@TheEdVerse If a sect of Bane bad 2 Clerics, one with 12 levels of Cleric but other levels in say Fighter, and a 16th level Cleric with 4 levels in Blackguard, which one would be the leader reporting to a regional leader or Fzoul? How would any conflict w/ the two be resolved?
— Scott Campbell, Consul of Allocation (@MTGPackFoils) March 31, 2019
1)
That depends more on the individual characters of the two clerics (as people, not in game level terms) and their prior position in the church hierarchy and whether they’re personally “in favour” or not, than it does on levels. If “neck-and-neck,” then the one…#Realmslore 2)
…with more levels as a cleric (which is a personal power measure of "holy standing" i.e. status with the deity). So, the most powerful factor is how Fzoul or a regional leader regards a cleric (i.e. "in favour" or not), the second most powerful is their church…#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) March 31, 2019
3)
…rank and real daily influence among the clergy. The third is what they’re like “as people” (personal character). If the two characters are about equal when those three factors are all considered, than the one with more levels as a cleric would take the lead. …#Realmslore 4)
… And as for how conflicts between the two would be resolved, that's a matter for roleplaying. Within the Church of Bane there's a strict hierarchy, but there's so much intrigue, deception and misdirection, and going to the ears of rivals through side-channels…#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) March 31, 2019
5)
…that strict rank is often undermined. Which keeps “pulling rank” from being misused, and so is tolerated by Fzoul, not just by Bane. Please note that this “chaotic” state of affairs is preferred and constantly promoted by Manshoon and various beholders…#Realmslore 6)
…involved with the church. Fzoul is "loudest voice" and "give the orders" leader, but he's so deftly and constantly manipulated by Manshoon and the beholders and even several senior clerics and Zhent mages, that Elminster and others regard him as a puppet leader.#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) March 31, 2019
Wow thank you for the quick response. Oddly enough I (as the 16th level Cleric/4th Blackguard) have been slowly preparing contingency plans in case my rival does try to side step things. We should also be seeing who Fzoul favors soon enough. Keep me posted! ;}
— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) March 31, 2019