Cleric Spells 5e are a cornerstone of the 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons game, offering a diverse array of divine magic that can heal, protect, and empower both the cleric and their allies. These spells are a testament to the cleric’s connection to a deity, granting them the ability to channel divine power for a variety of purposes.
From bolstering the strength of companions to thwarting the schemes of evil, cleric spells are essential tools for adventurers navigating the perilous world of D&D.
Clerics can choose from a variety of domains, each offering unique spells and abilities that reflect the nature of their chosen deity. The Life Domain, for example, focuses on healing and restoration, while the War Domain grants access to spells that enhance combat prowess.
These domains provide clerics with a wide range of options, allowing them to specialize in different roles within a party.
Cleric Spells: An Overview: Cleric Spells 5e
Cleric spells are a fundamental aspect of the Cleric class in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. They grant Clerics the ability to heal allies, harm enemies, and perform a wide array of other beneficial and detrimental actions. Clerics are known for their versatility and power, capable of supporting their party in both combat and out-of-combat scenarios.
Domains and Their Impact
Clerics choose a domain that reflects their deity or philosophical alignment. This domain grants them access to a specific set of spells and features that enhance their abilities. The domain chosen by a Cleric significantly influences their spellcasting capabilities and overall playstyle.
- Life Domain:Clerics of this domain are healers and protectors, focused on restoring life and shielding their allies. They gain access to spells like Cure Woundsand Revivify, and their Channel Divinity grants them the ability to heal a large number of creatures or restore a single creature to full health.
- Light Domain:Clerics of this domain wield the power of light to smite their enemies and dispel darkness. They gain access to spells like Sacred Flameand Daylight, and their Channel Divinity grants them the ability to create a radiant explosion or blind their enemies.
- War Domain:Clerics of this domain are fierce warriors who bolster their allies and weaken their enemies. They gain access to spells like Blessand Spiritual Weapon, and their Channel Divinity grants them the ability to enhance their allies’ attacks or make their enemies vulnerable.
- Knowledge Domain:Clerics of this domain are scholars and seekers of knowledge, able to divine secrets and protect their allies from mental attacks. They gain access to spells like Detect Thoughtsand Comprehend Languages, and their Channel Divinity grants them the ability to gain insight into a creature’s thoughts or protect their allies from psychic damage.
Benefits and Limitations
Cleric spellcasting offers several advantages compared to other spellcasters. They have access to a wide range of spells, including healing, damage, control, and utility spells. They also have the ability to prepare spells, allowing them to customize their spell list for specific situations.
However, Cleric spellcasting also has limitations. They have a limited number of spell slots per day, and their spellcasting ability is typically Wisdom, which is not always the highest ability score for every Cleric.
Cleric Spell List
The Cleric spell list encompasses a diverse range of spells, categorized by spell level and domain. These spells provide Clerics with the tools they need to excel in various roles, from healing and support to combat and exploration.
Level 1 Spells
- Cure Wounds:Heals a creature of a moderate amount of hit points.
- Guiding Bolt:Deals radiant damage to a target and gives advantage on the target’s next attack roll.
- Protection from Evil and Good:Grants resistance to a specific type of damage and prevents the target from being charmed or frightened.
- Sanctuary:Grants the target temporary hit points and makes it harder for enemies to target them with attacks.
- Shield of Faith:Grants the target temporary hit points and increases their AC.
Level 2 Spells
- Aid:Grants temporary hit points to multiple creatures.
- Augury:Provides a general answer to a yes or no question.
- Calm Emotions:Suppresses the emotions of a creature, making it difficult to be frightened, angry, or sad.
- Lesser Restoration:Cures a creature of a disease or poison, or removes one level of exhaustion.
- Prayer of Healing:Heals multiple creatures of a moderate amount of hit points.
Level 3 Spells
- Dispel Magic:Ends one spell on a target creature or object.
- Revivify:Brings a dead creature back to life with 1 hit point.
- Tongues:Grants the ability to understand and speak any language for a short duration.
Level 4 Spells
- Death Ward:Prevents a creature from dying from damage for a short duration.
- Freedom of Movement:Removes restraints from a creature and prevents it from being restrained again for a short duration.
- Guardian of Faith:Grants a creature temporary hit points and advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened.
Level 5 Spells
- Contagion:Inflicts a disease on a creature, causing them to suffer from a variety of debilitating effects.
- Raise Dead:Brings a dead creature back to life with 1 hit point.
- Regenerate:Restores a creature’s lost hit points and prevents them from dying for a short duration.
Level 6 Spells
- Create Undead:Creates a horde of undead creatures to serve the caster.
- Find the Path:Reveals the location of a specific person or object.
- Heal:Restores a significant amount of hit points to a creature.
Level 7 Spells
- Resurrection:Brings a dead creature back to life with full hit points.
- Symbol:Creates a magical symbol that triggers a powerful effect when activated.
Level 8 Spells
- Control Weather:Alters the weather conditions in a large area.
Level 9 Spells
- Wish:Grants the caster the ability to cast any spell of 8th level or lower, or to fulfill a wish.
Cleric Spellcasting Mechanics
Cleric spellcasting is governed by a set of mechanics that determine how they prepare, cast, and use their spells. Understanding these mechanics is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of Cleric spellcasting.
Spell Slots
Clerics have a limited number of spell slots, which are used to cast spells. The number of spell slots available to a Cleric increases with their level. Each spell slot has a specific level, and higher-level spells require higher-level spell slots to cast.
Spell Preparation
Clerics prepare their spells in advance by choosing a specific number of spells from their spell list. They can change their prepared spells each day, allowing them to adapt their spellcasting to the challenges they face.
Spellcasting Ability
Clerics use their Wisdom score as their spellcasting ability. This means that their Wisdom modifier is added to their spellcasting checks and saving throws. A higher Wisdom score improves the effectiveness of their spellcasting.
Domain Features
Cleric domains grant them access to unique features that enhance their spellcasting capabilities. These features often provide additional benefits when casting specific spells, or they grant them access to new spells or abilities.
Tips and Strategies
- Prioritize Healing:Clerics are primarily healers, so it’s important to use their healing spells effectively to keep their allies alive and healthy.
- Use Utility Spells:Cleric spells offer a wide range of utility, so don’t overlook their potential for exploration, social interaction, and problem-solving.
- Maximize Synergy:Cleric spells can be combined with other abilities and resources to create powerful synergies.
- Prepare for Specific Encounters:Clerics can change their prepared spells each day, so it’s important to prepare for the challenges they expect to face.
Cleric Spells in Combat
Cleric spells are invaluable assets in combat, offering a wide range of offensive, defensive, and support options. By strategically utilizing their spells, Clerics can turn the tide of battle and secure victory for their party.
Offensive Spells
Clerics have a variety of spells that can deal damage to enemies. Some notable examples include:
- Sacred Flame:Deals radiant damage to a target and gives them disadvantage on their next attack roll.
- Spiritual Weapon:Creates a magical weapon that deals radiant damage to a target each turn.
- Inflict Wounds:Deals necrotic damage to a target, potentially knocking them unconscious.
Defensive Spells
Clerics can also protect their allies from harm with a variety of defensive spells. Some notable examples include:
- Shield of Faith:Grants the target temporary hit points and increases their AC.
- Protection from Evil and Good:Grants resistance to a specific type of damage and prevents the target from being charmed or frightened.
- Sanctuary:Grants the target temporary hit points and makes it harder for enemies to target them with attacks.
Support Spells
Clerics can also support their allies in combat with a variety of spells. Some notable examples include:
- Bless:Grants advantage on attack rolls and saving throws to multiple creatures.
- Aid:Grants temporary hit points to multiple creatures.
- Prayer of Healing:Heals multiple creatures of a moderate amount of hit points.
Combat Strategy
- Focus on Healing:Prioritize healing spells to keep allies alive and healthy.
- Use Control Spells:Control spells can hinder enemies and create opportunities for allies to attack.
- Support Allies:Use support spells to enhance the effectiveness of allies’ attacks and defenses.
- Be Adaptive:Adjust your spellcasting based on the situation and the needs of your party.
Cleric Spells Out of Combat
Cleric spells are not limited to combat; they can also be used in a variety of out-of-combat scenarios, enriching the roleplaying experience and providing valuable solutions to non-combat challenges.
Healing and Restoration
Cleric spells can be used to heal injuries, cure diseases, and restore lost abilities. Some notable examples include:
- Cure Wounds:Heals a creature of a moderate amount of hit points.
- Lesser Restoration:Cures a creature of a disease or poison, or removes one level of exhaustion.
- Revivify:Brings a dead creature back to life with 1 hit point.
Exploration and Discovery
Cleric spells can be used to gain information, detect hidden objects, and navigate dangerous environments. Some notable examples include:
- Detect Magic:Reveals the presence of magic in an area.
- Comprehend Languages:Grants the ability to understand and speak any language for a short duration.
- Find the Path:Reveals the location of a specific person or object.
Social Interaction
Cleric spells can be used to influence others, gain information, and resolve conflicts. Some notable examples include:
- Calm Emotions:Suppresses the emotions of a creature, making it difficult to be frightened, angry, or sad.
- Zone of Truth:Forces a creature to tell the truth.
- Tongues:Grants the ability to understand and speak any language for a short duration.
Roleplaying and Character Development
Cleric spells can be used to enhance roleplaying and character development. They can be used to create dramatic moments, resolve conflicts, and provide opportunities for character growth.
Cleric Spell Combinations
Cleric spells can be combined in various ways to create powerful synergies and maximize their effectiveness in different situations. By understanding these combinations, Clerics can leverage their spellcasting capabilities to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Healing and Support
Combining healing spells with support spells can create a powerful synergy for keeping allies alive and healthy. For example, casting Aidto grant temporary hit points to multiple allies, followed by Prayer of Healingto restore a significant amount of hit points, can quickly restore a party’s health.
Control and Damage
Combining control spells with damage spells can create opportunities to hinder enemies and deal significant damage. For example, casting Hold Personto incapacitate a target, followed by Inflict Woundsto deal necrotic damage, can effectively eliminate a dangerous enemy.
Utility and Exploration
Combining utility spells with exploration spells can enhance a party’s ability to navigate dangerous environments and uncover secrets. For example, casting Detect Magicto identify magical traps, followed by Comprehend Languagesto decipher ancient texts, can help a party overcome obstacles and gain valuable information.
Strategic Use
Clerics can strategically use their spells to maximize their effectiveness. For example, using Blessto grant advantage on attack rolls and saving throws to allies before entering combat can significantly increase their chances of success.
Cleric Spells and Class Synergies
Cleric spells can be used in conjunction with other classes in a party to create powerful synergies and enhance the effectiveness of each class’s abilities. Understanding these synergies can help players create balanced and effective party compositions.
Paladin
Cleric spells can greatly enhance the effectiveness of Paladins, providing them with additional healing, support, and damage options. For example, Cleric spells like Cure Woundsand Aidcan heal Paladins and keep them in the fight, while spells like Blessand Spiritual Weaponcan bolster their offensive capabilities.
Fighter
Cleric spells can provide Fighters with valuable support, healing, and control options. For example, Cleric spells like Shield of Faithand Protection from Evil and Goodcan enhance a Fighter’s defenses, while spells like Hold Personand Inflict Woundscan hinder enemies and create opportunities for the Fighter to attack.
Rogue
Cleric spells can provide Rogues with valuable support and utility, enabling them to succeed in stealth, infiltration, and exploration. For example, Cleric spells like Comprehend Languagesand Detect Magiccan help Rogues decipher clues and uncover secrets, while spells like Blessand Aidcan enhance their chances of success in stealthy operations.
Wizard
Cleric spells can provide Wizards with additional support, healing, and control options, allowing them to focus on their spellcasting without being vulnerable to harm. For example, Cleric spells like Cure Woundsand Prayer of Healingcan heal Wizards and keep them alive, while spells like Hold Personand Inflict Woundscan hinder enemies and create opportunities for the Wizard to cast spells.
Cleric Spells and Multiclassing
Multiclassing with Cleric can offer significant benefits for spellcasting, granting access to a wider range of spells and abilities. However, it also presents challenges, such as limited spell slots and the need to balance spellcasting with other class features.
Benefits
- Increased Spellcasting Versatility:Multiclassing with Cleric allows access to a wider range of spells and abilities, enhancing spellcasting versatility.
- Improved Spellcasting Ability:Multiclassing with classes that use different spellcasting abilities, such as Charisma or Intelligence, can improve overall spellcasting ability.
- Enhanced Synergy:Combining Cleric spells with other class abilities can create powerful synergies, increasing overall effectiveness.
Challenges, Cleric spells 5e
- Limited Spell Slots:Multiclassing can reduce the number of spell slots available, requiring careful planning and resource management.
- Balancing Spellcasting with Other Class Features:Multiclassing requires balancing spellcasting with other class features, such as martial combat or skill proficiency.
- Spellcasting Progression:Multiclassing can slow down spellcasting progression, requiring careful consideration of class levels and spellcasting ability.
Effective Multiclass Combinations
- Cleric/Paladin:This combination offers a powerful synergy of healing, support, and damage, making it an effective choice for both combat and support roles.
- Cleric/Fighter:This combination provides a balanced mix of martial combat and spellcasting, making it a versatile choice for both offensive and defensive roles.
- Cleric/Rogue:This combination offers a unique blend of stealth, infiltration, and spellcasting, making it an effective choice for exploration and social interaction.
Wrap-Up
Cleric spells in D&D 5e are a testament to the power and versatility of the cleric class. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to the world of D&D, understanding the nuances of cleric spells is crucial for success.
From healing the wounded to vanquishing foes, cleric spells offer a unique blend of support and offensive capabilities that can turn the tide of battle. By mastering the art of cleric spellcasting, you can become a formidable force for good in the world of D&D.