I'm currently playing a full blooded Orc War Domain Cleric. I was looking for more in-game tips, but most vids just repeat what is said in the books, so I'm glad to find some tips here :) As a note, I haven't played other clerics and we rolled our stats so my character has good strength and wisdom (betterthat what can be gotten with standard array), so I cannot compare, but the War Cleric, from level 1, gets huge value from bonus actions. Outside of combat I'm usually using utility spells. In combat, I'm always looking to first use my bonus action (healing word, spiritual weapon, etc.), and saving my action to attack with my warhammer, or grapple/shove. Only seldom use the war priest feature when I just want to straight up do damage while Divine Favor is up. Also my Orc has the Aggressive race feature, meaning he will almost always be where the fight is thickest. People rate War Domain low compared to pure casters or martial classes, but to me it is a hybrid. If it could attack twice with the attack action, it'd shoot up to be an overpowered domain.
War Domain rocks because of what you can do with just 1 or 2 levels of it. For instance... Gloom Stalker 11, War Domain 2, Battle Master 7 + Sharpshooter + Short/Long/etc. bow = welcome to 5 long range attacks on turn 1 (Dread Ambusher, Action Surge, War priest, plus 2 attacks), with a minimum of 60+ dmg if you hit all 5 times, something like 130+ max possible damage without criting. Don't forget your Maneuvers! (Yes, you can use a maneuver on all 5 attacks, though this requires Battle Master to be level 7 for 5 superiority dice) Think you missed one? Don't worry, use Guided Strike (WD2) to add +10 to the attack roll. Oh no, did you for sure miss again? Don't worry, just use Stalker's Flurry (GS11) to attack AGAIN on the same turn! The minimum level to get this going is 8 (GS5/WD1/BM2). This is because you get action surge at level 2 Fighter, but dread ambusher at level 3 Ranger. Meaning for the purposes of this build, Gloom Stalker has to be the one to get extra attack (Ranger level 5) first since ranger gets nothing useful for this build at level 2, and the alternate path would be BM5/GS3/WD1 meaning this build wouldn't fully come online until level 9. And if you're already taking level 5 GS it makes sense to just to go level 8 for the attributes and Iron Mind. Also, if you get to level 9 Gloom Stalker you can add Flame Arrows, which is a +30 max possible dmg in 5 attacks, not including crits. Cast Flame Arrows tactically though, as it lasts for 1hr, so cast it just before you think you might encounter enemies. You're welcome, whomever finds this and happens to want to compound their ambusher. You don't have to do it exactly like this, I just like Gloom Stalker, you can just be level 3 GS for Dread Ambusher. You actually don't even need it if you want to take fighter to level 11 and WD to level 1, you'll get 3 attacks from Fighter + Action Surge + War Priest = 5 attacks. And even 6 attacks if you go BM11/WD1/GS3. Which means at level 16 you could have BM12/GS3/WD1 and still get 4 attribute increases + 6 attacks on the first turn. 6 attack actions as early as level 15 is nice. So just remember that all builds have varying qualities, and like I've done with my Gloom Stalker, even if it isn't the "Absolute best build ever", you're doing this for you, not for everyone else. Yes, consider the pros and cons of your build, but have fun with it! P.S. Since most games don't get past level 16 or 17, I'd personally start with taking Gloom Stalker to level 8 and then go GS9/WD1/BM6. This makes it so the core of the build functions well. You miss out on Guided Strike, and 5 Superiority die, but it's okay because you still get 4 attribute increases and Flame Arrows. Alternatively you can go GS8/WD2/BM6 to trade Flame Arrows for Guided Strike (and still get 4 attribute increases), or even GS11/WD1/BM4 for Stalker's Flurry + Flame Arrows (but only 3 attribute increase), and if you really don't care about stats you can go GS11/WD2/BM3 for Stalker's Flurry + Guided Strike + Flame Arrows (But only 2 attribute increases). However, If you don't want Cleric you will only be able to do 4 attacks on turn 1, but you can just take Battle Master to 8 for all 3 of it's attribute increases and Gloom Stalker to 8 for a total of 5 attribute increases and 5 superiority die. Or Battle Master 7 and Gloom Stalker to 9 for Flame Arrows + 5 Superiority Dice (but only 4 attribute increases). Lot's of ways to do it but thankfully it all works reasonably well no matter which path you take.
my last war domain cleric was human variant. Took healer as my feat at first level and healing kit. it scales as you level up. I haven't used a healing spell yet. left all my spells for defense and attacking. At 4th level i took war caster, for concentration spells.
Since you mentioned having a focus on heavy armor, may I suggest the overlooked yet extremely powerful Heavy Armor Master? Aside from +1 STR it reduces a flat 3 damage to all non magical physical attacks. Seeing as most games wont get to level 17, this will really help. I've seen it in action on a paladin, it's pretty gnarly.
Take GWM feat, negate the -5 penalty giving you a +5 instead with Guided Strike to hit. Add that +10 damage on top of any concentration weapon buff spell, use your Divine Strike at 8th/14th for more damage and if you go Aasimar use racial radiant or necrotic damage equal your lvl each turn.
High Elves make great War Domain Clerics; it is the cheapest way to get the Booming Blade cantrip. Since Clerics never get extra attacks, Booming Blade or Green Flame Blade are the best way to scale your melee damage. Well, you do get some extra attacks from War Priest, but you are going to run out very fast.
I'm currently seriously considering a new V.Human (War Caster) character with the acolyte background. Thinking 5 levels in fighter for the Extra Attack and CON save proficiency. Then dumping the rest of my levels into War Cleric. Waiting until level 6 to become a Cleric though is a loooong wait. And I don't want Paladin because I personally don't have a great deal of CHA, so playing one isn't really fun for me. The other thought is straight up 20 levels in Ranger (or starting with 2 leaves in Fighter for the CON saves and Great Weapon Fighting) to make a STR-based Ranger and just play him as a Cleric (support and healing and the such). Thinking Horizon Walker conclave maybe with an acolyte background. Thoughts?
“They can’t kill us all (unless they kill us all at the same time)”-party of clerics
Dude, you got a thumbs up with that opening.
love that intro lmao
I'm currently playing a full blooded Orc War Domain Cleric. I was looking for more in-game tips, but most vids just repeat what is said in the books, so I'm glad to find some tips here :)
As a note, I haven't played other clerics and we rolled our stats so my character has good strength and wisdom (betterthat what can be gotten with standard array), so I cannot compare, but the War Cleric, from level 1, gets huge value from bonus actions. Outside of combat I'm usually using utility spells. In combat, I'm always looking to first use my bonus action (healing word, spiritual weapon, etc.), and saving my action to attack with my warhammer, or grapple/shove. Only seldom use the war priest feature when I just want to straight up do damage while Divine Favor is up. Also my Orc has the Aggressive race feature, meaning he will almost always be where the fight is thickest.
People rate War Domain low compared to pure casters or martial classes, but to me it is a hybrid. If it could attack twice with the attack action, it'd shoot up to be an overpowered domain.
That's a very clear explanation on how to make the most of the bonus action! thanks for sharing it!
War Domain rocks because of what you can do with just 1 or 2 levels of it. For instance... Gloom Stalker 11, War Domain 2, Battle Master 7 + Sharpshooter + Short/Long/etc. bow = welcome to 5 long range attacks on turn 1 (Dread Ambusher, Action Surge, War priest, plus 2 attacks), with a minimum of 60+ dmg if you hit all 5 times, something like 130+ max possible damage without criting. Don't forget your Maneuvers! (Yes, you can use a maneuver on all 5 attacks, though this requires Battle Master to be level 7 for 5 superiority dice) Think you missed one? Don't worry, use Guided Strike (WD2) to add +10 to the attack roll. Oh no, did you for sure miss again? Don't worry, just use Stalker's Flurry (GS11) to attack AGAIN on the same turn! The minimum level to get this going is 8 (GS5/WD1/BM2). This is because you get action surge at level 2 Fighter, but dread ambusher at level 3 Ranger. Meaning for the purposes of this build, Gloom Stalker has to be the one to get extra attack (Ranger level 5) first since ranger gets nothing useful for this build at level 2, and the alternate path would be BM5/GS3/WD1 meaning this build wouldn't fully come online until level 9. And if you're already taking level 5 GS it makes sense to just to go level 8 for the attributes and Iron Mind. Also, if you get to level 9 Gloom Stalker you can add Flame Arrows, which is a +30 max possible dmg in 5 attacks, not including crits. Cast Flame Arrows tactically though, as it lasts for 1hr, so cast it just before you think you might encounter enemies. You're welcome, whomever finds this and happens to want to compound their ambusher.
You don't have to do it exactly like this, I just like Gloom Stalker, you can just be level 3 GS for Dread Ambusher. You actually don't even need it if you want to take fighter to level 11 and WD to level 1, you'll get 3 attacks from Fighter + Action Surge + War Priest = 5 attacks. And even 6 attacks if you go BM11/WD1/GS3. Which means at level 16 you could have BM12/GS3/WD1 and still get 4 attribute increases + 6 attacks on the first turn. 6 attack actions as early as level 15 is nice. So just remember that all builds have varying qualities, and like I've done with my Gloom Stalker, even if it isn't the "Absolute best build ever", you're doing this for you, not for everyone else. Yes, consider the pros and cons of your build, but have fun with it!
P.S. Since most games don't get past level 16 or 17, I'd personally start with taking Gloom Stalker to level 8 and then go GS9/WD1/BM6. This makes it so the core of the build functions well. You miss out on Guided Strike, and 5 Superiority die, but it's okay because you still get 4 attribute increases and Flame Arrows. Alternatively you can go GS8/WD2/BM6 to trade Flame Arrows for Guided Strike (and still get 4 attribute increases), or even GS11/WD1/BM4 for Stalker's Flurry + Flame Arrows (but only 3 attribute increase), and if you really don't care about stats you can go GS11/WD2/BM3 for Stalker's Flurry + Guided Strike + Flame Arrows (But only 2 attribute increases). However, If you don't want Cleric you will only be able to do 4 attacks on turn 1, but you can just take Battle Master to 8 for all 3 of it's attribute increases and Gloom Stalker to 8 for a total of 5 attribute increases and 5 superiority die. Or Battle Master 7 and Gloom Stalker to 9 for Flame Arrows + 5 Superiority Dice (but only 4 attribute increases). Lot's of ways to do it but thankfully it all works reasonably well no matter which path you take.
my last war domain cleric was human variant. Took healer as my feat at first level and healing kit. it scales as you level up. I haven't used a healing spell yet. left all my spells for defense and attacking. At 4th level i took war caster, for concentration spells.
I did that with my grave cleric
Healer feat is goated
Since you mentioned having a focus on heavy armor, may I suggest the overlooked yet extremely powerful Heavy Armor Master? Aside from +1 STR it reduces a flat 3 damage to all non magical physical attacks. Seeing as most games wont get to level 17, this will really help. I've seen it in action on a paladin, it's pretty gnarly.
I'm certainly making a cleric goblin
I'm playing a cleric goblin right now.I love it so much Im not sure I want to play anything else!
Take GWM feat, negate the -5 penalty giving you a +5 instead with Guided Strike to hit. Add that +10 damage on top of any concentration weapon buff spell, use your Divine Strike at 8th/14th for more damage and if you go Aasimar use racial radiant or necrotic damage equal your lvl each turn.
Disgusting.
*(Furiously scribbles notes)*
Spam healing word in a party full of clerics
The one change I would make to this subclass would be giving it Extra Attack
Like how the Blade Singer is
High Elves make great War Domain Clerics; it is the cheapest way to get the Booming Blade cantrip. Since Clerics never get extra attacks, Booming Blade or Green Flame Blade are the best way to scale your melee damage.
Well, you do get some extra attacks from War Priest, but you are going to run out very fast.
I'm currently seriously considering a new V.Human (War Caster) character with the acolyte background. Thinking 5 levels in fighter for the Extra Attack and CON save proficiency. Then dumping the rest of my levels into War Cleric. Waiting until level 6 to become a Cleric though is a loooong wait. And I don't want Paladin because I personally don't have a great deal of CHA, so playing one isn't really fun for me.
The other thought is straight up 20 levels in Ranger (or starting with 2 leaves in Fighter for the CON saves and Great Weapon Fighting) to make a STR-based Ranger and just play him as a Cleric (support and healing and the such). Thinking Horizon Walker conclave maybe with an acolyte background.
Thoughts?
I play a Dragonborn War Cleric of Bahamut with a soldier background. Hes a crusader of light and justice
Intro was A1
This intro was amazing 😳
Fallout ref