The 3.5 Cleric Handbook

[dman11235]

Something I noticed, DMM does not apply to every MM feat you have.  You take it once for each feat you want it to apply to.

Also, move Augment Healing to black, because it does help a LOT with a buffing cleric, due to a need for fewer healing spells cast.  The catch is that unless you want a healing/protection optimized cleric, it's not that good.  On a similar note, Touch of Healing (CChamp) is very useful for this type of build, and also other builds, though DMM: Persist+Mass Lesser Vigor makes both of these feats pretty much obsolete.

[AfterCrescent]

At level 20 I'd probably just persist and extend it (metamagic rod) and use that 150xp a day. Better than sacrificing a Miracle.

150xp a day can add up really fast. But I guess that depends on the campaign. I've played in campaigns where you have to be ready for combat even during "downtime" and that would suck to be wasting 150xp 365 days a year.

[AfterCrescent]

Something I noticed, DMM does not apply to every MM feat you have.  You take it once for each feat you want it to apply to.

Exactly. That's why I said when the feat is chosen it can apply to any metamagic you know. Perhaps that can be a bit clearer

Also, move Augment Healing to black, because it does help a LOT with a buffing cleric, due to a need for fewer healing spells cast.  The catch is that unless you want a healing/protection optimized cleric, it's not that good.  On a similar note, Touch of Healing (CChamp) is very useful for this type of build, and also other builds, though DMM: Persist+Mass Lesser Vigor makes both of these feats pretty much obsolete.

Yeah, Persist Mass lesser vigor does make both obsolete. But so does an extended vigor, or any vigor really.  The healing feats are generally not worth a feat investment. It's much easier to get a bonus spell and use an extra healing spell (although you likely won't need to) than to lose one feat.

[Tshern]

At level 20 I'd probably just persist and extend it (metamagic rod) and use that 150xp a day. Better than sacrificing a Miracle.

150xp a day can add up really fast. But I guess that depends on the campaign. I've played in campaigns where you have to be ready for combat even during "downtime" and that would suck to be wasting 150xp 365 days a year.

It's not like you could just stop casting it during those downtime days. Or go fight some Balors to get a little XP. I was talking about high levels, so finding killable stuff ought not to be an issue.

[Dictum Mortuum]

Instead of monk dip, some people might consider a deadly hunter druid 1. Favored Enemy, track, wis to AC, without virtually losing anything (except druidic taboo for weapons/armor).

[AfterCrescent]

Instead of monk dip, some people might consider a deadly hunter druid 1. Favored Enemy, track, wis to AC, without virtually losing anything (except druidic taboo for weapons/armor).

The monk dip makes for a good entry into Sacred Fist. But I agree, the Druid variant would make for a decent alternative. Favored enemy is a nice little boost.

[Dictum Mortuum]

Don't forget spells and the ability to use them without UMD'ing

[AfterCrescent]

Don't forget spells and the ability to use them without UMD'ing

Duly noted and updated. Thank you.

[Optimator]

This is an excellent guide. 

[Dictum Mortuum]

Agreed, very good guide

So, i have the perfect 1-level druid dip:

4 + int skills from a "caster" list.
+2 fort, +2 will.
Not able to wear metal armor (but there certain spells or materials that gets you pass that) and limited to certain weapons.
Spells. Ability to activate spell trigger items. Entangle and obscuring mist work just fine without the CL. Spontaneously cast the occasional SNA to disable a trap or something.
Druidic for free .
Animal Companion, swap it for the familiar-like version from cityscape web enhancement.
Nature Sense, free bonuses to two skills, not bad.
Wild empathy, you can swap it for that feature that lets you understand people from the web enhancement.
Wis to AC, like a monk.
favored enemy, like ranger.
Track bonus feat.

[AfterCrescent]

So, i have the perfect 1-level druid dip:
[...]Not able to wear metal armor (but there certain spells or materials that gets you pass that) and limited to certain weapons.[...]

Depending on your goal, Mielikki in FR has two solid domains (Animal & Travel) and lets druids wear metal armor. Worth a thought when taking this dip.


Also, thank you both for your praise. 

[ninjarabbit]

One template that deserves to be mentioned is the Spellstitched from Complete Arcane. It does require you to be undead and cost exp points but it is LA +0, it does give you some nice bonuses, and it gives you SLAs from the wizard's conjuration, necromancy, and evocation spell lists and which ones you get is based on your wis score, which just happens to be the cleric's spellcasting stat.

A nice triple threat (quad threat with divine power) build is spellstiched necropolitian kobold cloistered cleric14/comtemplative6 with the kobold, trickery, spell, and magic domains.

[AfterCrescent]

One template that deserves to be mentioned is the Spellstitched from Complete Arcane. It does require you to be undead and cost exp points but it is LA +0[snip]

The spellstitched template is not mentioned because it it is not LA+0. The template is actually LA: --, meaning it is not available as a playable template. If a DM allows you to have the template for no level adjustment, that would be very nice, but also very houseruled.

[Dictum Mortuum]

I disagree. It has LA: --, but it also has very detailed information on how to give the template to someone. It's one of those gray areas.

[AfterCrescent]

Agreed. Its a very gray area, and completely up to your DM :wink

[Runestar]

I disagree. It has LA: --, but it also has very detailed information on how to give the template to someone. It's one of those gray areas.

That info seemed more for spellstitching your own undead minions, rather than yourself. Thus, LA would be meaningless since your undead are not governed by ECL.

[ninjarabbit]

Yeah but it wouldn't be impossible to find someone else to spellstitch you, like a higher ranking member of your clergy who thinks you're the 'Chosen One'.

[AfterCrescent]

Yeah but it wouldn't be impossible to find someone else to spellstitch you, like a higher ranking member of your clergy who thinks you're the 'Chosen One'.

Assuming your DM allows it. Which will vary greatly from DM to DM. The rules, however, specifically say LA --, so most likely it's a no-go. And even if it is allowed, it will most likely have a LA, since it has impressive power.

[AfterCrescent]

I added some more graphics to help with the read through and make it a bit more interesting.  If anyone has any suggestions for improvements and/or where a graphic could add to the guide, let me know.

[BobismyRhino]

Yay! I like the pictures you got. I'll help you find more later, kay?