Sometimes I get in a creative rut and try to build a character randomly by rolling for Race, Class, and Background. Sometimes it turns out a complete mess, but a few days ago the stars aligned and a very intriguing character emerged.
Race
The first roll resulted in the Asmodeus Tiefling, which always makes me think of Hellboy.
Class
Cleric (Arcana)
Hmm, Cleric. Ok, maybe not Hellboy. Besides Jester on Critical Role, I’ve never seen a Tiefling Cleric. Not sure how the two fit together.
Background
City Watch (Investigator)
Hmm. HMMM. A Tiefling Arcana Cleric could be very suited for some kind occult/paranormal investigator. Now I’m thinking about Hellboy again, specifically the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense.
Putting the character together, I imagine a Tiefling who is perhaps uncomfortable, but fascinated with their infernal heritage. They joined a special/secret order of clerics devoted to studying ancient/occult knowledge and preventing sinister forces abusing eldritch powers.
I like the direction so far, but think the character could use a bit more spice. What if during their research, they uncover some powerful artifacts they eventually form a pact through to some ancient power, thus becoming a Warlock. They get further and further drawn in before they realize they are consumed in their research. Eventually, they are sent out as a field agent to investigate and hunt down any outside threats to the world.
I wound up with something like this:
Mordekai
Male Tiefling (Bloodline of Asmodeus)
Stats
Str 8
Dex 12
Con 14
Int 12
Wis 16
Cha 14
Levels
7 Cleric (Arcana) / 3 Warlock (Hexblade; Pact of the Tome, w/ Book of Ancient Secrets and Agonizing Blast)
Lightly obscured areas do not impose disadvantage on perception checks
Resistance to Fire
I am thrilled with how flavorful and well-rounded the character turned out to be. I think this character has decent defenses (medium armor, shield, Shield spell, Misty Step, resistance to fire) and fair damage (Hexblade’s Curse w/ Agonizing Blast is always good, but it’s also great for guaranteed damage w/ Magic Missile. Plus, my bonus action is weaponized w/ Spiritual Weapon.) The character really shines, however, in terms of support and utility. We have all the healing and buffs from the cleric spell list and the nifty spellbreaker ability from our domain. In terms of utility, we not only have access to the best ritual spells (including find familiar), but also have 12 CANTRIPS!
Did I miss anything? Anything you suggest changing? How would you build an occult/paranormal investigator?
Not sure if you are aware but Asmodeus is a God with Clerics so he could well fill the god and patron roles for the build, maybe go Lawful Neitral for alignment (if you use alignment).
Looking forawrd, to leveling up, as Margaret mentioned Observant is a ncie feat, even assuming the ability scores you noted that gives you passive Investigation 24 and Perception 27 which is none to shabby and could give you that Beutiful Mind/Sherlock Holmes aspect of piecing things together but would mean yo have to level up to Hexblade 4 asap to get it if you keep the Perceptive feat. If you switched to level 6 Cleric/Level 4 Warlock you could start with the extra feat but you'd lose out on the level 4 Cleric spell slot but do gain 1 more Warlock Cantrip and Warlock spell upto level 2 so there might be merit in switching.
For Cantrips you might want to go for one that effects a saving throw instead of taking two that use to hit rolls, Toll the Dead might be the best of the bunch and Frostbite could also be useful but I do have a soft spot for Create Bonfire.
PS...Invocation wise I love the Aspect of the Moon Invocation from Xanathars Guide for Pact of Tome because you never need to sleep but it would mean losing out on Agonising blast unles syou took it at a later level.
I originally had the Observant feat, but switched to Perceptive in order to get proficiency in Perception. I usually only build characters out to around level 10-12, but my next level would likely be in Warlock for the reasons you stated. If I only went to level 10, I think Cleric 6/ Warlock 4 is very reasonable.
Good point about the cantrips. I could likely switch Firebolt for Toll the Dead.
The invocations were the part of the build that I waffled on the most. Aspect of the Moon was definitely a consideration. I thought of other flavorful options besides Hexblade/Agonizing Blast, but I wanted to have a good damage option and I've wanted to try Hexblade's Curse with Magic Missile for awhile. Eldritch Sight or Eyes of the Runekeeper also seemed like good choices, but I have Detect Magic and Comprehend Languages. Mask of Many Faces also seems great for an investigator.
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Sometimes I get in a creative rut and try to build a character randomly by rolling for Race, Class, and Background. Sometimes it turns out a complete mess, but a few days ago the stars aligned and a very intriguing character emerged.
Race
The first roll resulted in the Asmodeus Tiefling, which always makes me think of Hellboy.
Class
Cleric (Arcana)
Hmm, Cleric. Ok, maybe not Hellboy. Besides Jester on Critical Role, I’ve never seen a Tiefling Cleric. Not sure how the two fit together.
Background
City Watch (Investigator)
Hmm. HMMM. A Tiefling Arcana Cleric could be very suited for some kind occult/paranormal investigator. Now I’m thinking about Hellboy again, specifically the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense.
Putting the character together, I imagine a Tiefling who is perhaps uncomfortable, but fascinated with their infernal heritage. They joined a special/secret order of clerics devoted to studying ancient/occult knowledge and preventing sinister forces abusing eldritch powers.
I like the direction so far, but think the character could use a bit more spice. What if during their research, they uncover some powerful artifacts they eventually form a pact through to some ancient power, thus becoming a Warlock. They get further and further drawn in before they realize they are consumed in their research. Eventually, they are sent out as a field agent to investigate and hunt down any outside threats to the world.
I wound up with something like this:
Mordekai
Male Tiefling (Bloodline of Asmodeus)
Stats
Str 8
Dex 12
Con 14
Int 12
Wis 16
Cha 14
Levels
7 Cleric (Arcana) / 3 Warlock (Hexblade; Pact of the Tome, w/ Book of Ancient Secrets and Agonizing Blast)
Languages
Skills:
Spells:
Cantrips:
Tiefling (Thaumaturgy)
4 (Cleric)
2 (Arcana Domain)
2 (Warlock)
3 (Pact of the Tome)
Tiefling
Cleric (10 Preparations)
Warlock: 4 spells known, 2 spell slots, 2nd level slot
Book of Ancient Secrets
Background: City Watch (Investigator)
Feat: Perceptive
Resistance to Fire
I am thrilled with how flavorful and well-rounded the character turned out to be. I think this character has decent defenses (medium armor, shield, Shield spell, Misty Step, resistance to fire) and fair damage (Hexblade’s Curse w/ Agonizing Blast is always good, but it’s also great for guaranteed damage w/ Magic Missile. Plus, my bonus action is weaponized w/ Spiritual Weapon.) The character really shines, however, in terms of support and utility. We have all the healing and buffs from the cleric spell list and the nifty spellbreaker ability from our domain. In terms of utility, we not only have access to the best ritual spells (including find familiar), but also have 12 CANTRIPS!
Did I miss anything? Anything you suggest changing? How would you build an occult/paranormal investigator?
The observant feat is also a nice match.
If you want a investigator with less magic, a inquisitive rogue should fit quite well.
Not sure if you are aware but Asmodeus is a God with Clerics so he could well fill the god and patron roles for the build, maybe go Lawful Neitral for alignment (if you use alignment).
Looking forawrd, to leveling up, as Margaret mentioned Observant is a ncie feat, even assuming the ability scores you noted that gives you passive Investigation 24 and Perception 27 which is none to shabby and could give you that Beutiful Mind/Sherlock Holmes aspect of piecing things together but would mean yo have to level up to Hexblade 4 asap to get it if you keep the Perceptive feat. If you switched to level 6 Cleric/Level 4 Warlock you could start with the extra feat but you'd lose out on the level 4 Cleric spell slot but do gain 1 more Warlock Cantrip and Warlock spell upto level 2 so there might be merit in switching.
For Cantrips you might want to go for one that effects a saving throw instead of taking two that use to hit rolls, Toll the Dead might be the best of the bunch and Frostbite could also be useful but I do have a soft spot for Create Bonfire.
PS...Invocation wise I love the Aspect of the Moon Invocation from Xanathars Guide for Pact of Tome because you never need to sleep but it would mean losing out on Agonising blast unles syou took it at a later level.
Thanks for the reply!
I originally had the Observant feat, but switched to Perceptive in order to get proficiency in Perception. I usually only build characters out to around level 10-12, but my next level would likely be in Warlock for the reasons you stated. If I only went to level 10, I think Cleric 6/ Warlock 4 is very reasonable.
Good point about the cantrips. I could likely switch Firebolt for Toll the Dead.
The invocations were the part of the build that I waffled on the most. Aspect of the Moon was definitely a consideration. I thought of other flavorful options besides Hexblade/Agonizing Blast, but I wanted to have a good damage option and I've wanted to try Hexblade's Curse with Magic Missile for awhile. Eldritch Sight or Eyes of the Runekeeper also seemed like good choices, but I have Detect Magic and Comprehend Languages. Mask of Many Faces also seems great for an investigator.