Combining the innate magical power of a Storm Sorcerer with the divine might of a Cleric in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition creates a potent and thematically rich character. This multiclass build focuses on harnessing the destructive and awe-inspiring power of storms, blending arcane spellcasting with divine blessings.
Core Concept and Synergies
The primary synergy lies in leveraging the Storm Sorcerer's abilities that enhance lightning and thunder damage with Cleric features, particularly from the Tempest Domain, which also specialize in these damage types. This combination allows for high burst damage, battlefield control, and surprising resilience.
- Storm Sorcerer: Provides powerful offensive spells and subclass features like Tempestuous Magic (flight as a bonus action when casting leveled spells), Heart of the Storm (AoE damage when casting lightning/thunder spells), and eventually Storm's Fury (retaliatory damage).
- Cleric (Tempest Domain recommended): Offers proficiency with heavy armor and martial weapons (at level 1), crucial defensive boosts. The Tempest Domain grants Wrath of the Storm (retaliatory thunder/lightning damage) and the pivotal Channel Divinity: Destructive Wrath, allowing a character to maximize thunder or lightning damage rolls.
Building Your Storm Sorcerer/Cleric
Careful consideration of level progression and ability scores is key for this multiclass.
Ability Scores:
- Charisma (CHA): Primary for Sorcerer spellcasting (spell save DC, attack bonus).
- Wisdom (WIS): Primary for Cleric spellcasting and features (minimum 13 required to multiclass into/out of Cleric).
- Constitution (CON): Important for hit points and concentration saves.
- Strength (STR): May be needed for heavy armor if not mitigating requirements through other means or choosing medium armor.
Level Progression Strategies:
- Cleric 1 / Sorcerer X: Starting with Cleric grants heavy armor proficiency immediately, significantly boosting early survivability. This is a common and effective approach.
- Cleric 2 / Sorcerer X: Taking a second level in Tempest Cleric grants access to Channel Divinity: Destructive Wrath. This is a major power spike, allowing maximized damage on key spells like lightning bolt or thunderwave. Many builds stop at Cleric 2.
- Cleric 6 / Sorcerer X: Going to Tempest Cleric 6 grants Thunderbolt Strike, which pushes creatures 10 feet away when you deal lightning damage, and a second use of Channel Divinity. This offers more divine power and control but significantly delays Sorcerer progression.
Spell Selection:
- Sorcerer Spells: Focus on lightning and thunder damage spells such as shocking grasp, thunderwave, lightning bolt, storm sphere, chain lightning. Utility and control spells like shield, absorb elements, misty step, counterspell, haste, fly are also excellent.
- Cleric Spells (Tempest Domain): You automatically prepare domain spells like thunderwave, fog cloud, shatter, gust of wind, call lightning. Also consider staples like healing word, bless, shield of faith, spiritual weapon (if Wisdom is decent), and spirit guardians (can be reflavored as a swirling storm).
Key Strengths
- Maximized Damage: Channel Divinity: Destructive Wrath allows for devastating burst damage with lightning or thunder spells.
- Enhanced Survivability: Cleric levels provide access to better armor (medium or heavy) and shields, significantly increasing AC compared to a pure Sorcerer.
- Mobility and Control: Storm Sorcerer's Tempestuous Magic offers tactical flight, while features like Thunderbolt Strike (if Cleric 6) and various spells can control enemy positioning.
- Versatility: Access to both Sorcerer and Cleric spell lists offers a broad range of offensive, defensive, and utility options.
Potential Weaknesses
- Multiple Ability Score Dependency (MAD): Requires good Charisma and Wisdom scores, potentially stretching ability score improvements.
- Delayed Spell Progression: Multiclassing will slow down access to higher-level spells from your primary spellcasting class (usually Sorcerer).
- Delayed Subclass Features: You'll get higher-level features from both classes later than a single-classed character.
- Action Economy: Juggling spells, bonus actions (Tempestuous Magic, some spells), and reactions (Wrath of the Storm, Shield, Absorb Elements) can be demanding.
Despite these considerations, the Storm Sorcerer/Cleric multiclass offers a uniquely powerful and thematic way to command the elements, combining arcane fury with divine judgment to electrify the battlefield.
