D&D 5E Will the 5e cleric's default iconic look be weilding mace and shield?

[zoroaster100]

I didn't keep up with all of the versions of the playtest packets so I don't know where the rules were headed on this point. Will there be a reason for a first level cleric created with the basic rules to pick the iconic mace and shield? Is the default basic cleric proficient with those? Or are there now different and/or better options for the basic cleric?

 

[Ruin Explorer]

I didn't keep up with all of the versions of the playtest packets so I don't know where the rules were headed on this point. Will there be a reason for a first level cleric created with the basic rules to pick the iconic mace and shield? Is the default basic cleric proficient with those? Or are there now different and/or better options for the basic cleric?

Only tradition, really. Quarterstaff wielded 1-handed is same damage amount and type, 1/25th the price, and can be swapped to 2H if needed. Bludgeoning is good vs some low-level Undead (2x damage). All Clerics know all Simple weapons. If not fighting undead, Hand Axe offers more flexibility than Mace as it can be thrown (and is same price). Spear is also a great option for Clerics.

 

[Boarstorm]

Vagaries of the equipment list aside, the TYPE of cleric you are will influence your proficiencies and gear selections.

A priest of a war god will be proficient in heavy armor and martial weapons. A priest of a healing god will not. There was even a (very old) playtest report from Mearls' twitter of a cleric gaining bow proficiency and stealth bonuses.

 

[Ramaster]

The image of the cleric holding the big mace is quite iconic... Since the quarterstaff is so much better that it on the rules so far, my guess is that they will grant the pregen cleric proficiency with war hammers (either through her race or domain) and draw him with one of those in hand.

 

[Ruin Explorer]

Vagaries of the equipment list aside, the TYPE of cleric you are will influence your proficiencies and gear selections.

A priest of a war god will be proficient in heavy armor and martial weapons. A priest of a healing god will not. There was even a (very old) playtest report from Mearls' twitter of a cleric gaining bow proficiency and stealth bonuses.

For the default basic cleric, he'll only have one option, I believe (this could be untrue, but I think that was stated), and that'll likely be Light or Healing (or whatever they're called), both of which use Simple weapons.

Which means your main melee options are:

1) Spear (1d6p, can throw, versatile, 1gp)
2) Handaxe (1d6s, light, can throw, 5gp)
3) Quarterstaff (1d6b, versatile, 2sp)

Mace is a lesser option at 1d6b, 5gp.

Light Crossbow is best Simple ranged for non-multi-attackers - 1d8p, loading, two-handed, 80/320 range (Shortbow loses loading but goes down to 1d6p - better for multi-attackers).

 

[Boarstorm]

... right. The Basic Rules. That doesn't appeal to me personally, so I tend to forget they exist sometimes.

Carry on.

 

[thalmin]

It looks like the cleric in the starter set will use a warhammer.


Edit: Note that it is a Dwarven cleric.

 

[Paraxis]

It looks like the cleric in the starter set will use a warhammer.
View attachment 62147

Edit: Note that it is a Dwarven cleric.

That is a war cleric, using a martial weapon and heavy armor.

 

[DDNFan]

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That is a war cleric, using a martial weapon and heavy armor.

I'm curious Paraxis, you seem to really hate everything about 5th edition, but never run out of steam, why do you feel compelled to write so much about it? Is it because this is where all the cool kids hang out?

 

[thalmin]

That is a war cleric, using a martial weapon and heavy armor.

Or a dwarven (warhammer) Life Cleric (heavy armor)