Ready to dive into the captivating world of Cleric 5e? You’re in the right place! This comprehensive guide will unveil everything you need to know, from basic features to spellcasting and divine domains.
By the end, you’ll be equipped with top-notch knowledge to navigate your Cleric 5e journey with ease. Let’s embark on this adventure together and unlock the full potential of your cleric 5e character!
| Level | Proficiency Bonus | Features | Cantrips Known | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | +2 | Spellcasting, Divine Domain | 3 | 2 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2nd | +2 | Channel Divinity (x1), Divine Domain feature, Harness Divine Power (Optional) | 3 | 3 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 3rd | +2 | 3 | 4 | 2 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| 4th | +2 | Ability Score Improvement, Cantrip Versatility (Optional) | 4 | 4 | 3 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 5th | +3 | Destroy Undead (CR 1/2) | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 6th | +3 | Channel Divinity (x2), Divine Domain feature | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 7th | +3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | |
| 8th | +3 | Ability Score Improvement, Destroy Undead (CR 1), Divine Domain feature, Cantrip Versatility (Optional) | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 9th | +4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | – | – | – | – | |
| 10th | +4 | Divine Intervention | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | – | – | – | – |
| 11th | +4 | Destroy Undead (CR 2) | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | – | – | – |
| 12th | +4 | Ability Score Improvement, Cantrip Versatility (Optional) | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | – | – | – |
| 13th | +5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | – | – | |
| 14th | +5 | Destroy Undead (CR 3) | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | – | – |
| 15th | +5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | |
| 16th | +5 | Ability Score Improvement, Cantrip Versatility (Optional) | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | – |
| 17th | +6 | Destroy Undead (CR 4), Divine Domain feature | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 18th | +6 | Channel Divinity (x3) | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 19th | +6 | Ability Score Improvement, Cantrip Versatility (Optional) | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 20th | +6 | Divine Intervention improvement | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Understanding the Basic Features of Cleric 5e
When diving into the world of Dungeons & Dragons, understanding the basic features of a Cleric in the 5th Edition (5e) is crucial for any player. This section will provide a clear overview of the fundamental aspects, from hit points to proficiencies and equipment.
Hit Points
Hit Points are essential for the survival of any character in the game. For a Cleric in 5e, the hit points are calculated as follows:
- Hit Dice: 1d8 per Cleric 5e level
- Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + your Constitution modifier
- Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d8 (or 5) + your Constitution modifier per Cleric 5e level after 1st
Proficiencies
Proficiencies define what skills and tools your Cleric can use effectively. For Clerics in 5e, these are the main proficiencies:
- Armor: Light armor, medium armor, shields
- Weapons: Simple weapons
- Tools: None
- Saving Throws: Wisdom, Charisma
- Skills: Choose two from History, Insight, Medicine, Persuasion, and Religion
Equipment
The starting equipment for a Cleric 5e ensures they are well-prepared for their adventures:
- (a) a mace or (b) a warhammer (if proficient)
- (a) scale mail, (b) leather armor, or (c) chain mail (if proficient)
- (a) a light crossbow and 20 bolts or (b) any simple weapon
- (a) a priest’s pack or (b) an explorer’s pack
- A shield and a holy symbol
Understanding these core elements of the Cleric 5e will set you on the right path as you build and develop your character. From hit points to equipment, each aspect plays a vital role in shaping your Cleric’s capabilities and readiness for the challenges ahead.
Also Read: Lightning Bolt 5e: Mastering the Ultimate Spell
Spellcasting
When diving into the role of a Cleric in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, understanding spellcasting is key. The magic of a Cleric 5e is versatile and powerful, reflecting their divine connection. Let’s explore the nuances of Cleric 5e spellcasting to help you master this class.
Cantrips
Cantrips are the basic spells that a Cleric 5e can cast without using any spell slots. They are always available and can be used as often as needed.
These simple yet effective spells provide a foundation for your magical abilities. With options like Sacred Flame and Spare the Dying, you’ll have essential tools at your disposal from the start.
Ritual Casting
Ritual Casting is a fantastic feature that allows Clerics to cast certain spells without expending a spell slot, provided the spell has the ritual tag.
This ability is incredibly useful for non-combat situations, letting you save your precious spell slots for more critical moments.
Spells Known of 1st Level and Higher
Clerics have access to a wide array of spells from 1st level and beyond. These spells are prepared daily, giving you the flexibility to adapt your spell list to the challenges you anticipate.
This means you can choose from healing spells, defensive buffs, or offensive attacks based on your needs. The ability to tailor your spells each day is a cornerstone of the Cleric’s adaptability.
Spellcasting Focus
To channel their divine magic, Cleric 5e use a spellcasting focus. This could be a holy symbol, which serves as a conduit for their spells.
The focus not only aids in spellcasting but also represents the Cleric 5e is connection to their deity. Having a spellcasting focus ensures that you can cast your spells effectively, even in the heat of battle.
By mastering these aspects of spellcasting, you’ll unlock the full potential of your Cleric 5e, making you a vital asset to any adventuring party.
Also Read: Exhaustion 5e: Unveiling the Hidden Challenges in D&D
Divine Domain
When playing as a cleric in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), one of the most exciting aspects is choosing your Divine Domain.
This decision shapes your cleric 5e is abilities, spells, and overall playstyle. Whether you want to be a healer, a protector, or a damage dealer, the Divine Domain you select will be crucial. Each domain offers a unique blend of powers that can turn the tide of any adventure.
| Domain | Source |
|---|---|
| Arcana | Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide |
| Death | Dungeon Master’s Guide |
| Forge | Xanathar’s Guide to Everything |
| Grave | Xanathar’s Guide to Everything |
| Knowledge | Player’s Handbook |
| Life | Player’s Handbook |
| Light | Player’s Handbook |
| Nature | Player’s Handbook |
| Order | Guildmaster’s Guide to Ravnica, Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything |
| Peace | Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything |
| Tempest | Player’s Handbook |
| Trickery | Player’s Handbook |
| Twilight | Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything |
| War | Player’s Handbook |
| Planeshift – Amonkhet | |
| Solidarity | Amonkhet |
| Strength | Amonkhet |
| Ambition | Amonkhet |
| Zeal | Amonkhet |
| Unearthed Arcana | |
| Fate | Unearthed Arcana 85 – Wonders of the Multiverse |
| Archived Unearthed Arcana | |
| City | Unearthed Arcana 7 – Modern Magic |
| Protection | Unearthed Arcana 22 – Cleric |
| Twilight | Unearthed Arcana 63 – Cleric, Druid, Wizard |
| Unity | Unearthed Arcana 68 – Subclasses, Part 2 |
Harness Divine Power
Harness Divine Power is an ability that allows clerics to channel their inner strength to produce remarkable effects. This feature grants the cleric the ability to restore expended spell slots during combat. It’s a way to ensure that you always have the magical resources you need when things get tough.
This ability can be a game-changer in prolonged battles where every spell counts. Imagine calling upon the divine energy to cast another crucial healing spell or offensive attack just when you thought you were out of options.
Destroy Undead
Destroy Undead is an ability that makes clerics particularly effective against undead creatures. At higher levels, when you use your Turn Undead feature, any undead that fails its saving throw is instantly destroyed if it is below a certain challenge rating.
This ability is especially useful in campaigns filled with undead foes. It ensures that your cleric can clear the battlefield of weaker undead minions, allowing your party to focus on more significant threats.
Cantrip Versatility
Cantrip Versatility is a feature that allows clerics to swap out cantrips during level-ups. This flexibility ensures that your cleric can adapt to new challenges and scenarios as the campaign progresses.
If a particular cantrip is no longer useful, you can replace it with one that better suits your current needs. This feature is perfect for clerics who want to keep their spellcasting toolkit fresh and effective at all times.
Ability Score Improvement
Ability Score Improvement is an essential feature for any cleric. At certain levels, you can increase one ability score by 2 points or two ability scores by 1 point each. This feature allows you to enhance your cleric’s strengths or mitigate weaknesses.
The choices you make can significantly impact your cleric’s effectiveness in both combat and role-playing scenarios. Whether you decide to boost your Wisdom for better spellcasting or your Constitution for more hit points, this feature provides vital customization options.
- Boost Wisdom: Improves spellcasting abilities.
- Enhance Constitution: Increases hit points.
- Increase Strength: Better melee combat capabilities.
- Raise Charisma: Improves social interactions and certain spells.
Also Read: Unlocking Disguise Self 5e: Shape-Shifting Adventures Await!
Conclusion
Understanding the ins and outs of playing a cleric 5e can significantly enhance your Dungeons & Dragons experience. From mastering spellcasting to leveraging divine domains, each aspect offers unique opportunities for creativity and strategy.
Remember, the key is to delve into each feature, practice your skills, and enjoy the journey. Being well-versed in these elements will not only make your gameplay smoother but also more enjoyable.
If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to check out more of our blogs for in-depth insights and tips on various D&D classes and features! Happy adventuring!
