Looking for Tweakings on Cleric of Helm

[qwertyh88]

Looking to play a Cleric of Helm wielding bastard swords (Always like bastard swords although it's weak. )

Right now, I am looking at 12 Cleric/10 Solar Channeler/5 Harper Priest/3 DS.

http://nwn2db.com/build/?322136

How does the Solar form work? Is it like druid shapeshifting when stats from gear transfer over?
Any suggestions to make the build stronger is appreciated, thanks.

[chad878262]

Looking to play a Cleric of Helm wielding bastard swords (Always like bastard swords although it's weak.

If you think about it Bastard Sword is +1 damage over Long Sword... Weapon Specialization is +2 damage so it's not up to par, but there are worse things you can do with a build. Now when you consider you are getting it free from your domain, not really weak at all. Plus there is a really good epic bastard sword sold in BG so all good.

How does the Solar form work? Is it like druid shapeshifting when stats from gear transfer over?

Your body and gear are replaced by a solar with a greatsword. One issue I'd like to call out is Solar becomes far more powerful based on WIS (up to +10) so an EDM Cleric or STR based Cleric is not going to be as good in Solar form. Specifically the Solar has STR/CON/DEX of 20, but at SC level 10 you get to increase those stats by your WIS modifier (capped at +10). So WIS 20 will have 25 STR/DEX/CON in Solar form while WIS 30 will have 30. This may be fine for you, but figured it would help to call out. None of the items will transfer, but I believe cleric buffs will. This thread has some good insights (see post from Nemni on page 2): viewtopic.php?f=49&t=54254&hilit=solar+ ... r&start=15

Overall, Solar Channeler is (in my opinion) a FANTASTIC PRC for a DC Caster Cleric to be able to essentially become a solid melee combatant for 9 minutes per day. However, for a melee cleric (EDM or STR based) it's meh.

[spyvsspy]

I believe Cleric/Solar Channeler/Harper priest is always a nice class combination. But for melee cleric its benifits is much more defensively than offensively. Solar form is not so necessary for melee clerics but you'll have fantastic regeneration:

+1 from cloaks
+3 from spell: Vigorous Cycle
+10 from spell: Regenerate
+6 from Solar's Grace 9min/day
+5 from greater blessing: Eldath's Soothing Pool 3min/day
Total 25 regeneration/round

9lv of Solar Channeler is enough for this build. You can save 1 caster level lose from this.

[qwertyh88]

Good insights with the Link and the ideas of getting just nine level of Solar for a more defensive tank...I think ultimately I am looking to play something more offensive/melee cleric than be a punching bag.

I am probably going with 16 cleric/4 HP/10DS at this point -- perhaps boring but solid.