a Half-Orc, we count as both Orc and Human for everything, meaning we qualify for Racial Heritage, which allows us to take Dwarf only feats. Power Attack is a no-brainer with a Greataxe. We are doing a Cleave build, and with Surprise Follow Through, we make our Cleave targets Flat-Footed meaning our Sneak Attack triggers on each attack. We can take a 5foot step as a free action between each Cleave attacks, and via the Goblin Cleaver feat chain, those targets do not need to be adjacent to each other, meaning in our round we can go around the entire battlefield hitting everything over the head with our Power Attacking, Sacred Weapon, Fervor buffed, Sneak Attacking Greataxe.
Equipment
A Chain Shirt and a Greataxe. A Unholy Symbol. Aim for items that grant more speed.
Final Thoughts on the Build
Ok. So, we can do a full attack action with our Greataxe and Bite attack for damage looking like 6d8+1d4+24d6+83. Which don’t get me wrong, it’s not bad at all for pre-buff damage. But our main method of fighting, namely Great Cleave+Cleave Through let us do so much more than that. It all depends on the number of enemies in an encounter, but our damage per enemy is 2d8+6d6+25 pre-buff. And we can keep hitting enemies once each as long as they are either within reach or within reach of a five foot step.
With good initial placement, you can literally go around the entire battlefield hitting everything for maybe not all that much damage per creature, but your total damage will be downright ridiculously high and make long and tedious battles with many enemies end in a few rounds as you keep attacking all of them each turn.
Let me give you an example. You are fighting an army, you start surrounded by mooks and each five foot step lets you get in range of three new targets. At the end of a 30ft movement, you will have attacked 26 different creatures for a damage total in one round, again, pre-buffs, of 52d8+156d6+650 damage, for an average of 1126 points of damage per round.
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