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For a role playing project I would like to have attributes that are derived from religiously sounding words. I know this is fairly imprecise, so perhaps examples are good: instead of strength I use fortitude, instead of wits - prudence, and instead of empathy - charity. One word that eludes me is agility - there is no good word I can find for it. One idea I had is vigilance, but I am not sure if this is a very good match.

The question: is there a better synonym for agility that would fit the religious aesthetic?

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  • Could you use Fleetness? Accommodation? Servility? Humbleness or Humility? Feb 9, 2020 at 19:54
  • I don't think the examples you've given sound religious. Also, you know fortitude doesn't imply physical strength, right?
    – nnnnnn
    Feb 9, 2020 at 20:52
  • Fortitude and prudence are cardinal virtues. Charity is one of the seven Christian virtues. Yes, I know that fortitude doesn't imply physical strength.
    – gruszczy
    Feb 9, 2020 at 21:04
  • @nnnnnn The reason Fortitude works in the RPG landscape is thanks for D&D3 fortitude saving throw.
    – gruszczy
    Feb 9, 2020 at 21:06
  • I didn't mean to imply that these words aren't ever used in a religious context, just that they don't sound inherently religious. They're used in secular contexts just as often.
    – nnnnnn
    Feb 9, 2020 at 21:10

2 Answers 2

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The best word I can think of without breaking a sweat (which I am loath to do) is spirited.

The girl's spirited nature revealed her enthusiasm* for godly pursuits.

*[Late Latin enthūsiasmus, from Greek enthousiasmos, from enthousiazein, to be inspired by a god, from entheos, possessed : en-, in; see en-2 + theos, god; see dhēs- in Indo-European roots.]**

**I will not charge extra for this insight. Consider it a lagniappe!

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  • This is not bad, I will use this for now! Thanks!
    – gruszczy
    Feb 11, 2020 at 17:02
  • @gruszczy: You're welcome. Glad to be of help. Don Feb 11, 2020 at 17:11
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I would suggest spritely / spriteliness (alternative spellings of sprightly / sprightliness):

Adjective

sprightly (comparative sprightlier, superlative sprightliest)

  1. Animated, vivacious or gay; lively.
  2. Full of life and vigor, especially with a light and springy step.
  3. (especially of an old person) Energetic and in good health.

Since sprites might be found in an RPG setting I think the flavour of spritely works better than sprightly.

As a bonus, they're anagrams of priestly / priestliness!

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