Shadow Theology

[Argon of Peristalsis]

First of all: Is the Shadow real?

In a general sense, of course not. AT is a work of fiction. But within the context of the game, is the Shadow real, or just an imaginary friend, as many atheists allege "God" to be? Is the Shadow responsible for the magic effects of items like the RoLS?

And what of the various manifestations of Shadow worship? Some seem benign, like the chapels in the towns, but what of the Kazaul shrine? Isn't that a Shadow thing? Maybe the Shadow isn't always associated with good things.

As an aside, I've noticed that graves have crosses on them. That's an easily recognized sign of a grave in Euro-Amerian culture, but is it game-appropriate? I've been thinking a better symbol would be a post with a bit of black cloth hanging from it, to represent the Shadow.

[Meirerion]

Is the Shadow real?
I guess it depends who is asked.
As a RPG character worshipping the goddess of the Dawn, Elythara, my answer is no.
When Elythara tells you her story she says that the Shadow is a fake sect created by her opponents to rally the people against her.
But tell me, what would the Shadow be for an entity? A dark cloud whispering in your ears in your sleep? An obscure shape running in the woods when you're not looking at him?
I really can't imagine what the Shadow looks like. For me it's a fake religion and all his followers should burn like the heretics they are!
All hail the Queen of Queens.

[Fire7051]

First of all: Is the Shadow real?

And what of the various manifestations of Shadow worship? Some seem benign, like the chapels in the towns, but what of the Kazaul shrine? Isn't that a Shadow thing? Maybe the Shadow isn't always associated with good things.

As an aside, I've noticed that graves have crosses on them. That's an easily recognized sign of a grave in Euro-Amerian culture, but is it game-appropriate? I've been thinking a better symbol would be a post with a bit of black cloth hanging from it, to represent the Shadow.

Blasphemy!!! Kazual is not a part of the Shadow! The Shadow wishes it could be as awesome as Kazual and defial Elythara's Temple

Seriously though there is another thread on the forum that talks on this.
http://andorstrail.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... ods#p30016
I believe that the general consensus is that the religions and gods are real, but like you said it does have a lot to do with the individual follower.

[Thystonius]

I agree that the choice for crosses reflects our own mass subconscious roots into Christianity... a different, more druidistic / wiccan grave symbol would fit better in the game.

[Meirerion]

I agree that the choice for crosses reflects our own mass subconscious roots into Christianity... a different, more druidistic / wiccan grave symbol would fit better in the game.

Draw it .

[Tomcat]

I agree that the choice for crosses reflects our own mass subconscious roots into Christianity... a different, more druidistic / wiccan grave symbol would fit better in the game.

Draw it .

That's exactly it. The existing tile set doesn't really have anything else that looks like a spiritual symbol

[PK17]

I strongly agree about removing the crosses. Other "made up" religious symbols could be used. As for the graves, what about a rounded tombstone, I also like the forementioned idea of having a stick with a sign and a peice of cloth or a flower.

[sdevaney]

Let's stick to the topic. Our lack of graphical resources is well established. We would be grateful if someone made a different grave marker but until that happens this topic is about the theology behind the Shadow.

[PK17]

The Shadow's theology is flawed, however, their rings are not

[Pyrizzle]

True PK17 the rings have great potential.

and IMHO are worth the time and energy to get.