Heretic Theologist (Cleric/Witch)

While heresies emerge within the various religions in several different forms, most orders have a history of exacting punishment upon those who become perverted or those bold souls who neither accept nor live according to the dictates of their order’s dogma. Despite this, some heretics boldly proclaim their heretical views in open opposition towards the ecclesiastical hierarchy of their church, while others strictly adhere to their order’s teachings, posing as pious practitioners of the faith in an attempt to influence the masses, and guide them towards the new light and understanding they have received. Although the heretic theologist is not necessarily opposed to the leaders or doctrines of his faith, he does believe he has found a different path to honoring her god–one that deals with abstract mysteries, binding pacts, and secret initiations meant to reveal greater understanding of the divine being they claim to worship. The heretic theologist continues to receive spells from his god, while simultaneously gaining access to more mysterious and eldritch abilities, all of which stem from the same divine source. While genuine seekers of divine truth view this as a sign that the heretic theologist has found a new path towards greater enlightenment, she is often viewed as confused and misguided by her superiors as pertaining to the truths and doctrines sanctioned by her order. (Original Concept by Bardess)

Primary Class: Cleric.

Secondary Class: Witch.

Alignment: Any.

Hit Dice: d8.

Bonus Skills and Ranks: The heretic theologist may select three witch skills to add to her class skills in addition to the normal clerci class skills. The heretic theologist gains a number of ranks at each level equal to 2 + Int modifier.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The heretic theologist is proficient with all simple weapons and the favored weapon of her deity. She is also proficient with light armor, medium armor, and with shields (except tower shields).

Spellcasting: A heretic theologist casts divine spells drawn from the cleric spell list and a number of additional spells drawn from the witch spell list. Like other spellcasters, a heretic theologist can cast only a certain number of spells of each spell level per day. Her base daily spell allotment is given on Table: Heretic Theologist. To prepare her spells, she must commune with her divine familiar (see Divine Familiar), and casts any witch’s spells that she has prepared as divine spells. A heretic theologist otherwise casts spells as a cleric equal to her heretic theologist level. In addition, she receives bonus spells per day if she has a high Wisdom score.

Domain: This is exactly like the cleric ability of the same name, except that the heretic theologist gains access to only a single domain among those granted by her deity. The heretic theologist may also select the new Witchcraft subdomain, even if her deity doesn’t normally grant it.

Heretic’s Familiar (Ex): At 1st level