What's a good thematic build for The Operative?

[Davmeister84]

I'm speaking about The Operative from the movie Serenity, just to clarify. The reason I ask is because I'm looking to set up a good MBEG for the party so they can feel like they're starting to work their way through the BBEG's resources.

In terms of personality and style, it's almost going to be a direct lift from the movie. But I don't want this guy to be a pushover for the party, they've got to earn it.

Anyone have any ideas for good builds, or at least good class options to look into?

The party is comprised of all 13th level characters (it's a World of Warcraft RPG): 1 Priest, 1 Mage, 1 Tinkerer, 1 Fighter/Tinkerer, 1 Fighter, and 1 Rogue.

His main role is going to be as a harrying force for the BBEG, to wear them down and snipe at them and whittle their resources to force them into confronting the BBEG sooner than the party wants to. The BBEG, of course, wants the personal pleasure of killing them for their meddling.

Thanks for any suggestions, and post if more info is needed.

 

[ruleslawyer]

You should probably put this in the d20 System boards if you want a WoW villain. For something built with D&D, I would recommend a 17th-level duskblade. Nice combination of magical and melee skills, can start combats self-buffed to the point of being able to do amazing things that will confound your PC, etc.

 

[Starglim]

I'd make him a variant Paladin, along the lines of the three presented in Unearthed Arcana.

Paladin of Supreme Order

• Aura of Law
• Detect Chaos
• Smite Chaos
• Divine Grace
• Deadly Touch: As Paladin of Tyranny
• Aura of Courage
• Divine Health
• Rebuke Undead: As Paladin of Tyranny
• Spells (to be developed)
• Enhanced Leadership: As Mongoose's Power Classes: Noble - Gain Leadership as a bonus feat and use revised Leadership table, essentially counting Leadership scores above 1 as one point higher and adding another line to the table repeating the pattern of scores 24 to 25 on the standard table.
• (add a spell-like ability such as Bestow Curse, Blindness/Deafness or Speak with Dead - the movie doesn't really help to pick one)
• Code of Conduct (to be developed)
• Associates: Must never knowingly associate with chaotic characters, will only accept followers or cohorts who are lawful neutral.

He could probably benefit from a couple of levels of Urban Ranger, making him PalSO 15/URgr 2. In that case it would be good to give him an appropriate variant combat style.