Divine Champion

Eritaam Homebrew Rule: Core Race(s)

In the universe in which the Records of Legends find themselves in, there are many other worlds just as complex as Eritaam, with sapient life beyond the awareness of those in its magical lands. It should be noted that not all of these distant worlds with unfamiliar life were created by an unknowable divinity; some were created by perfect cosmic coincidences set about by the machinations of the universe. But these "Naturally Occurring Worlds" (NOW) are not what we are discussing here.

Worlds and realms that were explicitly created by a Creator Deity that came from the Primordial Chaos are what are known as "Divinely Created Worlds" (DCW). On these DCWs, the Creator Deity eventually gives birth to new life, intentionally or otherwise. The first sentient race of life that the Creator Deity manifests successfully becomes known as a "Core Race." In the setting of Eritaam (and DCWs currently unexplored), only members of a Core Race or hybrid descendants of a Core Race have the physical capability to become the Divine Champion of a Patron Deity.

The exact reason for why a Core Race of a Divinely Created World is the only race with the capability to become bonded to a Patron Deity in such a unique manner is unknown and most likely varies from world to world. Was extra care taken with this race to make divine connection possible for them? Was a piece of divinity placed in the first generation of the core race and naturally passed down to distant descendants in more minute doses? Whatever the reason, it seems that only a Core Race can achieve the title of Divine Champion in its true sense. But on that same coin, the title of Divine Champion is not limited to the Core Race of the current world.

For example, a Core Race of beings from an unknown world can arrive in Eritaam and connect with the divinities there and achieve Divine Champion abilities. And vice versa, the humans of Eritaam can find themselves in other realms where they can become Divine Champions of divinities in lands far too distant to comprehend. Having the innate adaptable nature of a "Core Race" is mandatory for a creature to seek a true connection with a Patron Deity.

Example Ways to Achieve the Title

1. Being specifically chosen by the current Divine Champion of a Patron Deity and being explicitly trained in order to be their replacement once they perish.
2. A competition with other candidates to determine who is the most worthy of the divinity's favor. This competition is usually organized by the church of the Patron Deity, if possible. However, the Patron Deity has final word on who receives their favor, therefore it is possible that none of the participants are selected. The reason the Patron Deity may reject the results of the contest can vary.
3. A holy quest is given by a Patron Deity for an individual to prove their worth, should the mortal choose to accept it. They are usually a follower of the Patron Deity's faith, but not necessarily a leader or devout practitioner of it.
4. Having a personality and moldable mentality that is either ideal in the most appealing manner or is the most compatible with the traits a Patron Deity seeks in their Divine Champion. This individual is usually not part of a religious institute when they receive the title, and potentially might not be religious at all.
5. A Patron Deity needs an emergency Divine Champion among their faithful to complete a highly urgent and time-sensitive task. This method of receiving the title of Divine Champion can potentially end with the title being rescinded immediately once the objective has been completed in a satisfactory fashion.
6. Stumbling upon an artifact of a dormant or presumed dead Patron Deity that reactivates the entity in the process of the artifact's retrieval.

Responsibilities of a Divine Champion are typically (but not always) as follows, ordered from highest to lowest priority:

1. Completing Urgent Quests from their Patron Deity
2. Protection of the Patron Deity's Church and Followers
3. Protection of Ancient Artifacts of the Patron Deity
4. Assisting factions allied with the Patron Deity
5. Actively Acting Against their Patron Deity's Enemies

Additional equipment can be provided to the Divine Champion based on specific task requirements, religious rites of a church, or societal expectations of the Champion.