Rivethun Emissary (Pathfinder Second Edition Archetype)
(art by Talicor on DeviantArt)
Well, I hope you enjoyed the entry on the Razmiran Priest, because most of this week is going to be devoted to a very different R-named order!
I speak, of course, of the Rivethun, the spirit-devoted religious and mystical group that started as a dwarven tradition, but has expanded far beyond them.
For those not aware, the Rivethun believe strongly in the importance of respecting and revering spirits, even minor ones well beneath the level of the gods. Furthermore, they believe that having inner conflict is a perfect catalyst for reaching out to said spirits. After all, spirits are often many things, and so are people, which creates common ground.
As such, the Rivethun actively embraces those who are a little bit different in ways that the individual must develop themselves to understand. Many among their number include transgender and nonbinary members, as well as those suffering from mental illness, demonstrate neurodivergence, plurality, or have some social stigma associated with them that they struggle with.
The rivethun had lots of archetypes associated with them in First Edition, fitting for one of the favorite groups in the setting, and that continues into Second Edition with a total of three archetypes that mention the group in their name.
Which brings us to our first subject, the Rivethun Emissary. Like the name suggests, these individuals are characterized by their goal of reaching out to otherworldly and magical beings and extending a hand of friendship, forming strong bonds with such entities to the point they can draw upon some of their power.
There is a bit of the vibes of the old shaman class here, but much more personal. That being said, this archetype likely pairs well with the new animist class, though it’s hardly limited to that.
The base dedication of this archetype grants the mystic to bond themselves with a creature or terrain, effectively befriending the spirits of the land, or the spirit of a magical being or spirits that watch over other types of creatures. At their base level, the emissary can bank upon that bond to gain protection from the spirits.
Drawn either from the world around them or a fragment of their own spirit, some of these mystics can bring forth a familiar, one with an impressive array of extra abilities. By synchronizing with the familiar, the creature can shed it’s physical form to empower the mage to turn their various damaging spells into spiritual attack.
Spirits come in all shapes and forms, and when bonded, they bring a little bit of their uniqueness to the mystic. Effectively, this grants a single domain and the resulting basic spell based on the nature of the spirit bonded (subject to GM approval). Naturally this only lasts as long as the bond does. Later on, they can take another feat to gain the advanced spell from their current bond’s domain as well.
There are also techniques for further improving their familiar as well, adding even more abilities.
Rather than call upon their bondmates subtly, some emissaries learn to manifest a vision of their bonded spirit when they call upon them, overwhelming the senses of their foes with a flash of light and color.
Those with an interest in spiritual magic often develop such things, starting with the ability to sense the unseen and establish healing spiritual links with others.
Some learn to enter communion with the spirits, either giving them information, or prophetic guidance, including knowledge the spirits believe will be useful.
Though individual bonds may fade or be replaced, these mystics retain a strong friendship with all the spirits they have bonded with other the years. With it, they can briefly call upon them all at once to manifest in a cyclone of spiritual power to smite their nearby foes.
As they grow in insight, the magically-inclined can speak to the spirits of physical objects and ask questions of them, as well as summon up a mighty spiritual guardian which might be a manifestation of their current bond-mate.
Finally, those that can call upon the spirits for advice find themselves mystically emboldened by the counsel they gained, giving them resistance to mental assault and a useful form of foresight in their endeavors and in defending themselves.
This is a fun archetype indeed. Gaining a variable domain that can change over time as your character travels and finds themselves needing different abilities in their arsenal. Additionally, getting an especially powerful and flexible familiar can be fun, as can their various info-gathering abilities and more. If you want to add a mystical edge to a non-caster, or more spiritual aspects to a caster, this archetype can certainly offer that.
Spirits may embody the various aspects of nature and the world that we wish we could talk to, but that doesn’t mean they think and act like human beings. It takes a patient heart and mind to interact with and befriend such entities. Perhaps it is that patience that is the real reason why the Rivethun accept those that are different than the norm so readily, both in their own acceptance, but also in cultivating important traits they want to see in their initiates.
The spirits of the Daj Najan mountain range are fearful, and when the spirit-talker Jugra asks what is wrong, the only answer they give is that “One who is Two” has come. Investigating further with the party, they discover the truth: an adhukait asura has begun using the range as a hideout and hunting ground, preying upon travelers.
Though he is a sarangay, Potwon does not fear that greedy people of other ancestries will try to steal his forehead gem, for he trusts that the spirits he communes with will watch his back. This is why he acts as a diplomat and envoy for his people, where his great wit and supernatural gifts come in handy outmaneuvering his opposition.
The Museum of the Forgotten is unique in that it only carries relics from dead civilizations with no heirs, so that there are none with any claim to the artifacts on display. For her part, the curator has a gift for speaking to spirits, and makes sure that every item is pleased with the degree of attention it gets from the public eye.