Another quick one for my session today, I noticed that there is a serious lack of “cleric”-like NPCs in the monster books. We have the Priest in the Monster Manual with is a 5th-level caster and CR 2. And then we have the War Priest which is a huge jump up to 9th-level and CR 9 (also, its hit dice are way out of whack with its caster level). I need something in between (CR 5), so I decided to do a CR-forward cleric build.
This is a little different way of building monsters than the way I outlined in my “how to create a monster in 15 minutes or less” article. While I have a rough concept in mind, I’m adding in its stats and hit points based on the challenge rating I want to set for it. The Dungeon Master Guide points people in this direction, but in my opinion, it’s not always as fun.
Regardless, it’s what I need for my session tonight. Blah blah blah, anyways here’s the damn thing:
Adventuring Priest
Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment
Armor Class 19 (splint, shield)
Hit Points 91 (14d8 + 28)
Speed 30 ft.
Abilities Str 16 (+3), Dex 10 (+0), Con 14 (+2), Int 11 (+0), Wis 17 (+3), Cha 13 (+1)
Saving Throws Con +5, Wis +6
Skills Medicine +5, Religion +3
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages any two languages
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Healing Specialty. When the priest uses a spell of 1st level or higher to restore hit points to a creature, the creature regains addition hit points equal to 2 + the spell’s level and the priest gains hit points equal to 2 + the spell’s level.
Spellcasting. The priest is a 7th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks). It has the following cleric spells prepared:
- Cantrips (at will): light, mending, sacred flame, spare the dying
- 1st level (4 slots): bless, cure wounds, guiding bolt, healing word, shield of faith
- 2nd level (3 slots): lesser restoration, magic weapon*, prayer of healing, silence, spiritual weapon
- 3rd level (3 slots): beacon of hope, crusader’s mantle, dispel magic, revivify, spirit guardians
- 4th level (1 slot): death ward, guardian of faith, stoneskin
*The priest casts this spell on itself before combat.
Actions
Multiattack. The priest makes two melee attacks.
Mace (Magic Weapon). Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
Thanks for reading!
Hopefully, you can use this mid-level priest for your own adventures. Enjoy!
And if you aren’t already, be sure to follow along with the blog by signing up to the opt-in form on the right side or down in the footer to get updates on new content.
See you soon.