Characters who are short of money may spend one or more weeks working to raise some cash, although such activity is looked down upon. Each week of work earns the character 2d6 cr and loses him 1 SP. The seriously ill may not work. Orders may state what kind of work is being sought, but the GM determines what was actually done. One seeking exceptionally appropriate employment may have the 1 SP loss refunded by the GM.

Another option for the hard up is to announce in the press that they are available for errands, in the hope that a PC may use his services, or that an NPC might offer some task (perhaps of dubious legality).

Stealing from other PCs is a weekly activity which entails considerable risk. One die is rolled: a 1 or 2 transfers 10% of the target's wealth to the thief (up to a maximum of 500 crowns); a 3 or 4 gives no opportunity to steal that week; a 5 or 6 means the thief is caught. A thief that is caught spends the remainder of the month in gaol and will be tried on a 4+ by an NPC CPS at the start of the next month. A PC CPS chooses whether to take the matter to a trial. Stealing is a minor offence. When the thief is freed the original target of the stealing attempt has cause with the thief, though loses nothing if he declines to duel him. In this case he would not stand trial if he killed the thief in the duel, even if he refused his surrender.

Attending church is a weekly action (Cost is SL in crowns for donation, 1 SP gained). Mistresses can be taken and have their collection money paid (unless wealthy). Church attendees have no cause for duels with other people who are also attending church.

To become a member of the clergy a character must first find a Canon to sponsor them into the order they wish to join. They must then be accepted as a student of theology (SoT) to that order. The student must then attend the seminary based at the University of Paris and complete a course of study consisting of 10 weeks leading to ordination.

Before a character may attempt to join the seminary as a student, he must find a Canon to sponsor their application and act as Mentor. A NPC Canon will sponsor a character on a 3+ on one die and may be influenced. A player character (PC) Canon may make whatever decision he wishes, even refusing to sponsor another character as a student. Each month one attempt to find a sponsor may be made pre monthly. Additional attempts may be ordered as weekly actions and may be combined with attending church. However sponsorship in either case will begin the following month in the Pre monthly phase since that is when applications to orders are processed. If the sponsor is a PC both he and the character seeking sponsorship must order it at the same time of the month. (Either pre monthly or in the same week).

Once a Canon agrees to sponsor a character, he may also decide to withdraw that sponsorship at any time (7+ on one die and can be influenced.) This can occur even after a character has been accepted as an SoT into that order. If this happens the student will need to find another Canon of that same order for sponsorship before ordination. The SoT must continue to study and retains any accumulated weeks of study as long as they continue to study at least one week every month. However if they do not have a sponsor when they finish their 10 weeks of study they cannot be ordained and must continue at least one week of study a month until they find an appropriate Canon for sponsorship.

A character may try once a month to be accepted as an SoT in a particular order until successful as a pre monthly action. The chance of being accepted as a SoT of a particular order is based on SL. However for each additional Canon of that order willing to sponsor the character grants a +1 to the die roll. When applying for the order the SoT must select one of the Canons willing to sponsor him to be his official sponsor and mentor. This is the Canon the student will first serve under when ordained (in the Canon's diocese). Students have none of the restrictions of priesthood, and may remain in the military. The only requirement they have is to spend at least one week of the month in religious study (at no cost) in the seminary unless at the front, in gaol, or on expedition. SoT status is lost along with any accumulated weeks of study if this is not maintained. This does not apply to the month in which the SoT status is first gained. A SoT normally gains 1 SP a week for any weeks spent in study (this may be modified by the order in which the SoT is accepted). A SoT may choose to spend the entire month studying at the seminary. If they do they is counts as 5 weeks of study and they do not require FC for that month as they are considered to be devoted to their holy studies. They are still required to pay all support costs and are subject to SP and SL changes.

Once 10 weeks of study have been amassed, the SoT may be ordained. If he is a member of the military he must resign. One may delay ordination indefinitely for whatever reason they choose. However, if ordination is delayed (by choice or by circumstance), they must continue to study at least 1 week each month. Any month that they miss causes them to lose 1/2 of their accumulated weeks of study and this can seriously delay ordination. This penalty does not apply if the character is at the front, on expedition, or in gaol.

Ordination is a week long activity and requires both the sponsoring Canon, and a Bishop or Archbishop of the proper order to facilitate the confirmation. A NPC Bishop or Archbishop will agree to confirm the ordination on a 4+ on 1d6. A PC Bishop or Archbishop may make whatever decision they wish including refusing to confirm the ordination. Seeking and agreeing to facilitate the ordination requires a week and must be ordered by both parties in the same week. A SoT may begin looking for a Bishop or Archbishop once he has accumulated 8 weeks of study.

The sponsoring Canon is still required to assist in the ordination even if he has moved on to a higher position. If the Canon has moved on the Bishop or Archbishop, a second Bishop or Archbishop is still required. If at the time of the ordination, there is not Bishop or Archbishop of the proper order then the ordination may only proceed if the Cardinal steps in to perform the confirmation. (A NPC Cardinal will do so if asked by a Canon on a 6+, on a 5+ if asked by a Bishop, or on a 4+ if asked by an Archbishop, this may be influenced) this must be requested by the original sponsoring Canon. All three parties must order the ordination during the same week (The Canon, Bishop or Archbishop, and the Character). Note: Petitioning the Cardinal to perform the ordination is a weekly action by the sponsor and may be attempted once each month.

The SoT may invite a number of characters up to his SL to the ordination. If any attend they receive 2 SP (No donation is required) and the newly ordained priest gains 1 SP per PC in attendance. A character may only attend an ordination if invited. And must be ordered as a weekly action in the correct week.

Once a SoT graduates he is ordained into the Order of the Church chosen when he became a student. There are 5 orders within the catholic church in France. The Jesuits, Jansenists, Franciscans, Benedictines, and Dominicans.

The Jesuits are devotees of the Pope and have a large following. They seek to modernize the faith through liberalization, but are seen by some as tools of the King of Spain. They do gain a +1 modifier to attain the ranks of Bishop, Archbishop, and Cardinal. They also gain a +1 to become inquisitor of France.

The Dominicans only accept members of noble families or those who have earned titles into their ranks. A minimum SL of 7 is also required. Most (but not all) members of this order relish the finer things in life and hold little regard for studies. Dominicans receive no SP for studying as a SoT (though they are still required to study). Dominicans gain a bonus of +1 on the die roll whenever applying for an appointment which a noble could also be appointed and for applying to be the Royal or the King's confessor.

The Benedictines are the largest order. They are very pious and known for their knowledge and devotion. While they do not have the social climbing advantages of other orders, they are entirely capable of reaching the most prestigious positions in the church. Benedictine SoTs receive 2 SP per week in which they spend studying. This means that they can amass 10 SP for studying at a seminary for all four weeks in a month since it counts as 5 weeks.

The Jansenists are opponents of the Jesuits and are somewhat persecuted for their beliefs in a strict moral doctrine. Their support is primarily in the government and they gain a +1 on rolls to become a minister.

The Franciscans are moderates, seeking to preserve the status quo, and have a large amount of support from the common populace. As such they receive a +1 on the roll for promotion up to the rank of Canon.

Characters can change their order at any time, but there are restrictions. Any character doing so loses 1 SL and is ordained at the rank of priest in his new order. A character cannot change orders a second time. The process of being ordained into the new order requires a weeks time and requires the presence of a Cathedral Canon and Bishop or Archbishop of the desired order. This too can delay ordination if there are not enough members in the order in the right positions. Convincing a Bishop or Archbishop to perform the ordination requires a 3+ on one die and can be influenced.

Members of the clergy may renounce the cloth at any time. However, doing so results in the loss of 2 SL and all clerical privileges, including any lands granted to them by the King (as a result of title attempts). If they held a title before they took the cloth they receive an immediate title attempt upon leaving the church providing they qualify for Chevalier (minimum SL of 6).

Ranks within the church are not confined to certain orders, but are general, and members from all orders are represented in the French Church's hierarchy. Clergy, like military, must go in order of rank for promotions and no rank can be skipped. When applying for an appointment or promotion the character receives a +1 modifier if the superior he is applying to belongs to the same order as the character. Other than this modifier and those stated earlier, orders have no affect on office. Vacancies will arrive as PC's and NPC's advance, die, retire, etc. This allows attempts at advancement to the next higher rank or a lateral move in the same rank to more prestigious area (influence can be used). Clergymen do receive support (pay), status, and influence from their position in the church. In addition to any appointment held.

Rising in ranks within the church has parallels with those in the military. Seniority runs from top to bottom in the structure with PCs having priority over NPC's. Bishops and Archbishops are similar to Generals while the Cardinal is similar to the Field Marshall. However, clergy do not rise in rank like members of the military, but must seek promotion from those superior to them in the church to rise in rank. Promotion must be applied for as a pre monthly action and will be granted subject to the decision of the appropriate office, for which influence may be used. If successful, the priest rises in position and rank and assumes the new diocese and duties. Note: Up to the rank of Abbe the character applies to the Canon who he serves under. For ranks of Canon and above the character must apply to the superior of the position being applied for. This means that after the rank of Abbe is obtained the character is not necessarily applying to his current superior but to the one who rules over the office being applied for. (Cardinals are appointed by the pope). If successful, the priest rises in position and rank and assumes any new diocese and duties. If the clergyman that the character is applying to is a PC, the PC may make whatever choice he desires concerning granting or refusing promotion.

Promotions can only occur one step at a time and a clergyman must serve in his present position for three months before rising in rank. (note: this also applies to a move to a different area but at the same rank). Ordination counts as a promotion. A +1 modifier to the die roll is gained for every 3 SL that the character has above the minimum SL required for that rank. The religious order of the appointee is not overlooked by NPC's. When a SoT receives ordination he begins his service in the Cathedral that is sponsor maintains. If his sponsor has moved to a higher rank he serves under the Canon who replaced his sponsor at that particular Cathedral. This means that since Canons can move and be promoted the character may not be seeking promotion in the lower ranks from the Canon who sponsored him. This could lead to a negative modifier on the dice roll for promotion due to a difference in orders. Lower ranks who apply to the Canon for promotion are Priest and Curate. An Abbe would be applying for the position of Canon and therefore his application would go to a Bishop.

There is only 1 Cardinal, 5 Archbishops, 11 Bishops, and 27 Cathedral Canons. This means there are a limited number of openings at higher ranks in the church. However, there are an unlimited number of openings for Priests, Curates, and Abbes for game purposes. There is also the special rank of Curia. A Curia is a member of the clergy who has attained the rank of Bishop or greater and then decided to retire from the political life of the church to serve in a more advisory manner. A Curia acts in all ways as an Abbe. He may hold appointments according to the rank of Abbe and may teach at the Seminary. If the Curia wishes to rejoin the political arena of the church he must seek appointment as a Cathedral Canon and begin the climbing process again. However, a Curia always has a +1 modifier to die rolls for appointments and rising in rank. A member of the clergy who was defrocked does not become a Curia.

Each month there is a chance of an incumbent senior member of the clergy (Canon or above) dying or retiring. Or the position may become vacant because of a move or promotion. If this does not occur the only way a position will open up is to force the resignation of the incumbent. The limit of available positions creates some stiff competition at higher levels.

The Pope appoints the cardinal when there is a vacancy. The pope may also remove the cardinal if there is a call for his dismissal (7+ on d6). This may be influenced and receives a +1 if the cardinal has been charged with a major crime. The inquisitor may adjust that roll by +1/-1 although a NPC inquisitor will not.

Archbishops and Bishops are appointed by the Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs with the approval of the Pope. The council consists of the King, Cardinal, and the King's confessor. Two of the three must vote yes for the applicant to get the post. If the King's confessor is the one applying then the third vote is cast by the inquisitor. (Of course these votes may be influenced). The Pope may veto the promotion and he will do so on a 6+ (d6), this decision may be influenced.

Technically each member of the clergy of the same rank is equal. However, some Sees (the area to which the clergy is assigned) are more prestigious that others and award additional SP to the clergyman holding that position. As a result, they become more sought after by the members of the clergy, sometimes passing up other opportunities to wait for a more prestigious one. In come cases a member of the clergy will give up one See to take another of higher prestige even though it does not advance them in rank. If they do this, however, they must remain in the new See for at least three months.

When applying to more than one See, orders should indicate the order in which the character wishes to attempt them. This is the order in which they will be checked. Once the character is accepted into a See no further applications will be checked that turn.

Clergy gain the following privileges and have the following restrictions placed upon them.

Clergy do not require female companionship. They may court mistresses, but can be brought up on charges by their superiors to an Ecclesiastic Tribunal

They may not marry.

Clergy may not pursue careers in the military except as chaplains.

Clergy may turn down all challenges to duels without loss of status. Bishops may discipline clergy who duel under their guidance.

Clergy are not normally subject to secular laws. Low crimes are normally dealt with within the Church.

An Ecclesiastic Tribunal determines guilt or innocence and the penance for clergy. While anyone may bring charges up against a member of the clergy, only the Inquisitor or their superiors may bring the charges to the Tribunal for trial. The inquisitor may be prompted to bring charges on a member of the higher clergy, but only by one of their superiors. A NPC inquisitor will bring charges on a 4+ (d6). Bishops may be called to account by Archbishops or the Cardinal. Archbishops are disciplined by the Cardinal. In all cases a NPC Cardinal will do nothing.

Clergy may preach sermons attacking or praising other characters or a stage production once a month. Any character so attacked may lose or gain SP up to the rank of the clergyman. All such attacks or praises must be published in the press.

Clergy may perform marriage ceremonies gaining SP and income based on the SL of the couple.

Clergy may offer sanctuary to characters who are being persecuted or wanted for trial. A character offered sanctuary cannot be arrested, and can stay in sanctuary as long as the clergyman extends his support. However, neither the clergyman nor the character may do anything while he is in sanctuary except rest, write plays or treatises, or study theology as a SoT (If he is accepted).

Clergy may admit themselves or another character to the monastery for the purpose of resting/illness recovery. Orders must state if refuge is being given to a particular person for a given month.

Clergy may not be titled and lose any title (though not the pension) on ordination. If however a straight 6 is rolled when there would normally be a title attempt, the clergyman is granted estates by the King instead.

Clergy attending church do not have to make a donation, but if they do, gain 1 SP as normal (Default is no donation unless orders state otherwise).

Canons assigned to a Cathedral should spend one week per month attending to matters there. Bishops and Archbishops should attend to their bishoprics one week per month. These duties can be combined with other religious activities (such as attending church, performing services, etc.) Cardinals are free from this implied duty as they are above all the regions and thus if anywhere in France they are seen as performing their duty to the people.

The danger of not performing one's duty in the church is disciplined by one's superior, or the possibility of an increase in HL. Every month that a member of the clergy does not attend his "flock" there is a +2 increase to the die roll for HL rising in the region/city. The clergy are very important to keeping the peace in the country.

Priests must perform two weeks of duty per month, and Curates one week. Other ranks can be paralleled to nobility in the aspect of duty performance. Above Curate no duty is mandatory unless in penance. Since clergy of the rank of Canon or higher "should" attend their diocese, Abbe and Curia have the greatest amount of freedom with no required or "implied" weekly service. These weeks of duty must be within the diocese of Canon that the Priest and Curate serve under.

Clergy may give a sermon as a weekly activity. This sermon can be used to praise or attack another non clergy PC, or denounce a theatre production being staged that month or simply to guide the flock. Orders should briefly state the nature of the praise or criticism being preached. Sermons bring in money to the coffers and donations. Part of the collection is available to the clergy man.

Wedding services gain SP for the clergy performing the ceremony and the groom. SL range determines which options are possible and necessary depending on the grooms SL. A NPC will always perform the ceremony if asked. Half of the cost paid go the clergy performing the ceremony, the rest goes to the church. Guests do not donate to the collection or gain SP for attending church though they may gain SP for attending the wedding.

There are a few appointments open only to certain members of the Clergy (See appointment tables). Clergy are still eligible for certain other appointments and may accompany foreign expeditions as missionaries. Rank requirements for clerical appointments vary. Some appointments require a minimum rank while others require a specific rank. Also, some appointments are appointments that can be held with other appointments and some are not. See tables for requirements and responsibilities.

Clergy can be tried for civil offenses as normal. However, a CoPS who arrests a man of the cloth who is then found not guilty, loses his appointment immediately. Religious offenses are dealt with by an Eccliastic Tribunal consisting of 3 of the accused's superiors selected by the Cardinal. The format of a Tribunal is similar to that of a court-martial, with possible punishments including, a fine to the church, loss of appointment, one or two months confined to the monastery, extra religious duties and so on. One of the possible punishments for clergy is to be sent on a mission. For more information see the justice section.

Clergy may go on missions to do penance for sins or to preach Christianity to the rest of the world. Missionary work can bring rewards both for the career and the purse, as well as making him a notable figure. If a member of the clergy is disgraced for any reason (including debt), he must go on a mission until the disgrace is redeemed.

When going on a mission the clergy is sent to one of the destinations appropriate for his order. Each has chances for death, mentions is dispatches to the King, Cardinal, and Pope, and financial reward. Only certain demonstrations are available to each of the religious orders. The Archbishop within who's diocese a member of the clergy has his See will agree to send a member of the clergy wishing to undertake a mission on a 5+ (d6).If the character is below the rank of Canon any Archbishop can make this decision. The Archbishop agreeing to the mission also selects the destination. If an Archbishop is seeking an mission these decisions are made by the Cardinal who will do so on a 6+ (d6). Clergy must stay on the mission for at least the number of months given under the minimum time on the tables. Rolls for Death, MID, and Loot are made once per mission. Clergy gain a title attempt for MIDs gained on missions, as do soldiers. Clergy who fall into disgrace by being caught poltrooning must remain on the mission until they receive a MID. They may not apply for any promotions until they redeem themselves.

A character on a Mission may perform 1 weekly action per month. This should be listed in the Misc. Premonthy order box. Not in the weekly orders. This action may be any action which could reasonably be done, i.e. practicing, writeing, str training. A character may NOT take out, or make loans or cash gifts while on Mission.

The clergy have substantial influence in public opinion in the Regions. Any clergy may use his position to preach to the populace during a given week. The clergy must specify where they will preach and what he will be preaching. Preaching in the provinces does count as a priest's or curate's week of service. This may coincide with service within their Canon's Diocese.

Preaching can have one of two affects. The clergy can attempt to justify the State's actions and preach acts of responsibility and humility. If this is done, the hostilities in an area of rebellion may be lowered. For every 4 ranks of clergy (or portion thereof) preaching the same message, 2d6 are rolled. A roll of 8-11 indicates that the message is accepted, and the roll for HL in that area gains a -1 modifier. On a roll of 12 the message is particularly heartfelt and the modifier is -2. For each successful roll, a MID is granted and these are distributed amongst the clergy present in order of rank. Any ties will be broken randomly.

The clergy can also attack the City or Provincial Governor, by preaching a message that he is unfit for the post, or whipping up religious hysteria (Which must be specified). 2d6 are rolled for every 4 ranks of (or portion thereof) of clergy as above. This time a roll of 8-11 indicates a +1 modifier to the HL roll. A roll of 12 makes the modifier a +2.

In either case, on a roll of 2, the priest is laughed out of the region and they lost 1d6 SP per month until they go on a mission abroad.