The Hospitaler[1] build is your key to success if you want to keep your party alive and well during your next D&D 3.5 campaign. This build gives you the ability to channel powerful healing abilities right away, which can completely change the course of any battle. You can be the center of your party’s resiliency and more than just a healer if you have the correct plan in place.
Major Benefits and Role in a D&D Campaign
What sets the Hospitaler apart is its singular focus on healing and curing, making it the perfect addition to any party. This build provides reliable support that can sustain your allies through the most harrowing encounters. Moreover, the Hospitaler’s abilities to cleanse ailments like paralysis and disease make it indispensable in long-term expeditions fraught with danger.
Level Distribution
Understanding the level distribution of the Hospitaler build is crucial for maximizing its potential. You’ll start as a Healer, focusing on enhancing your healing capabilities with each level. Strategic feat selection and the addition of Cleric and Radiant Servant of Pelor classes further augment your divine powers.
Outstanding healer from the start. Equipped to handle intense healing situations.
Stat Block Level 1:
Hospitaler[1]: male, human healer 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d8+3; hp 11; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 12, touch 10, flat-footed 12; Base Atk +0; Grp -1; Atk light crossbow (+0 ranged, 1d8/19-20) or quarterstaff (-1 melee, 1d6-1); Full Atk light crossbow (+0 ranged, 1d8/19-20) or quarterstaff (-1 melee, 1d6-1); SA none; SQ Healing Hands, Dynamic Priest (Healer), Augment Healing; AL NG; SV Fort +5, Ref +0, Will +2; Str 8, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18.
This character excels at healing with powerful cleansing abilities and bolstered by high Charisma. They wield magic to remove paralysis, disease, and fear.
Stat Block Level 5:
Gaea’s Healer: female, human healer 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d8+15; hp 47; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 13, touch 10, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +3; Grp +2; Atk Longbow +3 ranged (1d8/20/x3); Full Atk Longbow +3 ranged (1d8/20/x3); SA Healing Hands, Cleanse Paralysis, Cleanse Disease, Cleanse Fear; SQ Augment Healing, Magic of the Land, Healing Hands; AL LG; SV Fort +6, Ref +1, Will +4; Str 8, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 19.
Skills and Feats:
Heal +13, Knowledge (Religion) +9; Dynamic Priest (Healer), Augment Healing, Skill Focus (Heal), Magic of the Land. Special Attacks and Qualities: Healing Hands: heal 1 additional point per level, Cleanse Paralysis: remove paralysis effects, Cleanse Disease: cure diseases, Cleanse Fear: remove fear effects. Possessions: Studded leather armor, longbow, healer’s kit.
Level 10 Brief:
The ultimate healer, focused on efficient and powerful healing spells.
Stat Block Level 10:
Hospitaler[1]: male, human Healer 9/Cleric 1/Radiant Servant of Pelor 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (Human); HD 10d8; hp 80; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 13, touch 10, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +7; Grp +3; Atk heavy crossbow +5 (1d10/19-20) or longbow +7 (1d8); Full Atk heavy crossbow +5 (1d10/19-20) or longbow +7 (1d8); SA Turn Undead, Extra Greater Turning, Radiance; SQ Healing Hands, Cleanse Paralysis, Cleanse Disease, Cleanse Fear, Divine Health, Empower Healing, Aura of Warding, Extra Greater Turning, Glory Domain; AL NG; SV Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +9; Str 8, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills and Feats:
Heal +16, Knowledge (Religion) +9; Dynamic Priest, Augment Healing, Skill Focus (Heal), Magic of the Land, Extra Turning, Extend Spell. Special Attacks and Qualities: Healing Hands (+5), Cleanse Paralysis, Cleanse Disease, Cleanse Fear, Divine Health, Empower Healing (maximized and quickened healing). Possessions: Studded armor, heavy crossbow, longbow.
Level 15 Brief:
The ultimate healer build excelling in supreme healing with a unicorn companion.
Stat Block Level 15:
Gaea’s Healer: male, Human Healer 9/Cleric 1/Radiant Servant of Pelor 5; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d6+45; hp 107; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 10, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +7; Grp +7; Atk +7 melee (short sword) or +7 ranged (longbow); Full Atk +7 melee (short sword) or +7 ranged (longbow); SA Turn Undead, Positive Energy Burst, Divine Metamagic; SQ Healing Hands, Cleanse Disease, Fear, Poison, Blindness, Radiance, Divine Health, Empower Healing, Supreme Healing; AL NG; SV Fort +10, Ref +5, Will +10; Str 8, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 22.
Skills and Feats:
Heal +18, Knowledge(Religion) +9; Dynamic Priest (Healer), Augment Healing, Skill Focus (Heal), Magic of the Land, Extra Turning, Extend Spell, Quicken Spell, Divine Metamagic (Quicken), Improved Toughness.
Special Abilities:
Empowered Maximized Quickened Cure Critical spells, Quicken Mass Heal. Possessions: Heavy crossbow, longbow, studded leather armor, short sword, unicorn companion.
Level 20 Brief:
This build excels at healing and support, capable of casting powerful Cure and Mass Heal spells efficiently.
Stat Block Level 20:
Unnamed: male, human Healer 9/Cleric 1/Radiant Servant of Pelor 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 9d8+39 plus 1d8+4 plus 10d6+40; hp 196; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 10, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +10; Grp +11; Atk +11 melee (1d6+1, light mace) or +10 ranged (1d8/19-20, light crossbow); Full Atk +11 melee (1d6+1, light mace) or +10 ranged (1d8/19-20, light crossbow); SA Turn Undead, Extra Greater Turning; SQ Healing Hands, Cleanse Paralysis, Cleanse Disease, Cleanse Fear, Divine Health, Empower Healing, Aura of Warding, Positive Energy Burst, Supreme Healing, Unicorn Companion, Cleanse Poison, Cleanse Blindness; AL NG; SV Fort +15, Ref +6, Will +11; Str 8, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 22.
Skills and Feats:
Heal +8, Knowledge (Religion) +12; Dynamic Priest, Augment Healing, Skill Focus (Heal), Magic of the Land, Extra Turning, Extend Spell, Quicken Spell, Maximize Healing, Improved Toughness, Divine Metamagic. Special Attacks and Qualities: Healing Hands (Su), Cleanse Paralysis (Su), Cleanse Disease (Su), Cleanse Fear (Su), Divine Health (Su), Empower Healing (Su), Aura of Warding (Su), Positive Energy Burst (Su), Supreme Healing (Su), Unicorn Companion (Ex), Cleanse Poison (Su), Cleanse Blindness (Su). Possessions: light crossbow, light mace, studded leather armor.
Critical Milestones of Level Distribution
Level 1: Acquire Healing Hands ability and feats Dynamic Priest and Augment Healing for enhanced healing spells.
Level 3: Gain Magic of the Land to cleanse paralysis, a game-changer in many combat situations.
Level 6: Introduction of Cleric class and Turn Undead feature, broadening your role in combat.
Level 7: As a Radiant Servant of Pelor, unlock Extra Greater Turning and Radiance, empowering your presence against the undead.
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Equipment
Details and Benefits
Levels 1-5
Armor: Studded Leather Armor
– Provides a balance of protection and mobility with a base AC of 12. – Lightweight, allowing for better maneuverability.
Weapon: Light Crossbow
– Offers ranged support with 1d8 damage. – Keeps you at a safe distance from melee combat.
Accessories: Healer’s Kit
– Provides a +2 circumstance bonus to Heal checks, essential for out-of-combat healing.
Levels 6-10
Armor: Mithral Chain Shirt
– Improves AC without sacrificing movement (base AC 13, max Dex bonus +6). – Lightweight and doesn’t interfere with spellcasting.
Accessories: Cloak of Resistance +1
– Adds +1 to all saving throws, increasing survivability against spells and effects.
Stat-Boosting Item: Periapt of Wisdom +2
– Increases Wisdom, which boosts healing spells and spell DCs.
Levels 11-15
Armor: Mithral Breastplate
– Provides better protection (base AC 15, max Dex bonus +5) while still being relatively light and non-restrictive.
Accessories: Ring of Protection +2
– Adds +2 to AC, further increasing survivability.
Stat-Boosting Item: Periapt of Wisdom +4
– Further increases Wisdom, enhancing spellcasting abilities and healing potency.
Levels 16-20
Armor: +2 Mithral Breastplate
– Enhanced version of Mithral Breastplate, offering greater protection (base AC 15, max Dex bonus +5, +2 enhancement bonus).
Accessories: Ring of Protection +3
– Adds +3 to AC, further bolstering defenses.
Stat-Boosting Items: Periapt of Wisdom +6 and Cloak of Charisma +4
– Maximizes Wisdom, boosting spellcasting and healing. – Increases Charisma, which enhances Turn Undead and other Charisma-based abilities.
Effective Coordination with Other Classes
When playing the Hospitaler, it’s not just about your abilities; it’s about how they mesh with your party. You’re the backbone, the one who ensures everyone else can do their job without fear. To do this effectively, you need to understand the roles and capabilities of your teammates.
Because the Hospitaler’s strength lies in support, pairing up with classes that can protect you, such as fighters or paladins, allows you to focus on healing. Wizards and rogues in your party will rely on your quick response to keep them in the fight, so always keep an eye on their health.
Combat Scenarios
General Combat Tactics
Ensure you have a clear line of sight to all party members during a fight.
Use environmental features to your advantage, such as taking cover behind pillars or walls.
Keep track of enemy positions to avoid being flanked or targeted.
By mastering these tactics, you’ll ensure your party’s survival in the most dire of circumstances.
Dungeon Crawls
Position yourself in the middle of the group to respond to threats from any direction.
Keep Cleanse Paralysis and Cleanse Disease spells at the ready for enemies inflicting status ailments.
Stay vigilant for traps and prepare to act quickly.
Be alert for cues of hidden dangers like traps or secret doors.
Conserve spells for critical moments, using Healing Hands for minor injuries.
Communicate with your party members regularly to stay coordinated.
Open Field
Use the space to keep a safe distance from enemies, ready to dash to an ally’s aid.
Take advantage of visibility to assess the battlefield and prioritize healing targets.
Ambushes
Prioritize self-preservation first—remember, a dead healer heals no one.
Assess the situation quickly: identify who needs immediate attention and who can hold their ground.
Swiftly answer these questions to help turn an ambush around.
Defensive Stands
Stay protected and focus on keeping your allies in fighting shape.
Use spells like Mass Heal to sustain multiple allies with a single cast.
Urban Encounters
Be prepared for chaos with civilians at risk and battles spreading across multiple levels.
Use your Cleansing abilities along with healing.
Keep an ear out for combat sounds and move to where you’re needed most.
Strengths & Weaknesses of Hospitaler Build
Weakness
Details
Counter
Specific Advice
Limited Offensive Capabilities
The Hospitaler[1] has low combat effectiveness, relying mainly on healing and support spells.
Positioning
– Always maintain a safe distance from direct combat. – Use terrain to your advantage to stay protected. – Invest in items like the Cloak of Displacement to increase your chances of avoiding hits.
Adapting to Evolving Battle Situations
The dynamic nature of battles requires the Hospitaler[1] to be flexible and responsive.
Adaptability
– Be ready to adjust your tactics based on the situation. – Keep a variety of spells prepared for different scenarios. – Use items like the Rod of Absorption to counter enemy spellcasters. – Maintain communication with your party to coordinate strategies effectively.
High Dependency on Spells
The Hospitaler[1]’s effectiveness is heavily reliant on spellcasting.
Spell Selection and Feats
– Choose feats like Extend Spell and Quicken Spell to maximize your spellcasting efficiency. – Equip items like the Headband of Intellect to increase your spellcasting abilities. – Use the Divine Metamagic feat to apply metamagic effects to your spells without increasing their level.
Limited Physical Defense
The Hospitaler[1] typically has lower physical defenses, making them susceptible to melee attacks.
Defensive Gear and Buffs
– Equip armor such as Mithral Chain Shirt for better protection without hindering movement. – Use spells like Shield of Faith and Magic Vestment to increase your AC. – Carry a Wand of Cure Light Wounds for quick self-healing during emergencies. – Invest in defensive items like the Bracers of Armor.
Themes & RP Opportunities
Playing the selfless healer who puts the party’s needs above their own.
Embracing a religious or spiritual journey that drives your healing powers.
Exploring the moral dilemmas of choosing whom to save with your abilities.
Acting as a mediator or peacekeeper within your party and during encounters.
Integrating Build Lore into Gameplay
Your Hospitaler’s background can significantly influence how you play your character. Were you trained in a temple dedicated to a god of healing, or did you learn your skills on the battlefield? These details can inform how you interact with the world and your companions.
Cultural Influence & Traditions
The Hospitaler build, with its roots in divine magic and service, is often associated with specific deities or religious orders within the D&D universe. This cultural background can add a layer of complexity and intrigue to your character.
Following a strict code of conduct or vows related to your healing abilities.
Participating in religious ceremonies or pilgrimages that enhance your powers.
Observing holy days and practicing rituals that honor your deity.
Spreading the teachings and compassion of your faith through your actions.
How to Embellish Your Character with Cultural Depth
Go beyond the mechanics by incorporating cultural depth into your Hospitaler. Perhaps your character wears symbols representing their deity, or they recite prayers as they heal. These small details can make your character come alive and enrich the storytelling for everyone at the table.
FAQ
How can I adjust the Hospitaler build for different campaign settings?
To adjust the Hospitaler build for different campaign settings, consider the prevalent threats and challenges in that environment. For example, in a campaign with a heavy undead presence, you might focus on abilities that target undead creatures. In a setting rife with disease, prioritize your cleansing abilities.
What are common misconceptions about the Hospitaler build?
One common misconception is that Hospitalers are weak and defenseless. While it’s true that they are not front-line fighters, a well-played Hospitaler can be incredibly resilient and capable of turning the tide of battle with their healing and support abilities.
How crucial is equipment to the success of a Hospitaler?
Although your spells are your main tools, having the appropriate gear can increase your effectiveness and long-term viability Don’t undervalue your equipment; as a healer, you will find great value in items that increase your Charisma, Wisdom, or defensive bonuses.
“Remember, the best healers are those who know when to step back and when to step in. Your spells are powerful, but your judgment is your greatest asset.”
What are some creative ways to use the Hospitaler’s abilities outside of combat?
Your Hospitaler[1] can be used for roleplaying activities like healing civilians, supporting diplomatic efforts, or stopping a plague from spreading through a town when not in combat. Your hands of healing are capable of much more than just dressing wounds; they can create connections between individuals and groups.
How does the Hospitaler build perform in solo versus team play?
In solo play, the Hospitaler can struggle due to their lack of offensive capabilities. However, in team play, they excel as the backbone of the group, providing the necessary support to keep the party going through the toughest of challenges.
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Writer, Editor, GM, Technologist – Andrew’s been playing TTRPGs since as far back as he can recall… at least sometime in the nineties… or was it the early 2000s?
As the young ranger finally got to the location where Gaea’s Healer was supposed to be, all she found was a man and a unicorn. They were fighting hordes of undead servants.
She spewed a curse, for she was too late, the enemy got here before her. In a moment, she pulled her axes and charged in the fray.
The man, using his bow, and the unicorn cleared a path that they might join force.
“Are you here to see Gaea’s Healer? Please stranger, help us protect this sacred grove! ” He shouted at her.
“Already on it,” answered the she-wolf as she decapitated two zombies cleanly.
Race
Human
Class
Healer 9/Cleric 1/Radiant Servant of Pelor 10
Ability Scores
Str 8/Dex 10/Con 16/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 18
Skills
Heal 5, Knowledge(Religion) 9
Equipment
While you are proficient with all martial weapons, all it means is that you can start with a heavy crossbow and switch to a longbow when you get the chance. Still wearing studded armor though.
Goal
This is the ultimate healer to heal them all.
Empowered Maximized Quickened Cure Critical spells without raising their spell level. Alternatively, quicken Mass Heal to cast it twice a round to heal completely absurd amounts of HP.
Congrats, you are probably the single best healer in the game. And yes, you have a friggin’ unicorn, too.
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