Do Clerics Get Fireball? Unveiling the Flaming Truth
The question of whether clerics can wield the iconic Fireball spell is a common one among Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition (5e) players, especially those new to the game or considering playing a cleric. The answer, while seemingly simple on the surface, has nuances related to class specializations and the unique mechanics of the game. So, let’s dive into the fiery details.
The Short Answer: Yes, But…
The most direct answer is: Yes, certain clerics can indeed cast Fireball. However, this ability isn’t a standard feature of the cleric class. It’s specifically tied to the Light Domain.
A cleric choosing the Light Domain gains access to an expanded list of domain spells, which are always prepared and don’t count against the cleric’s regular spell preparation. At 6th level, Light Domain clerics gain Fireball as one of these domain spells, making them potent offensive spellcasters capable of unleashing devastating area-of-effect damage.
Why Fireball is Special
Fireball is a 3rd-level evocation spell, famous for its large 20-foot radius and significant 8d6 fire damage (with a saving throw for half damage). It’s a powerful spell that can quickly turn the tide of combat, making it highly sought after by damage-focused spellcasters. The fact that a traditionally supportive class like the cleric can gain access to it makes the Light Domain a very attractive choice.
Beyond Light Domain: Other Paths to Fireball
While the Light Domain cleric is the primary way a cleric can access Fireball, it’s worth noting other avenues where it can appear within different class builds:
Magical Secrets and the Bard
A Bard of 10th level or higher, through their Magical Secrets feature, can select spells from any class list. This means they can choose Fireball, granting a bard access to this classic damaging spell. College of Lore Bards gain access to this feature even earlier, at 6th level, potentially getting Fireball at a lower level than even the Light cleric.
Artillerist Artificer
The Artillerist Artificer is another class able to wield Fireball, albeit not until 9th level. This class gains the ability to learn it as an option, giving them access to powerful offensive magic beyond their artificing abilities.
Spell Scrolls and The Fiend Warlock
While traditionally, clerics cannot cast Fireball from a spell scroll unless they are a Light Domain cleric, Warlocks with the Fiend pact do have Fireball on their spell list. This means they can use a scroll of Fireball successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the nuances of clerics and Fireball, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions:
1. What classes can normally learn Fireball?
Fireball is typically found on the spell lists of Sorcerers and Wizards. These are the primary classes known for their innate spellcasting power and access to potent offensive magic.
2. At what level do Light Domain clerics get Fireball?
Light Domain clerics gain Fireball as a domain spell at 6th level. It’s an automatic spell added to their spell list, always prepared.
3. Does Fireball get stronger if a cleric casts it with a higher-level spell slot?
Yes. Just like a Sorcerer or Wizard, a cleric casting Fireball can increase its damage by casting it with a higher-level spell slot. For each spell slot level above the 3rd, the damage increases by 1d6.
4. Can a cleric cast Fireball from a scroll?
A cleric can only cast Fireball from a spell scroll if the spell is on their class spell list. Usually, this means only a Light Domain cleric can cast it. Warlocks with a fiend pact can also cast from scrolls of fireball.
5. Can any cleric get Fireball if they multiclass?
Multiclassing into a class that learns Fireball, such as Sorcerer or Wizard, does allow access to Fireball but those classes won’t usually be as effective with the spell as a Light cleric would be, as they use Charisma and Intelligence, respectively, rather than Wisdom to cast spells. While some domains like Knowledge Domain and Light Domain clerics also get to use Intelligence or Charisma to cast spells, their spell lists will not include Fireball, unless it is a domain spell like the Light Cleric version.
6. How does Divine Strike work for a cleric?
Divine Strike, available to certain cleric domains, is a feature that adds an extra 1d8 radiant damage to one weapon attack per turn. It does not increase the effectiveness of spell casting.
7. Why are clerics sometimes considered overpowered?
Clerics are considered powerful due to their versatile spell list, encompassing healing, support, and offensive capabilities. They can excel in combat, roleplay, and out-of-combat situations, making them a valuable asset to any party. Light Domain Clerics add a great deal of offensive power to this strength.
8. What other spells do Light Domain clerics get?
Besides Fireball, Light Domain clerics also get domain spells like Burning Hands at 1st level and Scorching Ray at 3rd level, further emphasizing their focus on radiant and fire-based damage.
9. What is the best cleric domain in BG3?
The consensus in Baldur’s Gate 3 often leans towards the Light Domain as one of the best due to its powerful spells and offensive capabilities, including access to Fireball. This can vary based on your individual playstyle.
10. How rare are fireballs in the real world?
Real-world fireballs are meteors that burn brightly in Earth’s atmosphere. While they occur frequently, most happen over oceans or uninhabited areas, making them seemingly less common to the average observer.
11. What is better: Fireball or poison?
Fireball excels at instant burst damage within an area, while poison damage typically applies over time. The better option depends on the situation and the enemy you are facing.
12. Can a Sorcerer cast Fireball twice in a turn?
A Sorcerer cannot cast Fireball twice in the same turn using the action and bonus action. If Quickened Spell is used to cast Fireball as a bonus action, they can’t use another spell for an action.
13. What kind of alcohol is Fireball?
Fireball is actually a “specialty” distilled spirit, not a whiskey. It contains a lower alcohol content by volume than most whiskeys.
14. How many spells do clerics get?
Clerics know all the spells on their class list. But, they can prepare a number of spells equal to their Wisdom modifier + their current cleric level each day.
15. Do cantrips count as prepared spells?
No. Cantrips are spells that can be cast at will without using a spell slot or being prepared in advance.
Conclusion
The ability to cast Fireball as a cleric is not universal. It’s a specific perk of the Light Domain, making these clerics powerful blasters of radiant and fire damage. While not all clerics can throw around fireballs, the versatility and adaptability of the class mean they are a force to be reckoned with in any campaign. The availability of Fireball through other avenues like Magical Secrets for bards and the Fiend Pact for warlocks, as well as through magic scrolls for appropriate classes only further highlights the game’s vast and diverse magic system.