The Manifestation of Gods

Some priests, and some doubters, describe the gods as the humanoid's way of explaining the mysteries of his universe. The gods explain that which cannot be explained. Where did the universe come from? What happens when we die? Why do some people live, while others die? For the people of the world of Otara, as well as some of the other such worlds of the Megaverse, the obvious answers seem to lie with the gods. The gods created the worlds, the gods take our souls when we die (to reward, to punish, to recycle, etc.), the gods bless some, curse others,"- and speak to their priests.

To most of the people of the world, the lights that twinkle in the night sky are not suns or planets but the watchful eyes of the gods (or so is one explanation). The wind, the change of seasons, the phases of the moon, morning dew, the creation of the world, and of man, are all strange and mysterious phenomena explained by legends and gods.

This is also a world rich in wonders the likes of which we (the reader) have never seen; dragons, dozens of radically different races, strange and marvelous creatures and, of course, magic. Magic: a force of power, beauty, love, hatred, good, and evil. In this world of magic, there are creatures who are more than human. Creatures grand in stature and power; creatures awesomely powerful and both magnificent and terrible to behold. Creatures to be feared or befriended. Beings whose mastery of magic can mold the very fabric of nature to do their bidding. Some of these beings claim to be gods. Beings who can bring crops to life, change the course of mighty rivers, and can even breathe life into the dead. Is it any wonder that they are deemed gods?!

Most deities are strange, alien beings not of this World, or even of the same dimension. They live in other realms, visiting only rarely. Others, perhaps not so powerful, the Devil Lords and Demon Lords, come from more substantial realms connected to the plain on which our world resides.

To some gods, the creatures of this world are but mere playthings, to others it is a world to conquer, and to others still, it is a world to be nurtured and aided. Some find all their worshippers here, and others divide their attentions with followers on a thousand other worlds. Many gods truly care for the people of the world, but just as many use them as a means to gain power, status, to bolster an ego, or as mere diversions to play with when bored.

Often these gods are simply dimensional travelers just passing through and may have stopped for a moment to help some pitiful creature in distress, to right an injustice, or simply to admire the scenery. Time being a strange thing to one who traverses the universe through dimensional gateways, it may be that a moment for them may be a century in our world.

Many of these so-called gods are long gone, never to return, but are still kept alive in the hearts and minds of those who worship them. It is the mental energies created by the worshippers (faith if you will) which keeps the dimensional gateway slightly ajar, and which allows the magic energies to slip through. On the one hand, the prayers and offerings bolster the power of the far-off god, and in return, power comes back, to be siphoned and directed by the priests of that god. So even far distant gods, with only a vague connection to this world, have priests who are able to weave spells and preform miraculous feats.

The gods of the Megaverse are not all-powerful. Each deity may be compared to other gods and measured in many ways. As with all magic, theatrics is a key element in many a god's career, and the illusion of power can be just as effective as the real thing. Godhood is, in one way, a very lucrative con-job! While we can't question the power of a god, we can measure it.