Strength Domain
The Strength Domain treats physical might, endurance and feats of force as sacred gifts. Pathfinder 1e and D&D 3.5e use the same domain spell list but give the cleric very different ways to call on divine strength.
At a Glance
| Divine Sphere | Strength, physical might, endurance, wrestling, labour and heroic exertion |
|---|---|
| Typical Role | Martial support cleric, strength-check specialist and self-enhancing battle priest |
| Published Rules | Pathfinder 1e and D&D 3.5e |
| Modern D&D Status | No official same-named Strength Domain in D&D 5e/2014 or the 2024 Cleric rules. |
| Typical Patrons | Deities whose established portfolios genuinely centre on might, heroic labour, physical contests or exceptional bodily power |
Edition Applicability
The Strength Domain is published in Pathfinder 1e and D&D 3.5e. The two rulesets share the same domain spell progression, but their granted powers are not interchangeable. Modern D&D has no official same-named Strength Domain.
Strength Domain — Pathfinder 1e
Rules status: published Pathfinder 1e Core Rulebook domain.
Strength Surge
As a standard action, touch a creature and grant it an enhancement bonus equal to half your Cleric level, minimum +1, for 1 round. The bonus applies to melee attack rolls, combat manoeuvre checks that rely on Strength, and Strength-based skills and ability checks. Uses per day equal 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
Might of the Gods
At 8th level, you can add your Cleric level as an enhancement bonus to your Strength score for a total number of rounds per day equal to your Cleric level. This bonus applies only to Strength checks and Strength-based skill checks, and the rounds need not be consecutive.
Pathfinder 1e Strength Domain Spells
| 1st | Enlarge Person |
|---|---|
| 2nd | Bull’s Strength |
| 3rd | Magic Vestment |
| 4th | Spell Immunity |
| 5th | Righteous Might |
| 6th | Stoneskin |
| 7th | Grasping Hand |
| 8th | Clenched Fist |
| 9th | Crushing Hand |
Strength Domain — D&D 3.5e
Rules status: published D&D 3.5e SRD domain.
Granted Power: Feat of Strength
Once per day, as a free action, gain an enhancement bonus to Strength equal to your Cleric level for 1 round.
D&D 3.5e Strength Domain Spells
| 1st | Enlarge Person |
|---|---|
| 2nd | Bull’s Strength |
| 3rd | Magic Vestment |
| 4th | Spell Immunity |
| 5th | Righteous Might |
| 6th | Stoneskin |
| 7th | Grasping Hand |
| 8th | Clenched Fist |
| 9th | Crushing Hand |
How the Strength Domain Plays
Pathfinder divides the theme between helping others and achieving exceptional physical feats yourself. Strength Surge can improve an ally’s melee attack or manoeuvre at a critical moment, while Might of the Gods is strongest for lifting, breaking, climbing and other Strength-based challenges. D&D 3.5e instead offers one dramatic daily burst of raw Strength.
Who Grants the Strength Domain?
This domain belongs to deities of heroic might, labour, wrestling, physical contests, giants, mountains or exceptional bodily power where that theme is actually established in the deity’s portfolio. It should not automatically be assigned to every war god simply because warriors value Strength.
Priests, Temples and Rites
Strength clergy may oversee athletic contests, wrestling grounds, initiation ordeals, heavy communal labour or rites in which worshippers prove endurance rather than recite doctrine. Sacred acts can include lifting stones, carrying burdens, breaking symbolic restraints and public feats performed on behalf of the community.
What Are Strength Priests Doing Now?
Strength priests are training champions, supervising dangerous construction, settling contests of honour, recovering legendary weights or weapons and investigating creatures whose supernatural might threatens to overturn the local balance of power.
Related Domains and Character Options
Rules Sources and Licensing
- Pathfinder 1e: Strength Surge, Might of the Gods and the spell list follow the Pathfinder Core Rulebook Strength Domain.
- D&D 3.5e: Feat of Strength and the spell list follow the 3.5 SRD Strength Domain.
- Modern D&D: no official same-named Strength Domain is presented as though it exists.
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