Monotheism in Epic Fantasy (Just like DF but with culture)

[whswhs]

Originally Posted by jason taylor

I wonder if one can separate the bureaucrat-cleric concept from the prophet concept? The latter would be more likely to have supernatural abilities while the former would be like any other bureaucrat except that he wears a robe.

In GURPS, the former is Clerical Investment. The latter is things like Blessed, Power Investiture, or True Faith.

[jason taylor]

Originally Posted by whswhs

In GURPS, the former is Clerical Investment. The latter is things like Blessed, Power Investiture, or True Faith.

Yeah, that would do it.

[Anders]

Originally Posted by whswhs

In GURPS, the former is Clerical Investment.

Also Religious Rank. And don't forget the skills: Prophets have Public Speaking while priests have Administration.

[Phantasm]

Originally Posted by Anders

Also Religious Rank. And don't forget the skills: Prophets have Public Speaking while priests have Administration.

In many cases the prophets existed outside the church hierarchy, much to the church's chagrin, and in fact were often vocal opponents to the established church, usually calling for reforms (the deity in question picked someone outside the church to tell them they're doing it wrong).

[jason taylor]

Originally Posted by Phantasm

In many cases the prophets existed outside the church hierarchy, much to the church's chagrin, and in fact were often vocal opponents to the established church, usually calling for reforms (the deity in question picked someone outside the church to tell them they're doing it wrong).

That is a common theme. If they get called saints it is often in retrospect. In Belisarius Series for instance they had an Odd Friendship between a hermit and a bishop and it was made clear that it was odd for the later was one of the few the former trusted to be an honest bishop and the former was always sermonizing about hypocrites.

[Phantasm]

Originally Posted by jason taylor

That is a common theme. If they get called saints it is often in retrospect.

Indeed. Those that aren't called saints are often called heretics.

[jason taylor]

Originally Posted by Phantasm

Indeed. Those that aren't called saints are often called heretics.

That is not unknown as well. A few though go by the way each existing in their own niche. Then too some end up founding a new monastic order. The point is that they are a differing breed of cleric and it might be well to write them up differently.