Editing FANGS: Appendix D - Priest (section)

==Alvatia Priest Magic ==

Any RPG magic system fundementally depends on the world view that the GM has in mind. This section covers how Priest magic works in the world of "Alvatia". 

===Religious Background ===

The general "background" religion for Alvatia is the Hierarchy of Saints. An essentially pantheistic religion, the Hierarchy has no acknowledged central organization (although some saints' churches might wish otherwise). There are powerful Saints, worshipped by many inhabitants; and there are minor saints, whose followers are members of a small region or particular profession. 

Among the peasants, there is much ancient custom, belief and lore which comes close to being a separate religion. 

===Presences of Alvatia ===

'''Saints''' -- Most Priests in Alvatia are followers of churches dedicated to various saints. In particular, St. Carmund, St. Eva, St. Rhys are popular. These saints of Alvatia are considered untempled, however, there are many saints that are specific to a particular site and have few followers beyond. 

'''Angels & Archangels''' -- In the past, some great miracles of the saints have resulted in the manifestation of angels or even archangels. Some Priests have claimed that they pray directly to angels, however, knowledge of this practice is unknown. 

'''The High Lord / The All-Father''' -- All of the saints and angels are said to be servants of a higher Presence, sometimes called the High Lord (by more heirarchical churches) or the All-Father (by less heirarchical churches.) However, no priest is dedicated only to the High Lord/All-Father, instead they are dedicated to one of his minions. 

'''The Lady / The All-Mother''' -- Most churches and saints do not speak of the Lord's Lady, or of the All-Mother. Some see the Lady as just the feminine manifestation of the High Lord, others see her as a lesser companion of the High Lord. A few see her as opposed to the masculine powers of the High Lord. In any case, there are no known priestesses dedicated to the Lady, but some minions such as St. Eva are closely associated with her.