[Vraelon]

The title pretty much explains what I mean. Would it be possible to implement an 'A' (Apostate/Agnostic/Aetheist) character in Genesis? From what I have seen, Genesis is founded on the Gods. I put not forward this idea due to any prejudice against religion, but rather due to a thought about the social dynamics of the game. In any sort of world that is even slightly realistic, there will be some who do not believe, are unsure, or have renounced [in/of/their] religion. Yet with the 'favour' system, and the quests given by the Genesis Gods, would it be viable to add the 'A's without being unfair to them?

[Arcadian]

While characters can forsake their God - at their own peril - agnostic and atheist characters can't really exist, logically. The Gods DO exist, they WILL Smite if need be - in some form or another.

"I don't believe in your God." is not going to prevent a Paladin's sword from harming you.
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[Alex W]

That is an excellent question. It's one I began to consider a while back, but I need to put some deeper thought into it. To give a rough answer, I think characters will be able to live atheistic/agnostic lifestyles, with no real positive or negative effects, cumulatively. The gods will begin to ignore you, if you begin to ignore them and get through any displeasure, I suppose.

Unlike this world (and I mean no offense to any religious folk), it's a hell of a lot harder to maintain either of those philosophies, when the effects of their existence is going to be much more tangible than it is/would be here (depending on your beliefs). However, players are able to live on their own, willfully ignoring their alignment's deity if they wish. I don't know that they'll be able to advance much in each life, if their favor goes neither up nor down.
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[Niff]

very interesting. except gods in genesis are not simply just theories/stories, they actually are there and have a direct impact on the world. so it's tricky to have a classic "atheist" in genesis, i guess.
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Then in the course of time, man came to slap upon the bass. And lo, it was funky.
God heard this funkiness and He said, 'Go man, go.' And it was good.

[skeith]

theres still ppl who'd come up with some kind of excuse for random miracles, its not that they want to beleive if they see..they justy dont want to believe period

[Dark Stalion]

Um... and your proof of this is...? You see once there is proof, then it's got absolutely nothing to do with belief, and you can't claim that texts thousands of years old are proof, nor hearsay.
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[skeith]

and then religion isnt really religion anymore..as religion is all about faith..once something is proven..there is no more faith involved

[Arcadian]

Religion is better described as 'organized spirituality.'
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Bamf! Claw! Fang!
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[Terianis]

Yeah, I can't see how you can simply ignore the existence of a god in this game.

...well, let me rephrase that. You can't deny the existence of the power of faith, in Genesis. Even if you don't believe in gods, or a god, then you still have to admit to the power that faith, and acting how you are supposed to affects you.

So sure, you can argue about the literal interpretation of it, but you can't argue that it doesn't exist as an idea. I think that the difference between an 'atheistic' character in Genesis would be a character that does not act solely from the influence of their origins, while a devout character actively searches for the deity's favor. It's a different distinction, and not true Atheism, but where the gods act and walk among the world, true atheism is simply...well...unbelievable!