Sandpoint Clerisy (SAND-point KLER-uh-see)
An Alliance of Sandpoint Priests
Sandpoint's religious leaders, centered on Sandpoint Cathedral, a pantheistic temple of six deities. The faction's current leader is High Priest Abstalar Zantus.
This is a faction. Reputation will be gained or lost with this faction based on favors and disservices.
Current Reputation Ignored
Structure
The High Priest of Sandpoint, who is also a priest of a particular god but does not serve as priest of that chapel, leads and manages the Sandpoint Clerisy.
Priests of Abadar, Shelyn, Gozreh, Desna, Sarenrae, and Erastil lead their respective chapel within the cathedral.
Acolytes are minor priests, mostly but not exclusively clerics, who serve under the priests.
Laity are not priests but serve the Cathedral. They serve under the Clerisy in general and are assigned to chains of command as is seen fit.
Culture
The atmosphere is one of ecumenical respect. Under Father Zantus especially the emphasis is on supporting and uplifting the other priests, and when edicts or anathemas clash to try and find a reasonable compromise.
Public Agenda
To uplift the spiritual health of Sandpoint, and support all faiths in the town, particularly the six major religions, to work together in harmony for the betterment of all.
Assets
Sandpoint Cathedral, most of the divine casters in town, and the goodwill of the people.
History
The original Sandpoint Clerisy at the town's founding consisted of the patron gods of the four founding families, Abadar, Gozreh, Sarenrae, and Shelyn, as well as Erastil whose worship was popular with the settlers from Magnimar. As a condition of allowing the town's founding, the native Varisians insisted that Desna be included, bringing the total deities to six.
Mythology & Lore
Standard for the faiths involved. The myth that Desna was among the first gods is favored by the Varisians. There is no implied special alliance between the six major Sandpoint gods beyond the relationships known to the world at large, the Clerisy recognizes that those six were chosen for pragmatic and secular reasons.
Divine Origins
When the four founding families united in Magnimar to settle Sandpoint in 4666 AR, they had already decided that each family's patron deity would be recognized in the new settlement. Of the many faiths among most of the original settlers, Erastil was by far the most popular, and those who would become Sandpoint's merchants, farmers, fishers, and laborers insisted on his inclusion. The site chosen, however, was coincidentally also a Varisian holy site to Desna, the favored goddess of the native Varisians of the area. As part of the negotiations with the indigenous peoples that allowed Sandpoint's settlement, Desna was included in the new Sandpoint Clerisy, bringing the total of the gods to six.
Cosmological Views
Standard theories and myths about the creation of the universe and Golarion are predominant. Varisians heavily favor the interpretation that Desna was among the first deities, and responsible for much of creation.
Tenets of Faith
All edicts of the six most popular deities are recognized, as well as general goodwill and peaceful coexistence. The blending of edicts has resulted in the following guidelines for life in Sandpoint:
- Foster trade and wealth, but never at the expense of family, duty, and those in need.
- Build civilization in the frontier, but in a way that does not unnecessarily harm the natural world.
- Follow the law, and seek peace in all things.
- Seek beauty, in both the world around you and in artistic pursuits.
Ethics
In the effort to be welcoming to all non-unholy religions, open-mindedness, peaceful resolution to disputes, and peaceful coexistence are emphasized. While it is not illegal to have a hardline or puritanical faith, the Sandpoint Clerisy frown on such attitudes. Attempts to purge or oppress the faithful are anathema, except in the case of unholy deities (those whose sanctification must be unholy, or can be unholy without a corresponding option for holy) or worship. Grumbling against town leadership is allowed but frowned on, in the belief that such grievances should be handled through peaceful mediation.
Worship
Services for each god are held three times a week, once on Sunday and two other days depending on the god. Worship and expected duties of the faithful are different for each god. The Cathedral is open any time of the day or night for those who seek personal worship, and confession is available for those who need it. Attending services are seen as much as building healthy community in town as necessary worship of deities.
Priesthood
Each deity of the most popular six have one priest to lead the local faithful, all under the supervision of the High Priest of Sandpoint. Each faith is allowed to choose their own priesthood according to their own methods. While the Sandpoint Cathedral is an independent entity with no ties to Magnimar, individual priests are allowed to be part of the larger organization of their faiths if that is required by their faith.
Granted Divine Powers
Each priest gains divine powers from their deity as usual. The greater Sandpoint Clerisy itself grants no special abilities.
Political Influence & Intrigue
Father Abstalar Zantus also sits on the town council. He only has one vote, but it gives a clear ability for the Sandpoint Clerisy to affect town policy, and vice versa.
Sects
Each religion is its own sect: Abadarans, Desnans, Erastilans, Gozrehns, Sarenraeans, and Shelynites
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