Theology in the Fading Word

Concepts of Theology

In many ways, Theology is a very practical skill in the Fading Word. The existence and (general) nature of god is not a debate in most of the worlds floating in the Maelstrom. Instead, priests and philosophers examine the details of the god's creation and attempt to divine the god's opinions and prejudices from them. Most Theology skill are more like engineering analyses of worlds than philosophical studies of divinity.

The Theology skills currently known to exist in and around Abbatine are listed below, along with brief comments on their availability and usefulness.

Theology (Abbatine)

Abbatine's theology is widespread among both his own Created and Outsiders. A major benefit of the skill is the ability to predict when Abbatine's Lesser Moon will appear in the sky. During these times, knowledgable watchers can gain +1 to spell skills and act as if they are in a High Mana region.

Theology (Benoth)

A useless skill still studied only by mad hermits trapped in Benoth. Ever since the death of the goddess Benoth, her theology has had no power, even within her onetime world.

Theology (Dost)

Dost is a cold world between Abbatine and Sa Opedi. His theology is not commonly known among the folk of Abbatine.

Theology (Jhokkada)

Actually a modified version of the original Theology of Syago-Jhokk, the skill as practiced by the Jhokkada provides knowledge of rituals used in Jhokkada practices, and can be used as a prerequisite for several Jhokkada cult spells (if known to 15+).

Theology (Mardaka)

Mardaka rules over his world with a harsh theocratic hand, and his theology is primarily useful to obtain advancement within his priesthood.

Theology (Padachee)

Knowledge of Padachee's theology is generally restricted to Padachee's Created races (linder, bull-men and Padachee humans). Any powers or special benefits it carries are unknown to the people of Abbatine.

Theology (Sanan's Bridge)

Sanan's Bridge is normally called Padachee Bridge. It is a tiny world located literally along the Bridge linking those two worlds, created by a Maelstrom Walker taught by Padachee. His theology includes knowledge of several aspects of his creation, including the Eyes of Sanan and the Fountains. It also provides the ability to predict weather changes upon the Bridge and the ability to recognize fasaddi (even when disguised or concealed).

Theology (Sa Opedi)

Sa Opedi is distant enough from Abbatine that the specific benefits provided by her theology are not known.

Theology (Shildree)

The only place in Abbatine where the theology of Shildree can be learned is the city of Kashaad, which is peopled entirely by refugee blues from Shildree. In general, they are unwilling to teach this knowledge to outsiders.

Theology (Yierdo)

Despite the fact that Yierdo's World was destroyed hundreds of years ago (and Yierdo was assumed to have died with it), her theology remains alive and vital in the hands of those Yierdo dwarves who escaped the destruction and those others who believe in the legend of Yierdo's Second. Despite it's relatively wide circulation, there are no known practical benefits to knowing the skill.

[Bruce Turner's Home Page | Fading Word Intro | Session Summaries] ÿ