Post by Xxsuperheroxx on Feb 23, 2023 16:38:09 GMT -6
Day-to-Day Acquisition of Cleric Spells
It is well known to all experienced players that clerics, unlike magic-users, have their spells bestowed upon them by their respective deities. By meditation and prayer the clerics receive the specially empowered words which form the various spells possible for them - although as with the spells of magic-users the utterance of any given set of key sounds not only causes the desired spell to take effect, but it likewise wipes the memory of the sounds from the mind of the utterer, as each set of sounds is an energy trigger (see SPELL CASTING) Of utmost importance, then, is the relationship between cleric and deity.
Each cleric must have his or her own deity, so when a new player opts to become a cleric (including a druid), you must inform them as to which deities exist in your campaign milieu and allow the individual to select which one of them he or she will serve. This will not necessarily establish the alignment of the cleric, so at the same time the cleric player character should also state his of her ethos (not necessary to the other players). It is then assumed that prior to becoming a first level cleric, the player character received a course of instruction, served a novitiate, and has thoroughly read and committed to memory the teachings of and prayers to his or her chosen deity, so that the character is dedicated to this deity and is able to perform as a cleric thereof. It is this background which enables the cleric character to use first level spells.
Furthermore, continued service and activity on behalf of the player character's deity empower him of her to use second level spells as well, but thereafter another agency must be called upon.
Cleric spells of third, fourth and fifth level are obtained through the aid of supernatural servants of the cleric's deity. That is, through meditation and prayer, the cleric's needs are understood and the proper spells are given to him or her by the minions of the deity.
Cleric spells of sixth and seventh level are granted by direct communication from the deity itself. There is no intermediary in the case, and the cleric has a direct channel to the deity, from whom he or she receives the special power to cast the given spells of these level.
Lesser clerics, then, draw only upon their education, training, and experience to gain spells, just as higher clerics do when they renew their first and second level spells. In order to gain third, fourth, and fifth level spells, however, higher clerics must reach intermediaries of their respective deities in order to have these powers bestowed upon them from the plane of their deity. When clerics become very great, they must petition their deity personally in order to receive the powerful words which enable the casting of sixth and seventh level cleric spells. It is obvious, therefore, that clerics wishing to use third or higher level spells must be in good standing.
If they have not been faithful to their teachings, followed the aims of their deity, contributed freely to the cause, and otherwise acted according to the tenets of their faith, it becomes unlikely that they will receive intermediary aid unless they make proper atonement and sacrifice. There can be no question that such clerics must be absolutely and exemplary in their activities, expressions, and attitudes if they dare to contact their deity directly!
In the former case, where the unfaithful cleric desires third through fifth level spells, the minion (angles, demi-gods, or whatever) will be likely to require the cleric to spend 2-8 days in prayer, fasting, and contemplation of his or her transgressions, making whatever sacrifices and atonement are necessary thereafter, before freely granting those powers once again. Sacrifice and atonement will probably be left to the discretion of the cleric, and it is possible that the minions of the deity will empower him or her with spells to complete these steps, but the cleric had better do the correct thing, or face the consequences.
In the latter case, where the unfaithful cleric desires spells above the fifth level, the deity is certainly going to be highly displeased and absolute. The deity (you, the DM) will point out all of the transgressions, state a course of action which must be followed to regain good graces, grant the spells which the deity deems are necessary to complete the course (but never in excess of those which the cleric could normally use!(, and pronounce anathema upon the cleric until satisfactory redemption has been made - i.e., the cleric can not again call upon any help from his or her deity, or its minions, until he or she has regained favor through a course prescribed by the deity.
A cleric who, at this or any juncture, changes deities is going to have a difficult time. His or her former deity will mark the cleric. The new deity (and associated minions) will be suspicious. Once a cleric changes deities, he or she must thereafter be absolutely true to the calling, or he or she will be snuffed out by some godlike means. It is 90% unlikely that the cleric's first deity will accept him or her back into the fold after falling away, unless some special redemptive agency is involved. There is no salvation for a thrice-charged cleric; he or she is instantly killed. Any chance of alignment which causes such a deity change is applicable unless the change is involuntary. (see CHANGING ALIGNMENT.)
Note that the above applies to paladins with respect to their clerical spell powers and to t=rangers with respect to their druidic clerical powers.
It is well known to all experienced players that clerics, unlike magic-users, have their spells bestowed upon them by their respective deities. By meditation and prayer the clerics receive the specially empowered words which form the various spells possible for them - although as with the spells of magic-users the utterance of any given set of key sounds not only causes the desired spell to take effect, but it likewise wipes the memory of the sounds from the mind of the utterer, as each set of sounds is an energy trigger (see SPELL CASTING) Of utmost importance, then, is the relationship between cleric and deity.
Each cleric must have his or her own deity, so when a new player opts to become a cleric (including a druid), you must inform them as to which deities exist in your campaign milieu and allow the individual to select which one of them he or she will serve. This will not necessarily establish the alignment of the cleric, so at the same time the cleric player character should also state his of her ethos (not necessary to the other players). It is then assumed that prior to becoming a first level cleric, the player character received a course of instruction, served a novitiate, and has thoroughly read and committed to memory the teachings of and prayers to his or her chosen deity, so that the character is dedicated to this deity and is able to perform as a cleric thereof. It is this background which enables the cleric character to use first level spells.
Furthermore, continued service and activity on behalf of the player character's deity empower him of her to use second level spells as well, but thereafter another agency must be called upon.
Cleric spells of third, fourth and fifth level are obtained through the aid of supernatural servants of the cleric's deity. That is, through meditation and prayer, the cleric's needs are understood and the proper spells are given to him or her by the minions of the deity.
Cleric spells of sixth and seventh level are granted by direct communication from the deity itself. There is no intermediary in the case, and the cleric has a direct channel to the deity, from whom he or she receives the special power to cast the given spells of these level.
Lesser clerics, then, draw only upon their education, training, and experience to gain spells, just as higher clerics do when they renew their first and second level spells. In order to gain third, fourth, and fifth level spells, however, higher clerics must reach intermediaries of their respective deities in order to have these powers bestowed upon them from the plane of their deity. When clerics become very great, they must petition their deity personally in order to receive the powerful words which enable the casting of sixth and seventh level cleric spells. It is obvious, therefore, that clerics wishing to use third or higher level spells must be in good standing.
If they have not been faithful to their teachings, followed the aims of their deity, contributed freely to the cause, and otherwise acted according to the tenets of their faith, it becomes unlikely that they will receive intermediary aid unless they make proper atonement and sacrifice. There can be no question that such clerics must be absolutely and exemplary in their activities, expressions, and attitudes if they dare to contact their deity directly!
In the former case, where the unfaithful cleric desires third through fifth level spells, the minion (angles, demi-gods, or whatever) will be likely to require the cleric to spend 2-8 days in prayer, fasting, and contemplation of his or her transgressions, making whatever sacrifices and atonement are necessary thereafter, before freely granting those powers once again. Sacrifice and atonement will probably be left to the discretion of the cleric, and it is possible that the minions of the deity will empower him or her with spells to complete these steps, but the cleric had better do the correct thing, or face the consequences.
In the latter case, where the unfaithful cleric desires spells above the fifth level, the deity is certainly going to be highly displeased and absolute. The deity (you, the DM) will point out all of the transgressions, state a course of action which must be followed to regain good graces, grant the spells which the deity deems are necessary to complete the course (but never in excess of those which the cleric could normally use!(, and pronounce anathema upon the cleric until satisfactory redemption has been made - i.e., the cleric can not again call upon any help from his or her deity, or its minions, until he or she has regained favor through a course prescribed by the deity.
A cleric who, at this or any juncture, changes deities is going to have a difficult time. His or her former deity will mark the cleric. The new deity (and associated minions) will be suspicious. Once a cleric changes deities, he or she must thereafter be absolutely true to the calling, or he or she will be snuffed out by some godlike means. It is 90% unlikely that the cleric's first deity will accept him or her back into the fold after falling away, unless some special redemptive agency is involved. There is no salvation for a thrice-charged cleric; he or she is instantly killed. Any chance of alignment which causes such a deity change is applicable unless the change is involuntary. (see CHANGING ALIGNMENT.)
Note that the above applies to paladins with respect to their clerical spell powers and to t=rangers with respect to their druidic clerical powers.