CB: The Swtich Hitter Cleric

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Updated Fri, Feb 13, 2009 by Shayalyn

The Switch Hitter Cleric

By Serenity

I've called this particular cleric build the “switch hitter” because she is just that. She can stand back and simply heal in a very party-friendly way or she can step forward and deal quite a bit of damage in her own right. In the name of her God or Goddess she can melee against the foe or stand back and let her holy magic do its thing. Making her a human was important to me so that I could make effective use of the bonus feat right off the bat.

This isn't a cleric build for the masses. I created this character after playing a few other classes and feeling lost. I wanted to be able to keep myself alive but at the same time heal myself and heal those around me. So I did some research and set out to create just the right cleric.

After making it to level 12 and surviving some of the high level dungeons, including my first dragon raid, I feel as though I've been successful. I'm able to heal and hand out uses of divine vitality as well as hit my target with spells and decent melee attacks. A master of turning undead this cleric is not, but it was never meant to be, so it worked out well.

Starting abilities:

Human (28 pt)	Human (with Bonuses)	Human (32 pt)
Str 16	Str 20	Str: 16
Dex 12	Dex 13	Dex: 14
Con 14	Con 14	Con: 14
Int 8	Int 8	Int: 10
Wis 17	Wis 25	Wis: 17
Cha 8	Cha 8	Cha: 8

Regarding ability scores: Please note that my focus throughout leveling has been on my Wisdom in order to maximize spell points. Yes, other stats haven't changed a bit, but that's because I haven't set out to change them. Items are available to increase lower stats, if you desire to do so.

(Below information based upon 28 point build, level 14)

Hit Points: 191

Armor Class: 12 + Items/spells

Saving Throws:
Fortitude: +11
Reflex: +5
Will: +16

Class/Race Features:
+4 Skill points at level 1/+1 Skill point past level 1
Bonus Feat at level 1
Spell casting speed

Skills:
Concentration: 19
Heal: 23

Feats:
Mental Toughness, Improved Mental Toughness, Extend Spell, Dodge, Toughness, Extra Turning

Enhancements:
Human Adaptability Wisdom 1
Cleric Concentration 2
Cleric Prayer of Smiting 1
Cleric Prayer of Life 2
Cleric Life Magic 4
Energy of The Zealot 4
Clerics Wisdom 2
Cleric Divine Vitality 2
Cleric Extra Turning 2
Cleric Wand Mastery 1

Note on Enhancements: Though I have made use of the Extra Turning Feat and Enhancements, please be aware that for this specific build they were chosen to provide the maximum number of Divine Vitalities possible.

Spells
(DC 17 + spell level)
Spell Points: 846 (base 430 + Feats 145 + Enhancements 110 + Ability bonuses 161)
Level 1: Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Nimbus of Light, Protection From Evil, Remove Fear, Shield of Faith
Level 2: Aid, Bear's Endurance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Hold Person, Lesser Restoration, Resist Energy
Level 3: Cure Serious Wounds, Glyph of Warding, Protection From Energy, Remove Curse, Remove Disease, Searing Light
Level 4: Cure Critical Wounds, Death Ward, Holy Smite, Neutralize Poison, Restoration, Divine Power
Level 5: Cure Light Wounds (Mass), Flame Strike, Greater Command, Raise Dead, Spell Resistance, Slay Living
Level 6: Blade Barrier, Comet Fall, Cure Moderate Wounds (Mass), Heal, Harm
Level 7: Cure Seriuos Wounds (Mass), Inflict Serious Wounds (Mass), Destruction, Symbol of Stunning

Spell Notes: The spells listed above are a mix of offensive and defensive spells. The key to playing this build effectively is trying to know ahead of time what spells will be most useful to you and your party. Some parties to some instances require more buffs than other parties in other instances. Don't be worried about swapping spells in and out to suit your specific needs. Spell changes are a part of the job when playing this build.

Detailed progression by level:

Level 1
Class: Cleric
Feats: Mental Toughness, Toughness
Skills: Concentration +4, Heal +4
Enhancements: Energy of The Zealot 1, Cleric Life Magic 1

Level 2
Class: Cleric
Skills: Concentration +1, Heal +1
Enhancements: Extra Turning 1, Divine Vitality 1, Cleric Wisdom 1, Cleric Concentration 1

Level 3
Class: Cleric
Feats: Extra Turning
Skills: Concentration +1, Heal +1
Enhancements: Cleric Wand Mastery 1, Cleric Prayer of Life 1, Cleric Prayer of Smiting 1

Level 4
Class: Cleric
Ability Score: Wisdom +1
Skills: Concentration +1, Heal +1
Enhancements: Cleric Concentration 2, Cleric Life Magic 2, Cleric Extra Turning 2

Level 5
Class: Cleric
Skills: Concentration +1, Heal +1
Enhancements: Energy of The Zealot 2, Cleric Divine Vitality 2

Level 6
Class: Cleric
Feats: Improved Mental Toughness
Skills: Concentration +1, Heal +1
Enhancements: Human Adaptability Wisdom 1, Cleric Wisdom 2

Level 7
Class: Cleric
Skills: Concentration +1, Heal +1
Enhancements: Cleric Prayer of Life 2, Cleric Life Magic 3

Level 8
Class: Cleric
Ability Score: Wisdom +1
Skills: Concentration +1, Heal +1

Level 9
Class: Cleric
Feats: Extend Spell
Skills: Concentration +1, Heal +1
Enhancements: Energy of The Zealot 3

Level 10
Class: Cleric
Skills: Concentration +1, Heal +1
Enhancements: Cleric Wisdom 3

Level 11
Class: Cleric
Skills: Concentration +1, Heal +1
Enhancements: Cleric Life Magic 4

Level 12
Class: Cleric
Feats: Dodge
Ability Score: Dexterity +1
Skills: Concentration +1, Heal +1

Level 13
Class: Cleric
Skills: Concentration +1, Heal +1
Enhancements: Energy of the Zealot 4

Level 14
Class: Cleric
Skills: Concentration +1, Heal +1

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