Should Clerics Have Heavy Armor Proficiency? (any edition)

Should Clerics Have Heavy Armor Proficiency as a Class Feature? (Any edition)


(I answer based on my game.)

Yes, Clerics should have heavy armor. The Cleric class is not a generic priest, but a special type of crusading warrior priest. That is, the Cleric class represents the kind of holy warrior/priest that is most likely to be a PC and go adventuring: the kind that would need and wear heavy armor. (Indeed, in my game, I'd be much more likely to ask "do I really need a Paladin class" than "why should Clerics wear heavy armor.") Most priests and religious leaders in the game world are *NOT* Clerics.
I think this is a very good answer for the "any edition" element of the question.
I've got no argument with this position, I'm just using it as a launching point.

In the context of PF I believe it is a good evolution of domains.
I plan at this time to let the War domain offer Heavy Armor in place of the first domain ability in my game.

One could still argue that medium armor is nothing to sneeze at. If a cleric has chainmail, he does not "need" plate to survive. He might *like* to have it, but he doesn't need it.

BUT, for a warrior/priest archetype of a D&D sort, I personally *need* that the character be able to wear plate. (No need on the character's part, just mine :) )

But, even with that, one feat or one house-ruled ability swap and you are done. And now my Warrior Priest will be distinctive from that namby-pamby chainmail wearing Healing/Good priest.
 

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