Poison Ivy

An earlier version of this build used a Leaf Order Druid. But a Kineticist / Alchemist build is a better fit. Depending on the version of the character you know and love, you'd start with either the Alchemist with a Kineticist archetype, or the other way around.

Despite preferring some of the more grounded versions of villains in the Batman canon – Scarecrow and Catwoman for instance – the Poison Ivy incarnations that can really have plants do her bidding are the most fun to me.

So our version of Pamela Isley is a Single Gate Wood Kineticist, who has some Alchemist tendencies. Great start.

On the battlefield, Poison Ivy is best categorized as a controller. But she can almost equally be labeled a healer and enchanter. She really does the jobs of all three, and well.

As a Kineticist, Poison Ivy controls the battlefield in a number of ways. Many of her impulses can cause zone control on the battlefield – either through real physical objects, like wooden walls and thorns, or through elemental effects that enemies want to steer clear of, like a zone of dizzying pollen.

As well, the Elemental Blast impulse is arguably a better fallback action than most caster cantrips – and her critical effect for wood is immobilization. More control!

Meanwhile, lots of her impulses can heal her allies – directly and through zone healing – or apply status effects to foes that can be debilitating.

Outside of battle, Poison Ivy can use her alchemy background to create some helpful alchemical items, like potions, for her team. As well, as a femme fatale, Pamela has a knack for getting what she needs from people who shouldn't be as willing to give it as they are.

Enchanting Lily Ghoran

Previous to the Impossible Lands release, this was a Woodland Elf ancestry. I still like that for Poison Ivy, but the Ghoran ancestry translates the character into the world of Pathfinder a little better. Plus, it makes her green.

Switching from Woodland Elf to Enchanting Lily Ghoran really doesn't lose any flavor, but adds so much! Especially in the "beautiful, alluring, danger" category that Poison Ivy fits comfortably in.

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Herbalist

I mean, come on. This is literally Pamela Isley’s background before becoming her feared alter ego. This background also sets the scene for her Alchemy Dedication, which she will use to concoct herbal tinctures for her teammates.

The Wisdom boost the background gives is needed for the Druid class, so that is even better.

Kineticist

With a Single Gate Kineticist build focused entirely on the wood element, a Poison Ivy build can come to life [Ed. note: Sprout?] without too much complication. By focusing on a single gate, Poison Ivy can become a true master in that element – like the Human Torch's mastery over fire – and pick up most of the wood impulses available.

But it all starts with the elemental blast, which Pamela of course augments to deal d10 poison damage. Unlike Johnny, Pamela isn't normally slinging blasts as fast as she can. She is more likely falling into the builder-spender gameplay loop, using overflow impulses that do area damage, control the battleground or heal allies.

But the critical effect of her blast – immobilizing the target – is strong. In cases where Pamela has her attack boosted, fishing for a crit is a decent option.

Meanwhile, Poison Ivy adds an Alchemist Dedication at level 2 to give her some crafting to do in her downtime with all those plants she grows. These are mainly used to aid teammates, although they can also lean into the poison, bioterrorist side.

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What’s most important to Pamela is her connection to Nature, followed by an athletic ability to climb on the trees and vines she grows. Oh, and legendary diplomacy, because people just can't say no to Poison Ivy. Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's pheromones.

Plus, some Medicine for a few extra team-assisting skills.

Legendary: Athletics, Nature
Master: Medicine
Expert: Acrobatics

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