How to play a better Cleric - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

How to play a better Cleric

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
SpeakerofDragons
Aug 28, 2014 16:55:08
So I'm new to DnD and just last night finished my secound encounters session. Iam playing a human cleric life domain with an acolyte back ground just wondering about some Q1 stratagies and tactics on how to use him as a healer buffer and backup for the fighter classes. He uses and mace, dagger has heavy armor. Cantrips are light, sacred flame, mending spells are bless, cure wounds, healing word, shield of faith any other details I can give too just let me know thanks

#2
Macv12
Aug 28, 2014 19:07:50
I won't claim a ton of experience here, but here are some things I'd suggest.

You're probably nearly as good with Sacred Flame as with your mace or dagger. If it's more than just the fighter in your party, considering hanging back so you can heal whenever necessary, and using Sacred Flame when you don't need to heal anyone.

Since you're fairly durable, you can probably afford to hang out next to the fighter. Keeps him from being flanked as easily, and he can easily reach anyone who attacks you, as well.

Heal when the target has around half HP, so your healing doesn't go to waste. Try to gauge how much damage potential your enemies have; keep the fighter well above the amount of damage he's likely to take in one round, and preferably above the amount that could kill him in one go (a crit from a strong enemy, for example).

Bless is a huge boon to damage over several turns. Put it up at the start of every fight you can (unless you fight a lot in one day; my group rarely fought more than once a day, so it was basically always on).

Healing during combat is shoveling snow in a snow storm; damage keeps coming in. First priority is to end the fight, second is to make sure everyone makes it to the end. So if you can get away with healing and attacking in the same turn, do it. A big heal in place of making an attack is a stopgap measure, and should be a last resort when you really need to keep someone (or several someones, especially yourself) alive.

That's about it I think...experience will be your best teacher.

#3
SpeakerofDragons
Aug 28, 2014 19:17:06
Cool yeah sounds good ! Thanks for the tips

#4
superknud
Aug 29, 2014 3:16:59
and at low level, the healing buff you get from life domain makes healing word that much better, especially being able to cast it, and make a melee attack.

#5
mrsrockguru
Aug 29, 2014 8:23:50
One observation missing from your cantrips you dont Spare the Dying, which IMO is a must for any cleric.

#6
SpeakerofDragons
Aug 29, 2014 15:45:36
Ok cool sounds good thank you everyone

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 SpeakerofDragons Aug 28, 2014 16:55:08	So I'm new to DnD and just last night finished my secound encounters session. Iam playing a human cleric life domain with an acolyte back ground just wondering about some Q1 stratagies and tactics on how to use him as a healer buffer and backup for the fighter classes. He uses and mace, dagger has heavy armor. Cantrips are light, sacred flame, mending spells are bless, cure wounds, healing word, shield of faith any other details I can give too just let me know thanks
#2 Macv12 Aug 28, 2014 19:07:50	I won't claim a ton of experience here, but here are some things I'd suggest. You're probably nearly as good with Sacred Flame as with your mace or dagger. If it's more than just the fighter in your party, considering hanging back so you can heal whenever necessary, and using Sacred Flame when you don't need to heal anyone. Since you're fairly durable, you can probably afford to hang out next to the fighter. Keeps him from being flanked as easily, and he can easily reach anyone who attacks you, as well. Heal when the target has around half HP, so your healing doesn't go to waste. Try to gauge how much damage potential your enemies have; keep the fighter well above the amount of damage he's likely to take in one round, and preferably above the amount that could kill him in one go (a crit from a strong enemy, for example). Bless is a huge boon to damage over several turns. Put it up at the start of every fight you can (unless you fight a lot in one day; my group rarely fought more than once a day, so it was basically always on). Healing during combat is shoveling snow in a snow storm; damage keeps coming in. First priority is to end the fight, second is to make sure everyone makes it to the end. So if you can get away with healing and attacking in the same turn, do it. A big heal in place of making an attack is a stopgap measure, and should be a last resort when you really need to keep someone (or several someones, especially yourself) alive. That's about it I think...experience will be your best teacher.
#3 SpeakerofDragons Aug 28, 2014 19:17:06	Cool yeah sounds good ! Thanks for the tips
#4 superknud Aug 29, 2014 3:16:59	and at low level, the healing buff you get from life domain makes healing word that much better, especially being able to cast it, and make a melee attack.
#5 mrsrockguru Aug 29, 2014 8:23:50	One observation missing from your cantrips you dont Spare the Dying, which IMO is a must for any cleric.
#6 SpeakerofDragons Aug 29, 2014 15:45:36	Ok cool sounds good thank you everyone