God-Gifts

The potency of godly gifts was notably snuffed during the infamous Deep Sleep, and to this day, it remains only partially restored. Since then, the world has entered an era of uncertainty, loss of faith and diminished miracles. As a result, countless seekers now wander in search of remnants of the divine, hoping to reignite the connection between mortals and their celestial counterparts.   Many desperate individuals and zealots resort to tactics like practising forbidden magic, dangerous rituals, and even attempting to resurrect deceased deities. One demonstration is the Festival of Awakening, where various cults gather around the Hand of Creation every ten years to chant ancient hymns in hopes of revitalising any dormant magic.

A god-gift can be obtained through one of two methods:   At birth, an individual may receive one or several divine gifts from their parents, which begin to reveal themselves as the child nurtures their faith in the deity or deities. This can be as straightforward as simply recognizing their presence. An alternative approach is to pursue a deity and demonstrate one's worthiness to receive their divine gift. One can accomplish this by fulfilling a task assigned by the deity or by completely dedicating oneself to their service. This is usually the method humans pursue.   In both cases, the journey to understanding and wielding these gifts can be fraught with challenges, especially self-doubt and wavering faith. Yet, the rewards often lead to profound personal transformation and a deeper connection to the divine.  

Manifestations

An individual's unique expression of their god-gift is profoundly influenced by their understanding of the deity and their domains. Take Malama - God of Light & the Sun, for instance; someone who views Him as compassionate and nurturing may have gifts that bloom as golden sunflowers, whereas another individual who sees Him as playful could experience their gift manifesting as vibrant fire.  

My primary deity is Polmas, Goddess of the Night and Moon, and I associate the night with soft silk, crystal clear water, and clear glass. Hence, my god-gift manifests as Silky Embrace, Crystal Waters and See-through Planes.

— Crescent Moon explaining her god-gift

  The more profound the belief, the clearer the manifestation becomes to other people. This predominantly happens during debates and arguments, where the participants express their positions clearly. The sheer power of faith can be profound enough to influence our physical reality.  

Loss of a Link

Relationships don't last forever, no matter how close they are.