This FAQ can be reposted on any site without permission in part or full, I
don't care.
Bill Lumbergh's Neverwinter Nights Cleric FAQ
Updated for the SoU and HotU expansions (9/28/04)
lumbergh@abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzabcdefghijk.com
I've decided to get off my rear and udpate my cleric FAQ for the not so new
expansions. I've copied the
original and will add/change/remove as necessary.
I've decided to use a similar layout to the Sorc FAQ posted by blah at
GameFaqs. You can find his work at
http://www.gamefaqs.com/computer/doswin/game/27528.html
and look for the Sorc FAQ.
Table of Contents - to skip to a section merely ctrl-f and search for the
accompanying Greek letter (case specific)
-----------------
1.) Race ( Alpha )
2.) Stats ( Beta )
3.) Skills ( Gamma )
4.) Feats ( Delta )
a.)Standard (Delta - Alpha)
b.)Epic (Delta - Beta)
5.) Multiclassing ( Epsilon )
6.) Equipment ( Zeta )
7.) Spells ( Eta )
a.) Zeroeth Level Spells ( Theta )
b.) First Level Spells ( Iota )
c.) Second Level Spells ( Kappa )
d.) Third Level Spells ( Lambda )
e.) Fourth Level Spells ( Mu )
f.) Fifth Level Spells ( Nu )
g.) Sixth Level Spells ( Xi )
h.) Seventh Level Spells ( Omicron )
i.) Eighth Level Spells ( Pi )
j.) Ninth Level Spells ( Rho )
k.) Epic Spells ( Sigma )
l.) Domains ( Tau )
1.) Air
2.) Animal
3.) Death
4.) Destruction
5.) Earth
6.) Evil
7.) Fire
8.) Good
9.) Healing
10.) Knowledge
11.) Magic
12.) Plant
13.) Protection
14.) Strength
15.) Sun
16.) Travel
17.) Trickery
18.) War
19.) Water
8.) Play Tips ( Upsilon )
Why use a cleric?
-------------------
Fight in the name of your god. Call upon holy power to smite your enemies and
help your allies. Crush the undead with your might. As a cleric, you are the
closest thing to multiclassing a fighter and mage, without actually doing it.
Thus you get decent attack bonuses, HP, and divine magic. You are one of the
few classes that can turn undead. You are one of the few classes with 2 primary
saves, fortitude and will, thus you can resist poisons and mind spells more
easily. In addition to that, you get some of the most deadly spells in the
game, Harm, and Destruction, as well as the most useful healing spells, Heal
and Greater Restoration. These facts alone make you a class that is feared by
enemies, and loved by allies.
Keep in mind though, with divine magic, you are better suited toward healing
and recovery, than you are causing damage. Yes you do have some very useful
spells for attacking, but they are rather specialized.. you can't go blowing
off Harm like sorcerers can fireballs. So be prepared to spend more of your
time fighting, while throwing down some holy smack down or loving when needed.
Class Stats
Alignment Restrictions: None (though role players will need to be the same, or
one step away from their deity)
Hit Die per Level: d8 (1-6)
Armor Proficiencies: All plus Shields
Weapon Proficiencies: All Simple Weapons
Saving Throws: Fortitude & Will (primary), Reflex (secondary)
Skill Points Per Level: 2+Int Modifier (x4 at 1st character level)
Class Skills: Concentration, Heal, Lore, Parry, Persuade, Spellcraft
Class Features: Turn Undead, Divine Spellcasting, Domain Powers
What is Turn Undead? You have the ability to rebuke or destroy undead by your
faith. To put it simply, you can FEAR on undead in a colossal area. It's
dependant on a skill roll, your level, and the level and HP of the undead
you're trying to turn. It's an EXCELLENT skill, almost as valuable as your
spell casting.
What is Divine Spellcasting? Rather than learning magic through study, or
having the gift like Arcane magic, you are granted power by your deity or
religion. You don't need to scribe spells or pick from a list like a Wizard or
Sorcerer, you know every spell available to you at that level, and you prepare
what to cast like a wizard. Easy huh? The spells of divine magic are more
focused on healing and helping rather than direct damage, but you can bring
the pain.. so use them well.
Why not be a druid? Probably the main reason would be role playing, or simply
personal preference. While a serious role player as a cleric can play in the
bounds of his particular faith, a serious druid must play in bounds of nature,
always. That being said, the cleric offers a few advantages over the druid.
One, and probably the largest, is turn undead. Two is heavy armor, and a wider
selection of weapons. Also is spell selection. They both cast divine magic, and
have many of the same spells. The druid's is slightly more targeted to the
enemy than it is to the ally as with the cleric. However with proper domain
selection, the cleric not only has a wider selection, but can be as targeted
as he or she sees fit.
Why stick with a cleric past 20?
----------------------------------------
In truth, there aren't that many reasons why you should stick with a
cleric past 20. Being a fighter caster, the extra levels (assuming you make
it that far) mean that you can multiclass a lot easier without worrying about
losing spells in the end. A couple of extra levels of fighter for some feat
goodness, is definately a good idea. However there are a couple legitiment
reasons to keep going with cleric levels, which will in turn make your magic
power greater than ever.
1. More spells slots per level. Up to level 30, at each level you will continue
to gain extra spell slots. You will have quite the casting potential, being
able to bust out as many as 8 Harms. Yeeowch. 2. Higher DC. DC meaning
Difficulty Check, that's the number your oppenent must beat to resist or save
against your spell. The higher the number, the more difficult it will be able
for them to resist or save against your spell. Each level increases this
number.
3. Higher spell power. Most spells have a limit on damage, but many do not for
duration. Thus a spell that last 1 round per level or such, will continue to
benefit from increased levels. Divine Power never seems to last long enough,
but at level 40 it will last plenty long to be much more useful.
4. Increased domain abilities. Many domains like War and Strength have special
abilities that are dependant on the clerics level. These abilities continue to
benefit from additional cleric levels.
5. Rollplay. If your seriously into roleplaying and are wanting to be some kind
of high priest or such, it would make sense to have additional clericy
goodness.
*******************************************************************************
1.) Race ( Alpha )
------------------
Though no race has a wisdom bonus or penalty, several do have other penalties
that can hurt the usefulness of a Cleric. Though any race can be a cleric,
Human, Half-Elves, Elves, and Dwarves offer the most.
Human
-extra feat gives you greater flexibility
-extra skill point every level
You can't go wrong with a Human. The extra feat is defiantly helpful, since
the cleric only has the standard feats. The extra skill point allows you to
leave your INT relatively low and still get enough skill points to max 2
skills, or raise 3 to a decent level. Also with a favored class of ANY, you
can multiclass without worrying about XP penalties. With the extra choices of
both skills and classes in the expansions, being a human continues to be the
strongest choice.
-I highly recommend a human player, especially if you are new to the game or
this is your first cleric.
Half-Elves
+1 to Listen, Search, and Spot skill checks
+2 saving throw versus Enchantment spells
Like Humans, you receive no stat penalties, so Half-Elves make a valid choice
for a cleric. The bonuses to search and saving throws to Enchantment spells
are a plus. Other than that, however, the half-elf doesn't offer much.
Something to consider if you want to break from the sea of humans.
Elves
+2 Dexterity, -2 Constitution
+2 to Listen, Search, and Spot skill checks
Longsword and bow proficiency.
Unless you are building a high DEX character, then the elf is a poor choice.
The -2 Constitution isn't that terrible, but does require some consideration.
If you are building a high DEX character, then the elf is probably the best
choice, even over a human. The skill proficiencies are fine, but not really
critical to you as a cleric. The weapon proficiencies are probably the biggest
plus (if not for the dex bonus), as they expand your limited weapon uses.
Dwarves
+2 Constitution, -2 Charisma
+2 saving throw versus poison and versus spells
+1 against Orcs and goblins and +4 against giants
Though the dwarf isn't an obvious choice for a cleric, they are worth
considering. Being a cleric means you'll often be in combat, so the +2 to
CON will help out with the hit points and fortitude. The -2 t0 CHA hurts,
a lot. It's really a kick in the junk. If you leave it at -6, you can only
turn undead 1 time a day (without the Extra Turning feat). If you want to
raise it to any respectable level, you'll lose whatever bonus you gained to
CON. The +2 to saving throws vs. spells is great in of itself. This is a
interesting choice for someone who wants to focus on more fighting than
casting.
Gnomes
+2 Constitution, -2 Strength
+2 saving throw versus illusions
+1 attack against kobolds and goblins and +4 versus giants
+2 to Listen and Alchemy skill checks
Gnomes don't offer a lot to the cleric. The +2 Constitution is all right, but
the -2 Strength hurts your ability to fight and carry stuff, doubly bad. The
rest of his abilities are OK, but stuff you could live without. Plus he's
small in size, further limiting your weapon selection. A valid choice if you
want to focus more on casting than fighting, but you could do that with a
human with more feats and skill points.
Ouch. +2 Strength is good, but the cost is way to high. -2 to charisma
reduces your undead fighting, -2 intelligence reduces your skill points, which
you don't get many anyway. If you want to focus on fighting, be a fighter.
A possible choice if you want to be a decent fighter with some backup buff
spells, but really a poor choice for a serious cleric.
Halflings
+2 Dexterity, -2 Strength
+1 to Armor Class and +1 to attack because of size
+2 Listen, and Move Silently skill checks
+1 to all saving throws and +2 versus fear checks
Almost as bad as the Half-Orc, maybe even worse. +2 to Dex could be gained as
an Elf, without the painful -2 STR. The skill bonuses aren't important to a
cleric, and though the saving throws are always a bonus, the penalties are too
taxing for a fighter caster. If you're looking for a challenge, or want to be
REALLY different, then yeah go for it. But if you want to be the most useful
cleric you can, then go with a different race.
*******************************************************************************
2.) Stats ( Beta )
------------------
The stats that are important depend heavily on the type of cleric you want to
be. You can choose to focus more on fighting, more on casting, or take the
middle road. Either way, you'll always be decent at both. Keep in mind Wisdom
is the stat that determines your spell casting abilities. To cast a spell, you
need a wisdom of 10 + the spell level. So if you want to cast a level 2 spell,
you must have a wisdom of 12. In order to cast 9th level spells, it must be 19.
Any wisdom factor above that grants you extra spell slots.
With the epic levels, you continue to gain a new stat point every 4 levels
until 40. Before you usually wanted to add all your points in wisdom to get the
most out of your magic, but with the extra points you can beef up your
strength or charisma a little without sacrificing your magic. Ultimately it's
a personal choice on where you want to go with your cleric. If you decide to
put all your points into one particular stat, that will mean you get a +10 at
level 40 instead of +5, so now you will want to make sure your start stat is
an EVEN number, instead of ODD. This way you get the most out of your bonus.
Keep in mind, with a wisdom of 18, you can end up with a wisdom of 28 at level
40, and with the +10 item bonus, 38. That will leave you with a whole crap
load of spells, so definately a good caster cleric consideration.
Overview-
Strength: Use is obvious. The more you have, the harder you hit(damage bonus),
and more often(attack bonus, unless you are using weapon finesse with the
appropriate weapon). Being a cleric is a fighter/caster, you defiantly want
some, but don't over do it, as you have spells to increase this.
Dexterity: Dexterity adds a dodge bonus to your AC. It also adds a bonus to
your reflex save. Usually, DEX is the least important stat for the cleric, as
you will often have heavy armor, which negates most of that dodge bonus.
Also, since your reflex is your secondary save, it will never be very high
unless you pump a lot of points into dex. So you might think you should just
leave it at 8 so you can increase something else, and this actually OK. But
keep in mind, even full plate will allow a +1 AC bonus from DEX, and thus if
you leave it at 8, you will receive a -1 to your AC. This isn't critical, but
worth considering. You'll also receive a -1 to your reflex save, which are
pitiful as it is. I really can't tell you if you should leave it at 8, put it
at 10, or take it to 12. The choice is yours. If you do increase it, I suggest
you sacrifice from Charisma first, then STR or CON. Keep in mind though, you
lose that dodge bonus when casting, so don't rely on it to save your butt if
you only have 10 HP and are praying for a Heal.
Constitution: Better fortitude saves, and more HP. Putting more in this is
never a bad idea, as any spell you cast to increase this will only be that
much be better.
Intelligence: The only benefit a cleric gets from this is skill points. Since
you get little skill points, keep this at no lower than 10. While more is
always good, sacrificing your other stats for it is not a good idea. If you
must raise it, I suggest you sacrifice points from CON or CHA.
Wisdom: The key factor for your magic. Also increases Will saves. Keep it
high. You will need at least 19 to cast 9th level spells, and each modifier
point you increase, adds another spell slot to each spell level, starting
lowest and moving to an extra 8th level spell with a wisdom of 30.
Charisma: It's not only how you look, but also the "force of your personality".
For you, it's most important for your Turn undead ability. A powerful
personality is needed for a powerful faith, and a powerful faith is needed to
turn undead. It's also is a factor in several Domain spell abilities(will go
into that later). For everybody, it's important for the Persuade skill. If you
leave it at 10, you can turn 3 times a day (without extra turning feat).
Each modifier point gives you an extra turn.
Here are a few ideas on how to build your stats. I'm not going to go into
every race. But will just give some ideas how the most common cleric races can
be setup. The stats for Human also apply to Half-Elves.
--Fighter Cleric--
You will focus more on your ability to bash stuff rather than spell casting or
turning undead.
Human: Focus on your strength on your con, with a bit if wisdom. Put about 3
points into wisdom so you can cast 5th level, to get all your good buffs. Then
everything else should focus on strength and constitution. Or you can take
example two, add an extra point into INT later, to be able to take some of the
improved combat feats.
Strength :16 or 16 or 17
Dexterity :10 8 8
Constitution :16 16 16
Intelligence :10 12 12
Wisdom :12 12 11
Charisma :10 10 8
Dwarf: Jack up your CON to righteous levels, to have a godlike amount of HP
available. You will be quite effective as a tank, since you can take lots of
blows, and still have some decent strength to dish it out. Later levels you
can put either into STR or CON, your choice. You may also be tempted to just
screw our charisma, and add it into INT for some combat feats, or WIS for
better casting. Again, your call.
Strength :16 or 16 or 14
Dexterity :8 8 8
Constitution :18 18 20
Intelligence :10 12 10
Wisdom :12 14 14
Charisma :10 6 6
Elf: Either ignore your DEX completely, or embrace it slightly, and only wear
light or medium armor to gain an AC bonus. Careful though, as you generally
won't have as high CON as you could. You'll enjoy the weapon bonuses most
likely.
Strength :16
Dexterity :10
Constitution :14
Intelligence :10
Wisdom :12
Charisma :12
--Dexterity/Finesse Cleric--
At first I shunned this idea completely, but after a little research (and a
lot of arguing with Kozm0) I've come to believe this has potential. Instead of
using strength to rely on your fighting abilities, you use your agility. What
you lose is generally low stats elsewhere (duh), and potential lose of skill
points in feats, which will be needed to best utilitize your high DEX, but
would normally increase your overall clericness. What you gain however, is a
very different style of playing, almost Druid like, yet still having access to
the cleric spell layout, with as high level spells as you want, not to mention
a needed boost to your weak reflex saves. Also take DEX dependant feats, like
Dodge, Weapon Finesse and the such.
Human: Do your best to give yourself great dexterity, while not completely
abandoning your other stats. If you can sacrifice some of the other stats to
boost it even higher, if that's absolutely necessary.
Strength :12 or 14 or 12 or 10
Dexterity :16 16 17 17
Constitution :12 12 12 14
Intelligence :10 10 10 10
Wisdom :14 12 14 14
Charisma :12 10 9 9
Dwarf: The notion of a high dexterity dwarf is some what laughable... but non
the less you can do it if you want. But since you're a dwarf, you might as
well focus on his strength's, and don't even try to make up for his weaknesses.
Strength :10 or 10 or 10 or 14
Dexterity :16 16 18 16
Constitution :16 18 16 16
Intelligence :10 10 10 10
Wisdom :14 14 12 14
Charisma :10 6 6 6
Elf: Use your DEX bonus to it's best, neglect strength and hits points. Take
weapon finesse, and improved critical on your elf rapier, and be the ultimate
cheeze. Add all your points to DEX, and enhance your meager strength with
items.
Strength :12 14 13 <-increase with item
Dexterity :17 17 19 <-add points, weap finese
and never miss
Constitution :10 12 10
Intelligence :10 10 10
Wisdom :16 14 14
Charisma :10 10 8
--Caster Cleric--
You will focus on your ability to cast spells rather than fight or turn undead.
Several of your spells do good damage .vs. undead, so you needn't worry
about that. You also have several spells to enhance your fighting stats, and
with your high wisdom, you can cast lots of them and often. All of stat points
gained by leveling should go into wisdom, to increase your DC and number of
spells. Wear wisdom enhancing equipment as well. Keep in mind, you are
completely relying on your abilities to cast spells, and enhance yourself with
those spells to do any worthwhile fighting. You must be really careful, as a
greater dispel or similar spell can strip you of your buffs. **I would
recommend this over the "fighter cleric" setup, but you must be a confident
spell caster and micro manage yourself extremely well. The cleric doesn't have
very many direct damage spells, and most of them aren't all that powerful.
You can probably neglect DEX completely, as you lose your AC bonus from it
when casting anyway.
Human:Get your Wisdom ridiculously high, because you're going all out. With
the 5 points going into wisdom, you'll have 23. With a Periapt of Wisdom +5,
you're at 28. Toolset yourself a ring that gives you another +4, and you're
at 32! You're DC for high level spells will be awesome, and you'll have extra
spells across the board.
Strength :12 or 14
Dexterity :10 9
Constitution :12 14
Intelligence :10 10
Wisdom :17 17
Charisma :12 10
Dwarf: If you're going to be a dwarf.. just forget about turning. You'll only
get one time a day with this shot, but you'll be one tough Battle Caster. or
you can go the CRAZY ROUTE and have UBER HP as a caster to fall back on if you
are taking
blows.
Strength :14 or CRAZY 12
Dexterity :10 9
Constitution :16 18
Intelligence :10 10
Wisdom :17 17
Charisma :7 <-hahahah 6
Elf: Take a slightly high dex route for the AC and hit bonuses with weapon
finese.. Note this makes a great Monk Cleric.
Insane AC, not completely useless in a fight, and awesome casting abilities.
Strength :13
Dexterity :16
Constitution :10
Intelligence :10
Wisdom :17
Charisma :8
--Balanced Cleric--
You give yourself decent base fighting stats, while leaving yourself open to
good casting and turning abilities. You can enhance your fighting abilities
with several spells, but you don't need to do so as often, and can still be
some what effective if your buffs get dispelled. All of your additional stat
bonuses from gaining levels should go into wisdom, to ensure you gain 9th
level spells, and a few extra spells. You can choose freely which equipment
you should wear, be it improving your fighting abilities, or wisdom for extra
spells. You can turn undead 5 times a day, and more if you wear charisma
enhancing equipment. **This is defiantly a good choice for a first time cleric.
You won't suffer greatly in any area(except reflex saves, but those won't be
great anyway), and still be able to fight and cast effectively.
Human: The only thing that suffers is DEX, but that's pretty much how it
goes except for a high DEX character. You'll be a decent fighter, a good spell
caster, and decent at turning as well.
Strength :14
Dexterity :10
Constitution :14
Intelligence :10
Wisdom :16
Charisma :12
Dwarf: Still focusing on the dwarf's strengths here, while neglecting charisma
because of the penalty, but will be able to turn some what decent.
Strength :14
Dexterity :10
Constitution :16
Intelligence :10
Wisdom :16
Charisma :10
*******************************************************************************
3.) Skills ( Gamma )
--------------------
With so few skill points, you'll have to be really selective on what you pick.
You can max out 3 class skills if you're human or max out one or two and get
a few others to useable ranks, or get some of your non class skills up. Of
course theseskill suggestions go right out the window if you multiclass.
You'll need to take whatever points compliments the entire character, not just
the cleric.
Apprasial - This is only useful for NPC merchants, and the price reduction
isn't that great. Ignore it.
Bluff - This is only for scripted NPCs, which is used some in the expansions
and maybe in some online modules. Since it's not a class skill, I'd advice
against it. However if you play a lot of modules that give this option a lot,
you may want to consider it.
Concentration (class skill) - defiantly max this out if you are going to be a
battle caster in any way (other than buffing). Most of your heal spells are
touch, so you'll have to be right next to a fighter who's fighting to heal
(duh). Your proximity to the enemy will cause you concentration checks, and
puts you at risk of being hit as well.
Craft Armor (class skill) - In a module where money is scarce, you might want
to consider it, but in the official compaigns or any localvault really you
will have lots of cash. I'd advice against it since you're already strapped
for skills.
Craft Weapon (class skill) - In a module where money is scarce, you might want
to consider it, but in the official compaigns or any localvault really
you will have lots of cash. I'd advice against it since you're already
strapped for skills.
Disable Trap - You won't be able to take enough points to make it worthwhile.
Discipline - while you will be in combat quite a bit, you will never be able
to take enough ranks for this to prove useful. Ignore it.
Heal (class skill)- As a cleric, you're probably most associated with healing.
How you go about that healing is up to you. You will have a large assortment
of healing spells, but may not want to fill up many slots with them. You'll
also have access to scrolls, especially the mighty Greater Restoration scroll,
which replenishes full health, as well as most effects. However scrolls can
be expensive, and you may not want to use a full blown Greater Restoration
on a small heal job. Healing kits can cure poison and disease, and heal as
much as you put points into. When not in combat and you take 20, the skill
maxed out can cure the same as a "Cure Critical Wounds". It's really up to
you if you want to invest in this or not. Don't feel bad or think you will be
missing out if you take it, or if you don't.
Hide - You'll likely be wearing heavy armor, and if not, you won't be able
to take enough points in it.
Intimidate - This is only for scripted NPCs, which is used some in the
expansions and maybe in some online modules. Since it's not a class skill,
I'd advice against it. However if you play a lot of modules that give this
option a lot, you may want to consider it.
Listen - If you multiclass into a rogue or something, you may want to.
This will not only let you see hidden creatures, but let you "listen" behind
closed doors and give you a better idea what to expect. Chances are you won't
be able to take enough points into it though.
Lore (class skill) - you may want to take a few ranks in this so you can ID
stuff on the road, but with a lore potion and stores to identify, don't put
more than 5-10 in it.
Move Silently - You'll likely be wearing heavy armor, and if not, you won't
be able to take enough points in it.
Open Lock - You won't be able to take enough points to make it worthwhile.
Parry (class skill) - Anything other than a dexterity/finesse cleric or
multiclassing should ignore this. Normally, you won't have enough attacks to
make this useful in anyway. By multiclassing or duel welding, you can fix
that, but keep in mind Parry's limits.
Persuade (class skill) - only useful for NPC's, but useful none the less. Take
at least 6-10 ranks in this, your charisma bonus will add a few more to that,
and you'll succeed 80% of the time. Use a potion to buff your CHA to add
another 10%. There are only very few times you will fail, and those would
require an extremely high rank... so don't sweat it.
Pick pocket - no
Search - yes. As a non class skill, you'll sacrifice quite a few points to get
it up at all, but you'll only need to get it up to around 6-10. This will help
against most random traps. Find a Watchmens helm and you're all the better.
Not critical, but defiantly helpful.
Set Trap - no
Spellcraft (class skill) - if you're a caster, max it. This will let you
counter spell, but also increase your saves vs. spells every 5 ranks. That
alone is reason to max it... but at least put 10 points for a +2 save.
Spot - If you multiclass into a rogue or something, you may want to. This will
not only let you see hidden creatures, but let you "see" behind closed doors
and give you a better idea what to expect. Chances are you won't be able to
take enough points into it though.
Taunt - Most non casters don't use precious skill points on concentration, but
since it's not a class skill, you could put the points to better use.
Tumble - tumble is cool because it helps you avoid attacks of opportunity when
moving in combat. What's cooler about it though is you get a +1 to AC for
every 5 ranks in it. However since it's not a class skill, you won't be able
to put much into it and with heavy armor you'll recieve a penalty against it.
However if you want you can put ranks into it for the AC bonus.
*******************************************************************************
4.) Feats ( Delta )
-------------------
As with stats, the feats you take depend on the character you want to build.
Fighterish clerics(F) should take combat feats, Dexterity/Finesse fighters(D)
should focus on duel welding and dodging feats, casters(C) should focus on
metamagic, and the balances(B) should take some of both. Of course you can't
take ALL of them, but this should give you an idea of some good ones to pick.
With HotU we get a ton of new epic feats, thus I have seperated this part into
2 sections so you can see the standard feats and the epic ones, epic feats
being those you can take after 21st level. Note that I
don't list all the feats, just the ones a pure cleric may see at his choice.
Any feat other class specific I didn't list, so it'll be up to you to decide
if it's worthwhile or not for your character. Also note these are just my
opinions, mostly for the powergaming aspect. Rollplayers will need to take
whatever they feel comfortable with.
**Feats marked with the (**) can only be taken at first level.
a.) Standard Feats ( Delta - Alpha )
----------------------------------------------
Alertness - If you're going to multiclass into something that needs it...
otherwise don't bother with the +2 to spot and listen since you probably don't
have the skills
**Artist - Only a multiclassed bard would benefit from the +2 to Perform and
Spot
(D)Ambidexterity - If you are going to duel weld, this is a must for the
penalty reduction
Blind Fighting - you have spells to cure blindness or purge invisibility, so
forget it.
**Blooded - the +2 to initiative and spot isn't worth a precious feat
Brew Potion - If you play on servers with few potions, this could be a real
help, but otherwise forget it.
**Bullheaded - The +2 to Taunt is worthless unless you've multiclassed to
Paladin and invested in Taunt, the +1 to will is pointless since your will is
great already
Called Shot - While it's possible that you could weaken an attacker or slow
him down, your only decent base attack rating will suffer greater form the
penalty.
Circle Kick - If you've multiclassed to monk, an extra attack is always nice,
otherwise forget it.
(F, B, maybe C)Cleave - Free attacks are always good
(C, B) Combat Casting - defiantly for casters and balanced to increase your
concentration check
**Courteous Magocracy - the +2 to Lore and Spellcraft isn't worth a precious
feat
Craft Wand - Same with Brew Potion, only if your server doesn't have many
Deflect arrows - I'd not waste a feat on this.. as you'll most likely not be
able to deflect enough arrows to be worth it.
Dirty Fighting - While the extra damage would be useful in early levels, later
it'll be worthless. Rely on your AC instead.
Disarm - Your INT won't be high enough, plus Knockdown is better
(F, maybe B) Divine Might - Use a turn undead to add your CHA bonus to weapon
damage, could be useful if your CHA is high enough
(F, maybe B) Divine Shield - Use a turn undead to add your CHA bonus to armor
class, coudl be ueful if it's high enough
(maybe D)Dodge - Though not crucial, any extra bonus to AC is a good one.
(C, maybe B)Empower Spell - The increase in power is noticable and useful,
might as well get it if you're going to focus on casting, less useful to a
balanced
(C, maybe B)Extend Spell - for casters, extend your buffs. Useful for balanced
for the same reason.
(F, B, maybe C) Expertise - A +5 to AC in exchange for a -5 in attack rolls. A
nice way to keep from taking melee damage, but only if you have some help
to attack since you will probably miss more often with the penalty.
(maybe C, B) Extra Turning - if you plan on fighting lots of undead, sure
Great Fortitude - your fortitude saves are already good, forget it
(maybe F) Great Cleave - no limit on the extra attacks from Cleave, but
doubt you'll want to waste a feat on it.
(maybe C) Greater Spell Focus - The +2 from spell focus becomes a +4 for that
school. Nice but not critical.
(C) Greater Spell Penetration - This increases the +2 bonus from Spell
Penetration to a +4 bonus. Handy if you plan on using attack magic
(F, D)Improved critical - if you're a fighter, sure
Improved Disarm - Perhaps for a fighter cleric, but I wouldn't take it
(maybe F) Imporoved Expertise - changes the bonus and penalty to
+10 and -10, and requires an int of 13. Your choice if you can even take it.
Improved Initiative - +4 to initiative check isn't worth the precious feat
Improved Knockdown - chances are your INT won't be high enough
Improved Parry - unless you took some Parry skill... forget it
Improved Power Attack - your attack bonuses is only decent anyway...
you don't need the penalty
(D)Improved Two Weapon Fighting - If you are going to duel weld and parry..
you'll need it
Improved Unarmed Strike - you're kidding me
Iron Will - your will save should already be high, but go ahead if you can't
think of anything else
(F, B) Knockdown - A good feat to take for a fighter or balanced. Your attack
bonus isn't that high, so it'll only work on the mobs, but it'll help out when
you're the thick.
(maybe all)Lightning Reflexes - your reflex saves aren't great.. so the +2 can
help.
(maybe all)Luck of Heros - +1 to all saving throws. Never a bad thing.
(C)Maximize Spell - There's really only 2 spells worth maximizing. Flame
Strike and Blade barrier. But boy do those hurt a lot maximized!
(maybe D)Mobility - Since you tend to cast a lot, you'll provoke attacks of
opportunity a lot. This could very well make up the difference in lost dodge
bonus.
(maybe F, maybe D) Point Blank Shot - maybe if you're a fighter cleric, but
probably not
(F, B) Power Attack - take it only for Cleave
(maybe C) Quicken Spell - instant casting, invulnerable to counterspell and
interruption.. a sure fire way to get off a Heal or Harm
(maybe D)Rapid Reload - If you are relying on a crossbow, this will get you
all your attacks at high level
(maybe D)Rapid Shot - If you find yourself lacking for feats and can use a
bow, this can't hurt
Resist Disease - +4 bonus to fort save vs disease, but your fort saves are
already good
Resist Poison - +4 bonus to fort save vs poison, but your fort saves are
already good
Resistant to Energy - +5 resistance to chosen energy, but your feat selection
is already limitied
Scribe Scroll - Same with Brew Potion, only if your server doesn't have many
(maybe C) Silence Spell - you really don't get silenced a lot, but could be
useful
**Silver Palm - +2 to Appraise and Persude, not worth it
(maybe all) Skill Focus - beef up an area you're lacking, like Search of
Persuade.. if you want
**Snake Blood - +2 to fort save vs poison and +1 to reflex, not worth it
since Luck of Heros is better and your fort save is already good
(C, B) Spell Penetration - a must for casters of offensive spells
(D) Spring Attack - only useful for a high dex character with no heavy armor,
no attack of opportunity while moving is always good
Still Spell - this would be most useful for a mage rather than a cleric,
as you don't have any spell failure for wearing armor
(maybe C) Spell Focus - useful, but not critical
Stealthy - +2 to hide and move silently, maybe if you've multiclassed a rogue
**Strong Soul - +1 bonus to fort and will and +1 save vs death.
Luck of Heros is better
Stunning Fist - you won't even see it on the list
Superior Initiative - not worth it with your minimal feats
Thug - the name is cool, but the +2 to initiative adn persude isn't
(C, B, F, D) Toughness - an extra hit point per level...
(D)Two Weapon Fighting - If you want to duel weld and parry, you'll need it
(D)Weapon Finesse - if you took a high DEX route, you'll need this to offset
your low STR.
(F, maybe D) Weapon Focus - a +1 to attack, sure why not
Weapon Proficiency Exotic - no
(F) Weapon Proficiency Martial - if you want to be a fighter cleric, you may
want access to more powerful weapons. You can optionally, or probably
should, multiclass a level and get this for free.
Whirlwind Attack - being able to attack multiple targets is cool, but you
probably won't be able to meet the requirements
(maybe all) Zen Archery - applies your wisdom modifier instead of dex modifier
to ranged attacks. If you're using ranged weapons, get it if your wisdom is
(or will be) higher.
b.) Epic Feats ( Delta - Beta )
----------------------------------------
(maybe all) Armor Skin - +2 to AC, never a bad thing
(maybe C) Automatic Quicken Spell - free quickened spells cast at their own
level, take 3 times to cast all spells that way. Instant casting with no
counter.
Automatic Still Spell - free still spells cast at their own level. But since
divine casting has no penalty on armor, it's worthless
Bane of Enemies - if you've multiclassed a ranger, sure
Blinding Speed - cast haste once per day, doubt your DEX will be high enough
Devastating Critical - if critical, fort save or die. While the feat kicks
ass, it's requirements are simply out of reach for most clerics
Energy Resistance - not worth the feat
Epic Damage Reduction - while nice to be able shrug off damage, your con will
probably not be high enough
Epic Dodge - while avoiding the first attack would be nice, you probably
won't meet the requirements
Epic Fortitude - +4 to fort save, your is already good
(all) Epic Prowess - +1 to all attacks, always nice
(maybe all) Epic Reflexes - +4 to reflex save, which is probably low so this
could help
Epic Reputation - +4 to persuasion and taunt, not worth it
(maybe all) Epic Skill Focus - +10 on all skill checks.. could really boost a
high skill to uber levels
(C) Epic Spell Focus - If you've bothered with spell focus and greater spell
focus, this will increase the bonus to +6
(C) Epic Spell Penetration - If you've bothered with spell penetration and
greater spell penetration, this will increase the bonus to +6
(maybe all) Epic Toughness - +20 hit points. Never a bad thing.
(F, B, C) Epic Weapon Focus - +2 to chosen weapon, sweet.
(maybe F) Epic Weapon SPecialization - If you've mutliclassed fighter and got
weapon spec, get this too for the +4 damage
Epic Will - +4 to will, which yours is already rocking
(mabye all) Great Charisma, Constitution, yadd yadda - +1 to stat, can boost
your wisdom to rediculous levels or increase another area you're lacking
Great Smite - if you've multiclassed Paladin, this will increase the
effectiveness of Smite Evil
(C) - Improved Combat Casting - no more attacks of opportunity while casting..
yay
Improved Spell Resistance - The +2 spell resistance is pointless since yours
is 0 to begin with, plus you have a spell that increases it much higher.
Improved Stunning Fist - If you've multiclassed a monk, might be worth it,
otherwise you won't even see it.
Improved Whirlwind Attack - Maybe on the off chance you got whirlwind attack,
but the requirements are pretty high
Overwhelming Critical - The extra damage per critical modifier is sweet, but
the requirements are probably out of the cleric's range
Perfect Health - Immunity to diseases and poisons isn't much to a cleric who
can save against them almost all the time
Planar Turning - Finally a feat for us clerics, turn outsiders like you turn
undead. A nice addition if you didn't choose a domain that gives you this
for free
*******************************************************************************
5.) Multiclassing ( Epsilon )
-----------------------------
With the additional levels and classes offered with the HotU expansion,
multiclassing becomes more viable for a cleric. As a fighter, multiclassing
can offer you several options, while still giving you access to fight
enhancing buffs. Take into account any Domain abilities you have and want
to use, as many are cleric level dependant. Keep in mind that every level you
take that's not cleric, you lose not only spells, but several abilities that
are effected by the number of cleric levels. Also note, you must be at least
a level 17 cleric to cast a 9th level spell.
From these stances, I'm assuming you are only taking a few levels of the other
class, keeping Cleric as your primary. Also I'm only going to list the classes
in which you can obtain with a cleric without having to multiclass to
something else also (like multiclassing a sorceror or bard to get the Red
Dragon Disciple or multiclassing a druid for the shifter). After all, you're
reading a cleric faq...
Barbarian/Cleric: You gain increased hitpoints and attack bonuses. Martial
Weapons, more skill points, increased movement, rage. The more levels of
barbarian you take, the better you're uncanny dodge will be. This offers a
lot to a cleric who wants to do a lot more fighting than casting. Good choice.
Bard/Cleric: You gain a slightly higher reflex save, more skill points, bardic
knowledge and bard song, and arcane spellcasting. The spellcasting will be
weak, with only a few buff spells that you already have. Bard song will be
dependant on how many levels of bard you take and your perform skill.
Not a good choice really.
Druid/Cleric: More skill points, an animal companion, and nature sense. You
offer to the druid your weapons and armor proficiencies. The druid has divine
spellcasting, which you already have... though there are a few more direct
damage spells, unless you invest several levels into druid, you won't be able
to use them. Not a good choice really.
Fighter/Cleric: Hitpoints, martial weapons, attack bonuses, and feats feats
feats. If you take 2 levels of fighter, you get 2 extra feats. Take 4, one
extra feat, as well as access to weapon specialization. Defiantly a solid
choice for a more fighter focused cleric. Even a balanced may benefit from
one or two levels for the feats alone. Good choice.
Monk/Cleric: At first glance, the monk may seem like a poor choice. But with
a longer look, the monk is actually a very powerful choice, even just one
level can turn your cleric into something else entirely. For start, you gain
the monk's unarmed attack bonus, with 1d6 fist. That's as powerful as most
of the simple weapons, so you lose little by not arming yourself. Also, and
probably the most attractive jewel, is AC bonus from Wisdom! Since you're
wisdom will already be high, you can gain a +6, 7, maybe even 10 just from
wisdom alone! A high dex, and it's even higher than some dork in full plate!!!
The cost??? No Armor. Is that bad? It can be...as anytime you lose your dodge
bonus, you lose both bonuses, effectively cutting your AC in half. Also if you
choose to go unarmed, you will use the monk's BAB, which means you'll have more
attacks, but at a smaller bonus than if you go armed, so you'll miss more
often. At least you can't be disamred. Be VERY careful. But this multiclass has
a lot to offer, and has become a favorite character of mine.
Paladin/Cleric: Hitpoints, martial weapons, attack bonuses, Divine Grace (+
saves based on CHA), and Divine Health (immune to disease). At level 2 you
get Aura of courage (immune to fear). There is also Lay on Hands and Smite
Evil, but those are dependant on your levels of Paladin... so not very useful
to a multiclass. This is really best suited for a Balanced cleric, with a good
CHA that will improve your saves by +2. Wear +CHA equipment, and you'll
have excellent saves across the board. Good choice.
Range/Cleric: hitpoints, martial weapons, skill points. You get Ambidexterity
and Two Weapon fighting if you remain in light armor. That's basically an
extra attack at the smallest penalty possible. An interesting choice if you
choose to be a DEX based fighter cleric rather than a STR and armor based.
This would be a very interesting to triple class with a Monk, to take advange
of your uber AC with the WIS and DEX bonuses, plus an extra attack if you
duel weld kamas. Interesting choice.
Rogue/Cleric: skill points, skill points, skill points, and skill points. Oh,
and sneak attack and evasion, but mainly skill points. Unless you devote some
serious levels into the rogue, you won't be able to develop him well. So
mainly a level for the skill points. Mildly useful choice.
Sorcerer/Cleric: See wizard.
Wizard/Cleric: Familiar, and arcane spellcasting. Unless you put a lot of
levels, neither will be all that useful. However even one level of wizard will
grant you access to all wizard only equipment, including arcane scrolls.
Though you'll never be able to cast then, you CAN read the scrolls, which will
be applied at their lowest level. So you probably won't want to go around
trying to use fireballs and such, you'll have access to staves and other
enhancing scrolls that you normally wouldn't. An interesting choice for a
caster cleric.
Arcane Archer/Cleric: Slightly more skill points and martial weapons. If
you've made a bow using cleric, which I assume you have if you can take Arcane
Archer, then the abilites are an added bonus to your fighting, but not sure
how much it's worth the reduced spells. Certainly an unusual cleric.
Assasign/Cleric: slightly more skill points, death attack, uncanny dodge.
All his spells you can cast with the proper domains, and the fort
save vs poison isn't so hot for a cleric. Death attack's DC won't be too
high for you unless you put a lot of levels of assasign into it. Probably
should just multiclass a rogue to get even more skill points.
Blackguard/Cleric: hit points and martial weapons, smite good(add char
to attack roll) and dark blessing (add char to saving throw). Basically an
evil paladin. Only good to take for the dark blessing. You have most of
his other skills (turn undead) and spells (inflict wounds). If you want
a sneak attack, multiclass a rogue instead.
Shadowdancer/Cleric: skill points, HIDE IN PLAIN SIGHT, Evasion, darkvision,
uncanny dodge, lots of cool rogue feats past level 5. If you've
actually managed to get your hide and move silently high enough that these
skills would be useful, an interesting choice no doubt.
Harper Scout/Cleric: slightly better skill points, harper knowledge, favored
enemy, and a bunch of super natural abilities that increase saving throws.
Probably should just take a paladin or blackguard for the char bonus to
saving throws if you have it, otherwise these may come in handy slightly.
Nothing particularly interesting though, probably not a great choice.
Dwarven Defender/Cleric: hit points and martial weapons, defensive stance,
a kind of uncanny dodge called defensive awareness, and damage
reduction. That's all his bonuses, but those are really nice to help boost
your fighting potential. Of course, you have to be a dwarf...
Champion of Torm/Cleric: hit points and martial weapons, lay on hands,
sacred defense, smite evil, and divine wrath. In addition, they get
fighter like feats. Kind of paladin like abilities, nothing too special, but
nothing bad either. A moderatly interesting choice.
Weapon Master/Cleric: hit points and several really cool attack based
abilities. Though it's highly unlikely you will be able to spend the feats
required for this class, if you do, the abilities gained will certainly help
your fighting ability. Moderate choice because of the cost.
*******************************************************************************
6.) Equipment ( Zeta )
----------------------
As a cleric, you get to wear all armor plus shields without worrying about
spell casting failure. So you should wear the heaviest armor you can afford
(and carry), unless you took a higher DEX route. Beyond that, what you wear
should depend on how you are playing your cleric.
A more fighter oriented cleric should focus on equipment that will enhance
that. Either +AC or +Strength stuff. You'll probably want to be on the lookout
for the belts of (various) giant strength, and the gloves of ogre power. A
Robe of Deflection wouldn't hurt, as well as a AC necklace. Also the biggest
and badest weapon you can carry.
A finesse type cleric will want to wear light armor, or even no armor, to gain
the most AC bonus from their high DEX. Also, any DEX and AC enhancing
equipment will be a MUST, as you're relying completely on that since you
have weak armor. Rings of the rogue, an elf pendants come to mind.
A caster should focus on wisdom bonuses, and spell slots. Beyond that,
anything that adds to your AC is desirable. Suit up in the best armor and
shield you can find to raise that precious AC. You'll also want to watch for
a Girdle of Holy Might and a Ring of Holiness, for the spell slots. Also the
Periapt of Wisdom, and an AC cloak.
A balanced cleric should probably carry a lot of different stuff, and equip
whatever it is to enhance what you are doing at the time. Fighting undead?
Nymph cloak +5. Battling dragons? Belt of Fire Giant Strength and a AC +5
necklace. Throwing down multiple Flame Strikes? Periapt of Wisdom +5 and
a Girdle of Holy Might for the spell slots and DC increase.
You should also keep a few different types of equipment handy for different
situations. If you're fighting enemy X, then you'll want to wear something
that either protects you from that enemy, or makes it easy for you to kill it.
*******************************************************************************
7.) Spells ( Eta )
------------------
Obvious casting spells is where it's at for the cleric. Even the fighter mangs
want to cast spells, after all, that's why you picked cleric instead of a
fighter mang!
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THE CLERIC'S CURE x WOUNDS AND INFLICT x WOUNDS SPELLS!
One thing you should know, and take into consideration with your spells,
is the cleric can spontaneously cast cure and inflict spells at the sacrifice
of another spell readied. Huh? you ask. Lets say you have a cure critical
wounds, and a freedom of movement spell memorized at 4th level. In a
battle, you cast your cure critical wounds on an ally, but now he's damaged
again and you want to cast it on him a second time. YOU CAN! Just proceed
to cast it on him normally, and you will use your freedom of movement spell
to cast the cure critical wounds. You can do this with any "Cure xxx wounds"
or "Inflict xxx wounds" spell, at the sacrifice of any prepared spell of same
level or greater. Keep that in mind when building your spell list... It's
usually better to keep only one or two cure spells, and more "just in case
I might need this" spells, than it is to put a lot of cure spells. That way
you have a lot more options available to you, but can still cast healing
spells. Note you can't do this with Heal and Harm, unfortanently.
ARRANGING YOUR SPELLS. Take a little care in what position you memorize
your spells. You may think it unnecessary, but it's possible for you to get
cursed, or energy drained and lose character levels, thus reducing the number
of spells you can cast. It's also important to note that using spontaneous
casting goes from left to right, meaning if you spontaneous cast a
healing spell, it will use up the left most available spell and move to the
right. To avoid losing important spells in a battle, keep your "good to have
but not gotta have" spells to the left, mostly fixes, dispels, that sort of
thing. Keep your healing and battle spells in the middle, and your buff spells
to the right. If for some reason you lose levels (thus lose spell slots), the
lose won't be so painful in battle, since you've probably already cast your
buffage.
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
-----------------------------------
a.) Zeroeth Level Spells ( Theta )
-----------------------------------
Summary: SPELLS! You'll probably never use these
Recommended Early Spell Choices: Cure Minor Wounds, Resistance, Virtue, Light
Recommended Final Spell Choices: Resistance, Light
Cure Minor Wounds: Heals 4 HP. When you only have 8, that's a lot.
Inflict Minor Wounds: 1 point of damage. Your fist cause more damage.
Resistance: +1 to all saves for 2 turns. Useful for "boss" fights.
Virtue: temporary +1 HP. When you only have 8, that's useful.
Light: The only purpose of light is to enhance your Spot check, or actually,
decrease the hide check of nearby hiding creatures
-----------------------------------
b.) First Level Spells ( Iota )
-----------------------------------
Summary: No direct damage spells, but a few buff and debuffers that are
useful at low levels.
Recommended Early Spell Choices: Cure Light Wounds, Bless, Protection From
Alignment, Bane or Doom, Endure Elements
Recommended Final Spell Choices: Protection From Alignment, Remove Fear,
Summon Creature I
Bane: -1 to attack rolls and saving throws vs fear to a colossal area. Not as
good as Doom, but affects more people at once. Decent at low level.
Bless: The small bonus is useful at low levels and a "might as well" at
high levels. Probably should just use potions though.
Cure Light Wounds: When you first get it.. the HP it heals is helpful.
But like all low level spells, it becomes useless. Can be spontanously casted.
Divine Favor: +1 to attack and damage rolls for every 3 caster levels up to +5.
Only last 1 turn though (10 rounds), so only useful for a much needed
umph on a boss enemy or something.
Doom: a -2 to attack rolls, damage, saving throws, ability checks, and skill
checks. Great against low level bosses, but high level creatures will make
will saves.
Endure Elements: 10/- damage resistance against all elements, up to 20 points
of damage. Pretty minor but useful at low levels.
Inflict Light Wounds: Opposite of cure light wounds. 1d8 +1 per level up to
+5 of damage. Heals undead. Can be spontanously casted.
Magic Weapon: Empower a touched weapon with a +1 enhancement.
Decent on low magic servers.
Protection From Alignment: Bonuses to AC and saves and immunity to mind spells
from the chosen alignment. Last 1 Hour/Level. No reason not to throw one on.
Remove Fear: Not only does it remove fear for 1 creature/4 levels in a large
area, but they gain immunity to fear for 10 turns. Useful for dragon fights.
Keep one handy to cast on your friends.
Sanctuary: Mildly useful at first, but later level creatures can see through
the effect.
Scare: Might be handy if you're getting surrounded... but won't work on tough
monsters
Shield of Faith: +2 deflection bonus to AC, with +1 per 6 levels to a max of
+5. Decent, pretty decent.
Summon Creature I : The mighty badger. Most useful for casting across a floor
trap, then letting him come to follow you, taking the blow. PETA hates me.
-----------------------------------
c.) Second Level Spells ( Kappa )
-----------------------------------
Summary: Lots of stat buffs that you will use for the rest of the game, and
your first direct damage spells. Even at later levels you'll find yourself
leaving behind potentially useful spells.
Recommended Early Spell Choices: Bulls Strength, Endurance, Silence, Summon
Creature II
Aid: moderately useful, but doesn't last long enough. And no need to prepare
it when you get a scabbard of blessing.
Bulls Strength: Strength bonus with a 1 hour/level duration. Love it.
Cure Moderate Wounds: Take it if you are eating damage, but by now you should
have a healthy supply of potions. Can be
spontanously casted.
Darkness: Makes an area so dark enemies can't see you (nor you see them unless
you are right up on them). Only way to see through it is with UltraVision.
Note this spell effects you and your allies.. so use with care.
Eagles Splendor: Charisma bonus. Cast it to buff your Persuade
Endurance: Constitution bonus. Empowered will really jack up your HP
Entropic Shield: Nearby enemies have a 20% chance to miss on a ranged attack.
Certainly useful if it's becoming a problem.
Find Traps: You'd think it would be useful, but it's only a one time effect
spell...
Fox's Cunning: Intelligence bonus. Cast it on rogues to help their disable trap
Hold Person: Powerful enemies will save against it
Inflict Moderate Wounds: Opposite of Cure Moderate Wounds. 2d8 +1 per level
to +10 damage. Heals undead. Can be spontanously casted.
Lesser Dispel: Not so useful at first, but later it'll be extremely helpful in
counter spelling and getting rid of area effect spells
Lesser Restoration: You'll probably have a few scrolls of this.. don't waste a
spell slot on it
Negative Energy Ray: A direct damage spell, but it's not all that great. It's
most useful for cleaning up after using Harm.
Owl's Insight. Wisdom bonus. Cast it on yourself to increase the DC of your
spells
Remove Paralysis: Take it if this is becoming a problem.
Silence: Shut up enemy mages, but they'll often save against it. Instead,
cast it on YOURSELF or ally, then run near the enemy mage... effectively
shutting him up whether he likes it or not.
Sound Burst: Another weak direct damage spell. Also stuns if they fail a will
save. You'll probably have a scroll of this though.
Summon Creature II: The great dire bore!
-----------------------------------
d.) Third Level Spells ( Lambda )
-----------------------------------
Summary: A few more direct damage spells, some fix spells, and a few more buffs
Recommended Early Spell Choices: Protection From Elements, Cure Serious
Wounds, Animate Dead or Summon Creature III, Prayer,Glyph of Warding
Recommended Final Spell Choices: Protection From Elements, Clarity, Prayer,
Dispel Magic, Glyth of Warding
Animate Dead: most useful once you reach a cleric level 6. While the skeleton
doesn't have many hitpoints, he's almost immune to everything, so he'll
survive a lot if you stick close to him. And you can summon him even if you
are lawful good.
Bestow Curse: Would be useful against a really tough enemy, but if he's
that tough, he'll save against it.
Blindness/Deafness: Blindless lowers their attack bonus and spot check,
deafness lowers their listen check and makes mages have a 20% chance to
miscast. Decent enough, but there are better spells to choose.
Clarity: Remove sleep, confusion, stun and charm, and protect against it. Keep
one handy, just in case
Contagion: I've honestly never tried it, but I figure anything it'd be useful
on will fort save against it.
Continual Flame: A magic flame that burns as bright as a torch until dispelled.
But.. why?
Cure Serious Wounds: Use potions for yourself, keep this handy for your
friends. If you pick up an item that will heal, (staff of holy) use the staff
and free up a spell slot.
Darkfire: Gives a non-magical weapon a fire property with 1d6 damage, +1 per
two caster levels. With the availability of magic weapons on the official and
many campaigns, it's not useful, but if you play on low magic servers, a nice
bonus indeed.
Dispel Magic: better than lesser dispel. Keep one or two handy at higher
levels if you want to do some counter spelling
Glyph of Warding: Almost like a castable trap, the damage is pretty low at
1d8 per two levels up to 5d8, but could be useful if you can draw your
enemies to you.
Inflict Serious Wounds: Opposite of Cure Serious Wounds. 3d8 +1 per level up
to +15 damage. Heals undead. Can be spontanously casted.
Invisibility Purge: Might be handy if you're running into invisible creatures
a lot.
Magic Circle Against Alignment: Might be useful, but it's hard staying close
enough together to make it worth taking
Magic Vestment: Empower armor with +1 AC bonus per 3 levels up to +5. Nice
on low magic servers.
Negative Energy Protection: If you're getting hit by it a lot, take it
Prayer: Defiantly a good buff to throw down in the middle of a boss fight or
huge mob, as it both helps your allies and hurts your enemies.
Protection From Elements: You're first defense spell that you'll use
constantly. It has OK damage protection from elemental attacks, be it spells
or traps. Last 24 hours... so no reason not to cast it after a rest.
Remove Blindness/Deafness: Buy a few scrolls of this, and save the spell slot.
Remove Curse: Obviously, if you're getting cursed, them keep one or two of
these handy. But it's usually not a problem, and not needed when you get
a Greater Restoration scroll.
Remove Disease: Your healing kit should take care of these, or a Remove
Disease scroll.
Searing Light: The divine version of Negative Energy Ray, the damage is
decent against undead, but weak otherwise. Might as well turn instead and
go beat on them. It doesn't have a save however, and may be worth
considering. As with Negative Energy Ray, it's most useful for finishing a
guy off after a Harm.
Summon Creature III: The fearsome dire wolf. He has knockdown, so don't
underestimate him if you're low level.
-----------------------------------
e.) Fourth Level Spells ( Mu )
-----------------------------------
Summary: Better healing, and what will become you're favorite anti-mob spell
Recommended Early Spell Choices: Cure Critical Wounds, Hammer of the Gods,
Divine Power, Summon Creature IV
Recommended Final Spell Choices: Cure Critical Wounds, Hammer of the Gods,
Divine Power, Dismissal, Death Ward
Cure Critical Wounds: Your best "cure xxx wounds" spell. 4d8 +1 per level up
to +20 of healing goodness. Keep one or two handy to cast on allies. Can be
spontanously casted.
Dismissal: Unsummon enemy summons, animal companions, and familiars. Will can
negate it, but it's usually not a problem. A great equalizer. Keep one handy
in later levels for dismissing, or countering summons (as it will counter
most summon spells)
Death Ward: Immunity to death spells and abilities. Not needed if you're
wearing equipment with that kind of immunity, but defiantly buff it if you
aren't.
Divine Power: The fighter equalizer. Gives you the attack bonuses of a fighter
of the same level, 1 HP per level, and a STR of 18 if it's not already there.
It's downside (or balance if you prefer) is it doesn't last very long, so use
it wisely.
Freedom of Movement: This counters paralysis, slow, and entanglement spells,
as well as making you immune to them for a decent amount of time. Ready one
if this is become a problem.
Greater Magic Weapon: Empower of weapon with +1 enhancement per 3 caster
levels up to +5. Nice on low magic servers.
Hammer of the Gods: While the name is dramatic, keep in mind it is a 4th
level spell. The damage is not impressive, same as Searing Light. What is
cool is it has a "Huge" area of effect, and it stuns enemies who fail their
will saves. Useful if you're getting mobbed, so keep one or two handy.
Inflict Critical Wounds: The exact opposite of cure critical wounds. 4d8 +1
per level up to +20 worth of damage. Heals undead. Can be spontanously casted.
Neutralize Poison: Healing kits, potions, and scrolls will accomplish this.
Don't waste a spell slot.
Poison: STR damage, but Fort negates it... and since most fighting classes
have a Fort as their primary save... it won't do you much good.
Restoration: Pick up a couple scrolls and save a spell slot.
Summon Creature IV: The venomous dire spider.
-----------------------------------
f.) Fifth Level Spells ( Nu )
-----------------------------------
Summary: Starting to pick up more on your direct damage, lighter on the
healing and buffing
Battletide: You've seen all those cool auras some monsters have, now you can
get one. -2 penalty on saves, attack, and damage rolls. Plus a +2 to all
those for you. While that's not uber, it has no save, so if they don't have
spell resistance, they get hit with it. Spiffy.
Circle of Doom: The exact opposite of Healing Circle. Damages enemies for
about 30 HP at high levels at a "medium" distance.
Healing Circle: Heal a few hit points to all allies in a "medium" distance
from you. However, it will only max out about 30 HP at high levels, so it's
very limited in it's usefulness.
Flame Strike: Lay the smack down on enemies with half fire and half divine
energy. Does 1d6 damage per level, up to 15d6.Throw one down to soften
up the mobs, but don't rely on it.
Monstrous Regeneration: 10 hp per round, last for 1 round per 2 caster
levels. Though it last shorter, the amount of HP healed is better than the
7th level version...
Raise Dead: Bring an ally back to life with 1 HP. Use a scroll instead.
Slay Living: Your first death spell. Fort save or die, if save take 3d6 +1 hp
per caster level of damage. Obviously, it only works on living creatures.
Spell Resistance: Gain spell resistance 12 + 1 per cast level. At high levels
you're talking a spell resistance of 25-30. It's better than 0, so throw it
on if you're expecting fights with casters.
True Seeing: I don't know how I feel about this spell. You're suppose to
automatically see through Sanctuary and Invisibility, as well as spot traps
and hidden creatures. However I haven't seen it do any unless it's a
property on an item, so I dunno.
Summon Creature V: Ph34r the dire bear.
-----------------------------------
g.) Sixth Level Spells ( Xi )
-----------------------------------
Summary: HEAL! HARM! HEAL! HARM! HEAL! HARM! HEAL! HARM! In addition to those
2 spells that rock your socks off, you get a host of summoning spells, from
creature to outsider to undead, and the ability to banish them. Sixth level
spells just own.
Recommended Early Spell Choices: Heal, Harm, Summon Creature VI
Recommended Final Spell Choices: Heal, Harm, Blade Barrier, Greater Dispelling
Banishment: Higher level version of Dismissal. The number of creaters equal to
twice the caster's level in HD can be banished. Or you could just harm the
damn thing.
Blade Barrier: This is the cleric's equivalent to "Wall of Fire", except it's
not elemental damage and it does much more damage. 1d6 per level with no set
ceiling. It's bad point is.. it's very, very, oh so very noisy. It causes
regular damage, with no save, so chances it'll hit... and hurt. One more
thing, it's a 6th level spell, meaning it can be maximized. My 19th level
cleric will cause 99 damage. That's a lot of umpf.
Heal: Restore full hitpoints. Note that you can NOT spontaneous cast this
spell, so keep as many handy as you think you need.
Harm: Reduce target creature to 1d4 hitpoints with a successful melee touch
attack. NO SAVE. That means it works on anything that can't counter spell,
disrupt your concentration, avoid the touch, or immune to necromancy or
negative energy attacks. You can end a dragon fight rather quickly, but your
friends may think it's kind of cheap. Hell, YOU may think it's cheap. But
remember you only get 5 level 6 spell slots, so it's not like you can do it all
day.
Greater Sanctuary: Kind of an invisibility, except can't be detected by
things that normally see thru it. A nice upgrade if you need it.
Control Undead: I've never tried this, but you can supposedly control a
single undead creature with up to 2 Hit Dice. They can will save against it.
Create Undead: Instead of summoning a creature, you summon an undead
being. You can do this regardless of your alignment, which is kind of gay, but
hey. Most of these undead creatures aren't all that hot though. Stick with the
regular summons.
Greater Dispelling: Obviously, a better version of dispel, and the best you
get. At high levels, keep one or two memorized if you're going to do any
counter spelling, or want to strip a caster of some buffs.
Planar Ally: Summon outsider based on your alignment.
Summon Creature VI: The terrible dire tiger!
Undead to Death: Slays 1d4 HD worth of undead per cast level up to 20d4.
Can be will negated and spell resisted. Might keep it handy if your
turning ability sucks.
-----------------------------------
h.) Seventh Level Spells ( Omicron )
-----------------------------------
Summary: Feel the power of faith
Recommended Spell Choices: Destruction, Word of Faith, Regeneration
Greater Restoration: I usually recommend scrolls, but scrolls for this spell
can be quite expensive. If you're low on gold, keep one of these handy,
as they heal most effects, as well as restore full hitpoints. Plus it's cool
to hear the evil sounding cast chant.
Resurrection: Raise ally corpse with full hit points. Use a scroll or rod of
resurrection.
Summon Creature VII: Now you start summoning elementals. Unfortunately
you can't choose which one you want to summon. All are about equally useful
though.
Word of Faith: This spell is great.. but only if employed correctly. It's a
very strategic spell, like most high level spells, but has the ability to
throw a fight in your favor very quickly. First off.. the instruction booklet
is WRONG. It doesn't work that way. It works like the spell "Holy Word" does
in the Players Handbook D&D. To give the stats, target less than 4HD is
killed, less than 8 is paralyzed, less than 12 is blinded, less than 14 is
deafened. What does that mean? If the creature is blinded, it obviously
can't see you, and won't attack. it also loses any Dexterity bonus to AC.
If it's deafened, it gets a 20% chance to miscast a spell, and can't cast
any spell with verbal component, as well as penalties to listen and
initiative checks. Obviously, this spell has a lot to offer in turning a
losing battle around.
Destruction: Fort save or die, if save take 10d6 of damage. An excellent
equalizer. Always keep one handy.
Regenerate: 6 HP per round, for 1 round per caster level. Most peeps have
a ring of power or some other regeneration item, plus it doesn't last very
long. None the less, something to consider if you are expecting a long battle.
-----------------------------------
i.) Eighth Level Spells ( Pi )
-----------------------------------
Summary: After Harm and Destruction, you might be a little disappointed, and
wish you could trade these spell slots for more 6th and 7th level spells. But
these are not to be underestimated.
Recommended Spell Choices: Mass Heal, Aura Versus Alignment, Fire Storm,
Summon Creature VIII or Create Greater Undead
Create Greater Undead: Better than create undead, these creatures tend to
be a bit more powerful, and sometimes use spells.
Earthquake: 1d6 damage per level up to 10d6. While not as good as Fire Storm,
if the enemy is resistant to fire, this may be all
you got.
Fire Storm: Flame strike's big brother. Damage is "OK", at 1d6 per level,
maxing out at 20d6. Keep in mind, all creatures in 5 feet of the caster are
not damaged, so use this if they are still far away to soften up a large mob.
Mass Heal: All allies within a "large area" are healed to full. Defiantly
keep it around for a large party. Also, remember healing spells damage
undead, so it acts like Harm on a group of undead. Keep that in mind if
you can't turn them.
Summon Creature VIII: A greater random elemental.
Sunbeam: I have mixed feelings about this. Against undead, it does 1d6
per caster level, to a max of 20d6. Against others, it does 3d6 and blinds
them for 3 seconds. Reflex half the damage for undead, and voids the
blindness for others. While you might think "that's great against undead",
Fire Storm does 20d6 max regardless of enemy type, reflex only halves damage,
so even non undead still take 10d6. The only consideration is the 5 feet not
damaged thing for Fire Storm. For all out damage, use Fire Storm. If you want
the blind effect, then keep a Sunbeam memorized, but don't waste too many
spots on it.
Aura Versus Alignment: The ultimate in buffing verses an alignment. Use
Protect from alignment as general buff, and throw this thing on before
battle. Why? You get a +4 deflection bonus to AC, immunity to all mind
affecting and spell like abilities from chosen alignment, and a spell
resistance of 25 against spells by that creature. While you my have items to
do all that, creatures who successfully strike you take 6 + 1d8 damage.
Unfortunately, it's caster only, and doesn't lastlong.
-----------------------------------
j.) Ninth Level Spells ( Rho )
-----------------------------------
Summary: These are more situational spells. If you multiclass, you probably
won't feel bad about ditching these, but if you're pure, you can defiantly
put them to good use.
Recommended Spell Choices: Implosion, Summon Creature IX and or Gate,
Storm of Vengeance, Energy Drain
Energy Drain: Target loses 2d4 character levels. With enough wisdom and a
little luck, the DC may be high enough to make even tough enemies fail
their fortitude save
Gate: Summon a Balor for 1 round/level. You MUST be protected from evil
by either Protection From Evil, Magic Circle verses Evil, or Aura versus Evil.
Otherwise, the Balor will attack YOU. If you're protected, he's just like a
summon. Cast it in a major battle (and hope he doesn't get countered or
dismissed) and he can really tear it up.
Implosion: Your mass death spell. While it's pretty weak compared to Weird
and Wail of the Banshee, due to it's "medium" area of effect, it's none the
less all you've got, so keep one handy for those "just in case" times.
Storm of Vengeance: Colossal storm for 10 rounds. 3d6 of acid damage per
round, and those who fail reflex save get another 3d6 of electrical damage.
Throw it down during a big fight to help out, but don't rely on it to kill
the enemy.
Summon Creature IX: Elder elemental.
Undeath's Eternal Foe: All allies gain immunity to negative damage,
level/energy drain, ability score decreases, poisons and diseases. On a
low magic server where this stuff isn't available, this spell well help your
team make quick work of the undead.
-----------------------------------
k.) Epic Spells ( Sigma )
-----------------------------------
Summary: These are spells you can gain from feats. You must meet a requirement
of being 21st level, the ability to cast 9th level spells, and a rank in
spellcraft that is different for each spell.
Recommended Spell Choices: They all rock in their own way, so I won't
recommend. Choose something that complements your character.
Dragon Knight: Summon an adult red dragon. Who wouldn't want their own pet
dragon? Rockin. Needs 22 ranks in spellcraft.
Greater Ruin: 35d6 energy damage to single target. Yeowch. 25 ranks in
spellcraft needed.
Hellball: 10d6 pointsof acid, fire, electrical, and sonic damage to all
targets in radius. 32 ranks in spellcraft needed.
Mummy Dust: Summons a powerful mummy warrior, similar to create greater
undead, but better. 15 ranks in spellcraft needed.
**As Letthebulletsfly points out my laziness in checking the manual,
Epic Mage Armor and Epic Warding are two Epic Spells that are only
available to wizards, sorcerers, and bards. Sucks for us.**
-----------------------------------
l.) Domains ( Tau )
-----------------------------------
DOMAIN SPELLS. As a cleric, you also get to focus on two "domains" to get
extra abilities and spells. Normally you would pick the domains from a list
that your deity has control over. However in NWN, you can pick any. Yes
you can pick Evil and Good if you wanted too. Choose with care...as they
can really compliment your spell list and powers.
1.) Air
Summary: If you want to focus on more direct damage, Air is a good pick for
the lightning spells.
Special ability- Elemental Turning: Able to turn elementals as if they were
undead.
Call Lighting(3rd level): Large area of effect, 1d6 per caster level, max at
10d6. Not great, but not bad either, and since it's 3rd level, you're not
strapped for spell slots.
Chain Lightning(6th level): Call Lightning's bigger brother. Colossal area of
effect, with 1 target per caster level. Same damage, except it maxes at
20d6 to the first target, and half that to the rest. It can really hurt
empowered or maximized.
2.) Animal
Summary: The features aren't all that tempting, but might be a good choice
for a multiclasser who's going to limit himself on spells.
Special ability- More powerful summon creature spells. Basically, whatever
summon creature spell you cast, it's actually the next level up's spell. So if
you cast Summon Creature I, you actually get Summon Creature II, all the way
up to VIII, which cast IX. Not a bad pick if you want to free up higher level
spells without sacrificing a good summon.
Cats Grace(2nd level): The DEX buff, the only stat buff you don't get
naturally, now you do.
True Seeing(3rd level): Was a 5th level spell, now a 3rd. Free up a slot for
Slay Living, but not that important.
Polymorph Self(5th level): Turn yourself into some interesting monsters,
gaining their stats. While could be useful in limited situations, it screws
up your stats, so you have to redo your spells when you're done.
3.) Death
Summary: The ability might be interesting, the spells are nothing to write
home about.
Special ability- Negative Plane Avatar. Able to summon a shadow that scales
according to the cleric's level. I've never tried it, so I don't know how good
it is.
Phantasmal Killer(4th level): A low level death spell. Has both a will save
and a fortitude save, but still inflicts 3d6 if they make the fort save.
Enveration(5th level): Energy Drain's little brother. Target loses 1d4 levels.
Good luck with the save though.
4.) Destruction
Summary: The name sounds cool.
Special ability- Weaken Constructs: able to damage constructs with turning
Stinking Cloud(3rd level): Fortitude or be dazed. What's cool is if they fail,
they are dazed for as long as the cloud
remains.
Acid Fog(6th level): Stinking Cloud's dad. 4d6 per entry, plus 2d6 every round
they stay in the cloud. Fort save or have movement reduced by half. Not sure
if I'd want to lose a 6th level spot for it though.
5.) Earth
Summary: An excellent choice. Elemental turning, with 2 great buffs that buff
great together.
Special ability- Turn Elementals: Able to turn elementals as if they were
undead.
Stoneskin(4th level): Damage reduction. Absorbs 10 points of melee damage per
caster level, a max of 100. Defiantly a fighter friendly buff.
Energy Buffer(5th level): This is a better version of protection from
elements, but doesn't last as long. Keep it handy in case your protect from
elements gets dispelled or runs out.
6.) Evil
Summary: Negative spells. A 1st level direct damage spell, with Negative
Energy Burst.. a excellent low level spell.
Special ability- Turn Outsiders: Able to turn outsiders as if they were
undead. (i.e. planear summons, balors)
Negative Energy Ray(1st level): You normally get it at 2nd, now you get it at
1st and 2nd. Not any more useful though.
Negative Energy Burst(3rd level): 1d8 + 1 point per caster level of negative
damage with "huge" area of effect. Basically like Circle of Doom, except this
also does 1 point of STR damage per 4 caster levels. Which makes it sextacular
for a 3rd
level spell.
Enveration(5th level): Energy Drain's little brother. Target loses 1d4 levels.
Good luck with the save though.
7.) Fire
Summary: I wouldn't recommend fire. You can get elemental turning and energy
buffer from another domain.
Special ability- Turn Elementals: Able to turn elementals as if they were
undead.
Wall of Fire(4th level): 4d6 fire wall. Can sting empowered, but blade barrier
is probably more effective.
Energy Buffer(5th level): This is a better version of protection from
elements, but doesn't last as long. Keep it handy in case your protect from
elements gets dispelled or runs out.
8.) Good
Summary: While turning outsiders is limited in it's usefulness, it's worth
considering
Special ability- Turn Outsider: Able to turn outsiders as if they were
undead. (i.e. planear summons, balors)
Stoneskin(4th level): Damage reduction. Absorbs 10 points of melee damage
per caster level, a max of 100. Defiantly a fighter friendly buff.
Lesser Planar Binding(5th level): This spell can be used two ways.
Paralyzing a single outsider for 1 round per 2 caster levels, or summoning
an ally. The ally sucks, and the outsider can will save against being
paralyzed.
9.) Healing
Summary: Empowered healing, and the cure spells in lower slots make it an
attractive choice if you plan on playing with a party often
Special ability- Empower Healing: The following healing spells are cast as if
Empowered by the feat: Cure Light Wounds, Cure Moderate Wounds, Cure Serious
Wounds, Cure Critical Wounds.
Cure Serious Wounds(2nd): Now you get it at 2nd, though you probably don't
want to sacrifice a stat buff for it
Heal(5th): Free up more 6th level slots for Harm
10.) Knowledge
Summary: I really don't recommend the spell domains, as the spells they offer
don't compliment the cleric much
Special ability- Extra spells
Identify(1st level): adds 10 + 1 per caster level to your lore skill.. screw
your lore skill and rely on this
Knock(2nd level): unlock spell... sure why not
Clairaudience and clairvoyance(3rd level): +10 to spot and listen... hmpf
True Seeing(4th level): was 5th, now 4th too
Legend Lore(5th level): adds 10 +1 per 2 caster levels to lore. WTF you ask?
Why not use identify? Well this one last longer
11.) Magic
Summary: Probably the only spell domain worth considering. 3 direct damage
spells, and 2 buffs. Though you get no special abilities, the compliment to
spells are nice, and would team up well with Air to round out a full set of
elemental direct damage spells. Of course.. if that's what you are interested
in.. you should probably be a mage, or druid.
Special ability- Extra spells
Mage Armor(1st level): a +1 to all your armor types. Dodge stacks, rest don't
Melf's Acid Arrow(2nd level): 3d6, + 1d6 every round after as long as the
spell last. Delayed damage kind of sucks.
Negative Energy Burst(3rd level): 1d8 + 1 point per caster level of negative
damage with "huge" area of effect. Basically like Circle of Doom, except this
also does 1 point of STR damage per 4 caster levels.
Stoneskin(4th level): Damage reduction. Absorbs 10 points of melee damage per
caster level, a max of 100. Defiantly a fighter friendly buff.
Ice Storm(5th level): "huge" area, 3d6 + 1d6 per 3 caster levels of cold
damage, and 2d6 bludgeoning damage. At high levels it can cause some decent
damage.
12.) Plant
Summary: Interesting extra spells
Special ability- Turn Vermin: Able to turn vermin as if they were undead.
Barkskin(2nd level): Natural AC bonus, dependant on level. If you don't
already have natural AC bonus items equipped, then it can allow you to wear
something else and still have the bonus.
Creeping Doom(7th level): This spell works kind of weird, but it has a lot
of potential and no save, making it interesting. It does 1d6 points per
damage, and any creature who remains in the area of effect receives
additionally damage that is incremented. So 1d6 first round, 2d6 second
round, 4d6 third, 7d6 forth, etc) all the way to 1000 points of damage.
Could do some serious good in a long battle with lots of enemies.
13.) Protection
Summary: Interesting for the special ability. Would have to pump lots of
Charisma though.
Special ability- Divine Protection: Available to Clerics of the Protection
Domain. The cleric is able to cast an improved form of Sanctuary that sets
the save DC at 10 + Charisma Modifier + Clerical Level. The effect has a
duration of 1 round per caster level + Charisma modifier.
Minor Globe of Invulnerability(4th level): Protection against 3rd level spells
and lower.
Energy Buffer(5th level): This is a better version of protection from
elements, but doesn't last as long. Keep it handy in case your protect from
elements gets dispelled or runs out.
14.) Strength
Summary: While you'll have the potential to raise your strength incredibly
high, it won't last long enough to be practical
Special ability- Divine Strength: The cleric gains a bonus to Strength equal
to 2 +1 per 3 cleric levels. The effect lasts for 5 rounds + Charisma modifier.
Divine Power(3rd level): The fighter equalizer. Gives you the attack bonuses
of a fighter of the same level, 1 HP per level, and a STR of 18 if it's not
already there. It's downside (or balance if you prefer) is it doesn't last
very long, so use it wisely.
Stoneskin(4th level): Damage reduction. Absorbs 10 points of melee damage per
caster level, a max of 100. Defiantly a fighter friendly buff.
15.) Sun
Summary: If you start off a cleric with sun, then start a different one
without it, you'll notice the difference in turning. You CAN live without it
though
Special ability- Exceptional Turning: Add 1d6 to all turning checks to
determine the maximum HD of undead turned. Also add 1d4 to the number of
undead Hit Dice turned. Helpful, but not the end of the world if you don't
have it.
Searing Light(2nd level): Now you can use it at 2nd, except that's where all
your stat buffs are...
Sunbeam(7th level): Get it at 7th now... probably don't want to sacrifice a D
estruction or Word of Faith for it though
16.) Travel
Summary: I really don't recommend the spell domains, as the spells they offer
don't compliment the cleric much
Special ability- Extra spells
Entangle(1st level): basically a mass immobilization spell... though the
people effected can still fight and cast spells. Reflex save reduces movement
by half. Not a bad 1st level spell.
Web(2nd level): similar to entangle, but being a 2nd level, you'd have to
sacrifice your stat buffs
Freedom of Movement(3rd level): This counters paralysis, slow, and
entanglement spells, as well as making you immune to them for a decent amount
of time. Ready one if this is become a problem.
Slow(4th level): The name says it all. Reduces speed, and they lose an attack
per round
Haste(5th level): +4 to AC, an extra attack, and faster movement... but
chances are most people wear the boots
17.) Trickery
Summary: the spells could be useful, but the skill is questionable.. maybe
if you multiclass rogue.
Special ability- Divine Trickery: Bonus to Hide, Persuade, Search, Disable
Trap, Move Silently, Open Lock, and Pick Pockets checks equal to 1 per 2
levels. This effect lasts for 5 turns + the cleric's Charisma modifier. That
would be useful, but chances are all of those skills (except maybe Persuade)
will suck anyway.. so having a +10 won't do you a lot of good.
Invisibility(2nd level): Just like it says, you can't be seen with normal
vision. Any attack or spell you cast cancels it.
Invisibility Sphere(3rd level): Invisibility area of effect. Allies become
invisible while in the sphere.. potential there
Improved Invisibility(5th level): Same as invisibility, except if you cast or
attack, you still get 50% concealment bonus.
18.) War
Summary: If you have the Charisma... the special ability could be useful, and
Aura of Vitality owns
Special ability- Battle Master: The clerics gains a bonus of 1 + 1 per 5
levels to Dexterity, Constitution, Attack Rolls and Damage. As well this bonus
modifier is used to grant the cleric damage reduction in the same amount. The
effect will last for 5 rounds + Charisma modifier.
Cats Grace(2nd level): The DEX buff, the only stat buff you don't get
naturally, now you do. But of course, you don't have much use for DEX...
Aura of Vitality(7th level): All allies within a colossal area get a +4 to
STR, DEX, and CON. That's a +2 bonus to anything that uses those stats. This
spell alone is reason enough to take War.
19.) Water
Summary: spells aren't great, you can get elemental turning elsewhere with
better spells. Only if you wanted a larger complement of elemental spells to
use.
Special ability- Turn Elementals: Able to turn elementals as if they were
undead.
Poison(3rd level): you get it at 3rd now, so with a lower DC it'll even be
more useless
Ice Storm(5th level): "huge" area, 3d6 + 1d6 per 3 caster levels of cold
damage, and 2d6 bludgeoning damage. More of a
softener
*******************************************************************************
8.) Play Tips ( Tau )
----------------------
More often than not, the cleric is a team player. Yes you can do your own
thing, but your strength comes in your ability to help others, not so much
as kill things. Thus you'll likely find the most rewarding experience playing
with friends, and getting to make the most of your spells. Keep one thing in
mind though, most everybody online has dozens of healing potions and greater
restoration scrolls... so they really don't NEED you that much. Of course when
you are able to turn undead when they are surrounded by vampire mages...
they'll be appreciative... but how much you are actually NEEDED is
questionable. When you throw down Harm on an Ancient Black Dragon, you will
either get much praise, or kicked from the server. Thus is the life of a
religious zealot. Because you're not NEEDED, people aren't going to make it
easy for you to heal them.. it'll be up to you to decide who needs healing,
when, and figure out a way to get to them. Most people wear the Acme Boots
of Speed, so you'll most defiantly need them as well so you can keep up.
Here are a few tips that might make your playing more fun an interesting.
1. Unless you're investing lots of levels, don't multiclass more than 5 or 6
levels. You can live without the 9th level and 8th level spells, but giving up
7th level Destruction and Word of Faith is really not to be taken lightly.
2. Know how you want your character to end up before you build it. Know if you
want to multiclass, and into what. Know what Domains you will want also, as
this will probably affect your spell layout some. Knowing what to expect from
your character will offer a much more rewarding experience, and less
disappointment.
3. Always help attack unless you have pansied yourself out. Remember, you
are always a Fighter/Caster, and thus if you're not immediately or preparing
to cast, you should be helping fight. You'll probably be more wanted in that
regard than in your casting abilities. You don't necessarily have to be in
melee, even a ranged weapon will work if it's decent, just do something other
than stand around. The exception is if the enemy is too hard to hit for you,
or you are counter spelling.
4. Buff a few friends. In all honestly, when you get to higher levels, you
don't have THAT MANY useful spells, and will probably end up taken 2 or even
3 of the same spell per level. So it won't hurt to give a buddy or 2 a
protect from elements, or give your lead fighter a spell resistance, so he
doesn't get creamed when he opens the door to those 4 war wizards.
5. Know when to heal, or IF to heal. If you are playing with new people, then
you should wait until the last second to heal, or if you are currently
engaged, neglect to heal them. Yes they might die, probably will, but they
also may drink a heal potion or use a greater restoration scroll at the last
minute too, and nothing is more annoying than casting heal on somebody who's
drinking the potion at the same time. Thus if the people are going to use
their potions and scrolls, let them. Save your spells for somebody who doesn't
use the potions, or yourself.
6. That being said, if you do heal somebody, start doing it all the time.
People will come to expect it from you, and you should be able to deliver.
Stop and re-do your spell layout with more healing spells. Don't wait until
the last minute to heal them either, as you never know when he might get
whacked by a critical hit, or knocked down and lose his AC bonus.
7. If there are enough fighters in the group, then counter spell enemy mages.
You should have a few dispels learned, and those will more often than not
counter spell anything. This will free up your mages to killing rather than
countering, and keep anybody from being damaged. Also, this will more than
likely put you in closer proximity to your mages, and you can act as an extra
line of defense should somebody make a break for them. Your whole team will
love you for this. You should always try to counter enemy clerics first, as
the last thing you need is to have one of your fighters Harmed. Also, you'll
probably have more of the same spells, thus not wasting so many dispels
against him.
And that's that! I hope you learned a little about the cleric. If you see
Trowa Barton on the servers, make sure to tell him Well Met! And if you see
Calisto, laugh at her in the most degrading fashion possible.
