Mystic

Mystics were a special kind of priest found mainly in the rural and wilder areas of the Realms. Typically, only humans, halflings, elves, and half-elves chose to become mystics. These clergy had great personal charisma and above average wisdom and intelligence with a strong individualistic streak that caused them to shun structure and order in favor of finding their own path to enlightenment, and helping others find theirs. They were usually adept herbalists, able to brew potions and infuse ointments, concoct poisons and create antidotes, and practice a unique form of the Art known as candle magic.

Mystics sought out deities whose circle of influence dealt with emotions such as love and joy; self-centered ideals such as beauty, charisma, hedonism, individualism, self-perfection, fortune, and misfortune; art forms such as dance and music; skill with poisons and antidotes; and natural influences such as darkness, disease, the moon, fertility, birth, motherhood, and the seasons. They were granted spells from the spheres of all, animal, charm, divination, healing, protection, summoning, and travelers, with minor access to the guardian, necromantic, and plant spheres.

Culture
Mystics were drawn to the natural world and frequently journeyed through the wilderness seeking hidden beauty and elusive truths, befriending animals, studying herbs, plants, and fungi, and looking for connections between their intangible soul and the physical world. They did so, clad in loose garments that allowed freedom of movement and expression of their natural form. They did not believe that violence solved conflicts or influenced an enemy's thinking and therefore shunned armor and only used a staff, sling, net, lasso, or whip. The only armor a mystic would don were form-fitting accoutrements such as bracers, boots, or a helm. Any such item would have to be aesthetically crafted to enhance their beauty.

The structure of a church to which a mystic might belong was not likely to be rigidly hierarchical.