The Gods

 

In a world where natural magic flows like an unseen current, belief acts as a conduit, channelling that magic into tangible forms. When enough humans direct their belief, reverence, or fear toward a particular concept or entity—a god—this concentration of natural magic coalesces, giving shape and life to the idea. Gods are born not from the heavens but from the hearts and minds of their worshippers, their very existence tethered to the strength and intensity of human belief.

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The Birth of Gods

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Belief, especially when shared and fervent, becomes a force capable of weaving magic into reality. Over time, as stories are told, rituals are performed, and faith is solidified, this magic condenses into a sentient being: a god. Each god embodies the traits, powers, and purposes assigned to them by their believers, whether it is the strength of a war god, the nurturing compassion of a fertility goddess, or the cunning wisdom of a trickster deity. Their power scales with the intensity and breadth of their worship, allowing some gods to ascend to immense heights while others remain minor and localised.

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The Creation of New Races

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Among the most extraordinary acts of divine power is the creation of life. Gods, fueled by the belief of their followers, can use their amassed magic to craft entirely new races. These beings often reflect the essence of their creators: a sea god may create amphibious beings to dwell in oceans and rivers; a forest deity might give rise to tree-like humanoids; a trickster god might create mischievous, shape-shifting creatures to spread their influence. These races are born with innate magic or abilities tied to their divine progenitor’s domain.

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The Persistence of Races After Gods Fade

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While gods derive their power from belief, the races they create are less reliant on faith. Once brought into existence, these beings can continue to thrive independently, provided they have the ability to propagate or perpetuate their kind. Many such races develop their own cultures, societies, and survival mechanisms, allowing them to endure even if the god that created them fades into obscurity.

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Some races ensure their continuity through natural reproduction, adapting to the human world and even interbreeding with other races. Others may have mystical methods of creation, such as spawning from specific environmental conditions tied to their god's domain (e.g., dryads emerging from ancient groves). A few might harness magic directly, creating new members of their kind through rituals or arcane processes.

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The Cycle of Faith and Survival

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This interplay between gods and their creations creates a dynamic cycle. A race born from a fading god might perpetuate their creator’s legacy through cultural traditions, myths, or stories, keeping the memory alive and potentially rekindling belief in their progenitor. Conversely, a race that thrives without belief may sever ties to their divine origins, evolving into an independent species with no remaining link to their creator.

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Thus, gods rise and fall with the tides of belief, but the races they leave behind remain as living echoes of divine power, reshaping the world in their image and creating new threads in the tapestry of existence.

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The Fae

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In addition to gods and the races they create, the world is interwoven with the presence of Fae Races and Creatures, entities born directly from the natural magic that permeates existence. Unlike gods, who depend on human belief for their power and identity, fae beings arise spontaneously from the primal forces of nature itself, embodying its raw essence and balance.

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The Origins of Fae Beings

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Fae creatures come into existence where the threads of natural magic converge most strongly: ancient forests, unspoiled meadows, shimmering waterfalls, and hidden groves untouched by human hands. They are the embodiment of the natural world's will, acting as stewards and guardians of its cycles. Unlike gods, whose existence is tied to human perception, fae are independent of belief. They are eternal as long as the natural magic that created them flows.

 

Invisibility to Humans

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Fae races and creatures exist in a liminal state, occupying a realm that overlaps the mortal world yet remains separate. Humans cannot perceive them unless the fae choose to reveal themselves. This selective visibility allows the fae to perform their roles without interference, maintaining the delicate balance of life and evolution. When they do choose to interact with humans, they often do so subtly, their appearances fleeting and otherworldly, leaving behind whispers of their presence in tales and legends.

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Innate Magic and Influence

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Fae beings are inherently magical, their existence sustained and enriched by the natural magic around them. They may wield magic to heal, nurture, or protect but also to deceive, challenge, or test those who encounter them. Their powers often align with their domains—forest fae might control plant growth, while water fae can summon rain or calm storms.

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Despite their immense power, fae rarely involve themselves in human affairs directly. Instead, they work subtly, influencing events to maintain balance without disrupting the natural evolution of life.

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Coexistence with God-Created Races

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The fae exist alongside the races created by gods, often viewing them with curiosity or caution. Fae beings may see these races as allies in maintaining the world’s balance—or as disruptive forces if they stray too far from their divine purpose. Interactions between fae and god-created races are rare but can result in the sharing of wisdom, magic, or even alliances, particularly when faced with a common threat to the natural order.

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Eternal Stewards

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Unlike gods, who fade without belief, fae beings are eternal as long as the natural world persists. However, as humanity expands and encroaches on nature, the presence of fae beings dwindles, their magic receding into the hidden, untouched corners of the world. Yet even in their hidden state, they continue to influence the balance of life, evolution, and the cycles of existence, ensuring that the world’s magic remains alive and thriving.

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Thus, the fae stand as the silent, unseen architects of harmony, their existence a testament to the raw, unshaped magic of the natural world—a magic that endures, undisturbed by the ebbs and flows of human belief. Fae creatures often operate on a moral system incomprehensible to humans, driven by their intrinsic connection to the natural world rather than human ethics. They may aid humans who act in harmony with nature or punish those who disrupt it, serving as both guides and guardians.