The reason I'm so tempted to go Ecclesitheiurge is I could prepare more of my domain spells, like boneshaker at low level, undeath to death/slay living at mid level and horrid wilting/wail of the banshee at high level, allowing me to just spam those instead of casting buffs and melee fighting like a normal cleric. I don't want my PC to be normal.
I'd lose quite a bit of melee damage over a standard cleric/fighter 1 but at 5th level my AC and AB are actually slightly better, without even having any bracers on. Plus the better synergy between Plumekith and Ecclesitheiuge/Monk than Lawbringer and Cleric/fighter allows me to get Dex 18 for +4 to hit in melee, compared to 16 STR for +3 (both with 19 starting WIS). I've not played the game at high levels but what I've read says spells > melee at high levels so I wanted more of those while still being able to melee because I don't like my main being a back line pussy. I don't pretend to know the game that well but I think there may be something there with my Monk/Eccy. I mean losing a caster level blows but he's going to have max possible WIS + greater spell focus and greater spell penetration. Surely those feats make up for one lost level when it comes to his spell DCs? Or do you need max possible everything to hit reliably at high level?
As for going 2h, I hate how the cape clips through the shield. It just drives me crazy.
Yeah, I really like this concept. I'd never tried the Monk splash on Tristian (since he's not Lawful) but it does make a big difference since you can't wear armor already due to your base class and you want to max WIS for that class too. Thinking maybe take the Monk splash at level 11 so you get Boneshatter on time and you pick up Wings then too so you can change your playstyle at that point to reflect the massive AC boost.
Here's what I went with:
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Didn't get a shot of midcombat but there you pick up another +3 at least from Wings. Also missing the easy +2 Sacred Bonus from Blessing of the Faithful and Vestment shld be +4. If you want to go one-handed Pharasma gives you Dagger which allows Arcane Protector (+3 Dodge AC) which opens up Crane Wing and/or Deflect Arrows as well. Alternatively Elf opens up the sick mid-game Longswords for same approach and gives you free Spell Pen and Perception boost. Traditional Monk also makes Perception a class skill and gives you +2 Will.
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I went with base Aasimar because the extra CHR gives you more Channels with higher DC and is good on MC, especially if you go with Dazzling Display when you're not casting. DD is kind of a nonbo with Crane Style since you have to attack to turn on Fighting Defensively bonuses.
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The most fun thing about Ecclesitheurge is all the interesting Domain spells you get access to. Most of the good ones from Pharasma are from Water and Knowledge so you can't spam them but Scare and Circle of Death are both outstanding (especially if you're focusing on Necromancy) and usually not available to Clerics.
Undeath to Death is awesome vs Ghosts and Cold spells vs Fae so everything here is pretty good.
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This means you don't have to keep Death Wards memorized all the time and just throw this up when you need this effect, freeing up spell slots. Several interesting and unique abilities for this build.
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The one thing I think you'll find a little disappointing is the Negative Channeling, since only way to boost DC is Charisma and there's no way to maximize/empower it. Compare to the spell at the right. AoE damage is always something to keep in mind but you'll often have better uses for your Standard Actions.
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Like attacking. With that Monk splash you can Flurry with Monk weapons and there are some very useful Quarterstaves that enhance your spellcasting. DEX-based melee isn't a great fit for any class that has access to the incomparable Frightful Aspect, so Weapon Finesse and trying to get DEX very high initially doesn't have much of a payoff.
