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The Pathfinder franchise has a few interesting features that you won't find in other TTRPGs. One of them is the choice of classes. Players love character customization, and Pathfinder finds a way to take it to a whole new level with 25 class choices, which becomes exponentially more if you include Archetypes and Prestige Classes. If you're playing the recently released Pathfinder video game, Wrath of the Righteous, 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:there's also the Mythic Path to consider.
The Oracle is one of the classes that players will only find in 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Pathfinder, and there are a lot of interesting details that set them apart. This is primarily a healing class with access to a Divine repertoire of spells, but their casting abilities rely on Charisma the same way as other spontaneous 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:casters like Paladins or Bards, so Oracles seem to have the best of both worlds.
Aside from the Backgrounds, Feats, and racial Heritage choices, this class also chooses an Oracle's Curse, Revelation, and Mystery, which are often clues to their ancestry or backstory. After Charisma, the secondary Ability Score of the Oracle is entirely determined by the build, and they're a versatile class that can take on virtually any party role, making this one of the most customizable classes available in Pathfinder: WotR.
The Oracle - Character Creation
Here's what you need to know about character creation.
Ability Scores
- Charisma. No matter what role you intend for your Oracle, this is the primary Ability Score for the class.
- Constitution. More hit points are always better, and this is especially helpful for characters that will be fighting within melee range.
- Strength. Some Oracles are also warriors, and they'll need extra Strength to do more damage.
- Dexterity. This Ability Score improves hit and dodge rating, so it's important for an Oracle who needs to dodge or use finesse weapons.
- Wisdom. Although the Oracle's spells are of a Divine nature, they are not governed by Wisdom, so this score is only important if you want to multiclass your character.
- Intelligence. Like Wisdom, the Oracle doesn't have much use for this stat outside of multiclassing options.
Party Roles
- Healer. An Oracle often takes the role of a healer, mostly because they seem almost like a Cleric at first glance, and their access to healing spells and improved armor class make this an obvious choice.
- Damage and Healing Support. This Oracle is mostly a spellcasting build and doesn't have to get into melee range, especially if you give them a ranged weapon.
- Defense Support and Striker. Oracles often take leadership roles in the party, but their AC is still limited to medium armor which means they would have some difficulty taking on the role of the main tank. They can still use a variety of weapons and shields, which means they can still act to protect other party members with their quick movements.
Racial Choices
Plenty of races have bonuses to Charisma, which is the Oracle's primary Ability Score, so you have plenty of options for your ultimate Oracle build. Some Heritage choices will merge perfectly with almost any build you have in mind, so this is one of those times that players will spend far too much time at the Character Creation part of the game.
- Aasimar. There are seven Heritage choices for this race and many of them include Charisma, making it one of the best choices available, no matter what Oracle build you're planning.
- Dhampir. There are two choices of racial heritage that have bonuses to the Oracle's most important stats in mind, so as long as you're prepared to play the unconventional Dhampir it's a decent option.
- Dwarf. This race takes a -2 penalty to Constitution, so it's one of the few poor options. Even then, you can balance it out and make it work with the handy Constitution buff.
- Elf. Elves take a -2 penalty to Consitution, but a +2 to Dexterity, and no bonuses to Charisma. It can work with certain builds but there are better options.
- Gnome. With bonuses to Charisma and Consitution, Gnomes are a great option for Oracles that are built for more than one party role.
- Half-Elf. One of the most versatile races because of the +2 Ability Score bonus that players can use wherever they want, plus they're immune to sleep and charm effects, so a great choice regardless of the build.
- Half-Orc. It doesn't seem like an obvious choice at first, but Half-Orcs also get a +2 bonus to any Ability Score of the player's choice, making them just as good as the Half-Elf to start an Oracle build.
- Halfling. A bonus to Dexterity and Charisma is a great start for an Oracle that's focused on healing or damage-per-second (DPS).
- Human. One of the most customizable classes in RPGs, Humans also get a bonus Feat and Skill Point per level along with a +2 bonus to any ability score.
- Kitsune. There are two choices for a Kitsune Heritage, and one provides both a Dexterity and Charisma bonus.
- Oread. The Genmsoul Oread is the best choice, providing the character with a bonus to Charisma and Strength.
- Tiefling. There are eleven different choices for a Tiefling when it comes to Heritage, and many of them include a bonus to Charisma but choose with caution as others have penalties to this crucial stat.
The Oracle Subclasses
- Divine Herbalist. This Oracle is able to brew potions as a Master Herbalist, a valuable skill indeed, but they lose some unique traits of the class such as Revelation.
- Enlightened Philosopher. An ideal choice if you're building a Neutral or Good character that leans towards healing or a support role.
- Lone Strider. A nice way to give an Oracle abilities like Fade from Memory, which are about evading your enemies, and are usually associated with Rogues.
- Possessed Oracle. Instead of taking their power from a deity, these Oracles are possessed by a powerful supernatural entity. One of the companions in the game, 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Daeran, is a Possessed Oracle.
- Purifier. This subclass is only open to those of the Aasimar race and is ideal for those building a dedicated Healer.
- Seeker. This Oracle doesn't have the power of Revelation because they're still searching for one, and thus they are obsessed with research and ancient knowledge. Probably the best choice for RPers, and they also get a bonus Feat.
- Wind Whisperer. Maybe you've always dreamed of playing an Airbender and haven't had a chance 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:to buy the themed TTRPG game yet, this Archetype is the next best thing. This Oracle uses the power of wind to control and damage enemies. The powers of Mystery and Revelation, however, are not included.
Prestige Classes And Multi-Classing Options
The variety of classes that also use Charisma as their main stat makes multiclassing the Oracle a fairly easy prospect. The Oracle is great when it comes to healing and support, but there are some gaps in any build that multiclassing can fix. Dual classing, a common practice with D&D players that serves this purpose, doesn't exist as an option in Pathfinder.
In a game that's designed to have a wide variety of classes from which to choose, along with other details like Backgrounds and Feats, it's often not necessary to combine classes. However, some of the same rules from D&D do apply when it comes to multiclassing. Remember, if you want to multiclass with a Cleric or a Wizard, your character must have Ability Scores of 13 in Wisdom and Intelligence, the most important stats for those classes. Your choice might also depend on the build, specifically whether or not your Oracle favors Strength, Constitution, or Dexterity.
If you already have high Dexterity, for example, and your Oracle needs abilities like lockpicking or Stealth, multiclassing might be the best option. There's also the choice of Prestige Classes to consider. These are advanced classes that are unique to Pathfinder: WotR and a character ha𒁏s to gain at least ten levels before they can progress.
Regular Classes
- Arcanist. If your Oracle has a high intelligence score, this could be an interesting combination, giving them access to Wizard and Sorcerer spells along with some Arcane knowledge.
- Bloodrager. If you want some Rage powers but don't have the Strength score for a Barbarian, the Bloodrager is a similar class with Charisma-based abilities instead.
- Cavalier. A good choice for an Oracle in a leadership position. This combination would give them some extra combat and movement skills, plus a mount.
- Fighter. This class goes well with any combination, and if your Oracle build needs some extra weapon proficiencies and armor it makes sense.
- Kineticist. Add even more damage to your DPS Oracle by combining them with a Kineticist of the Overwhelming Soul Archetype, which also uses Charisma for their saving throws.
- Magus. Only viable if your Oracle has a high Intelligence score or has chosen the Eldritch Scion subclass, which bases their abilities on Charisma.
- Ranger. Generally, this class requires a Wisdom score of 13 unless it's the Espionage Expert subclass, which relies on Charisma and includes some handy Rogue-like abilities.
- Rogue. Always a popular choice for a multiclass, the Rogue relies on Dexterity which is also a priority for damage-based Oracles.
- Skald. Add more crowd control, damage, or healing powers by multiclassing with a Skald, which has powers similar to the Bard but with more armor and weapons instead.
- Sorcerer. An Oracle that wants to pad their spellcasting powers 168澳𓆉洲幸运5开奖网:should consider multiclassing with a Sorcerer. Both classes use Charisma for their casting abilities.
- Wizard. Another option for Oracles with a high Intelligence Ability Score, it would give a damage and spellcasting-based Oracle build an edge when it comes to casting power.
Prestige Classes
- Dragon Disciple. Any character that can cast 1st level spells and has some Arcane knowledge can take this exciting Prestige Class that gives you the powers and even the appearance of a dragon. An obvious choice for a DPS build.
- Eldritch Knight. An Oracle doesn't have to multiclass or choose a certain Background to progress into this class, which requires the ability to cast 3rd level spells and Martial Weapons Proficiency, but it's many intended for damage dealers and strikers.
- Hellknight Signifer. The casting arm of the Hellknights, an Oracle needs to be of any Lawful alignment and have some Arcane knowledge to become one.
- Mystic Theurge. A natural progression for any Oracle build, this requires only some Arcane knowledge and the ability to cast level 3 spells.
- Student of War. Intended for melee Oracles, this Prestige Class is more about tactics than actual combat. You only need Combat Expertise 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:and some knowledge of the Arcane.
Examples Of Oracle Builds
Party Protector
- Party Role: Defense Support and Crowd Control
- Ideal Race: Half-Orc or Human
- Best Subclass: Enlightened Philosopher
- Important Ability Scores: After Charisma, Constitution is the most important Ability Score to consider for this build. If you want your Oracle to hit harder, put a few extra points in Strength.
The Avenging Angel
- Party Role: Damage and Defense
- Ideal Race: Oread for Strength, a Gnome for Dexterity.
- Best Subclass: Possessed Oracle or Lone Strider
- Important Ability Scores: If this Oracle's build is mainly for melee combat, focus on Strength. If this is a damage dealer that needs to move quickly, favor Dexterity.
The Living Wellspring
- Party Role: Healing
- Ideal Race: Aasimar
- Best Subclass: Divine Herbalist or Purifier
- Important Ability Scores: Healers always need more hit points, so this Oracle will buff up their Constitution. A few extra points in Dexterity to improve their hit rating would also be helpful.