Giving Clerics Known Spells?

[Shallown]

I actually created a spells available according to diety in my campaign. Each cleric has the same number of spells "known" but from different list. Once you worship someone you get their spell list but no one elses. Knowledge Religion lets you know what spells X diety provides. I chose all my spells from PHB and Spell Compendium to make it easy. Some clerics have wizard spells and etc. It worked out pretty well.

Almost all clerics know curatives but there is a campaign reason why that I designed into the game as well as why they turn undead.

Later

 

[Nifft]

I've been thinking of culling the Cleric List of spells to the bare basics, and then adding the all the Domains the deity grants access to as additional spells. As a compromise, they gain full spontaneous casting in the base list as well as theier two chosen domains.

The problem is what to consider as a basic and what not.

Yes, indeed. I've been long considering something similar. The spells that I consider basic are the Cure spells, Heal, Bless, Prayer, and the other group-buffs, in addition to the other "negative status removal" spells (Remove Disease, Delay Poison, Lesser Restoration, Cure Itchy Wounds, etc.)

I like this idea, especially if you allow classes like the Warmage, Beguiler and Dark Necromancer (or whatever the one in HoHorror is called).

Anyway... yeah, I like allowing extra spells on that list via Feats, Domains, and via Prestige Classes or special PC rewards.

-- N

 

[Kesh]

I've actually been thinking about getting rid of both the cleric and the wizard in my homebrew, replacing them both either with the Archivist, or with the generic Spellcaster (from Unearthed Arcana).

They'd both get access to all spells available, arcane or divine. They just have to find them. I'd also modify the Spellcaster to learn as a Wizard.

 

[mr_outsidevoice]

In future campaigns I plan to allow the core PHB spells plus 5+Wis modifer pells per level to a clerics list.

Though from FRealms, I like the idea of Initiate Feats and am thinking of Sectarian feats that would give additional spells to a list.

My War God is LN. I think the LG priests would have a few different spells, other than the strictly alignment based spells, than the LE ones.

 

[FireLance]

I utilize a system of a limited amount of "core" material (e.g. PH and Eberron Campaign Setting only), but characters are able to select one option per level from any WotC source (less game elements that are outright banned). The option could be a race, class, feat, spell, magic item, etc. This way, clerics get access to all spells in the PH, but can add additional spells through using their options.

 

[Herremann the Wise]

Like others, I restrict Clerics, Druids, Paladins, Rangers and all classes with a set list for spells to the PHB. Then when they get a level, I let them choose a spell or two from an alternative source (complete series, spell compendium). Rather than handing out XP awards, I hand out access to extra spells, different feats etc. and I find this system works nicely and is well balanced to everyone's satisfaction.

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise