Difference between revisions of "Know Deity (sage ability)"

From The Authentic D&D Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
 
(6 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
[[File:Know Deity (sage ability).jpg|right|525px|thumb]]
 
[[File:Know Deity (sage ability).jpg|right|525px|thumb]]
'''Know deity''' is an [[Knowledge Points|amateur]]-status [[Sage Ability|sage ability]] that enables the character to identify a [[Demi-gods|demi-god's]] influence and iconography when encountered.  This includes recognizing the inspiration for a shrine, symbols, imagery or statuary. When and where words are inscribed, the character will know from which demi-god they derive.
+
'''Know deity''' is an [[Knowledge Points|amateur]]-status [[Sage Ability|sage ability]] in the [[Sage Study|study]] of [[Demi-gods (sage study)|Demi-gods]] granting the character an exceptional sensitivity to the influence and iconography of these [[Demi-gods (list)|minor deities]].  This ability allows the character to identify and interpret the marks of a demi-god's hand when encountered in the world. Shrines, symbols, imagery and statuary can be accurately attributed to a specific demi-god, even when their design is obscure or intended to mislead. Where words or inscriptions are present, the character immediately recognizes their divine origin, knowing not only which demi-god inspired them but also their general intent, such as praise, devotion or a call to action.
 +
 
 +
The ability reflects a deep, intuitive understanding of the demi-gods' natures, learned through study and observation.  Bordering on the preternatural, the character can sense patterns and strategies that others might overlook. The recognition of these details offers a unique advantage in understanding the world and the subtle workings of divine politics.
  
 
== Meddling ==
 
== Meddling ==
Upon occasion, demi-gods are wont to interfere in or busy themselves unduly with matters on the [[Prime Material (inner plane)|Prime Material Plane]]. Naturally, the greater [[Gods]] frown on these activities, and so demi-gods seek to meddle in ordinary affairs surreptitiously, through awarding artifacts or powers to ordinary beings, who vow to carry forth the demi-god's wishes. This can easily go unnoticed by more powerful beings, who have much to do.
+
Demi-gods, as ambitious and often restless beings, are known for their propensity to meddle in [[Prime Material (inner plane)|mortal affairs]]. Unlike greater gods, who exert influence through Prophets and grand decrees, demi-gods favour indirect means. They often imbue artifacts with minor powers or bestow gifts upon chosen individuals, binding them to act as proxies for the demi-god's will. These chosen agents might not even fully realise the nature of their benefactor, nor the greater implications of their actions. In this way, demi-gods sow influence discreetly, avoiding the scrutiny of greater deities who might oppose their interference.
 +
 
 +
A character with the know deity ability possesses a rare insight into these manipulations. They can discern when mortal actions or circumstances are touched by the hands of a demi-god, noticing peculiar patterns of events or behaviors that suggest divine meddling. This recognition requires more than a passing glance; the character must observe and investigate, piecing together the clues left behind. For instance, a seemingly ordinary soldier wielding a uniquely crafted sword may, upon closer examination, reveal connections to a demi-god of war. Similarly, a [[Village|village]] enjoying an unnatural streak of good fortune may owe its blessings to a benevolent but calculating demi-goddess of prosperity.
  
Nonetheless, mortals who know the nature of these beings, and can recognize their furtive strategies — as the "know deity" ability allows — can recognize when such things are occurring.  It requires some investigation to specify which demi-god is involved, and the ability does not allow the character to intuitively know the deity's plan from a few details — but once the meddler is known, the character should be able to make reasonable guesses.  A goddess of love is sure to have very different plans than a god of war.
+
While the ability does not grant the character knowledge of the demi-god's exact plans, it does allow for educated guesses based on the deity's domain and tendencies.  A demi-goddess of love, for example, might aim to unite rival factions through a romantic alliance, whereas a demi-god of chaos could be seeding discord in an otherwise stable region.  These insights can guide the character in responding to or even thwarting the demi-god’s schemes, depending on their goals.
  
Gods, incidentally, do not meddle in this fashion; they prefer to speak through [[Prophet|Prophets]].
+
Greater gods do not meddle as demi-gods do; their power is far more direct and their presence unmistakable. They act through Prophets, chosen mortals whose words and deeds carry divine authority. Demi-gods, lacking the same level of omnipotence and scrutiny, must rely on subtlety and manipulation.
  
  
See [[Demi-Gods (sage study)|Demi-Gods]]
+
See also,<br>
 +
[[Cleric Sage Abilities]]<br>
 +
[[Legends & Folklore (sage field)]]
  
[[Category:Sage Abilities]][[Don't Review until 2023]]
+
[[Category:Sage Abilities]][[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 17:38, 19 March 2025

Know Deity (sage ability).jpg

Know deity is an amateur-status sage ability in the study of Demi-gods granting the character an exceptional sensitivity to the influence and iconography of these minor deities. This ability allows the character to identify and interpret the marks of a demi-god's hand when encountered in the world. Shrines, symbols, imagery and statuary can be accurately attributed to a specific demi-god, even when their design is obscure or intended to mislead. Where words or inscriptions are present, the character immediately recognizes their divine origin, knowing not only which demi-god inspired them but also their general intent, such as praise, devotion or a call to action.

The ability reflects a deep, intuitive understanding of the demi-gods' natures, learned through study and observation. Bordering on the preternatural, the character can sense patterns and strategies that others might overlook. The recognition of these details offers a unique advantage in understanding the world and the subtle workings of divine politics.

Meddling

Demi-gods, as ambitious and often restless beings, are known for their propensity to meddle in mortal affairs. Unlike greater gods, who exert influence through Prophets and grand decrees, demi-gods favour indirect means. They often imbue artifacts with minor powers or bestow gifts upon chosen individuals, binding them to act as proxies for the demi-god's will. These chosen agents might not even fully realise the nature of their benefactor, nor the greater implications of their actions. In this way, demi-gods sow influence discreetly, avoiding the scrutiny of greater deities who might oppose their interference.

A character with the know deity ability possesses a rare insight into these manipulations. They can discern when mortal actions or circumstances are touched by the hands of a demi-god, noticing peculiar patterns of events or behaviors that suggest divine meddling. This recognition requires more than a passing glance; the character must observe and investigate, piecing together the clues left behind. For instance, a seemingly ordinary soldier wielding a uniquely crafted sword may, upon closer examination, reveal connections to a demi-god of war. Similarly, a village enjoying an unnatural streak of good fortune may owe its blessings to a benevolent but calculating demi-goddess of prosperity.

While the ability does not grant the character knowledge of the demi-god's exact plans, it does allow for educated guesses based on the deity's domain and tendencies. A demi-goddess of love, for example, might aim to unite rival factions through a romantic alliance, whereas a demi-god of chaos could be seeding discord in an otherwise stable region. These insights can guide the character in responding to or even thwarting the demi-god’s schemes, depending on their goals.

Greater gods do not meddle as demi-gods do; their power is far more direct and their presence unmistakable. They act through Prophets, chosen mortals whose words and deeds carry divine authority. Demi-gods, lacking the same level of omnipotence and scrutiny, must rely on subtlety and manipulation.


See also,
Cleric Sage Abilities
Legends & Folklore (sage field)