Welcome to Cove

Introduction

For years, the Church's influence has waxed and waned in Cove.  War and crusades thinned the ranks of the Templar Order.  But that which survives is made stronger.  The Church ... hath returned.

OOC:

The Church has been reorganised and will be streamlined, superceding the current system.  The new system will be similar in a lot of ways to the original Church of Cove.  Church Recruitment is now open.  Furthermore, in the coming days there will be information on how non-church characters can get more involved with the Church.  Some points:

*The Avatarian Faith is the only religion recognised or tolerated in Cove.
*Covians are generally Avatar-fearing individuals
*Heretics and enemies of the Church can expect harsh punishment
*The Covian Church has similarities with medieval Christianity but it has many differences also.  The Avatarian Faith is centered around Avatar as the Higher Being and the Virtues.  There is lore available on the Church board, expect more to follow.

Existing members: Due to the recent changes, existing Church members on the roster will be changed to Church Servant until integrated into the new structure.  Feel free to PM or ICQ me with any questions. 

Recruitment: Recruitment is now open.  New recruits to the Church may find themselves briefly ranked as Church Servant until introduced to their duties.  That done, they can join one of the three Orders.

The Church Orders

The Church is made up of three branches. 

The Templars
-The Militant Order of the Church.  They will fight the Church's enemies without mercy and without remorse. 

Templar Preceptor -   

Templar  -

Templí Squire – These are men who have given their life over to fight for Avatar, they are often of noble blood and the ways of fighting is new to them. They work hard to hone their combat skills and study the scriptures often, but also yearn for adventure, they are often also young and idealistic, and truly want to help Cove and it’s people and also truly believe all the enemies they fight and kill are evil folks.  Dutifully reporting all blasphemies they overhear to the Church, they will stand side by side with the Templars as the Church's fury is unleashed.


The Witch Hunters and Inquisition
- If the Templars are the iron fist of the Church, the Witch Hunters are the eyes and ears.  From the woods and moors to the claustrophobic confines of the dungeons, these zealous Avatarians will balk at nothing in their pursuit of heresy.

High Inquisitor -

Inquisitor -

Witch Hunter - Recruited by the Church to scour both the remote glens and bustling streets of the town, the Witch Hunter is ever vigilent for signs of witchcraft and heresy.  Clad in anonymous, travel-stained clothing, the Witch Hunter will not confront the faithless, instead reporting everything to the Church.  But when the mob is roused, the Witch Hunter will stand at the forefront, torch in hand.


The Priesthood
- Having devoted their lives to the service of Avatar, a lifetime of scholarship and preaching awaits.  The teachings of Avatar must be passed on, confessions must be heard and the Guardian denounced.  The Priests may find themselves confronted by the servants of the Guardian, and their faith must be unfaltering. 

Bishop -

Monk -

Acolyte - Disciples have only just embarked on their path to enlightenment, they can read and write, which is more than can be said for most of the Covian masses. Their road however, is a hard one, as they are expected to do many menial chores around the church such as stacking the scriptures, mucking out the stables, and more.

Church Promotion

This will be vastly simpler than the previous system.  In short, completing tasks, attending events and posting reports on the Church board will earn you Church Regard points, similar to the Civilian Shillings.  Acolytes, Templi Squires and Witch Hunters who earn the required Church Regard will be set a Trial of Faith  and upon proving themselves, will be annointed fully into their specific Order as Monk, Templar or Inquisitor, well prepared for the challenges of the Avatarian Faith.

Upon joining the Church a proper introduction will be given on this challenging and rewarding element of Covian life.

Basic Duties

Acolytes/Witch Hunters/Templi Squires:
These Church servants are the eyes and ears.  They do not enforce Church law, they report those breaking it and assist those enforcing it.  A Squire, for example, would not try to arrest a Regular Guardsman.

Modes of Address

Squire:  Friar or Squire

Acolyte: Friar/Sister(female) or Acolyte

Witch Hunter: Witch Hunter by those who know them.  Otherwise, no specific address

Templar: Sir (name) or Father

Monk/Cleric (if female): Father/Sister

Inquisitor: Inquisitor

Templar Preceptor: Lord Preceptor or Father

Bishop: Lord Bishop or Father

High Inquisitor: High Inquisitor

If you've questions, or are a previous Church member or an aspiring member wishing to join, icq me on 97154187 (state who you are) or PM me.