Low-Wis Cleric Domains

[ruy343]

So, let's say that you're a fighter multiclassing to cleric part way through, and your wisdom modifier, although a 13, isn't really that great (just a +1). Which domains would you choose to go with based on domain spells and domain abilities?

As I see it, War domain isn't bad because your domain spells (usually) do not rely on your wisdom modifier, although your bonus attacks get cut short. It still fits the fighter theme too.

Light domain also isn't bad because the Preserve Life channel Divinity option is dependent on level, not on wisdom. The domain spells are usually fine without the Wis modifier too.

Would coming in with other class options change your perspective?

[LordVonDerp]

For someone multiclassing from fighter? Hmm...

Well war doesn't give you much you don't already have.
Knowledge gives expertise in two skills, which is always helpful.

Life clerics aren't too wisdom heavy,

Past that it really depends on how many levels you want to put in.

[rhouck]

How many levels of fighter before dipping cleric, and how far are you going?

You get the great benefit of Con save proficiency from starting fighter, so concentration spells will work well for you.

Domain spells are good to consider, even where duplicative (e.g., Shield of Faith) since they count as a "free" prepared spell. So if you hit 3rd level cleric, that's only 4 spells prepared plus your Domain spells. Spells that I would want regardless of domain would be:
1. Healing word
2. Spiritual Weapon
3. Bless (if no one else is casting it)

Others to consider:
4. Warding Bond (on a squishy)
5. Sanctuary (requires a save, but is a bonus action, no concentration, and lasts for 1 min even if they make the save)
6. Shield of faith (when you want to super-tank mode)

War domain also adds
7. Divine favor (bonus action cast and +1d4 to all your hits, this is good unless you are using your concentration bless, even better if you DM lets you add it to spiritual weapon (although it probably shouldn't))
8. Magic weapon (great if you don't have one and need one, worthless if you have one)

Based on that, I'd probably go War, based on the domain spells and that the channel divinity pairs well with Great Weapon Master (and is independent of cleric level and Wis mod). War Priest is pretty mediocre (1 extra attack per long rest), but so are all of the rest of them due to low Wisdom.

One other note would be that, if you were planning really far ahead, you could dip Nature, and use the 1st level ability to grab Shillelagh. Then, instead of high Str, low Wis, you could flip them -- i.e., have Str 13 and (up to) 20 Wis as you would use a quarterstaff that uses your Wis modifier. That also gives you the (imo a bit silly, but undeniably effective) combo of polearm master + quarterstaff + dueling + shield. If you continue with Cleric levels, Dampen Elements is great for anyone but especially for an upfront character, and Divine Strike adds a bit more damage per turn. The domain spells are mediocre, but with a high Wis you would know be able to use a lot cleric spells that benefit from a higher Wis.