Are you using point buy? Standard Array? Did you roll stats? Also what sort of other party members are you aware of?
Certainly seems interesting, but also somewhat MAD. Barbarians need you to have good strength, and decent constitution and dexterity, while clerics needs good wisdom. I don't really see what you'd be getting out of the cleric levels, though thematically I think I get what your going for. As far as stats it depends on what your really aiming for with this, if you really want the healing for supporting others likely mostly in non combat wisdom gets you healing, but you can't do that during a rage. If your building it to just tank or control look into either boosting your constitution or your strength.
Also worth asking, are you thinking of using a shield + longsword or are you interested in using a polearm for more control? maybe just a greatsword? This really comes down to how your interested in playing the character.
Also, which are you going for first, cleric or barbarian? What is your intended leveling pattern? What is your goal for this character, and what are you trying to evoke thematically? I've never played that combination myself, but here's a few thoughts regarding stats:
Str: As high as you can get it. Which you recognize, since you're a mountain dwarf. Nothing is too high.
Dex: At most, 14. This maximizes your AC while in medium armor. If not 14, 12, if not 12, 10. The biggest loss from lower dex is reduced AC, and it's more important if you're dual wielding or two handed weapon wielding than if you're using a shield.
Con: As high as you can get it. You're a barbarian, you're a sack of HP, especially while raging thanks to resistances. May as well lean into that role.
Wis: At least 13. It certainly benefits from being higher, but not as much as in previous editions. The Grave domain specifically leans into a Wis heavy build, as it adds Wis damage to cantrips and has quite a few save-requiring spells as domain spells, but as you can't cast spells while raging I'm not sure how often you're going to actually cast spells while in combat. It would be helpful to know your intended tactics when it comes to that to know how high Wis needs to be.
Int: Can dump.
Cha: Can dump.
So if you were using the "standard array", it would be 15 Str, 14 Con (both become 16+ after race), 13 Wis, 12 Dex, 10 Int, 8 Cha
The character is stuck in Barovia (yes I know I can leave whenever, but as a group we are staying and it is a regular campaign now that happens to also follow AL modules)
The major inspiration for the multi-class is RP based far more than combat based. Having said that, it would be nice to have some things I can cast if I decide not to rage.
I specifically haven't chosen any concentration spells because that doesn't make sense, how could anyone concentrate in a rage..
We have a War Priest, Warlock, Paladin & Wizard.
She's a Mountain Dwarf Barbarian 3/Cleric 1.
Stats as follows:
Str 16
Dex 13
Con 16
Int 10
Wis 14
Cha 9
These are my spells:
Light
Toll the Dead
Word of Radiance
Guiding Bolt
Healing Word
Sanctuary
False Life (Domain Spell)
Bane (Domain Spell)
Ultimately I think she'll be either 14/6 Barberic (I just made that up) to get the double channel divinity, but we'll see.
I wanted to hate this thematically, but I really can't find a reason to. This seems like a fun mix that I would have never thought of.
You're going to be MAD, but most multiclasses are to some degree. I think your stat choices are a great starting point. Personally I'd spend my ASI on STR and maybe some cool feats later. Getting the 1 point increase in dex from Resilient might be a good idea though, since that rounds the stat AND gives you prof. in Dex saves. Keep in mind, you're never going into heavy armor, so it might not be a bad idea to just get the +5 combined from your Con/Dex, and just look for a ring of protection or something (or go sword/board if you really worry about a 15 AC)
A suggestion: if you focus on melee style combat, you can pick spells that don't require saves/attack rolls as a way to keep from having to focus on increasing your WIS. You'd be a good out of combat healer, but in combat you might need to pick between rage or concentration/spell casting. That makes the character sub-optimal, but from an RP standpoint the idea of "I tried to save them all, but they need me now *super saiyan rage* NOW YOU WILL FACE ME!" as a character seems pretty baller to me. Hang back, be support, and then just drop some holy rage on the bad guys.
I wanted to hate this thematically, but I really can't find a reason to. This seems like a fun mix that I would have never thought of.
You're going to be MAD, but most multiclasses are to some degree. I think your stat choices are a great starting point. Personally I'd spend my ASI on STR and maybe some cool feats later. Getting the 1 point increase in dex from Resilient might be a good idea though, since that rounds the stat AND gives you prof. in Dex saves. Keep in mind, you're never going into heavy armor, so it might not be a bad idea to just get the +5 combined from your Con/Dex, and just look for a ring of protection or something (or go sword/board if you really worry about a 15 AC)
A suggestion: if you focus on melee style combat, you can pick spells that don't require saves/attack rolls as a way to keep from having to focus on increasing your WIS. You'd be a good out of combat healer, but in combat you might need to pick between rage or concentration/spell casting. That makes the character sub-optimal, but from an RP standpoint the idea of "I tried to save them all, but they need me now *super saiyan rage* NOW YOU WILL FACE ME!" as a character seems pretty baller to me. Hang back, be support, and then just drop some holy rage on the bad guys.
Thanks for all the tips. The mix actually came out of being stuck in Strahd and just this forlorn feeling for my character that she just can't help anyone. I've definitely made sure I have no concentration spells, because 'I would like to RAGE' *Grog dance* The manipulation of life and death in Strahd is such an affront that moving forward, Jess (name of this toon) will I think, have more resolve that they -will- survive this, and she -will- destroy this place.
I do have a Cloak of Protection already so with that and my shield I am sitting at 17 AC. My DM & the rest of the crew already gave me 'how did you get 17' so we are good.
I'll keep resilient in mind for sure.
Oh, spells I've chosen are: (Bane is always there because of the Domain)
I'm a Dwarf Barbarian who just took my 10th level at Barb, but am considering taking a level at cleric for my 11th level. It seems like managing the rage and spells might not be too hard if you remember to use a bonus action to unrage at the end of your turn so you can cast a spell at the beginning of your next turn. Is casting a spell and executing a melee attack more than one action though? So many questions, but I'm super intrigued. What other multiclass opportunities fit well with a high level barb?
When it comes to barb, there's nothing stopping you from casting a spell and then raging, which considering clerics have some nasty duration spell can make it nasty. Definitely pick up spiritual weapon. it lasts for a minute, uses your bonus action to attack, and then requires no concentration. That's the theme with spell cast barbs, have a prep round then rage. Paladin gets nasty sense smites don't count as spells, revised ranger turns them into a freak of nature in combat, kensai monk can open up some doors to fun things, and blood hunter can be done well too.
Honestly, from a thematic standpoint, I'd prefer to see a cleric/barbarian mix for themes specifically related to the afterlife, which is something neither of those subclasses delve into.
Don't forget that Channel Divinity isn't spell casting, so you can do that while raging...
Also, you might want to look at Twilight as a domain. I think it would be thematic, and its abilities mesh well with Barbarian (taken from experience...).
I would have suggested War, but you don't want to step on your other cleric's toes (unless you're a team, both touched by the same god. But you two would have to really talk that through).
Don't forget that Channel Divinity isn't spell casting, so you can do that while raging...
Almost always true, but not 100%. Think one of Trickster's channel divinity requires concentration. But outside of that rare and uncommon subclass, you are correct. So not really disagreeing, just can think of one exception to it.
Thoughts on how a Zealot Barb would work with either War Cleric or Glory Paladin? A Dragonborn barb to start, devotes themselves to Bahamut to strike back at Tiamat, since chromatic dragons caused the deaths of many of his tribe.
Zealot and War Cleric will work extremely well. 3 levels of war cleric gets you a bonus action attack and guided strike. Going to 6 is expensive but gives you two concentrationless spells. I recommend only 3 levels.
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Anyone who has been playing/played this combination have any recommendations on stats?
She's a Mountain Dwarf, and will be Ancestral Guardian/Grave Domain.
Thanks in advance!
*avatar by @ZomgDae on Twitter*
Are you using point buy? Standard Array? Did you roll stats? Also what sort of other party members are you aware of?
Certainly seems interesting, but also somewhat MAD. Barbarians need you to have good strength, and decent constitution and dexterity, while clerics needs good wisdom. I don't really see what you'd be getting out of the cleric levels, though thematically I think I get what your going for. As far as stats it depends on what your really aiming for with this, if you really want the healing for supporting others likely mostly in non combat wisdom gets you healing, but you can't do that during a rage. If your building it to just tank or control look into either boosting your constitution or your strength.
Also worth asking, are you thinking of using a shield + longsword or are you interested in using a polearm for more control? maybe just a greatsword? This really comes down to how your interested in playing the character.
^this.
Also, which are you going for first, cleric or barbarian? What is your intended leveling pattern? What is your goal for this character, and what are you trying to evoke thematically? I've never played that combination myself, but here's a few thoughts regarding stats:
Str: As high as you can get it. Which you recognize, since you're a mountain dwarf. Nothing is too high.
Dex: At most, 14. This maximizes your AC while in medium armor. If not 14, 12, if not 12, 10. The biggest loss from lower dex is reduced AC, and it's more important if you're dual wielding or two handed weapon wielding than if you're using a shield.
Con: As high as you can get it. You're a barbarian, you're a sack of HP, especially while raging thanks to resistances. May as well lean into that role.
Wis: At least 13. It certainly benefits from being higher, but not as much as in previous editions. The Grave domain specifically leans into a Wis heavy build, as it adds Wis damage to cantrips and has quite a few save-requiring spells as domain spells, but as you can't cast spells while raging I'm not sure how often you're going to actually cast spells while in combat. It would be helpful to know your intended tactics when it comes to that to know how high Wis needs to be.
Int: Can dump.
Cha: Can dump.
So if you were using the "standard array", it would be 15 Str, 14 Con (both become 16+ after race), 13 Wis, 12 Dex, 10 Int, 8 Cha
Trying to answer all the questions in one go.
The character is stuck in Barovia (yes I know I can leave whenever, but as a group we are staying and it is a regular campaign now that happens to also follow AL modules)
The major inspiration for the multi-class is RP based far more than combat based. Having said that, it would be nice to have some things I can cast if I decide not to rage.
I specifically haven't chosen any concentration spells because that doesn't make sense, how could anyone concentrate in a rage..
We have a War Priest, Warlock, Paladin & Wizard.
She's a Mountain Dwarf Barbarian 3/Cleric 1.
Stats as follows:
Str 16
Dex 13
Con 16
Int 10
Wis 14
Cha 9
These are my spells:
Light
Toll the Dead
Word of Radiance
Guiding Bolt
Healing Word
Sanctuary
False Life (Domain Spell)
Bane (Domain Spell)
Ultimately I think she'll be either 14/6 Barberic (I just made that up) to get the double channel divinity, but we'll see.
I think it'll for sure be an interesting run.
*avatar by @ZomgDae on Twitter*
I wanted to hate this thematically, but I really can't find a reason to. This seems like a fun mix that I would have never thought of.
You're going to be MAD, but most multiclasses are to some degree. I think your stat choices are a great starting point. Personally I'd spend my ASI on STR and maybe some cool feats later. Getting the 1 point increase in dex from Resilient might be a good idea though, since that rounds the stat AND gives you prof. in Dex saves. Keep in mind, you're never going into heavy armor, so it might not be a bad idea to just get the +5 combined from your Con/Dex, and just look for a ring of protection or something (or go sword/board if you really worry about a 15 AC)
A suggestion: if you focus on melee style combat, you can pick spells that don't require saves/attack rolls as a way to keep from having to focus on increasing your WIS. You'd be a good out of combat healer, but in combat you might need to pick between rage or concentration/spell casting. That makes the character sub-optimal, but from an RP standpoint the idea of "I tried to save them all, but they need me now *super saiyan rage* NOW YOU WILL FACE ME!" as a character seems pretty baller to me. Hang back, be support, and then just drop some holy rage on the bad guys.
*avatar by @ZomgDae on Twitter*
I'm a Dwarf Barbarian who just took my 10th level at Barb, but am considering taking a level at cleric for my 11th level. It seems like managing the rage and spells might not be too hard if you remember to use a bonus action to unrage at the end of your turn so you can cast a spell at the beginning of your next turn. Is casting a spell and executing a melee attack more than one action though? So many questions, but I'm super intrigued. What other multiclass opportunities fit well with a high level barb?
When it comes to barb, there's nothing stopping you from casting a spell and then raging, which considering clerics have some nasty duration spell can make it nasty. Definitely pick up spiritual weapon. it lasts for a minute, uses your bonus action to attack, and then requires no concentration. That's the theme with spell cast barbs, have a prep round then rage. Paladin gets nasty sense smites don't count as spells, revised ranger turns them into a freak of nature in combat, kensai monk can open up some doors to fun things, and blood hunter can be done well too.
Have you considered going Paly instead?
Vegeance, Ancients, Glory, and Conquest all seem to be more thematic and you can smite while raging.
Honestly, from a thematic standpoint, I'd prefer to see a cleric/barbarian mix for themes specifically related to the afterlife, which is something neither of those subclasses delve into.
Don't forget that Channel Divinity isn't spell casting, so you can do that while raging...
Also, you might want to look at Twilight as a domain. I think it would be thematic, and its abilities mesh well with Barbarian (taken from experience...).
I would have suggested War, but you don't want to step on your other cleric's toes (unless you're a team, both touched by the same god. But you two would have to really talk that through).
Almost always true, but not 100%. Think one of Trickster's channel divinity requires concentration. But outside of that rare and uncommon subclass, you are correct. So not really disagreeing, just can think of one exception to it.
You dont need dexterity for a barbarian thats just your own opinion
Oh my god, it's Grog and Pike's love child!
I dont belive pike was a grave domain
How'd you end up likin this multiclass? Workin on one right now, Totem Warrior/Nature Domain.
Barbarian flavor of choice (Ancestral, personally)/Twilight Cleric was awesome... hoping to pick that character up again soon.
Thoughts on how a Zealot Barb would work with either War Cleric or Glory Paladin? A Dragonborn barb to start, devotes themselves to Bahamut to strike back at Tiamat, since chromatic dragons caused the deaths of many of his tribe.
Zealot and War Cleric will work extremely well. 3 levels of war cleric gets you a bonus action attack and guided strike. Going to 6 is expensive but gives you two concentrationless spells. I recommend only 3 levels.