D&D (2024) Clerics and 2014 Domains (+)

[Remathilis]

Yep, so like I thought, you get your divine order choice at 1st level, and then at 3rd level you get the subclass’s original 1st level feature (along with its 2nd and 3rd level features). This will mean if you plan to take a subclass that originally granted weapon or armor proficiencies, you’re strongly incentivized to take Thaumaturge for your divine order choice.

Which is exactly what I'm trying to avoid.

I've been mulling it over for the past few days, and I've decided that some of those features can easily be removed without crushing the power of the domain. So to go back to my list.

Arcana: All the cleric domain grants is those two cantrips. Its probably fine regardless of which Order choice.
Death: Reaper is unique enough that it is fine to leave for now. Just get rid of the martial weapons.
Forge: Losing the proficiencies won't hurt this subclass.
Grave: Circle of Mortality can live without Spare the Dying, though I think casting it as a bonus action is nice. I'd probably leave it but remove the range increase.
Knowledge: Probably fine as it is, if a little boring.
Nature: Allowing the cleric to pick druid cantrips and an extra skill won't break anything.
Order: Losing the proficiencies won't hurt this subclass.
Peace: Losing the proficiencies won't hurt this subclass.
Tempest Losing the proficiencies won't hurt this subclass.
Twilight: Losing the proficiencies won't hurt this subclass.

 

[WanderingMystic]

Honestly all I would do is remove the generic "Bonus Proficiencies" ability given to some subclasses. The abilities like "Arcane Initiate", "Blessings of Knowledge", "Acolyte of Nature" ect.. are core abilities for those subclasses so nI would let them keep those.

 

[Yaarel]

Because Religion is a less useful skill, the Wisdom bonus to improve its checks feels under powered. The Arcana is more useful and is ok.

Nevertheless, the choice at level 1 between "Protector" (heavy armor and all martial weapons) versus "Thaumaturge" (one cantrip, and viable Arcana and Religion) feels like a nonchoice. The Protector is by far the more powerful and more useful choice.

In this context, I prefer to see the Thaumaturge have two cantrips, plus Arcana and Religion.


Regarding Religion being less useful, perhaps it should be the go-to for everything relating to the Astral Plane. Meanwhile, Arcana is useful for the Ethereal Plane with Fey, Shadow, and Elemental.

 

[Charlaquin]

Because Religion is a less useful skill, the Wisdom bonus to improve its checks feels under powered. The Arcana is more useful and is ok.

Nevertheless, the choice at level 1 between "Protector" (heavy armor and all martial weapons) versus "Thaumaturge" (one cantrip, and viable Arcana and Religion) feels like a nonchoice. The Protector is by far the more powerful and more useful choice.

I disagree. The usefulness depends on the build. If you focus on Wisdom over strength, a cantrip may be more useful to you than martial weapons, and you might not have the strength to even use heavy armor without penalty. Certainly protector is obviously better if you want to be a cleric that fights in melee, but not every cleric does, and if you’d rather be a “laser cleric,” then thaumaturge might have more to offer you.