A cleric of the Old World
A cleric is a member of one of the priesthoods of the religious cults of the Old World, authorised by their churches to conduct services and to minister to the spiritual needs of the faithful. In order to carry out their duties, clerics are granted access to their deity by the medium of prayer, as well as a number of divinely-granted magical powers that are expressed as "blessings" or "miracles." Clerics are defined by their ability to wield such Divine Magic, since not all priests of a deity are considered faithful enough to be so blessed. [1a][1b]
These powers come from the cleric's prayer and intense spiritual devotion to and belief in their deity rather than the exploitation of arcane knowledge and force of will in bending the Winds of Magic to the wizard's will.[1a][1b]
Citizens of the Old World's various realms are expected to show at least some measure of respect for all the gods of the Old World Pantheon -- although clerics are excused from showing respect to deities who are hostile to their own god.[1b]