The Pathfinder Exemplar has a spark of divine power that’s all their own and makes them larger-than-life figures on and off the battlefield.
Coming from War of Immortals, the Examplar is a character who was somehow touched by a war god. This power could have come from an ancient artifact, been in their bloodline and heritage, or the character could have been touched directly. But now this power blazes through them, granting them special abilities and sacred weapons.
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The Pathfinder Exemplar Basics
Focusing on strength and physical combat, Exemplars focus heavily on their more melee-focused abilities. They can either take a boost to Strength or Dexterity attribute at character creation. They begin their adventure with Expert level training in t heir Fortitude and Will saving throws, and training in Perception, Reflex, Religion, Simple Weapons, Martial Weapons, Unarmed Attacks, Light Armor, Medium Amor, and Unarmored Defense. Exemplars also take a number of additional skills equal to their Intelligence modifier plus three.
During combat scenarios, Exemplars are primarily front-of-the-pack fighters. They concentrate their divine energy into their weapons, striking with accuracy and force, and scattering their foes to the wind. If you tend to play more squishy adventurers, the Exemplar is the party member you want to hide behind while you’re casting spells.
Between battles, Pathfinder Exemplars have a natural magnetism and intimidating presence that feels almost larger than life. They may keep themselves, or be the sort of person to inspire others with their words, but their actions and words tend to draw a lot of attention. During an adventure, they will put a little more faith in the universe and fate to guide them on their path. But this doesn’t mean that the Pathfinder Exemplar is easy going. Downtime is often spent training or on additional side missions. After all, their good name isn’t going to spread itself.
Divine Spark and Ikons
Pathfinder Exemplars have a tiny spark of divine power that doesn’t come from from a deity, but is something all their own. They can focus this divine power through special items known as ikons. Ikons are physical items or bodily features that are linked to the Exemplar. They are sacred vessels that are capable of conducing their divine power. By placing some of their divine spark into an ikon, the Exemplar can accomplish deeds beyond what any normal mortal could.
There are many kinds of and options for ikons, and Exemplars can choose three. Each gives the character different abilities and powers. For example, the Bands of Imprisonment will provide a +1 to Will saving throws and resistance to mental damage. They will also make it easier for the Exemplar to escape before striking their blow.
However, the Gleaming Blade is an ikon that is used as a weapon as opposed to worn or imbued directly on the Exemplar. It provides an additional two spirit damage per damage die, and let’s the Exemplar take an additional attack with the blade.
Epithets
As their adventure, story, and deeds unfold, the Pathfinder Exemplar will earn an epithet. This word or phrase will stick in the minds of the people who think of or try to describe the Exemplar. Epithets grant additional abilities, especially when their divine spark is brought to the surface. These epithets are earned at levels three, seven, and fifteen.
At third level, Exemplars get their Root Epithet. These include, ‘The Brave,’ ‘The Cunning,’ ‘The Deft,’ ‘The Proud,’ ‘The Mournful,’ and ‘The Radiant.’
Seventh level brings the Dominion Epithets. These include ‘Born of the Bones of the Earth,’ ‘Dancer in the Seasons,’ ‘Of Verse Unbroken,’ ‘Peerless under Heaven,’ ‘Restless as the Tide,’ and ‘Whose Cry is Thunder.’
Finally at fifteenth level are the Sovereignty Epithets. With these, your Exemplar is basically a legendary, larger-than-life character. They include ‘Healer of the World,’ ‘Teacher of Heroes,’ ‘The Last Ruler,’ and ‘Thief of Moonlight.’
Multiclassing a Pathfinder Exemplar
Perhaps your adventurer has awakened a tiny spark of divinity within themselves. And perhaps, they are nurturing this spark to become an important and powerful part of themselves. That adventurer may be ready to multiclass as an Exemplar. A Bard multiclassing as an Exemplar will be able to combine performance and flawless melee skills into a fight-slash-performance to behold. While spellcasters will use these powers to increase their accuracy and maximize their abilities with their newly found ikons.
Adventurers who multiclass as Exemplars gain access to the feats Exemplary Dedication, Basic and Advanced Glory, Exemplar Resiliency, Exemplar Expertise, and Second Ikon.
How to Play a Pathfinder Exemplar
The Pathfinder Exemplar is most notable for their divine spark which they will channel through their ikons. This means that perhaps the most important piece to the Exemplar build is choosing your ikons. And there are many to choose from.
When you are building your Exemplar, be sure to read through each of the ikons carefully. Make sure you’re familiar with what each does, and how your character will utilize them in a game. If you’re not sure, this is great time to dive into some research online. Or just have a chat with your GM. Pick one of each kind of ikon (body, weapon, and worn), and make sure they flow well with the character you are trying to build.
Once gameplay has begun, switch between your ikons strategically. Utilize both their imminence and transcendence effects. Your character worked hard to put a little spark of their own divine power in those items. So make it worth it!
Happy adventuring!
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