Pragmatist
Cleric of the Faith Pragmatic
Pragmatists are clerics of the common folk. They believe that others can easily be shown the true course in life through example and debate. Free to wander far from their temples, they are the most common cleric encountered in Alcirya. They preach tolerance among conflicting religions and gods, and they promote mediation over religious conflict. This is not to say that they cannot fight, nor will they hesitate to do so when confronted with a threat to themselves, their respective faiths, or their people.
Role
Pragmatists are considered the most understanding and even-tempered of clerics. They are usually found on the front line of their particular ethos. Further, the Church of Palanos tends to provide great leeway for the actions and whereabouts of their pragmatic brethren. Long disappearances are not uncommon. And it is not unreasonable for a pragmatist to hold a single position for only a few months before moving on, either to another town or to a life of adventure, while preaching and living up to the tenets of his or her faith. Pragmatists tend to be tolerant of other faiths, and pragmatists from opposing religions or of dissimilar alignments may be found in the same party, bound together by a common goal. The best summary of pragmatist thought is this: “All faiths have good points, and we may learn and make our own faith stronger through interacting with those faiths.” All religions in Alcirya have a pragmatist wing.
Distinctive Appearance
None
Special Benefits
Free lodging and protection within a church or monastery of their own faith. A temple is considered hallowed ground, and only the most anti-ethical characters would think of pursuing a priest into a monastery, even in vengeance.
Special Hindrances
Aside from lacking the benefits of their Ethoist and Moralist brethren, pragmatists have no special hindrances.
Class
Priest
Attribute Requirements
None
Barred Beliefs
No specialty priest is eligible. Otherwise, clerics of the Faith Pragmatic may be of any race that allows priests, of either gender, and of any alignment. The ethos of a particular god, however, tends to determine the alignment of those who follow that god.
Race Requirement
Members of any race may be clerics of the Faith Pragmatic.
Bonus Weapon Proficiencies
None
Required Weapon Proficiencies
None
Recommended Weapon Proficiencies
None
Barred Weapon Proficiencies
None
Bonus Non-Weapon Proficiencies
Recommended Non-Weapon Proficiencies
Endurance, History (Ancient), Healing, Herbalism, History (Local), Reading/Writing, Spellcraft, Genie Lore
Equipment
Clerics of the Faith Pragmatic have no set “uniform” or dress, other than the holy symbols of their respective faiths, which are prominently displayed. They are allowed to wear any type of armor. (Of course, in the field they suffer the same limitations as any other character when heat and heavy armor are at odds.)
Wealth Options
Pragmatists have starting funds of 3d6 x 10 gp. After purchasing initial goods, they must return all remaining funds (except 2 to 3 gp) to their church; else they must distribute them to true believers of the appropriate faith (including PCs who profess sincerely to be true believers, or are willing to convert).
Homeland Terrain
None
Economic System
None