D&D 5E 1 level of Nature Cleric vs 1 level of Druid

[Mistwell]

Seems to me this is a case where two paths both are enough to satisfy the nature flavor requirement. Also seems this is a case where either path makes sense for his character and he would have fun playing them both. Thus, it's relegated to a mechanical question for him as to which is better. Why else would you think he would be talking about the non-nature aspects?

My assumption is he picked up the one-ring for invisibility and is lured by The Precious to do the other more powerful things

Which is my way of saying I suspect he was lured by the power of spells like Bless, at the expense of a nature based spell with less power like Beast Bond.

There is nothing wrong with that, but I am asking him if that's what's going on. If he is finding himself lured by raw power as a distraction from control over nature, and if that's a result he's OK with for this kind of PC.

 

[FrogReaver]

My assumption is he picked up the one-ring for invisibility and is lured by The Precious to do the other more powerful things

Which is my way of saying I suspect he was lured by the power of spells like Bless, at the expense of a nature based spell with less power like Beast Bond.

There is nothing wrong with that, but I am asking him if that's what's going on. If he is finding himself lured by raw power as a distraction from control over nature, and if that's a result he's OK with for this kind of PC.

I see. I suppose I prefer to assume positive motives from others.

 

[Burnside]

Taking it as a given that the character wants nature-based abilities for storyline/character-driven reasons, nature cleric and Druid options both fit the bill, and so does taking the Magic Initiate feat. So that leaves us to consider the mechanical benefits. I’m assuming this is a one-level dip if we’re multiclassing?

If it’s me, I’m taking the Magic Initiate (Druid) feat and picking up my one spell and two cantrips. That will do the job thematically, won’t mess with my rogue progression, and also it’s mechanically good - I can pick up Guidance (arguably the best cantrip in the game), a damage-dealing cantrip such as frost bite (or whatever it’s called), primal savagery, thorn whip, or produce flame (allowing me a means of doing magical damage, which a tier one rogue might otherwise lack), and a spell such as Faerie Fire that compliments my sneak attacks.

If I do multi-class, Nature Cleric seems the stronger choice for a one-level dip. Just getting 4 cantrips vs druid’s 2 is pretty big.

 

[Mistwell]

I see. I suppose I prefer to assume positive motives from others.

Your assumption that "the lure of power" is a negative, for a game, seems unusual to me. There is no negative or positive really to my question.

 

[FrogReaver]

Your assumption that "the lure of power" is a negative, for a game, seems unusual to me. There is no negative or positive really to my question.

I see. Your assumption that it is not negative seems even more unusual to me.

 

[Todd Roybark]

Is there any benefits to taking Druid over Nature Cleric that I missed?

Charm Person is on the Druid, spell list.
Beast Bond and Animal Friendship is a good combo.

Starting a criminal organization that uses animals to gather information and steal....is good flavor.

Having Animal Friendship and Speak w/ Animals auto prepared is a nice perk, and a plus in the cleric column.

Honestly, it won't make a huge difference whichever way you choose, given the dip you plan to take is small.

Access to Charm Person makes me lean towards the Druid class, but if your Spell DC is going to be low, you might want to stick to preparing Ritual Spells and No Save spells like Absorb Elements.