Preach (sage ability)

Preach is an amateur-status sage ability in the studies of Faith and Piety, allowing the character to deliver a sermon that compels an audience of believers to embrace the moral truth of what they wish to express. The audience must be within 60 feet of the speaker or gathered in an acoustically efficient temple. For four hours following the sermon, those affected will willingly act in accordance with the preacher's guidance, provided the actions align with their faith and moral understanding.

The message conveyed must align with the established texts and writ of the faith; the preacher cannot impose personal interpretations or fabricate teachings. For four hours following the sermon, those affected will willingly act in accordance with the guidance given, provided it does not conflict with their faith's core principles. This ability can serve as a means of preventing violence or rebellion, enforcing religious observances or encouraging acts of kindness and cooperation within the community.

Any individual person cannot be preached to more than one time per day.

Gaining Attention

Once the character begins to speak, all those of the same religion, within 60 feet, must roll against the preacher's charisma. Those who roll equal to or under will stop what they are doing and listen. The sermon itself requires approximately five minutes, after which those affected will respond to the message given.

A simple request — such as asking the congregation to follow the preacher to another location — will be met with willing compliance. Acknowledging benign requests from a preacher is a fundamental part of religious respect, reinforcing the authority of faith leaders. This allows a preacher to guide followers toward regular attendance at a temple or church of their own establishment.

If those spoken to are currently engaged in an act of violence, a -4 modifier is applied to the check against the preacher's charisma. However, those who succeed will immediately cease their actions and attend to the preacher's directive. This can be a powerful tool for disrupting aggression and potentially undermining the momentum of a violent mob.

In a military or self-defense context, a preacher might use this ability to prevent faithful soldiers from fleeing, reminding them of the divine cause they fight for. This could help rally a group before it begins or ensure that a last stand holds firm.

Almsgiving

Individuals may be asked to participate in a just cause, provided the action benefits more than just the preacher. This may include building fortifications in preparation for an imminent threat, cleaning or restoring an area, caring for the injured or unwell, or engaging in other acts of charity that serve the community. The preacher may also direct followers to distribute food to the poor, bury the dead with proper rites, protect vulnerable individuals or maintain places of worship by sweeping floors, repairing damage or preparing for ceremonies.

Other efforts could include digging irrigation channels to improve farmland, helping a caravan unload goods or guarding a location if the threat is justified by religious principles. The preacher may also guide followers to settle disputes peacefully or lead them in communal fasting, prayer or ritual observance in times of crisis.

If alms are requested, individuals may donate up to one-tenth of their present wealth on-hand, but no more; their greater wealth, not present, is not considered in this amount. The offering may take the form of coin, goods or services, but individuals cannot be coerced beyond what's deemed appropriate by doctrine.