Cults of G.. - Index of - Free

MAGIC & RELIGION
In a very real sense, Gloranthan religions are more
than ‘mere’ faith but complex bargains between
worshippers and worshipped. In exchange for
adoration, worship and sacrifice, the worshipper gains
magical power. Simply belonging to a religion comes
with a web of benefits and obligations that vary with the
worshipper’s dedication. Minimal commitment gives
minimal benefits but few obligations. Those who dedicate
their minds, souls and bodies gain great reward for their
dedication.
Lay members, as noted in the RuneQuest rulebook, belong
to their religion but are simply part of the community
and receive few benefits. Most join their various cults,
practices and churches as lay members as a matter of
course when they come of age or are adopted into a new
community. It is simply part of the social fabric. It is likely
that an individual attends regular worship and he knows
the common, outermost rites and myths of the religion as
a matter of course. All Player Characters are considered
to have this level of knowledge in their native religion.
The main form of magic received by these worshippers is
access to the rune magic practiced by that religion, much
of which is considered ‘folk magic’ by more dedicated
members.
Committed members gain far more in exchange for a
greater contribution of time, resources and faith. They
are expected to uphold far stricter regulations, taboos and
prohibitions but in return, they receive powerful magic
and (usually) receive greater respect in their religious
community. These initiates may continue to access other
forms of magic but as they grow more committed to a
single belief, this grows more difficult. Acolytes, assistant
shamans, liturgists and apprentices all must make firm
commitments to their chosen style of magic. While they
gain increased magical ability, they also gain control and
favour over their local temples as many shrines are in the
hands of these religious functionaries.
The highest ranks of any religion, the Rune Lords and
Priests, the Shamans and Chiefs, and the Wizards have
far greater authority over their membership. In a very real
fashion, they embody and represent their religion. These
powerful figures are expected to protect or lead those
entrusted to their care, taking care of their congregations
and make sure that any enemies are dealt with. Militant
leaders such as the Runelords and chieftains will be
expected to carry the fight to the enemy and go on
dangerous missions to further the cult’s aims. All will be
expected to participate in the great rituals of their religion,
serving as their patron’s representative in community
worship where the great myths of their religion are reenacted
and renewed.
Convincing the Examiners
Before a character can join or advance in their religion,
his knowledge and dedication will be tested by the
temple hierarchy and quite possibly by the otherworld
entity itself. While this can be done as a simple series
of die rolls, testing the appropriate skills and attitudes,
entry or advancement may instead be a short quest or
adventure where these skills are tested. Religions always
look favourably upon those who have advanced its goals.
Some religions have specific entry requirements which
the applicants must attain before advancement or entry.
Abandoning the Faith
A character neglecting his religion or abusing its precepts
may find that his religion (and its worshipped entity)
has ways of retaliating. Depending on the severity of
the offence, an apostate character may encounter the
following:
D Religious figures visit the character to warn him of
his waywardness. Eventually, the religion will refuse
to support him.
D Otherworld entities known as Agents of Retribution
visit the character. These first warn, then harass
and finally attack the character. In the case of those
excommunicated from their faith, the agent will try to
strip away any magic they gained from their former
religion.
D The worshipped entity withholds its power, making
the use of its magic all but impossible.
D The religion expels the character, possibly with an
eye to hunting him down as an outlaw.
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Magic and Religion