The Hunger Of Heavens

A chart showing illustrating the basic mechanic

## Overview

"The Hunger of Heavens" refers to the resource race, in which the gods compete for worship to sustain their existence. Initially a mechanic designed by the original creator god to birth guardians and providers for humans, whilst ensuring that losing mankind's favour would cause them expire, protecting mankind's existence. This system was implemented as a means to ensure humanity's continued survival, and according to Eve, Adam's punishment to live in a world with the beings created from his spirit. However, this mechanism seems to flawed, or at least heavily exploited throughout several points in history. In the modern world (Famthries 5th Cycle), this system has manifested in the form of religious conflicts in which the lesser "gods" treat humans as finite worship resources, often acting only in their own interest, ensuring they receive enough worship to continue their own existence. Certain gods are seen as neglectful or cruel to the people they influence.

Much of the religious tension in the world can be traced down to a desire for gods, in fear of losing worshipers to their peers, to influence humans into violent crime or in the case of the Church of Agathia, global religious unionisation. It is for this reason that The Union of Axis Alea seek desperately to oppose the church, as they fear the consequences of one god having a monopoly on human worship, and subsequently their lives and freedom.

## History

#### Eve's Understanding

When Alea Vitae travelled through the gate in Annwn to Morphies, they were able to speak freely with Eve, the first woman. It was here that she was able to offer her understanding of god's plans and actions. She expressed an understanding that ability to birth lesser gods was granted to humans so that they can independently create and indirectly elect their own guardians. Should a lesser god turn malicious or lazy, the lack of human worship would cause them to dissipate, ideally creating an environment which forced the gods into acting in the interest of man. However, as stated above, it appears as though this plan suffered flaws, and was able to be exploited. Further information however is unavailable.

It is unknown at what point The Hunger of Heavens fully came into effect, but it can be assumed to have happened long ago in world history.

## 5th Cycle

The Hunger of Heavens is not a readily known concept. The only people the player party has encountered that seem to know of it are the higher up members of The Union of Axis Alea, Adam and Eve. Though it is possible that the Yeux Vigilants are aware of the concept.

The Hunger of Heavens, in hindsight, can account for the incredible difference in conditions in Adam Labyr in contrast to Adam Sol. After Pardeji split into two nations, the people of Adam Labyr decide to forsake any kind of god, leaving their lands devoid of natural life, almost killing off their civilization. Whilst the citizens that would form Adam Sol moved north, where the gods protected them in an endless layer of ice and snow, whilst still providing them with the conditions to grow food, and shelter themselves.

Several other events in history can logically be related to the Hunger of Heavens, though players will have to make these connections on their own.

## Trivia

* The Hunger of Heavens is one of the Dungeon Master's favourite concepts within Agathian Fable, which is funny, because barely makes use of it in game.