Captured by Jahmbo and Herok in ATS's #atriarch (irc.stratics.net) channel on May 15, 2001
Religion Intro
{WF_Satyric} Cool. Anything you want to know about the five species' religions?
{WF_Satyric} <--- Giving Info
Disclaimer
{WF_Satyric} Anything you'd like to know about the religions, Herok?
{WF_Satyric} I'll answer a few specific questions.
{WF_Satyric} Remember the Serafina Disclaimertm -- all this is subject to change before release. :) They price you pay for getting a peek into active development. :)
{WF_Satyric} I can answer stuff about these five documents I have in front of me.
{WF_Satyric} But there's a plethora of nifty info here.
{Jahmbo} ok, i want to know about the stuff that is blacked out on those 5 documents
Religions in Atriarch
{ph|Renkon} So by this, I take it that there WILL be actual religions in the game
{WF_Satyric} Renkon: There already are.
Matter Outside RP
{Jahmbo} ok, heres a question. will the religions actually matter outside of roleplaying?
{Jahmbo} unlike other games where they exist but dont seem to affect the game too much
{WF_Satyric} It is a good question. Too bad I'm not allowed to answer it right now.
{Jahmbo} i kinda had that feeling ;)
Earth Referential
{ph|Renkon} valhalla?
{WF_Satyric} Nope. Like I said, none of these pull from one Earth religion.
Evil
{ph|Renkon} Any 'evil' religions?
{ph|Renkon} like the god of poison or something..
{WF_Satyric} I think 'evil' religions are mainly the artifacts of simplistic RPG universes. :)
{WF_Satyric} But I'm sure the Cavolon have Gods of everything from Betrayal to Indigestion.
Animism
{Jahmbo} is there any sort of gaia-ish religion?
{WF_Satyric} Jahmbo: There're elements of universalism and animism in both the Eshlar and Unarra religions, but in very different ways.
Multiplicity
{Jahmbo} multiple religions for each species?
{WF_Satyric} Nope, just one.
{Jahmbo} or multi deity single religion?
{Herok} Are any of the religions non-pantheistic?
{WF_Satyric} The Eshlar are monotheistic.
{WF_Satyric} They talk about the One a lot.
Inter-Species Religions
{Herok} Are species confined to specific Religions, or are religions a seperate organization subset?
{Herok} Some of the buildings require inter-species assistance...are there any religions like that?
{WF_Satyric} There's currently one major religion for each species. Though some of them would welcome members from the other species. But there may be some smaller groups, esoteric or occult sects or societies, that consist of more or all of the species.
Multiple Religions/Same God
{HellsChicken} Are any of the Gods the head of more than one religion? (kind of like arabs and jews believe in the same god)
{WF_Satyric} Heh. HC. Speaking as a Jew, you're mistaken there.
{HellsChicken} but my point is, will multiple religions believe in the same god in AT hehe?
{WF_Satyric} Not that I know of.
Diversity/Holy Wars
{Speranza} Satyric do you think that the religions are similar/diverse enough to cause Holy Wars?
{WF_Satyric} Speranza: I think they're very diverse, and several share some similarities. I've no idea if there'll be holy wars.
{Jahmbo} religious wars among a single species would be cool
{WF_Satyric} There're some historical ones.
{WF_Satyric} But it'll be tough to find any evidence of them, since the winners write the history. :)
{WF_Satyric} For example, there was NEVER a different Tyrusin religion. The Empire has always been around. Anything else you might see on the subject is heresy and should be ignored. :)
{Jahmbo} heretic tyrusin would be fun
{WF_Satyric} Shh. :)
Holidays
{WF_Satyric} The Lokai are really into the number four.
{Jahmbo} will there be religious festivals? worship? things like that?
{Jahmbo} holidays etc...
{WF_Satyric} Yes. Yes. Yes.
{WF_Satyric} Yes.
{ph|Renkon} sacrifices
{WF_Satyric} No.
{WF_Satyric} The holidays are pretty much all the Cavolon do anymore, religious-wise. Aside from the occasional little statue you'll see around. But that's just for luck. They'd be offended if you called them superstitious. :)
{WF_Satyric} Like I said, great roleplaying hooks.
Dedication
{Herok} Is religion like the Species Factions...where all are considered part of it right from the start?
{WF_Satyric} Yep. Though some beings are of course more or less devout than others.
{WF_Satyric} The Cavolon don't consider themselves religious at all anymore. Though they have by far the most gods. :)
{WF_Satyric} There's the normal range of devout to atheist within each species. Though athiests are a lot less common in the Tyrusin.
Practicality
{Herok} Are the religions mostly practical in nature or...?
{WF_Satyric} There's a range. The Eshlar would consider their religion to be very practical. But to an outsider it may look pretty mystical.
Philosophy vs. Religion
{Herok} Will there be a "philosophy" cultural stream seperate from religion?
{WF_Satyric} Herok: They're pretty mixed in together -- world/universe view, etc.
Faith
{Jahmbo} ist the whole idea of a religion predicated on faith and that none of what you believe in will ever actually be proven?
{WF_Satyric} Jahmbo: Depends on your point of view.
Heaven and Hell
{Speranza} Is there a concept of Heaven and Hell in any of the religions?
{WF_Satyric} Speranza: Sort of. Not directly.
Creation Myths
{Fazed} Do they all have creation myths?
{WF_Satyric} Yes.
{Fazed} do they agree?
{WF_Satyric} Every religion has a creation myth.
{Fazed} Do the creation myths explain the creation of all the races or just the one it's focussed on?
{WF_Satyric} Fazed: The original ones just focus on the race that came up with them. Mainly because that's all they knew existed at the time. :)
Artifacts
{Jahmbo} will there be religious artifacts? things that the players can obtain/posses/own/use/manipulate?
{WF_Satyric} Yep.At least, I really hope so.
{WF_Satyric} Heck, the Cavolon temples look like sculpture museums, with all the little god statues.
Colours
{Herok} Are there specific colours related to each religion?
{WF_Satyric} Colors? Not yet.
Rituals
{Herok} Can you discuss active religious participation (ie rituals) or is that gameplay?
{WF_Satyric} Herok: I can tell you how some of them are designed. For example, the Tyrusin are very tradition-based, the Lokai would usually tell a story or myth, the Unarra would tend to make up a new ritual on the spot, etc.
Sacrifices
{Fazed} do any of the races sacrifice living things?
{WF_Satyric} If that's part of any specific ritual, it hasn't been written yet.
{WF_Satyric} I can tell you without a doubt that there's no ritual cannibalism. Unlike some popular local Earth religions. {cough} ;)
Markings
{Herok} Do any of the religions have self-marking/tattoos as part of the religious culture?
{Speranza} piercing?
{WF_Satyric} Herok, we should just hire you as a design intern. :)
{Herok} cuttings/tattoos/piercing
Religious Creatures
{Herok} Are there specific creatures related to the non-Unarra religions?
{WF_Satyric} Herok: Well, there're the Lokai symbiotes.
{Herok} symbiotes are a religious creature rather than practical?
{WF_Satyric} When you've got a symbiotic critter attached to you, it sort of enters all aspects of your life. :)
{WF_Satyric} Nice try on getting me to give info on a different topic, though. :)
{Herok} no, was looking for non-unarra creature-religion symbols
Titles
{Herok} Are the titular rankings decided yet? ie. acolyte priest headpriest etc
{WF_Satyric} Not that I know of.
Priesthood of the Funny Hats
{WF_Satyric} Also, I imagine some of the priests may have funny hats. It seems to be a universal constant. :)
{Fazed} wow...that means there must be milliners inthe game {G}
{Herok} heh
{WF_Satyric} I honestly don't know if there're even hats in the game at all.
{Fazed} damn shame!
Current Religious Events
{Herok} Will religions have "current events" or will they be foundation based?
{WF_Satyric} Herok: Yes. :)
Bibles
{Jahmbo} ok, do the religions have 'bibles'?
{WF_Satyric} Jahmbo: Some of them.
{WF_Satyric} Um, remember that these cultures have been around for ten thousand or so currans.
Player Created Religions
{Fazed} How are race-specific religions written to deal with player created religions?
{WF_Satyric} Fazed: They currently aren't.
Player Priests
{ph|Renkon} can ya become a priest of sorts? with skills and such assosiated with that 'class'?
{WF_Satyric} We've already released info about an Unarra priestess caste.
Player Choice
{HellsChicken} can one be agnostic?
{WF_Satyric} Sure.
{WF_Satyric} Just like all the other cultural aspects, lots of players will ignore all this completely. Which is fine -- the ones who don't will have a deeper and more rewarding game experience.
True Path/Tolerance
{Fazed} Are the religions 'the only true way?' or are they tolerant?
{WF_Satyric} Fazed: Depends on which species you are.
{Fazed} Can you tell us which species have a tolerant religion and which ones are likely to react badly to the existance of other beliefs?
{WF_Satyric} Well, the Tyrusin are the most traditional. Their system of honor is wrapped up in every aspect of their society, including religion.
Religion Names
{ph|Renkon} They have names yet?
{Herok} Can we get a peek at the Religion names?
{WF_Satyric} Sure! :) 'The Lokai Religion.' 'The Eshlar Religion.' Etc. :)
{WF_Satyric} One of them may or may not be named Steve.
{WF_Satyric} No, just kidding.
Cavolon
{WF_Satyric} But the Cavolon went through like sixteen religions in the last ten thousand years. Nowadays they just lump all the gods together and have little statues around. They don't consider themselves religious or superstitious.
{Herok} Do the Cavolon have so many religions because they are the deepest thinkers/philosophers? ;)
{WF_Satyric} Herok: I don't know if they're the deepest. The Eshlar and Unarra religions are pretty deep. Especially the latter.
{Herok} nah, we all know Cavolon are the coolest :)
{WF_Satyric} They certainly had more trouble deciding on one to stick with than the others...
{WF_Satyric} So now they sort of just use all of them. :) They've got a god for everything, and none of them are very important.
{Herok} if they aren't important, then why do they exist?
{WF_Satyric} I said they weren't very important. I didn't say they weren't important.
{Jahmbo} cool
{Jahmbo} i just wanna blow shit up
{Jahmbo} is there a deity for that?
{WF_Satyric} I'm sure the Cavolon have one.
{WF_Satyric} They have a small god for everything.
{Fazed} Are there special holy days for non-Tryusin religions as well?
{WF_Satyric} Yep.
{WF_Satyric} The Cavolon actually relax and party a few times a year.
{Fazed} wow
{WF_Satyric} Just for a break from all the intrigue. :)
Lokai
{Jahmbo} heh, im probably gonna be a lokai anyway
{WF_Satyric} They have helpful ancestor-spirits.
{WF_Satyric} Your Family or Trade Company probably has a favorite.
{WF_Satyric} The 4 thing isn't the basis of the Lokai religion. It's more of a quirk.
{WF_Satyric} I could quote a few small bits from their religion for you?
{WF_Satyric} Here's something from the Lokai:
{WF_Satyric} Ancestors: The spirits of the ancestors still watch over the living Lokai, though it takes great energy for them to change things in the physical world. Lokai give them offerings of prayer, precious objects found far away, and pure water. Each family and trade Company generally has one or two ancestor-spirits who it reveres and asks for favors and blessings from, much like a patron saint. Their lifestaff is usually ensconced within the home or main office of the family or company, and referred to for wisdom or guidance in times of trouble.
{Jahmbo} cool, do they keep the bones of their ancestors in the house like some cultures on earth?
{WF_Satyric} No. Just the lifestaff.
{Speranza} So will the The Loshan Kilar will be the Lokai Bible in sorts?
{WF_Satyric} The Lokai have more of a tradition of storytelling and oral history.
Eshlar
{WF_Satyric} Here's the Liturgy of the Eshlar:
{WF_Satyric} We build of Stone
{WF_Satyric} We build of Wood
{WF_Satyric} We build of Spirit
{WF_Satyric} We build of Thought
{WF_Satyric} We build of Art
{WF_Satyric} We build of Memory
{WF_Satyric} That's really the key to understanding them.
{Herok} We build this city on rock and roll
{WF_Satyric} Heh.
{WF_Satyric} The Eshlar worship the Universe.
{WF_Satyric} But in an odd way.
{Jahmbo} odd is good
{WF_Satyric} They figure matter is part of the One, but energy is ephemeral and temporary. So most Eshlar are devoted to creating matter from energy, through effort. :)
{Jahmbo} silly eshlar, you cant create matter
{WF_Satyric} Well-built things improve and enhance the One, while shoddily-built things corrupt and make it less good.
{Herok} What is the most "bizarre" aspect of each religion?
{WF_Satyric} Well, the Eshlar believe that only matter really exists as a lasting part of the universe. Energy is ephemeral and only useful when it's being channeled to create or shape better matter.
Tyrusin
{WF_Satyric} The Tyrusin are huge on tradition.
{WF_Satyric} If you're a good Hero and live with Honor, you join the ranks of the gods when you die.
{ph|Renkon} Tyrusin quote?
{WF_Satyric} Sure.
{WF_Satyric} But only a little quote from each, I can't give away the whole store.
{WF_Satyric} Ceremonies: Tradition is the cornerstone of Tyrusin religious ritual. Ceremonies are performed in the same way and on the same hour that they have always been performed. Any disruption of them brings great shame and dishonor to the intruding party. Most Tyrusin Ceremonies are linked to certain times, either Moon phases or events, or the death-days of their greatest heroes. They have been described by other species as stately,powerfully emotional, and even quite beautiful. Those who attend and participate come away with increased Honor and a greater sense of purpose.
Unarra
{WF_Satyric} I'm really happy with how the Unarra religion turned out.
{WF_Satyric} Jahmbo, you'd like the Unarra religion. Interpreted properly, all life is actually you in a different incarnation. :)
{Jahmbo} what do they worship?
{WF_Satyric} Life in general.
{Jahmbo} hmm hari krishnas
{Jahmbo} i want to worship something odd
{Speranza} What is the Unarra religion based around?
{WF_Satyric} The Unarra are deeply spiritual.
{WF_Satyric} They might seem really playful, but they have an intense side.
{Fazed} do the unarra revere animal spirits?
{WF_Satyric} They revere all spirits.
{WF_Satyric} Anyone else you encounter might just be you in a previous or future incarnation. So it's up to you to help it toward enlightenment, or teach it the error of its' ways.
{WF_Satyric} That's why the Unarra are careful about what they kill.
{WF_Satyric} Here's a quote from the Unarra:
{WF_Satyric} This belief, that any spirit you encounter is only yourself in a past or future existence, has given the Unarra a generally joyous, playful, and dynamic outlook on life. An enemy encountered needs to be not just vanquished, but overcome and taught their errors, so that they can grow and learn better. A life ended at its natural time and for a good purpose is also celebrated, because it is freed to the next incarnation as something more. But a life ended uselessly or before its' time is seen as a great waste that will cost future lives to remedy. Spirits also effect each other as they come into contact, helping to bring them toward or away from enlightenment.
Unarran PK
{Fazed} what is the unarran view of a fellow unarran who goes on a killing spree? (ie an unnara played by a Pker?)
{WF_Satyric} Probably that they need to be somehow taught that what they're doing is wrong, or put down for the good of the other spirits they're coming into contact with. They'd probably be seen as hurt or mentally ill, and an effort might be made to find out what caused so much anger.
{Jahmbo} deprogram them
{Speranza} CLEANSE HIM! With holy Spears!
{WF_Satyric} Channel that energy into more useful pursuits.
Time Paradox
{Jahmbo} can you say paradox?
{WF_Satyric} Though sometimes killing is what's right and needed. They aren't pacifists.
{WF_Satyric} It's only a paradox if you see time as a constant. :)
{Jahmbo} how can you exist in multiple incarnations? does the soul split at some point?
{Speranza} Soul time line
{Jahmbo} binary division of the soul
{Fazed} the smae way you can play multiple characters in a game....
{Herok} why does the soul have to split at all? just the "viewpoint" changes
{Jahmbo} sorta like how the 'memory soul' can be maintained in the habitats neural net while the resl soul goes to the beyond
{WF_Satyric} You could die now, and reincarnate, beginning a new life a hundred years before the last one. Or ten years after.
Deemed Game Questions
{Herok} So there aren't penalties for not being "religious" but theoretically bonuses through quests or information by being so?
{WF_Satyric} That would be a game question, which I can't answer now.
{WF_Satyric} Ask anything about these five text documents I have in front of me. :)
{Herok} Will the religions have any impact on other groups, or is it mostly lipservice?
{WF_Satyric} Herok: Game question. I just write 'em.
{Herok} It seems that the two participation poles are adherence and apathy. Will there be hardcode rewards for adherence?
{WF_Satyric} Such a game question. :)
{Fazed} are they vegetarian? or are plants potential incarnations too?
{WF_Satyric} Game question.
{Herok} Can you give an example of any major historical divisions that have changed the religion drastically?
{WF_Satyric} Well, some of the religions have changed historically. And some of them will even admit that. :)
{WF_Satyric} Game question.
{Fazed} So, is there are holy intoxicating beverages for any of the races? Or any other kind of holy consumable?
{WF_Satyric} Game question.
{Jahmbo} hrmm, will any of the religions ever have things like 'visions' or 'apparitions' appear as celestial events or are they more evolved?
{WF_Satyric} Jahmbo: Game question.
{WF_Satyric} Evolved how?
{Jahmbo} eg:will a comet cause mass religious hysteria?
{WF_Satyric} Oh. No idea.
{HellsChicken} Satyric - Are religions something that someone assigns to their character during creation, or is it more of a natural process just in who the character worships in their life, the ideals and values they follow etc...?
{WF_Satyric} HC: Game question.
Question-Time Over
{Jahmbo} thx sat, im sure herok will edit up an informative log for everyone who wasnt here
{Herok} yeah, gimme a few to make it pretty
{WF_Satyric} Thanks for the good questions.
{Herok} thank you
{Fazed} farewell then....
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