Difference between revisions of "Judge Belief (sage ability)"
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| − | '''Judge Belief''' is an [[Knowledge Points|amateur]]- | + | [[File:Judge Belief (sage ability).jpg|right|525px|thumb]] |
| + | '''Judge Belief''' is an [[Knowledge Points|amateur]]-level [[Sage Ability|sage ability]] in the [[Sage Study|study]] of [[Gods (sage study)|Gods]], allowing the character to discern the spiritual posture of others through observation of tone, gesture, phrasing and emotional bearing during religious, while expressing their belief. Through brief conversation or by witnessing ritual behaviour, the character gains insight into the depth and nature of another's faith. | ||
| + | __TOC__ | ||
| + | This process takes one to two hours of observation, whereupon the character shall know. Roll a d20: person is false (1-6), fearful (7-15), judicious (16-19), pious (20). The "false" only mimic faith, adopting its outer trappings to avoid suspicion or to gain social advantage, but internally they lack any true conviction behind their observances. The "fearful" perform rites from a place of anxiety, appealing to higher powers for protection and retribution, with words and behaviour marked by caution and superstition. | ||
| − | The | + | The "judicious" are those who approach religion not as an emotional or mystical calling, but as a system of order, structure and responsibility. Their devotion is rooted in reason and duty, often shaped by education, custom or a lifetime of disciplined practice. They tend to be precise in their observances, punctual in rites and deeply concerned with doing things correctly, not out of fear or love, but because it is right to do so. To the judicious, the divine is real, but it is also distant — a power to be served through action and reverence, rather than experienced emotionally. They do not seek closeness to the gods, but rather alignment with divine law. Their strength lies in their consistency, clarity and incorruptibility; their flaw may lie in rigidity and spiritual detachment. |
| − | The | + | == The Pious == |
| + | The "pious" are those whose belief flows from the heart, not from obligation or fear. Their faith is lived rather than performed — a constant thread woven through their speech, gestures and daily habits. They feel the presence of the divine in quiet moments, in suffering and joy alike, and seek to draw closer to it not by duty, but by desire. To them, the gods are not distant overseers, but living forces with whom a personal relationship can be cultivated through prayer, humility and compassion. They often express their faith through kindness, forgiveness and a deep attentiveness to the spiritual needs of others. Their prayers are heartfelt, their rituals sincere, even if imperfect. Others may be drawn to them for comfort and guidance, sensing the authenticity in their devotion. | ||
| − | + | Pious individuals will be prepared to sacrifice themselves for others, even be a martyr if the religious cause be just. Judicious persons will be reliable, making good soldiers and servants of the state or their community. Fearful persons will follow, but offer very little true strength in times of crisis. False persons will usually flee at the first sign of trouble. | |
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| + | == Zealotry == | ||
| + | Note that this ability does not interpret zealotry as a distinct or reliable measure of belief. That is because it is a behaviour wholly apart from a measure of belief. Zealots often use the language and form of religion to advance personal, political or ideological agendas, regardless of whether they possess genuine faith. Many are non-believers who adopt the guise of devotion to lend authority to their cause, masking ambition or resentment beneath ritual and doctrine. | ||
| − | + | Zealotry may also arise among the fearful, who channel their terror into aggression, striking preemptively at those they perceive as threats to their safety or creed. In such cases, belief becomes a shield or weapon, not a source of comfort or moral grounding. Among the judicious, zealotry may emerge in more restrained but equally dangerous forms — cold enforcement of doctrine without compassion, where the structure of faith is upheld rigidly, without concern for justice, mercy or meaning. | |
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| + | The ability will identify whether a zeolot is a true believer or a false prophet, whether fearful or judgmental, just as any other purported believer. | ||
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| + | See also,<br> | ||
| + | [[Religion]]<br> | ||
| + | [[Theology & Customs (sage field)]] | ||
| − | + | [[Category: Sage Abilities]][[Category: Reviewed]] | |
Latest revision as of 14:39, 16 April 2025
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Judge Belief is an amateur-level sage ability in the study of Gods, allowing the character to discern the spiritual posture of others through observation of tone, gesture, phrasing and emotional bearing during religious, while expressing their belief. Through brief conversation or by witnessing ritual behaviour, the character gains insight into the depth and nature of another's faith.
Contents
This process takes one to two hours of observation, whereupon the character shall know. Roll a d20: person is false (1-6), fearful (7-15), judicious (16-19), pious (20). The "false" only mimic faith, adopting its outer trappings to avoid suspicion or to gain social advantage, but internally they lack any true conviction behind their observances. The "fearful" perform rites from a place of anxiety, appealing to higher powers for protection and retribution, with words and behaviour marked by caution and superstition.
The "judicious" are those who approach religion not as an emotional or mystical calling, but as a system of order, structure and responsibility. Their devotion is rooted in reason and duty, often shaped by education, custom or a lifetime of disciplined practice. They tend to be precise in their observances, punctual in rites and deeply concerned with doing things correctly, not out of fear or love, but because it is right to do so. To the judicious, the divine is real, but it is also distant — a power to be served through action and reverence, rather than experienced emotionally. They do not seek closeness to the gods, but rather alignment with divine law. Their strength lies in their consistency, clarity and incorruptibility; their flaw may lie in rigidity and spiritual detachment.
The Pious
The "pious" are those whose belief flows from the heart, not from obligation or fear. Their faith is lived rather than performed — a constant thread woven through their speech, gestures and daily habits. They feel the presence of the divine in quiet moments, in suffering and joy alike, and seek to draw closer to it not by duty, but by desire. To them, the gods are not distant overseers, but living forces with whom a personal relationship can be cultivated through prayer, humility and compassion. They often express their faith through kindness, forgiveness and a deep attentiveness to the spiritual needs of others. Their prayers are heartfelt, their rituals sincere, even if imperfect. Others may be drawn to them for comfort and guidance, sensing the authenticity in their devotion.
Pious individuals will be prepared to sacrifice themselves for others, even be a martyr if the religious cause be just. Judicious persons will be reliable, making good soldiers and servants of the state or their community. Fearful persons will follow, but offer very little true strength in times of crisis. False persons will usually flee at the first sign of trouble.
Zealotry
Note that this ability does not interpret zealotry as a distinct or reliable measure of belief. That is because it is a behaviour wholly apart from a measure of belief. Zealots often use the language and form of religion to advance personal, political or ideological agendas, regardless of whether they possess genuine faith. Many are non-believers who adopt the guise of devotion to lend authority to their cause, masking ambition or resentment beneath ritual and doctrine.
Zealotry may also arise among the fearful, who channel their terror into aggression, striking preemptively at those they perceive as threats to their safety or creed. In such cases, belief becomes a shield or weapon, not a source of comfort or moral grounding. Among the judicious, zealotry may emerge in more restrained but equally dangerous forms — cold enforcement of doctrine without compassion, where the structure of faith is upheld rigidly, without concern for justice, mercy or meaning.
The ability will identify whether a zeolot is a true believer or a false prophet, whether fearful or judgmental, just as any other purported believer.
See also,
Religion
Theology & Customs (sage field)
