Cleric 5e: DnD Class Guide

A Cleric 5e can prepare a number of spells equal to their Cleric 5e level plus their Wisdom modifier each day. After finishing a long rest, clerics can choose which spells to prepare from the cleric spell list. This number does not include cantrips, which Cleric 5e can cast at will and do not need to be prepared.

Here's the formula for the number of spells a cleric can prepare each day:

Number of Spells Prepared=Cleric Level+Wisdom ModifierNumber of Spells Prepared=Cleric Level+Wisdom Modifier

It's important to note that this formula allows clerics to adapt their available spells daily, giving them flexibility to prepare for expected challenges. However, once the spells are chosen, they cannot be changed again until the cleric completes another long rest.

The number of spells a Cleric 5e has access to at any given time is determined by the spells they have prepared for the day plus their cantrips. The specifics of how many spells a Cleric can prepare and how many cantrips they know depend on their level and their Wisdom modifier. 

To build a Cleric 5e, follow these steps:

1. Choose Race : Select a race that offers a bonus to Wisdom, as it's your primary spellcasting ability. Races like Hill Dwarf, Wood Elf, or Firbolg are great choices.

2. Select Divine Domain : Choose a Divine Domain related to your deity that defines your cleric's abilities, playstyle, and role in the party. This choice affects your spell list and grants domain-specific benefits.

3. Allocate Ability Scores : Prioritize Wisdom for spellcasting. Constitution is important for health, and Strength or Dexterity is useful depending on whether you plan to focus on melee or ranged combat/support.

4. Pick Background : Choose a background that complements your character's history and provides useful skill proficiencies. Acolyte and Sage are thematic options, but any background can fit with the right story.

5. Choose Equipment : Based on your domain and combat preferences, select appropriate armor (heavy or light), weapons, and a holy symbol as your spellcasting focus.

6. Prepare Spells : Daily, prepare a number of spells equal to your Cleric 5e level plus your Wisdom modifier, choosing from the Cleric 5e spell list. Your domain provides additional spells that are always prepared for free.

7. Learn Cantrips : Choose cantrips (minor spells you can cast at will) from the cleric spell list. These don't count against your number of prepared spells.

Remember, your Cleric's development will also heavily rely on the choices you make while leveling up, such as increasing your Wisdom score with Ability Score Improvements or selecting feats, and expanding your spell repertoire.

To play a Cleric 5e effectively:

1. Know Your Role : Understand whether you're primarily a healer, damage dealer, or support based on your Divine Domain and party needs.
2. Manage Spell Slots : Use your spell slots wisely, balancing the need for healing, combat spells, and utility spells. Remember, some spells have powerful effects when cast with higher-level slots.
3. Utilize Cantrips : Rely on cantrips for consistent, spell-slot-free effects in combat or utility situations.
4. Prepare for the Day : Choose your prepared spells after each long rest based on anticipated challenges, ensuring a mix that suits your role.
5. Positioning : Stay in positions that maximize your effectiveness and minimize direct threats, based on whether you're melee-focused or more of a backline caster.
6. Use Channel Divinity : Remember to use your Channel Divinity options, unique to your Divine Domain, which can significantly impact battles or role-playing situations.
7. Work With Your Party : Communicate with your party to understand their needs and how you can best support them, whether through healing, buffs, or divine intervention.

Playing a Cleric is about balance, strategic spell use, and adapting to the needs of the adventure and your party.

To level up a Cleric in D&D 5e:

1. Increase Hit Points : Add 1d8 (or 5 for a fixed value) plus your Constitution modifier to your total hit points.
2. Learn Spells : Check if your Cleric level grants additional spell slots or access to higher-level spells. Remember, you can prepare a number of spells equal to your Cleric level plus your Wisdom modifier.
3. Gain Cantrips : Some levels grant additional cantrips. Check the Cleric 5e table in the Player's Handbook.
4. Ability Score Improvement (ASI) : At certain levels (4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th), choose between increasing your ability scores (often prioritizing Wisdom) or taking a feat, if feats are allowed in your campaign.
5. Domain Features : Your chosen Divine Domain may grant additional features or abilities at certain levels.
6. Update Proficiencies : Your proficiency bonus increases at certain levels (5th, 9th, 13th, and 17th), affecting your spell attack bonus and spell save DC.
7. Review and Adjust Prepared Spells : With each level, consider adjusting your prepared spells based on your new spell slots and the challenges you expect to face.

Ensure you consult the Cleric class table and the description of your Divine Domain for specific level-up benefits.

Choosing "must-have" spells for a Cleric 5e in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition can be subjective, as it often depends on the Cleric 5e Divine Domain, role in the party, and the campaign's challenges. However, some spells are widely regarded as exceptionally useful for Clerics across many situations:

1. Healing Word (1st Level): A bonus action spell that allows you to heal an ally within 60 feet and bring them back from 0 hit points, all without needing to be next to them. Its action economy makes it invaluable in combat.

2. Spiritual Weapon (2nd Level): Creates a floating, spectral weapon that you can use to attack enemies as a bonus action, allowing you to deal damage while also casting other spells or performing actions. It does not require concentration.

3. Revivify (3rd Level): Can bring someone back to life who has died within the last minute. Given the potential for character death in D&D, having this spell ready can be a game-changer. It's especially crucial because it only requires a diamond worth 300 gp, which is relatively inexpensive for its effect.

4. Guidance (Cantrip): Allows you to add a d4 to an ability check of the spell's recipient. Since it's a cantrip, you can use it frequently, making it incredibly useful for helping your party succeed in crucial non-combat situations.

5. Spirit Guardians (3rd Level): Summons spirits that protect you, damaging and slowing any enemy that enters the area around you. It's excellent for crowd control and increases your survivability in melee combat.

These spells offer a mix of healing, damage, support, and utility, making them versatile choices for any Cleric 5e, regardless of their specific domain or the party's composition.

The "best" Cleric 5e Domain in D&D 5e largely depends on your playstyle and what role you want to fulfill in your party. However, the Life Domain is often highlighted for its unparalleled healing abilities, making it a top choice for players who want to focus on keeping their party alive. It enhances healing spells right from the start and grants access to powerful healing options not easily matched by other domains. For a more balanced approach between combat and utility, the Light Domain offers potent area-of-effect damage spells and defensive options, making it versatile in various situations. Ultimately, the best domain is the one that most closely aligns with how you enjoy playing the game.

Yes, a cleric 5e can bless water in D&D 5e using the Ceremony spell, which has an option to make holy water.

Yes, a cleric 5e player can make a magic item in D&D 5e if they have the appropriate downtime, resources, and meet any specific requirements outlined in the Dungeon Master's Guide or other relevant sourcebooks, such as having the necessary spells and the DM's approval.

Yes, clerics can tank in D&D 5e, especially those who choose domains with heavy armor proficiency and spells or abilities that enhance durability, such as the Life, War, or Forge Domains.

Yes, cleric 5e can tank in D&D, especially those who choose domains with heavy armor proficiency and spells or abilities that enhance durability, such as the Life, War, or Forge Domains.