Have You Played Clerics?

[Neowolf]

I played a cleric once, but only to dispel the idea that all clerics had to be healing goody-two-shoes. I built a godless Half-orc cleric with the War and Destruction domains. He was of CN alignment and channeled negative energy rather than positive energy, which meant lots of Inflict spells. He also went into battle decked out with heavy armor and a greataxe. It was a lot of fun, but I don't know if I'd do that again.

 

[Henry]

I play clerics more often than any other class. It's something I never really noticed until a few months ago.

My very first AD&D character - an elf Fighter/Magic-user/Cleric.

My second AD&D character - a half-orc fighter/cleric.

My all-time favorite PC's include a cleric of Helm, a Druid of Silvanus, a Fighter/Cleric of Tempus, a Cleric/Thief of Mishakal (Dragonlance game), and a Cleric of St. Cuthbert.

The last three characters I've rolled up were, in order: A halfling Druid, a Half-Orc Cleric of Helm (for North Carolina Gameday), and a human cleric of death.

I'm hopeless.

I think it's the emotional appeal of the class. I was a deeply religious person earlier in life, and having the certainty of faith that a D&D cleric would have, knowing the existance of their patron for a fact, I would imagine to be a great thrill. I also enjoy the support role that clerics have - the role of defender, healer, and kick butt combatant when the spells are flying.

I have also recently discovered the joys of the Domains of Magic and Death, and my recent character is taking full advantage of them.

 

[Remathilis]

I've played 5 clerics so far

Joseph - A generic cleric in OD&D. Didn't play him long.
Maxim - A 2nd ed crusader dwarf of Moradin. Had a simple world view: Orcs bad, Moradin Good, everything else in between.
Toban - An elf cleric/wizard of a magic god. Haughty and kindy creepy. (2nd)
Thomas - A cleric of a Pelor-like god. sun and healing domains, goding for Radiant Servant of Pelor PrC (dragon). Undead booty kicker. (3e)
Taman - My latest, a prophet of the god of light and wisdom. (2nd ed)

I really loved Maxim and Thomas, and am begining to love Taman. (course, Taman is the son of the character from which my user-name comes).

 

[kingpaul]

I have always enjoyed religiously-oriented characters. I typically play rangers, clerics or paladins...or some combination thereof. Right now IMC, I'm playing a Paladin/Cleric of Torm (FR).

 

[CrusaderX]

Clerics rock. My very first character was a Lawful Good Cleric/Fighter.

 

[Morrow]

I'm currently playing Thar, a 9th level goblin cleric of Maglibuyet. He's a lot of fun, and those spontaneous inflicts coupled with spell focus (necromancy) and weapon finesse (touch spell) are pretty cool, but he's definately sub-optimal from the, "I am cleric, watch me buff up and squash your head" perspective. Going the sneaky necromancer route means that he's lacking in areas where 3e clerics often excel.

He's got 10's in strength and constitution so no matter how many buff spells he casts, he's never going to be the guy on the front lines with the big hammer. Low strength sneaky clerics don't get the benefits of magic vestment on full plate either. And the lack of spontaneous cure spells really hurts. On the other hand, there's something really satisfying about animating the bodies of your enemies. And I can't wait to sneak up on an opponent and bust out the slay living.

Morrow

 

[haiiro]

I played clerics frequently in 2e, and I've played one in 3e (only once so far). Sometimes it's because the group needs a cleric, but generally it's because I enjoy playing the class -- particularly in 3e, since spell channeling and interesting domains make for a much better experience.

 

[Numion]

"I am cleric, watch me buff up and squash your head"

Can I steal this for my clerics motto?

Just kidding, my cleric's an elf, so he wouldn't speak like that. But anyway, it's a long way from the 1e times when we forced one player to always play cleric. If the cleric didn't heal us, we'd beat him up. Ah, those were the days...

 

[Merlion]

Hmmm....all very interesting....