Few quick questions

[dkzero]

Hi, I'm pretty new to this game but I love it! I currently have a level 3 cleric. If I take one or 2 levels as a fighter will I be able to use any weapons besides simple? Also, if I were to do that, would I still be an effective healer? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

[toughguyjoe]

Hi, I'm pretty new to this game but I love it! I currently have a level 3 cleric. If I take one or 2 levels as a fighter will I be able to use any weapons besides simple? Also, if I were to do that, would I still be an effective healer? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Yes my friend, taking level of fighters does increase the number of weapons you are proficient with. it will expand your weapon selection to include all martial weapons, and also will allow you to use tower shields.

However, this will Slightly effect your clerical abilities.

If you take one level of fighter, you will gain those abilities i mentioned above, plus you will gain one "fighter bonus feat" which comes from a list.

If you take two levels of fighter, you will gain a second fighter bonus feat, off the same list.

The only reason i would say to not take levels of fighter is that it puts off your higher level spells. you won't be able to cast the spell "Heal" whish is the main healing spell for high level clerics until level 13, which is quite a difference from normal.

However, its your toon, and i'm sure you'll make more. do as you like son.

[Arianrhod]

Other ways to gain one or two martial weapon proficiencies on a cleric:

Be an elf (get longbow & longsword)
Be drow (short sword & rapier) [requires 400 total favor to unlock]
Take one of the religion enhancements (Silver Flame - longbow, Sovereign Host - Longsword, Lord of Blades - Greatsword?, Undying Court - Scimitar?, Vulkoor - Short Sword?)
Martial Weapon Proficiency feat (this will give choice of one weapon, so inferior to taking a fighter level except that you can change it for something else later if you want - the fighter level you'd be stuck with for good)

Just keep in mind - at higher levels, most clerics will be doing most of their damage with spells, so being limited to simple weapons isn't that great a handicap. Taking a fighter level or two is certainly a viable way to play a cleric (though you may find people then think of you as a "battlecleric"), but is not necessary in the end for good offensive ability.

[dkzero]

Hey thanks for the answers guys, that was a big help. I decided to just take the religion enhancements (longsword) since my main focus is on healing.

[tihocan]

If you decide to take some fighter level, take only 1, unless you know what you're doing.