Ferghus Doolyn
Father, Arch Bishop Ferghus Doolyn
A former adventurer and soldier before turning to the cloth, Arch Bishop Ferghus Doolyn leads one of the largest Diocese of the Church of Phoenica. His service in war has crippled his right leg, making it rare for him to stray far from The Cathedral of the Lost. He is well loved by the congregation and the city as a whole, living Phoenica's lessons of love, forgiveness, and compassion.
Physical Description
Body Features
Ferghus' left leg is crippled from his time in the army, a keepsake from a battle that he barely survived. He can get around without his trusty cane, but it provides him some extra comfort and speed in his walking.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
As a young man, Ferghus had been an accomplished, adventuring mercenary that traveled with a motley band of heros. At this young time of his life, he had no real religious ties at this time. When his home country was invaded, Ferghus ran off from the life of an adventurer to serve in the army. His friends, none having ties to their own nations, thought this was a mistake and foresaw that there was a good chance that he would never come back.
While Ferghus' deeds in the war remains a closely guarded secret, but it is understood that in general the war was particularly bloody and gruesome. Having had a severe injury in his leg in battle, he was lucky to be recuperated by a religious order he had not heard of before. The spirit and generosity of these people, inspired by faith, caused Ferghus to re-examine his own life. Leaving both the adventuring and soldiering worlds behind him, he sought a more noble purpose, which eventually lead him to the Cathedral of the Lost, one of the churches of Phoenica, the Goddess of Life, Love, Mercy. His newfound faith was well rewarded as he quickly became a priest.
As a priest, he was able to establish himself as a leader to the people, as well as to other priests and nuns. His warmth and wisdom was well received. His personal mission was to see an outgrowth of charity and care towards others. The orphanage run by the sisterhood that had been struggling for years was finally receiving the support it desperately needed. Now, not only were the boys and girls being fed and clothed, but were being educated to a level that rivaled private tutorship elsewhere in the city. Having such an impact, he was eventually made the leader of the entire Diocese, as Arch Bishop
Sexuality
The Goddess of Love and Life advocates for loving partnerships, but with restraint and decorum. As the foremost leader and amabassador of her faith, Ferghus Doolyn is well aware of the rules and expecations for him and his congregation. That is to say that relationships are permitted, even among the clergy, so long as interactions are consensual and do not lead them or others to be distracted.
Despite this, Ferghus has never expressed any romantic interests, or even commented on appearance of others. Some of the congregation have attempted to court him in the past, all of whom were turned down as respectfully and considerately as possible. This may not have always been the case though. There is a rumor among the few in the city or church who remembered Ferghus as a younger man that he was greatly infatuated with a woman; a paladin from another religious faith. Fergus does regularly meet with a leader of The Watch of The Eternal Flame, but by all appearances, keeps his interactions and relations with her strictly professional and platonic.
Despite this, Ferghus has never expressed any romantic interests, or even commented on appearance of others. Some of the congregation have attempted to court him in the past, all of whom were turned down as respectfully and considerately as possible. This may not have always been the case though. There is a rumor among the few in the city or church who remembered Ferghus as a younger man that he was greatly infatuated with a woman; a paladin from another religious faith. Fergus does regularly meet with a leader of The Watch of The Eternal Flame, but by all appearances, keeps his interactions and relations with her strictly professional and platonic.
Education
Ferghus is well educated since turning to the cloth, and has advocated and even required that for the clergy and the orphans around him.
Beyond reading the holy texts of Phoenica and the prophets, he is a man of letters and perspective. He has read religious documents from other faiths to improve his understanding, and routinely reads books of poetry to improve his compassion and ability to articulate his thoughts.
Beyond reading the holy texts of Phoenica and the prophets, he is a man of letters and perspective. He has read religious documents from other faiths to improve his understanding, and routinely reads books of poetry to improve his compassion and ability to articulate his thoughts.
Failures & Embarrassments
Although his work has been largely successful, there is one aspect that he sees as a personal failure. A tiefling girl named Demetria was brought to the orphanage by unknown benefactors in the middle of the night. Despite Doolyn's best efforts to try and find parents to adopt her, none were ever willing to do so. The girl, now a fully grown and energetic young woman, has since become a Sister within the church as well. Though her committment to the faith warms his heart, he privately wishes that she could have seen or experienced the other opportunities in the world, as he is sure she would have chosen something else had she been given the choice.
Personality Characteristics
Vices & Personality flaws
Although it's been rarely seen, the Arch Bishop has a ferocious side to him. He is normally able to keep an even keel, but when his anger reaches beyond a certain point, it becomes completely unrestrained. He doesn't become violent, but his behavior more closely resembles his years as a soldier, and cannot be reasoned with or spoken to. The only answer he's found to remedy this is quiet time alone in his office, and apologize to anyone he may have wronged.
Personality Quirks
Ferghus is meticulous with his time and schedules. Although he leaves large blocks open to care for the congregation or respond to emergencies, there are regimented parts of his day that cannot be moved or interefered with without great reason. The evenings after sunset are a notorious time to try and interupt him.
Wealth & Financial state
Ferghus has no wealth to his own name. All members of the clergy are sworn to poverty, and the Arch Bishop took that oath solemnly. Though others of high position and rank both within the church and in other faiths are known to have some displays of prominence, he wears the same simple brown robes he did when he first became a priest.
Grateful benefactors have granted him money and gifts over time, all to which he has given to the Church. The few belongings he currently claims ownership to are found in his office, where he also sleeps, but will easily surrender any of them to someone in need, or upon his death.
Grateful benefactors have granted him money and gifts over time, all to which he has given to the Church. The few belongings he currently claims ownership to are found in his office, where he also sleeps, but will easily surrender any of them to someone in need, or upon his death.
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