General Information
Each deity has a unique set of things within their domain that they care about. These are quite unique to the deity and in many ways work to define that particular god or goddess. In addition to a deity’s domain, they have two Spheres of Influence. A Sphere of Influence is a cross over point between the things a deity is great at and how that greatness touches humanity.
Example: Hera is the goddess of marriage. She is given the Sphere: Politics and Government. This means that Hera’s domain of marriage crossects with humanity in courthouses and in the actual ceremony and contracts of marriage. Alternatively, if Hera was given the Sphere of Chaos, she might delight in unhappy marriages or divorce. At her core, Hera was not changed- she remains the goddess of marriage. However, her Spheres of influence with modern humans can change and wildly shape and impact her actions.
Impacts to Game
Each character in On the Rocks will be given two spheres that compliment their deity. Deities from all pantheons will overlap and share certain spheres. Multiple gods from the same pantheon may share a sphere and some spheres are entirely absent from pantheons.
Each Sphere will contain some goals. These goals are shared by all gods and goddesses within that Sphere. It is entirely possible for a god or goddess to have membership in two Spheres with conflicting goals. Being a god is hard and there are difficult choices to make. Talk to those within your circle of influence and outside of it for advice and input. Let your roleplaying experiences drive your character’s choices and decisions.
The Spheres
Activism
Activism describes individuals who are prone to action for a particular cause. Commonly, people who fight for political or social change are labeled as activists. This Sphere of Influence is a bit more broad than that. It contains all deities with exceedingly strong opinions on at least one subject area or interest. The deities who share activism hate lazing about and they prefer to rally each other and their believers to take action. They are not wallflowers and they will not let others tread upon them easily.
Business/Capitalism
Characters who have Business/Capitalism as one of their spheres of influence recognize the role of money, entrepreneurship, exchange, and negotiation as part of their lives in the modern era. Characters within this domain are willing to engage in trades- as long as it benefits them. Mutual benefit is a nice perk, but it isn’t always necessary.
Casino/Chance
The Sahara Sands Casino is a neutral meeting spot for the gods. It’s a space where ideologies can be discussed. It’s a place where the gods can meddle in the affairs of humans. It’s a place where the gods can mingle among humans. The Sahara Sands is also a place where power can be gained and lost and where lives, human and godly, can be changed forever.
Characters who have this sphere are likely to embrace and relish in the power held by the Sahara Sands itself. They believe in the value a society of gods that it provides. They may disrespect each other, but they shall not disrespect the casino or what it stands for.
Chaos
If you never have to face adversity, you will never grow or change. Change is important to some gods. The act of change is more important than the outcomes according to some in this sphere. While the motivations may vary, all the gods that share this sphere of influence enjoy change.
These gods may help others try to embrace some new ideologies in order to survive and live on. These gods may simply try to incite some minor pandemonium. They might also see a longer string of complicated and strategic events about to unfold. Regardless of how they view chaos though, they know it’s inevitable and necessary to balance all of the rules and order from strong players in other gods.
Entertainment
Some gods live to party and parties live for them. They do not all have the same skills, talents, or resources to bring to a party, but they love them. These gods shine bright and hot and when forced into a small space with one another can quibble with one another quickly.
Gods with this sphere of influence are able to reach out and inspire humanity quickly and thanks to some of the New Gods, their reach is expanding around the world faster than it ever has before. These gods want humans to have a good time and enjoy life despite all of its wrenches and snags along the way.
Intellectual
The Intellectual sphere has many great thinkers and theorists within its membership. These gods are able to reason well and use logic to solve problems. They prefer facts to opinions- but even well thought out opinions are respected by gods who possess this sphere. Individuals who possess this sphere may find themselves drawn towards puzzles or mysteries. All of the gods with this sphere are inquisitive and enjoy asking questions.
Intellectuals are unlike Entertainers in that they often feel comfortable with one another. They gravitate towards each other and have a tendency to form insular social groups. Intellectuals have realized that this innate habit is detrimental to their learning paradigms and they are actively trying to remediate the issue.
Military
There are few spheres who influence on the human world is so noteworthy. Gods with this sphere are nation builders and destroyers. They are harm doers and protectors. They crave might, violence, and competition. They fear appearing weak, meek, or mild. Gods within this pantheon will often make detailed plans and work hard to have these plans executed successfully. They are poor losers and they hold grudges longer than other deities.
Politics/Government
The Politics and Government sphere is favored by those deities who enjoy speaking to audiences, processes, and order. This sphere is a strong supplement to just about another other sphere. These gods and goddess are usually expert in one area of interest, but can converse intelligibly about many others. They are used to teamwork in diverse groups and function well when in direct opposition with others.