St. Cuthbert (of the Cudgel) [Intermediate Power]:

The Church of St. Cuthbert is of major importance in the Flanaess, with more converts to it every day, despite the zealous and stern nature of many of its priests.

St. Cuthbert is a Power of dedication, zeal, and devotion to the causes of law (primarily) and good (secondarily). Common sense, truth, and forthrightness are his watchwords. He opposes chaos and evil sternly, with no backsliding or compromise permitted. This is a stern Power who, with his priests, sees matters in black and white terms. For many folk living with the threat of Iuz to the north, this is a very credible world view. The great enmity between Iuz and St. Cuthbert adds to his popular appeal. St. Cuthbert's priests are also determined rivals of the priests of Pholtus.

St. Cuthbert appears as a red-faced, barrel-chested man of nondescript appearance, even looking like a simple yokel at times. He is famous for wearing a crumpled hat and a starburst of rubies set in a platinum brooch.

St. Cuthbert's Priests:

Priests of St. Cuthbert are stout, stern folk who take no nonsense and speak their minds plainly. It's not that they won't suffer fools gladly - they won't suffer them at all. Honesty and common sense are more prized than book learning and arcane knowledge. The faith is very practical, with attention to detail of everyday life and the concerns of common people. Since the war, military training and fitness are mandatory, much to the discomfiture of the more rotund members of the priesthood.

There are three orders of the priesthood: the Chapeaux, who wear crumpled hats and are zealots who seek converts to the faith; the Stars, who wear a form of the Power's chest medallion and seek to retain doctrinal purity among the faithful; and the Billers, the most numerous, who use a cudgel as a holy symbol and serve as ministers to and protectors of the faithful.

Services in honor of St. Cuthbert are often conducted in the small, wayside shrines and humble chapels he favors. Singing, prayer, recitation of edifying moral tales, and sharing of simple food (bread, milk, and gruel) are common.