Mike Mearls Games

Sneak Peek: Hunter Domain

Added 2024-05-29 14:00:11 +0000 UTC

For paid subscribers, a special sneak peak at the Hunter domain.

This design is inspired by an early playtest character for 5th edition. I created an elf cleric and happened to roll a high Dexterity. Between my background and the elf species abilities, I created a stealthy, longbow-wielding cleric. I liked the idea that a few, simple choices gave me a character who felt quite distinct from the typical, chainmail/mace/shield healer.

With that character in mind, I've designed the Hunter domain. Here's a sneak peek at it:

Domain Features

The Hunter domain grants the following features.

Hunter Domain Spells

Cleric Level Spells

1st: goodberry, hunter’s mark

3rd: locate animals or plants, pass without trace

5th: conjure animals, slow

7th: dimension door, faithful hound

9th: commune with nature, hold monster

Able Archer

Starting at 1st level, you gain a bonus to damage rolls with ranged attacks equal to your proficiency bonus.

Bonus Proficiencies

At 1st level, you gain proficiency with all ranged martial weapons and two skills of your choice from among the following: Animal Handling, Nature, Perception, Stealth, Survival.

Channel Divinity: Swift Arrow

Starting at 2nd level, you can use your Channel Divinity to launch a ranged attack with divine speed and grace. As a bonus action, you can use your Channel Divinity to make a ranged weapon attack with a bonus to your attack and damage rolls equal to your Wisdom modifier (minimum +1).

Hunter’s Steps

Starting at 6th level, you can Dash as a bonus action.

Divine Wrath

Starting at 8th level, once per turn when you damage a creature with a weapon attack or cantrip, you can deal an extra 1d8 force damage. At 14th level, that extra damage increases to 2d8 force damage.