So I'm working on a build based on Squall from FFVIII, and I'm pretty deadset on making a Vengeance Paladin. It's the closest mechanical equivalent to the gunblade trigger feature what with Divine Smite, and I figured the Holy Symbol is his Griever emblem which represents courage and justice. Also using a Longsword (Falchion) as a representation of his sword.
Now i intend to take 4-5 levels in Sorcerer to account for the handful of magic he might be portrayed with. I am a bit puzzled on what Origin a Squall build could use. I thought maybe Storm Sorcery for the stupid pun, but also mobility options. Though Clockwork Soul has caught my attention for its flexible spell list, cool base feature, but to my understanding FFVIII has a lot to do with meddling with time.
To summarize, this character is Variant Human with Resilient (Constitution), Mercenary Veteran background, Oath of Vengeance Paladin~/4-5 Sorcerer. Possibly Clockwork Soul.
I will say I'm taking some liberties as this is not actually Squall, but a character based on him. Plus the manner in which he obtains Sorcerer levels could be rather campaign specific. So this could all be moot conjecture. Such as Clockwork Sorcery generally coming from Mechanus or contact with Modrons. Not every game is going to have Modrons. I'm also a bit confused about swapping spells with Warlock and Wizard (not to mention DnD Beyond wont let me...) But I do feel like having access to such a huge nonsensical spell list makes sense for a game with the ever infamous Junction system lol
Yeah the way the Junction system worked made all the characters really customizable, so basically work out the gunblade and you're all set. FF8 definitely gives off some clockwork vibes in its overall aesthetic so that seems like a good fit to me. Otherwise, just as in the game you get to choose how to grow him from there. Might be fun to decide which particular Guardian Forces he has access to and make choices that fit those themes.
Basically the way I'm working the gunblade is simply "magical sword make boom". So basically anything that lets me deal Fire or Thunder dmg, so things like Booming Blade, Thunderous Smite, Searing Smite, Thunderwave, etc. Absorb Elements felt thematic. Vengeance Paladins get Hold Person and Haste, so there's the Time magic. I also took some cues from other sources like Dissidia. I thought it would be cool to take Fire Bolt and Lightning Lure which matches one of his Bravery combos. Gunbreaker from FFXIV would also have me pick spells like Compelled Duel, Sword Burst, Warding Bond*, Mirror Image, Hunter's Mark, so on and so forth to round out the build with support magic.
I'm honestly having a lot of fun theory crafting this build! Sorcadins are broken as hell, but super fun. Also from his background, he has proficiency in Playing Cards, referencing Triple Triad. lmao
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So I'm working on a build based on Squall from FFVIII, and I'm pretty deadset on making a Vengeance Paladin. It's the closest mechanical equivalent to the gunblade trigger feature what with Divine Smite, and I figured the Holy Symbol is his Griever emblem which represents courage and justice. Also using a Longsword (Falchion) as a representation of his sword.
Now i intend to take 4-5 levels in Sorcerer to account for the handful of magic he might be portrayed with. I am a bit puzzled on what Origin a Squall build could use. I thought maybe Storm Sorcery for the stupid pun, but also mobility options. Though Clockwork Soul has caught my attention for its flexible spell list, cool base feature, but to my understanding FFVIII has a lot to do with meddling with time.
To summarize, this character is Variant Human with Resilient (Constitution), Mercenary Veteran background, Oath of Vengeance Paladin~/4-5 Sorcerer. Possibly Clockwork Soul.
I will say I'm taking some liberties as this is not actually Squall, but a character based on him. Plus the manner in which he obtains Sorcerer levels could be rather campaign specific. So this could all be moot conjecture. Such as Clockwork Sorcery generally coming from Mechanus or contact with Modrons. Not every game is going to have Modrons. I'm also a bit confused about swapping spells with Warlock and Wizard (not to mention DnD Beyond wont let me...) But I do feel like having access to such a huge nonsensical spell list makes sense for a game with the ever infamous Junction system lol
Yeah the way the Junction system worked made all the characters really customizable, so basically work out the gunblade and you're all set. FF8 definitely gives off some clockwork vibes in its overall aesthetic so that seems like a good fit to me. Otherwise, just as in the game you get to choose how to grow him from there. Might be fun to decide which particular Guardian Forces he has access to and make choices that fit those themes.
My homebrew subclasses (full list here)
(Artificer) Swordmage | Glasswright | (Barbarian) Path of the Savage Embrace
(Bard) College of Dance | (Fighter) Warlord | Cannoneer
(Monk) Way of the Elements | (Ranger) Blade Dancer
(Rogue) DaggerMaster | Inquisitor | (Sorcerer) Riftwalker | Spellfist
(Warlock) The Swarm
Basically the way I'm working the gunblade is simply "magical sword make boom". So basically anything that lets me deal Fire or Thunder dmg, so things like Booming Blade, Thunderous Smite, Searing Smite, Thunderwave, etc. Absorb Elements felt thematic. Vengeance Paladins get Hold Person and Haste, so there's the Time magic. I also took some cues from other sources like Dissidia. I thought it would be cool to take Fire Bolt and Lightning Lure which matches one of his Bravery combos. Gunbreaker from FFXIV would also have me pick spells like Compelled Duel, Sword Burst, Warding Bond*, Mirror Image, Hunter's Mark, so on and so forth to round out the build with support magic.
I'm honestly having a lot of fun theory crafting this build! Sorcadins are broken as hell, but super fun. Also from his background, he has proficiency in Playing Cards, referencing Triple Triad. lmao