Embark on an extraordinary adventure in Baldur’s Gate 3, where the Knowledge Domain Cleric emerges as a beacon of wisdom and divine power. This versatile class combines knowledge, strategy, and divine favor to guide their party through treacherous encounters and unravel the mysteries of the Forgotten Realms.
The Knowledge Domain grants access to divine spells that empower the party with knowledge and intelligence. The cleric can channel their deity’s wisdom to bestow the Guidance cantrip upon their allies, enhancing their skills and abilities. Moreover, the Bless spell amplifies the party’s attacks and saves, turning the tide of battle in their favor. As the cleric advances in level, they gain access to even more potent spells, including the potent Spirit Guardians that deal radiant damage to enemies while bolstering the cleric’s allies with temporary hit points.
Beyond their spellcasting capabilities, the Knowledge Domain Cleric possesses potent class features that further enhance their role as a source of knowledge and tactical prowess. The Channel Divinity: Knowledge of the Ages ability grants the cleric proficiency in all Intelligence-based skills, making them a veritable font of knowledge. They can decipher ancient texts, uncover hidden traps, and outmaneuver their opponents with their unparalleled intellect. Furthermore, the Channel Divinity: Read Thoughts ability allows the cleric to probe the minds of their enemies, gaining valuable insights into their thoughts and intentions, giving the party a significant advantage in combat and social encounters.
Divine Intervention: Invoking Celestial Aid
The divine intervention ability of a knowledge domain cleric grants them the power to invoke celestial aid. This ability can be used once per long rest and can turn the tide of battle in favor of the party. Divine intervention allows the cleric to call upon a specific deity for assistance, who will then manifest their power in a way that is both potent and unpredictable.
The exact effects of divine intervention vary depending on the deity called upon.
However, there are some general effects that are common to all divine interventions.
Firstly, all divine interventions grant the party a significant buff to their abilities, making them more powerful and durable. Secondly, many divine interventions will also provide the party with a powerful spell-like ability that they can use to devastating effect. Finally, some divine interventions will even summon celestial beings to aid the party in battle.
Choosing the Right Deity
The choice of deity to invoke with divine intervention is an important one. Each deity has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to choose the deity that best suits the party’s needs.
For example, if the party is facing a powerful demon, they might choose to invoke Pelor, the god of the sun, who can grant them bonus damage against fiends.
If the party is in need of healing, they might choose to invoke Lathander, the god of dawn, who can grant them powerful healing abilities.
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right deity for divine intervention is to experiment and see which deity works best for the party.
| Deity | Domain | Divine Intervention Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Pelor | Sun | Grants the party bonus damage against fiends. |
| Lathander | Dawn | Grants the party powerful healing abilities. |
| Kelemvor | Death | Summons a horde of undead to aid the party. |
Cleric Domains: A Comprehensive Analysis
Knowledge Domain
The Knowledge Domain is all about seeking and sharing knowledge. Clerics of this domain are often scholars, librarians, or historians. They are driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to understand the world around them. Knowledge clerics have access to a variety of spells that allow them to learn new information, identify creatures and objects, and even read minds.
Blessings of Knowledge
The Knowledge Domain grants clerics a number of powerful abilities, including the following:
- Blessing of Knowledge: This ability allows the cleric to cast the Bless spell once per long rest. Bless gives the target creature a +1d4 bonus to ability checks for 1 hour.
- Channel Divinity: Knowledge of the Ages: This ability allows the cleric to cast the Identify spell once per long rest. Identify allows the cleric to learn the properties of an object.
- Potent Cantrip: The cleric’s Guidance cantrip gains a +1d4 bonus to ability checks.
- Blessed Strikes: The cleric’s weapon attacks deal an additional 1d6 radiant damage to undead and fiends.
- Divine Intervention: The cleric can call upon their deity to intervene in the world. This ability allows the cleric to cast any spell of 6th level or lower from any class.
| Level | Feature |
|---|---|
| 1 | Blessing of Knowledge |
| 1 | Channel Divinity: Knowledge of the Ages |
| 1 | Potent Cantrip |
| 6 | Blessed Strikes |
| 17 | Divine Intervention |
Knowledge Domain: Unlocking Arcane Wisdom
The Knowledge Domain grants clerics access to a wealth of arcane knowledge, allowing them to become the ultimate sage and scholar. Their sacred texts contain ancient wisdom, forgotten languages, and secrets of the universe. By harnessing this knowledge, Knowledge Domain clerics gain unparalleled abilities in divination, investigation, and spellcasting.
Spells
Knowledge Domain clerics gain access to several exclusive spells that enhance their arcane capabilities:
- Bless: Enhances attack rolls and saving throws of allies.
- Identify: Reveals the properties of magical items.
- Suggestion: Influences the thoughts and actions of creatures.
- Speak with Dead: Communicates with the departed.
Channel Divinity
Knowledge Domain clerics possess two unique Channel Divinity options that further empower their arcane capabilities:
| Option | Effect |
|---|---|
| Knowledge of the Ages | Gain proficiency in four skills or languages of your choice. |
| Eyes of the Watcher | See invisible creatures and objects within 60 feet. |
Channel Divinity: Divine Inspiration
Channel Divinity: Divine Inspiration is a powerful ability that allows the cleric to bolster their allies’ saving throws. When activated, all allies within 30 feet gain a +1d4 bonus to all saving throws for the next minute. This ability can be used once per short or long rest.
Channel Divinity: Banishment
Channel Divinity: Banishment is a devastating ability that allows the cleric to banish a fiend or undead creature back to its home plane. When activated, the cleric targets a fiend or undead creature within 60 feet. If the target fails a Charisma saving throw, it is banished back to its home plane for 1 minute. The target is immune to this effect if it has a CR of 10 or higher, or if it is immune to being banished.
Benefits of the Knowledge Domain
The Knowledge Domain grants the cleric a number of benefits that make them well-suited for combat and exploration. These include:
| Benefit |
|---|
| Bless: Grants allies a +1d4 bonus to attack rolls and saving throws. |
| Identify: Allows the cleric to identify magical items. |
| Protection from Evil and Good: Grants immunity to the charmed and frightened conditions. |
| Speak with Dead: Allows the cleric to communicate with the dead. |
| Arcane Eye: Creates an invisible, flying eyeball that can scout ahead. |
| Divination: Allows the cleric to ask a deity a question and receive a truthful answer. |
Spellcasting: Arcane Secrets at Your Command
The Knowledge Domain Cleric is an exceptional spellcaster, wielding divine magic and forbidden knowledge. Arcane Secrets, a subclass feature granted at the 1st level, elevates their capabilities in the following areas:
Proficiencies
Knowledge Domain Clerics gain proficiency in Arcana, History, and Religion. These skills allow them to unravel mysteries, interpret ancient texts, and comprehend arcane lore.
Cantrips
The subclass grants two cantrips: Mage Hand and Minor Illusion. Mage Hand provides utility, allowing the cleric to manipulate objects without physical contact. Minor Illusion creates an auditory or visual sensory effect, proving valuable for deception or distraction.
Blessings of Knowledge
At the 6th level, Knowledge Domain Clerics can bestow a Blessing of Knowledge upon their allies. The cleric chooses two skills from Arcana, History, Nature, or Religion, and the recipient gains proficiency in those skills for 10 minutes.
Potent Spellcasting
Starting at the 8th level, the cleric’s divine spells pack a potent punch. They can add their Wisdom modifier to the damage of their cantrips, making them formidable in close combat.
Channel Divinity: Arcane Abjuration
The Knowledge Domain’s Channel Divinity, Arcane Abjuration, enhances their protective capabilities. By spending a use of their Channel Divinity, the cleric can cast the Protection from Evil and Good spell without consuming a spell slot. This protection shields allies from both celestial and demonic influences.
Proficiency and Skills: Wisdom, Intelligence, and Beyond
As a Knowledge Domain Cleric, you excel in the pursuit of knowledge and insight. Your proficiencies reflect this, primarily in the realms of Wisdom and Intelligence.
Wisdom: Your Wisdom score governs your ability to perceive the world around you, as well as your intuition and willpower. Skills associated with Wisdom include:
- Insight: This skill allows you to discern the motives and intentions of others, as well as detect deception.
- Perception: Your ability to observe and notice details is enhanced by Perception, which is essential for spotting hidden objects or detecting danger.
- Medicine: With your medical knowledge, you can stabilize wounded allies, treat injuries, and provide care.
- Religion: Your understanding of the divine and supernatural grants you proficiency in Religion, enabling you to interact with deities, interpret religious texts, and perform rituals.
- Survival: Your familiarity with wilderness survival techniques allows you to navigate treacherous environments, forage for food, and find shelter.
Intelligence: Your Intelligence score measures your mental acuity and ability to learn. Skills associated with Intelligence include:
- Arcana: This skill represents your knowledge of the arcane arts, including spells, runes, and magical lore.
- History: Your understanding of past events and civilizations, both mythical and historical, grants you proficiency in History.
- Investigation: Your ability to analyze clues, follow trails, and uncover hidden information is enhanced by Investigation.
- Nature: Your knowledge of the natural world, including flora, fauna, and the weather, is represented by Nature.
| Skill | Stat |
|---|---|
| Insight | Wisdom |
| Perception | Wisdom |
| Medicine | Wisdom |
| Religion | Wisdom |
| Survival | Wisdom |
| Arcana | Intelligence |
| History | Intelligence |
| Investigation | Intelligence |
| Nature | Intelligence |
Backgrounds: Shaping Your Cleric’s Origin
Outlander
Outlanders bring a deep connection to the natural world and a wealth of practical survival skills. They may have wilderness knowledge, hunting proficiency, or an uncanny ability to navigate treacherous terrain.
Acolyte
As acolytes, characters have spent years serving a deity or religious institution. They gain proficiency in Religion, Insight, and one language. Additionally, they may have special access to religious texts or artifacts.
Folk Hero
Folk heroes embody the virtues of courage, strength, and a deep connection to their community. They might have fought off monstrous threats, performed heroic feats, or rallied their people in times of crisis.
Guild Artisan
Guild artisans bring specialized knowledge and skills from their chosen trade. They may have proficiency in tool sets, artistic techniques, or business negotiations.
Hermit
Hermits have spent prolonged periods living in isolation, pursuing spiritual enlightenment or knowledge lost to the world. They may gain proficiency in Nature, Survival, and Medicine, as well as a special affinity for animals.
Noble
Nobles have a keen understanding of social etiquette, political intrigue, and the workings of aristocratic society. They may possess proficiency in Persuasion, Deception, or History, and could bring connections to high-ranking individuals.
Soldier
Soldiers are trained in the art of war and possess a disciplined mindset. They may have proficiency in martial weapons, shields, or tactics, and could have experience in formations or combat situations.
Racial Considerations: Divine Influence and Ancestral Traits
The choice of race for a Knowledge Domain cleric in Baldur’s Gate 3 can have significant implications, as each race offers unique divine influences and ancestral traits that can enhance the character’s abilities.
Divine Influence
Certain races are favored by specific deities, granting them access to domain spells and abilities that align with the deity’s portfolio. For example, the Tiefling race has a strong connection to Asmodeus, granting them proficiency in the Deception skill and the ability to cast the Infernal Legacy spell.
Ancestral Traits
Different races also possess ancestral traits that can benefit a Knowledge Domain cleric. For instance, the Githyanki have the Psionic Sorcery trait, allowing them to cast Mage Hand as a bonus action. The Half-Elf race’s Cantrip Versatility trait, on the other hand, grants them an additional cantrip.
Racial Options
The following races offer particularly strong options for Knowledge Domain clerics:
| Race | Domain Spells | Ancestral Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Tiefling | Hellish Rebuke, Infernal Legacy | Deception proficiency |
| Githyanki | Mage Hand | Psionic Sorcery |
| Half-Elf | Additional cantrip | Cantrip Versatility |
| High Elf | Additional weapon proficiency | Weapon Training |
| Wood Elf | Additional skill proficiency | Fleet of Foot |
Feat Options: Enhancing Clerical Abilities
Clerics are versatile spellcasters in Baldur’s Gate 3, offering versatile healing and offensive abilities. Feats are pivotal in shaping cleric builds, empowering them with exclusive abilities and enhancements. Here are significant feats to consider:
Resilient Constitution
This feat grants proficiency in Constitution saving throws, boosting a cleric’s resilience against crowd control and poisoning effects.
War Caster
War Caster allows clerics to cast spells while holding a weapon, increasing their melee prowess. It also provides advantage on Constitution saving throws to maintain concentration on spells.
Lucky
Lucky is a universal feat that grants three additional dice per long rest, which can be rerolled for ability checks, attacks, or saving throws.
Mage Slayer
Mage Slayer counters spellcasters by imposing disadvantage on their saving throws against your spells. Additionally, you gain advantage on attacks against spellcasters who have cast a spell or cantrip within the last round.
Sharpshooter/Crossbow Expert
These feats are suitable for clerics who want to enhance their ranged combat capabilities. Sharpshooter grants a +10 bonus to damage rolls with ranged weapons at the cost of disadvantage on rolls against targets more than 300 feet away. Crossbow Expert allows the use of crossbows with no disadvantage in melee range.
Crusher
Crusher is a curious choice that inflicts bludgeoning damage on a target whenever they attack an ally you have attacked. This can be useful for setting up combos or discouraging enemies from attacking your party members.
Alert
Alert grants a +5 bonus to initiative rolls, ensuring that your cleric can act early in combat and surprise enemies.
Ritual Caster
This feat allows clerics to cast rituals from the wizard or druid spell list, expanding their utility and versatility outside of combat.
+2 Constitution/+2 Wisdom/Alert
These feats offer a direct numerical bonus to your cleric’s core attributes, enhancing their spellcasting abilities or resilience.
Divine Intervention Revisited: Ascending to Greater Power
As the cleric ascends through the tiers of divinity, their Divine Intervention ability grows more potent, becoming a beacon of divine power that can shape the course of battle.
| Tier | Benefits |
|---|---|
| 1 |
|
| 2 |
|
| 3 |
|
Resolving the Dilemma: Choosing a Knowledge Domain
The Knowledge Domain cleric wields the power of knowledge, delving into ancient texts and unlocking secrets lost to time. Their bonus proficiencies in Arcana and History augment their understanding of the world, while their Channel Divinity: Knowledge of the Ages grants them invaluable insight into their surroundings. As they progress through the tiers of divinity, their Divine Intervention becomes a formidable tool, enabling them to unlock even greater potential.
Best Knowledge Domain Cleric Build in BG3
The Knowledge Domain Cleric is a versatile and powerful subclass that excels in both combat and support roles. With access to a wide range of spells and abilities, they can effectively control the battlefield, buff their allies, and deal significant damage to enemies.
When creating a Knowledge Domain Cleric, it is important to consider the following attributes:
- Wisdom: The primary ability score for Clerics, used for spellcasting and healing.
- Dexterity: Increases initiative and AC.
- Constitution: Boosts hit points and concentration saves.
Spell Selection
The Knowledge Domain Cleric has access to a wide range of spells, including:
- Cantrips: Sacred Flame, Toll the Dead, Guidance, Thaumaturgy
- Level 1 Spells: Bless, Cure Wounds, Bane, Guiding Bolt
- Level 2 Spells: Aid, Spiritual Weapon, Lesser Restoration
- Level 3 Spells: Beacon of Hope, Revivify, Spirit Guardians
Abilities
The Knowledge Domain Cleric gains the following abilities:
- Channel Divinity: Knowledge of the Ages: Grants proficiency in all saving throws or bonus to skill checks for 10 minutes.
- Blessing of Knowledge: Grants proficiency in a skill to all allies within 30 feet.
Equipment
The Knowledge Domain Cleric should equip the following items:
- Heavy Armor: Plate armor provides the best protection.
- Mace or Warhammer: Good damage and versatile (can be used with one hand or two hands).
- Shield: Grants +2 AC.
Playstyle
The Knowledge Domain Cleric is a versatile character that can adapt to various combat situations. They can use their spells to support their allies, control the battlefield, or deal significant damage to enemies. Their Channel Divinity ability is particularly useful for boosting saving throws or skill checks, which can be crucial in key moments.
People Also Ask
What are the best races for a Knowledge Domain Cleric?
Humans, Hill Dwarves, and High Elves are all good choices for Knowledge Domain Clerics.
What are the best feats for a Knowledge Domain Cleric?
War Caster, Lucky, and Resilient (Wisdom) are all useful feats for Knowledge Domain Clerics.
What is the best background for a Knowledge Domain Cleric?
The Sage or Acolyte backgrounds are both good choices for Knowledge Domain Clerics.
