Russell of Los Angeles wrote:... If there were more players willing to be a little crazy and have their characters follow a religious leader, (rather than the ambition to be a religious leader) that would help a lot ...
That goes for for all aspects of the game, not just the religious parts. Maybe it's just an inherent trait for people drawn to cantr to just hate "following". :p But it sure seems like most characters are unwilling to bow down to anyone, be it a prized combatant, a masterful idealist, a prophet, whatever.
That's why I have about 4 "Champion" characters... Ones that I try to give reason to be followed. The bulk remainder of my 15-pack are more or less mules to be tended to

The important part is that my "Champ" chars aren't always explicitly vain. They'll still fall after someone if the time arises when it's appropriate to do so.. It's just a little bit harder

The "mules" might still ever aspire for political positions of leadership, etc, but might be more prone to bend the knee, donating their towns and subjects to serve under another town. It's slowly making the game a little more interesting for me, since I'm more into politics and action RP then the flirty romantic stuff.
As for religions... Just come up with something new and refreshing, that has nothing to do with the boring OOC religious influences. Mix it with a little patience, and bored people will be bound to follow. (Good grammar helps ENORMOUSLY. There's a phenomenon in cantr where I swear 90% of wanna-be religious leaders IG haven't read a book in their life.)