"Killer" Build # 3: Death Priest

By Darkgolem

The Death priest is focused on using spells and occasionally melee to kill opponents, meanwhile using magic to make herself a defensive bastion. For melee and rogue type enemies, Inflict spells are the main weapons (since they are will saves). For casters, Poison spells do the damage. If all else fails, a cleric can go toe-to-toe using Divine Favor, Shield of Faith, Spell Resistance, and similar combat spells.

Character Snapshot:

Race: Human

Starting Abilities:
Str 12
Dex 12
Con 10
Int 13
Wis 17 (+1 at 4th level, +1 at 8th level, +3 Cleric's Wisdom Enhancement = 22)
Cha 8

Hit Points: 100

Naked Armor Class: 12 (Base 10 + Dexterity Modifier 1 + Dodge 1)

Saves (Including ability bonuses, racial bonuses, feats, class bonuses and enhancements)
Fortitude: +7
Reflex: +4
Will: +13

Class/Race Features:
Turn Undead
+1 Feat at level 1
+4 skill points level 1, +1 each level after

Skills:
Balance 7.5
Concentration 13
Diplomacy 12
Swim 7.5

Feats (in the order selected):
Dodge
Combat Expertise
Spell Focus (Necromancy)
Tower Shield Proficiency
Maximize Spell

Enhancements:
Energy of the Zealot X
Improved Nullification IV
Clerics Wisdom III
Improved Devotion IV

Spells (DC 16 + spell level; DC 17 + spell level for Necromancy)
Spell Points: 516 (Base 330, + Enhancement 110, + Abilitiy Bonuses 76 )
Level 1: Cure Light Wounds, Bane, Command, Inflict Light Wounds, Shield of Faith, Divine Favor
Level 2: Cure Moderate Wounds, Hold Person, Bull's Stregnth, Inflict Moderate Wounds, Owl's Wisdom, Resist Energy: Cold
Level 3: Cure Serious Wounds, Bestow Curse, Protection from Energy: Electricity, Protection from Energy: Fire, Prayer
Level 4: Cure Critical Wounds, Death Ward, Divine Power, Restoration, Poison
Level 5: Mass Cure Light Wounds, Flame Strike, Slay Living, Spell Resistance

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Detailed progression by level:

(Note: only final Enhancements are listed when taken; take lower level version of the Enahancements and whatever you find useful in between)

-Level 1:

• Class Trained: Cleric
• Skills: +4 to Balance, Concentration, Diplomacy, Swim
  
• Feats: Dodge, Combat Expertise
  

-Level 2:

• Class Trained: Cleric
• Skills: +4 to Balance, Concentration, Diplomacy, Swim

-Level 3:

• Class Trained: Cleric
• Skills: +4 to Balance, Concentration, Diplomacy, Swim
• Feat: Spell Focus (Necromancy)
  

-Level 4:

• Class Trained: Cleric
• Skills: +4 to Balance, Concentration, Diplomacy, Swim
• Enhancment: Human Charisma I
  

-Level 5:

• Class Trained: Cleric
• Skills: +4 to Balance, Concentration, Diplomacy, Swim

-Level 6:

• Class Trained: Cleric
• Skills: +4 to Balance, Concentration, Diplomacy, Swim
• Feat: Tower Shield Proficiency
  

-Level 7:

• Class Trained: Cleric
• Skills: +4 to Balance, Concentration, Diplomacy, Swim

-Level 8:

• Class Trained: Cleric
• Skills: +4 to Balance, Concentration, Diplomacy, Swim
• Enhancement: Cleric's Wisdom III
  

-Level 9:

• Class Trained: Cleric
• Skills: +4 to Balance, Concentration, Diplomacy, Swim
• Feat: Maximize Spell
• Enhancement: Greater Magnetism III
  

-Level 10:

• Class Trained: Cleric
• Skills: +4 to Balance, Concentration, Diplomacy, Swim
• Enhancments: Energy of the Zealot X, Improved Nullification IV, Improved Devotion IV
  

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