Multiclassed cleric/cleric?

[dcollins]

From the D&D FAQ, Update 6/27/03, p. 12:

Would it be possible to multiclass as two different types of cleric and gain four domain powers?

No, you can take a class only once.

Edit: Beaten by Pasus to the PHB reference.

 

[Targos]

Here we are, in the PHB on page 59, under the heading Adding a Second Class:

"(A character can't gain 1st level in the same class more than once, even if this would allow him or her to select different class features, such as a different set of domains for a cleric)."

So, by RAW, the concept of this thread is not possible. Of course, as usual your DM can always choose to allow it as a house rule.

It would be an interesting concept for a character with multiple personality disorder, but otherwise I don't think I'd allow it.

I agree, but somebody could be a cleric of a god of nature / druid. Combos would work with other divine classes in the complete divine I'd think. Likewise Paladin / cleric of LG god. The only specific reason to take cleric numerous times would be to poach domains. Now if somebody were to switch deities I'd say they'd loose their divine powers from the first one for a time, but could seek atonement with another god and thus change faiths.

 

[Shallown]

I personally wanted to do something along the lines of a favored soul/spirit shaman but I need a Prc that allows dual casting advancement in 2 divine classes. I wanted them to remainmostly equal and not dip in a class. Thought it would be fun.

Rules just don't allow it.

later

 

[andargor]

From the D&D FAQ, Update 6/27/03, p. 12:

Good thing, too. The min-maxers would have a field day with Ftr 2/Ftr 2/Ftr 2's

They'd have poor Ref and Will saves, but, hey, those feats are nice.

Andargor

 

[Eloi]

Or Pal 2/ Pal 2/ Pal 2/ Pal 2...

Now there's a fine Lay On Hands.

 

[shilsen]

Or Pal 2/ Pal 2/ Pal 2/ Pal 2...

Now there's a fine Lay On Hands.

And an amazing Fort save (+12 base), if a not-so-good Ref and Will save (+0 base each). And 4 smites a day

 

[Hypersmurf]

And an amazing Fort save (+12 base), if a not-so-good Ref and Will save (+0 base each). And 4 smites a day

And unlike a Blackguard's Dark Blessing, Divine Grace is an unnamed bonus that should, in theory, stack

-Hyp.

 

[Nyeshet]

I'd consider allowing a Clr / Clr, but the deities would have to be close allies, blood brothers, etc. Of course, the idea of a Pantheon / Deity within the Pantheon setup could also work. I would suggest, however, a special PrC - equivalent to the Mystic Theurge. A Clr 5 / Clr 5 / Divine Theruge 10 could be interesting. . . .

Stacking Lay on Hands? Yikes! Would anything ever hit overcome this Paladin's saves?! Of course, I mandate that bab / saves are based on level and type. So the fourfold Pal 2 would have the normal of each for a Pal 8 (as the types [high/mid/low] are the same for each). I've never understood the other method. . . .

 

[Ridley's Cohort]

Ranger1/Ranger1/Ranger1/Ranger1/... Everyone is my favored enemy!

Rogue1/Rogue1/Rogue1/Rogue1/... Pity the fool who gets caught flatfooted!

 

[Azul]

Here we are, in the PHB on page 59, under the heading Adding a Second Class:

"(A character can't gain 1st level in the same class more than once, even if this would allow him or her to select different class features, such as a different set of domains for a cleric)."

So, by RAW, the concept of this thread is not possible. Of course, as usual your DM can always choose to allow it as a house rule.

It would be an interesting concept for a character with multiple personality disorder, but otherwise I don't think I'd allow it.

Mechanically, it's a pretty weak option. Maybe cherry picking a single level of the second cleric type would be worth it if you needed the saves and/or turning attempts to power some divine feats. Otherwise, the hit to your spellcasting is just too noticable.

I'd probably allow a more-or-less evenly split dual-cleric if there was a really good backstory to it. The most likely scenario would be a cleric of two different but allied (or at least friendly) gods. Another possibility would be a cleric who is being fought over by two different deities (which begs the question "why is he so important?").

It might be an interesting way to reflect a cleric torn between diametrically opposed teachings. Perhaps this is someone who neither deity is willing to give up on (e.g. a chaotic good deity who wants to avoid his chaotic neutral cleric falling to evil due to the temptation and easy power offered by a demon lord). Or course, this still begs the question of why does this cleric get special treatment? Perhaps the character has celestial or fiendish blood or is otherwise unusual.