[LoO] The Gods in Sci-fi worlds

[RPGPundit]

Just as there's the classical earths, and modern earth, there's also all kinds of potentially futuristic sci-fi worlds; many where the gods may be forgotten, or unheard of, or worshipped or known in other forms (a few perhaps where they're thought of as "godlike alien entities"); and a few sci-fi universes where they may have decided to be active as deities in the full sense (Greek Mythology.... in Spaaaace!).

What kind of sci-fi universes would you think up to feature in a LoO campaign? And what would the gods do in them?

RPGPundit

[Arref]

What kind of sci-fi universes would you think up to feature in a LoO campaign? And what would the gods do in them?

Lord of Light - Roger Zelazny

Certainly a very interesting place to set a LoO campaign.

[Panzerkraken]

I remember reading a manga-style comic based around the greek gods in a cyberpunk-esque universe.  It was called Athena, and she was the main protagonist.  It might be interesting to take a look at it from that perspective.

[RPGPundit]

Lord of Light - Roger Zelazny

Certainly a very interesting place to set a LoO campaign.

Now there's a thought!

RPGPundit

[Sydius Mendoza]

Check out Illium and Olympos by Dan Simmons.

A sci-fi recreation of the Illiad set on an alternate Earth and Mars. The Gods in this case are the post-humans that have stolen technology and used it to set themselves up as Gods.

I could try and give more description. But instead I shall force you to do your own research.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilium/Olympos

[RPGPundit]

Sounds like a job for Prometheus!

RPGPundit

[Sydius Mendoza]

Sounds like a job for Prometheus!

RPGPundit

No doubt. In the story the 'Gods' have pulled a sort of reverse Prometheus on humanity. Humanity still has technology, but for all intents and purposes it is magic to them. No one knows how the tech really works, or even how to read.

The series is a good read most of the way through (kinda loses focus at the end). Not quite as good as the Hyperion Cantos by the same author, but certainly worth the read.

[brettmb]

Hmm. How about a reverse stargate game? You portray Egyptian (Goa'Uld) or Celtic (Asgard) gods or the Ori.

[RPGPundit]

Check out Illium and Olympos by Dan Simmons.

A sci-fi recreation of the Illiad set on an alternate Earth and Mars. The Gods in this case are the post-humans that have stolen technology and used it to set themselves up as Gods.

I could try and give more description. But instead I shall force you to do your own research.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilium/Olympos

Frankly, though how is this not a ripoff of Lord of Light?

[Sydius Mendoza]

Frankly, though how is this not a ripoff of Lord of Light?

There are similarities to be sure. But Simmons presents the story from the perspective of the human characters. Also, in addition to basing heavily off of Homer, the story incorporates elements of Shakespeare (specifically The Tempest) and Proust.

[Sydius Mendoza]

Also, let's be fair here. Most sci-fi/fantasy lit draw off of common themes. Fantasy in particular is rife with mythological influences. 'Rip off' might be an overly strong term.

[RPGPundit]

There are similarities to be sure. But Simmons presents the story from the perspective of the human characters. Also, in addition to basing heavily off of Homer, the story incorporates elements of Shakespeare (specifically The Tempest) and Proust.

Well, fair enough. Its certainly a valid concept; "alien space gods" and whatnot, with the twist being said gods are basically humans.

RPGPundit

[Premier]

Sci-fi settings are harder to speak about in general terms than fantasy ones, but here are some simple ideas for associations involving the canonical entities:

- Any sort of novelty power generation system (cold fusion, anti-matter, etc.): Prometheus.

- Computers or algorithms prediciting the future (like Psychohistory): also Prometheus.

- Space elevators, orbital structures, Dyson spheres: Atlas

- Deep space & space travel (especially slower-than-light or slow FTL): Poseidon.

- Interstellar/-galactic space: Nyx.

- Nanoassemblers, automated factories, cybernetic augments: Hephaistos.

- Genetically engineered lifeforms: Gaia (improved humans), Echidna (weird stuff), Hermes (for the alchemical/chemical aspect).

- Ruins/remains of extinct civilisations: Hades.

- Breathable atmosphere, atmospheric terraforming: Uranus.

- Terraforming in general: Demeter.

- Energy weapons, especially large ones: Zeus.

- Longevity and health through futuristic medicine or genetic treatment: Hebe, Aphrodite (for the aspect of remaining ever beautiful), Apollo (for health).

- The inescapability of black holes: Tartarus.

[RPGPundit]

Hermes would rule the super space-internet.

Apollo would be a pretty major god; maybe each star would be a kind of super-daemon of his?

Nyx would be interesting.

RPGPundit