Theologians
The Theologians are the spiritual scholars, ritualists, and preservers of divine knowledge within the Church of Hope. They guard the sacred doctrines, interpret Hope’s Purpose, maintain ritual and tradition, and act as living vessels of the Church’s memory. Theologians are not only caretakers of faith but also institutional anchors of orthodoxy—respected, immovable, and often feared.
The Theologians do not shout, nor do they plead. They simply open the book, and in its silence, your fate is already written.
Legal
Qualifications
Entry into the Theologians begins at Hope Academy, where children are selected based on demonstrated aptitude for reading, memorization, and contemplative thought. At age 10, they may take the Academy entrance exam. Most begin their studies by age 12.
To follow the Theologian path:
- A child must be accepted into Hope Academy, with tuition generally paid by the family.
- Scholarships are rare, reserved for truly gifted individuals.
- Upon completion of the general education track, the student must formally declare the Theologian profession and be accepted by a mentor within the Church.
Advanced theological study includes:
- Ritual memorization and recitation of Hope’s Purpose
- History of the Maker’s manifestations
- Studies in purity law and doctrinal evolution
- The rites of sanctification, atonement, and condemnation
- Basic medicinal knowledge, especially as related to spiritual purity
Tiny, unseen gods are rewriting us as they see fit; making us more and less than we once were. Changing us and the world as they move through it.
Payment & Reimbursement
Members of the Theologians do not receive monetary payment in the traditional sense. Instead:
- The Church provides housing, food, clothing, and spiritual tools.
- Higher-ranked Theologians may receive better living quarters and assistants.
- Access to preserved luxuries (books, sacred relics, TL3 tools) is granted by rank and loyalty.
Benefits
- Social Reverence: Theologians are among the most respected members of Camp Hope.
- Spiritual Authority: Their interpretations shape law, medicine, and social norms.
- Access to Archives: They are granted use of the New Medical Library and secret religious texts.
- Influence: Their favor can protect or doom entire families or factions.
Evolution demands that only the most fit survive. They have made us, but it is now up to us to decide who is fit.
Demand
Theologians are a staple, not a luxury. Their presence is required in:
- Temples
- Legal disputes (doctrinal interpretation)
- Ritual purification
- Education (teaching Hope’s Purpose)
Their numbers are controlled to maintain authority, ensuring scarcity without losing functionality.
The Cure is the only way that we can reclaim all that we once had. Finding the Cure is finding our humanity.
-Hope's Purpose
Purpose
- Preserve and interpret doctrine
- Lead sacred rites and ceremonies
- Train future priests and Hopefuls
- Advise the Church on theological issues and political matters
- Define purity, corruption, and spiritual worthiness
Naming a thing is knowing a thing. Calling upon the true name allows you the power to command a thing. Thus, the Maker changes with world with the knowledge of how all things work. Unfolding us at our very core.
-Hope's Purpose
Will the living dead inheret the earth and mindlessly shamble over the ruins of everything that once made us great without ever understanding what it is that's at their feet?
Social Status
Theologians hold high status, especially as they rise in rank. They are:
- Respected by the faithful
- Feared by the impure
- Occasionally resented by other factions due to their influence over law, healing, and public morality
Demographics
Rough estimate:
- ~2% of Camp Hope’s population are formally ordained Theologians
- Another 3–5% are in training or auxiliary roles (Students of Faith, ritual assistants, scribes)
History
Before the Fall, theologians were fringe academics. After the world ended, the Church of Hope emerged from a fusion of spiritual panic and survival ideology. Theologians codified the Doctrine of the Pure Form and became custodians of moral law. Over time, they consolidated power through ritual, alliance with The Doctors, and access to preserved knowledge.
Originally more mystical, they became increasingly institutional, merging spiritual purity with socio-political control.
Always unseen and hidden. It is unknowable. Reshaping the world as it sees fit.
-Hope's Purpose
Will the Others rise above using their mishapen bodies to call upon the river to wash us away?
Tools
- Ceremonial robes with layered sigils of purity
- A copy of the book Hope’s Purpose
- Anointing tools (scented oils, carved bone instruments)
- Chalk or ash for ritual circles and sigils
- TL2 medical tools for rites of physical cleansing
- Prayer beads, worn visibly to signal devotion
Materials
- Ink and parchment for copying scripture
- Holy water or antiseptic substitutes
- Symbolic candles or blessed oils
- Ritual food (e.g., sacramental grain, dried herbs)
- Purity cloths used in anointment and examination
Will the original human somehow prove to the makers that we are still deserving of this place?
Workplace
Most Theologians work in chapels, temples, or designated ritual chambers. These spaces are:
- Dimly lit, often scented with smoke or medicinal herbs
- Decorated with lotus, butterfly and gold iconography
- Lined with shelves of bound doctrine and relics
- Equipped with a ceremonial altar, teaching lectern, and ritual basin
- Sounds include chanting, the scratching of quills, and murmured prayers
"Hope is a waking dream.” — Aristotle
Provided Services
- Teaching scripture to children and adults
- Officiating weddings, funerals, and dedications
- Performing purification or condemnation rites
- Declaring individuals spiritually unclean or worthy
- Leading meditative rituals and holiday observances
Hope is not a mercy—it is a measure. It does not lift the unworthy; it reveals them.
— Attributed to Gloria Dina Averill, Daughter of the Prophet
Will our creations take up the world we are forced to leave behind?
Hazards
- Theological burnout from constant doctrinal purity tests
- Psychological stress from deciding the spiritual fate of Others
- Targeted violence from the Solstice Syndicate or rogue Awakened
- Exposure to contagion during rites for infected or impure individuals
- Internal Church politics and doctrinal purges
Legality
The profession is fully legal and state-recognized in Camp Hope. In fact, its teachings inform law and governance. However:
- Unauthorized practice (e.g., unsanctioned rituals or rewritten doctrine) is considered heresy.
- Outside Camp Hope, particularly among outlaw zones or Awakened enclaves, Theologians are sometimes considered threats, indoctrinators, or oppressors.
Rank and Renown
Rank 1: Student of Faith
- Prerequisite: Renown 1 with the Church of Hope.
As part of education and training, students of the faith work under supervision. They are expected to perform service for both the church and the camp as a whole. This usually means volunteering to complete work that others would generally not want to perform. Students of the faith study and work to memorize the scripture within Hope's Purpose. They also provide assistance to the Priests and Priestesses. In this way, they learn what that role involves. As they progress through their education, they are given tasks by the Priests and Preistesses who then supervise them while they work.
- You gain access to the Hope Academy and are given a Hope Insignia.
Rank 2: Priest or Priestess
- Prerequisite: Rank 1, Renown 3 with the church, Religion Skill +2 or more.
The priest or priestess is a recent graduate from the Doctorate of Faith program through the Hope Academy who in now work within the church. They are, in general, responsible for maintaining the grounds of the church. They are also responsible for attending to the physical needs of the people. This means organizing charity events to ensure that a member of the church is getting the things that they need. This can be collecting donated items for a member whose house burnt down. It can also mean organizing workers to help an elferly member with tending to their lawn or gathering fire wood.
- You gain access to Church of Hope Building. you gain access to the library within the church that contains scripture and religious writings.
- The church ensures that your needs are met. You can maintain a modest lifestyle.
- You are given a Prayer Ribbons
- You gain one additional contact from either contact table listed under the background section.
Rank 3: High Priest or High Priestess
- Prerequisite: Rank 2, renown 10 with the Church of Hope, Religion Skill +4 or more.
A high priest or priestess is a priest or priestess that has served the church for three or more years and has accepted the calling to enter into a position of leadership within the church. It is their responsibility to organize the charity work being completed by the priests and priestesses. They decide which members of the community need charity and assign that charity task.
- You can call upon 1d4 priests / priestesses to help you in your charity projects or other assignments. Use the Common Person for the priest / priestess: with a +2 to religion. They will not perform tasks outside the camp and will not do anything to put themselves in danger.
- You gain one additional contact from either contact table listed under the background section.
- You are given Ribbon of Faith.
- The church ensures that your needs are met. You can maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Rank 4: Bishop
- Prerequisite: Rank 3, renown 15 with the Church of Hope, Religion Skill +6 or more.
Bishops are resonsible for meeting the spiritual needs of the community. They are responsible for educating the students and performing the religious services. They perform all the rites and cermonies of the church.
- You are strongly connected to your community. You have advantage when rolling charisma based checks with anyone who is a believer in The Maker.
- You gain one additional contact from either contact table listed under the background section.
- The church ensures that your needs are met. You can maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
- You are given a Dual Ribbons of Faith
Rank 5: Elder
- Prerequisite: Rank 4, renown 25 with the Doctors, religion Skill +8 or more, must be human or passing as human, must be 40 years old or more.
In order to become an Elder, a person must be at least 40 years old. This is considered to be the age of wisdom. It is believed that before this age, a person has not gathered enough life expereinces to guide others. Additionally, they believe that the human brain does not fully mature and develop until about 30 years old. Thus, a person needs some life experience with their fully developed brain before they begin to act as a guide for others. Additionally, they must have completed all of the course work and education within the church. This will earn them their Theological Doctorate. This education includes course work in human history, theology and psychology.
- You can call upon 1d4 Bishops to assist you in completing religious tasks. Use the Common Person for the bishop: with a +6 to religion. They will not perform tasks outside the camp and will not do anything to put themselves in danger.
- You can assign 1d4 missionaries to go on a mission. This can be assisting another faction or going on a journey to seek converts. Use the Common Person for the missionaries: with +2 religion skill. They will perform tasks outside camp and will put their lives in danger to complete tasks for the church.
- You gain one additional contact from either contact table listed under the background section.
- The church ensures that your needs are met. You can maintain a wealthy lifestyle.
- You are given a Triad Ribbons of Faith
Rank 6: Reverend Mother or Father
- Prerequisite: Rank 5, renown 50 with the Church of Hope, Religion Skill +10 or more, must be human or passing as human, must be 40 years old or more. Chosen from the ranks of the Elders.
The Reverend Mother / Father is the highest level within the church. They hold the most power and responsibility within the church. They coordinate and direct religious services for the entire camp. They supervise staff and conduct hiring and performance reviews. They train and mentor staff and update and enforce religious policies, which include regulations and religious laws.
In this role, you are advised — and ordered around — by the Board of Hope. You are in regular communication with the board members, who places you in charge of all major faction initiatives. You might be tasked with improving recruitment, developing a plan for dealing with Other or Awakened infiltration, or collaborating with the Bounty Hunters to improve the spread of the faith.
- You gain one additional contact from either contact table listed under the background section.
- The church ensures that your needs are met. You can maintain a aristocratic lifestyle.
- You can call upon 2d4 Bishops to assist you in completing religious tasks. Use the Common Person for the bishop: with a +6 to religion. They will not perform tasks outside the camp and will not do anything to put themselves in danger.
- You can assign 2d4 missionaries to go on a mission. This can be assisting another faction or going on a journey to seek converts. Use the Common Person for the missionaries: with +2 religion skill. They will perform tasks outside camp and will put their lives in danger to complete tasks for the church.
- You are given the Staff of Faith.
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