D&D 5E Cleric with Warlock Spell List - Good, Bad, Indifferent?

[TwoSix]

If you were playing a cleric that used the warlock spell list instead of the cleric spell list, would that substitution make that class weaker, stronger, or pretty much the same?

Also, are there any cleric domains that would have some strong synergies with that spell list?

 

[jaelis]

I think it would stay pretty much the same, but the character of the class would change from more support to more offensive. Would you still get the same domains spells? If so then I think life cleric might be borderline too good, since it would get most of the best cleric spells from its domain. Not healing word though.

 

[Helldritch]

I think it would stay pretty much the same, but the character of the class would change from more support to more offensive. Would you still get the same domains spells? If so then I think life cleric might be borderline too good, since it would get most of the best cleric spells from its domain. Not healing word though.

Magic initiate: Cleric, then chose one cantrip and healing word. Done.
This would be too powerful and would open for metagaming and abuses. I might be wrong. But Eldritch blasting with wisdom bonuses and being able to heal makes up for a strong combination. Healing word to heal, EB to.. well...blast. Every round every time. Do you see the potential here? Of course the cleric would still miss the features to boost EB but it would be stronger than what he has right now. In addition to now being a ranged attacker the character will be in plate and able to heal himself almost at will. Am I the only one that sees this as way too good?

 

[jaelis]

Magic initiate: Cleric, then chose one cantrip and healing word. Done.
This would be too powerful and would open for metagaming and abuses. I might be wrong. But Eldritch blasting with wisdom bonuses and being able to heal makes up for a strong combination. Healing word to heal, EB to.. well...blast. Every round every time. Do you see the potential here? Of course the cleric would still miss the features to boost EB but it would be stronger than what he has right now. In addition to now being a ranged attacker the character will be in plate and able to heal himself almost at will. Am I the only one that sees this as way too good?

Are you thinking of a life cleric getting the domain spells here? I don't think magic initiate in itself is too bad, you only get one casting that way. And the lack of invocations makes EB a lot less potent; it's better than sacred flame, but I don't think its that much better. It's really the combination of the warlock and domain spells that is the problem IMO. If you revised the domain spell lists somehow I think it could work.

But somehow it seems a lot easier to make a new domain and put some warlock spells you want in it.

 

[Fenris-77]

I can't imagine it pushing things too far out of balance. They already gave one subclass access to a whole other spell list in addition to their normal one, so just a swap seems fine. I don't think EB with WIS mods is a big deal either. It's more than most clerics get, but it's not any different than the bunch of other options than add stat mods to cantrip damage. I'm not sure about Domain synergy though. If I was the DM that's something I'd take a careful look at before OKing the swap.

 

[jgsugden]

Magic initiate: Cleric, then chose one cantrip and healing word. Done....

This does not add the spell to your spells available. It merely allows you to cast it once per day. You can't use slots to cast it. You also get 2 cantrips.

Regarding the original question: there are a few spells on the Warlock list - most notably Hex - that are intended to be more feature than spell. Giving them freely to other classes can be problematic. However, you can add it to you spell list by adding one level of Warlock as a multi-class, so it is not that hard to get some of these spells (although that also requires you to make a pact...)

Will this switch break the game? No. It may be a bit awkward at times, but it should be fine.

However, you might consider just playing a Divine Soul Sorcerer for this type of feel.

 

[TwoSix]

I can't imagine it pushing things too far out of balance. They already gave one subclass access to a whole other spell list in addition to their normal one, so just a swap seems fine. I don't think EB with WIS mods is a big deal either. It's more than most clerics get, but it's not any different than the bunch of other options than add stat mods to cantrip damage. I'm not sure about Domain synergy though. If I was the DM that's something I'd take a careful look at before OKing the swap.

To be clear, Eldritch Blast would be off the table for this concept.

 

[TwoSix]

However, you might consider just playing a Divine Soul Sorcerer for this type of feel.

Nah, that's the exact opposite feel of what I want. I specifically don't want healing spells for this character, the concept is more "ex-soldier who has granted unwanted dark powers". He uses sword and shield, and sometimes weird stuff just happens when he feels threatened.

 

[Helldritch]

This does not add the spell to your spells available. It merely allows you to cast it once per day. You can't use slots to cast it. You also get 2 cantrips.

I think this is debatable.
From the PHB: Choose one 1st level spell. You learn that spell and can cast it at its lowest level. Once you cast it, you must finish a long rest before you can cast it again.

You learn. So you know it. For a champion, a rogue or a monk; one casting is ample enough. But for a caster? You did learn that spell. In essence, it is alway prepared. You have one free cast. But if you have spell slots? Should it be akin to a wizard learning a new spell? We voted for the feat to add the spell to the spell list as the debate was quite raging in my area. Is there a SA on this subject?

 

[Fenris-77]

To be clear, Eldritch Blast would be off the table for this concept.

Eldritch Blast without Agonizing Blast isn't a big deal IMO. But off the table works too. What's the concept being worked here? My first thought was a Cleric of an Old One religion or cult.