Clerics in the World of Altris
In Altris, divine spellcasters do not “cast spells” in the arcane sense. Instead, clerics, priests, and other devout figures pray to their deity, who may choose to grant the effect of the prayer. This distinction is important: divine magic is bestowed, not wielded.
The Nature of Divine Magic
Each deity imposes specific ritual requirements for invoking their power. These may include:
- Sacred chants or invocations
- Prescribed hand movements or gestures
- Offerings or symbolic sacrifices
- Use of a divine focus or relic
(In game terms, these functionally replace the somatic, verbal, or material components of spells, and are typically considered standard across all faiths, though individual clerics may flavor them differently.)
Faith and Consequence
Clerics are granted power only while maintaining the tenets of their faith. Willful disobedience, abandonment of doctrine, or betrayal of the god’s goals can result in:
- Immediate loss of divine spellcasting ability
- Reduced effectiveness of prayers until penance is made
- Exile from the deity’s favor, requiring divine atonement
Cosmic Reach and Limitations
A cleric’s power is tied to their deity’s influence within a crystal sphere (or across planes of existence). This leads to several key effects:
- In regions or planes where the deity has no foothold, clerics may be restricted to 3rd-level or lower spells only
- Conversely, in spheres where the deity is widely worshipped, clerics may gain bonus spells, enhanced turning, or domain-based boons
Deities who transcend crystal spheres—such as elder gods or those tied to universal concepts—may maintain full connection to their followers across many worlds.
Types of Clerics
Clerics in Altris vary based on their allegiance, doctrine, and spiritual focus. Below are the major types:
1. Devoted Priests (Specialty Clerics)
These clerics follow a single deity exclusively, embodying their will and spreading their faith. They typically receive the fullest benefits, including access to unique domains or powers. Their role is often evangelistic or militant.
2. Pantheon Clerics
Some clerics pledge themselves to a subset of deities, such as:
- All good-aligned gods
- A regional pantheon (e.g., the Holy Kingdom’s Council of Nine)
- Nature spirits and fertility deities
These clerics still gain divine magic, but their power may be more generalized, and they may not benefit from highly specific domain abilities.
3. Ideological Clerics (Philosophical Devotees)
A rare few follow concepts without a specific deity, such as:
- Justice
- Balance
- The sanctity of life
Without a divine patron, these individuals are usually limited to low-tier spellcasting (if any) and lack the divine channeling ability that true clerics possess.
Other Holy Figures
Shamans
Often tribal or isolated, shamans act as intermediaries between the spirit world and the material plane. Though not always bound to a single deity, many receive visions, power, or signs from mysterious sources, and some may rival high clerics in power.
Wise Men and Holy Women
Respected for their wisdom, lore, or oracles, these figures may not cast spells, but their words are heeded by kings and warlords. Occasionally, their blessings or curses bear true divine weight, especially when unknowingly touched by divine will.
Some scholars debate whether such figures are empowered by forgotten gods, lesser spirits, or the raw will of the world itself.