Cleric (Dungeons & Dragons)

Cleric
Dungeons & Dragons character class
Publication history
First appearanceDungeons & Dragons (1974)
EditionsAll
Source books
  • Men and Magic (Original);
  • Basic Set (Basic);
  • Player's Handbook (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th)
Inspiration
Based onCleric
Grouping
1E base classnone
2E groupPriest
4E powersourceDivine
4E roleLeader

The cleric is one of the standard playable character class in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Clerics are versatile figures, both capable in combat and skilled in the use of divine magic, a form of theurgy or thaumaturgy. Clerics are powerful healers due to the large number of healing and curative magics available to them. With divinely-granted abilities over life or death, they are also able to repel or control undead creatures. Clerics also have specific 'domains' which usually align with the character's alignment and the god that cleric serves. Whether the cleric repels or controls undead is dependent on the cleric's alignment. It is the only class to be included in every edition of Dungeons & Dragons without a name change.