Need some cleric advice

[~xzero82]

Hi folks,

I'm new to the game, but have already signed up for VIP (for a bit anyways) to see all the content and what I want if I go p2p.

After reading a fair bit on the forums, I'm wondering if I've made the right decision. I'm following the "Melee-Capable" build found here http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=223253

My question is will this be suitable for later on? It would be 19 cleric with 1 fighter and stats according to the 28pt Melee-Capable build.

I'm seeing a lot of negative feedback on anything but pure cleric. Am I going to have issues finding a group with that build, even if I offer to heal? I'd like to know if it's worth going on (I'm having fun and I'm 4clr/1ftr right now) but I don't want to find out I'm an outcast at level 20.

Any advice appreciated.

[Hellllboy]

A Melee capable Cleric is a sound build-especially as you advance into higher levels-but if you are a new player-my suggestion for you is to play a pure Cleric role until you get a feel for the class (to see what style of build you enjoy the most).

[Zenako]

That is a sound build that is not too gear dependant to be effective. The hard part will be learning when which part of your various options should come into play.

How it plays out will also depend on how you play. Are you a grouping sort or someone who runs solo / shortman a lot?

When grouping, you can focus on the cleric casting (healing and offensive spells) parts of things. And chime in with head bashing when appropriate.

When solo, you need to be able to handle some amount of melee on your own, at least until you hit level 11 cleric (Blade Barrier). Do not forget Divine Favor and Divine Power spells when alone. They can make you an effective melee. (Not an uber melee, but effective.) Never forget to make good use of your spells even when fighting. Summon Monster spells are great when solo, since they give the mobs choices of targets, meaning you are not the sole recipient of the mobs love. At some levels the MS's even can kill the mobs for you.