Would like to try a War-Cleric kind of build, any options?

[Poisoned Paint]

Can you guys give me some ideas? I've been doing Paladin/Bard but kinda feeling like I'd prefer a bit more ranged options. I was considering Cleric/Fighter but I wasn't sure if there was a more powerful combo out there. I'd be grateful for any suggestions, even if they dont align with the idea above :)

[Minlantius]

War clerics are the kings of 2h weapon fighting. Cast bless and drink a potion of speed or giants strength and you melt things. Even better at level 4 when you can take great weapon master. Their channel divinity makes it all the more better with auto hits.

[Poisoned Paint]

Thanks!

[BearEssentials]

War clerics only ever get 1 attack while a paladin gets 2 from ldvel 5 onwards AND very powerful smite attacks. Especially a Zariel paladin. So no, war clerics do not do so well. You probably already know this.

For better ranged options you can try paladin warlock, which thanks to pact of blade only needs charisma and con, and charisma powers your eldritch blast ans pact weapon attack and dmg, as well as social interactions you get hex and eldritch blast, and 2 spells at high level per short rest you can either use to smite big or cast damage spells.

[Poisoned Paint]

Originally posted by BearEssentials:

War clerics only ever get 1 attack while a paladin gets 2 from ldvel 5 onwards AND very powerful smite attacks. Especially a Zariel paladin. So no, war clerics do not do so well. You probably already know this.

For better ranged options you can try paladin warlock, which thanks to pact of blade only needs charisma and con, and charisma powers your eldritch blast ans pact weapon attack and dmg, as well as social interactions you get hex and eldritch blast, and 2 spells at high level per short rest you can either use to smite big or cast damage spells.

I actually decided to go with War Cleric and get the Great Weapon feat; it actually is pretty bad ass--I feel like I *can* do melee if I have to, but my spellcasting is where I shine; I did consider warlock too, but I intended to have wyll in my party as the designated warlock lol

[TheBlueFox]

For a war cleric, you're going to WANT "War Caster" as a feat. What this does is it gives you advantage on saving throws against dropping concentration. This is super important when you start running around with Spirit Guardians surrounding you, dealing constant radiant or necrotic damage to everything you touch.

Take a pair of gloves that gives you advantage when you're near 2 or more enemies and pull up an adamantine shield with a big beatstick or a 2 handed weapon.

War priests do not get extra attacks, however they do get "War Priest Charges". you can spend a charge to make another attack as a bonus action with your main hand. You can do this a number of times equal to your Cleric level +1, so after level 7 or so, you don't have to worry too much about them. They're restored on a long rest though.

So, War Priest extra attacks
Spiritual Weapon (Not concentration)
Animate Dead (Not concentration) - take skeletons for ranged damage
Spiritual Guardians

Thats A LOT OF DAMAGE every turn, And you can still cast amazing cleric spells too. Like Flamestrike and Upcasted guiding bolts or command

[Poisoned Paint]

Originally posted by TheBlueFox:

For a war cleric, you're going to WANT "War Caster" as a feat. What this does is it gives you advantage on saving throws against dropping concentration. This is super important when you start running around with Spirit Guardians surrounding you, dealing constant radiant or necrotic damage to everything you touch.

Take a pair of gloves that gives you advantage when you're near 2 or more enemies and pull up an adamantine shield with a big beatstick or a 2 handed weapon.

War priests do not get extra attacks, however they do get "War Priest Charges". you can spend a charge to make another attack as a bonus action with your main hand. You can do this a number of times equal to your Cleric level +1, so after level 7 or so, you don't have to worry too much about them. They're restored on a long rest though.

So, War Priest extra attacks
Spiritual Weapon (Not concentration)
Animate Dead (Not concentration) - take skeletons for ranged damage
Spiritual Guardians

Thats A LOT OF DAMAGE every turn, And you can still cast amazing cleric spells too. Like Flamestrike and Upcasted guiding bolts or command

That sounds like a really cool idea! Do you think I'd be missing out on much if I would take out the ability-upgrade to my wisdom? Currently the 2 feats I have at level 9 are Ability Score +2 (Wisdom) and Great Weapon Fighting