Status Quo [Partial List]
Oft misquoted list of common quotes [General Academics DC 5]
Status quo roles
- a 'Raven' Inquisitor, is an Authority Figure akin to being a Federal Marshal and Nonpartizan Judge. Though they are linked to the Church Triumphant of the Imperial Pantheon they are NOT priests. Their powers to enforce the Law are an official part of the Covenant of Kings the primary constitutional document of the Central Empire. Though they have succeeded to extend their influence far beyond those borders, in the past.
- a Paladin is a Vessel of the Gods’ Own Wrath. A divine subordinate to lead by example not condemn inaction or flaw. Paladins are rare animals and are not typically considered in the social hierarchy.
- a Ranger is the Long Arm of some private interest willing to brave the wild green to capture those who run from justice. Typically only the nobility can afford to establish barracks of men who know woodlore. All of these men (regardless of favored terrain) are called Woodsguides.
- a Fighters will have learned their craft as Soldiers and like have found honor and glory in war.
- an Akashic Monk is typically a subordinate to a true Authority Figure a Raven. perhaps an adjunct archivist or scholar to the court. But their advice on nearly any subject is valued as they are expected to be quite knowledgeable. Also called a Lawkeeper.
- a Bard role is typical as a Private Investigator for the Academia. Expected to learn about everything as a resource that the state will lean on to expand their knowledge through applied reasoning. Though they are equally expected to know all manner of entertainments, as part of their studies of various cultures.
- a Rogue is only rarely seen as a thief. Most often hailed as an entrepreneur. Behaving like a scoundrel is simply the hallmark of a man who tends to find the spaces between the strictures of society ....and advances himself via this gap. This class easily has the most social freedom of any class.
- Spellcasters of any stripe are not well regarded. But this opinion is often variable depending on the types of magic used. The darker and more incomprehensible forms of magic are the least trusted. Meaning that there are some forms of magic that so closely resemble accepted forms of technology that they are also presumed to be technology. Regardless of any finger waving or incantations which are used in the casting. Bards, Alchemists nor Inquisitors are understood to be Arcanists... but neither are they widely remembered to be a 'spellcasting class'... THIS is definitively Willful Apathy. The common priest cannot cast but THAT isn't widely known (as Inquisitors DO have the ability. Some Bards have sufficient faith and affiliation to consider themselves Pastors and Deacons, and the occasional Hermit will show up as an Adept.). Priests don't dispel the presumption that they MIGHT have divine abilities as that illusion gives them some hints of power... but they'll never NEVER claim that they are AS in control of those blessings as ALL spell casters are, inherently.
- Magic is NOT commonplace. AT ALL. There is no Magic Economy, for either items or castings. Or at least there are no products which a presumed to BE magic.
- The Sisters of Mercy are a commonly known and publicly accepted organization of witches who are capable of casting divine blessing to heal. They are very well accepted AS AN ORGANIZATION...though they may be subject to suspicion if they are alone. Either way, they are HARDLY commonplace. The Sisterhood commands respect and expects tithing to their order BEFORE their services can be claimed. And they get tribute without complaint from those in authority, though their reputation is strained by it. There are places the 'Sisterhood of Mercy' is called the 'Sisterhood of Greed'... though never where it might be overheard.
- Fortune-tellers, Circus Magicians, Jugglers, Acrobats, Animal handlers and Fire tenders...may be spell capable individuals but because their 'magic' can be, and often is, explained by sleight of hand. Most of the magic they perform is often discounted as merely stage magic. These 'Gypsy' performances are SO over the top that the audience will find ways to 'forgive' the casting of magic by disbelief. This can make certain types of illusion spells VERY difficult to cast effectively. Such performers are often not actual Gypsies.
- Zinkalo Gypsies are not feared for being thieves and other more deplorable roles... though neither are they well loved. Even in the common acceptance of stage magic, these 'true' wanderers have a reputation of being 'spooky' or occultists. Certainly, as a group, their culture is much closer to what it is THOUGH magic-user must all look like. [With crystal-ball and Harrow cards wielding fortune tellers, wild animals tamed as pets, and kitchen cauldrons set abubbling.] They... cast the very-image of presumption of warlocks, witches, and wizardry ... at least, more than any other culture will claim. But while gypsies are not hated for presenting this impression on sight ...most Zinkalo don't' feel the need to press their luck.