Well what's wrong with a cleric
I think it's not only a matter of which is the best character class (if there even is such a thing) but also of which class suits your preference/personality best. I for one have always liked playing a cleric, just because I like the image and the type of person. I also think they are a very good class because of the combination of fighting skills (my first Priest of Lathander kicked ass with the Flail of Ages or a decent Mace and the Gorgon Plate +4, the Sentinel Shield etc.) and magic (Holy Smite is soooo good!). They can tank and cast great spells. Esp. at high levels, Holy Word, False DAwn, Sunray etc are great. A great combo is Ranger dualled to Cleric
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Melusine, Archbabe of the Order of the Holy Flame and the Laughing Hyenas, &
Official Entertainer Elf of the BG2 Bar
Your voice is ambrosia