Vocation: Cleric

Clerics are Canonists with a deep connection to their Deity/ Pantheon/ Domain and faith. They hold such profound belief that their conviction has caught the attention of the Deities themselves, giving the Cleric access to potent magic and special abilities. The title and Vocation of Cleric should not be confused with that of a Priest, a position within various churches of deities; Clerics can be Priests, but not all Priests are Clerics. The main difference between the two is that the position of Priest does not require that the holder be able to cast spells, while all Clerics are spellcasters.

Clerics are predominantly known for their religious conviction and dedication to the Tenets or rules of their faith. The most dedicated Clerics are rewarded with incredibly powers by their Deity or Deities, but this dedication also makes them a target for those of rival organisations and terrorist groups. Clerics align themselves with the beliefs and intentions of their Deities, and can therefore appear in any of the moral alignments.

Famous Clerics include Mabcyntaf Pelydru, the Lord of the Pelydru Family in Muriedge; Watch Sargeant Giselle Lightwhistle of the Fuldair City Watch; and Tanya Bleddyn, the current holder of Reliquary.

Career

Qualifications

Clerics tend to have higher than average Wisdom, and many are highly Charismatic as they share the Tenets and beliefs of their faith with the masses. Depending on the Deity, some Clerics may favour Strength or train their Constitutions as part of their dedication. The majority of Clerics come into their Vocation through the Calling of Canonist, though some transfer from the Synergist Calling, particularly Druids called to Cross-Vocational practices in service to a specific Nature Deity.

In order to follow the Vocation of a Cleric, an individual must:

• Show absolute faith in their chosen Deity/Pantheon/Domain
• Have a Mana Pool
• Have a Weave Channel

There are no formal qualifications or examinations required to become a Cleric.

Career Progression

Paths

Clerics can choose to explore their innate abilities and bring forth their natural talents by following a Path. These Paths are typically representative of one of the Domains over which the Cleric's Deity/ies or Pantheon has power, or a Cleric may dedicate themselves to a single Domain and multiple Deities within that Domain. These Domains grant access to specific spells and abilities that reflect the areas of interest for the Deities within that Domain.

There are twenty-one known domains, and it is rare for a Cleric to choose a Domain outside of these chosen Deity or Pantheon's influence.

Domain Sample Deities and Powers

Light

Sample Deities: Haul, Selene, Ajukna-Tirana

Life

Sample Deities: Delkii, Zulema, Gwynrhi Chrewyrellynhil ap Caradog, Antigona-Elira, Titania

Darkness

Sample Deities: Fachnan, Thywyll ferch Caradog

Death

Sample Deities: Sychar, Gedeon, Arawn Farchognos, Sersah-Zaco, Nekros

War

Sample Deities: Evander, Arawn Farchognos

Forge

Sample Deities: Adarvan, Jernmand Peder, Gofannon Belenos

Knowledge

Sample Deities: Arcania, Boone, Arben-Ardian

Arcana

Sample Deities: Arcania, Aaryav

Nature

Sample Deities: Sylvanus

Balance

Sample Deities: Selene, Boone

Tempest

Sample Deities: Icyline, Irys, Styrmyr

Wrath

Sample Deities: Fachnan, Bela, Tirich

Trickery

Sample Deities: Nyxia, Zada, Cessair, Duvessa

Grave

Sample Deities: Sychar, Evander

Twilight

Sample Deities: Sychar, Warde, The Raven Queen

Order

Sample Deities: Haul, Boone, Ariyan, Annora, Zada

Chaos

Sample Deities: Fachnan, Milestone, Gwyar, Styrmyr, Cessair, Gideon, Helmer, Bela, Tirich, Medea

Justice

Sample Deities: Haul, Dainan, Ariyan, Annora, Sezia, Arawn Farchognos

Protection

Sample Deities: Haul, Selene, Warde, Dainan, Govad,

Creativity

Sample Deities: Muse, Oron, Golduin, Shiron, Gweneth

Love

Sample Deities: Veeda, Bukuroshe-Afrodita, Brânwen ferch Llŷr, Angharad Llaw Eurawc, Eirian ferch Gwynrhi, Clíodhna, Aengus

Perception

Social Status

Generally a central feature of any large religious organisation, Clerics can be regarded with equal amounts of awe and fear. While the benevolent among them are seen as blessings to society, those of more malevolent intent are believed to be capable of bringing cataclysm and death. It is never wise to underestimate a Cleric, even the most gentle of them, as once triggered their righteous fury can be difficult to ease.

Clerics and Paladins

Those of the Cleric and Divine Paladin Vocations can often be seen working side by side to achieve the goals of their Deity or Organisation. However, while the duties of both Vocations may overlap within an organisational setting, Clerics are typically seen as those who lead the faith and worship of deities, while Divine Paladins are viewed more as defenders of the clergy, worshippers, and various objects or places of interest.

Typically there is little to no clashing between the two Vocations, though disagreements about methods and progression can occur between individuals of high standing.

Rival Clergies

Rivalries between Clerics of different deities is relatively common, and while most are relatively friendly, some are fueled by outright hatred. Clerics of Haul and Fachnan, for example, often get into conflict with each other due to the wholly opposing natures of their gods and the animosity between the two. These conflicts are rarely fatal, except in situations of outright Holy War.

Friendly rivalries rarely resort to violence, though contests of various types are common, from trials of strength and agility down to spellcasting, or even drinking.

Type

Religious