Gods and the Multiverse

[fusangite]

I very much like the concept of integrating the varied cosmologies from different campaign settings. And there is no reason why you cant!

This is true of some campaign settings. Other settings are going to be incompatible with this integration project. Because I prefer to create/play in settings that have a lower level of compatibility with the D&D multiverse model (thanks to the options 3.0 MOTP provides), this is never really an option for me (not that I would spend time doing it even if it were).

The idea of the deity's power being dependent upon material world conditions is one I find especially incompatible with natural philosophy and religious thought in my worlds.

I think we should be realistic that the D&D multiverse only sort of works when every world within it shares a physics with a very particular set of assumptions.

Many gods by different names ( or even slightly different portfolio's ) are actually the same being. Anubis, Hades and Hel may actually be the same entity at the core, but hold different names and appearances based on the needs and dictates of worshippers.

But when Varro and other Roman theologians tried to apply this theory, it created other problems are contradictions. Furthermore, it clearly miscategorized deities like Jehovah. Actually, Saint Augustine takes a bat to this theological structure in the City of God, pointing out various other problems of logic that the theory has, even without trying to integrate Jehovah.

Even mutiple afterlifes on different ( or the same ) planes could coexist based on meeting the worshipers expectations. Avatars have different strengths and weaknesses, wield different weapons - why not? There are surely multiple purposes for a god's machinations!

But you see by doing this, you have described a very specific theory of the afterlife, of gods, of physics, of the relationship between the physical and the spiritual, etc. that will likely not fit the majority of metaphysical systems in which campaigns are running.

There is no idea on this topic that can't be integrated and rationalized any way a DM wishes.

Wrong. There are all kinds of situations that cannot be handled. E.g. What if you have gods who wouldn't hand their worshippers a pack of lies about the nature of the universe?