Keepers of the Flock, Defenders of the Faith

Such a large organization requires many levels of workers doing many jobs. Here are the most common and notable;

NUNS: Found throughout the realm, these sisters organize themselves into numerous Orders, such as the "Sisters of Merciful Grace" and "Sisters of Our Lady of the Ascension." Some Nuns attend the Seminary, a four-year college-type school where one essentially learns all that is needed to become a priest. Though many Nuns successfully graduate, they cannot be ordained, so the teaching becomes a solid educational and spiritual foundation for the young Nun. Most live in convents, either within a city, out in the countryside or at a remote mountain retreat. These convents are self-sufficient, as the sisters grow crops and raise livestock to support themselves. They are chaste, humble and lead simple lives of service and hard work, primarily dedicated not only to prayer and worship, but to caring for orphans and the sick, running schools, and doing charitable work for the poor. Most are passive and non-combatant, though they will also be found running aid stations in war zones, taking care of final arrangements for the dead, or even providing medical aid in the heat of battle. Some nuns become Clerics, wearing armor and wielding weapons, using their spells in Cuthbert's name to defend the weak, help the injured and fight evil. These Clerics still refer to themselves as "Sister." Every collection of nuns will have a senior, older woman in charge known as the "Mother Superior," who may or may not be a Cleric. Young students who have not yet taken their vows are called "Novices." Nuns wear simple, hooded habits of black, white and gray.

PRIESTS: Not all priests are Clerics (with spells and combat abilities), and in fact most are not. These men are primarily non-combatant, and serve the spiritual needs of their flock. All attend the Seminary and must graduate. Then they are ordained, which gives them the right to perform certain sacred rites such as saying the Mass, Baptism, consecrating Marriage, hearing Confession and granting Absolution, presiding over Confirmation and Holy Communion, and even performing Exorcisms. All priests are known as "Father," though their position within the Church may give them another title as well (such as Vicar, Monsignor, Bishop, etc.) These titles are noted later. Priests fill other roles as well, such as counselors for married couples, providing guidance for young people, serving as arbitrators in disputes, serving as advisors to rulers and politicians, getting involved in politics themselves, presiding over funerals, and in general looking after the welfare of their parishioners. Priests are senior to Nuns in the Church hierarchy. They run the chapels and cathedrals, oversee Monkish Orders, participate in missionary work and provide service in combat zones. Priests wear robes which can vary from a simple black hassock to gold-embroidered crimson, plain skullcaps to red "sombreros," and everything in between.

FRIARS: These men are not ordained, and have less religious authority and fewer powers than Monks. They are committed to a religious life and service to the Church, are students of theology (though few attend Seminary), and are a step above laymen. They are not members of Orders, but will often affiliate themselves with Monks or a particular parish. Not having taken vows, they still walk the life of common men, though they are expected to abide by the same morality of Monks. Because they are "in between," Friars are often used as liaisons between the Church and the outside world. Their days are filled primarily with work, and they tend to be strong and physically fit. Friars are often accomplished in combat, both with simple martial weapons and bare-knuckle fisticuffs. Many are not "gentled" by the vows, and they can be a rough bunch of bruisers. They are referred to as "Friar," and wear simple brown robes without a hood. A few Friars are actually Clerics without being ordained priests, and this is one of two odd exceptions to the Priest/Cleric rule.

CLERICS: While not all Priests are Clerics, all Clerics are fully ordained Priests, and usually go by the simple title of "Father," or sometimes even "Brother" if they are truly humble. The Church looks upon Clerics as the "muscle" end of the business, well-suited for war and exploration, though some perform equally well in the political arena. The general population often sees traveling clerics as protectors and bringers of justice, and they are usually quite welcome in villages throughout the realm. Small parish priests welcome them as well, appreciating the companionship and knowledge of a fellow priest, and looking to them for some healing or spellcraft which is beyond their simple skills, or to perhaps scourge the parish of a pesky undead or two...

The general rule to being a Cleric is the requirement that one has been first ordained as a priest (an exclusively male position) before consecration. The Church permits two exceptions; First, Nuns who wish to become Clerics can do so either before or after taking their vows... they will be referred to as "Sister" regardless. The Nun is then consecrated as a cleric, which gives her the full powers and authorities of a cleric, but still does not permit her to perform the sacred rites reserved for priests. Many Nuns who become clerics do not lead a "clerical" life of travel, service in war zones and adventuring... some stay right there at their convent, using their clerical powers to aid the good works of the Order. Obtaining the kind of experience needed to advance in levels - while tucked away in a mountain convent - can be a tough proposal. The most common route is for a Nun who has been adventuring as a Cleric to retire to an order to serve as its Mother Superior.

The second exception to the Church rule is Friars. Under Church doctrine, it is possible for a simple Friar, who has not been ordained as a priest and who has not even taken on Monkish vows, to become a Cleric and be so recognized. The process is fairly straightforward. The Friar in question receives a Calling and begins study and prayer, often without Church knowledge. Through the Grace of Cuthbert, these Friars develop the skills and spell abilities of Clerics, and although their official training and education may be lacking, and although they have taken no vows, they are clearly Blessed by the Savior... and who wants to argue with Him? These Friar-Clerics are something of an oddity, and they simply won't be found strolling the halls of the Basillica. The Church keeps these ruffians in remote and hostile areas, where their talents will be most valuable. Friar-Clerics have none of the authorities of Priests or even Monks, and usually continue to carry on as "Friars with Muscle."

In the world of the Church, more than half of the "movers and shakers" in the clergy - all the way up to the Cardinal - were combatant, adventuring clerics in the field before transitioning to the "civilized" world of politics and Church administration. This experience is sometimes looked down upon as making a priest "too rough-natured for the delicacies of Church administration." Others are somewhat frightened by the potential for damage and violence lying beneath priestly robes and behind gentle smiles...

In the field, Clerics almost always outrank Paladins, if only due to the fact that a Paladin recognizes the cleric as a Priest above all, and therefore worthy of respect and obedience. Clerics wear whatever they choose in the way of armor and clothing, though their holy symbol will be boldly displayed.

PALADINS: If Clerics are considered "muscle," it is Paladins who are the "Avenging Sword," leading lives of military service to the Imperium and the Church, accompanying missions to dangerous lands as bodyguards, pursuing and dispensing justice, battling great evils, and setting a moral and heroic example for men and women everywhere. Drawn to the life of Paladin through a Calling, not all paladins have attended seminary (though many have, initially thinking they would become priests.) Unless a Paladin is multi-classing as a Cleric, he or she will not be ordained as a priest, and will not have those authorities. Most people, however, view paladins on the same scale as Clerics - perhaps higher - and many give them an almost "saintly" respect (something which is certain to make a humble paladin blush.)

The devout paladin is the ultimate Holy Warrior, secure in the knowledge that the shedding of blood is all in the name of Cuthbert, that many of the atrocities committed in war are forgiven by the Church as being "necessary in defense of the faith," and in knowing that a glorious death in battle while serving a noble and good cause will instantly transport the fallen paladin to his deity's side for eternity. Clearly, talking a paladin out of a particular course of action she has chosen as being "in the name of Cuthbert" is not an easy task, to say the least.

Paladins typically dress in medium to heavy armor, and their holy symbol and patron saint will be boldly displayed on armor, shields, overlays, pennants, even weaponry. There is usually no mistaking a paladin.

MONKS: Despite the particular "direction" of their Order, nearly all Monks are scholars, students and teachers. They are historians, preservers of art and knowledge, curators of holy places and relics, caregivers, artists and thinkers. Lumin de lumine (light from light) They are keepers of secrets, librarians and scribes and researchers. All monks have taken vows of chastity and to their respective Order, abiding by strict rules of a regimented life of prayer and hard work. Some (not all) have taken vows of poverty, and most, from time to time, follow long periods of thoughtful silence. Although not ordained as priests, Monks have taken holy vows, and can perform Blessings, consecrate Holy Water, give Last Rites, assist in dispensing the Eucharist, and perform funeral services. Monks refer to one another as "Brother." They dress according to the requirements of their order.

Monks can be found everywhere; in cities, the countryside, remote and fortified monasteries, in cathedrals and the halls of the Basillica, teaching at seminaries and private schools, and even at foreign missions and war zones. Many Monks are seminary-trained, and some become priests (when they will be called Father) while still remaining with their Order. Some Monks who are ordained as priests go on to become Clerics. Other Monks, such as some of the Order of Opus Dei, hone their skills in the character class "Monk," a non-clerical, un-ordained position.

In Shadow Empyre, the Church has (5) Monkish Orders, detailed below;

OPUS DEI: These monks are the most aggressive of the Orders, being combat-oriented and used by the Church for monastery and castle defense, scouting, spying and even assassination. They guard traveling pilgrims, Church caravans, and even serve on the battlefield. They are known as world-class builders and architects, and first-rate scribes. Monks of Opus Dei practice self-flagellation and maiming in order to remind themselves of Cuthbert's suffering for their sins. Originally they looked to St. Abascus as their Patron, but after Rosalyn's martyring, the entire order took Saint Rosalyn of Madrigal as their Patron Saint. They see the accumulation of wealth as necessary only in support of their monasteries and endeavors. Opus Dei Monks wear either brown or black, simple hooded robes.

FRANCISCANS: These Monks are the most passive of all the orders; they are gentle-natured and quiet, calm, kind and charitable. Being non-combatant, they steer clear of battles and are forever preaching against the use of force in any conflict resolution. They have taken vows of poverty (frequently putting them at odds with the ruling powers of the Basillica and their fellow Monks of other orders who do NOT consider poverty noble...) Franciscans are primarily scholars, and are frequently found advising secular authorities on matters of law. The rest of their time is spent caring for the sick, and it is the Franciscans who run leper colonies, care for the elderly in their final days, and run orphanages for those children who are too ill to be anywhere else. Saint Francis is their Patron Saint. Franciscans dress in simple brown robes with cowls.

DOMINICANS: The wealthiest of all Monkish orders, Dominicans have no aversion to the acquisition of riches ("for then one can do great works...") They are known to have numerous (but quiet) merchant interests and investments, and have no trouble wearing gold jewelry and rich apparel, in order to "demonstrate the Church's power and magnificence." They dress in white, crimson and gold, usually with large hats, all of the finest materials; silk, velvet, rich brocade, etc. Dominicans are the politicians of the Church, constantly engaged in Church intrigues, involvement at the Imperial Court, working angles and brokering deals with the Merchant Consortium, and making moves to foil the plans of the Science and Mage community. High Ranking Dominican Monks and Priests can be found at the dining tables of the rich and famous throughout Florenta, attending opera and performing sacred rites at the homes of the powerful. It is also the Dominicans who have the most pull in deciding what is an "Official Church Interpretation of Scripture," and in creating and preserving Church doctrine. No vows of silence here. You will find most Dominicans within the capital city of Florenta, or in other Major, "civilized" cities. They are not much into mission work.

Dominicans are most closely affiliated with the Holy Inquisition. Indeed, it is often from the Dominican ranks that new Inquisitors are chosen, and this close relationship makes the Dominican order that much more feared and powerful. Their Patron Saint is Saint Dominic. Ironically, he is the Patron of the falsely-accused, a rather dry twist for those who ally themselves with the Inquisition...

JESUITS: These are the Church's foreign diplomats and missionaries. They are sent to the wilds to build churches and missions, and convert the indigenous peoples of whatever land they are in. They are not only builders, but teachers, farmers and healers. They are a hardy bunch, able to survive in the wilds and literally carve civilization out of the wilderness. Their "outdoor" demeanor makes them unfit for the gilded halls of the Basillica, but that suits Jesuits fine, they prefer to be among the natural people, bringing them the word. Jesuits have combat training (most pursue the character class "Monk") and are not passive by any means, standing up to monsters, tribal leaders or anyone who threatens their mission and their flock. They believe wealth is necessary only to support and expand the mission. Their official uniform is gray and white robes, or a black hassock, but most frequently they will be found in the simple, durable breeches and tunic of a common laborer. Saint Isidore is their Patron Saint.
BENEDICTINES: These Monks are true isolationists, living a life of seclusion in remote mountain monasteries, cut off from the rest of the world. Benedictines are rarely seen outside this environment, and when they are, it is as traveling couriers, for they are the ultimate secret-keepers of the Church. It is said if one wants a secret kept or a treasure hidden, for a month or for 500 years, give it to a Benedictine. Their Mews (places of concealment) are well-hidden and difficult to enter, places of intricate locks and secret doors, as well as heavily trapped with divine spells. They are keepers of relics, treasure and knowledge (both beneficial and forbidden) and run the greatest libraries and scriptoriums in existence. Benedictines frequently take vows of silence, and laughter is forbidden to them. A stern and serious bunch, they dress in black and white hooded robes. Saint Benedict is their Patron Saint.

HIEROPHANTS: Within the Church organization are a few members of the clergy who have risen to the highest status of power, not within the political structure of the Church, but in actual ability and access to divine magic. These are Hierophants, a prestige class, and although in theory they can hold high office within the Church, most serve in the field, where they lead paladins and clerics, usually in battle zones, or in defense of holy places and Church fortifications. Despite the fact that they are under Church authority and must maintain a level of obedience, many Hierophants actually look down upon those who live their lives in red velvet, speaking in hushed tones as they whisper their way through marble and gilded halls, dabbling in intrigue and politics. Hierophants are generally older, highly experienced clerics who have spent a life adventuring, exploring and fighting on behalf of the Church. They are well respected, honored and even feared. Some come from the ranks of paladins, and a few rare examples have truly "worked their way up..." Januarius, the Hierophant in charge of the personal protection for the child Emperor, began his journey long ago as a simple Friar, drawn to the faith. From there he took his vows as a Jesuit Monk, then transitioned to Priest, and then to Cleric. In time, Januarius became a Paladin (multi-classing with cleric) and eventually stopped progressing as a paladin to hone his clerical skills. In time, when the moment was right, he became a Hierophant. At present, the mighty Januarius is a 6th level Monk, 8th level Paladin, 20th level Cleric and 6th level Hierophant.

Hierophants wear whatever they like, usually impressive armor and cloaks/overlays displaying their savior's symbol. They are a frightening presence in battle, and their Patron Saint is a matter of personal choice.
THE CARDINAL

This is the Church's earthly leader, and although he is elected from a body of mortal men through a time-honored, complex and very secret process, once he takes his vows he is considered to be Cuthbert's supreme representative, having a direct line to divine guidance. When seated on Saint Peter's Throne (the Cardinal's chair within the Basillica) he is considered infallible in what he says, how he interprets scripture, and the directions he provides for the Church. The Cardinal is the final word on all Church matters... in theory. In reality, he is often at the mercy of his advisors, and sometimes subverted by those with their own, alternate agenda (unless he is a particularly strong and ruthless Cardinal, or is overwhelmingly loved and respected.) About 50% of all Cardinals are Clerics.

Cardinals are chosen by secret vote from the body of 12 Bishops who stand as counselors to the Cardinal. Voting begins almost as soon as a Cardinal passes, and the process can be brief, or last for weeks.
As imagined, in the campaign setting of Shadow Empyre, this is a position of unimaginable power, a person who can in his lifetime alter the course of history, lifting an entire culture into enlightenment, or plunging it into hatred and darkness. Most Florentians consider the Cardinal to be divine and infallible, and obey his directives unquestioningly. He has only to say that a particular endeavor is "Cuthbert's Will," and the faithful will readily give all they have, including their lives, in its pursuit. It is for this reason that tens of thousands of young men and women are streaming towards Hax to play their part in the 5th Holy Crusade.
The Cardinal can be a saint or a sinner, and the Empire has seen extreme examples of both throughout its history;

During the years between PE 265 and IC 300, the Church mounted a campaign of bloodshed and terror against the "Heretics of the Blessed Virgin," a breakaway "cult" in the western lands which followed many (if not most) of the teachings of Cuthbertism, but recognized Cuthbert's Mother as the deity, and Cuthbert just a mortal founder of the Church. Throughout this five and a half centuries, the Holy Inquisition was born and flourished. From IC 20 through IC 118, the title of Cardinal was held by Constantine I, who prolonged his life through the use of powerful magics (and some even say dark alliances.) Prior to being elected supreme ruler of the Church, Constantine was a particularly ruthless Grand Inquisitor, and earned the nickname, "The Barber." As Cardinal he was worse, and the time of his rule was the darkest of a dark period. Untold hundreds of thousands met their fate at the stake, at the axe and upon the rack. No method of torture was too cruel, and mercy was in short supply. Perhaps his most famous moment came one night outside the walls of Torregidor, when Church military forces had successfully stormed and taken the city. When approached by a subordinate who asked for clarification of his orders ("Execute all Heretics") he asked specifically about what should be done with the thousands of captured, non-combatant women and children. "How will we know the faithful from the heretics?" Constantine is said to have waved his hand and stated, "Kill them all. Cuthbert will recognize his own." Although in later years Constantine was judged to be a villain and a monster, official Church doctrine falls short of claiming his election to Cardinal was a mistake... such could not be possible, for Cuthbert himself steers the direction and decisions of the electors. No, Constantine's time on St. Peter's throne could only have been Cuthbert's Will, perhaps provided as a trial to test the morality and faith of his worshippers... To this day, Inquisitors look to the memory and life of Constantine as something to be respected and emulated.

In contrast to Constantine was Cardinal Equius IV. Here was a man of great learning and wisdom, humble and pious, filled with compassion and charity. His life prior to the office of the Cardinal was one of missions and building, care for the weak and the afflicted, and an unfailing obedience to Cuthbert's principles. It was he who, upon taking this highest of offices, put a stop to the persecution of "Blessed Virgin Heretics," effectively disbanded the Inquisition and scattered their clergy (or forced them into monastic lives) and recognized the Blessed Virgin as an independent faith, beginning the healing process. Equius survived six assassination attempts during his twenty-three years as Cardinal, and made tremendous inroads in purging the Church of evil and corruption. The Inquisition was not gone, but it had been diminished, and eliminated (for a while) as a force of any real power. Equius IV was canonized by later Cardinals, and is considered one of the greatest Cardinals to ever sit upon St. Peter's Throne.