Require applications for certain deities

[Diz-e]

I find it immersion breaking and story-retarded when someone says: "I am a cleric of Jannath" or "I worship Amaunator", without any background to substantiate.

Here's why: Jannath, Amaunator, Jergal, Targus. These were the names of deities in the times of the Netherese. Yes, all of them still exist. Only ONE of them is still known by the same name: Jergal. Chauntea has not been known as Jannath for thousands of years, with the exception being the Moonshae Isles. Amaunator was thought to be long gone away, and only certain orders agreed that he was reborn as Lathander (current canon lore asserts that post-Spellplague, Lathander revealed himself to indeed be Amaunator). Targus, some time after the fall of the Netherese, was defeated by Tempus, but allowed to remain as a demipower/exarch, and since worshiped under the name Garagos. Jergal was also reduced to a demipower, but by his own doing, and thus remained under the same name as an advisor to those who took the portfolio of death ever since.

The older names are not widely known to the average commoner, and in some societies, only the most knowledgeable of sages, religious scholars, or elders in long-enduring orders would carry these facts to the new generation. Only specially formed orders and churches worship these gods under their old names. Some current churches might even consider it heresy or sacrilege to do so.

Now, I understand that, by proximity, anyone coming to reside in the ruins of Nebezzdos will become more aware of Netherese history, and the names that they gave to their gods. Clerics of Chauntea might come to realize that this "Jannath" was indeed the Great Mother of long ago. Lathanderites that look upon the shrine of Amaunator may have a vision of light that inspires them to make the connection and see them as one and the same. But IMHO, arriving to Ymph, via portal for example, and saying you serve Amaunator right off the bat requires special background consideration, and should require an application.

[Knight Of Pentacles]

No.

[xXCrystal_Rose]

I sort of agree, but... mixed feelings. Dead forgotten dieties should sort of be in the same list of background request things as a Red Wizard or something. I'm sure most characters wouldn't even know who At'ar, Elah, Kozah, or N'asr are for example (these are Bedine dieties. Current dieties and dead dieties, but the Netherese names for them). It does limit player flexibility, but... It would make a little bit of uniqueness to it if they are application based, and would ensure the DM staff can monitor to ensure it is roleplayed correctly. As stated in some post or another, background requests are the easiest to get approved, anyway, so it shouldn't be a hassle if you have a well thought out character.

[Ebok]

Absolutely not.

The Netherese Deities are so much cooler, then any of the current faerunian crop. I would be in full support to see more of the old deities playing bigger roles, since we're on ground zero of their lands. I find it much more interesting overall. It's like the Three and the One, I prefer those that follow these over the standard Triad. They are more interesting.

Of course, some of the Ymph specific characters deities should probably not be held prior to having been on Ymph, but those conversions can happen quickly if the player aims for it.

[Nightshadow]

It's not a matter of which is cooler, but what makes sense. It's odd that the name of an old god that hasn't been used for centuries is suddenly what everyone of a particular faith claims to follow. I've seen people completely new to the island claim to worship the "Three and One." The "Three and One" is unique to the Order, and isn't seen elsewhere on Toril, or in the Realms, except on Ymph.

If you're going to suddenly start claiming to worship them, at least go through a conversion, I'm sure you can find a priest somewhere who would love to go through something like that.

[Ebok]

Conversions like, The Three and the One, Jannath, and Targus should prolly be done IG, since their is no ooc issues involved other then changing the name.

However, Jergal and Amaunator are differing alignments, and have many sources elsewhere in the realms. Those would be full well expected to come through already following them. You cant switch your domains after creation, for example.

The Three and the One was why my edit was above, and they're Ymph unique.

[Snoteye]

GIEF MOAR WERK

/He said, pretending to be doing any work at all.

We do actually require applications for more arcane or obscure deities, but like with so many things it's not exactly enforcible. I am not at liberty to speak on the status of the specific deities you mention.

[THEDiamondJ]

With the ability to roll up a PC which starts as a citizen of the Ziggurat, it seems, that a PC following one of the gods of the Temple district makes perfect sense.

[Random_White_Guy]

L'edit

[Johannes]

Um, no. Applications are used equally to ensure that PC backgrounds are not at odds with our setting, or aren't overused/wasted on appalling character concepts. Concomitant in-game perks are not the controlling factor in deciding whether we want to see an application for your wacky PC backgrounds.

[9lives]

MY VERISIMILITUDES

[derfo]

i think as far as worshipping targus/jannath goes if you see their teachings are the exact same as the present version of them, your character could probably make the connection if they weren't completely retarded

[The Beggar]

I worship the God of Chocolate. This unknown god is melty, and has a sweet disposition. Beware though, for his dogma is addictive.