Religion in Larp

Mhh, i think you might have misunderstood me. I wasn't asking what spell/prayer hass this specific effect. What I meant was this:

With magic-users, it's very common to say that they draw their energy ("mana", or whatever you want to call it) either from themselves (they generate it over time) or from their surroundings (it's generated by the world, or someting in the world, and they just have the ability to collect it). And there's certainly many variations on this.

My question is - in KR, what is the equivalent "energy source" for clerics, and how is it accessed. Do deities grant them power up front, and through prayers they focus them into some effect, or do they just call upon these deities for effects to happen by prayer, and the deities affect the world directly and on their own? And do deities just have these powers, or do they have to draw them from external source?

Sorry if this is getting a bit off-topic maybe.

No its not a bad discussion for the topic. Some of it verges on FOIG though.

Basically, there are different systems of magic. The Weave is a conduit of energy that connects the prime plane to the Astral realms. Each Element, or Sphere of magic has its own strand of Weave; likewise Divine energy and Druidic, have their own.

Further breaking it down are the Domains of Divine, each represent an Aspect of Divine energy that specific Gods are able to channel. Each God has its own unique Aspect, and shares two others with other Gods. (Except Visagalis who is the special snowflake)

As to the process of drawing on that energy its something left vague. We have speculated that the flow of Divine energy is a two way affair, our worship to specific Gods empowers the Divine strand, and the Weave in general. Gods are the guardians of their Aspects, gatekeepers kinda, and through focus on that God, Clergy are able to channel the energy of their Aspects to perform Divine miracles (prayers).

The Deities have changed Aspects or occasionally different Gods have risen that take on Aspects vacated by their former holder. The Aspects seem to be permanent, while the Gods can sometimes change.

So to sum up, its an external and eternal source of Divine energy which Gods ascend to become the caretakers for, and Clergy are assistants to the Gods in harvesting and managing the energy on Arawyn. Note, this is all my opinion, its left for people to research IC to figure out specifics.

I understand that Religious RP ads incredible depth and potential for delicious narrative conflict as well as a driving force for character motivations but one thing I currently really appreciate about the system at KR is that most IG religious ceremonies and deep religious RP is optional.

Not to get too off topic or personal but I consider KR and other such Fantasy LARPs a fun escape and, having grown up in an extremely religiously-focused insular community which I sacrificed much to leave, I really want very little to do with religious RP because I sometimes find it very uncomfortable. The more fantastical elements are totally fine (speaking with angels, appearances of gods, glowing lights, etc) but the elements that are closer to real-world religious ceremonies (benedictions, blessings, etc) sometimes leave me feeling very squirmy. And the great thing about these IG religious ceremonies at KR? I can just remove myself and go enjoy another aspect of the game if I feel off.

I currently really appreciate the take-it or leave-it surface aspect of religion in KR. Sure, it's there under the hood if you'd like to delve deeper to explore it and the narrative richness it brings but all PCs are not necessarily required to attend masses. The only "requirement" I can think of is the pre-feast benediction but there is no IG punishment for a character refusing to bow her head. The Nobility does not push a particular religion on any PCs and there is no pressure to participate if you don't want to.

It is and will remain optional to participate, no matter how many times I ask you IC.

I dont think anyone wants to annoy people or make them uncomfortable with their RP. It is something to consider when preaching, that some people are going to say no, and you need to respect that. Is that something I always do? No. I get caught up in the moment and might get carried away. However, it is something I need to keep in mind, and certainly if I am making you uncomfortable, don't be afraid to let me know.

Last feast being St. Astrid's day I asked people to greet and acknowledge their neighbor at Benediction. Thinking back on it, did that make people uncomfortable? If it did I can cross that one off the list to do again. All of my benedictions (and most of my Masses) are Ad Libbed so planning is non existent. I go with the flow at the time. But, a heads up will make sure I don't cross anyone's boundaries.

Interesting - thanks for the elaborate answer!

I usually like to read up on these background things before joining a game to get a better feel for the universe it takes place in.

David, just reassuring you that you're doing a great job. Including the Feast benedictions and asking my PC repeatedly to consider a faith. I'll PM you and talk if ever there is an issue but I think you're doing A+ Valosian RP and keep going as you're going. The doors aren't bolted during feast. No one's held in there. No one is punished IG for not fully participating. It's a nice touch.