Clarifications/Definitions
Captain Ersatz: I know all of you probably find work X super interesting, but can we put a stop to references or tone them down? It's true that there's nothing new, but part of the point of this game is to create, and copying existing characters and things seems against the spirit of it (but mostly, I just don't want to end up in a copyright mess, however fair use and parody work).
IC: In-character. Debate, rage, create, or something else. If things escalate, make sure it's clear that the escalation is only between characters and not players.
OOC: This means Out of Character. Not Half-Wearing Character as I often do with jackets but completely Out of Character. If we were to send a sample of OOC text and IC text to a random person, they should seem very different not only in identity but also in mood.
OOC thread: Here, you post calmly and avoid using too much snark (mostly for efficiency). I guess you can also discuss random things, but your character stays on the Game thread and in action PMs. Arrogance, excessive competitiveness, and not completely separating player and character are all grounds for a warning.
Plot armor: The DeityManager reserves the right to keep this creation in existence for as long as he suspects it will add to the plot. It basically goes to zero if you do things like annoy other players (and probably their characters too) by, e.g. stomping their creations with the disapproval of the DM.
Price: Does not always scale with power
Price check: A typical price check includes 1). $$$, 2). a little bit of fluff so I know what you're talking about, and 3). a more mechanics-oriented description of the item you want a quote for. If I detect multiple obvious attempts at creating overpowered things, you will get a warning.
Thetis' folly: Focusing too much on your creations' weaknesses and patching them up. If you patch up a weakness one way, an onlooker will find a way to make another one two ways or something like that. Focus on exploiting their strengths and everyone will be happier and more interested. Remember that your creations are never completely invincible.
Unique: This makes replicating the creation almost impossible by way of increased price. It grants minor plot armor, defined above.
Warning: This is a friendly reminder to stop a specific behavior. Three warnings render your character inactive for a tick and more are left to the DM's discretion
I know you, the reader, may find yourself reacting poorly to this list of confusion. It honestly isn't directed at you (sing.). If a lot of the mistakes seem close to what you have actually done, you've succeeded at identifying your own deficiencies and are better at self-improvement than many or even most people. I hope this list clears up a little bit about my expectations.
Now that that Very Special Post is out of the way, it's time to address some of the recent stuff.
I have several hidden checks for preventing infinite loops of infinite Essence income. As you may expect, some of them involves Worship and Belief. These are the relevant rules:
Belief is like a non-conservative force: You can never make additional Essence income from Belief directly, and Belief is very situational. If you do not use up Belief, you do not get bonus Essence. If you use up Belief, you just get an Essence discount (which looks like bonus income but is not). Addidtionally, belief is not to be applied to recurring/ritual* things
Worship is a measurement of the rate of worshipping going on per unit of time. You deplete it by losing worshippers or losing Worship Quality and gain it by gaining worshippers or gaining Worship Quality. It is a component of your Essence income but it is not equivalent. Also, that does not Worship which can eternal lie, and with strange powers, Worship** may die (Immortals such as spirits produce no Worship, things stronger than a small dragon produce diminished Worship).
*At this point, ritual referred to periodic actions and stuff like that
**The scansion is poor, but I didn't expect to have to publish them