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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Flamestrike" data-source="post: 8105885" data-attributes="member: 6788736">Im not talking about the Holy Roman Empire (which was united more by the Catholic Church than national polity - it really took until Bismark to unite Germany), im talking about pre Christian Rome.Monotheistic Europe was beholden to the Holy See. It differs from Faerun in that there are literally hundreds of Gods, all of which have a foothold and substantial following. This prevents any one church from wielding the same influence as (say) Christianity did in Europe or Islam did in the Arabian peninsula.In polytheistic cultures (pre christian Europe, India  pre Islam Arabia etc) while churches and gods have immense influence, you don't see the same kind of political clout that a monotheistic religion that is adhered to by the majority of the population does have Look at Baldurs Gate. There are termples to Waukeen, Tymora, Umberlee, Gond and others (including secret temples to Bhaal). Valkur, Helm and other gods also have a presence, and thsts before you count the non human Gods (Corellion, Moradin etc) who also have a presence.The city is governed by wealthy trading families and a mercenary company.Contrast this with the Zentarim who (leaving aside the Cyric/ Bane schism) are largely united under the latter, with the Church of Bane calling the shots, and all but outlawing the worship of other Gods.Theyre largely the outlier though. In very few places in Faerun has one diety and its faith come to a position of dominance over society. The polytheistic nature of Fareun religion keeps that from happening.</blockquote>

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