Classic Character Classes

Cleric

Cleric

s are a standard playable character class in Dungeons & Dragons. They are versatile figures that have capabilities in both combat and use of divine magic, also known as priests or acolytes. They are intermediaries between the mortal world and the distant planes of the gods. They strive to incorporate the handiwork of their deities.
 

Clerics

can be powerful healers due to the large number of healing and curative magics available to them. Due to their divinely-granted abilities over life of death, they are able to repel or control undead creatures. The ability to repel or control undead is directly tied to their alignment. How that works is that they have specific ‘domains’ that reflect their alignment and the god they serve. For example, a cleric who serves a god of war may have the domain of War, while a cleric who serves a god of healing may have a domain of Life. This means that a good-aligned cleric might be able to heal undead, while an evil-aligned cleric might be able to command them.

Real World Clerics
The term "

Cleric

" refers to a religious official or member of the clergy, often used for figures like priests or imams. While less common than "clergyman" or "clergywoman," it's a suitable choice when discussing Christian or Muslim religious leaders.

Clergy, in general, are formal leaders within established religions. Their roles vary depending on the tradition, but typically involve teaching doctrines and practices, and presiding over rituals.

In canon law, "cleric" can also encompass individuals granted clerical privileges, such as members of religious orders, including monks, nuns, lay brothers, and novices.

Historically, notable examples of clerical orders include:

• Clerics Regular of the Good Jesus: Founded in Ravenna in 1526, but abolished by Pope Innocent X in 1651.
• Barnabites or Clerks Regular of St. Paul: Founded in Milan in 1530.
• The Somaschans or Clerks Regular of St. Majolus: Founded in Somasca in 1532.
• The Jesuits or the Society of Jesus: Founded in Paris in 1534.

 

World of Legends sports its own Pantheon of Deities. Though we would call them priests more often. There are clergies of priests devoted to each Deity found in Isilendor. These include:

• Priest of Tenebria - These priests worship the Night, death and darkness. Some priests of Tenebria earn themselves unique and powerful abilities including Necromancy and Shadowstryding.
• Priest of Helios - Helios priests are more commonly found in the north of Isilendor as he represents the northern sun. His priests can be quite inventive and are well respected by merchants.
• Priest of Solis - Solis priests are not well loved as they take their rules extremely seriously. Solis represents order, perfectionism and purity so it's no surprise that his priests can be quite intense in their practices.
• Priest of Lemuria - As the goddess of the moon, love and healing, priests of Lemuria are well known for running healing temples and officiating weddings. They are usually wearing silvery colours to represent the moon.
• Priest of Asmundis - Asmundis priests have a great respect for nature and the natural order. Priests of Asmundis are hard to differentiate from druids as they carry similar beliefs and practices.
• Priest of Lorelei - Most port towns will have at least one temple devoted to Lorelei since she is the goddess of the sea and stars. Sailors often seek blessings from priests of Lorelei before a long journey, and it is expected that new ships receive blessing for their first voyage.
• Priest of Airi - There are small circles of priests beginning to appear for Airi though they are not well recognised as an official order yet. The air spirit was recently discovered and there is debate over whether they count as a deity or not.

Cleric

s are masters of divine magic, they draw their powers from their faith and the deities they serve. They are skilled healers, able to mend wounds and cure diseases by touch. They can also call upon the divine power to bolster the strength and courage of their allies or to smite their enemies with holy wrath. Clerics are versatile, able to use their magic to protect, attack and support their companions. Their domains grant them access to specialised spells and abilities. This further enhances their capabilities. Whether they are healing the wounded, guiding their allies, or punishing evil, clerics are a vital force in an adventuring party.

For more detailed sources of information, see the following links:
Isilendor Pantheon of Gods
Types of Magic Practitioners
Dungeons & Dragons Wiki: Cleric
DnD Beyond: Cleric
Cleric - DND 5th Edition
Cleric (Dungeons & Dragons) Wikipedia

~ The Mystic, Hecate