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Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the game's relationship with American Gods? Can I play Shadow/Wednesday/Low Key?
The game's setting draws heavily on the world of Neil Gaiman's novel American Gods, but we do not follow the events and characters of the book. So while you cannot apply for Gaiman's version of gods such as Shadow, Wednesday or Low Key, you are welcome to come up with your own interpretation of Balder, Odin or Loki.
Do I need to have read American Gods to play?
Not at all! American Gods is the inspiration for the setting, but the characters and situations within are all of our own imaginations and the game is designed to be equally friendly to those who have not read the book.
How did the gods get to be in America?
Gods are essentially ideas, surviving - sometimes thriving - off belief. Most will have been brought to the Americas at some time in history by those who worship them, crossing the ocean in the minds of mortals. Some, such as Native American gods or New Gods may have come into existence in the United States. Over here is a basic approximation of when, for the purposes of the game, different cultures and their gods may have reached America, but as long as the time of your god's arrival is plausible you don't have to be tied to that - the pantheons probably didn't arrive in one boatload, after all.
Can the gods leave America?
No. Once the god has been brought to America and the idea takes root, they can't leave, they can only adapt. There are gods in other countries - for instance, the Norse travelled to America via Iceland, so it's quite possible they brought, say, Thor to both countries and that he is still roaming around both. However, while they are the same god, the same idea, they are completely separate incarnations and it would be quite common for them to have no contact at all with one another. Each might not even be aware the other exists.
What constitutes a "god"? Can I play another mythical being? A mortal hero?
Most mythic beings - for instance, the Norse dwarves and giants or the Irish leprechauns and bean sidhe - are accepted. Although not technically gods they, too, find their origins in human legend and like the gods they are reliant on continued belief. Major mortal figures in well-known legends are also allowed: Despite having quite famously died in their respective tales, heroes like Achilles and King Arthur were immortalised in legend and verse, even worshipped, and both had a supernatural aspect to them. Lesser-known and peripheral mortal figures can be a stickier case. If in doubt about a character choice, feel free to ask.
What constitutes a New God?
New Gods tend to be a product of new innovations (like technology), new fads and modern consumer culture. The kinds of things that humans have come to rely on or put their faith in in modern times. Don't think sweeping concepts, like gods of wealth and greed; think modern expressions of those concepts, like gods of Wall Street, banking, the American Dollar and capitalism.
If I want to play a mythical being, do I have to find a pre-existing character from legend or can I create an original character?
We welcome any known characters from legend, but because there are often very few (if any) pre-existing options when it comes to many mythical species, you are welcome to create original characters, provided you stay true to the myth.
Where can I find more information about different gods/mythologies?
The resources page should give you a few good general references.
Got a question that needs answering? Feel free to ask it here. |
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