Concerning The Kortos Envoy


Pathfinder Society

Dark Archive 1/5

I just got through reading The Kortos Envoy (PFS 03-04) in preparation for running it at Whoseyercon this weekend. It made me wonder what Paizo's policy is on disparaging depictions of real world religions.

Case in point:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baphomet#Aleister_Crowley

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelema

I am personally not offended by it, but it does bring up a certain prejudice as to what is a "real world religion." Many companies (once again, maybe not Paizo) go out of their way not to offend Christians, Muslims, and other "main-stream" faiths, but seem unconcerned with others.

Once again, I'm not sure what Paizo's policy is. I don't think the mod needs to be changed. I don't think Paizo should shy away from using real world mythology. We should all understand, however, that one person's demon was very often another person's god, and those religions are not as dead as you think they might be.

This kind of thing can certainly get out of hand. If companies are too sensitive, all of a sudden your demons become Tanar'ri, which isn't good for anybody.

Just food for thought.

5/5

I don't think it's that huge of a deal, and having run it close to 6 or 7 times, I've never had anyone get upset about the religion aspects.

4/5 ****

I don't see any disparaging here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baphomet_%28Dungeons_%26_Dragons%29 is the wikipedia link you're looking for. This link is even more relevent. Note that the D&D Baphomet was inspired by the real world Baphomet but they are separate figures with differing mythologies.

Baphomet fits particularly well in his slot in the adventure.

Paizo Employee Director of Brand Strategy

Back when I was most involved in following David Bowie around the country, I did my fair share of research into Thelema and the life of Crowley, if only because of Bowie's own dabbling in the occult in the mid-70's. So I'm aware of the connection, but I don't think that the Baphomet of Golarion is any more connected to Thelema than the Asmodeus or Lamashtu of Golarion are connected to the real-world cults of those demons in ancient (or modern) times. In general, we're very aware of not disparaging real-world religions, but when a faith (new or old) practices worship of beings most view as mythology, it becomes harder and harder to do. Thus, you won't see us naming Kali as a demon goddess, nor would we declare the very real practice of voudon as the evil practice it's often depicted as in mainstream media.

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