Yet Another Topic On In Game Religions

[Schme]

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[Crosshair]

I wish i understood the last comment.... so i'll just go in with my own.

I recently decided to create a religion, to see how it went.

Basicly, everyone think's my character is nuts.

[The Lurker]

It's all about presentation, in my opinion. If some random schmuck steps up on a soapbox (figuratively speaking) and starts fervently preaching about some 'god' who didn't exist the day before, then everyone is going to think it's just some disturbed newspawn. On the other hand, if a well-established citizen begins to wonder about the existence of a higher power, and starts speculating on the nature of such a power, then the people of the town slowly become accustomed to the idea that reasonable people might believe in a deity, and perhaps even begin wondering about such things themselves.

Of course, some characters are too supportive of the status quo to ever consider a new idea, and some players will always play characters who will never support religion because, as players, they know there is no higher power programmed into the game. Those characters will probably still think that the established citizen is crazy, but there isn't much one can do about such characters.

In conclusion, if a religion is started up by the random schmuck in the first example, it will wither and die very quickly. If a religion is started up by the established citizen in the second example, then perhaps that religion might have a fighting chance of surviving, even if it doesn't necessarily flourish.

[Nick]

Lurker, you totally stole my avatar.

[Sho]

He's had it for longer than you.

[Schme]

Yes. You can't be the guy on the street saying "The Russians are coming! For god sakes, can't you see the Russians are coming?" Nor can you go all Charles Manson or David Koresh and be all "There is but one god and I am his messenger and appointed Emperor."

It's got to be stuff to do with things as they already are, and not too much telling people what they should do. It can be interpreted to say what should be done afterwards, but likely not by the starter.

You also have to let other people in too, and it has to be loose and vague.

You know?

[Racetyme]

Just reading this I had a fantastic idea for one of my chars. No, it won't be using OOC info or anything, he just has some long term life goals, and if he can't accomplish them doing what he is now, then I think starting a religion could do it as well.

[Schme]

I think we're thinking on different kind of things. Not saying that that is not should be done, not at all. You do what you like with your characters, and not to say that would be bad, but I'm not really talking Catholic Church here. I was more going for town makes some stories explaining the world.

But the big things good too. Just not what I was thinking.

[AoM]

Towns have made up creation stories. The Buffalo Sept from Kwor Fields springs to mind.

Creating a successful religion that goes beyond just a handful of followers is a very difficult task. You need to have years of precedent, plus you have to be a known and respected character with enough charisma to constantly slip the notion of your religion to the masses. Every convert you get you need to pay attention to, make sure they have the religion down and then have them go and convert people as well. Conversion is a slow process, often unspoken, and as has been said, there are some players who will just refuse religion on purpose and will constantly question and try to poke holes in the logical foundations of the religion. (I especially detest newspawns who hear about the religion and decide to bash it as if they were the first person who ever thought of questioning faith.)

Spiritualism is a powerful social tool, and makes cantr a more interesting place. I wish that there were more religions gaining steam.

[Schme]

It can't just be one person though. The whole faith cannot hinge on one charismatic leader, otherwise it just fizzles out. Anyone must be able to tell the stories and make there own variations and so on.

But what do I know?

[AoM]

Hence, when I talk about "converts" I'm talking about people who also believe in the religion.

But it does have to start with one person. It doesn't have to be a specific idea, it can be a general feeling, but to take the step into being a religion, someone has to define the belief system and then convince others to adhere to the definition.

[Schme]

Yes. But it's always better to let others get there imput in quickly. Gotta get people into it.

[Schme]

.l

[Schme]

.l

[Leo Luncid]

I was more going for town makes some stories explaining the world.

You mean myths, right? People back then who believe in myths take it as both a science and a religion, I read very recently. They are used to explain what is hard to explain otherwise at the time, I think. Like why the skys move and such. They can also be entertaining as well, so yeah, they could do something about Cantr II, if only there were those of such creativity, knowledge, and determination.