Gifts

# Gifted

The Gifted individuals are a group of individuals who have attained unique and extraordinary powers, making them stand out from the rest of the population. Becoming Gifted is not an easy feat, and there are two primary paths one can undertake to acquire these powers.

> Despite the risks and uncertainties, the allure of becoming Gifted is strong, as the powers bestowed can elevate individuals to legendary status. However, the pursuit of such abilities is not without consequences, and Gifted individuals must navigate the challenges of their gifts and curses while grappling with the profound impact their powers can have on the world..
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## Devotion to the Gods

Many Gifted individuals dedicate their lives to the worship and service of the ancient gods. They undergo rigorous rituals, prayers, and acts of devotion to seek favor from the deities. Through this devotion, the gods may choose to bestow their blessings upon the faithful, granting them extraordinary abilities.

And even if the Gods find you worthy and give you a gift, there is a chance you will be cursed too. The process of gaining Gifts from the gods is inherently unpredictable. The gods themselves determine who is worthy of their favor, and not everyone who dedicates their life to them receives such gifts. Some may be deemed worthy and be granted a single Gift, while others may receive multiple Gifts. In rare cases, the gods may deem a devoted individual unworthy or unpredictable, leading to the granting of curses instead.

## Indulgence in Dark Arts

Others seek power through the darker and forbidden paths of arcane arts. By delving into the realm of dark magic, they tap into the forbidden energies that most mortals fear. This route has a higher probability of obtaining Gifts, but it comes at a cost.

The power drawn from dark arts often carries a curse, which acts as a price for wielding such potent abilities. Those who delve too deep into darkness may find themselves bearing multiple curses, burdened by their own reckless pursuit of power.

The nature of the Gifts and curses varies greatly, reflecting the diversity of the gods and the unpredictability of dark arts. Some Gifts may grant control over elements, arcane mastery, or physical enhancements, while curses might bring afflictions like perpetual agony, loss of sanity, or attracting hostile creatures.

The gods' decision-making is mysterious and beyond mortal comprehension. Worthy individuals might be rewarded with Gifts that align with their personalities or desires, while the unfortunate ones could end up cursed with powers that torment them or endanger others.

# Generation One Gifts

## Light Magic:

### Abjuration: Guardian's Embrace

Those attuned to Abjuration, known as Aegis bearers, harness the luminous essence of light to weave intricate barriers that surpass mere physical protection. Their radiant walls and wards not only shield against harm, but they also serve as fortified sanctuaries, fortifying the spirits of those within. In the midst of battle, these protective constructs emanate an aura of safety that bolsters the courage of allies and intimidates adversaries, establishing them as unwavering bastions against both mundane and arcane threats.

### Holy: Divine Benediction

Radiating purity and devotion, wielders of Divine Benediction act as conduits of divine favor. Their touch becomes an instrument of healing, capable of mending wounds, dispelling afflictions, and bestowing blessings that resonate with the sacred. Every word spoken and every gesture made channels the power of benevolence, elevating allies to greater states of strength and resolve. It is through their connection with the divine that they embody the essence of compassion and virtue.

## Neutral Gifts:

### Blaze: Art of Fire

> "In the dance of fire's embrace, wielders of Blaze command the ferocity of flame. They kindle life and destruction with equal fervor, shaping fire into a symphony of power that illuminates both path and purpose."
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From the gentle flicker of a candle to the consuming blaze of a roaring inferno, those who command the Art of Fire possess mastery over flames in all their forms. This gift grants them the ability to conjure, manipulate, and shape fire with unparalleled precision. They can create delicate flames to light their path or summon torrents of scorching fire to engulf adversaries. In addition, they can even evoke ethereal creatures forged from the very essence of flame and fury, transforming them into formidable allies in the midst of battle.

### Shock: Essence of Thunder

> "From the heavens' fury to the earth's embrace, Shock's disciples channel the raw energy of storms. Thunderbolts become their voice, lightning their instrument, as they navigate the tumultuous symphony of nature's wrath."
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Rooted in the raw power of storms, the Essence of Thunder gift enables its wielders to wield the electrifying might of lightning and thunder. Beginning with a mere jolt of static electricity, this power escalates to the command of thunderbolts that crash down from the skies. Like Blaze, Shock provides both protection and destruction, empowering its wielders to harness the formidable forces of nature to their advantage.

### Frost: Cold Embrace

> "Born of frigid winds and icy hearts, Frost's touch conjures a realm of chill and calm. Its wielders sculpt the ephemeral beauty of snowflakes and blizzards, turning the world into a tableau of frozen wonder."
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Reflecting the icy embrace of northern winters, this gift empowers its wielders with mastery over ice and cold. From causing a simple temperature drop to summoning fierce hailstorms upon adversaries, those who command the Cold Embrace can manipulate water's freezing essence to their advantage. They can also conjure icy companions who heed their every command, creating a stark contrast to the flames of Blaze.

### Loch: From the Sea

> "With the ebb and flow of tides, Loch's children beckon the waters' embrace. They command liquid life, a force of adaptability that surges and shapes as effortlessly as the ever-changing ocean waves."
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Gifted with dominion over water itself, wielders of Loch possess the ability to manipulate this fundamental element in various ways. They can fill empty containers seemingly from thin air, create water-based projectiles to hurl at opponents, or even summon torrents of water to drench and impede adversaries. This gift embodies the versatility and unpredictability of water, granting its wielders an array of tactics both in and out of battle.

### Knowledge: Gift of Intelligence

> "Within the boundless corridors of the mind, the Gift of Knowledge illuminates the labyrinth of understanding. Its seekers traverse realms of thought, scribing their own destiny with the ink of wisdom."
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The Gift of Intelligence bestows an unquenchable thirst for knowledge upon its bearer. Those who possess this gift can tap into an expansive reservoir of information, allowing them to unravel mysteries and uncover hidden truths. However, this profound connection to knowledge often comes at a cost—an isolation that prevents the easy sharing of acquired wisdom, isolating the bearer in their pursuit of enlightenment.

### Vigor: Power of Self

> "In the realm of muscle and sinew, Vigor's might surges. Those who bear its mantle forge their bodies into living weapons, transcending mortal limitations to embody the epitome of physical prowess."
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Embodying physical prowess, Vigor is a gift that enhances the bearer's bodily capabilities. It bestows heightened strength, augmented resilience, and a boost to bodily functions, making its wielders formidable in physical combat. This gift is commonly found among martial followers of deities, amplifying their martial prowess and granting them a distinct edge on the battlefield.

## Dark Magic:

> Dark Magic is a multifaceted and intricate gift that encompasses several sub-Gifts, each associated with its own set of abilities. It is often embraced by those who seek power beyond the boundaries of the natural realm.
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### Necromancy: Unmoral Health

> "Amidst the realm of death's whisper, Necromancy weaves the threads of life's twilight. Its practitioners sculpt the bones of the past into legions, a symphony of souls both bound and free."
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Necromancy, a sub-Gift of Dark Magic, grants its wielders the ability to raise the dead within specific boundaries. From skeletal warriors to ethereal projectiles propelled by captured souls, those who master Unmoral Health can manipulate the forces of death to their advantage, turning the deceased into instruments of their will.

### Unsanctified: Harmful Synergy

> "From the deepest well of darkness, Unsanctified emerges, a wellspring of malevolence. Its bearers wield chaos and corruption as tools, a tempest of maleficent power that shatters the bonds of sanctity."
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Focused on harm and corruption, Unsanctified empowers its wielders to inflict direct damage upon their adversaries. It allows for the perversion of holy relics and the spreading of malevolence across living beings and inanimate objects alike. This sub-Gift is a manifestation of the darkness that seeks to undermine the forces of good.

### Abyss: Voidwalker

> "Shadow's hand reaches through the veil, whispering secrets only the Abyss can fathom. Its children tread the line between existence and emptiness, sculpting night into a tapestry of mystery, where shadows dance in silent symphony."
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The Abyss sub-Gift grants its wielders the power to manipulate shadows and darkness. It allows them to meld into the very fabric of the void, summon shadowy constructs to their aid, and even create pockets of emptiness that can trap or hold objects. Unlike other Dark Magic sub-Gifts, Abyss is accessible to individuals not aligned with the Dark arts, offering a unique avenue for those who wish to harness the power of shadows without succumbing to malevolence.