Clerics and Speciality Priests
by Paul DooleyIn my opinion there are two distinct types of priests on Mystara (plus Druids of course), Pantheonists such as followers of Church of Karameikos, and those with specific Immortal patrons (In AD&D, what with the PO series, it is now possible to make each specialist a unique individual as far as spells allowed, granted powers etc, whilst keeping them sort of balanced). So heres my take on the whole thing.
Generic Cleric (0CP left)
Sphere Access (using POSM lists)
Major: All, Astral, Charm, Combat, Divination, Guardian, Healing,
Necromantic, Protection, Summoning.
Minor: Elemental Earth, Elemental Water.
Abilities: Blunt weapons, Any armour, Turn undead, Followers (as
normal), Lay on hands as paladin, -1 to speed of spellcasting
(min. = 1)
Penalties: -1 spell of each level (before wis bonus, and if total
now <1 then don't get wis bonus at that level)
Speciality Priest (120CP left)
Abilities: Free minor access to spheres of patron eg. Thought =
thought and elemental air, Time = time and water, Energy = fire and
chaos, Matter = earth and law. Major access costs difference minor to
major.
Patrons gift from WotI
Penalties: Must take both Ceremony (patron) and Religion
proficiencies at 1st level.
Have an observance that MUST do once per day else no spells or
abilities.
All else is fluid and entirely up to the GM as they see fit but
heres some I've reworked from the Birthright stuff in Dragon (sorry
cant remember which issue), and elsewhere.
50CP Mage of 1/2 level (round down).
If take both mage WP and NWP (10CP) then can use mage only
items
50CP Thief of 1/2 level (round up). If take both thief WP and NWP
(10CP) then can use thief only magic items
15CP Warrior att/rnd, but only if have warrior thac0, NWP, D10 for
HD, and all weapons. Use warrior items
The above can only be taken if the patron is know to favour such a
class eg. Asterius for thieves
-5CP Cannot use shield. Warriors can take this also