A Newb's Perspective: What is Dioism?

Day 1,542, 19:43 • Published in USA USA • by Malarkey83

Greetings my fellow eRepublikans!

Being a new player has brought me in contact with plenty of ideas and concepts of eRep I honestly don't understand. Some things are simple and take about 2 minutes of research, or just ask the nearest experienced player. Most of them will be happy to help you out.

However, the next topic of discussion for me was one I just could not understand at all. What the heck is Dioism? While being a US citizen, I figured who would be the person/people to talk to? That's when I found Athanaric of the Stardust Crusaders Party. My editor SladeCash sat down with Athanaric to ask him just what is Dioism?



1.) Who are you and why should a noob pay attention to what you have to say?

I'm Athanaric. I've fought in two World Wars and countless smaller ones on three continents. I led thousands of men into battle with everything from horses and swords to artillery and tanks. I've seen the headwaters of the Nile, and tribes of natives no white man had ever seen before. I've won and lost a dozen fortunes, KILLED MANY MEN and loved only one woman with a passion a FLEA like you could never begin to understand. That's who I am.

2.) What is your involvement or connection with Dioism?

I'm a converted Dioist, non-native /v/akistani. Towards the end of my last life I took a greater interest in understanding Dioism. I went through the process of /v/irginization and even gained Pakistani citizenship when I left. I'm not even close to being reasonably considered as a huge Dioist figure, but I maintain a strong appreciation of it. When I came back, I desired to make a party which would continue on the traditions and honor those who had come before had maintained.

3.) What exactly is Dioism?

The wiki is a great answer to that question, but I can understand that some may still be confused after reading it. Dioism, simply put, is a way to view the game. It goes beyond such things as country borders and politics. It's a community, a way to play. It's not about how much damage you can deal or how many times you've been CP. It's about fun; it's about what this game should be.

4.) Why has Dioism declined in popularity?

It can be attributed to two things: time and resistance. Everyone leaves the game eventually. As time goes on, we lose more and more of the first believers. Naturally, this leads to less exposure for new people who may be interested in the religion. People who don't understand Dioism contribute a lot to the decline as well. They've allowed it to happen, resisted what they know to be right. That's times over, though.

5.) Some newer players have expressed the feeling that the entire Dioism phenomenon is an inside joke that they just don't get because they weren't there. What is your response to that?

I'm wasn't there. I was in the eUS in a militia, just two-clicking my life away for the better part of a year. I didn't know who Dio Brando was. I didn't know what /v/irginization meant. I didn't know any of it. We all were there once. We all were a noob. And we all grow and learn. Yes, Dioism is a bit of an in-joke and yes, a lot of people have come and gone since its inception. Does that make it any less relevant or accessible? No. Our first priority with Stardust Crusaders is educate new players, welcome them, make the transition easier. We all were there once; we know how it is. And we know how to help.

6.) How has Dioism affected national policy in the past?

In the past? Dioism has affected national policy on a day to day basis since its inception. Wars have been won and lost in its name. Countries have disappeared from the face of the world at its whim. This isn't some hokey religion with ancient weapons that we're talking about. We're talking about a religion that can literally unite hundreds of fighters and wipe out the capital of a foreign land. We're talking a glorious crusade that has ousted poor politicians. And even when it's in remission, even when the beacons lay unlit and the fires in our hearts die down to nothing, there still remains Dio. If you don't think this doesn't have an affect on the game you're playing right now then you're worse than ignorant; you're delusional.

7.) How do you believe Dioism should affect national policy in the future?

The same way it always has. Dioism has been in dormancy, a relative state of quiet whispers and old lore. We're in the process of reorganizing our archives and opening them up to the world. We're in the process of raising the party to the Top 5 and inducting new players into a tradition more grand than any this game has ever seen. We're in the process of a revolution. What policies it can bring in the future? Forget policies. It was never about policies. It was always about enjoying the game for what it should be and is not. That's where we're headed, and we're not stopping till we get there.


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