AabahranClerics-Defense-Vol.2
Academy Texts · by Scribe Synduil Qael
This is the second tome in the series that takes a closer look at the guild of clerics. This particular volume continues discussing cleric's truly amazing DEFENSIVE capacities. The writing (similar to Vol. 1) consists of a few tips (never intended to be exhaustive) that will help a young cleric on his or her path to reaching the title of the Will of Gods.
CLERICS - DEFENSE - VOLUME 2
Aside from many useful supplications and divinations in their arsenal, clerics possess quite a few physical abilities that must be understood, trained, and mastered.
1. Shield block. Master this ability as soon as you get it. For a good portion of the rank 20s, this will be your only defense. Try to find a shield that will allow this ability to go beyond mastery.
2. Parry. Although many would disagree, I would wait to master this ability until the acquisition of two-handed ability. It is simply easier that way.
3. Two handed. See parry.
4. One of the important decisions a cleric can make is the choice between [1] a staff (that will allow the use parry and two-handed) and [2] a one-handed weapon (that will allow the use of parry) and a shield (that will allow the use of shield block). I am a big proponent of a one-handed weapon and a shield. The main reason for that is that if you are wielding a staff and get disarmed, you lose two defenses. However, if someone disarms your one-handed weapon, you still have your shield to block the blows. That one shield has saved my life from much pain that would surely have ended my life. Keep in mind, however, that some weapons parry better than others. The help scrolls describing each weapon type will provide you with necessary information.
5. Holy hands. The divination of holy hands possesses a defensive element. I will leave it to you to figure it out.
The most important piece of advice is of course to experiment. Try different weapons, try different shields, try to fight different creatures. See what works best for you. Only then will you understand the abilities given to your guild by Gods of Thera, and only then will you derive a true pleasure of knowing your art.