Theurgy

Theurgy is a gnostic art, whose practicioners draw their ability to warp reality from an external entity, called a Benefactor. Benefactors are typically a god, but they can be any sufficiently powerful being. Theurgy is possibly the oldest of the three facets of the gnostic arts. Even prior to recorded history, mortals have been offered power by strange entities in exchange for some favor or boon.   While it may be the oldest, it is also sometimes not considered to be a gnostic art at all. Some scholars argue that, because being granted the ability to warp reality by a deity does not necessarily require study or practice and does not come from one's own will, it cannot be considered the same as thaumaturgy or mechanurgy. While this may be true in many cases, plenty of theurges practice and study a great deal to refine their art.   This debate highlights the fact that theurgy contains within it the widest variations in practice of any of the gnostic arts. Some theurges are granted the ability to alter the Stereoma in one particular way, without really any effort on the part of the mortal. Others are merely granted a conduit through their Benefactor but must develop their own practice. Most examples lie somewhere between these positions.

A Costly Gift

The relationship between a Benefactor and their theurge differs from case to case. Some theurges seek out their Benefactor, performing rituals or seeking ways to contact their target in hopes of being granted power. Others receive contact from an entity with a design for their future and an offer of an exchange. In a few cases, an individual may become a theurge without even realizing it. In all cases, however, benefactors do not grant their power for free. Even the most benevolent of entities want something out of their theurges, and there are very few that are truly benevolent. In some cases, the cost may be—or seem—obvious. In others, this exchange may be far more subtle. The gods of Duurn are known for their elaborate schemes and apathy towards the lives of the mortals drawn into them, and they typically do not care to explain themselves to a human. It is also not uncommon for them to lie or misdirect a theurge.   Even with the risks, there are many reasons why a person might accept such an exchange. For some, the potential benefits of such power outweigh the risks, or perhaps they believe they can outmaneuver their benefactor. A few are so desperate that the cost of theurgy seems acceptable. Many more come to theurgy through devotion, perhaps as a member of a cult to one of the gods.