Channeling
Channeling magic is power gained through a connection to another — more powerful — being. This can either be through the limited capability of a Pact or through a Mote of Power.
History of Channeling
Channeling Pacts
Channeling through Pacts were the first magics that were discovered during the later years of the Rule of the Dragon Tyrannies. Anyone can make a Pact with a sufficiently powerful spirit but there is only so much power that can be channeled through the Pact. Over time a Pactmage can develop the ability to channel more and more powerful magic without causing harm.
Domain
The Domain is not a source of power so much as the type of Mote of Power they contain. It is a lens that a Divinity can use to channel more of their power across the Planar Boundaries than can be done through Pacts. But that additional power is shaped by the Domain of the Mote of Power.
Adherence
Ever since the Godswar, mortal souls have been randomly capturing Motes of Power without the mortal's awareness since the Godswar without realizing it. They experienced The Call without understanding what it meant or having any Divinity to answer it. Once Divinities developed enough to master a Domain, they gained the ability to channel that power through a Mote of Power. At the same time Divinities were developing religions to cultivate the souls of their followers. Those heeding their call became the perfect vessels to propagate their religions.
With a Mote of Power an individual has the ability to channel divinity. They have the ability to control and shape their power more than that of a Pact. However, the cost of power is Adherence to a Divinity as their ability to channel the power is wrapped in religious observance. The Domain of their Mote of Power shapes the power they are able to receive.
Breaking the Bond
If the channeler rebukes their Patron or Divinity — or the Patron or Divinity withdraws it's connection to the channeler — they retain the capability to channel power at their current capability, but they have no source of power. It is possible to regain their power by making a new Pact or Adhere to a new Divinity.
Dangers of Channeling
Overwhelming the Pact
The Pactmage can channel some power from their Patron, if they want to channel beyond the pact they must cede control of their body to their Patron. The more they push their pact the more their Patron can control them.
Penalties of Drawing on Adherence
If the Adherent draws too heavily on their connection to the Divine it can burn them out, giving them Channel Burn, causing damage to their physical form, eroding their soul, or burning up their Mote of Power. While the effects of overuse can be restored over time, it is possible to push themselves to their own destruction.
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