“In rules terms, clerics choose domains, not deities, so your world can associate domains with deities in any way you choose.”
– DMG pg. 10.
Bear in mind this means domains can very well not be associated with specific deities at all. #dnd #WotCStaff
— Dan Dillon 👥 (@Dan_Dillon_1) February 16, 2020
I’ve discussed at length that domains could be powers granted by a will with people (good hope, fear, etc.), and a presence of a particular strength could easily supplement in place of a god when your DM says all the gods are dead. Xanathar’s Guide to Everything even calls out greater ideals or even cosmic forces behind the nine alignments as potential sources for a cleric’s power.
— Dan Dillon 👥 (@Dan_Dillon_1) February 16, 2020
What are some of the best ways you have seen this clarification utilized? Clerics of the Sovreign Host in Eberron. They serve the entire pantheon of seven gods without owing fealty to any specific one.
Elemental clerics in Dark Sun who draw power from a primordial element, not a being.
A cleric dedicated to Justice made for a fun character.
— Dan Dillon 👥 (@Dan_Dillon_1) February 16, 2020
I have always loved the idea of stealing power from gods. In my world, healers steal the health of the god I really dig that idea! Reminds me of the ur-priest prestige class from 3e.
— Dan Dillon 👥 (@Dan_Dillon_1) February 16, 2020
There are long standing examples in the game. In Eberron, there are clerics of the Lord of Blades. They got spells. The Lord of Blades is not even close to being a god. . Eberron shook up divine magic hard, specifically tying it to the character’s own faith. The Blood of Vol was the most interesting riff on that take.
— Dan Dillon 👥 (@Dan_Dillon_1) February 16, 2020
Yes! Just like Paladins your chacter is beholden to the IDEALS more then the god/goddess Exactly so I’m the case of paladins! Their power comes from upholding their Sacred Oath and its tenets.
— Dan Dillon 👥 (@Dan_Dillon_1) February 17, 2020
A cool example of a non-god source of a cleric’s power are the clerics of the elements from Dark Sun.
— Dan Dillon 👥 (@Dan_Dillon_1) February 17, 2020