SIngle class clerics and dual wielding.

JiveOne

So clerics, along with druids, are one of my favorite classes, however only being allowed one pip has prevented me from trying one that dual wields. The penalty for dual wielding with only one pip is -2/-6 thac0, admittedly pretty steep. The plus side would be that the extra attack is way more significant for a cleric since it effectively doubles their number of attacks.

However let's say I would start with a Half-Orc cleric and 19 strength. The extra strength should cover the penalty of dual wielding with only one pip and result in a thac0 the same as a non-orc 18 strength cleric. Of course other races would get this bonus as well once they receive the tome.

I guess I'm wondering just how effective a straight(kitted) cleric would be when dual-wielding. Definitely not as good as a fighter or fighter/cleric, but are they still going to be hitting stuff on a consistent basis with only 1 pip in dual wield? A dual-wielding Priest of Talos would be especially awesome.

Abi_Dalzim

I think you could try a combo of Holy Power and Righteous Magic for the best results, the former spell further alleviating your Thaco issues, and the latter ensuring both of your attacks hit like a truck. I have a Swashbuckler/Cleric I'm leading through SOA right now, and while the results aren't ideal (she's overshadowed by a Fighter and a Ranger in the group), she's adequate when necessary. Improved Haste might help even more, to get 4 attacks.

[Deleted User]

I would think that once you have Divine Power, that would do a good job of compensating for the added THAC0 penalty. I'd be hesitant to try dual-wielding before getting that spell. Priest of Lathander is probably the strongest kit for this, given the bonuses provided by the Boon, but I wouldn't let that stop you from using a different kit.

comebackhome

Cleric/Beserker is a popular choice which may help with your THACO issues

elminster

I think when you factor in the fact that you can get 25 strength pretty easily (at least in BG2) its not so bad.

lunar

elminster said:

I think when you factor in the fact that you can get 25 strength pretty easily (at least in BG2) its not so bad.

I concur. Crom Faeyr is THE off-hand weapon. An improved hasted Lathander priest dual wielding flail of ages+cf with righteous magic and lathander's boon will be impressive in melee.

DevardKrown

Well that's a choice to be Made.

do you want the Kit stuff ...which boils down to 2 Spells. and eat that -2/6 THAC0
or do you want cool dual wield.. which forces you to Build Fighter in there somehow.

you could go Fighter2/Cleric Dual, which is the lowest form of Fighter commitment and still gives 1APR Grand mastery and that better dual wield, 4 flat HP and additional con+HP from 16+ boosting your total THAC0 and damage output quite a lot. (but limiting your Weapon choice if you want grand master them)
but all in all quite the compensation in Melee Prowess for 2 daily use spells.

Another Powerhouse is the mentioned Half-Orc Multi .. those 2 THAC0 from 19 Strength are Mad at lvl1~ and even without Grand Mastery you will end with more APR and better THAC0 later on since fighter keeps progressing it down (0 base THACO against 6 of the cleric (4 with grand mastery of our first example)
Downside ofc is the way slower Cleric Progression.



i know that the Cleric Strongholds are determent by your Alignment is it even mentioned if you are a Cleric of so and so anywhere ?

marzbarz

ranger/cleric gives 3 pips in duel wield if im not mistaken. When I go duel cleric style weps ill usually stick with that kind of a class. This way you get the extra pip in DW and the druid spells.

Lord_Tansheron

I suppose you could roll a Ranger, get free pips in two weapon spec, then dual to Cleric immediately at level 2. You'd essentially be a single-class Cleric, except you get better profs and a racial enemy.

JumboWheat01

Wouldn't you be better off hitting third level ranger so you can put the third and final pip into Two Weapon Style and THEN dual classing?

Lord_Tansheron

JumboWheat01 said:

Wouldn't you be better off hitting third level ranger so you can put the third and final pip into Two Weapon Style and THEN dual classing?

Sure, why not. But I'm pretty sure you can still spend those pips later, as you retain Ranger proficiency options after you regain the class.