Do Clerics Get Invisibility? Unveiling the Cloaked Truth in D&D 5e
The short answer is yes, some clerics can gain invisibility, though not as a core feature available to all subclasses. The power of invisibility in D&D 5th Edition is often sought after for its strategic advantages in combat and exploration. While not traditionally associated with the divine, certain clerical paths do grant this ability through unique class features or domain spells. Let’s delve deeper into how clerics can become masters of the unseen.
Clerical Paths to Invisibility
Clerics, as a class, are versatile spellcasters and healers, often serving as the backbone of a party. Their connection to a deity grants them access to a wide array of powers, but invisibility isn’t a standard blessing. Here’s how specific cleric subclasses gain access to this coveted ability:
Trickery Domain Clerics: The Art of Deception
The Trickery Domain is the primary path through which clerics can achieve invisibility. At 6th level, Trickery clerics gain the Cloak of Shadows feature. This allows them to turn invisible as an action until the end of their next turn or until they attack, cast a spell, or force a saving throw. This ability is a powerful tool for infiltration, escape, and setting up strategic advantages in combat. The Cloak of Shadows is not a spell, but a unique class feature, meaning it does not require spell slots.
Twilight Domain Clerics: Veiled in Twilight’s Embrace
Twilight Domain clerics gain access to Greater Invisibility as a domain spell at 7th level. This is a significant upgrade, as Greater Invisibility grants continuous invisibility without requiring concentration or action to maintain after casting (though attacking or casting a spell breaks it), making it a more potent and versatile invisibility option. This spells grants the cleric and one target they touch invisible.
Why Not All Clerics Can Turn Invisible
It’s important to note that most cleric domains do not grant invisibility. The powers granted by each domain align with the deity’s portfolio and sphere of influence. Domains like Life, War, and Tempest emphasize healing, combat prowess, and elemental control respectively, without incorporating deception or stealth as primary themes. The Trickery and Twilight domains stand out as exceptions, aligning with themes that benefit from the element of surprise and the power of the unseen.
FAQs: Invisibility and Clerics in D&D 5e
To further clarify how clerics interact with the concept of invisibility and how it compares to other classes, here are some frequently asked questions:
1. Can any other cleric domain get invisibility?
Outside of the Trickery and Twilight domains, no other cleric subclasses gain direct access to invisibility. However, a cleric might learn the spell through multiclassing with classes like a Wizard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Bard, or Artificer who have access to the Invisibility spell.
2. How does the Cloak of Shadows compare to the Invisibility spell?
Cloak of Shadows is a class feature granting invisibility only until the end of the cleric’s next turn or until they take an action that breaks it. The Invisibility spell, conversely, lasts for up to an hour if the caster maintains concentration. Additionally, other characters can be affected by the Invisibility spell, whereas the Cloak of Shadows only applies to the cleric.
3. Does Greater Invisibility require concentration?
No. Greater Invisibility does not require concentration, which is a major benefit compared to the standard Invisibility spell. However, the invisibility ends when the cleric attacks, casts a spell or forces a saving throw. The Twilight domain gets this spell at level 7, making the cleric an extremely potent stealth character at that level.
4. Can a cleric benefit from invisibility if cast by another character?
Yes, absolutely. A cleric, like any other character, can be the target of an invisibility spell cast by a fellow party member, or an item, and benefit from its effects.
5. Do creatures with blindsight or truesight see an invisible cleric?
Yes. Blindsight and Truesight allow creatures to perceive invisible entities. Invisibility only affects a creature’s normal sight. Creatures that use senses other than sight aren’t hindered by invisibility.
6. Can an invisible cleric still use healing abilities?
Yes. Being invisible does not prevent a cleric from using healing spells or other abilities. An invisible cleric can still administer aid or use divine magic effectively. The only thing that breaks invisibility when casting spells, or attacking, is that invisibility ends on the cleric.
7. If a cleric is invisible and attacks, does the invisibility break?
Yes. If a cleric turns invisible using Cloak of Shadows, attacking or casting a spell will break their invisibility. The spell version, Invisibility also has this limitation. However, with Greater Invisibility (available to the Twilight cleric), they remain invisible after attacking for the duration of the spell.
8. Can a cleric combine invisibility with hiding?
Yes. Invisibility grants a creature advantage on Stealth checks, making it easier to hide effectively. Even without invisibility, a cleric can attempt to hide as long as there is cover.
9. How does invisibility help in combat for a cleric?
Invisibility can grant a cleric advantage on attacks, making it more likely to hit. It also makes them harder to target. With Greater Invisibility, the cleric has a continuous advantage without having to break invisibility to attack, cast spells or force saving throws. However, they cannot attack in combat without ending their invisibility.
10. Can a cleric use invisibility to escape a grapple?
Yes, invisibility, combined with the disengage action, can greatly help a cleric escape a grapple, though a successful grapple or being restrained in another way could impose disadvantage.
11. Are there magic items that grant clerics invisibility?
Yes, many magic items can grant a character, including a cleric, the ability to turn invisible, such as the Cloak of Invisibility or the Ring of Invisibility, or scrolls that contain the Invisibility spell.
12. Is it possible to counter invisibility in D&D 5e?
Yes, several methods can counteract invisibility, including spells like See Invisibility or Faerie Fire. Creatures with blindsight or truesight are not affected by invisibility either.
13. Is invisibility a useful power for a cleric?
Yes, invisibility can be an incredibly useful tool for clerics, particularly those of the Trickery or Twilight Domains. It provides a major advantage in both combat and exploration. It can be useful for scouting, repositioning, and getting the drop on enemies.
14. Can a cleric multiclass to get more invisibility options?
Yes, multiclassing into a class that grants access to Invisibility or Greater Invisibility can enhance a cleric’s stealth and utility. Classes like Sorcerer, Wizard, Warlock, Bard and Artificer all get the spell Invisibility, meaning it is widely available, with a little multiclassing.
15. Can a cleric turn into a beast that is invisible?
While druids can transform into beasts, they would only gain the standard invisibility granted by magic. There are some beasts that have the ability to turn invisible, such as the Phase Spider, but no druid or cleric transformation ability would allow them to turn into a specific creature and gain its special invisibility ability. Clerics can not use Wild Shape like Druids.
Conclusion: The Value of Divine Stealth
While invisibility isn’t a core ability for all clerics, the Trickery Domain’s Cloak of Shadows and the Twilight Domain’s Greater Invisibility spell highlight how certain paths within the cleric class can make great use of the power of the unseen. Invisibility provides unique strategic options for both combat and social situations, making it a valuable tool in any cleric’s arsenal. By considering the specific subclasses and domain choices, players can unlock the full potential of invisibility for their cleric characters.