Fantasy has been influenced by this idea of an era of faith, and the divine is largely present in most fictional worlds set in medieval times. It is not surprising to see many divine and religious archetypes being adapted into role playing, nor is it to see many fantasy character classes in LARP expanding from these historical roots. Most settings include a few forms of spirituality that are loosely inspired from existing religions, or at least replicate some of the most iconic elements of organized faith.

Many divine characters in LARP are often part of some form of religious organization. They are more than simple worshippers, for faith is often as much an occupation as it is a belief system. For instance, the priest is more than a mere believer, for anyone who wears the mantle of priesthood is also expected to provide spiritual guidance and leadership to their community, and to spread the words of their faith to the world.

Priests can be foreign missionary, inspiring preachers, quiet counselors, or zealous fanatics wiping their flock toward extremist views. Many may balance their spiritual fonctions with concerns for politics, war, or justice for their people, for the message of faith can be a powerful force for change, or to maintain power.

Monks, on the other hand, are piety manifested through practice, their faith guiding their actions and often asking them to relinquish some earthly pleasures and comforts in hope of acting as exemplars of virtue. More often than not, they are pursuing a path to perfection, often dedicating themselves to a craft, a scholarly function, or martial prowess. In many ways, the fantasy icon of the paladin, with all its vows and tenets, is a knightly variant of this same idea.

Monastic brewers, patient scribes, mighty warrior monks, holy knights in shining armors, ascetic beggars, and methodic healers are all monastic archetypes that any LARPer can adapt from history into a character.

However, the divine doesn’t have to always involve clerics. In fantasy, the divine can come into play more directly than through faith and religion. Angels and their offsprings can inhabit the world, and some mortals can be directly imbued by divine power through life-changing experiences. These characters can be exalted heroes, divine avatars, ascended visionaries, or cryptic prophets. They often lack the more hierarchical elements of clerical believers, led more by their judgment and insight than canon law and dogmas. Still, they can often be seen as heretics by religion and may suffer under the influence of their patron divinity, their mind and body wrecked by such proximity.