So, I'm trying to make a multiclasser, (Wizard and Cleric) and looking at a combo of either 1 or 2 levels in Knowledge domain Cleric and the rest in Wizard, Conjuration or Transmutations, or the same Cleric levels in Tempest domain and then evocation wizard. What do people think is the best, and what are your suggestions for one or both?
Wizards and Clerics are two of the most versatile classes available, so you'll want to come from an angle of 'How do I want to play this character' instead of 'What are my options'. What're your thoughts on that?
Cleric and wizard are pretty powerful when mixed as you gain armor (which saves you spell slots) and your spell slot progression isn't hampered. Also there are some very good low level cleric spells that add to your control (spiritual weapon comes to mind as it's pretty much a superior version of mordenkainen's sword).
That being said however bring either wizard or cleric up to 5th quickly to get 3rd level spells as they are substantially more powerful spells and tend to be your bread and butter spells (spirit guardians is great control as well as being a fun nuke, and well fireball, lightning bolt and haste sort of speak for themselves)
I am also starting a Cleric1/WizardX after playing a Fighter1/WizardX. There were some benefits to the Fighter1/WizardX build, specifically Constitution saving throws, Fighting Style (Defense for +1AC), Second Wind and use of martial weapons (though useless at higher levels). This build could also go a 2nd level in Fighter for Action Surge. But ultimately, I saw the limits on spell progression in later levels as a real downside and the extra cantrips/spells offered by a level 1 Cleric to be better. The only real disadvantage with Cleric over Fighter is having to bolster Wisdom instead of Dexterity for the privilege of the 1 level dip.
All that said, I wouldn't go beyond 1 level in Cleric as none of the 2nd level Domain features seem they would be that helpful in higher levels and at level 20 (if you get there) you would miss out on having 2 more high level Wizard spells known, 1 more prepared and an ASI. With that in mind, here are my thoughts on the different Domains for ONLY a 1 level dip. Also, I think it is important to keep in mind the 1st level spells that are always prepared: 1. Knowledge: Probably the best bet as you get Expertise in 2 skills (1 should be Arcana) and to a lesser degree, 2 languages. Identify is good to have as it frees up a Wizard spell and can be cast as a ritual. Command is pretty good too. 2. Arcana (SCAG): While you don't get Expertise in Arcana, you still pick it up as a regular skill proficiency so you can take something else with your background like Perception or Stealth. You miss out on the 2 extra languages and an additional Expertise, but you gain 2 additional Wizard cantrips! Take 2 utility ones like Mage Hand and Message so you can use the extra Wizard slots for blaster cantrips using Intelligence instead of Wisdom. Why do you need more blasting cantrips? Well, the Cleric cantrips should be all utility (Guidance, Light, Mending or Thaumaturgy) so that you have a variety in both ranged spell attacks & save attacks plus damage types via your Wizard choices. Not just for you, but eventually your Simulacrum as this will be one of his main rolls. Detect Magic (ritual) & Magic Missile are also great spells to always have prepared. 3. Light: Extra Cleric cantrip is a small gain, and while always prepared Burning Hands and Faerie Fire spells are great at low levels, they lose importance later on. The main reason for choosing Light Domain though is for Warding Flare which is the best level 1 Domain feature. 4. Life: This is situational if your party lacks healing. Bless as a spell always prepared is garbage, but getting an extra +3 or +4 HP via Disciple of Life for Cure Wounds (out of combat & separately prepared Healing Word in combat) for potentially unused level 1 & 2 spell slots at higher levels could really be helpful. 5. Death (DM guide): You'd have to get DM approval on this but makes for an interesting build. Prepared spell False Life offers nominal gains, but Ray of Sickness is a nice debuff and frees up taking that as a Wizard for an extra level 1 ritual spell. But the best thing is the Reaper feature. You and your Simulacrum doing 8d8+8d8 on two creatures with Chill Touch or 8d12+8d12 on 2 creatures using Toll the Dead per turn with cantrips just seems amazing!
I really wouldn't even consider any other Domains. I hope this helps!
So, I'm trying to make a multiclasser, (Wizard and Cleric) and looking at a combo of either 1 or 2 levels in Knowledge domain Cleric and the rest in Wizard, Conjuration or Transmutations, or the same Cleric levels in Tempest domain and then evocation wizard. What do people think is the best, and what are your suggestions for one or both?
Wizards and Clerics are two of the most versatile classes available, so you'll want to come from an angle of 'How do I want to play this character' instead of 'What are my options'. What're your thoughts on that?
Cleric and wizard are pretty powerful when mixed as you gain armor (which saves you spell slots) and your spell slot progression isn't hampered. Also there are some very good low level cleric spells that add to your control (spiritual weapon comes to mind as it's pretty much a superior version of mordenkainen's sword).
That being said however bring either wizard or cleric up to 5th quickly to get 3rd level spells as they are substantially more powerful spells and tend to be your bread and butter spells (spirit guardians is great control as well as being a fun nuke, and well fireball, lightning bolt and haste sort of speak for themselves)
I am also starting a Cleric1/WizardX after playing a Fighter1/WizardX. There were some benefits to the Fighter1/WizardX build, specifically Constitution saving throws, Fighting Style (Defense for +1AC), Second Wind and use of martial weapons (though useless at higher levels). This build could also go a 2nd level in Fighter for Action Surge. But ultimately, I saw the limits on spell progression in later levels as a real downside and the extra cantrips/spells offered by a level 1 Cleric to be better. The only real disadvantage with Cleric over Fighter is having to bolster Wisdom instead of Dexterity for the privilege of the 1 level dip.
All that said, I wouldn't go beyond 1 level in Cleric as none of the 2nd level Domain features seem they would be that helpful in higher levels and at level 20 (if you get there) you would miss out on having 2 more high level Wizard spells known, 1 more prepared and an ASI. With that in mind, here are my thoughts on the different Domains for ONLY a 1 level dip. Also, I think it is important to keep in mind the 1st level spells that are always prepared:
1. Knowledge: Probably the best bet as you get Expertise in 2 skills (1 should be Arcana) and to a lesser degree, 2 languages. Identify is good to have as it frees up a Wizard spell and can be cast as a ritual. Command is pretty good too.
2. Arcana (SCAG): While you don't get Expertise in Arcana, you still pick it up as a regular skill proficiency so you can take something else with your background like Perception or Stealth. You miss out on the 2 extra languages and an additional Expertise, but you gain 2 additional Wizard cantrips! Take 2 utility ones like Mage Hand and Message so you can use the extra Wizard slots for blaster cantrips using Intelligence instead of Wisdom. Why do you need more blasting cantrips? Well, the Cleric cantrips should be all utility (Guidance, Light, Mending or Thaumaturgy) so that you have a variety in both ranged spell attacks & save attacks plus damage types via your Wizard choices. Not just for you, but eventually your Simulacrum as this will be one of his main rolls. Detect Magic (ritual) & Magic Missile are also great spells to always have prepared.
3. Light: Extra Cleric cantrip is a small gain, and while always prepared Burning Hands and Faerie Fire spells are great at low levels, they lose importance later on. The main reason for choosing Light Domain though is for Warding Flare which is the best level 1 Domain feature.
4. Life: This is situational if your party lacks healing. Bless as a spell always prepared is garbage, but getting an extra +3 or +4 HP via Disciple of Life for Cure Wounds (out of combat & separately prepared Healing Word in combat) for potentially unused level 1 & 2 spell slots at higher levels could really be helpful.
5. Death (DM guide): You'd have to get DM approval on this but makes for an interesting build. Prepared spell False Life offers nominal gains, but Ray of Sickness is a nice debuff and frees up taking that as a Wizard for an extra level 1 ritual spell. But the best thing is the Reaper feature. You and your Simulacrum doing 8d8+8d8 on two creatures with Chill Touch or 8d12+8d12 on 2 creatures using Toll the Dead per turn with cantrips just seems amazing!
I really wouldn't even consider any other Domains. I hope this helps!
Yeah, I think this is a good outlook on the character. Although I must admit, I'm a bit of an optimizer, so I think about the best paths.