Parish:
A Geographic area organized in an equal “Three” branches of power to fulfill roles best suited to their skills. Parishes may be in charge of several chapels, cemetaries or temples depending on need.
Priests/Preistesses:
They convene as a Group to decide on who leads as “High Priest(ess)” for each particular Diety in any way fitting for that Diety. Exception: There is no ‘High Priest’ of the Elder Gods. Only one ‘Elder’ is elected from the Quorum of Twelve who represents the Elder Gods on the Council.
The High Priest(ess) may speak any Language, but must have a working knowledge of the new tongue.
A Priest is called “Father”, or “Mother” for a Priestess to denote their Role in the Church.
The High Priest(ess) is called “Reverend Father” (or “Reverend Mother”) to denote their role.
Duties:
The Priest(ess) works among the people, spreading the word of their God(dess), performing works and conducting prayers and rituals. Donations can be made to any priest, who must then give it to the High Priest for use by all.
((Lots of RP))
The High Priest(ess) leads the Parish and handles its treasury. They also recruit and administer a fitting Oath to any new members for their Diety, and notifies the Abbot (Abbess) and Guardian of new members. The High Priest(ess) also serves on the “Quorum of Twelve” (See “Leadership” below) for their Diety with equal voice to the Elder. They may also request their Abbott or Abbess to “stand in” or substitute for them at a “Quorum of Twelve” meeting.
Tithe:
All Donations to Priests through their efforts are to be given to the “High Priest”, who will then submit it to the Elder for the Treasury.
Pay:
Priests are paid based on Merit, works and skill with the public ((RP)) as determined by the Quorum of Twelve.
Monks:
Convene as a Group to elect the “Abbot” or “Abbess” in any way they see fit. Only one Abbott (Abbess) is elected from each group of Monks per Diety. Monks assist the Church with needs such as supplies, crafts, work, or quiet rest.
A Monk is called “Brother” or “Sister” to denote their role in the church.
The Abbot is called “Abbot” or “Abbess” to denote their Role.
Duties:
The Abbott leads his Monks in the performance of their duties and advises the High Priest. They also mediate in disputes between the Priests, Monks, Paladins or all three, like a Judge, whose decision is final. An Abbott is entitled to enlist the aid of the “Guardian” or any Paladin in the enforcement of their decisions.
In the event a High Priest is inactive, disabled, incompetent or otherwise impaired, the Abbott has the power to call for election by the Priests (if any). If there are no Priests, the Abbott will assume the duties of High Priest until a Priest is recruited. May also “Stand in” or substitute for the High Priest if requested by him/her at a “Quorum of Twelve” Meeting.
In the event a “Council” is requested by the “Quorum of Twelve” (See ‘Leadership’ below), then all Monks, no matter their status, convene in a grand meeting as a “Council of Monks” to determine matters by majority vote of those in attendance.
((Meeting must be in morning of weekends – so all players may attend, English and German))
Pay:
Monks are volunteer positions, gaining money by crafting and selling items to the other Parishes or the Public. Church needs are mandatory for the benefit of all and should be given freely as a Tithe (see Paladins), it will be duly appreciated and recognized.
Paladins:
Convene as a Group to elect the “Guardian” in any way they see fit. Only one Guardian is elected from each group of Paladins per Diety.
A Paladin is called “Lord” or “Lady” to denote their Role in the Church.
The Guardian is called “High Lord” or “High Lady” to denote their Role.
Duties:
The Paladins enforce the ‘Will’ of the High Priest, and are assisted to perform their duties by the Monks with whatever they need.
The Guardian leads his/her Paladins in the performance of their duties to their Diety and the Church and advises the High Priest.
Tithe:
Paladins are honor-bound to give their ‘High Priest’ 10% of earnings from battles in Coins or Goods. This is to help the church in it’s mission and help pay other Paladins and Priests. Your donations are duly recognized and appreciated.
In the event a High Priest is inactive, disabled, incompetent or otherwise impaired, the Abbott has the power to call for election by the Priests (if any). If there are no Priests, the Abbott will assume the duties of High Priest until a Priest is recruited. The Guardian is expected to assist the Abbot in enforcing this duty to the Death if necessary. All Guardians are expected to follow the will of the “Elder”, the “Quorum of Twelve” or the “Council of Monks” to the Death if necessary.
Pay:
Paladins are paid based on work, performance and skill. Saving Public from menaces, performing Church Missions and recognition for courage and loyalty are all recognized and paid by the Quorum of Twelve as funds become available.
- Leadership of the Church of Gobaith
Elder:
Leads the “Church of Gobaith” and speaks for the Church as a whole to any outside group. The Elder is the Highest form of Spiritual Leadership in the Church and therefore represents all the Gods and Goddesses in Gobaith, but most especially, as Chairman on the Quorum of "Eleven and Five".
How chosen:
Elders must first be members of the “Quorum” and are nominated by anyone from the Quorum, even themself.
A “Council of Monks” must be convened immediately to vote for the nominees. The Majority Vote decides the next Elder.
The Elder is called “Elder” or "Elder Father" to denote their Role.
Duties:
The Elder leads the church in the performance of its duties. They speak for the church and negotiates treaties and arrangements. They serve as chairman of the “Quorum of Eleven and Five” and vote only in the case of a tie. The Elder may Veto the will of the Quorum. They also direct the High Priests in the performance of their ‘Parish’ duties.
The Elder handles the Treasury of the Church, but only touches it at direction of the Quorum. He must publish a monthly treasury report at each meeting of the Quorum and a Budget of expenses.
An Elder may be substituted as requested by an “High Priest” of his/her Parish just like “High Priests”, but he must communicate all needs and treasury reports to the substitute Elder, so he can perform the Elder’s duties at the meeting.
An Elder serves indefinitely until a new election is called by any member of the Quorum, or Death. Good Elders will stay, Bad ones will go quickly.
In the event an Elder is inactive, disabled, incompetent or otherwise impaired, the Quorum has the Duty to call for an election. If there is no Quorum, the Abbotts (Abbesses) will assume the duties of Quorum until a High Priest is elected by their Parish.
A retired Elder becomes a Priest for their Diety once again. No other Title or Honors need to be given. They may be elected as High Priest and/or Elder again by proper methods.
Pay:
Elders, like Priests, are paid based on Merit, works and skill with the public ((RP)) as determined by the Quorum of Twelve.
Quorum of "Eleven and Five":
Convene as a Group at least once per Dwarven Month, to decide upon Laws, positions and all matters of the Church. They are all ‘High Priests’ or substitutes of their Diety.
No title is necessary. High Priests are already called “Father” or “Mother”.
Duties:
The Quorum as a whole discuss and decide any and all matters concerning the Church, Current Issues or Spirituality. They are overseen by the Elder, who ‘chairs’ or leads the meeting but only votes in case of a tie. He also mediates disputes between individual High Priests or their substitutes.
The Elder may veto any resolution by the Quorum, but the Quorum may counter the Veto with a 2/3 vote.
Any member of the Quorum, at any time, may nominate a new Elder and call for a “Council of Monks” to vote for him/her. The “Council of Monks” has the right to vote for the current Elder or a nominee, and enforced by the Paladins.
Council of Monks:
All Monks, no matter their Diety or position, convene as a Group to elect the “Elder”. They can only elect one of the nominees presented by the Quorum of Twelve, or the current Elder and no other.
They may also be convened by any member of the Quorum to decide major Issues for a vote.
No other duties as a Group.