Radical Clerics

Artwork: Portrait of Miguel Hidalgo by Antonio Fabrés, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

September 16th is Mexican Independence Day! On this day in 1810, Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla gave the Grito de Dolores or Cry of Dolores, a stirring speech that sparked revolution. Hidalgo was passionate about giving economic opportunities to the people, some of which conflicted with the Viceroy of Spain. This led to his proclamation of Mexican Independence and march across Mexico raising over 100,000 followers. Though Hidalgo was captured and executed in 1811, his legacy led the country to victory and he is still seen as the Father of Mexico.

In fantasy RPGs, clerics and priests are often portrayed as pious and sometimes pacifistic. Miguel Hidalgo was not that. He was involved with the people, a firebrand, and wartime leader. Consider examples like Hidalgo when you are creating the cleric and priest NPCs.

Here are Five Radical Clerics for you to use.

• Cordelia Demir

  Half-Elf Cleric

  Cordelia's central motivation is to challenge the status quo and revolutionize the way her deity's teachings are interpreted and practiced. She believes that her deity’s true intentions have been obscured over the centuries, and that her faith should be a catalyst for active change, rather than a passive force preaching neutrality. Cordelia's ultimate goal is to inspire a schism within the faith, rallying like-minded individuals to form a new order of revolutionary clerics who will actively combat oppression and restore balance to the world.
  

• Amaryn, the Shadow's Healer

  Elf Cleric
  Amaryn's heart overflows with benevolence, her spirit fueled by her faith and unwavering commitment to her dual roles as both a caretaker and protector. During the day, she radiates kindness and warmth, offering solace and aid to the destitute in the streets. She treats everyone with respect, recognizing their inherent worth, regardless of their circumstances. When night falls, Amaryn taps into her depths of resolve and transforms into a shrewd, shadow-bound vigilante. She strikes fear into the hearts of those who prey on the vulnerable, relentless in her pursuit of justice.
  

• High Priestess Seraphina

  Halfling Cleric/Bard
  Through her charismatic speeches and divine revelations, High Priestess Seraphina founded the Cult of Illumination, a zealous group with an insidious agenda. She preaches that the dominant faith and those in power are corrupt, and that only through devotion to her new deity, the Lightbringer, can salvation be achieved. Seraphina's speeches, filled with compelling rhetoric and awe-inspiring miracles, have captivated the masses, leading to a rapid growth of her following.
  

• Brother Thaddeus, the Mercenary Priest

  Dwarf Cleric
  Brother Thaddeus was once a true and devout priest, devoted to a deity of justice and righteousness. However, a terrible event shattered his faith, leaving him disillusioned and questioning the very nature of divine power. He turned his back on the church and embraced the trickery god, finding solace in the transformative power of irrevocable change.
  

• Elias Thornfield

  Human Cleric
  Born into a prominent family within the expansive Order of Serenity, Elias Thornfield grew up immersed in the traditions of the high church. However, as he reached adulthood, Elias found himself growing disillusioned with the grandiosity and opulence that had become synonymous with his faith. He yearned for a simpler, more authentic connection to his devotion.
  Leaving behind his family's legacy, Elias became a wandering preacher, called to uphold the true essence of the Order of Serenity. Rejecting the ostentatious trappings of the high church, he embraced the practice of quiet service, emphasizing personal connection and selfless acts of kindness. Living a life of voluntary poverty, Elias walks the land, offering solace, guidance, and healing to those in need.