Clerics
Clerics are Rare. That should be well understood. Not just any devotee at the temple is given divine powers directly from god. There are certain priests or even lowly acolytes who may be gifted a small taste of divine power but they are uncommon and these abilities are generally given simply as proof that a chapel or temple is properly consecrated by it's deity. Not every temple has a priest of power, of course, in fact the vast majority of them do not.
Clerics, on the other hand, are properly scarce. Only those who are very special, chosen, who have a grand destiny before them are true and proper clerics. These folks are often revered by the common people and given deep reverence and respect- even a measure of celebrity status. Most clerics, if they are intelligent, do not always let on what they are. If they did they would likely be swarmed by people begging them to heal the diseased and injured or to bless them or speak to a god on their behalf. Paladins can often receive the same treatment should they reveal their status as a chosen one.
Healing
Most average people in E'ahna, when ill or injured, do not seek out a priest or divine healer. They seek out the local physician. This person generally uses a mixture of herbalism and basic first aid to help as much as they are able. Death from disease or infection is still very common. If the person is rich or desperate with some savings, and if they are lucky enough to live by an apothecary or particularly well-stocked general store, they may get their hands on a healing potion. The average citizen would not be able to afford the luxury of magical alchemical healing. Healing potions are one of the most often stolen items across most cities and are therefore usually very well guarded- even kept in safes. Many larger apothecaries even keep a security guard on hand. When a loved one is dying, a person can become dangerous and unpredictable and could easily go to extreme lengths for a potion that could save them.
Cathedrals and large temples in big cities will often have a priest or priestess of power at the head of the church, and they may grant healing to their devout, but most often there is an extremely long waiting list and they can only heal so many people per day. They will generally only take cases of long term disease or where death is eminent and many are known for taking bribes which can put people higher up on the list.
Comments