Have you considered a monk?
FrogReaver wrote:
Flavor wise Devotion Paladin for Turn Unholy is a solid pick. If you want a character with a bit more grit then Vengeance Paladin for hunters mark works too. (He watch his beloved sister succumb to demonic possession or a necrotic transformation and swore Vengance against the darker forces of this world)
As you mentioned Life cleric is a good choice for the extra radiant damage but flavor wise Id be more inclined to go light Cleric of pelor or phultus for their hatred of the unholy. That said there are all sorts of churches that revere only a single aspect of a deity, and often that view is skewed. This goes on in real life, look at all the different versions of Christ. So it makes it more flexible. One church of pelor could embrace pelors searing light, while another embraces his healing light.
Paladin 12/ Cleric 8, Cleric 14/ Paladin 6
And getting back to grit (and possibly a touch more dps) look no further than the fighter battle Master. I havnt got a unique way to slide this one in but exsoldier is always an oldy but a goody.
Cleric 8/ Paladin 6/ Fighter 7
The ranger mechanically I think would be one of the weakest but it could add a cool Van Helsing feel to the character.
For the Warlock he unknowingly went to a Fiend in disguise for help. The favor he asked had dire coincidences that at first aren't apparent (the classic he didn't read the fine print to the contract with the devil) and the Fiend steals his daughter or his wife away. Now he's out hunting each one down until his family is reunited. Maybe he didn't voluntarily go to a Fiend for power but whilst destroying a daemon a wierd magical short circuit occurred and part of its power was transferred to you.
Kron-Karn wrote:
I like a Ranger/Warlock for this idea.
I've Attempted A Similar Build using The TV Series Brimstone as baseline. Unfortunately you mentioned the dying and come back to fight evIl a no-no.....I suppose you could make a pact to fight the demon's Opponents on the prime material (I would think Grazz'zt as patron opposing Demogorgon& Orcus fits the bill)
The Ranger offers tracking ability, fighting style, Collossus slayer, spell support (Hunters Mark)
Warlock offers Blade pact, Invocations, Hex and Eldritch blast
I like human with a bonus feat, but half elf offers the MAD stats necessary for this character.
An ex soldier or custom Constable background (think Police) with observation and investigation (Maybe the observant Feat?) More of an urban Ranger.
I focus on the concentration Spells (Hex & Hunters Mark) for extra damage dealing.
Alternatively you could go Ranger/Rogue utilizing Hunters Mark, Collossus slayer & sneak attack for big damage once a turn.....two weapon fighting style (Dex) or duelling (Str) work best here.
Expertise from Rogue in observation or investigation helps to find those polymorphed and hidden Demons.
Good luck I am a fan of this concept and hope you enjoy it.
You could also reskin a dragon origin sorcerer to either be demon / celestial heritage. If demon you have demonic instead of draconic scales, fire or acid focus, and demonic wings, and demonic presence. A little tougher with celestial since they don’t really have scales but you could always says it just “divine intervention.” Though only real issue would be the bonus to interactions with dragons which would need to change to demons, devils, or angles. Depending on your DM though that’s probably not too big a lift. If you wanted to double down you could also pick Tiefling / Aasimars as your race.
Ranger also seems good, just pick demons / devils asyour favored enemy and you get some good RP bonuses.
And there is always just good ol’ fashion fighter picking either regular Joe whos out for vengeance or someone who want to prove that he’s every bit as tough as any demon with or without magic or eldritch knight who has trained his entire life to slay this most hated of foes (seems very elven, but any race could do).
Have you considered that sometimes the best offense is a strong defense? Go with something that mitigates some of the enemies strengths. Fear, certain damage types and spells common among Demons would be something to look at.
For Warlocks, Devils hate Demons, just have your patron be one of them if you want to go with Fiend.
Voting for Ranger/Warlock. Go with the familiar (as your 'consultant with industry experience') and a bow or crossbow. CHA and DEX.
Danny_Montanny wrote:
Not exactly a demon slayer, but my group's Bard regularly does an excellent job of making my monsters so they can't hit the broadside of a barn.
Yours could do same plus mock them while your ally Paladins smite them into non-existence.
A Ranger with Spike Growth (right name?) can cover an area with 2d4 damage / 5 ft of movement, tearing up the enemy for the privilege of getting at your face. Fluff this how you like, maybe he's misting the area with divinized water (but beware it hurts your allies too)?
A monk/rogue can sneak up to an enemy, CLOBBER him, then slip out untouched and untouchable. Does that fit in your conception?