- Crom needs an overhaul -
This topic has come up before, and has drawn passionate debate on both sides. However, I am here to argue for a greater role for Crom in Conan Exiles, and am encouraging an open dialogue from players and devs alike on this issue, as it is an important one. As such, this post is long and explorative.
Crom needs something…ANYTHING!! Crom is arguably the most important deity in the Conan universe, and the God of its central figure, Conan himself. A God as cool as Crom needs more. He needs to be better represented in the game, as at this point in time, his only role is essentially an ‘opt-out’ option for the games religion system at the start of the game. I can completely understand the decision for him to have no avatar, and offer no direct aid; that is his nature. I also completely understand and respect the decision by Funcom to take this approach which is friendly to the source material. However, I would argue that Crom can still be included in the game in other ways. So after much head scratching, I have assembled several suggestions as to how he can be overhauled for a rightly deserved, more visible role:
1. Forge of Crom:
Two possibilities exist for this. The first is a forge built by the earliest worshippers of Crom who came to the exiled lands in a time long past, now lost to the sands of time. This has been touched upon previously. Has the potential to overlap with number 2. A forge where the player can travel to (preferably atop of one of the highest peaks or near the mounds of the dead in Tundra biome), with recipes on a nearby tablet with which we could learn to build it ourselves. It would allow players to craft Crom themed weapons and/or armour. This would be a simple re-skin of the existing blacksmiths bench, however have a distinct theme of Crom relating to it. It could also serve as a possible alternative to a shrine. Of course neither the Forge itself or any weapons created in it would be either given or created by Crom himself or mystical in their origins. But rather something which the player built with their own two hands as a tribute and show of loyalty in honour of him. We can already see this now in a couple of the weapons from Conan lore.
2. Crom themed Weapons (and/or Armour and Decorations):
The most passive and lore friendly, and my personal favourite. These would simply be re-skins of existing weapons. As they are only a cosmetic difference, they would not offer the player any advantage. I would suggest hardened steel or star metal due to their Cimmerian nature. I visualise these as being more Valhallan or Viking themed. They could be included in the aforementioned Forge of Crom or learned seperately as a ‘religion’ during the game just as the ‘mountaineer’ religion is learned by the Mountaineer, or the ‘midnight alchemist’ religion from Child of JhebbelSag. A Crom religion trainer option could be added to either Conan himself or Braga who are both already Crom worshippers. Or we could add a new NPC. It is not uncommon to dedicate forged weapons or even symbols and objects to Crom, as I demonstrate through lore references throughout this thread.
3. A Flat Stats bonus:
While it may not be the idea with the most flair, it is certainly plausible. In addition to Crom granting men the power to strive and slay at birth, the Cimmerians as a people are renound for their strength, hardy constitution and prowess in battle. As such, it has been suggested that choosing Crom as your god should grant a simple, fixed bonus to certain Attributes, with Strength and Survival proving the most common thus far.
4. Crom ‘Purge’:
The most recent proposed addition, and as revealed during a Dev Stream, a feature which was originally to be included in the game. This concept has proved to be quite popular thus far. The idea behind it is that through an undetermined in-game course of action, we draw Crom’s attention. Then of course he becomes resentful and sends a very high powered Purge in to kill the player in question. This could also make for not only a very nice, but also very challenging new game mechanic.
Shrines are another, albeit contentious possibility. Personally I would not object to the addition of a shrine or monument to Crom, even if it is a purely ornamental and non-functional shrine or monument (ie-doesnt produce anything). Or have banners, seals or busts with the Mountain symbol of his religion. Ben Morgh is considered sacred after all. Although hypothetically, if it were actually functional what material would it use. Hmmm…I say baby animals or heads for sacriffices (well he is a gloomy and savage God after all!). The shrine could even potentially serve as the catalyst of a Crom Purge. Ultimately, my goal here is to argue that something should be implemented; not what specifically. A large part of the motive myself and others have for this cause stems from the following. The first, is that many of us would like a way to complete the games Journey Steps, the closest thing we have to a main questline, without betraying our allegiance to Crom. The second, is that role players would like some actual physical features so that we may roleplay our loyalty and devotion to our chosen god; something which all others religions can freely and readily do already.
My suggestion on how to implement this is also not without controversy. There will always be some fans who wish to see Crom continue to have nothing at all, and I respect that. So I propose that this could be packaged as a DLC as opposed to a free content update. That way those who want Crom to continue having nothing would not have it forced upon them, and those of us who seek to see Crom venerated and better represented can buy it. Personally at this point I would pay ANY asking price to have some Crom themed weapons, armour and decorations. This has the potential, carefully designed, to be the best DLC pack to date. If not, it could simply be a findable recipe or taught by a trainer.
Although Croms religion doesnt provide any benefit, it inspires his followers to create their own benefit ; the very essence of a God of self-determination! Funcom has openly stated that they utilise lore from the entire Conan Universe, and as it stands now there is more than enough lore and interest to support expanding upon Croms in-game role and features. I like many others want to proudly display my allegiance to my chosen deity at my fortress and in battle; something which followers of all the other Gods already can. And I encourge Funcom to give this further consideration, and for all other members to have their say.
For CROM!! 
Please Note: I am not arguing specifically for the changes listed here. These are intended as starter suggestions. We all have different perceptions of what features Crom should offer and what they would look like. Think of voting for this as supporting the concept and call for change rather than the specifics. This is a petition, an archive of lore references, and a collection of the communitys suggestions. I also encourage visitors to pay attention to my posts which are headed with boldface and capitalised, as they contain lore referenced facts.
CROM LORE RESOURCES (FAST FACTS) 
Not 100% sure if I know what the point you are trying to make is, but ill take a stab at it. Unfortunately Im going to have to disagree on this one Robarbarian. This essentially argues that Crom has a role in our fortunes. He does does not create the situations/circumstances, he only created our coping/adaptation mechanism. WE cope (strive/overcome) through our actions. As Robert E. Howard stated: little does he care if men live or die. His sole gift to men is at the time of their birth, where he gives them will and courage, and the ability to slay and survive. But he doesnt give people blessings or adversity, they are independent of him, and giving good or bad fortune either way would be lending them aid; he only gave us the strength to deal with them. Crom is all about self-determination. He gave us the drive and tenacity to succeed, but the rest we must do and solve ourselves. But you are certainly right about how wonderous he is with his teaching methods! Experience is the best teacher.