Re: [HoE] Blessed in Hell on Earth --it begins

[Matthew Steflik <grifflik@stny.rr.com>]

Michael wrote:

> Just that I don't think that enough people believe in
> higher powers (like you said) post-war. It takes a ton
> of belief to remain faithful, let alone become
> bless'ed. But the chance for a quest of faith (or
> whatever the thing was) is easier in this than TWW.

What I said was.."I'll only agree that there are fewer people believing
in a "Divine Power" these days only in the sense that there are fewer
people overall" (with "fewer people overall" read as "currently existing
on the planet due to the Apocalypse).  Taking those remaining after the
war and comparing them percentage wise to the total population before
the war, would we see that huge of a discrepancy in the ratio of
believers to non-believers? Would that many people flat out give up on
pre-war belief systems? I could concede a slight increase in
non-believers (due to loss of hope, et al), but not on the scale you
seem to be implying.  Of course this is a bit silly to be arguing about
as we couldn't possibly know for sure without the actual circumstances
occurring, but its interesting to speculate and I respect your take on
things. As for "TWW", are you meaning easier in "Weird" or "Wasted"?
I'm not sure I follow you.  Regardless, I appreciate your continuing
input on the subject.

Doug wrote:

> I remember reading a science fiction story (I think it was a short
> story,
> but cant remember the title or author) about a world in which the
> apocalypse had come, god had revealed himself in all his glory etc.
> etc.
> and all the good people had gone to heavin, the bad ones had been sent
> to
> hell, and the rest were left with no hope of salvation.  The afterlife
> was
> real, that had been proved, but now the gates to heaven/hell were
> closed
> and when you die thats it.

This sounds VERY familiar, but I'm not recalling a title or author
either (either author, awful eyeful...).

> HoE is different, as there has been nothing to prove/disprove god
> existance, the afterlife, and so on.  Because of this people can keep
> belivng in a higher power looking out for them.  It wouldn't be too
> hard
> for someone to decide that it's a nasty test being played by God
> (remember
> the story of Job?) and that only by remaining faithful and teaching
> others
> to be faithful to will the test end.  Once God has decided that
> humanity
> has been tested enough, the bad things will end.
>
> Sure it's easier to belive in something a bit more tangible, like the
> Glow
> or the saints, but you could belive in God if you desire.

Yes - this is more along the lines of my thinking as well (Arthur
Eiffel...?).

> I'd probably allow a blessed in my Hoe game if someone asked.  They'd
> be
> faced with such obstacles as a population with the attitude "thats all
>
> very well and good, but is beliving in him going to help us right now?
>
> The doomies heal the sick, the templers fight the abominations, what's
> god
> ever done for me?"
>
> Of course, thats just my opinion.

Yes, I've made it know that I'd allow a Blessed on a Joker draw during
character creation (a la our House Rules) and I concede your point on
tangible vs. intangible gains in the eyes of the populace.  Thanks for
your opinion and your input on the discussion (ether unfill...?).

Matt "Well, Bless My Soul and Call Me Spanky" Steflik
Master of Wahoo (artful auger...?)
Gimme Shelter - http://www.geocities.com/grifflik/