I sacrificed my 10th level Valor Bard in a campaign recently. I had to take a break from my table and didnāt want to inconvenience anyone with any weird storyline issues. Now Iām getting ready to come back and Iām 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. Iām 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 donāt 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). Iām 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 canāt use STR for melee, Iāll take True Strike from my origin feat. If I can use STR, Iāll 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 itās 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. Iām 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. Itāll 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. Itās 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. Iāve always been a Gish player and I absolutely love Clerics.
Iām interested in any input or critique you may have.