Priest

Priests are the spiritual leaders of their communities, serving as conduits between the mortal realm and the divine. They offer solace, guidance, and inspiration to their followers, embodying the teachings and values of their chosen deity. Whether they preside over grand cathedrals or humble village shrines, priests hold a position of considerable influence and respect, wielding their faith to bring comfort and hope to the downtrodden.

• Skill Proficiencies: Religion
• Equipment: 10 candles, a tinderbox, and a waterskin.

Ability: Religious Hierarchy

After spending an hour demonstrating your knowledge of the divine and succeeding on a medium-DC Intelligence (Religion) check, you can establish a contact within the local clergy. This contact will be initially friendly and willing to answer your questions regarding religion, the clergy’s agenda, and local religious matters.

Ranks

Rank 1 – Acolyte

You were welcomed into a humble parish where you assist in religious services and ceremonial duties, such as lighting altar candles and distributing prayer books to the congregation. Additionally, the priest educates you in religious scripture and doctrine.

Holdings:

• You possess knowledge of a senior clergy member whose teachings undermine the faith for personal gain allowing you to perform /pc-profession to advance your career.
• Free lodging is provided at your local temple of the faith.

Progression: You are recommended for priesthood by a senior clergy member who has overseen your study of divine texts. Subsequently, you will be assigned a religious task to complete.

• Offer a total of 1,200 prayers in aid of others.

Rank 2 – Priest

You oversee a local parish with a sizable following, conducting rites, delivering sermons on the teachings of your deity, and offering spiritual guidance to followers experiencing wavering faith. You utilize your modest influence to inspire virtue, uplift the downtrodden, or instill fear when necessary.

Holdings:

• You manage a modest parish, including humble lodgings, and regularly meet locals for confession.
  • Chronica “temple” that grants basic clerical aid.
• You are aware of a wealthy noble who possesses a coveted first edition book of scripture desired by the church.
  • Grants a +1 bonus to your Intelligence proficiency bonus when performing your profession.

Progression: You must either expose the senior clergy member exploiting the faith for personal gain or obtain the coveted first edition book of scripture.

• Offer a total of 2,400 prayers in aid of others.

Rank 3 – Bishop

In recognition of your dedication to the faith, you have attained the title of Bishop, residing in your own diocese within a major city. You supervise a group of senior clergy who seek your guidance in all matters divine. Bishops are elected from senior priests within their Order and maintain their title as long as they uphold the doctrine faithfully.

Holdings:

• You serve as the steward of the largest temple of your faith in the region, with well-appointed lodgings nearby.
  • A full range of clerical services are offered.
• You oversee your diocese in a major city, representing the faith and supervising the clergy therein.
  • Grants a +1 bonus to your Intelligence proficiency bonus when performing your profession. Stacks with prior rank (+2 total).

Progression: You ascend to the position of Cardinal in the event of a Cardinal’s passing or retirement, appointed by the head of your faith in recognition of your unwavering dedication to the faith.

• Offer a total of 4,800 prayers in aid of others.

Rank 4 – Cardinal

As a Cardinal, you directly report to the head of your faith. Your responsibilities include overseeing the dioceses within your province, aiming to eradicate corruption and heresy from positions of authority. Cardinals are appointed by the head of their faith and hold significant influence in both spiritual and political matters.

Holdings:

• You manage a number of dioceses within your province.
• Free lodging is provided at any parish or diocese acknowledging your appointment, as well as any institution under the control of the faith.

Source: Adapted from Grim Hollow Campaign