Clergy Social Standing and Jobs they can hold
Greetings,
I have spoken with His Grace the Duke. This is the clarification on members of the Clergy. It is a social class, so you CAN hold any other "job" within the Duchy, and go up in rank with them as normally. For example, you could be a Yeomen (Except herald), or serve in the Garrison. If you serve in the Garrison, you would advance as normally, starting as Militiamen, and advancing through the ranks, even as a Knight. If you ever achieve Knighthood, you would be a Church Knight. Often, you may be asked to serve in a position within the court, for example as the Church Advisor, or even other task's or positions. Do remember that any "salary" you draw goes directly to the Church Coffers, and that you may be "withdrawn" from that position if the Church so chooses (Albeit EXTREMELY rare).
So for those looking to become Templar's (or Church Knight), this is the route you must take. The position of Chaplain is usually offered to those of sufficient standing within the Clergy who also serve under the Garrison. This is usually Deacon's and above.
The social class of Clergy does not put you above others, or even an equivalent there-of on other social class. It is entirely separate. Its a wildcard in the sense that you "match" whom-ever you are speaking to. Its not entirely like this, but its easier to think of. Some of our lore experts could elaborate on this a bit more.
Within the Clergy, there is "rankings" as well. Novices and Friars can be seen as our "serfs", Church Knights and Deacons and Priests as our Gentry, Parsons and Bishops and above as our Nobility. Cardinals and above would be considered Church Royalty. These standings do not really translate into their equivalent, but as more a guideline. A Baron addressing a Friar is still addressing someone he must be polite and of similar social standing to him (not above or bellow, thus follow noblesse oblige etiquette and protocol), just as a Pauper would address the same Friar in the same way, as someone of his equal standing. Now of course its hard for people to not go above and beyond in "service" to a Clergymen of higher standing (for example a Parson), but it is that persons duties to remind them that they are no better nor worse than any other man, they are just humble servants of the Radiant Lord.
For which is of accommodations and other services, often these positions come with more "respect" earned. Not necessarily because of the title, but because of how long and what they achieved within the Clergy. While a Novice or Friar may be housed in the minor rooms (or dreadfully, even that stables if nothing is available), a Priest would be expected to have a comfortable bed, good meals and a servant available for his needs. That is not because of his title per say, but just because of how long and what he has achieved. An unknown Priest may very well end up in the stables, and it would not be meant as a disrespect, depending on what he has achieved, and how wealthy his host is.
Either way, keep in mind that we are humble, and do not need luxury that most men crave. We have Soldeus to warm our hearts and body, and to feed our mind. But it would also be insulting to our guest to refuse anything they offer if they have their mind set to it. I would prefer seeing my clergy try to convince their host to put the coins they would spend on their lodging towards better goals like feeding and clothing those in need in their neighborhood.
