Evil Cleric Domains in Dungeons Dragons
by Samuel James in
DnD Classes

Gather round the flickering glow of the computer screen and lend me your ears (or, well, eyes). Today, we’re diving headfirst into the dark and mysterious depths of one of the most intriguing character options in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition: the evil cleric domains. If you’ve got a hankering for villainy or just a fascination for the macabre, you’ve come to the right place.

Exploring the Core of Clerics

First, let’s get this straight: Clerics are not just holy warriors. They’re versatile characters, and their domain choice can make them healers, guardians, divine emissaries, or even bringers of destruction. Your cleric’s domain is basically their religious specialty, the area of divine magic they excel in.

But what happens when that divine magic gets a little… dark? That’s when we venture into the realms of the evil cleric domains. These domains, although traditionally associated with villains and evildoers, can also offer fascinating moral dilemmas and unique roleplaying opportunities for players who dare to tread these shadowy paths.

The Dark Trio: Death, Trickery, and War Domains

Now, let’s get into the meat and potatoes of our topic: the three domains most commonly associated with evil clerics – Death, Trickery, and War.

Death Domain

The Death domain, detailed in the Dungeon Master’s Guide (DMG), is the classic choice for evil clerics. These clerics don’t merely worship death – they actively seek to bring it about. They’re the go-to for villains, necromancers, and that one player who insists on playing a Grim Reaper-like character.

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While the domain’s necrotic spells and abilities are undeniably geared towards those with malicious intentions, they can also create a unique character concept for a non-evil character. Imagine a cleric who reveres the natural cycle of life and death and uses their powers to maintain balance, or a character who was unwillingly chosen by a death deity and struggles against their dark fate.

Trickery Domain

Next up, the Trickery domain, found in the Player’s Handbook. Clerics of Trickery are devotees of mischief, deceit, and chaos. They make excellent spies, infiltrators, and manipulators. However, they aren’t necessarily evil. Many trickster gods have a playful, capricious nature, and their followers might just be out for a good prank.

That said, with the right (or wrong) motivations, Trickery clerics can easily slide into villainy. After all, a little chaos can be fun, but too much can lead to devastation. Trickery clerics can use their abilities to destabilize governments, sow discord, and manipulate others for their own gain.

War Domain

Lastly, we have the War domain, also from the Player’s Handbook. War clerics are divine warriors, blessed with the ability to hit hard and often. They’re typically associated with gods of battle, conflict, and destruction. A War cleric can easily be seen as a champion of a righteous cause, a paragon of bravery standing against the forces of evil.

But what happens when those divine battle skills are used for conquest, oppression, or vengeance? Then you’ve got the makings of a fearsome villain, a divine warmonger who brings ruin in their wake.

The Twists and Turns of Evil Cleric Domains

Clerics of evil domains are not just one-dimensional villains. They can be complex characters with their own motivations, goals, and moral codes. They can struggle against the dark urges of their domains or embrace them with gleeful abandon. They might see themselves as the heroes of their own stories, even as they leave a trail of destruction behind them.

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Embracing the Gray

While we often associate these domains with evil alignments, remember that alignment in D&D is not a straitjacket. A Death domain cleric could be a grim, yet compassionate individual who guides the dying to their rest and seeks to alleviate suffering. A Trickery cleric might use their powers of deception to protect the innocent, like a divine Robin Hood. Even a War cleric could be a reluctant warrior, forced into conflict by circumstances and longing for peace.

The Power of Backstory

A character’s backstory can add depth to their choice of an evil domain. Perhaps your Trickery cleric was a con artist who found religion, or a disillusioned noble who uses subterfuge to expose the corruption of the elite. Maybe your Death domain cleric is a former physician who lost their faith in medicine after a plague swept through their hometown. Or your War cleric might be a veteran scarred by the horrors of battle, now seeking to end all wars by any means necessary.

Interesting Moral Dilemmas

Playing a cleric of an evil domain can lead to interesting moral dilemmas. Is it right to use necromancy, even for a good cause? Can you justify lying and cheating if it serves a greater good? Is it acceptable to start a war to prevent a greater conflict down the line? These questions can lead to rich role-playing opportunities and deepen your character’s journey.

Tips for Playing Evil Cleric Domains

So, you’ve decided to explore the path of an evil cleric domain. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Balance is Key

Remember to balance your character’s dark side with other traits. An all-evil, all-the-time character can quickly become a one-note stereotype. Give your cleric moments of kindness, humor, or regret to make them feel like a real person.

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Work with Your Dungeon Master

Collaborating with your Dungeon Master (DM) is crucial. They can help incorporate your cleric’s domain and deity into the campaign. Maybe your deity sends you visions or demands sacrifices. Perhaps your powers draw unwanted attention from holy warriors or rival cultists. Working closely with your DM can ensure your character’s evil domain adds to the game’s narrative, rather than disrupting it.

Play Well with Others

Remember, D&D is a team game. While an evil cleric can make for an interesting character, it’s essential to ensure they can work with the party. Discuss your character concept with your fellow players to avoid any unwanted tension or conflicts.

Conclusion

Evil cleric domains offer a wealth of possibilities for unique, nuanced characters, from Death domain necromancers struggling with their dark powers, to Trickery clerics using deceit for a noble cause, or War clerics haunted by their past. Whether you’re playing a villain, anti-hero, or a morally complex character, these domains can add a dash of darkness to your D&D game.

So, don’t be afraid to step into the shadows, dear readers. Embrace the sinister mysteries of the evil cleric domains, and let your imagination run wild. After all, who knows what stories you might unearth from the depths of the darkness?

Samuel James is a passionate writer with a love for MMO and ARPG games. When he's not busy exploring virtual worlds, he enjoys taking his dog for long walks and writing detailed gaming guides for XPGoblin. He also loves watching sci-fi films, with a particular fondness for the works of Stanley Kubrick and Ridley Scott.
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