Church of St. Cuthbert of the Cudgel
In general, Cuthbert's faith is concentrated amongst rural populations, and combined with the church's reputation for both aggressive conversion-seeking and self-righteousness, there tends to be a bit of a backlash against the faith by city-dwellers. Cuthbertines have a stereotype as preachy, self-righteous, and proudly ignorant in the urban parts of the world, which can be quite a surprise to many Cuthbertines venturing out of their hamlets for the first time, and which reinforces their isolationism.
Tenets of Faith
Scriptures, Holy Books, and Parables
The primary holy book of Saint Cuthbert is a short (usually no more than 30 pages long) instructional text called, simply, Saint Cuthbert and Common Sense: sort of an easy-to-read Cuthbertine bible. It explains the tenets of the Cuthbertine faith - obey the law, be good, and use your common sense - albeit with some slight personal interpretation of the author, and does so with simple language and easy to read letters. It also instructs readers on how to handle problems of faith, such as failing to live up to the Saint's virtues - namely, turn to your community for advice & support whilst also praying to the god for clarity from confusion. Copies of this book are often illustrated, but are done so in a plain fashion, and the book is usually not made too decorative; gilded illuminations and elaborate calligraphy are not in harmony with the Cuthbertine aesthetic. The most iconic book of Cuthbertine teachings, so popular it is practically a secondary bible to them, is Parables of the Wise Fool; a collection of fables in which an uneducated rural man faces common rural problems - agriculture, animal husbandry, crafts, fending off beasts, fighting, etc - and solves them with common sense, often showing up well-meaning but self-important "book smart" individuals in the process. These tales are hugely beloved amongst Cuthbertines; "I may be a fool, but I am a wise fool" is a common Cuthbertine rejoinder to anyone commenting on their reputed lack of smarts. It's telling that the most hated heresy in the Cuthbertine church is a book called Tales of the Vulgar Fool, which features a version of the Wise Fool who uses cunning and common sense to indulge in thievery and lechery; Non-Cuthbertines see these stories as humorous parodies of uptight Cuthbertine homilies, but the church considers it a deep and serious assault on their faith, and the Stars order spends much of its time trying to root out copies of the book and quash heretics who seek to learn from it. The Saint Among Us is a minor holy book that tells Saint Cuthbert's purported origin as a mortal shepherd on a distant world who lived such a simple, blameless, charitable life that he was rewarded by the gods by being brought to Oerth, where he walked the world as a holy man teaching evil the error of its ways, and ultimately ascended to godhood on the strength of his saintliness. The book is mostly a parable, seeking to serve as a guide by example to Cuthbertines. One of the most commonly told Cuthbertine parables is "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" - which, on a D&D world, is sometimes converted into "The Boy Who Cried Orc" instead.Dogma
The words of St. Cuthbert are wise, practical and sensible. Among his followers, the word of the Cudgel is law, and his followers take pains to spread the word so that all may benefit from St. Cuthbert's wisdom. Weakness in faith and acting against the saint's teachings are intolerable, especially in believers. St. Cuthbert exhorts his followers to make increasing efforts to bring unbelievers into the fold. Honesty, truthfulness, practicality, and reasonability are the highest virtues according to St. CuthbertWorship
Temples and Churches
Priests of the Cudgel are often stern folk who speak their minds plainly. They do not suffer fools and disapprove of those who backslide in faith. Many often also hold positions in the local law enforcement establishment. Temples of St. Cuthbert are usually solid and imposing. Their entrances and facades feature quotes attributed to St. Cuthbert, which may be inspirational or threatening.Priesthood
Saint Cuthbert's priesthood is divided into three major orders, each of whom has their own holy symbol from Saint Cuthbert's iconic regalia; the Chapeaux, the Stars, and the Billets.
The Chapeaux, whose symbol is a crumpled hat, seek to convert people into their faith. They are equally divided between lawful good and lawful neutral characters. Paladins of Saint Cuthbert, known as Votaries or Communicants, have an honorary position in the Order of the Chapeaux. Their role is not just to convert others, but to actually fight enemies of the faith.
The Stars, whose symbol is a starburst, seek to enforce doctrinal purity among those already dedicated to the saint. Most are lawful neutral, and they do not shy from using mind-reading magic in order to ensure that even the private thoughts of their flock are pure.
The Billets are the most numerous of Saint Cuthbert's clergy. Most are lawful good, and they seek to minister to and protect the faithful. These are well-beloved by the common folk. Their symbol is a wooden club. The Chapeaux often come into conflict with the Billets, because the former order wants to seek new converts while the latter wants to care for the worshipers they already have
Granted Divine Powers
Saint Cuthbert wields a powerful artifact-weapon, called the Mace of Cuthbert, which he sometimes loans out to worthy mortals.
Type
Religious, Sect
Parent Organization
Subsidiary Organizations
Deities
Divines
Location
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
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