JRRNeiklot
First Post
What is in your opinion, the primary function of the cleric? A holy warrior who smites his enemies with divine power or a healer?
Cleric - Holy Warrior or Healer?
- Thread starter JRRNeiklot
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CM
Adventurer
In theory, holy warrior. In practice, all too often healer.
I don't think the poll is going to tell you much though. I suspect a high percentage of players would answer "yes" to both.
In every game I've ever been involved in, the cleric who didn't use at least half his slots for heals was grumbled about behind his back.
I don't think the poll is going to tell you much though. I suspect a high percentage of players would answer "yes" to both.
In every game I've ever been involved in, the cleric who didn't use at least half his slots for heals was grumbled about behind his back.
Herremann the Wise
First Post
In terms of D&D, almost all clerics can heal and some (even most) can do the holy smiter thing. As such, I felt compelled to go healer on your poll.
However, what I think is interesting here is the spectrum of divine roles. At one end you have the holy warrior empowered by their deity and faith. At the other you have the priest (or contemplative if you like that 3.x prestige class which I think embodied the opposite end of the "cleric" spectrum).
A Paladin is a divine knight or flavour of Cleric while a priest is more the healer/diviner. Cleric I suppose fits uncomfortably across the spectrum depending upon deity and influence.
In terms of 5e, perhaps both the paladin and priest should grow and develop from upon a cleric foundation?
Best Regards
Herremann the Wise
However, what I think is interesting here is the spectrum of divine roles. At one end you have the holy warrior empowered by their deity and faith. At the other you have the priest (or contemplative if you like that 3.x prestige class which I think embodied the opposite end of the "cleric" spectrum).
A Paladin is a divine knight or flavour of Cleric while a priest is more the healer/diviner. Cleric I suppose fits uncomfortably across the spectrum depending upon deity and influence.
In terms of 5e, perhaps both the paladin and priest should grow and develop from upon a cleric foundation?
Best Regards
Herremann the Wise
thedungeondelver
Adventurer
Not voting! A cleric is as a cleric gets played. I mean, a cleric can back up the thief (detect traps, locate object), a cleric can fend off undead (turn undead) a cleric can wring some pain outa the bad guys just like the magic-user (spiritual hammer, flame strike, cause blindness, command, light, continual light), cleric's gonna save your thief's bacon with a neutralize poison, he's going to save everybody's bacon with bless and chant and prayer and protection from evil 10' radius. He's purifying food and drink and when he doesn't have any to doctor up he can create water and create food & water.
The cleric is backing up your fighters, wearing plate-mail while doing it, and using every weapon that doesn't have an edge on it, and those are things that the aforementioned magic user and thieves can't ever, ever do. He's fighting like a slightly weaker fighter at 1d8 hit dice versus 1d10. Oh, yeah, he's also saving versus various nasty things better than anyone else. A smart player who keeps all of this in mind when playing a cleric will truly win great fortune and glory.
The cleric is backing up your fighters, wearing plate-mail while doing it, and using every weapon that doesn't have an edge on it, and those are things that the aforementioned magic user and thieves can't ever, ever do. He's fighting like a slightly weaker fighter at 1d8 hit dice versus 1d10. Oh, yeah, he's also saving versus various nasty things better than anyone else. A smart player who keeps all of this in mind when playing a cleric will truly win great fortune and glory.
Niccodaemus
First Post
I'm with thedungeondevler. The Cleric is the most rounded, versatile member of the group.
If I had a party of three guys, all the same, and had to pick which class, it would be Cleric, hands down.
Three clerics, level for level, top three fighters, three magic users, or three thieves.
If I had a party of three guys, all the same, and had to pick which class, it would be Cleric, hands down.
Three clerics, level for level, top three fighters, three magic users, or three thieves.
I didn't vote because I feel they should be able to be played both ways and with third which I see as a mix between healer and holy warrior.
I think it should depend on what god the cleric serves a cleric of St Cuthbert is a holy warrior of retribution were as cleric pf Pelor should be about healing then smiting.
I really dislike how bland clerics are in 3E they are cut from the same cloth and that bores me. I would rather see them more tailored to the god they serve.
I think it should depend on what god the cleric serves a cleric of St Cuthbert is a holy warrior of retribution were as cleric pf Pelor should be about healing then smiting.
I really dislike how bland clerics are in 3E they are cut from the same cloth and that bores me. I would rather see them more tailored to the god they serve.
TwinBahamut
First Post
Ideally? A noble clergyman who uses his powers to bolster the party's strength and shield the back line.
In practice? Healbot.
In 3E? CoDzilla. God of all that he sees, feared by all as one who shatters reality as easily as a mere Fighter breaks fine china.
If you want a Holy Warrior, that's the paladin next door.
In practice? Healbot.
In 3E? CoDzilla. God of all that he sees, feared by all as one who shatters reality as easily as a mere Fighter breaks fine china.
If you want a Holy Warrior, that's the paladin next door.
Consonant Dude
First Post
I know not everybody will agree with this but I really think it's important to make the Paladin and Cleric as distinct as possible from each other. In certain editions, they are too much alike in fluff and mechanics.
The problem is that the Cleric class was historically kind of bland. It never found its niche. I remember thinking back when 3e was released: "Wow, they really gave a shot in the arm to the neglected thief" but I wish they had done the same with clerics. Here are a few steps to make him more invaluable:
Make him a reference
The cleric should be the person to turn to when you want to look in the heart and soul of beings. The capability of detecting alignments for instance, should be entirely the province of clerics.
It's much better for the Paladin to be some sort of paragon and heroic (or villain) figure that can be a little misguided and clueless.
He knows stuff
I see the cleric as a wise individual. More than any other class, his knowledge comes either from a very hermetic tradition (passed from the clergy) or direct inspiration from a higher power. Whatever the case maybe, that guy knows a lot. He's probably considered an erudite in his culture. Clerics should know stuff nobody else does or have access to archives few can imagined.
The ultimate networker
Whether it's monotheist or polytheist, in his culture he is revered and that should count. The cleric probably opens doors that would otherwise be closed, gets extra help when needed from locals. The rules of hospitality probably applies in many places, even where is religion is not the primary ones.
Make him invaluable not just with undead but all kinds of foul, unholy creatures. That guy should be a monster hunter an exorcist. I would also make it the only class with "instant healing" powers. Sure, a druid will cure you with herbs and stuff but that'll take time.
I just think he deserves more than wielding a weapon and heal people.
The problem is that the Cleric class was historically kind of bland. It never found its niche. I remember thinking back when 3e was released: "Wow, they really gave a shot in the arm to the neglected thief" but I wish they had done the same with clerics. Here are a few steps to make him more invaluable:
Make him a reference
The cleric should be the person to turn to when you want to look in the heart and soul of beings. The capability of detecting alignments for instance, should be entirely the province of clerics.
It's much better for the Paladin to be some sort of paragon and heroic (or villain) figure that can be a little misguided and clueless.
He knows stuff
I see the cleric as a wise individual. More than any other class, his knowledge comes either from a very hermetic tradition (passed from the clergy) or direct inspiration from a higher power. Whatever the case maybe, that guy knows a lot. He's probably considered an erudite in his culture. Clerics should know stuff nobody else does or have access to archives few can imagined.
The ultimate networker
Whether it's monotheist or polytheist, in his culture he is revered and that should count. The cleric probably opens doors that would otherwise be closed, gets extra help when needed from locals. The rules of hospitality probably applies in many places, even where is religion is not the primary ones.
Make him invaluable not just with undead but all kinds of foul, unholy creatures. That guy should be a monster hunter an exorcist. I would also make it the only class with "instant healing" powers. Sure, a druid will cure you with herbs and stuff but that'll take time.
I just think he deserves more than wielding a weapon and heal people.
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