In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), players are always on the lookout for creative ways to maximize their characters’ abilities and forge unique identities. One fascinating combination is the Goliath Forge Cleric Artificer 5e build. This character blend combines the raw strength and endurance of the Goliath race with the divine power of a Forge Cleric and the ingenuity of an Artificer. Whether you are looking to dominate in combat, support your allies, or create powerful magical items, this build offers a versatile and exciting play style.
The Goliath Race: Strength and Endurance
Goliaths, hailing from the icy peaks of mountainous regions, are natural athletes and survivors. Their racial traits make them a perfect fit for martial classes and tank builds. Key features include:
- Natural Athlete: Proficiency in Athletics, which is useful for physical challenges and grappling.
- Stone’s Endurance: A powerful ability that lets you reduce incoming damage, adding survivability.
- Powerful Build: Goliaths count as one size larger when determining carrying capacity and push, pull, or lift weights.
- Mountain Born: Resistance to cold damage and acclimation to high altitudes.
The Goliath’s natural durability and strength create a strong foundation for the Goliath Forge Cleric Artificer 5e build, ensuring that it excels in both combat and survival scenarios.
Forge Cleric: Divine Crafters of War
The Forge Cleric subclass, introduced in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, embodies a divine connection to craftsmanship and fire. Forge Clerics are versatile spellcasters who balance offense, defense, and utility. Key features of the Forge Cleric include:
Features That Shine in the Build
- Blessing of the Forge (Level 1)
This allows you to imbue an item with magical power, granting a +1 bonus to attack rolls or AC. It’s a reliable way to enhance weapons or armor. - Channel Divinity: Artisan’s Blessing (Level 2)
You can create non-magical items, making this ability useful for solving problems or generating wealth. - Forge Domain Spells
The Forge Cleric gains access to powerful utility and combat spells, such as Identify, Heat Metal, and Wall of Fire. - Divine Strike (Level 8)
You add fire damage to weapon attacks once per turn, increasing your offensive potential.
Artificer: Masters of Magic and Mechanics
The Artificer class, featured in Eberron: Rising from the Last War, specializes in crafting magical items and wielding arcane technology. Artificers bring unparalleled utility and a unique flavor to any build.
Features That Complement the Build
- Infusions
Artificers can imbue mundane items with magical properties. Combining this with the Forge Cleric’s abilities creates a character capable of enhancing gear significantly. - Artificer Specialist Subclasses
For the Goliath Forge Cleric Artificer 5e build, the Battle Smith or Armorer specializations fit particularly well, providing options for combat prowess or defensive enhancement. - Spellcasting
Artificers have access to unique spells like Shield, Cure Wounds, and Dispel Magic, which add utility and flexibility. - Magical Tinkering
This allows the creation of minor magical effects, which are useful for roleplaying and problem-solving.
Multiclass Synergy: Goliath Forge Cleric Artificer 5e
Multiclassing in D&D 5e can be tricky, but when done well, it creates dynamic and engaging characters. Here’s how the Goliath Forge Cleric Artificer 5e build capitalizes on the strengths of both classes.
Ability Score Priorities
- Strength and Constitution
Goliaths naturally excel in Strength, making it essential for melee combat. Constitution boosts HP and ensures concentration checks are successful. - Wisdom
As a Forge Cleric, Wisdom governs your spellcasting ability and boosts perception. - Intelligence
Intelligence is the Artificer’s spellcasting stat. While it may be secondary in this build, a moderate score is still beneficial.
Level Breakdown
- Levels 1-5: Forge Cleric
Starting as a Forge Cleric provides immediate access to spells, Blessing of the Forge, and Channel Divinity. These features enhance survivability and utility in the early game. - Levels 6-10: Artificer
Transitioning to Artificer introduces infusions, additional spell slots, and a subclass. The Battle Smith subclass is particularly fitting, as it offers weapon enhancements and the Iron Defender, a mechanical ally. - Beyond Level 10
The choice to continue in either Forge Cleric or Artificer depends on your campaign needs. Continuing as a Forge Cleric strengthens divine spellcasting, while more Artificer levels increase item crafting and mechanical ingenuity.
Strengths of the Goliath Forge Cleric Artificer 5e Build
Unmatched Utility
The combination of Forge Cleric and Artificer abilities makes this character a master of crafting and enhancing items. You can ensure your party is always equipped with the best tools and weapons.
Survivability
With high Strength, Constitution, and features like Stone’s Endurance and heavy armor proficiency, this build excels at absorbing damage.
Versatility
Thanks to a wide array of spells and abilities, the Goliath Forge Cleric Artificer 5e can switch between roles, such as tank, support, or damage dealer.
Roleplaying Potential
The dual nature of divine craftsmanship and arcane invention opens up rich storytelling possibilities. Your character could be a wandering blacksmith, a divine engineer, or a creator seeking perfection in their works.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Balancing Ability Scores
Since this build relies on Strength, Wisdom, and Intelligence, it may feel stretched thin. Prioritize Strength and Wisdom early, using racial bonuses and items to boost Intelligence later.
Limited High-Level Spellcasting
Multiclassing delays access to higher-level spells. Focus on spells that scale well, such as Guiding Bolt and Cure Wounds, and rely on your infusions and abilities for versatility.
Role Confusion
With so many options, deciding your focus in a given situation can be overwhelming. Define your priorities—are you the tank, the buffer, or the crafter? Communicate with your party to ensure your role complements theirs.
Sample Character Concept: Durak, The Divine Smith
Durak is a Goliath blessed by the gods of creation. From a young age, he showed an affinity for crafting, creating weapons and tools that outshone those of his peers. After a fateful encounter with an Artificer, Durak combined his divine gifts with arcane ingenuity, traveling the land as a master smith and protector.
durak’s Goals and Motivations
- Forge is the ultimate weapon to honor his gods.
- Protect those in need with his strength and inventions.
- Seek ancient knowledge of craftsmanship, blending divine and arcane techniques.
Tips for Playing the Goliath Forge Cleric Artificer 5e
- Use Infusions Strategically
Enhance your allies’ equipment for maximum team benefit. Infusions like Enhanced Weapon and Enhanced Defense are particularly helpful. - Stay on the Frontlines
Leverage your Goliath durability and heavy armor proficiency to shield weaker party members. - Master Item Creation
You can create a wide array of items using Forge Cleric and Artificer abilities. Plan to ensure your creations fit your party’s needs. - Experiment with Spells
Combine spells like Heat Metal and Shield with your martial prowess to dominate in combat.
Conclusion
The Goliath Forge Cleric Artificer 5e build is a testament to creativity in D&D 5e. This character excels in versatility, power, and roleplaying potential by combining divine craftsmanship, arcane innovation, and Goliath resilience. Whether you are crafting legendary weapons, defending your allies on the battlefield, or uncovering ancient secrets, this build ensures an unforgettable journey through any campaign.
Read more: Genesis of the Battle God PT BR A Deep Dive into the Game’s World and Mechanics
