The Diocese of Wessex?

[Jayden Corrona]

Hello all.
I had a few questions about the Church of Wessex.

1. Is the church purely a RP construct, or does it serve some other purpose. (Moral I?m guessing)

2. Does the church cater to specific play styles, healers in particular?

3. What sort of advancement opportunities are there for members of the clergy? Can clergymen serve on the Ducal Court? Can they be granted a fief?

Thanks in advance :D

[Komako the Hawk]

Clergymen forswear all possessions and secular titles. They may not serve on the Ducal Court or own a fief. However, members within the Holy Church can advance within the Church hierarchy.

The Church is an RP construct and a moral construct as you've guessed. We're all obviously lawful good Morganites at heart, and the Holy Church emphasizes and unites us in that respect. It's another one of those "fun" factors you don't find in other clans that's part of our feudalistic structure.

The Holy Church seems to cater more to bloodthirsty, self-righteous and egotistical radicals than compassionate healers, so no, there isn't any "catered" playstyle.

[Baned]

Hell there Jadeen.
I will be happy to answer your questions bout our Church and what we do to server Our Lady of Light, Morgaine.

The first thing you would need to do is take the Friar Exam
http://www.duchyofwessex.org/exams/friar.php

They key to being a clergy member is you will have to renounce all worldly claim.
That means land, trading operations, and of course you cannot be extremely well off.
Being a friar is similar to being a villein of the Duchy, you actually cannot do much but is that not the same with all entry ranks? You would of course tasked to do things a Deacon, Priest, High Priest, Bishop would get you to do.

Your main role in my opinion would be to offer advice and guidance in all things spiritual and other ares that you know about.

Now to answer your questions.

1, Slightly, from what I understand the Clergy will be here to advise and guide and to call out the unfaithful and try to help them along the way of believing. It is not just an RP construct.

2, Not as such, personally I will be a healer but with Darkfall, the skill system is so diverse you could be a highly skilled healer and a master of the blade.

3, Clergy members will not be granted a fief.
This is the current hierarchy of our church (From Bottom to Top)

Archbishop
Bishop (a lord who leads a diocese)
Ordained Priest (must have strong magical and healing powers)
------"High" Priest (includes vicar, rector, parson, abbot, prior, chaplain and provost)
------Pastor (or parish priest, heads a local church)
------Curate (ordained priest assisting a "high" priest)
Deacon (must be taught lore and liturgy, freemen and gentry may enter at this level)
Friar or Sister (villeins and anyone may enter)

As the clergy expands the roles will become more prominent but as you go up the ranks you will gain influence and respect. For you have to show signs of intelligence to get there. The Ducal Court question I am not to sure about but the Bishop, Archbishop might influence at least mildly decisions of state, but that is up to His Grace to listen.

Sorry if I didn't answer everything but if you would like a further chat my aim is JoeKeltic and just pm me if you don't have aim ill tell you something for what you do have!

These are some helpful threads that could save you a lot of question asking.

http://www.duchyofwessex.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1365
http://www.duchyofwessex.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1695
http://www.duchyofwessex.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1381

Please correct me if you other more knowledgeable members know I have stated an inaccuracy.

Farewell Jadeen
Brother Keltic
Friair of The Holy Church of Wessex

[Jayden Corrona]

http://www.duchyofwessex.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1365
http://www.duchyofwessex.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1695
http://www.duchyofwessex.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1381




Ah! Many thanks.
I didn't see this section of the forums.

[Manus Dei]

The Clergy is an RP construct for sure, but it also exists to pool healers and masters of related skills in one place and allow them to easily train each other. This does not mean that there will not be healers that are not part of the Clergy, though.

And yes, while the Clergy may not accept worldly title and personal property, this does not prevent them from serving on the ducal court. A clergyman may also be a chamberlain or clerk for example.

[Baned]

Thank you for clarification on that, Your Grace. I was not sure even though I vaguely remembered Destinova being a clerk aswell is that right?

Oh yes I have decided to drop Middle English, decided you have better things to do then fix up my uneducated stabs at a more formal speech :P

Farewell Your Grace