The State of Religion
How worship in the metropolis Ptolus fairs between Church of Lothian, other faiths and cultist.
Is worshipping Evil Gods legal in Ptolus?
From Troy Aug 19, 2006
No, unless it is :) That is to say the Empire has not outlawed "evil" gods outright, but they have outlawed a few evil gods specifically. This is an example of "being evil" not being illegal, but most of the people who would detect evil are likely guilty of some other crime under Imperial law. However most citizens of Ptolus think that the Commissar is going too easy on these worshippers of evil and that they should all be banned.
The only god they specifically mention as being illegal is Destor. I would think any God with "Demon" in his title would be illegal, since demon worship is explicitly illegal (or demon "calling" is at any rate). Also Gorgoth-Lol (or Lolth as we know her ;) ) would be effectively illegal cause simply being a Dark Elf is illegal, so I can't see how worship of their God would be otherwise legal.
The rest can be frowned upon, and worshippers certainly get no "religious freedoms" when it comes to practicing their religion, but they are not considered to be illegal.
Can I kill/arrest followers and/or clerics of Evil Gods?
No. Unless it's a Cleric of Destor, Gorgoth-Lol, a Demon-God, or a Chaos cultist.
What are the relationships like between [the other churches of] Lothian and other Gods [Gaen and Hannan]?
From Troy Aug 22, 2006
Lothian is not allied with any of the gods. Don't forget, not too long ago other gods were illegal in the Empire. They work together in some circumstances (sure like disaster relief or charity work or whatever), but philosophically, Lothians believe anybody worshipping another god is on a false path - that has to count as rivals.
How tolerated are they?
from Troy Aug 24, 2006
Depends on who they are being tolerated by.
The worshippers of Lothian in Ptolus are fairly tolerant of other (at least non-Evil) religions, though the church of Lothian has it's more conservative minded and bigotted members, just as any group in society does.
The government is very tolerant of other religions, even questionable or evil religions (as long as they aren't one of the few, and therefore illegal, religions). General populace of Ptolus actually think the Commissar is a bit TOO lenient on evil religions, especially groups that could be potential chaos cults.
The Church officially has little to say of other religions; after a 5 century rule where ALL non-Lothian religions were illegal, the Church is adjusting. They allow that NOT ALL non-Lothian gods are demons, some could be true divine beings, but are just lesser ones to Lothian. They still think Lothian is the true path of course, and sometimes show contempt for these "lesser religions". Of course within the church, there are still members who long for the days of the Edict of Deviltry where priests of any non-Lothian entity (along with any arcane spellcasters) could be imprisonned or killed.
Can I kill/arrest followers and/or clerics of Evil Gods within Ptolus?
From Troy Aug 19, 2006
Again, no, unless it's a Cleric of Destor, Gorgoth-Lol, a Demon-God, or a Chaos cultist.
So, who in the Church can give [Carsten] orders?
From Troy Aug 22, 2006
Anyone other than another itenerant priest, really. Though in practice, probably only High Priests or Curates. Acolytes probably don't go around ordering itenerants unless its really important.
Paul: Given its a "L" structure I'm kinda assuming that there is something very, very similar to a military Chain of Command where there are only a small number of people that I HAVE to obey (lots and lots and lots of people that I'd give a great deal of respect to, wouldn't want to piss off, would strongly consider their words, etc etc etc of course).
Troy: Hmm, yeah, fair enough probably just High Priests or Curates. Though if an Acolyte asks you to do something, you'd best have a good reason to refuse him, unless he's a brand new acolyte with no political clout yet.
How much legal authority do the Priests of Lothian have?
from the .PDF file "Ptolus: The World of Praemal" page 31, "SECULAR AND HOLY EMPIRE"
Since the Church is tied directly to the Imperial government, all official members of the Church hierarchy are also Imperial officials. This not only affords them a special status under the law, but it grants them some measure of authority. A cleric or paladin falls somewhere between an Imperial soldier and an Imperial captain in terms of rank - not unlike the level of most low-ranking Imperial bureaucrats, such as an inspector. A cleric of Lothian can make a request of an Imperial soldier and expect it to be granted. Even private citizens are required by law to carry out the simple, shortterm orders of clerics of Lothian.
Most clerics are careful not to abuse this power, else they be reprimanded by their superiors in the Church hierarchy. And as long as they do not abuse it, the secular Empire does not burden them with onerous Imperial duties and responsibilities to go along with this authority.
Can we buy any Divine scrolls [using Vhord as a courier]?
No. Churches will not deal with familiars, unless the animal is interpreted as an omen or something like that. I'm not sure Est would send Vourd into a Church anyway :)
There are exceptions, but Arcanist's Familiars in Lothian's Church is not a good mix. And maybe prearrangements could be made, but generally speaking Church's only sell to those of "acceptable faiths" so the messenger thing doesn't work.