Clerics

[you axed for it]

I just wanted to point out that I do not think clerics are underpowered at all. In fact I think they're very well balanced. Its just that wizards are better at everything they do. Why wizards (already the strongest class) got all the buffs doesn't make sense to me.

Adding a few nice divine only spells would probably be the best way to eliminate the disparity without having to nerf wizards.

[Semli]

It has occured to me some people don't understand what needs to be done to properly play a cleric. In order to help, I have devised a guide to be of assistance for aspiring clerics in EFU.

FONGS GUIDE TO GREAT CLERICING
1. Research a god on the forums. Pick somethiing you think is cool or assign them numbers and roll a die. This is only important so far as acting like you care about your god and doing stupid RP stuff.

2. Here's what you need on your sheet: at least 14 str, 14 con, 14 wis. Allocate additional points wherever, it really doesn't matter.

3. Feats like extend spell and/or knockdown are cool but not really necessary. I had a highly successful melee cleric with Imp. Expertise and SF Lore. This part doesn't honestly matter.

4. Get heavy armor, heavy shield, and morningstar. Equip them. Replace with better stuff as you are able.

5. Prepare long running spells that will give you a higher base attack, damage, and AC. Cast them on yourself.

6. Recruit another PC to watch your awesome and hear you talk smack about how great your god is. Not really necessary but you need at least two people for most quests.

7. Start quest. Attack enemies by clicking on them. If you did the last two steps right and occasionally heal yourself, you will have no issues. Doesn't matter what the other guy does, have him carry loot or something.

8. Leave and take most of the loot. Make sure to close quest for XP and possible gold reward.

Provided you follow and repeat the above steps as necessary, you will enjoy great success as a cleric. I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing your characters!

[Nufferz]

Yes good point Naga

What is this, some sort of courteous round table discussion? This sort of etiquette repulses me.

Clerics are a tough class to play because they are definitely demanding. I hold an admiration for those that can pull it off and maintain the air of respect they deserve. DMs and players alike can really be drawn towards a well played cleric, especially ones that value just how powerful an established deity overhead can be.

At the end of the day, its just easier for the multi-classed fighter along with a wizard at his back to get the job done and pull in the glory along with the reverence that should probably already exist when dealing with a cleric.

In terms of mechanics, they are powerful. Even more so when they take a step back and let their recruited faithful step out in front of them.

[Drakill Tannan]

As far as i know, in NWN general clerics are the strongest of the pure-classes for the all-round purposes. In EFU buffs to others classes make them somewhat even. They don't need change.

What we need are clerics that actually preach IMO. And non-rogue archers.

[VanillaPudding]

What?

[SmashingGiants]

Stop whining again.

[TheImpossibleDream]

What is this, some sort of courteous round table discussion? This sort of etiquette repulses me.

Clerics are a tough class to play because they are definitely demanding. I hold an admiration for those that can pull it off and maintain the air of respect they deserve. DMs and players alike can really be drawn towards a well played cleric, especially ones that value just how powerful an established deity overhead can be.

At the end of the day, its just easier for the multi-classed fighter along with a wizard at his back to get the job done and pull in the glory along with the reverence that should probably already exist when dealing with a cleric.

Wow awesome point man I read this somewhere before in this thread but I can't recall where.

Also I agree etiquette is bad, also agreeing with people is bad, oh shit.

[Aethereal]

Why are we discussing this with an MMO (WoW) / RTS frame of mind regarding "balance?"

Are we not here to roleplay and to weave marvelous tales for the community to experience and partake in?

If we are so overly concerned about mechanics that for the most part others do not have issue with. I think one has their mind in the wrong place.

Creativity is part of roleplay and furthermore many mechanical issues can be solved with a little creative thinking. Try it some time.

After all we are not talking about a bug that is obviously ruining the game here. This seems to be a subjective critique and such has value on its own and at least opens up your woes for others to analyse and contribute their thoughts to.

In conclusion, if you really can't get over it, play a different role or class.

[Mort]

Yes, Aethereal, you bring up a great conclusion remark. Arguing about class 1 on 1 in a vacuum is silly.

It's easier to come up with Wizard addition which was probably why some DMs focused more on them... It doesn't really matter in the end so long. Playing a weak character is fun, too. Regardless, we do have something in the work to make FAITH amongst characters more important through prayers, etc. Some system that will oversee when you call a God, etc.

We're also working in some stuff where it will be possible for clerics to have followers amongst NPCs. etc.

These are really the stuff I want to focus on, developping the RP xp and giving them some benefices for working through them.

These things take time to iron out and work out the details, but they will be sweet! We're also working on stuff for druids, every class really has something in the work.