Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
For a dependable Tempest Domain Cleric, stay single-classed, make Wisdom your highest ability score, and put Constitution next. Use the domain’s always-prepared storm spells to support the party, then spend Channel Divinity on a high-impact lightning or thunder damage roll. This guide uses the 2014 Cleric and Tempest Domain progression; the 2024 Cleric changes when subclasses arrive, so check with your DM before mixing the older domain with the revised class.
Which rules does this Tempest Cleric build use?
The build below follows the 2014 Cleric class and the Tempest Domain presented in the 2014 Player’s Handbook. Its subclass features begin at Cleric level 1, with Destructive Wrath arriving at level 2. The 2024 Cleric has a different class progression: characters choose a subclass at level 3, and the 2024 Player’s Handbook presents four domains.
D&D Beyond says older fifth-edition subclasses are intended to work with the revised rules, but features that overlap with revised class features require choosing only one option. That does not make every 2014 feature a one-for-one fit with the revised class. Confirm with your DM that the older Tempest Domain is allowed and how to handle any overlap before building a 2024 character. See D&D Beyond’s 2024-versus-2014 Cleric comparison.
Build priorities: Wisdom first, Constitution second
Ability scores
- Wisdom: Make this your highest score. Cleric spellcasting uses Wisdom, so it governs spell attacks and the save DC opponents face against your spells.
- Constitution: Put this next. It supports durability in close quarters and helps maintain concentration when you take damage.
- Strength or Dexterity: Choose according to your armor and weapon plan. Do not sacrifice Wisdom to improve a weapon attack that is secondary to your spellcasting.
This is a practical build recommendation based on the Cleric’s casting ability and the domain’s close-range features, not a claim backed by comparative damage testing.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
- UNLEASH NEW POSSIBILITIES—Introducing the 2024 Player’s Handbook, the new and improved guide for fifth edition Dungeons and Dragons. Redesigned with 10 years of feedback from the D and D community, the essential Dungeons and Dragons rulebook is bigger and better than ever before
- NEW CHARACTER OPTIONS YOU’LL LOVE—Create unforgettable characters with 12 core classes, 48 intriguing subclasses, and 10 distinctive species. Buff up your character’s backstory with 16 compelling backgrounds and 75 fantastic feats.
- STUNNING ARTWORK—With vibrant new illustrations of every single character class, subclass, background, species, weapon, and armor, our thrilling artwork also features new and familiar spells, brought to life for the first time ever.
- FRESH and ENGAGING GAMEPLAY—Change up your combat style with fascinating new Weapon Masteries for your character class. Our new Tools and Crafting system lets you use your tools to craft items and impact travel and exploration.
- DESIGNED JUST FOR YOU—We’ve thoughtfully redesigned this book with an improved layout, better organization, and an alphabetized Rules Glossary. Find whatever you’re looking for with ease
Stay single-classed by default
For a straightforward, dependable progression, take Cleric levels rather than multiclassing. That keeps your access to Cleric spells and Tempest features moving on schedule. There is no numerical comparison here establishing a universally best multiclass route, so treat multiclassing as a table-specific choice rather than a required optimization.
How the Tempest Domain’s storm engine works
Domain spells provide the toolkit
Tempest Domain spells are always prepared and do not count against the number of Cleric spells you can prepare each day under the 2014 rules. Use those spells to establish the storm theme, then prepare your other Cleric spells around what the party needs. The general Cleric preparation rule is described in the 2018 Basic Rules; consult your licensed rulebook for the complete domain spell list and feature text.
Rank #2
- COMPLETE YOUR COLLECTION—Get all three 2024 Core Rulebooks and discover new character options you’ll love, creative world-building inspiration, stunning artwork, and monsters galore
- STUNNING ARTWORK—Delight in spectacular new artwork for character classes, subclasses, weapons, armor, legendary D&D figures, almost every monster, and so much more
- FRESH & ENGAGING GAMEPLAY—Change up your combat style with fascinating new Weapon Masteries for your character class. Our new Tools and Crafting system lets you use your tools to craft items and impact travel and exploration
- NEW CHARACTER OPTIONS YOU’LL LOVE—Create unforgettable characters with 12 core classes, 48 intriguing subclasses, and 10 distinctive species. Buff up your character’s backstory with 16 compelling backgrounds and 75 fantastic feats
Destructive Wrath turns a damage roll into a burst
At Cleric level 2, the 2014 feature Destructive Wrath lets you use Channel Divinity when you roll lightning or thunder damage to deal maximum damage instead of rolling. It is the signature burst tool: save it for a moment when maximizing the relevant damage roll will matter, rather than spending it automatically on the first eligible spell.
Shatter and call lightning are thematic examples from the Tempest spell list. Their actual results depend on the spell’s level and wording, the number and outcomes of target saves, and the rules your table applies. Do not treat “maximum damage” as one fixed total independent of those details.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- The essential rulebook for Dungeons & Dragons (5th edition)
- Contains all the rules you need to know to play D&D
- Step-by-step guide to creating and leveling up characters
- Go-to player reference for over 350 spells, equipment, and more
- 1 of 3 D&D Core Rulebooks—the Player’s Handbook (rules for playing the game), the Dungeon Master’s Guide (how to run the game), and Monster Manual (creatures to encounter in your game)
Features that shape positioning and defense
Heavy armor and martial weapons
The 2014 Tempest Domain grants proficiency with heavy armor and martial weapons. This gives the Cleric the option to stand nearer the front line, but armor and weapon proficiency do not replace the need for Wisdom or make the character immune to danger.
Wrath of the Storm is a conditional reaction
When a creature you can see within 5 feet hits you, Wrath of the Storm lets you use your reaction to force it to make a Dexterity saving throw against lightning or thunder damage. It is a limited, trigger-dependent punishment—not a passive aura. The attacker must meet the feature’s stated visibility, distance, and hit conditions, and using the reaction means it is unavailable for another reaction until your next turn.
Rank #4
- NIFTY RESOURCES FOR DUNGEON MASTERS—We've packed this book with incredibly useful tools and advice for Dungeon Masters of all levels. Make your game sessions special with over 400 total and 18 new magic items, practical solutions for common Dungeon Master pitfalls, and Greyhawk, a customizable premade campaign setting.
- WONDERFUL WORLDBUILDING INSPIRATION—Introduce inspiring new mechanics into your game! Tinker away with revised rules for crafting magic items, creating NPCs, and more. Excite your party and keep them engaged between sessions with the new system for bastions, which are strongholds built and controlled by players.
- STUNNING ARTWORK—Delight in spectacular artwork featuring new magic items, legendary D&D figures, cinematic fantasy landscapes, a double-sided poster map of the Greyhawk setting, and more!
- LEVEL UP YOUR DUNGEON MASTER EXPERIENCE—We’ve built useful handouts and resources to help you keep track of your campaigns and added a Lore Glossary that helps you easily find information about key D&D characters and locations.
- PART OF THE 2024 CORE COLLECTION—1 of 3 revised Dungeons & Dragons core rulebooks, the 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide is designed for use with the fifth edition 2024 Player’s Handbook and 2024 Monster Manual
Thunderbolt Strike can move enemies
At Cleric level 6, lightning damage can push a Large or smaller creature up to 10 feet. Think about where that enemy will land before dealing the damage: a push can create space for an ally, disrupt an enemy’s position, or move a target somewhere less useful to your party. The effect is tied to lightning damage, so it is not a general push attached to every Tempest spell.
Stormborn adds flight in specific places
At Cleric level 17, Stormborn grants a flying speed equal to your walking speed while you are outdoors and not underground. It is a substantial late-game mobility feature, but its stated location conditions matter; it does not provide that flying speed everywhere.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸: It is an upgraded rule book based on ten years of feedback from the D&D community; improved edition is bigger and better; includes vibrant new illustrations and exciting artwork for fresh and engaging gameplay
- 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝘁: The Player's Handbook, six additional dice sets in various colors, six flannel dice storage bags for added mystery, also quest, status, initiative cards and battlemap, e-materials for downloading and printing additional game content online, and many other exciting features
- 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗲𝘀 & 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀: Printable 1 000 characters with descriptions; each character has its own skills and statistics; 30 mini figures of heroes for more realistic and immersive experience in the D&D world of fantasy
- 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀: The master screen is an essential thing for the game host, providing quick access to all necessary information; If your imagination leads you beyond the main storyline, use the sheets to create a new battle map for your adventure; a dice guide is also included, offering tips on rolling to maximize your chances of success
- 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲: To get additional materials for core book scan the QR code on the insert found with rulebook to access printable materials, including the Master Screen, 1 000 Extra Heroes, 30 Action Figures, Hero Statistic Record Cards, Battle Map Foams, and a Dice Guide
Putting the build together at the table
- Keep Wisdom at the center of the character, with Constitution next and Strength or Dexterity tailored to the chosen equipment plan.
- Use the domain’s always-prepared spells as the storm toolkit; choose other prepared Cleric spells to cover the party’s needs.
- Watch for a high-impact lightning or thunder damage roll before spending Channel Divinity on Destructive Wrath.
- Track your reaction so Wrath of the Storm remains available when its close-range trigger occurs, and account for other reaction options you may have.
- When dealing lightning damage from level 6 onward, check whether the push will help or hinder your allies’ positions.
What is—and is not—established about “best”
This build is a clear, single-classed starting point for a storm-themed Cleric, not a measured ranking against every subclass or multiclass combination. No applicable published statistic establishes Tempest Cleric popularity, damage performance, or a definitive build ranking. The detailed Tempest feature list is a community transcription citing the 2014 Player’s Handbook; check the exact wording in your licensed rulebook, especially if your table is adapting it to the 2024 class.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
