Thursday, May 29, 2008

The Nature of Gods

Gods, the third created race, are defined by being defined. Whether through the possession and manifestation of a sphere of influence (such as a rock, a stream or an idea like coinage) as well as the worship that they receive. Their power is based upon attention and acknowledgment, rather than devotion. The Gods of the Green World do not rely on the feckless adornment of 'mortals' to give them power, but they do thrive on it. Gods die of their own course though they have a lifespan that is far longer than humans.

Gods are jealous of their power unless it also increases it. Not all gods are created equal. Some are more capable of absorbing and distributing power than others. Their power, however, derives from a self chosen sphere of influence. When one god dies, another is born. They each set their own measure of circumstance and often forge alliances with each other for their own ends.

Gods have jurisdictions that often overlap the authorities of magic, but magic predates them. Further, their jurisdictions can encompass areas that are not subject to Authority which are purely within the purview of other races. The concept of worship did not really occur until humans began to initiate it. Before this they were simply elemental spirits that formed agreements with anyone who would listen. But with the expansion of humans came the expansion of gods to fill their void, and they are often mistaken for the true power in the world instead of the Greater Powers. This is because the other races are viewed as having their own patron 'God' whereas Pickle is entirely content at remaining hidden behind the creation of his elder brother.

It causes him no end of amusement.

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