Pathfinder Cleric Build: The Ultimate Healer and Support

Introduction

Clerics in Pathfinder are indispensable members of any adventuring party, providing healing, buffs, and support that can turn the tide of battle. With their divine powers and vast spell selection, clerics are versatile and effective in a wide range of scenarios. This guide will delve into the intricate world of cleric builds, exploring the best classes, domains, feats, and spells to create an optimized and potent cleric character.

Class Selection

Oracle (Mystery: Life)

The Oracle with the Life Mystery is an exceptional choice for healers, granting the Healing Hands ability that provides a free cure spell up to 3 times per day. The Oracle's spontaneous casting system allows for flexibility and quick adaptability.

Cleric (Domain: Healing)

The Cleric with the Healing Domain is the classic healer, with access to the Channel Energy ability and a wide range of healing spells. The domain's power to grant additional healing to Channel Energy makes it a reliable source of healing throughout the campaign.

Domain Selection

Healing

As mentioned above, the Healing Domain provides exceptional healing capabilities, maximizing the cleric's ability to restore hit points and mitigate damage.

Knowledge

The Knowledge Domain grants access to a vast array of knowledge-based skills, enabling the cleric to act as an information hub for the party. The domain also provides bonuses to skill checks and spellcasting related to knowledge and history.

War

The War Domain transforms the cleric into a formidable warrior priest, granting bonuses to attack rolls, damage, and saving throws against fear effects. This domain is ideal for clerics who wish to engage in melee combat alongside their allies.

Feat Selection

Divine Metamagic (Empower Healing)

This feat allows the cleric to enhance the healing provided by spells, increasing the potency of their cure spells.

Selective Channeling

This feat prevents Channel Energy from affecting allies, enabling clerics to heal without causing harm to their companions.

Improved Channel

This feat increases the potency of Channel Energy, providing additional healing or damage to targeted creatures.

Spell Selection

Lower Level Spells:

• Cure Light Wounds
• Bless
• Protection from Evil
• Aid

Higher Level Spells:

• Heal
• Resurrection
• Mass Cure Wounds
• Restoration

Tips and Tricks

• Prepare a variety of spells: Clerics should prepare a diverse range of spells to handle a wide range of situations, including healing, buffing, and damage-dealing.
• Manage Channel Energy wisely: Channel Energy is a powerful ability, but it can become less effective as the party levels up. Clerics should use it judiciously and consider alternative healing methods.
• Use your domain abilities: The abilities granted by the cleric's domain can provide significant benefits. Make sure to utilize them effectively in combat and roleplaying scenarios.
• Coordinate with the party: Clerics should work closely with their allies to determine the best use of their abilities. Communicate your healing plans and request assistance from others when necessary.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-reliance on healing: While healing is crucial, clerics should not limit themselves to it. They can also provide buffs, damage, and support to the party.
• Ignoring spell versatility: Clerics have access to a wide range of spells, including combat spells, utility spells, and social interactions spells. Explore the full potential of their spellcasting abilities.
• Neglecting social interaction: Clerics are often associated with healing and religion, but they can also be excellent diplomats and negotiators. Engage in roleplaying opportunities to build relationships and advance the party's goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best stat for a cleric?
Wisdom is the most important stat for clerics, as it affects their spellcasting and healing abilities.

2. Can a cleric multiclass into other classes?
Yes, clerics can multiclass into other classes that complement their abilities, such as fighter, paladin, or wizard.

3. How do I optimize a cleric for combat?
Consider taking the War Domain and feats such as Divine Metamagic (Empower Healing) and Improved Channel to enhance your combat capabilities.

4. What are some creative uses for Channel Energy?
Channel Energy can be used to harm undead creatures, grant temporary hit points to allies, or even empower certain spells.

5. How do I roleplay a cleric effectively?
Research religious practices, develop a backstory that aligns with your character's domain, and interact with NPCs in a compassionate and empathetic manner.

6. Can a cleric become a powerful spellcaster?
Clerics have access to a wide range of powerful spells, and by focusing on spellcasting feats and spell selection, they can become formidable spellcasters.

7. What are some recommended traits for clerics?
Consider traits such as Blessed Touch (bonus to healing spells), Fate's Favored (bonus to Channel Energy), or Purity of Faith (resistance to negative energy).

8. How do I build a cleric for a specific campaign setting?
Research the deities and religious practices of the campaign setting and tailor your character's build to fit the lore and atmosphere.

Conclusion

Pathfinder clerics are versatile and powerful characters that can significantly enhance the party's survivability, combat effectiveness, and roleplaying potential. By choosing the right class, domain, feats, and spells, players can create optimized cleric builds that will excel in any adventure. Remember to balance healing with other abilities, explore the diverse uses of Channel Energy, and engage in meaningful roleplaying to bring your cleric to life.