(PR)Guards and Civilians - Working within the Church

[Roland Dagorian]

Involving the Citizenry/Army with the Church

It's been noted that until now there has been little way and little reward for the Guardsmen, citizens (and criminals) of Cove to interact with the Church.  There are penalties for heresy etc but no real carrot.  The following system is aimed at changing that.  From now on, attending Church events, completing tasks for the Church or just submitting reports to the Church will lead to an increased Church Regard of your character.  This will lead to your character gaining rank within the Church.  Guardsmen will also be awarded Duties where applicable, and civilians/thieves will also earn shillings. 

Church Regard

Works the same way as it does in the Church system.  Submitting reports to the Church board or attending Church led hunts/events will earn people Church Regard.  These are simply updated on the person's admin file same way as they do with duties and shillings.  Citizen tasks such as crafting armour for the church will earn shillings as before but will also see them get some Church Regard.  Guards also get credited as they do now i.e Reports and Guardsman Duties.  Civilians submitting reports will get a small sum of shillings as well as Church Regard.  Not a lot of shillings.  The Church tithes money, it's not going to be eager to spend it.  Naturally, the shillings and Regard will depend on the Report and the work involved. 

Regard/Shillings won't be awarded for simply naming someone as a suspected heretic.  A decent report should be submitted.

Same as the Church system, once the Church Regard amount is reached, a Trial is set for the person to get the next rank. 

If you or someone else has submitted a report on the Civilian or In-character board that you feel is appropriate to the Church, write a short note in the Church Message box along with a link to the relevant thread.  The relevant Church Regard will be awarded in that thread.   

The Church Ranks

The Witch Hunters - Exact same as the Church system.  Civilians, criminals and Guards (more suited to the scouts) report on suspected heretics.  If they prove themself as a witch hunter, the Inquisition beckons.

Inquisitor - This fanatic works feverishly to uncover the slightest trace of heresy, having proven themself as a Witch Hunter.  Where they go they whip up mass hysteria, urging people to denounce their neighbour, friends, or even their own family.  During the day the Inquisitor toils away in their profession, diligently keeping an eye out for heretics.  But when the Church calls, the don their black doublet and it is in the twilight hours that the Inquisitor truly works, methodically applying his or her tools until the heretic inevitably confesses.  They always do...

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 their everyday clothes, there is nothing to differentiate the witch hunter from the other Guards or civilians of Cove.  They will quietly observe and report back on those they suspect of heresy.


The Church Guard - With the Templar Order still recovering, the Church has been forced to turn to the Army for assistance.  The Church Guard has been formed, taking in volunteers from among the army's Faithful. 

Templi Guardsman: These Church Guardsmen has proved themselves as faithful and dependable, willing to carry out their Church duties without question or hesitation, clad in the white surcoat and black cloak of the Templi.  These warriors of Avatar are a living example to the Church Guardsmen below them and should lead and mentor them. 

Church Guardsman: At first glance these guards appears to be like every other guard of Cove.  But when the Church calls, they will put aside their sash and kilt and don the white surcoat of the Templi.  Their duties will range from kicking in doors and arresting suspected heretics to venturing deep into the darkest holes of Sosaria in search of Guardian-spawn.  Under the guidance of the Templars, these Guards will demonstrate their steadfast faith time and again in service to Avatar and Cove.


The Church Circle - There is a place in the Church for those wishing to serve but who lack skill in battle.  The Church Circle offers the citizens a place to help the Priesthood run the Church and to ensure the concerns of hardworking Avatarians are heard.  Those who earn the favour of the Church may find themselves gaining influential friends.

Church Elder: Among the most trusted and faithful of Covians, the Elders have the ear of the Bishop himself.  Their concerns become his concerns.  The pious citizens help ensure the Church's grip on Cove is strong and that the people cooperate with the Church.  In exchange, should offices of influence and power become vacant, the Church will assure those in charge that they know the perfect person for the job.

Church Devotee: All are expected to attend Mass and aid the Church, but those who wish to demonstrate their faith more fully will become counted among the Church Devotees.  If they prove committed, in time they may be counted among the Elders of the Church.

Promotion

Same as the Church.  10 Church Regard for attending a Church event, 10 for a report.  If it's a very basic report then 5 Church Regard.  If it's something exceptional, then an additional 5 church Regard can be awarded.  Once 200 Church Regard is earned, they get a Trial and then promotion.  After that there is no need for them to get Church Regard.  Shillings and Guardsmen duties will be awarded as always.

How do I get involved? 

Either speak to a Church member in person, or send a PM/ICQ (97154187).  Once the Church member is satisfied your character is suitable (i.e not a heretic), they will be granted their new Church Rank. 

Note regarding Church uniforms

The Church uniforms such as the surcoats and doublets are only to be worn whilst on official church duty.  Anyone reported wearing these uniforms whilst not on official Church duty will face a harsh penalty.  If in doubt, ask the attending Church member.