The Summoning Factor

• The Summoning Factor Morningstar’s Summoning Factor introduces a fascinating dynamic: anyone, no matter their status, can summon him and request a favor—without payment or judgment. This act reflects Morningstar’s ultimate authority and neutrality as the cosmic arbiter of balance, but it also introduces tension, unpredictability, and layers to his character and the world. How It Works: • The Ritual of Summoning: ○ The summoning ritual is deceptively simple—anyone can perform it by invoking Morningstar’s name and making a formal request, regardless of location, status, or intention. It requires no energy cost, no material offering, and no preconditions. ○ Summoning him creates a palpable shift in the air, where light and shadow twist unnaturally, and Morningstar appears cloaked in his characteristic dark aura. • Morningstar’s Neutrality: ○ Morningstar honors every summon. He arrives without bias or judgment and listens intently to the request. His responses are based on his perception of balance and necessity, not morality or personal preference. • The Favor: ○ The summoner can request one favor, and Morningstar decides how to fulfill it. Most requests are granted, but they are often carried out in ways the summoner doesn’t expect—he grants not what is wanted, but what is truly needed. ○ There is no payment demanded or punishment given, but the favor often carries unintended consequences due to Morningstar’s vast perspective on balance and order. What Makes It Unique? 1. No Discrimination: ○ Morningstar’s Summoning Factor applies universally—kings, criminals, commoners, or enemies of the Order can summon him. He listens to all without prejudice, emphasizing his role as a force beyond human notions of morality. 2. An Impersonal Force: ○ Morningstar rarely explains his decisions. While his actions appear arbitrary to mortals, they are deeply calculated to preserve balance and ensure the Core’s continuity. This adds a layer of mystique and tension to his character. 3. Limits and Mysteries: ○ Morningstar can decline to act if the request would disrupt balance on a catastrophic level, but he rarely refuses outright. If he doesn’t fulfill a request, he often leaves cryptic guidance instead, which can lead to either success or failure depending on the summoner's interpretation. Common Outcomes: 1. Favors Granted Literally: ○ Example: A summoner asks for strength to defeat an enemy. Morningstar grants them temporary power but leaves them exhausted and vulnerable afterward, ensuring the victory comes at a price. 2. Favors with a Twist: ○ Example: A farmer requests wealth. Morningstar causes their crops to flourish unnaturally, leading to overabundance and destabilizing the local economy, forcing the farmer to face unforeseen challenges. 3. Unspoken Guidance: ○ If the favor would violate balance, Morningstar provides subtle or cryptic guidance. For instance, a request to revive a loved one might result in Morningstar pointing the summoner toward a path of acceptance rather than outright resurrection. How Morningstar Responds Most of the Time: • Reserved and Silent: Morningstar often fulfills requests with minimal interaction, letting his actions speak for themselves. He rarely explains why he chooses to intervene in specific ways. • Unpredictably Benevolent or Harsh: While he acts without judgment, his favors often have consequences that reflect the summoner’s intentions. Pure-hearted requests are more likely to receive straightforward results, while selfish ones are granted in ways that challenge the summoner’s character. • Calculated Efficiency: Morningstar doesn’t waste time or effort. If a favor can be resolved through indirect intervention—like setting events in motion rather than directly granting the request—he often chooses the indirect path. Thematic Implications of the Summoning Factor: 1. Equality in Power: ○ The Summoning Factor reinforces the idea that Morningstar is above human hierarchies. His power is accessible to all, but only those who understand balance and consequences benefit fully. 2. Unpredictability and Drama: ○ The universal accessibility of the Summoning Factor creates opportunities for unexpected alliances, conflicts, or moments of introspection. It can drive plot twists or moral dilemmas, as summoners must live with the consequences of their requests. 3. The Weight of Balance: ○ Morningstar’s adherence to balance means that even the most well-intentioned summoners might face outcomes they didn’t foresee. This reinforces the theme of humility in the face of divine power. The Summoning Factor adds layers to Morningstar’s character, making him simultaneously approachable and inscrutable. It highlights his role as a neutral, cosmic force while creating intrigue and drama through the ripple effects of his seemingly simple favors.