The ring of metal clashing was thunderous in his ears and the smell of sweat and blood assaults him as the dwarven cleric stomped his way through the battlefield. All around him his warriors battle against the barbaric Nothrog. Dwarven skill and craftsmanship matched evenly with their cunning savagery.
He turned, his heavy warhammer smashing aside an enemy that had made it through the dwarven shield line. Still he strode on, quickly coming to the side of a fallen warrior. He knelt beside the fallen dwarf, his knees sinking into the blood soaked earth.
He began to chant, his hands held over his felled comrade as he called upon Kor for healing. His voice deepened, resounding through the earth as Kor answered his prayers and slowly, the fallen dwarf’s wounds began to close, skin knitting itself back together. The dwarf opened his eyes slowly, grimacing at his weakness.
“On your feet lad. Kor won’t stand for any napping during this battle!” The cleric stood again, not waiting for the dwarf to stand before turning back to the front line. He raised his warhammer high and began another chant, his voice carrying even over the din of battle. As he marched forward, his war chant continued, and once again Kor granted his aid. As his chant rang out, the dwarves began to fight with renewed strength, and vigor.The blessing’s of Kor steeling their resolve.
His war chant still ringing out loudly, the dwarven cleric plunged into battle. Calling upon Kor for strength in battle, his warhammer smashed aside his enemies, as the divine blessings of Kor kept him safe from harm, as blades were turned aside and wounds closed instantly.
For too long Clerics have hid safely in the back ranks, while healing and readying their minions.
From the beginning, it has seemed that clerics should fight in front ranks. The have had warhammers, armor, 1 rank range actions, etc. that suggested they should be on the front line. However, it never stacked up that they should bother. Oh a few clerics
tried to survive on the front ranks, but it was rather difficult and never worked to well.
In D&D, clerics can wear just as good of armor as fighters and carry shields. They obviously don’t do as much damage, but they are often on the front lines, helping protect the rogues and wizards behind them. It is time for the Clerics of Warlord to do the same and take the battle to the front lines. They will still buff and support their army, but now they may be found leading their armies from the front, healing and supporting while still being pro-active and attacking the opposing army.
From a design stand-point, this is gone about two ways:
The first way is making sure clerics have the items they need. Decent low level armor and weapons, especially ones that give out bonuses to them and their allies (Balian’s helm for example).
The second, more important way, is action cards. Making healing and buffs that do not require spending, but have a limited range, it allows clerics to support their army as normal, while still performing offensive spend orders.
