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Message: <blockquote data-quote="ruemere" data-source="post: 3920749" data-attributes="member: 5515">Voted HOLY COW as my opinion is not found within listed options.In short, gods, divine stats and divine accessibility should be defined, IMHO,  by a setting. Examples:Greek pantheon Mortals with divine blood may potentially ascend, but they can also be smitten. Specialized mortals within realm of their specialization may exceed divine entities. Relations of divine beings to mortals are subject to greatly exaggerated humane traits of divine beings.Bellerofont and Icarus - mortals punished for their impunity. Hercules, semidivine being, regularly wins contests of strength against semidivine and divine beings.Celestial bureaucracy All beings are sorted according to their status. By following fixed rules or careful plotting or following path of enlightment, the raise of status is granted and beings switch places.Monkey King from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journey_to_the_West" target="_blank">Journey to the West</a> is a good example of a character born to such setting.Distant divinities Divine beings are more akin to concepts or archetypes. Heroes following in their steps are creating their own archetypes, possibly becoming saints. There is no point of contact between mortals or heroic/epic protagonists and divine entities other than cryptic visions or brief visits from divine messengers.No examples here... I'm sure everyone can come up with one on their own.No god but man Gods are gone/nonexistent. Sentient beings are free to follow their whims as there is no eternal reward/punishment to follow them. Tradition, culture, upbringing, respect of one's peers are everything. Acts of rebellion and/or nihilistic outlook are part of a greater scheme, as are anarchy and various philosophical systems. Heroes are pinnacles of accomplishment, as their deeds define ethics and set standards to follow.This is a bit difficult setting to execute, since concepts of good/evil are strongly relativistic.Paul Verhoeven's film, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flesh_%26_Blood_(film)" target="_blank">Flesh & Blood</a>, should provide your with a prime example of such environment.Gods in opposition to mortals Divine entities are in opposition to mortals. They are incomprehensible, terrifying or uncaring beings, who view mortals are toys, opponents or things. Definition of right and wrong is strongly skewed by perspective of involved parties, acts of godslaying and betrayal are staples of history. Alliances are formed out of convenience and are of temporary nature.Moorcockian Eternal Champion cycle, Lovecraft's Cthulhu, WFRP setting are prime examples of vastly differing approaches to this proposal. Divine beings are within mortal's grasp, but ultimately, winning or coexisting with them, takes a heavy toll on protagonists, as by conquering or getting "stronger", characters are effectively leaving their humanity behind.Summarizing, the role and scope of divine involvement should dictate whether divine status is assailable or available to mortals. The system should simply support either option.Regards,Ruemere</blockquote>

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