Introduction

Let those others worry about power and wealth. Your Master said, "What will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life?" He also said, "Strive first for God's reign and God's righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." That is your call and your adventure. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Christian Classes

Fighters, Paladins, Rangers, and Barbarians

Christians may be fighters, paladins, rangers, or guardians, without restriction. But note the presence of a strong non-violent tradition in Christianity, especially before Constantine. It is possible that one or more barbarian societies have been reached by Christian missionaries who won at least a few converts—which could have resulted in their expulsion from the society, which would give them some motivation for adventuring. Similarly, barbarians already adventuring in the Empire could have been converted there, adding to their alienation from their people but giving them more incentive to travel, in mission.

Wizards, Sorcerers, and Druids

Christian characters cannot be wizards or sorcerers; the tradition of Jewish polemic against "sorcery" is still strong. Sorcerers and diviners are seen throughout the tradition as idolaters. Acts tells the story of a slave-girl who had a spirit of divination, but Paul cast the spirit out (Acts 16). Two sorcerers opposed the Christian mission in its earliest days (Acts 8, 13). Druids, like other pagan priests, naturally cannot also be Christians.

Clerics

Christian priests, or miracle-workers, are of course an option for player characters. Christian clerics have access to the domains of Grave, Knowledge, Life, and Light.

Rogues and Bards

Christian rogues and bards are possible if somewhat unlikely. Oral tradition is central to the transmission of the tradition, and if clerics have the knowledge, at least bards can make it interesting! However, Christian bards suffer from the severe limitation of being unable to cast spells.

Christians' Alignment

Christian characters must be good in alignment. Contrary to what many may think, however, they need not be lawful. Certain strong elements in the Christian tradition in this period are anti-establishment and anti-authoritarian (particularly given the very legalistic nature both of Pharisaic Judaism and of Roman society), which would point to a chaotic alignment. What is central to the faith is the respect for life and the happiness of all creatures which is characteristic of good alignment.

Christians and Magic

The magic cast by mages, as mentioned under Character Classes, is considered in the Christian tradition to be demonic in origin, a sign of either idolatry or possession by an evil spirit, or both. Of course, the spells cast by non-Christian priests would fall into the same category. Christian priests have their own miracles (priest spells), however, as described in the "Religion" section of Player Character Classes.

Bibliography

Primary Source Material:

Acts & Pauline Epistles for Christianity

Other Sources:

Fox, Robin Lane. Pagans and Christians.

Hull, John M. Hellenistic Magic and the Synoptic Tradition.

Malherbe, Abraham J. Social Aspects of Early Christianity.

Meeks, Wayne A. The Moral World of the First Christians.

Meeks, Wayne A. The First Urban Christians.

Reicke, Bo. The New Testament Era.

Theissen, Gerd. The Sociology of Early Palestinian Christianity.

Yamauchi, E. New Testament Cities in Western Asia Minor.