Cleric
Clerics are wielders of divine magics through humble piety and diligent theological study.
Contents
Clerics in Arthos
"We clerics have much to disagree and debate upon. Even those of the same chapter differ on matters of priorities, scriptural interpretations, and the efficacy of various works. There is one matter of which I have never seen challenged. We understand that the races of Arthos are to be humbled in the presence of divinity. We are lost without their guidance. The gods possess an insurmountably tall vantage point for which the climb would surely kill any mortal. Knowing that, we meekly ask for their wisdom and for some, a modest home at the foot of the mountain is provided."
- —Faronn Kelgrager, acolyte of the Temple of Psetheia in Gais
Practice
A cleric may come from anyone who is affiliated with and devoted to an organized religion. Very few people reach clerichood through private worship and most religious institutions frown on the practice. To become a cleric, one must expose themselves to a breadth of theological knowledge. Critical to this study is the practice of works, or acts of faith in the name of their favored deity. The nature of these works vary by religion and they are the bread and butter of clerical praxis. Through pious wisdom and faithful works, clerics learn to channel the powers of their god or gods.
Acolytes
Most clerics can be found working within the same place of worship where they were trained. They are responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the premises as well as running religious services. Acolytes of the same faith will build tight bonds with each other and members of their community alike.
Faith Healers
The reason clerics are generally held in high esteem is their work as faith healers. Clerics who are motivated by the desire to help the people of Arthos will travel to places of war, famine, or plague and use their divine magic to heal those in need. Faith healers can be vital to maintaining social order in times of great suffering.
Purifiers
Also known as "sanctifiers", these clerics task themselves with ridding places of unholy or unsavory presence. Typically this constitutes the destruction of undead and necromantic influences. They have also, at times, been the instigators of religious warfare when other faiths are deemed to be enemies. Not all the gods get along and their devotees are sometimes used as pawns in this regard.
Adventurers
Clerics with the instinct to help others may find themselves a member of an adventuring party that frequently finds itself in peril. They may also use the opportunity to seek out unholy foes in the relative safety of numbers. So long as the party has no irreconcilable theological conflicts, a cleric will contribute greatly to their success.
