Gods

The Gods are a race of extremely powerful immortals of Maelstromic mythology. They are part of "The Maelstrom: Extra" set, meaning that they are not canon to the actual storyline.

## Overview

Gods can be found anywhere throughout the universe and various dimensions. Created long before the start of mortal beings, each deity is a representation of some element of the universe. Gods are commonly identified by the thin cracks of light on their body and the lack of detectible energy signatures. Many Gods have humanoid (primarily human-like) appearances, and some possess more animalistic features and behaviors.

## Behavior

Most Gods are very strict and view mortals as significant, but also disposable creatures. It is not in a God's duty to interfere with mortal affairs unless it's for a very good reason. As such, Gods mainly stay on the sidelines, monitoring all life across the universe and spreading their influence from behind the scenes. Many Gods also willingly fight or suppress cosmic threats such as Eclipses.

## Abilities

**Overall Abilities** - Gods are by far the most powerful beings in existence. They were able to defeat all their enemies and assert themselves as the rulers of the universe, even if many races do not know about them. It has been stated and shown that they are capable of causing massive destruction and influencing reality to a great extent: Manipulating life, creating disasters, and destroying key elements of civilizations are some of the feats that the Gods have claimed to be capable of doing or have done at some point in history. Some of the most powerful deities such as Gaiketsu and Tensei have showcased the ability to potentiality destroy planets, however this level of power is very rare among the Gods.

**Divine Physiology** - Most Gods have physical abilities far greater than most mortals, such as strength, speed, and durability. They are also immune to all weapons and tactics of mortals, including conventional and nuclear weapons. However, they can still be harmed by individuals with superhuman strength.

**Cosmic Energy** - Cosmic energy is a tangible and limitless substance only accessible to the Gods, granting them unique supernatural abilities that befit their position. Cosmic energy takes on different properties depending on the God that wields them, such as Azura's magnetism and Shinsei's erasing properties. Because they are limitless, Gods possess tremendous, unfathomable strength that solidify their topmost position in the universe.

**Immortality** - Despite their immortality, Gods are capable of death, which within itself is a very difficult feat. But when a God first dies, their physical body is terminated and their soul retreats to a safer location in the universe. Souls can then take the time to regenerate and rebuild a new physical body. Should the soul also perish before the regeneration process is finished, that God is permanently erased with no hope of ever returning.

## Aspects

Aspects act as candidates for the Gods. Should a God be forever erased, the most qualified Aspect is automatically set up to become the God's replacement. The criteria may vary for whatever position that God may be. Aspects can be simple cosmic beings or mortals who have willingly abandoned everything in pursuit of a greater purpose in life.

### Initiation

In order to fully ascend to godhood, other Gods must give their approval. No less than 80% of all active Gods must approve before an Aspect can be promoted.

Once the conditions are met, the Aspect will instantly gain all strength and power of their respective position and be stripped of their mortal coils. This is perhaps the most agonizing stage because of the tremendous flow of cosmic energy into the being. The only challenge is to survive it.