Channel Burn
Channel Burn is caused by an Adherent calling on the power of a Divinity beyond their capability. The Divinity may answer their call by lending their power, however mortals can only channel so much power safely. Doing so damages not only their physical form but their connection to their Divinity.
Effects
Physical
When the Adherent calls beyond their capability, depending on the nature of their Divinity they suffer physical injury. Burst blood vessels causing bleeding from their eyes, ears, or nose are common for minor calls beyond their capability. Pushing harder cause worse injury opening bleeding wounds, manifesting a physical disability, or damages mental capability. It is possible to push
Metaphysical
Channel Burn diminishes the Adherent's connection to their Divinity. Until they recover they cannot channel as much power reducing the amount of entreaties they can make and reduces the power of what they request.
Game Effects
D12 Expeditions
Channel Burn
Increase the Adherent's Base Burn by 2, gains one Blight of their player's choice, and takes 1d8 damage per tier of the entreated spell or ability. To reduce the additional Base Burn requires a Recovery Rest Downtime Action taken in a temple of the Adherent's Divinity.
Dungeons and Dragons 2024
Channel Burn
Magical Contagion
When a divine spellcaster overuses their Spellcasting or Channel Divinity they gain Channel Burn. The Channel Burn increases its effect based on what the caster does to have it inflicted.
Spell Burn. If the spellcaster entreated an additional spell, reduce the spellcaster's spell slots by an amount equal to the level of the spell cast and takes 1d4 damage per level of spell cast, and levels of exhaustion equal to the level of the spell divided by 2 rounded up.
Broken Channel. If the spellcaster entreated an additional Channel Divinity, reduce the amount of Channel Divinity available per day by 1, takes 1d4 per level of the spellcaster, and takes a level of exhaustion.
Fighting the Contagion. The Exhaustion caused by Channel Burn cannot be recovered outside of a temple dedicated to the spellcaster's Divinity.
Cultural Context
Calling on one's connection to their Divinity beyond their Channeling ability is considered taboo, only to be done in the most extreme situation. Doing so is considered abuse of their connection and those who have will have their piety and devotion called into question. This can lead to a loss of status or expulsion from their Religion's hierarchy.
Recovery from Channel Burn requires a personal religious journey to atone for the impertinence. This can not only recover their connection but their sanctity.
Contrary to this, if the caster is permanently disabled or killed it can be seen as a noble sacrifice for one's faith against overwhelming odds. It depends on the circumstances of the casting.
History
Tempting Channel Burn to the destruction of the spellcaster can be the final act of sacrifice leading to a person being raised to Sainthood. But that purely depends on the circumstances of the the casting. Channel Burn has lead to powerful Adherents being defrocked as the circumstances of their overuse are deemed unworthy or unholy.
"Saint Sevest! Aid you impertinent supplicant! Heed me in my hour of desperate need! Lend your Fire! Your strong right arm! Your fury! Cleanse this filth!"
— Gwyread Mattox's last word at the battle of Gwallter Pass.
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