Re: An idea for a Cleric class in Grimrock 2
Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 9:06 am
It might be better to look outside of the D&Desque "cleric" for inspiration for this sort of class, especially if you're trying to move away from the "healer" role. I've mentioned the D&D 4E Warlord as an example in the past, and some of the warrior-poet motifs of the bard could also work.
However, if you want to lean toward divine then (much as I'd really rather not see 'divine' being thrown into things just because it can be), and especially if spears are a thematic element, then the "Valkyrie" class of the old Wizardry series actually comes to mind as a possible model. While they had 'divinity' spellcasting, it was limited compared to that of a full-casting class (such as the Priest), being more useful for self and/or party buffs and support effects rather than raw damage or healing. Their features beyond that - they were lance warriors with a bonus to spear-fighting, mythology skill, the class trait of being able to cheat death every now and then (essentially returning to full life and health when they would otherwise have been killed), etc, made them something distinct from the mace-swinging, spell-slinging "cleric" stereotype... and a really good starting point for a non-"healer" divine class.
However, if you want to lean toward divine then (much as I'd really rather not see 'divine' being thrown into things just because it can be), and especially if spears are a thematic element, then the "Valkyrie" class of the old Wizardry series actually comes to mind as a possible model. While they had 'divinity' spellcasting, it was limited compared to that of a full-casting class (such as the Priest), being more useful for self and/or party buffs and support effects rather than raw damage or healing. Their features beyond that - they were lance warriors with a bonus to spear-fighting, mythology skill, the class trait of being able to cheat death every now and then (essentially returning to full life and health when they would otherwise have been killed), etc, made them something distinct from the mace-swinging, spell-slinging "cleric" stereotype... and a really good starting point for a non-"healer" divine class.