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{{profession
{{profession
| [[File:Small_cleric.jpg]]
| type = [[Spiritual]] [[Pure]]
| type = [[Spiritual]] [[Pure]]
| circles = [[Minor Spiritual]]<br>[[Major Spiritual]]<br>[[Cleric Base]]
| circles = [[Minor Spiritual]]<br>[[Major Spiritual]]<br>[[Cleric Base]]
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| AUcost = 8/0 | AUranks = 1
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| SUcost = 13/0 | SUranks = 1
| SUcost = 13/0 | SUranks = 1
| CMcost = 10/6 | CMranks = 1
| CMcost = 10/8 | CMranks = 1
| OHEcost = 4/2 | OHEranks = 1
| OHEcost = 6/1 | OHEranks = 1
| OHBcost = 4/2 | OHBranks = 1
| OHBcost = 6/1 | OHBranks = 1
| THWcost = 10/3 | THWranks = 1
| THWcost = 10/3 | THWranks = 1
| RWcost = 9/3 | RWranks = 1
| RWcost = 9/3 | RWranks = 1
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| AMBcost = 12/12 | AMBranks = 1
| AMBcost = 12/12 | AMBranks = 1
| MOCcost = 15/8 | MOCranks = 1
| MOCcost = 15/8 | MOCranks = 1
| PFcost = 7/0 | PFranks = 1
| PFcost = 8/0 | PFranks = 1
| DODcost = 20/20 | DODranks = 1
| DODcost = 20/20 | DODranks = 1
| AScost = 0/2 | ASranks = 2
| AScost = 0/2 | ASranks = 2
| MIUcost = 0/2 | MIUranks = 2
| MIUcost = 0/2 | MIUranks = 2
| SAcost = 3/2 | SAranks = 2
| SAcost = 3/1 | SAranks = 2
| HPcost = 0/4 | HPranks = 3
| HPcost = 0/4 | HPranks = 3
| EMCcost = 0/12 | EMCranks = 1
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}}
'''Clerics''' tap their power from the spiritual realm, a source of power rooted within the deities of Elanthia. As masters of this spiritual power, Clerics follow many paths; some as simple priests, others as crusaders devoted to preserving life whether by use of their spells or by dint of arms. Through their spell mastery, Clerics may commune with deities, resurrect the dead, protect themselves and their comrades and banish the undead. Clerics can gain skill at arms, but they must devote more time and energy to it than non-spell users. Heavier armor may adversely affect their ability to cast spells.


== Professional Highlights ==
'''Clerics''' are one of the four [[pure]] [[spell]]-casting [[profession]]s in [[GemStone IV]], and are arguably the masters of the spiritual realms. Drawing heavily upon the power of the [[Arkati]] or Greater Spirits that they serve, clerics in Gemstone are very versatile spellcasters with a variety of offensive, defensive, and utility spells at their disposal. Considering the differing natures of their patrons, clerics also have a wide variety of skills available to them at reasonable training costs.


A cleric's magical abilities are drawn from their connection to one of the deities of Elanthia, which may be one of the [[Arkati]] or [[Lesser Spirit]]s.
Clerics joining battle in the name of their patrons do so in many ways, although the commonest methods are by use of [[warding]] and [[bolt]] spells. In the past, clerics were primarily physical combatants that used disabling spells to augment their combat abilities, but the addition of the [[Paladin]] class has turned this into a [[mutant]] path called the [[Melee Cleric]]. Now, the power and variety of attack spells available to the cleric allow for a pure-casting build, with the [[Warding Cleric]] as the extreme end that relies solely on extensive spell-training for a potent [[casting strength]].


*'''Use the {{boldmono|[[CONVERT]]}} command to choose a deity to follow.'''
While not fulfilling the traditional role of healer (a role assumed by the [[Empath]]s), clerics are able to restore life by use of the [[Well of Life (308)|Well of Life]] and [[Raise Dead (318)|Raise Dead]] spells. With this power, combined with the ability to find corpses (and other adventurers) by means of the [[Locate Person (116)|Locate Person]] spell and then to ‘fog’ to them by the [[Transference (225)|Transference]] spell, clerics are very helpful and useful rescuers. These four ‘core spells’ make up the initial training plan for the [[Rescuing Cleric]] archetype.


For a cleric, this is not merely a [[roleplaying]] choice but has numerous mechanical consequences as well. The choice should not be made lightly. While it is possible to switch allegiance later, it can be quite difficult and costly to do so.
== Stat Placement and Race Selection ==


Major mechanical considerations of choosing a deity include '''[[Smite/Bane (302)]]''' alignment (whether the spell is more effective against living or undead), and the preferred [[Holy critical|critical type]] of a deity's cleric spells, which affects '''[[Condemn (309)]]''', '''[[Divine Fury (317)]]''', and '''[[Divine Wrath (335)]]'''.
Considering the versatility of the class, there are many [[statistic]]s that are important to a cleric, but the most important as far as [[training point]]s are concerned are [[Wisdom]] and [[Intuition]], as they yield double training points due to being [[prime requisite|primary stats]] for the cleric [[profession]]. Additionally, [[wisdom]] is the statistic that effects [[casting strength]] for all three spheres of magic clerics have access to. [[Aura]] effects the amount of [[spirit point]]s that a cleric has available when [[Raise Dead (318)|raising the dead]].


=== Special Commands ===
While no statistic is unimportant, certain others have a more profound impact depending on training path. For a [[Melee Cleric]], [[Strength]] is of vital importance, as it is used to calculate [[attack strength]]. Similarly, a cleric that uses [[bolt spell]]s will want to have a high [[Dexterity]]. [[Strength]] and [[Constitution]] are used to determine how much a character can hold without becoming [[encumbrance|encumbered]]. [[Agility]] is used to determine [[defensive strength]], which makes a character harder to hit in combat.


Clerics have access to several commands that grant them special abilities and insight.
Choice of [[race]] is encouraged to be a decision based on role-playing, but various races offer some mechanical advantage. Races with lower bonuses to [[Aura]] (such as [[Dwarf|dwarves]] and [[Giantman|Giants]]) have a slightly faster rate of [[spirit point]] return compared to those with larger bonuses (such as [[Elf|elves]] and [[Dark elf|dark elves]]), although this advantage is mitigated by the ability to use the [[MEDITATE (verb)|MEDITATE]] verb to restore [[health]], [[mana]], and [[spirit point]]s more quickly.


'''APPRAISE'''
== General Training Suggestions ==
:By [[APPRAISE (verb)|appraising]] a corpse, the cleric may determine:
:#The amount of spirit the corpse has, which is a factor in how many spirit points will be taken away when using Well of Life or Raise Dead.
:#Whether a corpse is currently preserved against decay, how long remains in the preservation, and if it is by the Preservation spell or by the [[Order of Voln]]'s [[Symbol of Preservation]]
:#If a corpse is currently linked to another cleric via Well of Life


'''MEDITATE'''
Clerics are pure spellcasters, and such are encouraged to train in magic-related skills. It was for this reason that the concept of [[Runestaff]] defense, allowing a magical character to focus on magical skills without being entirely unable to defend themselves. While there are many other options for defense ([[Brawling]], shields, among others), for a cleric that uses a runestaff, heavy training in magical skills (at least 8 ranks per level) is required.
:To provide a cleric (or [[empath]]) the ability to recover their vital forces more quickly, the gods grant them the ability to {{boldmono|[[MEDITATE]]}}. Use of this power causes the cleric to kneel and enter a meditative trance during which regeneration of health, spirit points, mana, and stamina is accelerated. This trance is tenuous, and can be easily broken by most activities or the actions of outside parties.


'''SENSE'''
=== Magical Skills ===
:The {{boldmono|[[SENSE]]}} verb is one used by several professions, with differing results. For a cleric, SENSE informs the cleric if an Arkati or Lesser Spirit has a particularly strong presence in the area. This verb is most useful when used with [[:Verb:COMMUNE|Commune]] and [[Intercession|Tier 5]] of the [[Holy Receptacle (325)|Holy Receptacle]] spell.
These are the skills that are used when calculating [[Runestaff]] defense. In general, they are skills a cleric would want to train in anyhow, and thus perform a double service.


'''[[:Verb:COMMUNE|COMMUNE]]'''
;[[Arcane Symbols]]
:The cleric uses their connection to the gods to call upon them for an audience. In practice, it sends out a message to GameMasters that the cleric seeks audience, and it is at the discretion of the GameMasters to determine what response, if any, is appropriate. Clerics are reminded to use discretion when casting this spell, as the whims of the Gods are not always what one might expect.
:[[Arcane Symbols]] is the skill used to read and invoke scrolls. It is not possible to read a spell of higher level than your number of ranks in Arcane Symbols, and further skill increases both your chance of successfully invoking the spell and the duration of a spell cast off a scroll. Additionally, the spell [[Living Spell (208)|Living Spell]] uses the caster's Arcane Symbols skill when determining if the spell is successfully transferred. It is an inexpensive and useful skill, and frequently taken to aid [[Runestaff]] defense.


=== Blessed Weapons ===
;[[Magic Item Use]]
:Similar in nature to Arcane Symbols, [[Magic Item Use]] allows the use of magic items. Increased skill allows greater success rates in activation, which is especially useful when using wands (particularly [[aquamarine wand]]s that have been [[Holy Blade (304)|blessed]]) as a form of attack. It is often trained for the same reason as Arcane Symbols.


All clerics regardless of alignment have access to the [[Bless (304)]] spell, which allows a weapon to hit the undead without penalties while the bless is active.
;[[Spell Aiming]]
:[[Spell Aiming]] is one of the attack methods available to clerics, by use of [[Holy Bolt (306)|Holy Bolt]], [[Fire Spirit (111)|Fire Spirit]], [[Web (118)|Web]], or various wands. Conventional wisdom suggests that if one intends to train in Spell Aiming at all, double training is necessary to reap sufficient benefit. A useful skill, and also aids [[runestaff]] defense at a moderate cost.


All clerics also natively have the ability to use [[holy armament]]s, such as [[white ora]] weapons, to strike undead as if the weapons are permanently blessed. These holy armaments are usually offered at cleric shops in towns.
;[[Harness Power]]
:The [[Harness Power]] skill determines the amount of [[mana]] available to a cleric. Every rank in Harness Power up to the current level of the character provides 3 mana, while additional ranks provide only 1. This is recalculated whenever a level is gained, so over-training at low-levels when mana is scarce for hunting can be recouped by less-frequent training later on.


=== Raise Dead and Chrism Gems ===
;[[Spirit Mana Control]]
:[[Spiritual Mana Control]] has several impacts on clerics, the first of which is governing the efficiency of transferring mana to another that has trained in Spirit Mana Control. The second use of this spell is in determining whether a cast of [[Raise Dead (318)|Raise Dead]] will be effective, as a percentage chance based on skill (not ranks) of Spirit Mana Control. For this reason, [[Rescuing Cleric]]s especially recommend having at least 24 ranks prior to attempting to cast Raise Dead, to prevent a failure resulting in the corpse dying again. Spirit Mana Control also aids a cleric in mana recovery, providing one additional mana point returned per 10 ranks of SMC.


Upon learning the '''[[Raise Dead (318)]]''' spell and having enough training in [[Spiritual Mana Control]], a cleric can restore life to a fallen character at the cost of the cleric's spirit points. The amount of spirit points drained is based on the maximum spirit of the corpse, as well as the number of ranks of this circle the cleric possesses. Be warned: if the cleric does not have enough spirit at the time of casting the spell, the raise attempt will kill the cleric! It is also the cleric's responsibility to make sure the newly raised character does not immediately die again (by finding an [[empath]] to heal the body first, or using [[herb]]s, or in a pinch at least using First Aid to {{mono|[[TEND]]}} any bleeding wounds), otherwise the spiritual backlash will make the cleric unable to raise again for a long time.
;[[Spiritual Lore]]
:Considered a means of customizing a cleric, the [[Spiritual Lore]]s of [[Spiritual Lore, Blessings|Blessings]], [[Spiritual Lore, Religion|Religion]], and [[Spiritual Lore, Summoning|Spirit Summoning]] provide a cleric's spells with more power and versatility. Many clerics choose to single train in this skill due to the cost, although some make it a point to gain the required ranks for the fourth tier of [[Holy Receptacle (325)|Holy Receptacle]] to be able to make Chrism gems as quickly as possible.
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=== Physical Skills ===
;Weapon Skills
:For those that snear at those that hide behind "[[Runestaff|Twigs]]," the way of the holy warrior is not fully closed. Weapon skills provide a means of attack when out of mana, or in areas that magic will not work. Due to the pre-[[Paladin]] role of the cleric as a holy warrior (and enabling the [[Melee Cleric]]), the [[Cleric Base|cleric spell]] [[Benediction (307)|Benediction]] and the [[Major Spiritual]] spells [[Bravery (211)|Bravery]] and [[Heroism (215)|Heroism]] bolster the sword arm of the cleric.


While there are other ways to raise dead characters in the world, clerics have the unique ability to use [[chrism]] gems to allow the character they are raising to retain some of their field experience and quicken their recovery time. '''[[Holy Receptacle (325)]]''' blesses an [[orb gem|orb]]-quality gem with the ability to hold either a certain number of charges of a spell or a special power, including [[chrism]]s. Higher valued stones can hold more charges of a given spell, or more powerful blessings.
:Most clerics that train in weapon skills will do so 1x per level, every level.


The '''[[Miracle (350)]]''' spell allows a cleric to raise themselves using the {{boldmono|[[BESEECH]]}} command. Without additional lore training, it can only be used once every 24 hours.
;[[Shield Use]]
:An alternative to the [[Runestaff]], a shield provides consistent defense which is increased with training in the [[Shield Use]] skill. Those that rely on a shield for defense generally train in it 1x per level. Shields provide more defense in an offensive stance than a weapon or runestaff does, although more defensive stances provide higher defense with a shield, as well.


=== Holy Symbols ===
;[[Armor Use]]
:Of all the [[pure]] classes, Clerics have the lowest costs for both [[training points]] and spell hindrance associated with heavy armor. At low levels, most clerics advocate the 8 ranks in [[Armor Use]] necessary to minimize the [[Combat Maneuvers|maneuver]] penalty for double leather. Later, however, some clerics recommend moving to heavier armor such as leather breastplate, brigandine, or even chain mail for the additional protection.


'''[[Symbol of the Proselyte (340)]]''' allows a cleric to create a holy symbol that can be used to punish the unrepentant when activated using the {{boldmono|[[CHANT]] (symbol)}} command.
;[[Physical Training]]
:[[Physical Training]] determines amount of [[hit point]]s a character has, up to racial maximum plus [[Constitution]] bonus. Most clerics will train this skill until health maxes out, although it does provide faster [[hitpoint]] regeneration.
{{top}}
=== Secondary Skills ===
While training in skills of combat and magic are a major part of skill training, they in no way encompass the entirety of a training plan. Secondary skills allow a character to navigate the world of Elanthia, and provide a mechanical basis for fleshing out a character beyond a mere hunting/raising automaton. There are many possible skills a cleric may choose to branch into ([[Thrown Weapons]] for a dart player, for example), and a few of the more common ones are detailed here.


=== Sanctify ===
;[[First Aid]]
:Training in [[First Aid]] is a skill of major import to [[Rescuing Cleric]]s, who can use the skill to [[TEND (verb)|TEND]] the wounds of the fallen (or themselves) when an [[Empath]] is not at hand. Further, the skill is used to determine skill in skinning, foraging for herbs, and reduces roundtime when eating herbs.


'''[[Sanctify (330)]]''' is the [[profession service]] for clerics. It uses stored devotion to permanently enhance combat armaments for use against the [[undead]]. This enhancement provides both offensive and defensive benefits, and can even be further bestowed with Holy Fire flares.
;[[Climbing]] and [[Swimming]]
:The [[climbing]] and [[swimming]] skills allow a character to navigate safely some of the rougher terrain in Elanthia, from Climbing the Graveyard gate near Wehnimer's Landing to swimming into the Cavern of the Ages. In general, the difficulty for such a climb or swim is based on the difficulty of the creatures to be found past it. 5-10 ranks of each skill by level 20 is generally sufficient, depending on encumbrance, and 20-30 is normally enough for the higher level hunting grounds.


''[[F2P]] clerics cannot modify items with 330.''
;[[Perception]]
:The [[Perception]] skill is one with a myriad of uses, from spotting hidden paths to foraging to detecting thieves.


== Cleric Guild ==
;[[Combat Maneuvers]]
:Primarily of use to the [[Melee Cleric]], training in [[Combat Maneuvers]] provides a holy warrior with a few additional [[Maneuver|tricks]] to use in battle. It also gives the cleric a better chance to resist maneuver-based attacks, a notorious weakness for pures. An expensive skill, but worth it in some circumstances.


Upon reaching level 15, clerics are invited to join the [[Cleric Guild]]. For a nominal monthly fee, the guild gives access to [[alchemy]] skills.
====Available Combat Maneuvers====


Alchemy recipes exclusive to clerics include:
*[[Combat Movement]]
*[[Combat Mastery]]
*[[lichbane talisman]]
*[[Cunning Defense]]
*[[pure potion]]
*[[Dirtkick]]
*[[exorcism oil]]
*[[Disarm Weapon]]
*[[repelling oil]]
*enhancive [[spirit regeneration crystal]]s
*[[Feint]]
*enhancive [[spirit-well potion]]s
*[[Multi-Fire]]
*[[spiraled willow wand]] embedded with [[Holy Bolt]]
*[[Precision]]
*[[holy water]] containing [[Neutralize Curse]]
* [[Side by Side]] (prereq: Combat Movement at rank 2)
*[[Subdual Strike]]
*[[Trip]]
*[[Unarmed Specialist]]

=== Spell Training ===
As [[pure]] spellcasters, the brunt of a cleric's power comes from spells, and spell power comes from training in [[Spell Research]]. Not only does this skill give a cleric access to new spells, it also increases the effectiveness of those they already possess (most often via increasing [[CS]] or spell duration). While a cleric has three different spell circles to choose from ([[Minor Spiritual]], [[Major Spiritual]], and [[Cleric Base]]), they all fall under the blanket of [[Spell Research]] for the purpose of determining [[training point]] cost. In general, most clerics will train between 2x and 3x per level in this skill.
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==== Minor Spiritual (MnS) ====
The [[Minor Spiritual]] circle is the most commonly available spell circle in [[GemStone IV]], as it is obtainable by the [[Warrior]], [[Rogue]], [[Ranger]], [[Paladin]], [[Empath]], [[Sorcerer]], and Cleric professions. Important spells in this circle include:
*[[Spirit Warding I (101)]] - Bolsters defense against [[warding spell|warding]] and [[bolt spell]]s.
*[[Spirit Barrier (102)]] - Provides a significant bonus to DS, but impairs physical AS.
*[[Spirit Defense (103)]] - Frequently called a "powerful look", this spell provides a bonus to DS. The benefit from this spell increases with more ranks in this circle.
*[[Spirit Warding II (107)]] - A more potent version of [[Spirit Warding I (101)|].
*[[Fire Spirit (111)]] - One of the three [[bolt spell]]s available to Clerics. Similar to [[Major Fire (908)]].
*[[Locate Person (116)]] - As the name implies, this spell allows the Cleric a glimpse of the location of a character within the same realm. Note that this spell is not effective on hidden, invisible or [[Unpresence (204)|Unpresenced]] characters.
*[[Lesser Shroud (120)]] - A more potent form of [[Spirit Defense (103)|Spirit Defense]], that becomes more powerful with training.
*[[Spirit Guide (130)]] - This spell instantly transports the cleric's group to one of several possible locations, usually safe ones. This spell can induce vertigo, however, which potentially incapacitates the caster afterward.
{{top}}
==== Major Spiritual (MjS) ====
More utilitarian or combat-focused than the defensive [[Minor Spiritual]] Circle, the [[Major Spiritual]] spells are nonetheless considered more potent. This list is restricted to Clerics and [[Empath]]s.
*[[Spirit Shield (202)]] - A defensive spell that increases strength with training in this circle. Often referred to as a "dim aura" or just "dims".
*[[Living Spell (208)]] - Allows the Cleric to steal a prepared spell from a target, on a successful [[warding]] and if the cleric is sufficiently skilled in [[Arcane Symbols]]. Creatures that are not part of the [[BCS]] are immune.
*[[Bravery (211)]] - Bolsters the Cleric's AS and provides a TD boost against fear-based spells.
*[[Interference (212)]] - Diminishes the combat abilities of the target on a successful [[warding]], reducing AS, CS, TD, and DS.
*[[Minor Sanctuary (213)]] - Creates an area of calm, resulting in an area where attacks, some spells, and thievery cannot take place. Most creatures will not enter a sanctuary, although some can break one.
*[[Bind (214)]] - A potent disabling spell that prevents the target from moving for the duration, resulting in a lowered DS.
*[[Heroism (215)]] - Bolsters the Cleric's AS and increases [[health]] and [[mana]] regeneration rates.
*[[Mass Interference (217)]] - As [[Interference (212)|Interference]], but is cast upon all targets in the room (including other players if not in the caster's group!).
*[[Spell Shield (219)]] - Provides a DS bonus against [[bolt spell]]s and increases spiritual TD.
*[[Major Sanctuary (220)]] - Takes the caster and his group to a place of sanctuary. Excellent for [[Rescuing Cleric]]s.
*[[Transference (225)]] - Transports the Cleric to the location of any [[Locate Person (116)|locatable]] character, providing they are not in an area where teleportation is blocked.
*[[Spirit Slayer (240)]] - Briefly augments a cleric's offensive power by conjuring an invisible spirit that may recast an offensive or utility spell cast by the cleric, but with a bonus to CS or AS.
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==== Cleric Base ====
The [[Cleric Base|Cleric]] Spell Circle contains a mix of combat, defensive, and utility spells. Most spell-wielding clerics will at least 1x this spell circle to maximize their [[casting strength]].
*[[Smite (302)]] - Basic [[warding]] attack spell. Depending on the [[CONVERT (verb)|CONVERT]] status of the cleric, this spell is either more effective against Living or Undead targets.
*[[Prayer of Protection (303)]] - Provides a bonus to DS that increases with training in this circle.
*[[Holy Blade (304)]] - Allows physical weapons to damage Undead. With 40 or more ranks in this spell circle, weapons blessed by this spell may cause random holy water criticals.
*[[Preservation (305)]] - Prolongs the amount of time a dead character has before being forced to depart.
*[[Holy Bolt (306)]] - One of a Cleric's three [[bolt spell]]s. Acts as [[Minor Water (903)]] against living targets and [[Minor Acid (904)]] against Undead. This same spell is contained within an [[aquamarine wand]] that has been [[Holy Blade (304)|blessed]].
*[[Benediction (307)]] - Provides a bonus to both AS and DS to all members of a cleric's group.
*[[Well of Life (308)]] - Permits the cleric to link to a corpse in preparation to cast [[Raise Dead (318)]], or to transfer [[spirit points]] to another character. Either use incurs a timer during which the spell cannot be used again.
*[[Warding Sphere (310)]] - Provides a bonus to DS and TD to all members of the cleric's group.
*[[Fervent Reproach (312)]] - Moderate-powered CS-based attack spell. Has the possibility to recover a small amount of [[health]] and [[mana]], along with a temporary [[Wisdom]] bonus. Does purely concussion damage, so cannot cause critical kills. Of use to those that skin, however, as it allows higher quality pelts.
*[[Prayer (313)]] - Provides a bonus to TD and DS, as well as some maneuver defense. DS bonuses increase with more spell ranks.
*[[Censure (316)]] - Multi-targeting short duration CS-based disabling spell. Characters of the same [[CONVERT (verb)|CONVERT]] status as the caster are immune, unless specifically targeted. Not friendly to other characters outside the cleric's group.
*[[Divine Fury (317)]] - High-powered CS-based attack spell. Does plasma-based damage, with additional flares based on the [[CONVERT (verb)|CONVERT]] status of the cleric. Causes frequent stuns and critical kills.
*[[Raise Dead (318)]] - Restores life to a fallen character, at the cost of the cleric's [[spirit points]]. The amount of spirit points drained is based on the maximum spirit of the corpse, as well as the number of ranks of this circle the cleric possesses.
*[[Divine Wrath (319)]] - A showy, multiple-target CS-based attack spell. Causes damage in waves (up to 3, depending on [[Spiritual Mana Control]] ranks) shortly after casting. After usage of the spell, the cleric must wait an amount of time based on the amount of damage done before being able to cast it again.
*[[Holy Receptacle (325)]] - Blesses an [[orb gem|orb]]-quality gem with the ability to hold either a certain number of charges of a spell or a special power. Higher valued stones can hold more charges of a given spell, or more powerful blessings.
*[[Prayer of Commune (330)]] - The cleric uses his or her connection to the gods to call upon them for an audience. In practice, it sends out a message to GameMasters that the cleric seeks audience, and it is at the discretion of the GameMasters to determine what response, if any, is appropriate. Clerics are reminded to use discretion when casting this spell, as the whims of the Gods are not always what one might expect.
*[[Miracle (350)]] - The newest addition to the cleric spell list, this spell actually allows a cleric to raise him or herself, using the BESEECH command. Without lores, it can only be used once every 24 hours.
{{top}}
=== Defense Methods ===
All clerics need a way to defend themselves. The main choices for physical defense are shield alone, brawl with shield, runestaff and two-handed weapon. The cleric spells are the most important for magical defense and 1x in cleric spells should be regarded as core training.

The different defense choices provide substantially different amounts of defense. The comparison below splits this into two parts, the defense that is obtained from the configuration alone, and the defense that is added to that by training. The comparison assumes that the cleric has moderately good stats and that there is a contribution of 20 from stats to evade, 7 to block and 7 to parry DS. It assumes 4x equipment. Offensive and defensive stance values are given. The same training point cost is assumed for the comparison of shield without brawl (1x shield) and shield with brawl (5 ranks shield to every 13 ranks brawl). Armor is ignored so there is an additional +20 available to all defense from armor enchant and a small loss to be taken from the dodge DS if armor goes above soft leather. Runestaff defense assumes a spell heavy training plan, with the training points from not training brawl and shield used for magic ranks. A typical runestaff user would have less spells and up to 16 melee DS per 13 levels. Similarly the shield and brawl combination can gain increased defense at the cost of spending extra training points on it.

{| {{prettytable}}
|-bgcolor=lightgrey
!Base DS
!Melee (Def)
!Melee (Off)
!Ranged (Def)
!Ranged (Off)
|-
|Small shield without brawl || 57 || 51 || 111 || 55
|-
|Tower shield without brawl || 46 || 42 || 125 || 61
|-
|Small shield with brawl || 114 || 51 || 61 || 55
|-
|Tower shield with brawl || 103 || 42 || 75 || 61
|-
|Runestaff || 96 || 20 || 64 || 24
|-
|Two handed weapon || 86 || 17 || 29 || 21
|-
|}

{| {{prettytable}}
|-bgcolor=lightgrey
!Added DS from Training
!Melee (Def)
!Melee (Off)
!Ranged (Def)
!Ranged (Off)
|-
|Small shield without brawl || 7 || 4 || 10 || 5
|-
|Tower shield without brawl || 11 || 6 || 18 || 9
|-
|Small shield with brawl || 12 || 5 || 4 || 2
|-
|Tower shield with brawl || 13 || 6 || 7 || 4
|-
|Runestaff || 14 || 4 || 7 || 2
|-
|Two handed weapon || 13 || 4 || 0 || 0
|}

{{top}}
== Profession-Specific Verbs ==
Because of the nature of the cleric, as a spiritual link between mortals and [[Arkati]], clerics are empowered with certain abilities not given to most. While mostly of a mechanical nature, certain verbs have different or augmented usage for a cleric.

;APPRAISE
:By [[APPRAIS (verb)|appraising]] a corpse, the cleric may determine:
:#The amount of spirit the corpse has, which is a factor in how many [[spirit point]]s will be taken away when using [[Well of Life (308)|Well of Life]] or [[Raise Dead (318)|Raise Dead]]
:#Whether a corpse is currently preserved against decay, how long remains in the preservation, and if it is by the [[Preservation (305)|Preservation]] spell or by the [[Order of Voln]]'s [[Symbol of Preservation]]
:#If a corpse is currently linked to another cleric via [[Well of Life (308)|Well of Life]]

;BLESS
:A [[Holy Receptacle (325)|Holy Receptacle]] is a merely a [[gems|stone]] until it is [[BLESS (verb)|BLESS]]ed by a cleric. Through use of this verb, a cleric can imbed some of their spells into a gem, or grant it other powers. This verb also allows a cleric to determine the nature of the power placed inside such a stone, if similar-looking gems are used.

;MEDITATE
:To provide a cleric (or [[Empath]] or [[Savant]]) the ability to recover their vital forces more quickly, the gods grant them the ability to [[MEDITAT (verb)|MEDITATE]]. Use of this power causes the cleric to kneel and enter a meditative trance during which regeneration of [[health]], [[spirit points]], [[mana]], and [[stamina]] is accelerated. This trance is tenuous, and can be easily broken by most activities or the actions of outside parties.

;SENSE
:The [[SENSE (verb)|SENSE]] verb is one used by several professions, with differing results. For a cleric, SENSE informs the cleric if an [[Arkati]] or Greater Spirit has a particularly strong presence in the area. This verb is most useful when used with the [[Prayer of Commune (330)|Prayer of Commune]] and [[Intercession|Tier 5]] of the [[Holy Receptacle (325)|Holy Receptacle]] spell, as well as the unlocked [[Iasha white ora weapons]].

;UNLINK
:The [[UNLINK (verb)|UNLINK]] verb allows a cleric to sever the link formed via casting [[Well of Life (308)|Well of Life]] at a corpse. Most often used when a cleric accidentally links to the wrong corpse, or when the corpse requests that the cleric in question not raise them - often in preference to another cleric. This verb can also be used by the corpse to prevent unwilling resurrection.


==Cleric Statistic Growth Rates==
==Cleric Statistic Growth Rates==


For more information see the page on [[Statistic growth rate | statistic growth rates]].
For more information see the page on [[Statistic growth rate]]s.


{| {{prettytable}}
{| {{prettytable}}
Line 257: Line 123:
! width=80px | [[Aura]] || width=80px | [[Logic]] || width=80px | [[Intuition]] || width=80px | [[Wisdom]] || width=80px | [[Influence]]
! width=80px | [[Aura]] || width=80px | [[Logic]] || width=80px | [[Intuition]] || width=80px | [[Wisdom]] || width=80px | [[Influence]]
|- align = center
|- align = center
| '''Cleric''' ||20||20||10||15||25||15||25||25||30||20
| '''Cleric'''||20||20||10||15||25||15||25||25||30||20
|}
|}
''Note: The table above is the baseline statistic growth rates. These values are actually modified for '''every''' race in GemStone IV, including [[human]]s.''
''Note: The table above is the baseline statistic growth rates. These values are actually modified for '''every''' race in GemStone IV, including [[human]]s.''


==See Also==
==Resources==

*[[A beginner's guide to playing a cleric]] (work-in-progress)
=====Guides=====
{{top}}
*[[A beginner's guide to playing a cleric]]
== External Links ==
*[[Cleric training suggestions]]
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/professions/clerics.asp Professions: Clerics], on Play.net.
*[[Rescuing Cleric]]
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/spells/spelllist.asp?circle=7 Cleric Base Spell Circle], on Play.net


{{Cleric}}
{{Cleric}}

Latest revision as of 18:49, 2 October 2025

Cleric
Small cleric.jpg
Type Spiritual Pure
Spell Circles Minor Spiritual
Major Spiritual
Cleric Base
Prime Requisites Wisdom, Intuition
Mana Statistics Wisdom
Physical Skills
Skill Cost Ranks
Two Weapon Combat 9/9 1
Armor Use 8/0 1
Shield Use 13/0 1
Combat Maneuvers 10/8 1
Edged Weapons 6/1 1
Blunt Weapons 6/1 1
Two-Handed Weapons 10/3 1
Ranged Weapons 9/3 1
Thrown Weapons 9/3 1
Polearm Weapons 11/3 1
Brawling 6/1 1
Ambush 12/12 1
Multi Opponent Combat 15/8 1
Physical Fitness 8/0 1
Dodging 20/20 1
Magical Skills
Skill Cost Ranks
Arcane Symbols 0/2 2
Magic Item Use 0/2 2
Spell Aiming 3/1 2
Harness Power 0/4 3
Elemental Mana Control 0/12 1
Mental Mana Control 0/12 1
Spirit Mana Control 0/3 3
Spell Research 0/8 3
Elemental Lore 0/20 1
Spiritual Lore 0/6 2
Sorcerous Lore 0/10 1
Mental Lore 0/20 1
General Skills
Skill Cost Ranks
Survival 3/2 2
Disarming Traps 2/6 1
Picking Locks 2/4 2
Stalking and Hiding 5/4 1
Perception 0/3 2
Climbing 4/0 1
Swimming 3/0 1
First Aid 1/1 2
Trading 0/3 2
Pickpocketing 3/3 1

Clerics tap their power from the spiritual realm, a source of power rooted within the deities of Elanthia. As masters of this spiritual power, Clerics follow many paths; some as simple priests, others as crusaders devoted to preserving life whether by use of their spells or by dint of arms. Through their spell mastery, Clerics may commune with deities, resurrect the dead, protect themselves and their comrades and banish the undead. Clerics can gain skill at arms, but they must devote more time and energy to it than non-spell users. Heavier armor may adversely affect their ability to cast spells.

Professional Highlights

A cleric's magical abilities are drawn from their connection to one of the deities of Elanthia, which may be one of the Arkati or Lesser Spirits.

  • Use the CONVERT command to choose a deity to follow.

For a cleric, this is not merely a roleplaying choice but has numerous mechanical consequences as well. The choice should not be made lightly. While it is possible to switch allegiance later, it can be quite difficult and costly to do so.

Major mechanical considerations of choosing a deity include Smite/Bane (302) alignment (whether the spell is more effective against living or undead), and the preferred critical type of a deity's cleric spells, which affects Condemn (309), Divine Fury (317), and Divine Wrath (335).

Special Commands

Clerics have access to several commands that grant them special abilities and insight.

APPRAISE

By appraising a corpse, the cleric may determine:
  1. The amount of spirit the corpse has, which is a factor in how many spirit points will be taken away when using Well of Life or Raise Dead.
  2. Whether a corpse is currently preserved against decay, how long remains in the preservation, and if it is by the Preservation spell or by the Order of Voln's Symbol of Preservation
  3. If a corpse is currently linked to another cleric via Well of Life

MEDITATE

To provide a cleric (or empath) the ability to recover their vital forces more quickly, the gods grant them the ability to MEDITATE. Use of this power causes the cleric to kneel and enter a meditative trance during which regeneration of health, spirit points, mana, and stamina is accelerated. This trance is tenuous, and can be easily broken by most activities or the actions of outside parties.

SENSE

The SENSE verb is one used by several professions, with differing results. For a cleric, SENSE informs the cleric if an Arkati or Lesser Spirit has a particularly strong presence in the area. This verb is most useful when used with Commune and Tier 5 of the Holy Receptacle spell.

COMMUNE

The cleric uses their connection to the gods to call upon them for an audience. In practice, it sends out a message to GameMasters that the cleric seeks audience, and it is at the discretion of the GameMasters to determine what response, if any, is appropriate. Clerics are reminded to use discretion when casting this spell, as the whims of the Gods are not always what one might expect.

Blessed Weapons

All clerics regardless of alignment have access to the Bless (304) spell, which allows a weapon to hit the undead without penalties while the bless is active.

All clerics also natively have the ability to use holy armaments, such as white ora weapons, to strike undead as if the weapons are permanently blessed. These holy armaments are usually offered at cleric shops in towns.

Raise Dead and Chrism Gems

Upon learning the Raise Dead (318) spell and having enough training in Spiritual Mana Control, a cleric can restore life to a fallen character at the cost of the cleric's spirit points. The amount of spirit points drained is based on the maximum spirit of the corpse, as well as the number of ranks of this circle the cleric possesses. Be warned: if the cleric does not have enough spirit at the time of casting the spell, the raise attempt will kill the cleric! It is also the cleric's responsibility to make sure the newly raised character does not immediately die again (by finding an empath to heal the body first, or using herbs, or in a pinch at least using First Aid to TEND any bleeding wounds), otherwise the spiritual backlash will make the cleric unable to raise again for a long time.

While there are other ways to raise dead characters in the world, clerics have the unique ability to use chrism gems to allow the character they are raising to retain some of their field experience and quicken their recovery time. Holy Receptacle (325) blesses an orb-quality gem with the ability to hold either a certain number of charges of a spell or a special power, including chrisms. Higher valued stones can hold more charges of a given spell, or more powerful blessings.

The Miracle (350) spell allows a cleric to raise themselves using the BESEECH command. Without additional lore training, it can only be used once every 24 hours.

Holy Symbols

Symbol of the Proselyte (340) allows a cleric to create a holy symbol that can be used to punish the unrepentant when activated using the CHANT (symbol) command.

Sanctify

Sanctify (330) is the profession service for clerics. It uses stored devotion to permanently enhance combat armaments for use against the undead. This enhancement provides both offensive and defensive benefits, and can even be further bestowed with Holy Fire flares.

F2P clerics cannot modify items with 330.

Cleric Guild

Upon reaching level 15, clerics are invited to join the Cleric Guild. For a nominal monthly fee, the guild gives access to alchemy skills.

Alchemy recipes exclusive to clerics include:

Cleric Statistic Growth Rates

For more information see the page on Statistic growth rates.

Cleric Stat Growth Rates
Profession Strength Constitution Dexterity Agility Discipline Aura Logic Intuition Wisdom Influence
Cleric 20 20 10 15 25 15 25 25 30 20

Note: The table above is the baseline statistic growth rates. These values are actually modified for every race in GemStone IV, including humans.

Resources

Guides
Cleric Profession - edit
Spell Circles: Cleric Base Spells | Major Spiritual Spells | Minor Spiritual Spells
Professional Highlights: Warding spells | Raise Dead | Bless | Meditation | Holy Receptacle | Sanctify
Popular Archetypes: Warding Cleric | Melee Cleric | Rescuing Cleric


Profession - edit
Squares: Rogue | Warrior | Monk
Semis: Bard | Paladin | Ranger
Pures: Cleric | Empath | Sorcerer | Wizard
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