Yes, we have clerics, paladins, avengers and invokers, but when I got this guy into my head, I just couldn’t resist putting him down on digital paper. As per our last flavor-class, the Necromancer, this class is based on one already published; in this case the bard, as found in the PHB2. I don’t want to reprint the great work that WotC have already done, and so I have only posted by changes to the mechanics, as well as all the new flavor-text.
And so, coming to a game table near you, bringing with him promises of fire, brimstone and eternal damnation is…
The Preacher
“And lo! The fiery flame of Pelor did come down and smite the heathen Oni; and it was good.”
Class traits
Role: Leader. Your commands condemn enemies and absolve allies; so powerful are your words that you can re-order battlefields to your liking, making controller a good secondary role
Power source: Divine. You translate The Word of your God and inflict it’s mighty resonance on the heathen.
Key abilities: As per the bards.
Armor profiencies: As per the bards.
Weapon proficiencies: Simple melee, military melee, simple ranged.
Implements: Holy symbols (book of commandments).
Bonus to defense: +1 Fortitude, +1 Will
Hit Points at 1st level: 12 + Constitution score
Hit Points gained level: 5
Healing surges per day: 7 + Constitution modifier
Trained skills: Religion. Choose three more from the bards skill list, substituting endurance for acrobatics.
Class features: Book of Commandments, Steadfast Morality, Words of Absolution, Words of Damnation, Resolute, Preaching to the Converted.
Preachers are often found in the harshest climates in the most hostile regions. There’s is a life of both servitude and command; bringing The Word of their God to the farthest and darkest reaches of the world, whether it is welcomed or not. More than just a mouthpiece, preachers learns to defend themselves early, or risk becoming the one thing that any preacher fears: silenced.
Because of the hostility they often face, preachers make use of arms and armour, but often all they need is one thing: their book of commandments. This book contains the divine edicts of their God and is as inseparable to a preacher as is his head or arms.
Following in the footsteps of the ancient Order of the Inquisition, a preacher holds vows and promises to be truths without question; let no one stand in the path of a preacher who has vowed to aid the wretched, and clense the wicked.
Book of Commandments
You gain the Ritual Caster feat as a bonus feat, allowing you to use magical rituals. You own a book of commandments (ritual book), and it contains two rituals that you have mastered: Comprehend Language and another 1st-level ritual.
Steadfast Morality
The Gods are at once kind and merciful, as well as damning and vengeful. Preachers are masters at interpreting their God’s commands, and often find themselves playing the role of creator or destroyer in lieu of their God’s actual presence.
Choose one of the following options. The choice you make gives you the benefit described below and also provides bonuses to certain preacher commands, as detailed in those powers.
Word of the Sword: As per Virtue of Cunning 
Word of the Shield: As per Virtue of Valor
Words of Absolution
As per a bards majestic word.
Words of Damnation
As per the bards Words of Frienship, only with intimidate, as opposed to diplomacy.
Resolute
Instead of the bards multiclass and skill versatilities, you gain a +5 feat bonus to saves against fear or charm.
Preaching to the converted
As per the bards ‘song of rest’, only reading from your book of commandments, rather than singing or playing an instrument.
Implements
Holy symbols. A preacher’s book of commandments can be used as a holy symbol, upgraded by priests of his or her God for the same price as it would be to buy a holy symbol of the same level.
Preachers and Deities
Preachers are the devotees of a single God, choosing their Word above all others. Some go as far as actively shunning the worship of any other deity; most, however, are content to merely champion their own cause. Their worship goes beyond simple ideas of morality or social code; those who stand against them are to be condemned or smited, whether evil overlord or agnostic but pleasant nobleman.
This strict devotion has led to many preachers getting a feared reputation, and there have been instances where preachers have actively tried to stamp out all life who do not share the same views as themselves. Beyond these dangerous individuals, there are many other preachers who bring both the Word, as well as supplies, medicine and education to struggling societies.
Preacher Powers
Preacher powers are called commands. Any creatures with a mouth and at least some brain activity can speak, but a preacher’s orders are charged with divine resonance, and as such carry weight unlike any other.
Anywhere you see the arcane keyword on a bardic power, replace that keyword with divine.
Level 1 At-Will Commands
Find Fault (as per Guiding Strike)
You face your foe and easily determine from where it’s moral corruption stems; even if they didn’t realise it themsleves.
Proclaim Executioner (as per Misdirected Mark)
You charge one of your allies with the task of bringing due wrath to a condemned sinner.
Condemn (as per Vicious Mockery)
Your words ring out true and laiden with damnation; the wretch you direct them at feels their confidence peeling away beneath your gaze.
Shepherd the Flock (as per War Song Strike)
You lead the attack against an enemy, rewarding those who follow your guidance.
Level 1 Encounter Commands
Path of Tears (as per Blunder)
You order an enemy to walk the Path of Tears, hoping pain will force it to see the wrror of it’s ways.
Saving Grace (as per Fast Friends)
Your words illuminate the inherant goodness in youself or an ally – so radiant is the image, that even hated enemies are given pause when raising their swords.
Call to Inquisition (as per Inspiring Refrain)
As your weapon finds it’s target, so your words find theirs – in the hearts of your allies.
Whisper The Word (as per Shout of Triumph)
You utter the slightest noise, reciting a small fraction of the Word of your God, the resonance of which allows you to reshape the battlefield.
Level 1 Daily Commands
Promote to Inquisitor (as per Echoes of the Guardian)
You call on your allies, infusing them with the words of the Inquisitors and bidding them to carryout their divine duty.
Ongoing Judgement (as per Slayer’s Song)
You make your way across the battlefield, judging each enemy in turn, and finding each as reprehensible as the last.
Righteous Strength (as per Stirring Shout)
The call for purification has been made, let those who heed their duty be rewarded.
March of the Inquisition (as per Verse of Triumph)
You begin reciting the holy names of the ancient Order of the Inquisition; as you proceed, their spirits appear, guiding you and your allies to victory!
There is is. The first level of the Preacher flavour-class. Personally, I’d love to see a longtooth shifter Preacher, fighting his own feral nature and taking that self-hate out on the enemies who stand in his way. What’re your thoughts?
Happy role-ing!
Bardic Training, Bardic Virtue, majestic word, Multiclass Versatility, Skill Versatility, Song of Rest, words of friendship
