Elemental Forums
Athos as a faction name (And an "evil" one as such) may be offensive to some. Specifically there is a place in Greece called mount Athos which is home to the eastern orthodox relegion's most revered monasteries and monks. I think that some would find such connotations offensive.
I guess some might, although I doubt 99% of player would be aware of this still no harm in changing it a little since you've pointed it out.
Athos was also the name of one of the Musketeers. Names are hardly unique in this day and age.
As far as 'offensive' names go, this isn't so bad. There's a radio station called KUT, which in Dutch is an offensive word for a certain part of the female reproductive system... 
It's hard to get names that in all languages mean nothing 
I don't think any orthodox would find it offensive. It can have reference from three musketteers for example.
Although someone, somewhere is going to be offended by every single thing in a game, I think that the channeler being able to procreate is going to gather a LOT more attention than a minor religious "overlap".
Only if people are living under a roc...oh..right. Heh, in all seriousness go play some Paradox game, Crusader Kings had nice lil family trees, though I think (And hope a lot) that E:WoM will be better, as it brings up all sorts of cool mod possibilites, and I like to Role Play my guy...even in single player..im crazy.
Two things:
1) The reference of the three musketeers is probably made by Doumas from mount Athos itself. Nobility was renown for turning to monastic life when they left their noble post. Oh and if you haven't read the book don't try to understand this note.
2) Offensive does not mean just a swear word. This case would be kinda offensive to link a holy (to some) place with an unholy magical faction. Although these audiences are not that much overlapping I doubt that it would be much trouble to take care of that.
Thanks for all the feedback lads.
If these Monks are Catholic then it should definitely stay as a "Evil" name... J/K J/K No offense, only a joke, a crude one, but a joke it was.
In my personal opinion, organized religion is the downfall of Human Kind. Those are just my thoughts though.
Frankly I'd be offended if they did change it now. Yeah, how ya like them apples?! ..anyway I need sleep.
Actually I have to add that any one religiously fanatical enough to be truly offended by this would probably not be playing a computer game in which they play a demi-god magic user.
As I say there is not harm in changing it if they want to, but I can't see it doing sales any harm if they don't because as I say 99% of players won't know and of those that do 99% won't be offended.
Wow, just a little bit of sterotyping going on here. First off there has always been a strong and devoted Christian subculture withing the Role Playing World. You can find author bylines on articles on Wizards site (and others) with clear declarations of their faith. Tokien was a devoted Christian after all. I have friends who were introduced to D&D by their Youth Minister.
Second Monks of all types tend to be extremely kind and generous and quite level headed. Hospitality is the highest virtue in most Catholic orders, and is highly rated in all orders. Quite frankly, monks are generally very cool people. Although if you ever get challenged to a game of pool (or billiards) by a monk run away! Pool is a rather common recreation at many monestaries. Computer games aren't common, but if they are played I'm sure they are played more based on how fun they are rather than any worry about 'evil' influence.
No. It was the name of a real musketeer, like Portos and Aramis (actually Aramitz).
I'm pretty sure ALL names mean something in some llanguage and/or are the names of some place/people somewhere, unless you pick 12 syllables names.
I see no reasonable need to change the name, and I too would be upset if it were changed. I expect it won't be, the idea is ludicrous.
You would be upset if the game were changed so that a certain group of people might enjoy the game a little bit more in a way that has no effect on you? You don't have the best interests of the game aat heart if that's your opinion.
I don't just want this game to be good. I want it to be awesome! Moreso, I want it to be awesome for everyone. If there is something in the game that is less than awesome for a group of people and changing it does not negatively affect any others, than I feel it should be done if it's not a major change.
I don't expect anyone to really get upset about the name, but Eastern Orthodox is the second largest Christian denomination after Roman Catholicism. I've got no idea how well known Athos is amongst them. I doubt it's extremely well known, but I could certainly be wrong. Still, it's remotely possible that having it on the good side might generate a small amount of positive word-of-mouth there.
I can't think of a comparison that works very well as an evil empire, but suppose they chose one of the more reviled groups in history (Nazis are the extreme example of course) and made them one of the good empires. You're not likely to protest (well, if it was really Nazis people might), but you might think "well that's stupid". If that thought can be easily erased than why not do it?
If it's a big deal to change it at this point than it can certainly stay as-is. There certainly won't be any riots in the streets. If it's not a big deal than I recommend it be swapped with one of the good empires. Looking at the Good kingdom names Tarth seems the most appropriate swap to me, but almost any of them would do.
For the record I think the other empire names should be double checked as well and will try to do so tomorrow.
I knew at least one Buddhist monk who plays Age of Empires. I don't know quite how that works out.
And THIS is my real problem with this whole thing. Where does this kind of crap stop? Blah, as can be seen from some of my off-topic posts I'm not one for PC claptrop. And I can't spell.
I didn't say Christians didn't play computer games, I said the sort of person fanatical enough to be offended by a place name being similar to some place name related to their religion wasn't likley to play. Because they are likley to be of the same ilk as those who found Harry Potter offesive. Many Christians I know liked those books and films, but a fanatical fringe raged about them promting witchcraft.
To me most devout but intelligent Christian's would be able to make the distinction that obviously the term Athos as used in this game is not supposed to relate to any location in the real world.
Actually Stardock is a front group for the Devil Underground of Hate. DUH is responsible for many seemingly innocuous and subtle malignments of religious characters. DUH FOR LIFE!
I would honestly be bothered if they changed it now. The name was likely made at random, and means nothing. The same connotation of evil=black should bother a good portion of the world population but it doesn't. This is really only an issue if you have some kind of sensitivity problem or are an attention whore.
on the topic of procreation in a game: You do realize that unless it is visually represented (ie sex cutscene) that sex is one of the least offensive things in human culture? Where do you think you came from?
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