Battle harbinger

Battle harbinger

(Archetype)

Classes

Clerics only

Affiliation

Any deity

Images of battle harbingers

Source: Divine Mysteries, pg(s). 272–275

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Pathfinder Second Edition content This article covers a term or subject that is relevant to the Pathfinder campaign setting only in the context of Pathfinder Second Edition or Pathfinder Lost Omens.

Battle harbingers are specially trained clerics. Even more martially dedicated than warpriests, harbingers eschew the bulk of their spellcasting potential to focus on bolstering themselves with divine power.

Harbingers are built for the battlefield and trained to work alongside other warriors. They are expected to take the battle directly to foes; some battle harbingers prefer ranged combat, but are able to operate in melee if required. A harbinger focuses a on a select number of spells that bolster their combat abilities. While their capacity to channel magic is reduced by their training, their spells are no less potent than any other cleric's. Physical training focuses on harnessing sturdy armor and their deity's favored weapon, and magical training focuses on generating a battle aura, a field of channeled power that can bolster allies or weaken foes. Most harbingers serve their deity outside of a temple, working with other divine agents such as avengers, champions, and vindicators; others serve as wandering mercenaries, or in direct service of a specific temple. When not on assignment, harbingers help to train other clerics within a temple, and often serve the community with physical labor.

Battle creed

Harbingers follow a battle creed, which declares them to be a living weapon in service to their god. The creed's specifics vary across religions. Benevolent deities, such as Sarenrae or Erastil, typically dictating their harbingers act as guardians of the innocent, while a wicked deity such as Asmodeus or Lamashtu implore their harbinger to further the god's agenda at all costs. Certain gods also include specific edicts, such as Pharasma's dictation to destroy the undead or Nethys' requirement of magic in combat.

Champions and harbingers

The difference between a champion and a harbinger is that a champion tends toward defense while a harbinger is geared to offense; their abilities synchronize well, and a pairing of the two is known as a "bladed bulwark".

Known battle harbingers

• Oloch, battle harbinger of Genzaeri