The Church of Cuthbert is the most widely revered in the Central Flanaess, winning more converts everyday, despite the stern nature of many of its priests. Common sense, truth, law and forthrightness are his watchwords. Chaos and Evil are fiercely opposed, with no backsliding or compromise permitted. Members of this clergy tend to see things as black and white, and this reflected in their practice and doctrine.

Cuthbert is said to have walked the Flanaess long ago-the greatest follower of Rao, God of Peace, Reason and Serenity. Cuthbert completely believed that without truth and wisdom one could never achieve serenity and so set himself upon the path of truth in the service of Rao. Over the years Cuthbert achieved many great things for the Church and, for his dedication and zeal, was elevated to the status of Saint by Rao. Over time, Cuthbert's ideals and worshippers took on a new direction and his Church splintered from Rao's, though the two religions still remain very closely allied.

Cuthbert is usually depicted as a stout, barrel-chested man, with a large dropping white moustache and flowing white hair. Atop his helmet is a crumpled hat. His battle-tested platemail appears dull, but is stout and reliable. A starburst of rubies set in platinum rests on his chest. In his right hand he carries a gnarled Billet, usually of oak or bronzewood. In his left hand is the fabled Mace of Cuthbert, a powerful weapon of lore, and a symbol of his work against Evil. He is alternately seen at times as an unassuming yokel, a brown and green robed wanderer, or as a slight, elderly tinkerer. It is said that he uses these many guises to test the doctrine of his faithful or to win new converts.

Unlike followers of Pholtus in the Theocracy of the Pale, or even those of Heironeous in Furyondy, Cuthbert's faithful are much less concerned with image and more concerned with getting the job done by the most efficient means possible. This fits their honest, practical, stout, and blunt speaking aspects quite well.

This should not be taken that their temples and shrines exhibit no finery. Faithful artisans and the like are not forbidden from offering their craft as a devotion. Likewise, while other things are more appreciated, the church does not refuse gifts from Royales and nobles. Such things are simply most likely to be given over to the Stars for storage and recording against a future in which they might be needed to fund a more practical end. Surrounded by this mortal treasure, some (very) quietly whisper about corruption among the Stars, who do seem aloof, if not superior.

If this clergy is stuck with a stigma as being stern and "zealous", it is likely because of the Stars. The sometimes "Mad Hatters" will swoop in during moments of congregational backsliding and crack the big whip. To inspire those clergy (and others) not to do it again, they are often stern, seemingly unforgiving sorts quite displeased by "airs" of superiority or comfortable priorities.

Priests of Cuthbert are stout, stern folk who take no nonsense and speak their minds plainly. It's not that they won't suffer fools lightly - 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 the detail of everyday life and the concerns of the common people.

The priests follow a hierarchy: Postulant, for those priests still being trained in the calling; Friar, for those not yet beyond the activities within a particular Shrine or Chapel; Father, For heads of smaller Churches or several groups of Shrines; Canon, for chapels of greater import, groups of Churches, or heads of Temples; Bishop, reserved for heads of major Temples, or land holdings of greatest size or import.

This order is responsible for spreading and maintaining the worship of Cuthbert. More specifically, it is they who travel to new lands to convert the natives. The majority of "adventuring priests" are of this order. They are also those who "preach" to the faithful at their assorted "wayside shrines and humble chapels of Cuthbert favors."

Many of these could well be considered "cloistered" priests in as much as their training is not fundamentally martial. There is, however, no reason that a Chapeaux couldn't convert between orders to effect a "minister with a club". These are also notable among the administrators of the organization. Rank within the Order is displayed in the composition of the holy symbol (leafed with copper, silver, gold, or platinum) much like the Stars'. They distinguish themselves by wearing crumpled hats. Bishop Haufren of Verbobonc was among the most renown of the Chapeaux.

The order is charged with maintaining the "Abbeys" for the clergy and also the indoctrination of faithful. They are charged with the protection of the faithful (including all priests) first and edifices/icons second. They are "extensively" trained in the combative arts. This order is also where the greatest number of the non-priestly members of the clergy will be found. Reformed rogues, particularly bards, are not entirely unknown as lay ministers.

The Billets are also the ones who'd care for the sick and injured, "ministering" to them as the Hospitalers would have. Their primary concern is not with doctrine, and they have not taken certain vows as the Chapeaux have, but they are well capable of offering sermons to a scared ministry. The Billets add an overlaid cudgel on their starburst holy symbols.

Trials of the corrupt are conducted and quests, etc, assigned, but this more importantly means dealing with "fiendish influence". Many have not heard extensively of this order because, apart from Iuz's domain and Aerdy, both of which are largely devoid of Cuthbert's faithful, fiends are not terribly extant on the Flanaess. Should such a threat ever present itself, the Stars, with all their arcane knowledge of how fiends work (both overtly and subtly) will start gearing up for major action. Again, they would work closely with the Billets in this respect.

The Stars' duties do not afford them much time for sermons, but they are no less capable of leading a congregation. The Stars would make no distinction by way of their holy symbols. Seeking to maintain a sense of purity, theirs are no different than those of the Chapeaux'.

Over the centuries there have been many loyal and dedicated servants of Cuthbert, but to date only three have found favor in the God's eyes and been elevated to Sainthood within the Church. The Saints of Cuthbert form a holy trinity, and while they are not currently worshipped as separate divine beings, their names are sometimes invoked during prayers dealing with their particular sphere.

St. Ferrante epitomizes the virtue of Dedication. It was Ferrante, as a Corrector of Cuthbert, who traveled far to the east, to the lands that would eventually be called The Great Kingdom of Aerdi, and challenged Hextor to single combat. The reason for the journey and the challenge is unknown, but most scholars believe that Hextor insulted Cuthbert's ideals and destroyed the fledgling temple that the Chapeaux Canoness Eirellis had established. Whatever the reasons, it is known that after a ferocious battle between the Corrector and the God, Hextor was forced to flee the field; and while Cuthbert's faith was never established in the east, the legend of the battle continues to this day. St. Ferrante is the patron of Correctors and the Order of the Stars.

St. Chenrin was at one time a Father in the Order of the Chapeaux. St. Chenrin was single-handedly responsible for establishing more Churches and Shrines and baptizing more converts to the then fledgling religion of Cuthbert than any other member of the priesthood. St. Chenrin's zeal in converting the masses saw his travels take him from the southern tip of the Pomarj t the icy plains of Blackmoor in the north. And while many of St. Chenrin's converts have been lost over the centuries due to shifting political boundaries and wars, it is safe to say that without St. Chenrin's zeal, the Church of Cuthbert would have never gotten off the ground. St. Chenrin is patron of the Order of the Chapeaux.

St. Tramden was the first Bishop of the Church of Cuthbert in the Flanaess. In the early days of the Ascension of St. Cuthbert of Rao to Cuthbert of the Cudgel, the Church of Rao was at odds with the new religion. Many of the priests of Rao saw the stepping of Cuthbert out of Roa's shadow to be a betrayal, and though Rao's priesthood could understand the reasons for the act, emotions ran high and many called for a banning of the new religion. It was Tramden, whose reputation for honesty allowed his voice to be heard, that pledged to Canon Syroon that the new Church would always be true to the ideals of Rao. So moved was Canon Syroon by Tramden's passionate and honest speech that he swore eternal aid and friendship to the fledgling religion. St. Tramden is the patron of the Order of the Billets.

Cuthbert's Correctors are his frontline soldiers of the faith. These warriors are charged with defending the ideals of the Church and leading the battle against evil. The Correctors are officially sworn to the Order of the Stars and must answer to them, but they are sworn to protect and defend all of the orders of the faith and its flock.

There are never more than twelve Correctors of Cuthbert at one time. Why this number is chosen is unknown, but it has been true since the early days of the religion. It is speculated that twelve was the number of Knights under St. Ferrante, but that hypothesis has never been proven or dismissed by Cuthbert and still remains open for interpretation.

The Correctors are scattered throughout the Flanaess and are almost never gathered together. It is rare to see more than two Correctors together and a gathering of three or four would truly be a momentous occasion requiring many offerings and prayers to Cuthbert. This doesn't mean that Correctors are a solitary group, for they do enjoy socializing within the various Churches, it just means that the need for Correctors is so great that they rarely have an opportunity to be around other members of their calling.

A Corrector's life is one of toil, travel and hardship. While they are not forbidden to marry, most Correctors do not have the time for a family and children. The neglecting of a family is strongly frowned upon by the practical, down-to-earth and truthful Cuthbert, and is thus not well appreciated within the hierarchy of the Church. When a Corrector does marry he is usually reassigned to a position within the Order of the Stars, taking a position as a Father or Mother.

While Cuthbert has many large places of worship, wayside shrines and small, rude chapels are usual. His followers are found mainly around the Central Flanaess, around Greyhawk, the Wild coast, Urnst, Veluna, and Verbobonc. A great rivalry exists between those who follow Cuthbert and the followers of Pholtus (of the Blinding Light).

This newly built edifice was raised by the Viscount of Verbobonc in honor of the aid rendered to him by the Archcleric of Veluna in the war against the Temple of Elemental Evil. Because of the plots of Iuz, various demons, and evil elementals, Cuthbert has become actively aware of events in this region. Canoness Y'Dey administers this vigilant church in the name of the Billets. Though a small church by another deities standards, it none the less is more than adequate for the faithful of Cuthbert, who indirectly benefit from the secret assistance of Beory's druidical Order of the Golden Dawn.

Located in one of the wealthiest quarters of the Free City, this is the busiest temple in Greyhawk. Cuthbert boasts more followers than any other deity worshipped in this area. This is surely due to the proactive recruiting of Bishop Eritai Kaan-Ipzirel who proudly administers The Sacred Temple.

Shrewd managing of her politics and resources in the Free City, as well as her dedicated leadership, has resulted in a truly unified presence for a large number faithful priests residing in the Temple. Her assistants, Latmin Doru & Figril Himman admirably handle those tasks which Her Reasonable Holiness cannot address herself.

This administration's work is evident, as The Sacred Temple is orderly, endowed, and beautiful. Taking its cue from the Cathedral in Mitrik, the temple is built of white marble and is topped by a roof of polished copper whose gleam can be blinding on sunny days. Many smaller shrines are spread through the Old City are tended to by the lesser hierarchy of the priesthood.

Toward the back is an entry area called the narthex. Large, ornate oak doors open into a courtyard. Stairs lead up to the Canon's chambers and offices. After morning and evening services, the people can file right into the adjacent main dining hall. Cuthbert's faithful within Castle Hart are mostly Billets, but there is a healthy mixture of the Chapeaux and Stars as well, with numerous lay ministers.

Canon Faris handles much of the administration of the Chapel, while Quill the Almoner and Chaplain Geoffrey, both Fathers in the priesthood, see to the needs of Castle Hart's inhabitants. Sir Gladwell Solan, Supreme Knight Commander of Castle Hart, and his son Eowin, are auxiliary members of the Order of the Billets, while the rogue Sir Rodney Callaman is a respected lay minister, and in charge of castle defenses.

This place of Holy worship overlooks the Lake of Unknown Depths above a rocky plateau several days northeast of the City of Greyhawk. It is a small, modest construction when viewed from outside, but its inner sanctum is endowed with some of the finest metal crafts and wooden carvings and etchings from the devoted artisans of the surrounding areas. Father Anders of the Order of the Chapeaux predominantly tends the Shrine, organizing frequent pilgrimage for healing to the poor and needy.

This shrine is located in the trading town of Pontyrel, at the foot of the mountain peaks that separate the Cairn Hills and the Abbor-alz. A larger church is currently under construction, and will be administered by Bishop Calthan, a notable of the Order of the Stars. However, due to recent humanoid troubles of the area, several Billets have taken up residence here, seeking to check any evils before they've had a chance to mature. These Billets are led by Father Colm, a particularly militant priest originally hailing from the Free City of Greyhawk.

Though Colm is not very popular with his peers, his effectiveness cannot be disputed, and therefore his heavy-handed tactics (even for a priest of Cuthbert!) are tolerated by Bishop Calthan.

The folk of Verbobonc are an independent lot, worshipping a variety of Gods. Of the city's many churches, The Temple of Cuthbert is one of the most prominent, and religion is very much a part of life in the Viscounty. Festivals are common, and its priests are seen everywhere around the Viscounty.

While always a popular deity within the city, the worship of Cuthbert has virtually exploded since the Battle of Emridy Meadows. This structure is now the largest Temple of worship dedicated to Cuthbert in the Flanaess, second only to the Cathedral in the People's Plaza in Mitrik. Built overlooking the Ash Horn Stream and expanded after the Rise of the Temple of Elemental Evil, it has served as a bastion of Good, guarding Verbobonc and the surrounding territories from the incursions of evil. It is administered by Bishop Haufren, once a Canon in the Order of the Chapeaux. Haufren oversees the entire Viscounty, thus making him second only to the Viscount in power and influence. Many of the Velunese Knights of the Hart owe their membership to a recommendation from Bishop Haufren, and he likewise commands many of their loyalties.

Another notable priest of Cuthbert, the young Friar Caernarvon, was appointed to The Chamber of Verbobonc. The Viscount of Verbobonc chooses these 13 Chamber Judges to a life term, to check the power of the Lord Mayor and himself. The Chamber of Verbobonc is also responsible for hearing legal claims as well as reviewing policy by the leaders of the Viscounty and town, and for administering the election for Lord Mayor every three years, as the people entrust them with impartiality.

• Canon Yolek Trudell Minister of the Faithful (Billets) Hu, Male 55
• Father Bracek Church Maintenance & Cleanliness Hu, Male 35

• Friar Gaver Novitiate Hu, Male 29
• Friar Casna Rue Novitiate Hu, Male 41
• Friar Mughom Novitiate Hu, Male 32
• Fergil Postulant Hu, Male 17
• Abbregio Postulant Hu, Male 16

• Father Durlin Govaral Food, Wine & Supplies Hu, Male 43

• Friar Netherby Novitiate Hu, Male 56
• Turgal Pram Postulant Hu, Male 26
• Feleceora Postulant Hu, Female 22

• Father Peotr Aid to Bishop Haufren Hu, Male 33
• Mother Marcell Church Librarian Hu, Female 58

• Friar Gibgil Novitiate Hu, Male 30
• Friar Brufel Novitiate Hu, Male 24
• Friar Picneth Novitiate Hu, Male 22
• Friar Temon Novitiate Hu, Male 37
• Friaress Anchele Novitiate Hu, Female 26
• Friar Kelver Novitiate Hu, Male 27
• Felskip Postulant Hu, Male 22
• Narnod Woefinger Postulant Hu, Male 18

• Mother Lucena Rustel Physician & Healers Hu, Female 32

• Friar Caergrub Boise Novitiate Hu, Male 26
• Friar Tomagil Novitiate Hu, Male 24
• Friar Gilstan Novitiate Hu, Male 29
• Friaress Cassue Novitiate Hu, Female 33
• Mirfa Postulant Hu, Female 20
• Worven Ellister Postulant Hu, Male 17

• Father Gyrek Lerporis Church Treasure Hu, Male 61

• Friaress Abbna Novitiate Hu, Female 52
• Friar Ecuran Novitiate Hu, Male 46

• Mother Telli Zelfrich Church Merchandise Hu, Female 29

• Faia Postulant Hu, Female 43
• Aton Postulant Hu, Male 37

• Father Jaren Church Doctrine Hu, Male 40

• Friar Caernarvon Novitiate Hu, Male 23
• Friar Dolaucoth Novitiate Hu, Male 26
• Friaress Landra Novitiate Hu, Female 24
• Friar Annon Novitiate Hu, Male 28
• Friaress Fela Novitiate Hu, Female 33
• Loughora Postulant Hu, Female 19
• Cassantes Postulant Hu, Male 20
• Lugo Verist Postulant Hu, Male 18
• Nod Postulant Hu, Male 15
• Lelay Postulant Hu, Female 16

• Canon Cyllorean Seeker of the Faithful (Chapeaux) HO, Male 112
• Mother Noreese Holy Censure Hu, Female 57

• Friar Telpeth Novitiate Hu, Male 22
• Friar Dunn Novitiate Hu, Male 27
• Corthank Wells Postulant Hu, Male 21
• Lernard Yuroo Postulant Hu, Male 24

• Father Velris Temple Censure Hu, Male 36

• Friar Wezlan Novitiate Hu, Male 26
• Friaress Nurnia Novitiate Hu, Female 24

• Father Eryonomous Church Historian Hu, Male 48

• Friar Lyric Montrose Novitiate Hu, Male 41
• Friar Petlur Novitiate Hu, Male 39
• Friar Gallager Novitiate Hu, Male 51

• Father Worce Gebso Missionary Hu, Male 27
• Mother Caire Missionary Hu, Female 26
• Father Barnod Missionary Hu, Male 28
• Mother Coffa Jazoon Missionary Hu, Female 25
• Father Espwich Missionary Hu, Male 23
• Mother Lasha Missionary Hu, Female 29
• Canoness Eigraine Protector of the Faith (Star) Hu, Female 46
• Father Polona Mycolis Holy Inquisitor Hu, Male 51

• Friar Evan Kassias Novitiate Hu, Male 36
• Friar Expidos Novitiate Hu, Male 32

• Father Harborin Church Templar Hu, Male 55

• Enefel Quartz Postulant Hu, Male 21
• Munann Postulant Hu, Male 20
• Nomnik Drew Postulant Hu, Male 18

The Faith of Cuthbert is still young when viewed next to many of the other religions on the Oerth, and because of that youth has not had the opportunity to empower as many artifacts as some of the older faiths. To date, the Church has only five artifacts, and only four of them are in its permanent possession. These artifacts are scattered across the Flanaess, safely secreted in the vaults of the Churches, awaiting a time when might once again be needed in the service of Cuthbert.

The legendary Mace of Cuthbert is the most famous of the Church's artifacts, and is also the one that they do not have in their permanent possession. The Mace resides with Cuthbert to aid and protect him during his holy journeys. When the need is great, Cuthbert will temporarily give the Mace to loyal and true servant so that it might aid them in their endeavor. To date the Mace of Cuthbert has only been used twice by servants of the Church.

The Shield of St. Ferrante is a round, medium-sized, shield of ancient design made from copper and bronzewood that has been embossed with the symbol of Cuthbert in platinum. The Shield shows many nicks, scratches and dents, but none so prominent as those caused by Hextor during his battle with St. Ferrante. The Shield has been one of the most used, and most loved, artifacts that the Church has in its possession.

The Chapeaux of Truth was once worn by Cuthbert and then given to the new Church on the day of his Ascendancy. This crumpled green hat his highly revered by the Church for it is the only items besides the fabled Mace that has actually been in the God's possession. When worn, it is said that no lie can be told to the wearer, and if the teller attempts to lie, he will feel a strong rapping on his head until he begins to tell the truth.

The Starburst of Banishment is a beautifully decorated Holy Symbol made from platinum and rubies that exactly matches the one worn by Cuthbert. Both the Starburst and Cuthbert's personal Holy Symbol were designed by the fabled Dwur jeweler Dhormdam Veinfinder. The Starburst was made for St. Tramden when he became the first Bishop of the Church of Cuthbert. The Starburst has the ability to Banish fiends and other unholy creatures from the Oerth plane, back to their own hellish infernal.

The Armor of St. Chenrin is a rather plain looking suit of bronze plate-mail. The Armor consists of a Great Helm, Corselet, Gauntlets and Demi-Greaves. When worn the Armor takes on a divine glow as if radiating the sense of belief that the wearer has in Cuthbert's doctrine. It is said that the stronger the wearers belief, the greater protection the Armor will provide. The Armor also seems to inspire those around the wearer to great deeds. Though St. Chenrin was a small man of but five foot five inches, the Armor is to shrink or expand to fit true believer attempting to don it.

Cuthbert and his Church get along well with most "good" Deities and their servants, assuming that they believe in the rules of Truth, Law and Order. This doesn't mean that the Church will necessarily agree with the doctrines of the other order, it just means that it is willing to accept its aid because both Churches are moving toward the same goal.

The faiths of Cuthbert and Rao get along quite nicely and both will immediately come to the aid of the other in times of crisis. Many shrines to Cuthbert are within temples of Rao and vice-versa. The two Churches work together, though Cuthbert's priests tend to be more aggressive and hands-on.

The Church of Cuthbert tolerates the followers of Heironeous for two simple reasons: They have a firmness of their conviction in the ideals of Honor and Justice and they strive to confront evil across the Flanaess. Cuthbertians can respect strong conviction, but most feel that Heironeous' ideals of Justice sometimes come down to nothing more than the strongest or the victor being the one deemed correct, and that is a lie to a follower of Cuthbert.

Trithereon is seen as a rogue or renegade by the Church of Cuthbert. The idea that an individual's freedom and liberty is more important than a group's or communities is somewhat appalling to Cuthbert. To a Cuthbertian, Laws and Order are put into place for all beings to follow. The idea that souls can always do whatever they please, whenever they please, is too open ended and detrimental to a thriving community. Cuthbert does respect Trithereon and his followers for the Zeal they display when pursing someone for Revenge though.

The Church of Cuthbert works will with the Church of Pelor and the two Deities seem to be on the verge of forming a Holy Trinity with Rao. Cuthbert can respect Pelor's ideals of Light and Strength and Healing for they seem to compliment His quite well. The two churches will readily cooperate and there have been many occasions where a Pelorite has needed to know the Truth of a matter or a Cuthbertian has needed the all-encompassing Healing touch of Pelor.

No one in either Church knows exactly what the reasons are for the antipathy between Cuthbert and Pholtus, but it seems to have been going on since the foundation of the Church of Cuthbert. Perhaps it is because the two faiths are so similar, and thus going after the same converts, that has caused such a conflict between them; or perhaps it is something else. Many scholars believe that the reason is that while both Deities are stern and demanding of their flocks, Pholtus seems to take an almost tyrannical approach to running His Church and followers; demanding them to follow all his arrogant dictates without hesitation or question, or else suffer cruel punishment.

There is a great hatred between the Churches of Cuthbert and that of Iuz. Fundamentally this stems from the fact that Cuthbert is the Harbinger of Truth and Iuz is the Lord of Deceit. Pragmatically the hatred stems from the fact that Cuthbert just hates Iuz and all that he represents. Many have speculated that it was Cuthbert that aided Zagyg, the mad Demi-God and arch-mage, in capturing Iuz below Castle Greyhawk. Of course this idea is high disputed because Zagyg imprisoned nine Gods that day, and Cuthbert would not have allowed that to happen. Whatever the reasons, the two Churches are locked in an eternal battle, both trying to destroy the other.