Divinate
Devoutly religious, Divinates serve as the military branch of the
Church of Palanos and consider themselves soldiers of their gods. Their religious discipline imbues them with a clear sense of purpose; promoting the principles of their faith is not only morally correct, but a sacred duty.
Role
Divinates were originally responsible for accompanying disciples of the church on religious pilgrimages, fighting off bandits and monsters that lay in wait. In time, church elders decided that all evils were potential threats to their disciples, and sent Divinates into the world to eliminate them. To a Divinate, evil is an affront to his faith; destroying an agent of evil is a holy act.
Divinates were responsible for the building of Templar fortifications, now mostly abandoned, throughout Alcirya. While the loss of these temples is a black mark of the history of the Divinate order, it has not slowed their aggression in dealing with opposition to the Chruch (sadly, more easily found in these times). Diviantes now have taken a greater involvement in the formal military of Xanthios, founding the Knights Xanthic and organizing/training special troop types.
Distinctive Appearance
Symbol: A Divinate proudly displays the symbol of the Church of Palanos on his shield, coat of arms, mount barding, and clothing.
Special Benefits
In addition to the Combat, Divination, Healing, and Protective spheres, a Divinate may also learn spells from one of the following spheres: Charm Sphere, Guardian Sphere, or Sun Sphere. He chooses this sphere at 1st level; once chosen, the extra sphere never changes. The extra sphere has no effect on the number or level of spells he can learn.
If a Divinate chooses to build a stronghold, it must be a accompanied by a monastery or other religious edifice. If the Divinate has faithfully served his church and has never committed a serious ethos violation, the church elders may officially sanction his stronghold, contributing resources and labor to reduce construction costs to half the normal price (the Divinate is still responsible for purchasing or otherwise obtaining the land). Typically, official sanction is not given to a Divinate until he reaches 12th level, so as not to offend the clerics who also seek sanctions for their strongholds.
Special Hindrances
A Divinate must donate 20% of all income to his church. Additionally, his church requires a minimum monthly contribution, usually 1-10 gp (as determined by the DM). Therefore, every month he must donate either 20% of his income or his minimum contribution, whichever is greater. Failure to do so is considered an ethos violation of his tithing stricture.
A Divinate must mediate for one full hour every day to cleanse his spirit, preferably when he rises or just before he goes to sleep. If he is interrupted or distracted for more than two consecutive rounds, he must start over. A Divinate who neglects to meditate cannot cast spells the following day.
Ministration: Church
Though the Divinate becomes a raging avenger when confronting evil, he is otherwise thoughtful and compassionate. He sees himself as an advocate of the common man, a source of solace to the downtrodden and disadvantaged. A Divinate may insist that the party share its treasure with destitute families and impoverished communities. He may offer temporary employment to a pauper too proud to accept charity. He conducts impromptu prayer services in makeshift chapels, and officiates at the christenings and burials of peasants. Though completely devoted to his faith, a Divinate respects all lawful good religions and has little interest in proselytizing.
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