While Mortal Reins primarily focuses on mortals and their deeds, the existence of actual gods carries intriguing implications for the world and its people. Firstly, the presence of a god exerts a physical effect on nearby mortals. Gods, though invisible and intangible, coexist on the same plane as mortals, reminiscent of the Greek gods of Mount Olympus. While they may choose to reveal themselves, their proximity alone can cause physical discomfort and induce hallucinations in mortals. A god amidst a sufficiently large gathering of people could even give rise to phenomena akin to mass hysteria. Thankfully for mortals, the discomfort is mutual, deterring gods from subjecting themselves to such situations. Instead, they prefer the seclusion of mountaintops or the depths of the earth.
When gods do intervene in mortal matters, they often do so indirectly, acting through priests, prophets, or other chosen mortal vessels. While some of this interference is necessary for a god's survival, they may also possess their own beliefs or pursue personal goals. In a previous discussion, we explored how gods sustain themselves through belief, bestowing magic and visions to entice mortal followers. Additionally, gods may seek to promote love, chaos, or specific forms of justice, offering power to advance these objectives.
Warlocks and small cults directly acquire power from their patrons in exchange for specific displays of devotion, such as spreading disease, engaging in acts of charity, performing rituals, or making sacrifices. As gods accumulate more followers, their power increases, but it becomes more thinly spread. Unable to attend to individual prayers, they establish codes of conduct for their mortal followers to transmit to others. Some gods even grow in stature to the point where they require minor gods—deities in service—who interact with individuals and receive a portion of the major god's power in return.
The presence of gods on the mortal plane also implies the absence of celestial planes or afterlives to speak of. If a soul fails to find a vessel within a few months, it simply dissipates, much like how the body is consumed by maggots and bacteria. Eventually, the soul becomes so entwined in the aether that it can no longer be considered a distinct entity. Although there is no direct evidence of afterlives or other planes, this does not prevent certain gods, prophets, and charlatans from spinning tales about them. I suppose the only way to truly uncover the truth is through death itself.
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