Need Help with Martial Cleric Build

[Mistwell]

And doesn't the war domain grant a MARTIAL proficiency with the weapon? A Deity who has "bastard sword" as a favored weapon and the war domain doesn't let you use the bastard sword one-handedly. You need an exotic weapon proficiency for that.

AR

True, true. There are several dieties that have an exotic weapon as their primary weapon. I would think that, if they can grant weapon focus, they must be granting the required proficiency as well. But I can see an interpretation that wouldn't allow for that.

I was thinking he would just create his own diety, or have no diety and just worship an ideal.

 

[Jdvn1]

There are a few PrCs that grant martial weapon prof too(Radiant Servant, Warpriest). I'd just multi-class into Ftr, though.

 

[Thanee]

I don't think you have a favored weapon (other than maybe the one for the alignment (there is one for each alignment... IIRC battleaxe for CG, some sword for LG, flail for CE? Something like that)), if you do not have a "real" deity.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Thanee]

As a favored soul you would gain proficiency also with an exotic weapon, but not with the war domain... right.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Elrik_DarkFury]

What about using a greatsword?

I know the AC is not going to be sky high at first levels but you are going to use your strength (remember you can buff yourself sooo much) at its full potential - aka
(16)+(bulls strength) = 20
Strenght mod 5
Damage 2d6 + 7 which is more than good!

This, with war domain for weapon focus and a couple of feats(power attack/cleave) and you will be ok.

Also, if you convince the wizard memorize an enlarge person 1-2 times per day you will be able to hit really hard 3d6+10.

Also, the enlarge person is great in conjunction with combat reflexes.

The flaws are :
1)You will not always have the time to bumb yourself-although you can still deal good
damage.
2)After you get bumped you quite become the center of the battle and the main target of the enemy.This , and the fact that you don't have the hit points of a fighter can be tricky sometimes -be sure the other guys heve a potion or two at hand.

________________
The Wizard

 

[Gnome]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Regarding domains and dieties, I failed to mention that this is in the Forgotten Realms, so I'll definately need to worship a specific diety rather than an ideal or whatnot. I doubt I'll be able to make-up my own diety in order to get the domains and weapon I want (at least, I wouldn't allow this as DM).

The one goliath diety with the war domain (and strength) has a greatclub as a favored weapon, which is 1d10 damage, and a size large version of that would become 2d8. So, same as the bastard sword, but it must be used in two hands, and half the critical threat range. Still, it might be worth it to free-up those two feats. Having a shield is very nice, though, so I'm still not sure.

Regarding the idea of taking 1 level of fighter with an ECL race instead of the the ECL 1 goliath, this actually gives me a lot less hit/damage potential than a goliath with his +4 STR and powerful build ability. For example, a human fighter 1/cleric 4 with the same stats using a greatsword, and spending the fighter feat on weapon focus would give +8 to hit, and 2d6+4 damage, whereas 1 4th-level goliath cleric with automatic martial weapon proficiency and weapon focus in the greatclub would have +9 to hit, and 2d8+7 damage, so 5 more points of damage on average.

 

[kjenks]

If you're in melee, who's healing your buddies? What happens to the rest of the party when you drop?

I have my doubts about the whole concept of a melee cleric. It's okay if your party has another cleric, but if you're the only cleric in the party, it's not good.

Since you're in the Realms, try an elven archer cleric, with Elf and War domain from Solonor Thelandera. Take Rapid Shot at level 1. Use Magic Weapon and Greater Magic Weapon on your bow. Stay out of melee so you can heal your party if needed.

Go up as straight cleric, no prestige classes. Take Craft Wondrous Item later for stat bump items. Don't spend too much on your bow since you'll want to upgrade to a larger Strength bonus later.

 

[Mistwell]

Is it really a stretch to give Helm the War domain? I know it isn't formally there, but it totally fits him.