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Clerics: What is your favorite pure/multi/dual combination?

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  • PK2748PK2748 Member Posts: 381
    Depending upon your gear plans, get at least a 15 strength for the cleric/illusionist so you can strap on the giant shield. The nice thing about that multi is that it gives you so many options for self defense. Shorty saves are awfully good to pass up. I'd pass up bonus cleric spells before shorty saves.
    Nildar
  • WowoWowo Member Posts: 2,064
    Nildar said:

    I like this thread! I have some questions about dual/multiclass clerics for a trilogy, full NPC party, high difficulty settings run of my own as well.

    I am curious to know how people divide their stats when creating a cleric/illusionist.

    Is strength useful? And should you go with 15 con (16 after the tome) to get max hp bonus (but not the +5 shorties save)?
    I have this weird thing that I always want to give my chars max charisma and with a cleric/mage it feels like you want basically everything maxed out then, which of course isn't possible :wink: .

    I will probably reroll my stats a lot, until I have a high number since I want to play on a very high difficulty setting. But then again, I might just go with a totally different character when the time comes to actually start playing :blush: .

    On that note: Is a dual class Priest of Lathandar (and what level?) -> mage any good?

    @Semiticgod did a very successful run with a PoL 11 -> Mage in his "Party of Spiders" run.

    I really like the build but the duration of the cleric buffs is too short at that level for my taste and yet it quickly becomes too costly to add more levels. My solution is to play it IWDee solo on HoF mode where it's quite reasonable to go to level 21 or higher before dualing.

    Rolling for an illusionist/cleric is hard. I'd try for a 93 to hit 18*5 and Cha of 3 (you can get the ring for 18 charisma). Alternatively I've gone with 14 strength, 9 con, 18 dex, int, wis and 15 Cha in my solo pol/Mage that I mentioned above. 15 strength would be better for the shields but oh well.



    NildarJuliusBorisov
  • PhilhelmPhilhelm Member Posts: 473
    I'd be playing a human, so dual classes would be more relevant.

    I like the idea of a PoL/Mage, but the Boon of Lathander would have a short duration. At a minimum, I would dual the PoL at level 11 in order to gain a second Boon; level 21 would be tempting, but that would take forever.

    What about other, probably less common, dual class combos, like PoL/Fighter, or Mage/Cleric?
  • Hmm, given that you like the Morninglord/Undead-destroying aspect, a less common combo you might consider would be Invoker->Cleric. Specialist Mages inflict a -2 penalty to saves against spells from their specialized school, and that carries over to Cleric spells of the same school when you dual class. That means your Flame Strike, Sol's Searing Orb, and Sunray spells would all be harder to resist. The trick would be deciding when to pull the trigger on the dual-class. You would want at least 3 levels for access to Web. Level 4 spells are fantastic, but going to level 7 Invoker means you can't get your mage spells back under the BGEE XP cap after dual-classing. Holding on until level 9 for 5th level spells is also tempting, but at that point you're starting to look at a really extended process of getting your original class abilities back.
  • mashedtatersmashedtaters Member Posts: 2,266
    My favorite cleric was a lawful good, kitless fighter with grandmastery in hammers (and eventually slings) dualed at level 9 to cleric. He used shields instead of dual wielding. Man, I loved that guy... Too bad i lost that game after I got to tob.
  • CloutierCloutier Member Posts: 228
    Nildar wrote: »
    I like this thread! I have some questions about dual/multiclass clerics for a trilogy, full NPC party, high difficulty settings run of my own as well.

    I am curious to know how people divide their stats when creating a cleric/illusionist.

    Is strength useful? And should you go with 15 con (16 after the tome) to get max hp bonus (but not the +5 shorties save)?

    Cleric/Illusionists rock!

    Strength is your dump stat really.
    So many items, so many spells to enhance it.

    Don't worry too much about your saves. As both a cleric and a mage, you'll get all the protections you need. Chaotic commands, spell deflection, globe of invulnerability, shield of the archons + spell trap, etc.

    Of all builds, the cleric-illusionist is probably the one that depends the least on stats. You could give yourself a 7 everywhere and still become a bulldozer.
    Nildar
  • Scythe_KnightScythe_Knight Member Posts: 27
    Well, any recommendations for a CHARNAME of an evil play though for the trilogy?

    I'm tempted by just a straight up Fighter/Cleric, no mess, no fuss, just lots of armor, HP & THAC0. Only issue is not being able to advance past * * in weapon skills.

    Could a Fighter -> Cleric, or possibly even Berserker -> Cleric be worthwhile over the course of the 3 games?
  • DurenasDurenas Member Posts: 508
    Yes. By the time you get Berserker 9, you're in SoA, and the Xp flows quick there. You can quickly recover enough XP to regain your old class, and you'll only end up about 1 level behind everyone else in your second class. The benefits of 9 levels of fighter are huge. Multiple attacks per round, grandmastery, all the HP...
    mashedtaters
  • thelovebatthelovebat Member Posts: 218
    A Cleric/Illusionist multiclass as a Gnome would offer for all kinds of spellcasting and be pretty fun. Something else could be pretty fun if you like smashing things in, a Half Orc Fighter/Cleric. The 19 Strength, buffing spells of the Cleric, and few enemies getting AC modifiers/damage resistance against blunt weapons means they'd be a pretty nice melee mauler to have around especially if you want to try dual wielding two nice blunt weapons. BG1 has some nice weapons that would work well for dual wielding so once you're around level 3 or 4 in the first game you'll be doing lots of damage when you get some of the better blunt weapon options.
  • ElendarElendar Member Posts: 831
    Wait until SoD is out and play a Priest of Tyr. :)
    EnialusMeliamnejackjack
  • Well, any recommendations for a CHARNAME of an evil play though for the trilogy?

    I'm tempted by just a straight up Fighter/Cleric, no mess, no fuss, just lots of armor, HP & THAC0. Only issue is not being able to advance past * * in weapon skills.

    Could a Fighter -> Cleric, or possibly even Berserker -> Cleric be worthwhile over the course of the 3 games?

    I did an evil play through starring a Cleric/Thief. Quarterstaff backstabs powered by (Un)Holy Power and Righteous(Nefarious) Might are great fun. Draw Upon Holy Might is a great temporary boost to your thieving skills. And Sanctuary lets you take items from containers without being spotted.
  • DurenasDurenas Member Posts: 508
    Elendar wrote: »
    Wait until SoD is out and play a Priest of Tyr. :)

    Honestly, it's not better(just in my opinion) than a dual classed fighter/cleric.
  • ElendarElendar Member Posts: 831
    Amberion wrote: »
    Elendar wrote: »
    Wait until SoD is out and play a Priest of Tyr. :)

    Honestly, it's not better(just in my opinion) than a dual classed fighter/cleric.

    I doubt its as powerful but "better" can be rather subjective.
  • DurenasDurenas Member Posts: 508
    Elendar wrote: »
    Amberion wrote: »
    Elendar wrote: »
    Wait until SoD is out and play a Priest of Tyr. :)

    Honestly, it's not better(just in my opinion) than a dual classed fighter/cleric.

    I doubt its as powerful but "better" can be rather subjective.
    I agree, that's why I said 'in my opinion'.
  • magisenseimagisensei Member Posts: 316
    Philhelm said:

    Amberion said:



    Kensai/Cleric would be a solid "no" from me, since the Kensai doesn't have good synergy with the Cleric due to the armor restriction, and due to its "Eastern" flair.

    A kensai/cleric would be odd to play -- can you imagine a sword saint who couldn't use swords anymore. lol ...has anyone actually played one?

    As others have said I like multiclass cleric/mage combo (most because of Aerie from BG2 - although this is really not a legal class since elves cannot become cleric/mage but she is a winged elf and I guess that is a different kind of elf) - the access to all the spells and you can use a druid as your other arcane caster to get the full arcane experience.

    I also like the ranger/cleric multiclass - it works well together and at higher levels gains access to low level druid spells. Imagine a healer with an environmental complex - who saves animals and protects forest areas while getting rid of unnatural monsters and poachers. Favored enemy undead creatures and humans (although the human as favored cannot be legally gained in the game).
  • grippegrippe Member Posts: 8
    Cleric/Ranger, for the summoning.

    3rd level slots filled with Animate Dead. 4th level slots with Call Woodland Beings.

    Sanctuary & Holy Might with Iron Skins & Insect Plague. Best of both spell lists (Cleric and Druid)

    If it hasn't been patched..
    [Deleted User]
  • luskanluskan Member Posts: 269
    grippe said:

    Cleric/Ranger, for the summoning.

    3rd level slots filled with Animate Dead. 4th level slots with Call Woodland Beings.

    Sanctuary & Holy Might with Iron Skins & Insect Plague. Best of both spell lists (Cleric and Druid)

    If it hasn't been patched..

    You can enable the higher level druid spells if you edit the ini/lua file.

    Personally I have a soft spot for the dwarf fighter/cleric. Buff, bash, win.
  • jackjackjackjack Member Posts: 3,251
    I've always loved playing a Dwarven Fighter/Cleric in this game and others.
    JuliusBorisov
  • jsavingjsaving Member Posts: 1,083
    Fighter/cleric or ranger/cleric is the strongest choice in BG1 for the extra attacks and the strongest choice in BG2 because you can access the fighter HLAs. A half-orc cleric/thief with 19 strength is also a sound choice in BG1 although he becomes a weaker melee combatant in BG2. Cleric/illusionist is entertaining provided you don't want to be casting cleric and mage spells at the same time (whereas with a fighter cleric you can pre-buff and effectively use the features of both classes simultaneously).
  • GrumGrum Member, Mobile Tester Posts: 2,100
    In IWD a ranger/cleric just feels right. In the wilderness he'd be a tracker, a guide, and a cleric of a good nature diety. Also with random loot, he'd quickly be able to use whatever blunt weapons come his way without cursing because you specialized in the wrong weapon.

    In BG, a berserker-cleric or a dwarf fighter/cleric are good bets. The berserker cleric gets grandmastery when you can plan out your equipment, while the dwarf has that epic beard and saving throws.
    jackjackJuliusBorisov
  • woowoovoodoowoowoovoodoo Member Posts: 150
    edited April 2016
    Nildar said:

    I like this thread! I have some questions about dual/multiclass clerics for a trilogy, full NPC party, high difficulty settings run of my own as well.

    I am curious to know how people divide their stats when creating a cleric/illusionist.

    Is strength useful? And should you go with 15 con (16 after the tome) to get max hp bonus (but not the +5 shorties save)?
    I have this weird thing that I always want to give my chars max charisma and with a cleric/mage it feels like you want basically everything maxed out then, which of course isn't possible :wink: .

    I will probably reroll my stats a lot, until I have a high number since I want to play on a very high difficulty setting. But then again, I might just go with a totally different character when the time comes to actually start playing :blush: .

    On that note: Is a dual class Priest of Lathandar (and what level?) -> mage any good?

    > Is a dual class Priest of Lathandar (and what level?) -> mage any good?

    Absolutely yes! After reading @semiticgod's Spider Run I tried Priest of Lathander 11->Mage with Aerie, Haer'Dalis and Jan on SCS with Insane and it was very satisfying. 11th level is for extra Boon of Lathander and a 6th level cleric spell slot. CHARNAME + Aerie were an amazing tandem, a huge space of tactic choices.

    > Is strength useful
    If you don't have enough stats for STR, you can have it near 10 and use DUHM, Righteous Magic and potions. I had 10 STR and it was certainly manageable though after some time I've tired of it and used Mauler's Arm in off-hand for trash fights
    Nildar
  • PhilhelmPhilhelm Member Posts: 473
    Has anyone played as simply a pure Priest of Lathander? How did the class seem to fair? Any solo runs with it?

    Character creation-itis is creeping its way in. I'm torn between a Priest of Lathander (or some kind of cleric) and an Undead Hunter.
  • woowoovoodoowoowoovoodoo Member Posts: 150
    Philhelm said:

    Has anyone played as simply a pure Priest of Lathander? How did the class seem to fair? Any solo runs with it?

    Character creation-itis is creeping its way in. I'm torn between a Priest of Lathander (or some kind of cleric) and an Undead Hunter.

    Haven't played pure Priest of Lathander though played dualed one and pure Cleric (a long time ago). I am certain that pure Priest of Lathander should be a fun run, I'd prefer it over Undead Hunter.
    Philhelm
  • woowoovoodoowoowoovoodoo Member Posts: 150
    Philhelm said:

    Has anyone played as simply a pure Priest of Lathander? How did the class seem to fair? Any solo runs with it?

    Character creation-itis is creeping its way in. I'm torn between a Priest of Lathander (or some kind of cleric) and an Undead Hunter.

    Ooh, I see what you did there. Shield of Egons +2!
    Philhelm
  • PhilhelmPhilhelm Member Posts: 473

    Philhelm said:

    Has anyone played as simply a pure Priest of Lathander? How did the class seem to fair? Any solo runs with it?

    Character creation-itis is creeping its way in. I'm torn between a Priest of Lathander (or some kind of cleric) and an Undead Hunter.

    Ooh, I see what you did there. Shield of Egons +2!
    Truly insightful. I like the concept for both the Priest of Lathander and the Undead Hunter to begin with, but the Shield of Egons +2 is exciting (at least for the Priest, since the UH would use Carsomyr and Firetooth Crossbow), and hopefully can be exported to BG2.

    How did your pure cleric run go? My only problem is that I would be compelled to include Anomen as a fellow holy roller, but Anomen would steal my thunder with Fighter 7/Cleric 39.

  • woowoovoodoowoowoovoodoo Member Posts: 150
    edited April 2016
    Philhelm said:

    Philhelm said:

    Has anyone played as simply a pure Priest of Lathander? How did the class seem to fair? Any solo runs with it?

    Character creation-itis is creeping its way in. I'm torn between a Priest of Lathander (or some kind of cleric) and an Undead Hunter.

    Ooh, I see what you did there. Shield of Egons +2!
    Truly insightful. I like the concept for both the Priest of Lathander and the Undead Hunter to begin with, but the Shield of Egons +2 is exciting (at least for the Priest, since the UH would use Carsomyr and Firetooth Crossbow), and hopefully can be exported to BG2.

    How did your pure cleric run go? My only problem is that I would be compelled to include Anomen as a fellow holy roller, but Anomen would steal my thunder with Fighter 7/Cleric 39.

    I was happy with it, but then it was suddenly cancelled near level 14 I believe. I don't remember-exactly-why, but I think because I had a new idea and wanted to try it. I still have the save, I believe. With regards to exporting the Shield - I think it's not currently possible (BEWARE SPOILER):
    @Survivor has the list of all items that are going to be transferred to BG2 at https://forums.beamdog.com/discussion/comment/738288/#Comment_738288
    . But maybe it'll be added later.
  • JumboWheat01JumboWheat01 Member Posts: 1,028
    Wait, so you can say go Cleric/Illusionist and wear a shield, and the shield won't mess up the Wizard spells? I've been considering this multiclass, if for the pure support factor alone. Just get a party of heavies, support them how I can, and occasionally smite things with a weapon. If shields can work, then the Sword and Shield style bonus can be REALLY useful for a character who doesn't wear armor.

    I might seriously have to make a gnome CHARNAME and give this a go.
    [Deleted User]
  • PK2748PK2748 Member Posts: 381
    And a helm, several of which give AC bonuses
  • woowoovoodoowoowoovoodoo Member Posts: 150
    PK2748 said:

    And a helm, several of which give AC bonuses

    And free Simulacrum casts, just as a bonus.
  • JumboWheat01JumboWheat01 Member Posts: 1,028
    Okay, I'm definitely with the Cleric/Mage multi-class crowd (though it's Cleric/Illusionist in my specific case.) This is just the perfect support character that I could ever want.
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