How to keep the faith?

[Alric Wilmot]

Hey there, I was just wondering how a PC shows loyalty or obedience to a god/ess. I recently acquired a Gnosis mark, and plan on getting another one eventually. However, I believe I need to show Alric's worship a bit more prominently to be eligible when the time comes. I was curious on how to do this? Does it need to be done in so many solos? If so, what exactly needs to be done?

Or, does it just need to be a part of his overall character, and kept in mind during roleplaying threads that he'll reference his god/ess?

Just wanted a bit of clarification. Thank you, all help is very much appreciated.

[Victor Lark]

I don't think anything needs to happen. Victor worships Ionu, and it's become second nature for him to think of the world as a series of illusions, stacked on top of each other and ripe for the deluge. He sees mischief as a lifestyle and deception as an art. He lives the way he thinks Ionu would want a person to live, though he rarely prays outright--then again, Ionu isn't the kind of god to grant a favor just because it was asked of him.

Of course, it depends on the god. Different gods demand different things. I've always thought worshipping a god involved living out their dogma, not necessarily making them aware of your existence. A solo written purely for devotion would be a waste. Include your beliefs as the opportunity arises (and it definitely will, if your character is right for it), and when the time comes to apply again you'll have the resume to back it up.

It also depends on the ST who would give you the gnosis, and the founder who wrote the god. They're probably the best resource for the god you intend to impress, specifically.

[Alric Wilmot]

Ah, thank you. Alric also worships Ionu, and he frequently thinks of the world in such a way. Really, it's his mentality to work that way. Alric sees illusions as questions, and enjoys answering them. It's as much a part of his psychological profile as his religious one. But you are right in your assessment of Ionu's character. Although, therein lies the problem, Ionu isn't really one to give away favors. I suppose Goss might have something to say about it.

Still, your reply is very welcome. If you're right, then I have nothing to worry about, since I do what you recommend anyway. Thank you for giving your time.

[Xalet]

Yeah I tend to think of it as a 'different strokes for different folks' type of thing. Or rather, for different Gods in this instance. Something I tend to think of (whether it's right or wrong it's just the way I think of it) is, why would a God find you particularly valuable? How do you express the values and ethics of said God in such a way that might convince (or heck, trick in some cases) others to become interested in thinking along the same lines? And I think there's different ways in expressing these values, depending on the character.

For instance, Xalet and his relationship with Priskil. Xalet understands that hope is a warm and inspiring feeling, and wants to help other people gain a grasp on hope in an otherwise very dark and dangerous world. He's the kind of guy that would offer his hand to someone that has fallen and help them up. He offers hope through his actions.

Xuphim on the other hand recognizes that hope is an ingredient to strength, akin to confidence or self-awareness. He's the kind of guy that would shout down to someone upon the ground, taunting them with their apparent pathetic state and ordering them not to succumb to their weakness, and to never give in. He offers to chance to find hope within onesself.

[Gossamer]

As the person that developed Ionu, I think writing anything for the sake of anything is never a waste even if its a devotional thread. I've done lots of them in my time rping. Ionu just might appreciate it, especially if done right.

What they don't appreciate is anything that isn't done in a lighthearted 'surprise' kind of way. Ionu is the ultimate nonconformist. He/She thinks there should be no need for straight lines, gravity, and fixed points in time. I suspect Ionu annoys Tanroa and other such gods and goddesses routinely as well due to this non-serious approach to life. Ionu doesn't think being the strongest is the best. Ionu doesn't think being like everyone else is the way to go. Ionu isn't a subscriber of the survival of the fittest. He/she believes in survival of the cleverest and most amusing. Because whats the world without something being astonishingly unexpected and unforeseen?

He/she delights in the new, unusual, and the ability for people to think outside of the box. He/she hates profit, personal gain, and ambition towards business and that sort of thing. Existence is a privilege and life is a playground. That's what Ionu is all about. I could actually add 'mischief and play' into Ionu's realms of control as well since that's the basic drive behind most of the illusions.

Really if you are like everyone else, they don't have the time of day for you. If you are a criminal, business man, someone looking for power or wealth or personal gain.... again no time no interest. If you are someone that is nonconventional in surprising and unusual ways then its something Ionu loves.

He'd really have loved say Tesla or de Vinci. But she'd also equally love someone who was never destined for greatness but just lived their lives simply.

[Alric Wilmot]

Thank you very much for your input Gossamer. I was hoping you'd enlighten us.

As I read over your comment, I was wondering if the ambition part was truly only for business endeavors, or in general. Since my character does fall under the ambitious label, due to his hunger for understanding, I was wondering if I'd have to dampen him somewhat, or simply express in my roleplaying that he doesn't covet power for power's sake. Since he really sees it only as a means, rather than a goal.

Yet, it also seems like I'm asking for little reason. After all Tesla and Leonardo were ambitious in there own way too. Still, it couldn't hurt for a little more clarification. Although you were really quite thorough, I just don't want any doubt in my mind.