World-building Notes
Transformation: States of Being
World-building notes on the concepts and fictional role of deity transformations. This section focuses on the category of temporary states of being.
States of being describe transformations that are more temporary in nature, and that often require the aid of additional energy, instruments, or circumstances. Transformation states can greatly affect a deity’s current level of (or access to) power and magic, and even their identity.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TEMPORARY STATES OF BEING
In DEITIES Projects, transformation states, or states of being, are those that are more temporary in nature, and that often require the aid of additional energy, instruments, or circumstances. Transformation states can greatly affect a deity’s current level of (or access to) power and magic, and even their identity. But states of being can also be difficult to maintain for very long before affecting a deity’s behavior (see contrasting notes on Forms and Features).
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Below is a list of various types of temporary states that deities can adopt in DEITIES verse. Currently, there are very few notes that confirm the different types of states that deities can take, and how they affect a deities abilities and behavior. Additionally, some states will be fictional and solely relevant to DEITIES verse. Further information and notes will be added to each section as the project develops.
EXALTED STATE
The exalted state is an enhanced state that a deity adopts where the flow of True magic energy is at its peak. This state is usually triggered by the use of a spell and sacred item or instrument, which acts as a catalyst and amplifies the deity’s power and abilities for the duration of the transformation.
This state of being is accessible to most deities, and it tends to cause deities to adopt their hybrid traits in mid-transformation (such as wings, etc.), as well as different sets of regalia.
PRIMORDIAL STATE
The primordial state is an enhanced state that a deity adopts where the flow of chaos energy is at its peak. This state can be triggered by exposure to raw chaos energy, allowing a deity to hold their form for as long as the flow of chaos energy is maintained.
This state of being is accessible to many deities that bear traits of their sacred animal, as they take on a more beastly or anthropomorphic appearance that can resemble that of demons.
REGRESSED STATE
A regressed state is what deities adopt when their flow of magic energy has been drained from their reserves, or otherwise unable to flow through them, and they transform into a smaller form — often their animal form — to conserve their energy.
This state of being is often an involuntary defense mechanism, that may sometimes occur in cases where a deity dangerously depletes their energy from their ka (from using too much magic at a time). Occasionally, a regressed state may be caused by other situations or means of distress.
DISGUISED STATE
Some deities are able to disguise themselves to appear different from their usual form, or in some cases to resemble another person or deity. Often, an item sacred to, or belonging to the person intended as the disguised state, is needed to aid the transformation. This skill requires high levels of focus to maintain another’s form and keep a convincing disguise.
SYNCRETIC STATE (SYNCRETISM)
When two or more deities combine into one entity, they enter a syncretic state, where they transform into a new physical form and adopt a combined — but unique — identity from the separate individuals. Currently, there are few details that can be confirmed about how syncretism occurs between deities, and how the connection affects their abilities.
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