Forgefather’s Seeker (Paladin Archetype)
(art by Straban on DeviantArt)
Another paladin archetype today! And this one comes from… Ah, Construct Handbook again.
I’ve made my general disappointment with the book well-known, with the dearth of character options meant to make building constructs more fun and easier, and the overabundance of archetypes that are just for destroying them, so I don’t think I have to go into that again.
And yet, here we are, with another archetype centered around the destruction of constructs. It’s cool, we’ll just gird our loins and try to remember the things we actually like about the book.
The head of the dwarven pantheon, Torag, is not simply a god of the forge and of creation, but also one of righteousness and good. As such, he passes judgement upon creators for what they create, and what they use their creations for.
When someone creates constructs through vile means, such as those fueled by souls, suffering, and the like, or that are used for horrible acts such as slaughtering innocents, the Forgefather frowns upon such deeds, and his Seekers, warrior paladins that revere his aspect as a patron of artificers, may be guided by his hand to bring low such constructs.
Of course, you could theoretically use this archetype with any deity with the artifice domain that a paladin could reasonably worship, but obviously what constitutes the proper use of constructs will vary by deity.
Additionally, while the majority of these warriors in the Golarion setting may be dwarves, there is no such restriction.
Unsurprisingly, these holy beings can sense constructs, as well as any aura they might have, useful if the construct is sapient can capable of morality.
Their smite is geared towards destroying constructs as well. While it can be used on other targets, it is weaker, and has no special benefit against the classic paladin enemies.
They can also grant this special smite to allies, unsurprisingly.
The weapons that they and nearby allies wield are also blessed to pierce the durable materials that constructs are typically made from as well.
Naturally, the power these paladins wield at the zenith of their abilities is also modified. While they still gain greater protection and produce exceptional healing from their touch, instead of banishing fiends, they can attempt to unmake a smote construct with a single blow.
Constructs are a relatively rare creature type, depending on the campaign, so taking this archetype and being effective really depends on what sort of game your GM is crafting. In a traditional dungeon crawler it may see moderate use, while others might not get much out of it at all. Meanwhile, a campaign set in a region undergoing a technological revolution might benefit from their special abilities every single session. In any case, most of their abilities not tied to smiting or fighting certain foes remain intact, so you can still build them as a support combatant.
Of course, as the executioners of wayward constructs, the tools of slaughter, and their creators, we can’t help but wonder how they interact with fully sapient constructs, such as the construct-like androids and of course any construct that achieves sapience either by itself or by design. Do they quietly judge these beings, or welcome them as children of a new and wondrous form of life? How bitter must it be to have to destroy a sapient construct that refuses to see a way other than bloodshed and evil?
Dollhouse is a commune of soulbound constructs and awakened poppets that exists above the ramshackle streets of Shalan’s docks district. While people know of the community, some suspect they may harbor evil constructs in their midst, which has the Gearguard interested.
The ruins of the sunken civilization of Paradi have long been haunted by not just undead, but also the machines that once served as their primary offensive force. Among the cecaelia that also live in these ancient cities, there are those that take on the mantle of construct-hunters, empowered by their god to destroy these ancient idols of hubris and bloodshed.
A dread infection from beyond the stars has come to this world. It is a mechanical malady that slowly transforms flesh, living, dead, or undead, into mechanical equivalents, creating hybrid horrors that serve the source of this plague. What’s more, the illness has claimed many champions, such as the graveknight Brondstein and his vukoldlak steed. Specialists that can fight effectively against these mechanical horrors are needed.