I'm a new D&D player and have decided to multi class my Level 5 sorcerer with a level of cleric because it made thematic sense with beats that were happening in the story. However I'm looking at what clerics get level one, and there's so much—armor proficiency, modifier bonuses, spell slots—that feels like stuff you get at the start of the game to get going, not stuff you add in the middle. Do I add EVERYTHING that a level one cleric gets to my arsenal? Or is there a limited pool for multi classing that isn't the same as full classing? Want to make sure I'm not overpowering myself, but also that I'm getting everything I should!
No, you get far less proficiencies when multiclassing than when starting as a class. That's partly why, when building a multiclass character, it's important to look up which class gets the features and proficiencies you would find most useful.
If you are Multiclassing from Sorcerer into Cleric, keep in mind that you must have at least a WIS score of 13, but the only proficiencies you get from Cleric are Light Armor, Medium Armor, and Shields. Not too exciting for most multiclass builds, but for a Sorcerer getting the chance to actually boost your AC is pretty nice.
Dang, you don't get anything for multiclassing into Sorcerer or Wizard? I guess at the very least Sorcerer gets their subclass features right at level 1, but so does Warlock, and that at least gives you some weapon and armor proficiencies.
That's partly why, when building a multiclass character, it's important to look up which class gets the features and proficiencies you would find most useful.
If you're only multiclassing for mechanical reasons, sure, optimize away. That wouldn't appear to be relevant here though
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Maybe, don't multi-class. I obviously don't know all the detail behind the OP's reasons for wanting to multi-class, or anything about the character. Could be it will all work out fine. But multi-classing if you haven't planned for it from the start can really lead you to a weak character with abilities that ether don't synergize well, or sometimes actively work against each other. Particularly for new players, it can lead to a lot of headaches. For two full caster classes, for example, it can create a weird situation where you have spell slots, but no access to spells of that level, for example. it won't destroy your game, but it's certainly odd and can be confusing. You might want to just theorycraft it. Add the level on your character sheet, and see what it does for you, and what it doesn't.
If you look at the options and decide they won't work for you, I'd point out you don't need to be a cleric to be religious. You can easily role play whatever epiphany you had. There doesn't have to be game mechanics backing it up. You can just be a fervent believer. Or maybe consider taking Magic initiate: Cleric as your level 8 feat when you get there, to give you a little of the flavor without committing to a level in cleric.
As clecics get there subclass features at level 1 you also get all the subclass features for the domain you choose.
From a power point of view multiclassing is always a balancing act. While multiclassing into cleric means you keep the same number of spell slots as if you remain a single class sorcerer you will be one level behind in your sorcerer spells known, while you will have a 4th level spell slot when you reach level 7 you will onlt be able ot use it by upcasting another spell. You will have one sorcery point less you will get all you other sorcerer features late.
I wouldn't say that mutliclassing into Cleric is an inherently terrible choice... as Jegpeg mentioned, you get your subclass features at level 1, and I've heard some players say that it's worth dipping into a class with healing spells if you're still primarily an arcane caster, if only because you can still use your higher level spell slots to upcast Healing Word or Cure Wounds in an emergency.
That said... I do think that it's going to be a challenge to go from Sorcerer to Cleric, if only because they use different spellcasting abilities. You have to remember which of your spells are Cleric spells because you'll need to use your Wisdom Modifier for them and not your Charisma modifier.
If possible, you might be better off multiclassing into Paladin instead. It has a very similar flavor to Cleric, but they key off of CHA just like Sorcerer. Going in a wildly different direction, you could also multiclass into Celestial Warlock. It's a great little subclass to give you that Holy flavor while still feeling distinctly like an arcane caster, plus it's easier to keep track of, since Warlock Spell slots and Sorcerer Spell Slots don't really interact, so they just progress at their own pace. Plus it gives you two free cantrips on top of the cantrips you already have as a sorcerer and the two you get as a level 1 Warlock. Maybe it's just me, but I like collecting as many cantrips as possible... it's fun to be able to always do cool magic stuff, even if you're out of spell slots.
You get what class table and subclass description offers(as clerics, get subclass at level 1) also warlocks and sorceress get some abilities from patron or chosen source of their power, that are not written in their class description but written in subclass description. If you browse "multiclassing 5e" you might come along a website who summarizes multiclassing...
Like multiclassing to a fighter does not give you heavy armor, but multiclassing to many clerics might(due to subclass abilities). Multiclassing to a rogue and a ranger grants you proficiency/ies from their class proficiency list while other classes do not, etc...
If you use DDB for your character sheet then it will help you with what you will gain. In this case only light & medium armor , and shields. No cantrips but the spells you would gain as a 1st level cleric and any domain features depending on what subclass you choose. The spells you know or can prepare (for cleric) will be based on your class level (but you use the table in the multiclass section of the PHB or basic rules to determine spell slots you have).
I say go for it if you think it fits your character. But as others have said your cleric spells will depend on your WIS modifier so if it is low you might want to choose spells that don’t use your WIS to attack or require a saving throw as your DC will be low too. Like Bless, Cure Wounds, or Shield of Faith.
You never get the saving throw proficiencies. You usually get the weapon and armor proficiencies. You sometimes get a skill proficiency (but never more than one). You sometimes get a tool proficiency. The table Emmber linked has the details.
If you use DDB for your character sheet then it will help you with what you will gain. In this case only light & medium armor , and shields. No cantrips but the spells you would gain as a 1st level cleric and any domain features depending on what subclass you choose. The spells you know or can prepare (for cleric) will be based on your class level (but you use the table in the multiclass section of the PHB or basic rules to determine spell slots you have).
Since when? Cantrips come via class feature, and thus you get them when multiclassing. This is plainly stated in the Sage Advice Compendium.
Last I used it in this situation, the character sheet properly handled it as well.
If your wisdom is reasonably good then multiclassing a level in cleric can be very useful for a sorcerer.
You will pick up proficiencies with light and medium armor, and shields. If you have at least 14 dexterity, the improvement from using medium armor plus a shield is substantial (breastplate + shield + 14 dexterity = 18 AC compared with usually 15 or 16 with mage armor and a 14 or 16 dex) You don't gain any weapon proficiencies/saving throw proficiencies or skills from the class. However, you will get all of the level 1 cleric domain features.
Some of the more useful ones can be:
- Several domains give Heavy armor proficiency- useful if you have the strength to use it
- Knowledge cleric - expertise in two knowledge skills which can be pretty nice
- Life cleric healing bonus - bless and cure wounds always prepared
- Forge cleric - +1 armor, shield or weapon
- Twilight cleric - 300' darkvision, shared darkvision, advantage on initiative rolls, martial weapons and heavy armor
and so on - lots of potentially very useful options. Each domain gives a pair of different domain spells that are always prepared.
Plus you retain full spell slot progression so you will be a 6th level spellcaster in total though you prepare spells as if you were a 5 sorcerer and 1 cleric. You will be able to prepare cleric level+wisdom mod 1st level cleric spells in addition to your sorcerer spells though these will be cast using your wisdom modifier which is likely less than your charisma modifier and you will have three more cleric cantrips to add to the sorcerer ones.
Finally, in order to multiclass from sorcerer to cleric you need to have at least 13 charisma and 13 wisdom.
The problem with Multiclassing in 3e was always power drain on spells. Sure you could get the benfits of two levels rogue and two levels of fighter but then at tenth level you cast your spells as a 6th level caster while the monster cast its spells that it has at the rating of the challenge level for the party. There were work arounds, a feat that let you add 4 levels to your caster level or that weird prestige class that allowed you to get levels in one divine and one arcane class etc. but they were limited.
With this system you are limited in the spells added and known because you took a year off to go partying as a bard but you still get the spell slots which means that you get to cast the lower level spells at full power at least so you are not completely useless.
The downside as I see it are two-fold. One is I think that yes you should get all the proficiencies available to a class when you level into it. This only makes sense. I see why they are doing it but there should be some option, say a feat that one can take to get the remaining proficiencies that you missed if you want them. Overall multiclass characters will always be weaker in maximum power output than those that don't because they will have to wait to get the upper level abilities of a class. However, what you gain when you multiclass is flexibility and adaptability of a generalist, that is why you forego the raw power. Where MC works best is when you use the added abilities to finesse the nuance out of them. That is limited when you remove the ability of a class in general. But that is a minor issue thought not a deal breaker.
The other disadvantage for me is the end of the Prestige Class. These added a great deal of roleplaying potential and creativity to the game. The class required roleplaying on the players part to go find the teachers, convince them to train them, having to be a member of the group, with the group being sources of side adventures. This was really great in my book. I am sorry they just discontinued it but oh well.
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Hello!
I'm a new D&D player and have decided to multi class my Level 5 sorcerer with a level of cleric because it made thematic sense with beats that were happening in the story. However I'm looking at what clerics get level one, and there's so much—armor proficiency, modifier bonuses, spell slots—that feels like stuff you get at the start of the game to get going, not stuff you add in the middle. Do I add EVERYTHING that a level one cleric gets to my arsenal? Or is there a limited pool for multi classing that isn't the same as full classing? Want to make sure I'm not overpowering myself, but also that I'm getting everything I should!
Thank you thank you!
No, you get far less proficiencies when multiclassing than when starting as a class. That's partly why, when building a multiclass character, it's important to look up which class gets the features and proficiencies you would find most useful.
If you are Multiclassing from Sorcerer into Cleric, keep in mind that you must have at least a WIS score of 13, but the only proficiencies you get from Cleric are Light Armor, Medium Armor, and Shields. Not too exciting for most multiclass builds, but for a Sorcerer getting the chance to actually boost your AC is pretty nice.
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https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/customization-options#Proficiencies
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Dang, you don't get anything for multiclassing into Sorcerer or Wizard? I guess at the very least Sorcerer gets their subclass features right at level 1, but so does Warlock, and that at least gives you some weapon and armor proficiencies.
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If you're only multiclassing for mechanical reasons, sure, optimize away. That wouldn't appear to be relevant here though
Active characters:
Askatu, hyperfocused vedalken freedom fighter in Wildspace (Zealot barb/Swashbuckler rogue/Battle Master fighter)
Green Hill Sunrise, jaded tabaxi mercenary trapped in the Dark Domains (Battle Master fighter)
Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
Maybe, don't multi-class. I obviously don't know all the detail behind the OP's reasons for wanting to multi-class, or anything about the character. Could be it will all work out fine. But multi-classing if you haven't planned for it from the start can really lead you to a weak character with abilities that ether don't synergize well, or sometimes actively work against each other. Particularly for new players, it can lead to a lot of headaches. For two full caster classes, for example, it can create a weird situation where you have spell slots, but no access to spells of that level, for example. it won't destroy your game, but it's certainly odd and can be confusing. You might want to just theorycraft it. Add the level on your character sheet, and see what it does for you, and what it doesn't.
If you look at the options and decide they won't work for you, I'd point out you don't need to be a cleric to be religious. You can easily role play whatever epiphany you had. There doesn't have to be game mechanics backing it up. You can just be a fervent believer. Or maybe consider taking Magic initiate: Cleric as your level 8 feat when you get there, to give you a little of the flavor without committing to a level in cleric.
As clecics get there subclass features at level 1 you also get all the subclass features for the domain you choose.
From a power point of view multiclassing is always a balancing act. While multiclassing into cleric means you keep the same number of spell slots as if you remain a single class sorcerer you will be one level behind in your sorcerer spells known, while you will have a 4th level spell slot when you reach level 7 you will onlt be able ot use it by upcasting another spell. You will have one sorcery point less you will get all you other sorcerer features late.
I wouldn't say that mutliclassing into Cleric is an inherently terrible choice... as Jegpeg mentioned, you get your subclass features at level 1, and I've heard some players say that it's worth dipping into a class with healing spells if you're still primarily an arcane caster, if only because you can still use your higher level spell slots to upcast Healing Word or Cure Wounds in an emergency.
That said... I do think that it's going to be a challenge to go from Sorcerer to Cleric, if only because they use different spellcasting abilities. You have to remember which of your spells are Cleric spells because you'll need to use your Wisdom Modifier for them and not your Charisma modifier.
If possible, you might be better off multiclassing into Paladin instead. It has a very similar flavor to Cleric, but they key off of CHA just like Sorcerer. Going in a wildly different direction, you could also multiclass into Celestial Warlock. It's a great little subclass to give you that Holy flavor while still feeling distinctly like an arcane caster, plus it's easier to keep track of, since Warlock Spell slots and Sorcerer Spell Slots don't really interact, so they just progress at their own pace. Plus it gives you two free cantrips on top of the cantrips you already have as a sorcerer and the two you get as a level 1 Warlock. Maybe it's just me, but I like collecting as many cantrips as possible... it's fun to be able to always do cool magic stuff, even if you're out of spell slots.
Watch Crits for Breakfast, an adults-only RP-Heavy Roll20 Livestream at twitch.tv/afterdisbooty
And now you too can play with the amazing art and assets we use in Roll20 for our campaign at Hazel's Emporium
You get what class table and subclass description offers(as clerics, get subclass at level 1) also warlocks and sorceress get some abilities from patron or chosen source of their power, that are not written in their class description but written in subclass description. If you browse "multiclassing 5e" you might come along a website who summarizes multiclassing...
Like multiclassing to a fighter does not give you heavy armor, but multiclassing to many clerics might(due to subclass abilities). Multiclassing to a rogue and a ranger grants you proficiency/ies from their class proficiency list while other classes do not, etc...
If you use DDB for your character sheet then it will help you with what you will gain. In this case only light & medium armor , and shields.
No cantripsbut the spells you would gain as a 1st level cleric and any domain features depending on what subclass you choose. The spells you know or can prepare (for cleric) will be based on your class level (but you use the table in the multiclass section of the PHB or basic rules to determine spell slots you have).I say go for it if you think it fits your character. But as others have said your cleric spells will depend on your WIS modifier so if it is low you might want to choose spells that don’t use your WIS to attack or require a saving throw as your DC will be low too. Like Bless, Cure Wounds, or Shield of Faith.
You never get the saving throw proficiencies. You usually get the weapon and armor proficiencies. You sometimes get a skill proficiency (but never more than one). You sometimes get a tool proficiency. The table Emmber linked has the details.
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Since when? Cantrips come via class feature, and thus you get them when multiclassing. This is plainly stated in the Sage Advice Compendium.
Last I used it in this situation, the character sheet properly handled it as well.
You DO gain cantrips from each class.
I stand corrected. Thanks Hamsterkill and Farling. I'm not sure what I was thinking.
If your wisdom is reasonably good then multiclassing a level in cleric can be very useful for a sorcerer.
You will pick up proficiencies with light and medium armor, and shields. If you have at least 14 dexterity, the improvement from using medium armor plus a shield is substantial (breastplate + shield + 14 dexterity = 18 AC compared with usually 15 or 16 with mage armor and a 14 or 16 dex) You don't gain any weapon proficiencies/saving throw proficiencies or skills from the class. However, you will get all of the level 1 cleric domain features.
Some of the more useful ones can be:
- Several domains give Heavy armor proficiency- useful if you have the strength to use it
- Knowledge cleric - expertise in two knowledge skills which can be pretty nice
- Life cleric healing bonus - bless and cure wounds always prepared
- Forge cleric - +1 armor, shield or weapon
- Twilight cleric - 300' darkvision, shared darkvision, advantage on initiative rolls, martial weapons and heavy armor
and so on - lots of potentially very useful options. Each domain gives a pair of different domain spells that are always prepared.
Plus you retain full spell slot progression so you will be a 6th level spellcaster in total though you prepare spells as if you were a 5 sorcerer and 1 cleric. You will be able to prepare cleric level+wisdom mod 1st level cleric spells in addition to your sorcerer spells though these will be cast using your wisdom modifier which is likely less than your charisma modifier and you will have three more cleric cantrips to add to the sorcerer ones.
Finally, in order to multiclass from sorcerer to cleric you need to have at least 13 charisma and 13 wisdom.
This is the one rule I like.
The problem with Multiclassing in 3e was always power drain on spells. Sure you could get the benfits of two levels rogue and two levels of fighter but then at tenth level you cast your spells as a 6th level caster while the monster cast its spells that it has at the rating of the challenge level for the party. There were work arounds, a feat that let you add 4 levels to your caster level or that weird prestige class that allowed you to get levels in one divine and one arcane class etc. but they were limited.
With this system you are limited in the spells added and known because you took a year off to go partying as a bard but you still get the spell slots which means that you get to cast the lower level spells at full power at least so you are not completely useless.
The downside as I see it are two-fold. One is I think that yes you should get all the proficiencies available to a class when you level into it. This only makes sense. I see why they are doing it but there should be some option, say a feat that one can take to get the remaining proficiencies that you missed if you want them. Overall multiclass characters will always be weaker in maximum power output than those that don't because they will have to wait to get the upper level abilities of a class. However, what you gain when you multiclass is flexibility and adaptability of a generalist, that is why you forego the raw power. Where MC works best is when you use the added abilities to finesse the nuance out of them. That is limited when you remove the ability of a class in general. But that is a minor issue thought not a deal breaker.
The other disadvantage for me is the end of the Prestige Class. These added a great deal of roleplaying potential and creativity to the game. The class required roleplaying on the players part to go find the teachers, convince them to train them, having to be a member of the group, with the group being sources of side adventures. This was really great in my book. I am sorry they just discontinued it but oh well.