Cleric Combat Feats

[Shadowbane]

For the first time ever, I'm playing a Cleric.

1. My main issue is, what sort of feats should I give him? Is it stronger to give him all spell-related feats or mix in some combat ones as well. If I should throw in some combat feats, what kind?

2. And If I should use combat feats, how should I choose them at an epic level?

3. The kind of Cleric I'm designing is one that will be just as good at close combat as it is a spell-casting.

4. I've only got 3-5 days to get this information, and all help is greatly valued!

 

[Coredump]

Um.... what level?

 

[Shadowbane]

As high as you can think of. *edit* (Go to fourty, I guess, including the epic feats.)

(I always keep a "feat map" in my head so when I reach a level I know where to goi next and don't spen hours contemplating it.)

 

[nittanytbone]

What stats, what deity/alignment, and what race?

 

[Eloi]

Improved Spell Capacity (pg. 210 DMG for fast reference) to add a 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th level spell slot to your repetoire (can go higher, but you need Epic feats for some of these others). The higher you push the ceiling, the more flexibility you give yourself.

Various Metamagic feats and Improved Metamagic to bring down the costs - x3 to bring down most important metamagic feats' spell level cost down to +1 each.

Planar Turning is just worth having for making packs of great frothing demons wee themselves and vanish. Not a must have - but very, very cool.

You want Epic Spellcasting. And probably the Epic feat that grants +10 to one skill, so as to bump up your Knowledge:Religion to nice respectable levels, and perhaps your Concentration skill, for that in-combat casting you seem to intend to favor.

Remember, you are the glue that keeps the bits from flying off the other party members. The more Heal / Regeneration / Cure Critical Wounds spells you pack, the more vigorously your team can prod buttock. Empowered healing spells are just what the Cleric ordered. (So take Empowered Spell).

Make sure that either you invest in a ring of Regeneration to pass around the party for after-combat replenishment, or buy those wands of Cure Light Wounds in bulk. If you cannot count on party support, being able to Craft Wands and/or Wondrous Items is a pretty nice second string to your bow - enchanting your holy symbol to cast Holy Word at 40th caster level is just the niftiest thing. If this appeals to you, Craft Epic Wondrous Item may be in your future. (No great rush, could pick it up at 41 or 42.)

Don't be in too much of a hurry to enter combat - the smarter your foe, the more urgently they are looking to get to you and take you out of commission. Summon Monster IX is your friend, let your summoned pal(s) go chew on the bad folk while you keep your held action on hand to Silence pesky spellcasters. A quickened Dispel Magic is not a terrible thing to keep up your sleeve, either.

Combat - as long as you have access to Disrupting Weapon, Divine Favor, and Divine Power spells, a happy Cleric is you.

Enjoy your Clerical experience, best wishes.

 

[Infiniti2000]

3. The kind of Cleric I'm designing is one that will be just as good at close combat as it is a spell-casting.

Having attempted to do that (currently 12th level LG cleric of Heironeous), I'd have to say it's not possible. Spell-casting will always be better in a normal party, particularly if you're the only cleric. While my character is very powerful, he would be more powerful if I hadn't spent feats on power attack, cleave, and combat expertise. However, I do really like the flavor of it, so I'm not unhappy with the choice, but in the really tough fights I find myself tossing big spells rather than mixing it up in melee.

So, if you really want to maximize the power of the character, stick to spellcasting and choose appropriate feats like divine metamagic (empower, maximize), etc. I'm sure others can offer better advice on what to choose based on your response to nittanytbone.

 

[Merlion]

You dont need feats to be able to fight as a Cleric anyway. All you need is Divine Power and/or Righteous Might.


I mean its the most powerful class in the game. And at 40th level? Just Divine Metamagic Persistent Spell and you can be a Fighter AND a Cleric all the time

 

[Thanee]

Power Attack. Everyone needs Power Attack!

Bye
Thanee

 

[Merlion]

Power Attack. Everyone needs Power Attack!

Bye
Thanee

So....your trying to say Power Attack might be a good choice? Cause thats the vibe I'm getting.

 

[Shadowbane]

Thanks alot! I guess I was barking up the wrong tree.

(I probably should have thrown this in at the beginning, but he is a LN cleric of St. Cuthbert.)