Clerics and Spell Research

[Jeff]

So, whats the deal here? When a cleric wants to research a spell, what do they do? Is it like mages, where they need a library and related books, or like druids, where they simply need to burn experience and meditate? A little of both? Would it vary depending on the spell wanted and the patron diety (For example, wanting a Thought spell from a God of knowledge versus a Combat spell from a god of battle)?

[David]

I thought there was a post on this but I can't seem to find it.

I worked this out with Ray some time ago. I believe that cleric, druids, shaman, and other divine spell casters would research in a different manner than mages. Yes, there is a case for study and research, but there is an even bigger one for experiential exploration. As a result, it would depend on the tradition.

I'm assuming you're talking about Helga. Okay, not the most literary of traditions, but it'd be reasonable that you might need to do a little bit of research (consult some runes or such). From there, I'd say you pay experience and study some runes. Most of the "gp" cost would actually become an "xp" cost, other than having a basic library.

Make sense?

[Jeff]

Yeah, I was. There are a couple of spells that have been bouncing around in my head that I'll talk to you about on Sunday.

But say it was a priest of Thoth, and they wanted to research a spell from Numbers, or Thought. Would that involve more library/book research, because it is both a more learning-based culture as well as a more mentally-based spell?

[David]

Exact-a-mundo, Jeff! Thoth would TOTALLY be a more cerebrally oriented faith with research and proofs. In general, spells from numbers should also be more arcane-like, given the nature of that sphere. Think obscure religious theory like among the Hebrews or Egyptians or even Rosecrucians or Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons...