====== The Mechanics of Religion and Worship ======
 
There are several different levels of worshipping deities you can do in the world of Lensmoor. These are, in order of most benefits to least benefits:
 
* [[major_deities|Major Deities]] \\
* [[minor_deities|Minor Deities]] \\ 
* [[alignment_faith|Alignment Faiths]] \\ 
 
===== Choosing and Joining a Faith =====
 
* You may devote yourself to the service of a specific God or Goddess of the mythos that interests you most. See the [[major_deities|wizlist]] for a list of deities. To join, try sending a world note to the followers of the Immortal. Be sure to read the immortal's helpfile as well. The [[major_deities|wizlist]] is comprised of the Major Deities, which are deities actively maintained by staff.
 
* [[minor_deities|Minor Deities]] are faiths that still retain [[divine_spells|Divine spells]] but do not have an active member of staff maintaining them. This means less interaction and less opportunity; these faiths are maintained via remaining clergy and staff who have time to address each request made for them.
 
* Deities who are shown in the list of [[old_faiths|old faiths]] no longer have a firm presence in the world. They cannot be followed directly, but retain faithful via [[alignment_faith|alignment faith]]. Alignment faiths have less benefits; see that help file for more information.
 
* [[pantheism|Pantheism]] is also an option. Read the helpfile to learn how to become a pantheist.
 
===== The Benefits of Following Major/Minor Deities vs Alignment Faith =====
 
* You can communicate with fellow followers on the worshipper channel. \\ 
* You can use [[divine_spells|Divine spells]].  \\ 
* Faiths offer the chance to become [[clergy]] of your God or Goddess. \\ 
* You can earn a title within your faith. \\
* You receive an extra 'free' slot to learn the [[immspell]] of your deity.

Some of these are more difficult to achieve in the faith of a Minor Deity. See [[clergy|religion advancement]] for more details.
 
===== Leaving a Faith =====
 
* Any imm can let you out of a faith, but leaving a religion is a very serious choice and should only be done with a very good roleplaying reason. As part of leaving, you will be required to turn in your holy symbol. If you do not have it (lost, stolen, etc), you should inform the imm.
 
* You will be set as an OUTCAST when you leave a faith. See that helpfile for more information.
 
* After leaving a faith, your former deity may punish you for your betrayal, via mechanics or rp. Typically, this may include negative status, a disadvantage, or even a bounty calling for your death. However, depending on the imm and situation, other punishments are possible.
 
* If you are a hero, please see help HERO RP for additional requirements before you can leave a faith.
 
===== Inactive Faiths =====
 
* You are free to leave an inactive faith at any time, without any penalty. For purposes of this rule, inactive faiths are those listed in either the list of [[old_faiths|old faiths]] or the list of [[minor_deities|Minor Deities]].