Best evil spellcaster class for pathfinder?

[bakester17]

Hi all! I'm quite new to pathfinder, and these type of games overall. I'm very excited to play but I want to make a character that I truly enjoy for my first time.
I've settled on a necromancer style character but I don't want to "just" summon undead. What would be a good combo of "life drain/bleeds" kind of spells that also include summoning monsters or skeletons? I'm kind of lost because there's so much information on D&D so my brain is jumping around from site to site trying to find the style I like. Any input is appreciated. Glad to be on the forums btw! I saw there was a witch class that seemed really fun but it's female only I believe, which is sad because the character I've imagined in my head is male.

[Psyren]

Where'd you get that idea? Witches can be male just fine; not only does nothing say they can't, the Prehensile Hair (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/witch/hexes-3rd-party-publishers/hexes/common-hexes/hex-prehensile-hair-su/) hex says it explicitly.

If you're interested in playing one with a necromantic spin, try the Gravewalker (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/witch/archetypes/paizo-witch-archetypes/gravewalker/) archetype. They are decent at both kinds of necromancy (big undead minion, and lots of debuffs.) Failing that, Bones Oracle is probably the strongest, or you can go with the classics of Cleric or Wizard.

[ATHATH]

If 3.5 material is allowed, a Dread Necromancer might be what you're looking for.

Check out the handbook for whatever class you choose; they tend to be very helpful.

[Calthropstu]

I will have to second the bones oracle, though a negative energy cleric is probably more what you are looking for.

In pathfinder, they did away with "turn undead" and made channel energy... which allows you to channel flat positive or negative energy which will heal/harm living creatures or harm/heal undead.

A negative channel can do some reasonable area effect damage, and keep your undead around lonv enough to be relevant, and the wide selection of cleric spell support makes for a huge number of possibilities... which you can change from day to day.

[Psyren]

To be clear, turning and rebuking are still around, it's just been made into a feat (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/turn-undead--final/) that channeling classes like Clerics have to pick up if they want to keep doing it.

If you're planning to go the "army of undead" route then you will want it - first, because (like 3.5) rebuking gives you two control pools to work with when using Animate Dead, and second, because it helps you use Create Undead more safely by letting you rebuke your creation before it fully forms.

[Wartex1]

I'm not one to advertise (usually), but I'm actually in the process of designing a class based around the classic idea of a spellcasting Evil Overlord in heavy armor, uncreatively named the Overlord.

The base class is complete, including the spell list, and eight or so archetypes are on the way. You can find it here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?517088-Hybrid-Class-Overlord-(PEACH)) over on the Homebrew forum. Take a look at it if you're interested in that sort of theme, and while it doesn't have much Necromancy support, there is a Necromancer archetype for it in the works.

[Graysire]

a spellcasting Evil Overlord in heavy armor, uncreatively named the Overlord.
.

What, like the Overlord, from Overlord?

[Wartex1]

What, like the Overlord, from Overlord?

Nah, more like Golbez from FFIV, since a class focused on Leadership might be a tad insane considering how absurd Leadership already is.

[Azoth]

I am a big fan of Dhampir Cruoromancer Wizard with the Necromancy (Undeath) as his school specialization. That +1/4lvl to Necromancy Caster Level is a big drawing point.

This is competitive with Oracle's for control pools to have a mass of minions. Controlling 5XCL of minions with a boosted CL is nice. It also has the ability to pay a few HP to tack a Desecrate effect onto other spells so you don't need to spend slots on it.

As far as other spells go, the Necromancy school is full of debuffs and lends itself well to making enemies easier to kill.

[Sayt]

I'd also suggest the Agent of the Grave (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/prestige-classes/other-paizo/a-b/agent-of-the-grave/) prestige class, which lets you poach necromancy spells from other lists and a few other nice benefits.

[Wartex1]

Oh, if you can use 3rd Party material, there's the Thrallherd PrC which works wonders for psionic villains.

[Mordaedil]

For maximum cheesiness, I like to point out True Necromancer is almost like a Mystic Theurge, but with a heavy focus on being as undead focused as possible.

Albeit to keep it simple, I'm going to echo the "play an evil cleric" sentiment. Just imagine yourself as a cultist, more than a worshipper of gods.

[Gruftzwerg]

Where'd you get that idea? Witches can be male just fine; not only does nothing say they can't, the Prehensile Hair (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/witch/hexes-3rd-party-publishers/hexes/common-hexes/hex-prehensile-hair-su/) hex says it explicitly.


Yeah a male wizard with mustache pls !!!^^

If you like maybe a hairy gish, have a look at the white haired witch.
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/witch/archetypes/paizo-witch-archetypes/white-haired-witch/

And don't forget the mustache!^^
http://theglobaltraveler.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/big_mustache_greg_anderson_04.jpg

[ATHATH]

For maximum cheesiness, I like to point out True Necromancer is almost like a Mystic Theurge, but with a heavy focus on being as undead focused as possible.
You consider True Necromancer (*hurk*) cheesy?!

Why?

[sleepyphoenixx]

For a newbie starting of with a cleric is a good idea.
They're tougher than most other spellcasters out of the box, easy to build (and hard to screw up) and strong and versatile enough to fit most spellcaster builds.

The biggest selling point for a new player though is that you don't have to worry too much about spell selection - just try out what you think sounds interesting and if it doesn't work out you can prepare something else the day after.

[Mordaedil]

You consider True Necromancer (*hurk*) cheesy?!

Why?

It's a PRC that goes straight for 14 levels and takes you easily into epic levels and a bunch of extra abilities that help with making more undead.

Cheesy might not be the absolute best way to put it, but I still think it's a better choice than straight up mystic theurge.

You know, if your DM doesn't read the class too closely.

[Azoth]

If you want to consort with devils, or devour souls look into Diabolist or Souleater...or both if you want to start a bidding war for your Soul between the Archdukes of Hell and the Four Horsemen.

[Psyren]

It's a PRC that goes straight for 14 levels and takes you easily into epic levels and a bunch of extra abilities that help with making more undead.

Cheesy might not be the absolute best way to put it, but I still think it's a better choice than straight up mystic theurge.

You know, if your DM doesn't read the class too closely.

"It's a great class if you can fool your DM" isn't the most stellar endorsement :smalltongue:

[Wartex1]

I mean, evil spellcasters tend to try and trick devils, so... :smalltongue: