Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Einlanzer Aug 25, 2015 15:10:20	I want to make a balanced-as-can-be cloistered variant of the cleric class. That is, a cleric that is operates more like a wizard - d6 hd, no armor proficiency, simple weapons, etc. I'm looking for input on the best ways to compensate mainly for those things. Ideally, I'd like to somewhat rewrite the cleric to have two optional variants (battle and cloistered) and have that component taken out of the domain selection. I.e. the 2nd and 8th level domain features for all cloistered clerics will be Bonus Cantrip and Potent spellcasting while for battle clerics it will be bonus prof and Divine Strike. Granted, this makes more sense for some domains (life) than it does for others (war), but I wanna do it anyway.  This would sort of make clerics have 2 layers of specialization - cloistered or battle, then domain.   At a high level, here's what I'm thinking so far for the cloistered variant:   - Standard access to both druid and cleric spells (alternatively, I may trim some of the druid spells and add a few wizard or bard spells - in particular abjuration spells like Shield and Armor)   - A "martyr's resolve" feature that simply grants a static +1 to all defenses, or, perhaps, a bonus based on Cha or Con.   - A 2nd channel divinity ability (1st level in addition to Turn Undead) that let's you restore spell points. Don't have the exact mechanics pinned down yet.   - bonus cantrip and potent spellcasting for all cloistered clerics, bonus profs and divine strike for all battle clerics   - Considering making all clerics Cha-based casters instead of Wis-based.   Any additions, subtractions, or general thoughts? Note that I'm not looking for feedback about whether or not this is a good idea in general. My mind is made up that I'm doing it. I'm just looking for specific feedback on the best way to achieve it.
#2 Nevvur Aug 25, 2015 16:27:55	Einlanzer wrote:
#3 Einlanzer Aug 27, 2015 10:42:54	Thanks for the feedback. I was starting to lean toward hand-picking spells anyway. I'll post the proposed spell updates when I have it sorted out for additional feedback.   Point taken on Martyr's resolve, but I think what's important is not evaluating against other classes, it's evaluating against the standard cleric. In other words, is it overpowered considering what clerics give up to go this route? I'll still brainstorm on other creative ways to give them defensive perks.   I was trying to think of a creative way to tie spell point replenishment into channel divinity mostly because I wanted it to be thematically unique instead of just a copy/paste of the wizard's. My initial thought was that each use of Channel Divinity would restore a single spell point of up to half of your current maximum spell level. So, at level 8 when you had 3 uses between rests, you could use it up to 3 times to regain up to 3 spell points of 1st or 2nd level only. If that seems OP, maybe it's prudent to add a Wisdom or Charisma check to replenish it? If I can't think of anything that feels balanced, I'll just use your suggestion of going with the wizard's.
#4 Chameleon-X Aug 27, 2015 13:50:33	Cloistered Cleric You may choose this feature at 1st level. You lose proficiency with Light Armor, Medium Armor, and Shields, and your hit dice are reduced by one size (to a d6). You gain the Armored by Faith, Divine Recovery, and Expanded Spell List features: Armored by Faith Your devotion to your deity is strong and steadfast, and your confidence in his or her divine blessing keeps you safe and secure in the midst of battle. While you are wearing no armor and using no shield, your AC is equal to 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your Charisma modifier. Divine Recovery When you tap into the power of your deity, you are partially renewed by their benevolent touch. Each time you use your Channel Divinity, you may regain a number of spell slots with a combined level equal to one half your proficiency bonus (rounded up). For instance, if your proficiency bonus is +5, you could recover one 3rd level slot, three 1st level slots, or one 2nd level slot and one 1st level slot, etc. Expanded Spell List When you prepare your list of Cleric spells, you may also prepare the following spells, which count as Cleric spells for you.   [Insert Spell List Here]