In the world of Dungeons & Dragons 5E, the art of spellcasting is an incredibly dynamic and immersive experience, and two of the most fascinating spellcasting classes that harness the power of storms are the Tempest Cleric and Storm Sorcerer. Both classes tap into the raw, chaotic energy of the skies, offering different approaches to the elements of thunder, lightning, and wind. If you’re looking to build a character that commands storms with an electrifying presence, this guide will explore the unique strengths and playstyles of both the Tempest Cleric and the Storm Sorcerer, comparing their abilities and offering insights into the best ways to make the most of their stormy powers.
Tempest Cleric Build: Channeling Divine Fury
The Tempest Cleric is a subclass that draws its power from a divine source, allowing them to invoke the wrath of the storm in both offensive and defensive capacities. The key feature of the Tempest Cleric is *Wrath of the Storm*, a reactionary ability that enables them to deal thunder or lightning damage to enemies that hit them. This makes them a powerful choice for players who enjoy taking a more reactive, resilient approach to combat.
When building your Tempest Cleric, the primary ability scores to focus on are Wisdom (for spellcasting) and Constitution (for durability). This will allow your character to both withstand damage and effectively wield the tempestuous magic they command. For background, consider choosing one that emphasizes strength or resilience, like Soldier or Acolyte, to tie into your character’s divine connection.
Key abilities for this build include:
– **Wrath of the Storm**: When a creature within 5 feet hits you with an attack, you can use your reaction to deal thunder or lightning damage to that creature.
– **Destructive Wrath**: This feature allows you to maximize your damage when you roll lightning or thunder damage.
– **Divine Strike**: At 8th level, your weapon attacks can deal additional thunder damage.
Additionally, as a Tempest Cleric, you will have access to a variety of spells that enhance your ability to control storms, including *Call Lightning* and *Thunderwave*. These can deal significant damage in an area, making you a formidable presence on the battlefield, especially in outdoor or open areas where lightning is the perfect thematic match.
Storm Sorcerer Build: Unleashing the Fury of the Storm
The Storm Sorcerer, on the other hand, taps into their innate sorcerous powers to control the storm. Unlike the Tempest Cleric, who calls upon a divine power, the Storm Sorcerer derives their abilities from a chaotic and primal source. One of the most notable features of the Storm Sorcerer is *Tempestuous Magic*, which allows you to use your bonus action to fly up to 10 feet without provoking opportunity attacks. This feature provides both mobility and the ability to escape or engage enemies in ways that other spellcasters might struggle with.
For the Storm Sorcerer, your primary ability scores should focus on Charisma (for spellcasting) and Dexterity (for boosting your AC and dexterity saving throws). Choosing a background like Sage or Hermit can help to deepen your character’s connection to the arcane, with a focus on their connection to the storms.
Key abilities for this build include:
– **Tempestuous Magic**: As mentioned, this ability gives you increased mobility on the battlefield, making it easier to position yourself or avoid harm.
– **Heart of the Storm**: Starting at 6th level, your ability to control the elements of thunder and lightning becomes even stronger, as you can deal lightning or thunder damage to creatures within 10 feet of you when you cast a spell that deals lightning or thunder damage.
– **Storm’s Fury**: At 14th level, you can unleash the full power of the storm to deal damage when you’re hit by an attack.
Your spellcasting abilities in this build will revolve around *Lightning Bolt*, *Thunderwave*, and *Chain Lightning*, among others. The Sorcerer’s *Metamagic* also opens up unique opportunities to modify your spells, such as *Quickened Spell* to cast additional spells in a turn, or *Distant Spell* to increase your range, making you a versatile spellcaster with a deep reservoir of storm-based power.
Tempest Cleric vs Storm Sorcerer: Which Build is Right for You?
Both the Tempest Cleric and Storm Sorcerer offer unique approaches to storm-based spellcasting, but the choice ultimately comes down to how you envision your character’s relationship with the storm.
– **Tempest Cleric**: If you want to play a character that is more tanky and capable of standing their ground while dishing out thunder and lightning damage, the Tempest Cleric is an ideal choice. Their abilities to resist damage and deal devastating area-of-effect thunder and lightning spells make them excellent for frontline combat, supporting allies while wreaking havoc on enemies.
– **Storm Sorcerer**: If you prefer mobility, flexibility, and a more chaotic playstyle, the Storm Sorcerer is the better option. With features like *Tempestuous Magic* and *Heart of the Storm*, this build allows you to dart in and out of combat, controlling the battlefield with a mix of devastating spells and quick maneuvers.
Conclusion
Whether you choose the Tempest Cleric or the Storm Sorcerer, both builds offer a thrilling experience for any D&D player interested in harnessing the raw, primal power of the storm. The Tempest Cleric excels as a durable, reactive force on the battlefield, while the Storm Sorcerer provides unparalleled mobility and spellcasting versatility. Ultimately, the storm awaits, and with these builds, you’ll be ready to call its fury down upon your enemies.
