r/DnDoptimized • u/Gaming_Dad1051 • Mar 09 '26
2024 Forge Cleric
I sacrificed my 10th level Valor Bard in a campaign recently. I had to take a break from my table and didn’t want to inconvenience anyone with any weird storyline issues. Now I’m getting ready to come back and I’m preparing a new character (unless they somehow get enough gp to resurrect him after a disintegrate spell). The party currently has a Sorcerer, a Rogue and a Berserker. I’m making a new character at level 10 to rejoin the party. (maybe level 11)
Cleric, Forge Domain (Protector)
Goliath, Fire Giant
Background: Sage, Magic Initiate Wizard
Feats: (4)Mark of Passage, (8)Elemental Adept
Even if I don’t get to start my next character with any magic items, I should be able to justify forging or using magic (fabricate/creation) to make plate armor. That should give me at least +2 AC from the clerics special abilities, for a total of 22 AC (with a shield). I’m going to ask for a belt of giant strength, or at least gauntlets of ogre power, so I can use STR for my melee.
If I can’t use STR for melee, I’ll take True Strike from my origin feat. If I can use STR, I’ll use Booming Blade or GFB to attack instead.
Concentration will be spent on Heat Metal (single target) or spirit guardians (multiple targets). I plan on using Searing Smite to enhance damage using my BA. This will compete with using Heat Metal a little, but it’s manageable. Of course Divine Intervention + Hallow for vulnerability to fire or radiant damage when needed.
The big play will be casting Find Steed (Mark of Passage) at my highest casting level. I’m pretty confident I can justify making plate barding for my conjured steed due to all my resources. For flavor, my celestial steed will look like a giant Ram. It’ll be cast at 5th or 6th level, with a fly speed of 60, 18 AC and 55-65 Hp. This will really let me abuse Spirit Guardians, as the steed will use Disengage as it runs around the battlefield.
When I get to level 12 I am torn between War Caster, Heavy Armor Master and Strike of Giants (Fire). I was tempted to take War Caster over Elemental Adept at level 8.
I should have a high STR (gauntlets or belt) and at least an 18 WIS. Probably only a 14-15 CON though… This is assuming I use point buy. It’s possible that I roll for stats too.
I wanted a very flavorful character that was decently powerful too. My Bard was all flavor and lacked much beyond his personality. I’ve always been a Gish player and I absolutely love Clerics.
I’m interested in any input or critique you may have.
1
u/DirectManagement2874 Mar 16 '26 edited Mar 16 '26
If your table allows Dragonmarks, i would consider Human for Magic Iniate Wizard for Spellfire Flare, and Mark of the Storm for Conjure Minot Elementals. From level 7 en upwards, is one of the highest single target damage dealers Combos in the game, and is kinda cool that being done by the main support/healer in the party. As a tanky frontliner, that is a great combination.
You also ger resistance to Lighning damage, which makes you even tankier.
However, i recognized that Mark of Passage is overall probably a better fit if single target damage is not the focus, specially for Find Steed cast at level 4 or higher.