Water Domain
The Water Domain turns water, rivers, rain, mist, ice and elemental creatures of water into a cleric’s sacred practice and usable rules. Its exact mechanics depend on edition, so the published Pathfinder and 3.5e versions are kept separate rather than blended together.
At a Glance
| Divine Sphere | Water, rivers, rain, mist, ice and elemental creatures of water |
|---|---|
| Typical Role | Elemental controller, cold-resistant caster and water-focused priest |
| Published Rules | Pathfinder 1e and D&D 3.5e |
| Modern D&D Status | No official same-named Water Domain in 2014 or 2024 D&D; Tempest and Nature cover only parts of the concept in 2014 material. |
| Typical Patrons | Poseidon, Neptune, Aegir, Enki, Tefnut |
Edition Applicability
No official same-named Water Domain in 2014 or 2024 D&D; Tempest and Nature cover only parts of the concept in 2014 material. This page does not invent a modern rules panel merely to fill an edition slot.
Water Domain — Pathfinder 1e
Rules status: published Pathfinder 1e Core Rulebook domain.
Icicle
As a standard action, make a ranged touch attack against one foe within 30 feet. On a hit, it deals 1d6 cold damage + 1 for every two Cleric levels. Uses per day equal 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
Cold Resistance
At 6th level you gain cold resistance 10. It becomes 20 at 12th level, and at 20th level you gain immunity to cold.
Pathfinder 1e Water Domain Spells
| 1st | Obscuring Mist |
|---|---|
| 2nd | Fog Cloud |
| 3rd | Water Breathing |
| 4th | Control Water |
| 5th | Ice Storm |
| 6th | Cone of Cold |
| 7th | Elemental Body IV (water only) |
| 8th | Horrid Wilting |
| 9th | Elemental Swarm (water only) |
Water Domain — D&D 3.5e
Rules status: published D&D 3.5e SRD domain.
Granted Power
You can turn or destroy Fire creatures as a good Cleric turns undead, and rebuke, command or bolster Water creatures as an evil Cleric rebukes undead. These abilities share 3 + your Charisma modifier uses per day.
D&D 3.5e Water Domain Spells
| 1st | Obscuring Mist |
|---|---|
| 2nd | Fog Cloud |
| 3rd | Water Breathing |
| 4th | Control Water |
| 5th | Ice Storm |
| 6th | Cone of Cold |
| 7th | Acid Fog |
| 8th | Horrid Wilting |
| 9th | Elemental Swarm (water only) |
How the Water Domain Plays
Water clerics combine concealment, movement through aquatic environments, cold damage and large-scale control of water. Pathfinder turns the domain into a reliable cold-themed elemental package; 3.5e instead centres elemental turning and command.
Who Grants the Water Domain?
Poseidon, Neptune, Aegir, Enki, Tefnut are strong existing patrons where this sphere is established in the deity’s portfolio.
Priests, Temples and Rites
Water can mean sea, river, rain, springs, purification, fertility or destructive flood. A Water priest’s rites should follow the patron’s actual relationship with water.
What Are Water Priests Doing Now?
Water priests are blessing wells and harbours, resolving disputes over rivers, reading flood signs, investigating poisoned springs, escorting ships and confronting water elementals or spirits angered by dams, dredging or desecration.
Related Domains and Character Options
Rules Sources and Licensing
- Pathfinder 1e: powers and spell list follow the Pathfinder Core Rulebook Cleric domain reference.
- D&D 3.5e: granted power and spell list follow the 3.5 SRD Cleric Domains.
- Modern D&D: No official same-named Water Domain in 2014 or 2024 D&D; Tempest and Nature cover only parts of the concept in 2014 material.
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