Cleric Class Overview

Cleric

Core Cleric Traits

  • Primary Ability: Wisdom
  • Hit Point Die: d8 per Cleric level
  • Saving Throw Proficiencies: Wisdom and Charisma
  • Skill Proficiencies: Choose 2: History, Insight, Medicine, Persuasion, or Religion
  • Weapon Proficiencies: Simple weapons
  • Armor Training: Light and Medium armor and Shields
  • Starting Equipment: Choose A or B:
    • A: Chain Shirt, Shield, Mace, Holy Symbol, Priest’s Pack, and 7 GP
    • B: 110 GP

Becoming a Cleric

As a Level 1 Character

  • Gain all the traits in the Core Cleric Traits table.
  • Gain the Cleric’s level 1 features, which are listed in the Cleric Features table.

As a Multiclass Character

  • Gain Hit Point Die and Light/Medium armor and Shield proficiency.
  • Gain Cleric level 1 features. See multiclassing rules for spell slots.

Cleric Class Features

As a Cleric, you gain the following class features when you reach the specified Cleric levels. These features are listed in the Cleric Features table.

Level 1: Spellcasting

You have learned to cast spells through prayer and meditation. See “Spells” for rules on spellcasting. The following details how you use Cleric spells.

Cantrips

You know three cantrips of your choice from the Cleric spell list. Guidance, Sacred Flame, and Thaumaturgy are recommended. Whenever you gain a Cleric level, you may replace one cantrip with another.

Cleric Features Table

Level Proficiency Bonus Class Features Cantrips Prepared Spells 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th
1+2Spellcasting, Divine Order342
2+2Channel Divinity2353
3+2Cleric Subclass23642
4+2Ability Score Improvement24743
5+3Sear Undead249432
6+3Subclass feature3410433
7+3Blessed Strikes34114331
8+3Ability Score Improvement34124332
9+4341443331
10+4Divine Intervention351543332
11+43516433321
12+4Ability Score Improvement3516433321
13+535174333211
14+5Improved Blessed Strikes35174333211
15+5351843332111
16+5Ability Score Improvement351843332111
17+6Subclass feature351943332111
18+6452043333111
19+6Epic Boon452143333211
20+6Greater Divine Intervention452243333221

Prepared Spells of Level 1+

Prepare spells from the Cleric list. Start with four level 1 spells (Bless, Cure Wounds, Guiding Bolt, Shield of Faith recommended). You can replace spells after a Long Rest. Prepared spells must be of levels for which you have spell slots.

Changing Your Prepared Spells

You can swap prepared spells after a Long Rest for any spell you have slots for.

Spellcasting Ability

Wisdom is your spellcasting ability.

Spellcasting Focus

Use a Holy Symbol as your spellcasting focus.

Level 1: Divine Order

You dedicate yourself to one of the following sacred roles:

  • Protector: Martial weapon proficiency and Heavy armor training.
  • Thaumaturge: One extra cantrip. Add Wisdom modifier to Arcana or Religion checks (minimum +1).

Level 2: Channel Divinity

Channel divine energy to create magical effects: Divine Spark or Turn Undead. Use twice, regain uses on Short/Long Rests. Extra uses gained at higher levels.

Divine Spark

Magic action: point Holy Symbol at a creature within 30 feet. Roll 1d8 + Wisdom modifier: heal or deal Necrotic/Radiant damage. Extra d8s at Cleric levels 7, 13, 18.

Turn Undead

Magic action: present Holy Symbol. Each Undead within 30 feet makes Wisdom save. On failure, Frightened & Incapacitated 1 minute. Ends early if damaged, you die, or are Incapacitated.

Level 3: Cleric Subclass

Choose a subclass granting features at specified levels.

Level 4: Ability Score Improvement

Gain Ability Score Improvement or feat. Repeat at levels 8, 12, 16.

Level 5: Sear Undead

Roll d8s equal to Wisdom modifier when using Turn Undead. Each failed Undead takes Radiant damage equal to roll total.

Level 7: Blessed Strikes

  • Divine Strike: +1d8 Necrotic or Radiant damage per turn.
  • Potent Spellcasting: Add Wisdom modifier to Cleric cantrip damage.

Level 10: Divine Intervention

Call deity to cast any Cleric spell ≤5th level without a spell slot or components. Cannot be used again until Long Rest.

Level 14: Improved Blessed Strikes

  • Divine Strike: Extra damage increases to 2d8.
  • Potent Spellcasting: Grant temporary HP = 2 × Wisdom modifier to self or ally within 60 ft when casting a damaging Cleric cantrip.

Level 19: Epic Boon

Gain an Epic Boon or other eligible feat. Boon of Fate recommended.

Level 20: Greater Divine Intervention

Call more powerful divine intervention; can choose Wish when selecting a spell. Cannot be used again until 2d4 Long Rests.

DoggertQBones
DoggertQBones

DoggertQBones is an avid player of games, predominately D&D! Previously a highly published author for another popular Wizards of the Coast game, Magic: the Gathering, he's been playing D&D since childhood as both player and DM!

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