How does one become an Order Cleric?
Typically on Faedrun, Order Clerics were given to the Order before the age of ten. Orphans were not uncommon, but a number of young men and women were simply given away by their families for the training and return to them fully-trained clerics of the Order. This is a practice that the Order sometimes encouraged; they would provide living quarters and paying work for anyone who gives their child over to them. It was highly unusual, although far from unheard of, for someone to join as a Cleric at a later time; they must display an aptitude for divine magic and have martial prowess.
On Mardrun, while the practice still exists, many more members have come to the Order after the age of ten. Considering the hard life, most have had the necessary martial skills already. The Order is not so imprudent as to turn these away as they rebuild their strength.
What are their ideals?
Members of the Order are brave, loyal, and totally dedicated to the protection of the weak. For this reason, they absolutely despise the undead, which they see as absolute abominations in the eyes of the world. They will investigate any rumor, no matter how small, of the Undead’s movements, and will work with anyone if it means destroying these foul creatures. Order Clerics also hold the Penitent in the same view; they are warped and have betrayed the rest of humanity, and so deserve only to be destroyed.
They have very uneasy relations with the Syndar; their fortress on Faedrun was situated near the territory of the Tribe of the Lost, a group of feral Syndar. The Order was also a major force in the original skirmishes against the Syndar. They have also been involved in a number of ‘misunderstandings’ even after the treaty was established, with both sides losing a number of warriors over the years.
They distrust arcane magic almost to a fault; the Order is all-too-familiar with the number of Undead spellcasters that have plagued them over the years, and believe it to be the main cause of the undead plague that struck Faedrun. While a cleric will not refuse the assistance of a mage in a life-or-death situation, they are generally looked upon warily.
This distrust of the Syndar, and hence Arcane magics, has only slightly lessened on Mardrun. Necessity pushed many different groups together, and have learned to coexist and cooperate. There has still not been a non-human Order Cleric, however.
Also, except for the rare moments where the Undead have been sighted on Mardrun, the Order has been a group in search of a purpose. Without their old foe, some have called for actions against the Mordok. However, being far away and only really a danger to the Ulven, this cry has gone unheeded. Recent development may change this.
How do I play an Order Cleric?
Start by thinking of how your character came to the Order: were they an orphan given to the Order, a child whose family is still with the Order, or a divine caster who joined later in life? Then, think about their training and what they have learned so far – the Order expects their clerics to be skilled both in combat and in divine magic.
Most starting characters are Lions in the service of the Order – you’re still finding your way in the Order, and you’ll be expected to follow the commands of higher-ranking members. Remember that this is a military organization; disobedience is something you’ve forgotten a long time ago. If you’re interested in playing a character from a different portion of the Order, then think of how they got into that branch.
Further, think of what Chapter you may be from. Currently the only player controlled Chapter is of the Light; however, this does not stop you from being a Cleric of the Fist. If you so choose, you will get to play a member that answer to that NPC faction.
After you’ve decided on your backstory, Chapter, and rank, you must have the equipment to fill it. Lions are in full plate and large shields; Eagles often carry bows; Griffins are equipped how they determine is best. Below are a general idea of needs required.
Lion: Armor Proficiency, Shield proficiency, Improved Armor Proficiency, Improved Shield Proficiency, Divine Magic, 12 points of armor
Eagle: Armor Proficiency, Shield proficiency, Divine Magic, 6 points of armor, a support skill
Griffin: Armor Proficiency, Shield proficiency, Divine Magic, Improved Divine Magic, 8 points of armor
How do I play a Lay member of the Order?
Start by figuring out how you are connected to the Order. Did you join your town’s guards? Were you raised under the protection of the Order, but lacked the aptitude for divine magic? Do you simply live near the Order and respect the clerics?
Remember to always listen to Order Clerics; they technically outrank you. However, most Clerics take the Lay Orders opinion under advisement.
Can you be kicked out of the Order?
While it is rare, Clerics can be kicked out of the Order under extreme circumstances. This requires a betrayal of the Path of Arnath – normally, desertion in battle, frequent disobedience in a military situation, or willfully aiding the forces of evil and spreading ignorance are seen as reasons to be kicked out.
The process begins with an investigation. If word of a Cleric’s dishonor is heard, then witnesses are gathered. A committee of three Clerics – normally, an Eagle, a Lion, and a Griffin – will then judge the case. If it is ruled that the Cleric has betrayed the Order, then they are captured, stripped of their arms and armor, and branded on the right cheek. This sign points to a Cleric as dishonored in the eyes of the Order; no town under the protection of the Order will give anyone with such a mark aid.