Hi. One of my players asked about the possibility of making a (Roman) Mithras worshipper in our Uther period campaign. I said sure, why not.

However, now that I am trying to come up with the traits for the religion and such, I am increasingly finding just how much like Christianity Mithraism seems to be. Which of course is playing merry hell (pardon the phrase) with my preconceptions of a soldier's religion.

I was trying to find Mithraism in the published books, but at least on a quick glance, Perilous Forest only mentioned a Mithraieum, not the religion itself.

I did find a couple of old threads here as well (one of which I contributed, and I see my Mithraism 'first attempt' was pretty close to the Roman Virtues idea, which shows my own preconceptions pretty clearly), but they were not too helpful.

Wikipedia wasn't too helpful either as to what Mithraism was all about. Then again, it is a bit of a mystery religion, so I am not even sure how much we know about it.

Does anyone have a home-brew write-up or recalls if any information has been published?

My first stab was: Energetic, Honest, Just, Temperate, Proud, Valorous.
Benefits: +1 Damage, +1 Healing Rate, +2 HP.

But like said in above, I think this is probably more illustrative of the (Republican) Roman virtues. Honest doesn't seem to work well with Mithraism's secrecy, so I think I'd trade that out, at least. But for what? Chaste seems to fit the 'no women allowed' idea of an ascetic brotherhood of soldiers. Tertullian's comment about the soldier needing to decline a crown -might- be taken as an example of Modesty, but I would rather keep Proud there to counterbalance Energetic, Just and Valorous (Chivalric traits).

Second stab: Chaste, Energetic, Just, Temperate, Proud, Valorous.

Aaand... I realize I have one too many trait in there, actually. And it looks a lot like Judaism, especially if I drop Valorous (Proud -> Prudent only difference). Hmm. I might be tempted to drop Energetic, instead.

Third stab: Chaste, Just, Temperate, Proud, Valorous. = two good, one bad for chivalric
Comparisons:
Roman Christian: Chaste, Forgiving, Merciful, Modest, Temperate = two good
British Pagan: Lustful, Energetic, Generous, Honest, Proud = two good, one bad

I think I like that one. It is distinct enough from Christianity and Paganism, but is balanced enough. But lets see what the feedback from the assembled wisdom of the forum is!

As the worship of Mithras seems so close to Christianity in virtues it is best to keep them close. I think you have a good take on that (in the third stab).

Interesting question may be what the reasons are to play a Mithras worshipper. What is it he (or she) wants to play. If it is the secrecy of the Mithras cult then additional passions or directed traits may be in order (like a directed trait deceitful when dealing with his cult).
Also how obvious must the difference with Christianity be? Is it the player wants to play something other than a christian, why not a British pagan?

I think he just wanted to have something a bit different from the other characters, and hence non-Christian. Why not British Pagan? Because he is a Roman! A descendant of the legions of Rome! Not some tree-hugging hippy in a dress and a sickle! :P In short, Mithraism seemed like an obvious choice. Also, its very secrecy means that there is that 'secret brotherhood' thing going on. A family secret. Which may become useful, or not, at some point. :)

Mithraism was a long-dead religion by the time of KAP

How about the the existing Roman religions from Byzantium?
Page 80, K&L: Neoplatonist or Manichaeist

There was some discussion of Mithrasim back on the old Atomic Monks board. I can forward you what I have on this if you like.

SDLeary

Pendragon is quite anachronistic to start with: I am not troubled by a mere century and a bit from Julian the Apostate to the start of the campaign. That is still close enough, in my mind, that a family may have clung to the family tradition of Mithraism.

I am uninterested in the different flavors of Christianity; I already nixed the pseudo-pelasgianism of British Christianity in our campaign, but thanks for the suggestion, Greg.

SDLeary, if you could forward me the discussion on Mithraism, I'd appreciate it, thanks.

PM Sent

SDLeary