Pantheons For Your Campaign

"Hey, I'll run a game for everyone!"
"Cool, I'll be a cleric, what gods do you have?"
"Er... just pick one from the book?"

I've started and joined more games than I've cared to count, and each time, the one hangup I've seen involves religion. Most of the time, the pantheon is tossed on as an afterthought. Sometimes, the pantheon is thought about and designed, but it still looks much the same like every other pantheon--single deities representing simple portfolios, and with every worshipper choosing a single one to follow.

However, if we compare this situation to the plethora of religions and beliefs in the real world, it becomes quickly apparent that the usual religious system pales in comparison. There is monotheism, polytheism, pantheism, animism, atheism, and all sorts of other possibilities. In some places, one belief system is dominant, in others, multiple systems are present. And these multiple systems can be completely contradictory and exclusionary. Religions grow, shrink, and evolve. There are schisms in which different people may worship the same god--and even have much the same rituals--yet be completely opposed to each other. Imagine a cleric of Pelor declaring another cleric of Pelor his mortal enemy!

In this blog, I plan to explore in-game religion, and how it impacts the game. I will explore different aspects of deities, belief systems, how they affect the game world, and how these items can be used for your campaigns. I will try to include small stories about the meaning of religions in game, the roles of clerics, priests, and lay people in society. I will give out roleplaying hints for players of the faithful. Finally, I will add adventure hooks that you can freely yoink for your campaign.

If you've got any questions or comments, they are welcome. I'll try to answer any questions people have as they apply to running and designing religions in game.

Next time: Faith. Who has it, how is it used, how is it lost.