Good Domain
The Good Domain represents benevolence, sacred protection, opposition to supernatural evil and divine power directed toward preserving life and resisting corruption. Pathfinder 1e and D&D 3.5e use the same domain name but different granted powers, so their rules remain strictly separated.
At a Glance
| Divine Sphere | Benevolence, sacred protection, mercy, moral courage and opposition to supernatural evil |
|---|---|
| Typical Role | Protective support priest, anti-evil specialist and party buffer |
| Published Rules | Pathfinder 1e and D&D 3.5e |
| Modern D&D Status | No official same-named Good Domain in 2014 or 2024 D&D. This page does not manufacture a modern subclass merely to fill a tab. |
| Campaign Use | Best suited to deities whose established portfolio genuinely includes mercy, protection, benevolent order or resistance to supernatural evil. |
Edition Applicability
The Good Domain is a published domain in Pathfinder 1e and D&D 3.5e. There is no official same-named Good Domain in D&D 5e/2014 or the 2024 Cleric rules, so those editions are not given official-looking mechanics here.
Good Domain — Pathfinder 1e
Rules status: published Pathfinder 1e Core Rulebook domain.
Touch of Good
As a standard action, touch one creature. For 1 round it gains a sacred bonus on attack rolls, skill checks, ability checks and saving throws equal to half your Cleric level, minimum +1. You can use this power a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
Holy Lance
At 8th level, you can touch a weapon and give it the holy special weapon quality for a number of rounds equal to half your Cleric level. You can use this ability once per day at 8th level, plus one additional time per day for every four Cleric levels beyond 8th.
Pathfinder 1e Good Domain Spells
| 1st | Protection from Evil |
|---|---|
| 2nd | Align Weapon (good only) |
| 3rd | Magic Circle against Evil |
| 4th | Holy Smite |
| 5th | Dispel Evil |
| 6th | Blade Barrier |
| 7th | Holy Word |
| 8th | Holy Aura |
| 9th | Summon Monster IX (good spell only) |
Good Domain — D&D 3.5e
Rules status: published D&D 3.5e SRD domain.
Granted Power
You cast spells with the good descriptor at +1 caster level.
D&D 3.5e Good Domain Spells
| 1st | Protection from Evil |
|---|---|
| 2nd | Aid |
| 3rd | Magic Circle against Evil |
| 4th | Holy Smite |
| 5th | Dispel Evil |
| 6th | Blade Barrier |
| 7th | Holy Word |
| 8th | Holy Aura |
| 9th | Summon Monster IX (cast as a good spell only) |
How the Good Domain Plays
Pathfinder makes the domain an active support choice: Touch of Good can improve a crucial roll, while Holy Lance turns a weapon into a temporary answer to evil creatures. D&D 3.5e is simpler, rewarding a cleric who regularly casts spells carrying the good descriptor.
Who Should Grant the Good Domain?
Use the Good Domain only where a deity’s established nature supports it. A benevolent healing deity, protector, champion of justice or foe of supernatural evil may qualify; a merely friendly or culturally admired deity does not automatically do so. Check the relevant deity page before adding the domain to a portfolio.
Priests, Temples and Rites
Priests of this domain are defined by what they protect and whom they serve. Their rites may bless defenders, shelter fugitives, purify places corrupted by hostile outsiders, reconcile feuds or prepare communities to resist predatory supernatural powers.
What Are Good Priests Doing Now?
Good-domain priests are protecting threatened communities, exposing corrupt bargains, escorting vulnerable travellers, cleansing sites touched by hostile outsiders and deciding when mercy is possible and when restraint would simply leave others in danger.
Related Domains and Character Options
Rules Sources and Licensing
- Pathfinder 1e: powers and spell list follow the Pathfinder Core Rulebook Cleric domain rules.
- D&D 3.5e: granted power and spell list follow the 3.5 SRD Cleric Domains rules.
- Correction made: the legacy page incorrectly placed “Hold Evil” at 3rd level. Both published versions use Magic Circle against Evil at 3rd level.
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