Overlords

In-World Debate   Overlords are the subject of ongoing philosophical and theological debate.   Some view them as:   protectors   necessary evils   cosmic tyrants   Others see them as evidence that the universe values order over compassion.   The truth is unresolved.

Communication and Conduits   To prevent mortal manipulation and divine overreach, Overlords may commune with mortals only through a single Conduit.   A Conduit is:   a chosen representative soul   capable of interpreting and bearing Overlord influence   replaceable if they fail their duty   Direct mass communion is forbidden. This rule applies to all Overlords, without exception.   Governance and Law   Overlords are subject to cosmic law.   They are bound by:   universal accords   restrictions on soul interference   prohibitions against forced claiming or alteration of souls   Violations result in sanctions, containment, or systemic restriction — not always destruction, as removal of an Overlord can destabilise entire soul populations.   Ascension   Most Overlords arise naturally as part of the universe’s structure.   However, in rare cases, a being may become an Overlord through:   prolonged worship   mass soul-binding   catastrophic cosmic events   Such ascension is considered unstable and often leads to long-term consequences.   Perception by Mortals   Mortals often misunderstand Overlords as:   gods   devils   creators   moral arbiters   In truth, Overlords are:   custodians   regulators   necessary constraints within an imperfect system   Their actions are frequently misinterpreted through cultural myth and religious narrative.   Relationship to Mortals   Mortals may draw power aligned with an Overlord through:   belief   resonance   class features (clerics, warlocks, druids, etc.)   This power is not granted as favour, but accessed through alignment with the Overlord’s domain and bound souls.

Souls and Symbiosis   Souls are naturally bound to an Overlord through resonance — such as origin, nature, belief, or existential alignment.   This bond is:   mutual   sustaining   involuntary on both sides   An Overlord who loses their bound souls weakens or ceases to exist. A soul without an Overlord risks dissipation, the ultimate annihilation.   Because of this, Overlords do not “own” souls — they maintain them.

Nature of Overlords   Overlords function as cosmic governors.   They:   provide domains or worlds in which souls can exist   maintain the universal tether that prevents soul dissipation   intervene only when universal laws are at risk of violation   They do not:   choose which souls belong to them   dictate mortal morality   override free will without cause   This limitation exists to prevent corruption, hoarding, and collapse of the soul system.