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Religious Devotion

In the many centuries following The Tear, the worship of the Old Gods has gone largely out of fashion - though not so unheard of that temples and shrines to such gods no longer exist. Each pantheon (and even then, each God within that pantheon) has their own expectations of worship and how to properly devote ones life to religion, but regardless of naming conventions and religious figureheads the concept is largely the same.  

Levels of Devotion

  Some people devote more time, effort and faith to their gods than others. Those of the strongest faith will be rewarded, but the cost to their personal lives will be greater. The Gods are not endlessly giving, and expect gifts and offerings in their name as a fee for their devine existance. Some Gods demand more than others and to maintain ones faith, sometimes sacrifice must be made.  

Believers

A believer is any individual who believes the gods of their (or another's) culture exist, but doesn't devote any of their life to the worship of these gods. It could be that they feel scorned or abandoned by the gods, or simply don't believe they hold the same power or office as those who follow them. Believers may have faith in a specific pantheon, but do not devote special attention to any one deity.   Players who choose to be believers will not have to activly maintain their religion, but do not get any advantage on religion checks.  

Followers

Followers of the Gods observe the basic princples and tenents of their religion, and believe in the power of the divine. This may mean celebrating holidays, leaving the occasional offering at local or household shrines, or praying when the time feels right - but regardless it does not interfere (or at least, not in any meaningful way) with their day-to-day lives. Followers believe in their pantheon at large, but often (though not always) have a specific deity who's teachings they observe.   Followers of gods do not gain advantage on religion checks, but also can not be imposed disadvantage so long as they maintain the expecations of their religion.  

Devotees

A devotee is an individual who does not occupy a position of power within their religion's organization, but who's faith is strong and devotion clear. They often regularly attend services or rituals, spend time most days in prayer and regularly leave offerings or dedicate deeds in the name of their god. Devotees believe in power of all gods in their pantheon, but have chosen to closely follow the teachings of one specific diety and only observe the practices of others if it is necessary or related to their own path.   Devotees roll adavantage on all regligion checks, and can not be imposed disadvantage so long as they maintain the expecations of their religion as a devotee.  

Priests

"Priest" (sometimes Priestess or Priestex by the preference of the individual) is the universal title of someone who holds office within their own religious organization. Each religion has it's own terminology and heirarchy determining who holds the most power, but all priests are those who dedicate the majority of their lives in devotion to their god. Like devotees, priests only observe the practices of other dieties out of respect for own or because it is related to their own path.   Priests roll adavantage on all regligion checks, and can not be imposed disadvantage so long as they maintain the expecations of their religion. They also have all lifestyle costs covered for a moderate to luxiurious lifestyle (depending on the organization they serve) in any settlement where their organization is present.  

Prophets

On rare occasion, a mortal is selected by a deity to bring messages or teachings to the world on their behalf. Prophets are unique in their devotion in the sense that they have a direct line of contact with their god, having regular contact with them through visions or dreams, but may not hold the same life-altering dedication as a devotee or priest. They are certainly able to hold office within religious organizations that follow thier god (assuming they are proven genuine), but don't usually have to follow the same religious law. Many choose not to do so at all so they can instead wander to spread the message of their god.   Prophets don't gain automatic advantage on religion rolls, and can have disadvantaged imposed on them if the situation calls for it. However, twice per long rest they can reach out to their deity and ask a favor. On a successful religion check, the deity is able to fufill the favor in a roundabout way. On a critical success, the deity is able to fufill the favor directly. A failed religion check yeilds no results and a critical failure damages the relationship between the prophet and the god.
Communicating With the Gods
Devotees, Priests and Prophets all have the ability to speak with their gods - though the message may not always be clear or straightforward. Most deities communicate through omens, symbols and portents.  
Godly Offerings
Every god has different expectations of what their offerings should look like, but almost all of them demand them at some point or another. If you plan to devote yourself to a deity, its a good idea to learn their domains and preffered offerings and keep an eye out for things they might like on your journey. You never know when an offering may be needed.


Cover image: Worship by Mark Zug

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