Godsman (4e Theme)

By Tony DiTerlizzi

Godsman

To The Believers of the Source (AKA The Godsmen) all things are godly. All things can ascend to greater glory - if not in this life then in the next. Patience, that's all it takes. A Godsman believes everyone in the multiverse is being tested. Survive, succeed and ascend - that's the goal of all beings. Fail and get reincarnated to try again. Of course, it isn't easy, first off, nobody knows what the tests are. Are we supposed to be good, evil, strong, smart? Nobody knows. Second, a fellow might just go in reverse - mess up and end up reincarnated as a cockroach. It could even be that those who do really badly return as demons or devils. One who passes his life's test, though, is reborn into a higher form, and so on, and so on, until he finally reaches the end. Despite what you may think, becoming a god isn't the end of the cycle. There's something beyond that, something that gods themselves eventually ascend to. Cross that threshold to the ultimate form and get released from the multiverse forever. Once the Godsmen figure out what we're all being tested for, they'll all quickly be on the road to ascension. But in the meantime, they're slowly tempering their souls like steel, learning with each new experience, whether it's a success or a failure.

Building

Godsmen are known for being encouraging of others to face their struggles and their seemingly never-ending desire to push their own limits. Races and classes that focus on Constitution and Charisma fit well into the Godsman archetype.

Class Prerequisites

None, The Believers of the Source admit they do not know what it is they are being tested for, thus they boast a wide variety of skillsets among their members. Primal classes can appreciate the message that all life is equal, including animals. Divine classes often seek their ascension via becoming exemplars of their faith, paladins are particularly common. Martial classes among the Godsmen, namely fighters, often seek to physically perfect their bodies. On the flipside, arcane and psionic classes view the path to ascension to be achieved via mental perfection, of them battleminds being among the most dedicated.

Race Prerequisites

None, no race is excluded from the Believers of the Source, they believe in the potential of all beings. The motto of self-improvement or "self-forging" is likely to resonate strongly with both dwarves and dragonborn. Additionally, devas, with their inherent understanding of their own reincarnation fit right in among the Godsmen.

Associated Skill: None.

Starting Feature

Overcoming a challenge, knowing that you have succeeded in another one of life's tests, the feeling further boosts your resolve to take on the next test.

Benefit

Each time you reach a milestone you gain a +4 power bonus to the next skill check or attack roll you make before the end of your next extended rest.

Additional Features

Level 5 Feature

The Godsman way of life is all about enduring the tests that life presents you and encouraging others to do the same.

Benefit

You gain a +2 power bonus to Diplomacy checks and Endurance checks.

Level 10 Feature

A Godsman does not fear death, he acknowledges when the time has come to move onto his next life. What a Godsman cannot accept is dying without having proven himself.

Benefit

The first time you are reduced to 0 HP each encounter, you can use an at-will attack power available to you as an immediate interrupt.

Optional Powers

Godsmen's Reputation	Godsman Utility 2
Everyone likes being told that someone believes in them and that they can eventually ascend to greatness.
Encounter
Free Action	Close Burst 5
Trigger: You or an ally in burst makes a Bluff or Diplomacy check and dislikes the result
Effect: You or the ally gains a +4 bonus to the Bluff or Diplomacy check.

Godly Example	Godsman Utility 6
In dire straits, as your rise to the challenge, your ally is inspired to do the same.
Encounter  Healing
Free Action	Close Burst 5
Trigger: You spend a healing surge while bloodied
Target: One bloodied ally in burst
Effect: The target also spends a healing surge.

Ascendant Resilience	Godsman Utility 10
Already being well on your way to ascending yourself, you emulate the amazing resilience the gods are known to display.
Daily  Divine
Immediate Reaction	Personal
Trigger: You are subjected to an effect that a save can end
Effect: You make a saving throw against the effect with a +5 power bonus.

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