Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 JaredSyn70 Aug 19, 2013 9:09:01	Hello i am looking for some build progression suggestions for a Cleric. I am going to be playing a orc, yes I know there is a wisdom and charisma dip. I am however looking to make this cleric more of a fighter than anything. I want him to be able to use his casting to heal when necessary but primarily to boost his fighting ability. I am starting at 6th level. He is actally a Black orc from fury in the wastelands and he is not evil. Any build prgression suggestions are greatly appecaited.
#2 Tempest_Stormwind Aug 19, 2013 10:35:31	What books are allowed? I have a lot more to add on this, but that question needs to be answered first.
#3 Maat_Mons Aug 19, 2013 10:48:26	One option is the ordained champion prestige class (Complete Champion, p 90).  You can qualify for it with 4 levels in cleric.  It allows you to give up two domain granted powers for two fighter feats, while also giving you the war domain as a third domain (or some other third domain, if you already have the war domain).  It gives a smite ability that's not limited by alignment, powered by spending a turn undead attempt.  It's full base attack bonus, but only advances spellcasting 3 out of its 5 levels.  The class also locks you into worshiping Heironeous or Hextor and replaces your spontaneous casting.   The rage cleric variant (Dragon 333, p86) seems quite appropriate for an orc.  The big problem there is that you can't cast while in a rage.  You give up domains, turn undead, and medium and heavy armor proficiency in exchange for a barbarian's full rage ability, including greater rage, indomitable will, tireless rage, and mighty rage.  If you're quite sure you don't want to cast spells during combat, it's a fine choice.   The crusader cleric variant (Dragon 311, p50) winds up with 4 bonus fighter feats by 18th level.  It also gives bonuses against members of certain opposed religions and a smite ability.  You have to give up domains, turn undead, and spontaneous cure spells though.  It's pretty meh, but I feel I should mention it.   The mighty contender of Kord prestige class (Dragon 283, p46) modifies the granted power of the strength domain.  By 3rd level in the class, the strength bonus lasts 1d4+1 rounds, and you can gain it a number of times per day equal to your "unmodified strength modifier."  On the other hand, by that point you've lost two levels of casting.  The domain focus alternative class feature (Dragon 347, p91) doubles the bonus from your domain.  In exchange, you only get one, and you also give up spontaneous casting for some reason.  The end result of all this is the ability to add twice your level to your strength score for most of the time you spend fighting.   The holy warrior feat (Complete Champion, p60) gives you a bonus to weapon damage equal to the highest-level war domain spell you have available.  You wouldn't be able to start with it, but it's something to consider for later.   Do black orcs have the light sensitivity of normal orcs?  If so, sundark goggles (Races of the Dragon, p122) will negate it for only 10 gp.
#4 StevenO Aug 19, 2013 11:33:17	While I hate the concept you'll probably get the DMM buffer suggestion at some point so here it is: 1st:  Extend Spell Metamagic Feat 3rd:  Persistent Spell MM feat. 6th:  Divine Metamagic (Persistent spell) If you can swing the planning domain which grants Extend Spell as its power you can move those feats up one level and possibly but Extra Turning in at 6th level. The basic idea here is that you utilize DMM (Persistent) to take what are normally limited duration buff spells, especially Divine Power although that is a 4th-level spell so maybe Divine Favor, and have them last all day. Now having a CHA penalty may make this a little more challenging but there is a magic item that can give you extra turn uses.  There are people who would say you MUST build a cleric with this mechanic anyway and if you don't you don't deserve to play this game.  I'm not one of those but I figure you'll get this information sooner or later.
#5 Tempest_Stormwind Aug 19, 2013 12:16:57	First, you will not need to worry about healing. I'm pretty sure the only in-battle healing you'll ever need to do is a Cure Light Wounds at levels 1 or 2 or so, and even then only if something goes horribly wrong. You'll want to read this. Basically, the best way to "heal" is to kill the bad guy faster. Second, you worry about keeping up with the fighters - when you're playing one of the strongest classes ever printed. Even in core-only (without Divine Metamagic), a cleric has plenty going for it that can turn the tide of battle. That said, the Wisdom penalty on playing an orc will limit those options (as some early-game "I Win" buttons require saving throws against a Wisdom-based DC). You'll still have plenty of support spells that don't.
#6 Krusk Aug 20, 2013 15:02:22	Have you considered a variant orc race? A desert Half orc for instance would do this much better? It also fits your "From the wastelands" idea a little better than standard orcs.  This race is from unearthed arcana, but can be found here. www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/races/environ... Other than that, just do the DMM stuff. Steven gave you the basic stub and you should be fine. Probably outshining your parties fighters.