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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
 Posted - 01 Oct 2006 : 12:01:03
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GothicDan posted this in another thread and it got me wondering
quote:
Originally posted by GothicDan
I actually had my Cleric use the Intensify Sensation spell, Eric.
Of course, said also Cleric ended up Flamestriking himself in a suicidal fit of rage and grief, ending his career.
Anyway, thank you, Eric. ;)
Since clerics are instruments of their deity, and their spells are granted by their deity, it struck me as a little odd that a deity would grant a spell to kill their devout worshipper. I'd like to open this idea up to discussion and see what other peoples thoughts are on the matter
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36910 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2006 : 16:32:58
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Well... There's a couple of ways to justify this.
1) The deity granted the spells without taking the time to examine the cleric. After all, deities may be powerful, but that doesn't mean they're reading the minds of thousands of priests as they're granting spells. In support of this idea, look at how many clerics either turn from their faith, or commit blasphemies, or even start heresies.
2) The priest wasn't suicidal when the spell was granted. It is mentioned that the cleric did it in a "fit of rage and grief" -- so it's likely that it started off like a regular day, but then something happened to push the cleric over the edge. Inadvertently causing the death of a loved one would push someone over the edge like that. |
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Kentinal
Great Reader
4695 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2006 : 18:19:57
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The magic system is load then fire if you have the correct amunition. The deity does not know how the spell will be used or even if it will be used at all. They just issue the amunition. What deity grants on (and at times it might appear an interceding deity grants spells pretending to the true deity) is the peity/loyality of the Cleric. The spells are granted on trust they will be used to expand or defend the faith.
What appears to be described here was an insane moment, but fuller description of event might even prove self sacifice somehow further the goals of the deity (people willing to die for the faith).
IAE if the Cleric survived (or was raised) the next time the Cleric asks for spells is when the deity judges them as to if they have been loyal, true and proper. Even then it is not all knowing deity that provides the spell.
Think of it a little like how a Fighter might equip for a day. A Fighter at higher levels likely owns more weapons then can carry easy. Thus when they plan for the start of day they decide which weapons to carry with them. A Fighter within a Town or city might only wear a dagger leaving his sword in stroge. After all the walls are well guarded and the community is lawful and peaceable.
What the Fight does not know is 10,000 orcs dug a tunnel under the wall and they will attack at dark. Nobody expects this. The Fight will only have the selected weapons to attack with, until/if getting better weapons.
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"Caring for afterwards ...? Ker repeated this without understanding.
"After action, afterwards," the dragon said. "Choose the afterwards first, then the action. Fools choose action first."
"Judgement" copyright 2003 by Elizabeth Moon |
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GothicDan
Master of Realmslore
USA
1103 Posts |
Posted - 02 Oct 2006 : 02:56:15
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My character killed himself in major grief over a lost love - full of passion that had literally pushed him into insanity.
If there's any way for a Cleric of Sharess to go out, I think that would be one of them. While it would have made Sharess sad, I think, she's not the type of goddess to deny such magic to one of her clerics who had served her faithfully for his entire life. :)
And of course, drama. ;) |
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Sanishiver
Senior Scribe
USA
476 Posts |
Posted - 02 Oct 2006 : 05:56:10
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Aren’t there spells in the Book of Exalted Deeds that call for a Cleric to sacrifice himself/herself as part of the casting?
Beyond that I think it’s entirely appropriate for Clerics to pray for such spells in dire situations or in service to some greater goal on behalf of the faith.
Talk about extreme roleplaying!
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Suicidal Clerics
