Order Domain Cleric Guide for Beginners: Mastering the Order Cleric in D&D 5e

The Order Domain Cleric is a divine enforcer of law, discipline, and authority, wielding divine magic to command allies, subdue enemies, and impose their will upon the battlefield. Introduced in Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica and later reprinted in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, this subclass is perfect for players who want to play a tactical leader, battlefield controller, or divine lawkeeper.

Unlike traditional healing-focused Clerics, Order Clerics specialize in commanding their allies, compelling obedience, and enhancing martial and spellcasting capabilities. If you love the idea of a divine judge who leads with authority and forces enemies to obey their will, this subclass is for you!

Why Play an Order Domain Cleric?

Key Benefits

• Empowers Allies with Free Attacks – Grant allies free weapon attacks when you cast support spells on them.
• Battlefield Control through Enchantment Magic – Command, Hold Person, and Fear ensure enemies submit to your authority.
• Strong Defensive & Offensive Capabilities – Heavy armor, martial weapon proficiency, and mind-control spells make you a versatile frontliner or support caster.
• Powerful Roleplay Potential – Be a divine enforcer, military commander, or a zealous lawbringer.

Compared to other Clerics, Order Clerics blend frontline combat, leadership, and battlefield control like no other subclass.

Core Features

Key Mechanics and Abilities

Bonus Proficiencies (Level 1)

• Gain proficiency in heavy armor and martial weapons, allowing you to excel in melee combat.
• Example: You can wield a longsword while casting Command and wearing full plate armor.

Voice of Authority (Level 1)

• When you cast a spell on an ally, they can use their reaction to make an immediate weapon attack.
• Example: Cast Shield of Faith on a Fighter, and they immediately swing at an enemy for free.

Channel Divinity: Order’s Demand (Level 2)

• As an action, force creatures within 30 feet to make a Wisdom saving throw. If they fail, they become charmed and must drop their weapons.
• Example: A group of bandits attacks, but you invoke divine law, forcing them to freeze in submission.

Embodiment of Law (Level 6)

• When you cast an Enchantment spell of 1st level or higher, you can cast it as a bonus action instead of an action once per turn.
• Example: You can cast Hold Person as a bonus action, then attack with your weapon or cast another spell.

Divine Strike (Level 8)

• Once per turn, add 1d8 psychic damage to a weapon attack (increases to 2d8 at level 14).
• Example: Your warhammer attack now deals 1d8 bludgeoning + 1d8 psychic damage, making you deadly in melee.

Order’s Wrath (Level 17)

• When you hit a creature, the next ally who hits it also deals extra psychic damage.
• Example: You hit an enemy with a warhammer, and the Rogue’s next Sneak Attack deals an additional 2d8 psychic damage.

These features make Order Clerics incredibly strong battlefield controllers, melee combatants, and ally buffers.

Suggested Ability Scores

• Primary: Wisdom – Boosts spellcasting and saving throw DCs.
• Secondary: Strength or Dexterity – Determines melee or ranged combat effectiveness.
• Tertiary: Constitution – Increases hit points and survivability.

Recommended Races

Since Order Clerics focus on melee combat, crowd control, and leadership, the best races include:

• Variant Human – Gain a free feat at level 1, such as War Caster or Sentinel.
• Half-Orc – Relentless Endurance and bonus Strength make you a durable frontline leader.
• Goliath – Extra Strength and damage resistance fit the commanding warrior theme.
• Dwarf (Mountain) – Heavy armor proficiency and high Constitution make you an unstoppable force.

Playing as an Order Domain Cleric

Role in a Party

• Frontline Tank & Commander – Leads allies in battle while controlling enemies with spells.
• Battlefield Controller – Uses enchantment spells like Hold Person and Fear to subdue threats.
• Ally Buffer – Voice of Authority grants extra attacks, making martial allies even stronger.

Compared to other Clerics, Order Clerics are more tactical and control-oriented, excelling in leading and supporting a melee-heavy party.

Tips for New Players

• Cast buffs on allies before their turns – Voice of Authority grants them an immediate free attack.
• Use Hold Person as a bonus action – Combining Embodiment of Law with melee attacks makes you a strong hybrid combatant.
• Use Order’s Demand at the right time – Forcing enemies to drop weapons can turn the tide of battle.
• Pick up a shield – You want to stay alive on the front lines while controlling the battlefield.

Roleplay Suggestions

• The Divine Marshal – A warrior-priest who enforces their god’s laws with absolute authority.
• The High Inquisitor – A divine interrogator who compels the truth from the guilty.
• The Lawbringer – A holy judge who punishes the wicked and leads armies into battle.

Gear and Dice Recommendations

Suggested Equipment

Weapons

• Warhammer or Longsword – Great for Strength-based melee combat.
• Mace or Quarterstaff – Fits the divine enforcer aesthetic.

Armor

• Plate Armor – Best AC for melee survivability.
• Shield – Boosts AC by +2, making you even harder to hit.

Magic Items

• Amulet of the Devout – Boosts spell save DC and gives extra Channel Divinity uses.
• Cloak of Protection – +1 AC and saving throws.
• Ring of Mind Shielding – Prevents mind-reading, useful for a commander resisting deception.

Dice Recommendations from Runic Dice

Enhance your lawful commander aesthetic with these Order-themed dice sets:

• Judgment: For a gold and white color scheme evoking divine justice, consider the Gemstone Opalite (Gold Font) DND Dice Set. Handcrafted from opalite with gold numbering, these dice exude a luminous quality, symbolizing purity and righteousness.
• Lawbringer’s Steel: To represent an enforcer of order with silver and black tones, the Black Gemstone Eagle Eye DND Dice Set is an excellent choice. This set features sleek black gemstone with intricate carvings, embodying the strength and authority of a lawbringer.
• Divine Authority: For blue and gold hues representing wisdom and leadership, the Blue Glitter Liquid Core Sharp Edge Resin DND Dice Set offers vibrant blue tones with a dynamic liquid core, capturing the essence of divine insight and command.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Optimization Strategies

• Feats:

  • War Caster – Helps with concentration spells and melee spellcasting.
  • Sentinel – Keeps enemies locked in melee combat.
  • Resilient (Constitution) – Boosts concentration saves for spells like Hold Person.

• Multiclassing:

  • Paladin (Oath of Devotion) – Enhances frontline durability and Divine Smite synergy.
  • Fighter (Battle Master) – Adds combat maneuvers for better battlefield control.

The Order Domain Cleric is a tactical battlefield leader, blending divine magic, melee prowess, and powerful enchantment spells. If you want to control the battlefield, lead your allies, and enforce divine law with absolute authority, this subclass is for you.