Church of Sheline
The church of Sheline operates out of larger trading towns and cities, with its churches housed in the most affluent districts. Opening their doors at sunset and closing again as the sun rises, they are places where a patron can indulge their senses, with the finest music drifting through the many small private rooms of the typical church, food and narcotics freely available, and many other pleasures of the flesh can be arranged. Amongst this extravagant backdrop, merchants can be found secreted in one of the small chambers striking new deals over some of the finest foods and wines.
Ethics
Trade is built on a foundation of keeping one's word, and acquiring wealth requires that one's word is binding. Deceit, though a route to wealth, leads others to cease dealing with you, requiring violence, which leads to retribution and failure.
The priesthood's word is binding, so it is always trusted. This means they think carefully about the ramifications of what they are being asked to agree to, in much greater detail than one might expect from a priesthood who also seek the ultimates in sensory experiences.
The priesthood's word is binding, so it is always trusted. This means they think carefully about the ramifications of what they are being asked to agree to, in much greater detail than one might expect from a priesthood who also seek the ultimates in sensory experiences.
Priesthood
The priesthood is an odd mix of concierge, Brooker, fixer, and madam. Often silent partners in trade deals, they facilitate. A members position within the church is somewhat fluid, with the influence and network of contacts through which to acquire both wealth and new experiences determining the standing within the church, as the more significant ones wealth and the more unique the experience of the senses, the greater the blessing from Sheline.
Political Influence & Intrigue
The Church of Sheline as an organisation can bring a great deal of political pressure should its members agree to cooperate, as individually, they are involved in all of the most profitable trade deals that have been struck. However, it requires the need to be existential, as without such a threat, they have little to gain through open cooperation.
Individually within their particular town or city, the priesthood could possess significant personal influence through deals and goodwill generated.
Individually within their particular town or city, the priesthood could possess significant personal influence through deals and goodwill generated.
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