Avatar

An Avatar is a being created by a god. They are immensely powerful individuals, often encompassing some aspect inherited from their creator.

The first avatars were created by the six prime deities during the Age of Avatars. At the dawn of time, it is believed that the World of Tempress came into existence when one of the gods, Tempress, stole the Genai and unleashed the power to create her own land filled with free-thinking creatures. The other gods were furious that she had chosen to harness the power of the Genai so recklessly and grant free will to mortal creatures. They fought a divine war with Tempress, where the goddess was believed to be defeated by her brothers and sisters, and her dead body supposedly fell to the land she had created, along with the shattered Genai.

Now, the deities had to decide what to do with her creation. Firstly, they each took on an aspects of life to rule over, embodying these essential elements which they still control now. Secondly, they created Avatars who would emulate the role of the deities on a smaller scale, policing their creators aspects on the ground with the Tempress's creations. Finally, they formed the Divine Gate, sealing themselves on the Divine Plane, so Tempress's selfish action could never be repeated.

However, their intention for Avatars was not sustainable. They had forged the Avatars from their own powers, but granted them free will. As time passed, many of the Avatars became corrupted by their gifts and, though they claimed to be devout, turned away from the guidance of their respected deities. The six deities began to understand that their decision to create the Avatars was not dissimilar from Tempress's actions.

Eventually, an Avatar of Dariss decided that the only way peace could be achieved was to destroy the people of Tempress. This Avatar called himself the Peacemaker General and commanded huge armies which obliterated entire nations. The Avatars became divided killing one another mercilessly and sacrificing people of the land without restraint.

Finally, the six gods were forced to intervene again. Much to their distaste, their creations had truly demonstrated the horror of free will. The six gods agreed to open the Divine Gate once more and withdraw their Avatars back to the Divine Plane. They then sealed the gate once more, and it has not been opened since.

This signifies the beginning of the Age of Mortals, but a number of Avatars appeared to escape the calling of their masters and still roam Tempress. It is worth noting that those that decided to stay, opposed to returning home when summoned by their deities, can be assumed to be the most corrupt. They had become so enraptured with belief in their own will and ambitions, they sought to hide from their creators and fundamentally disobey them.

Avatars are believed to be immortal. However, this is not always the case. The spirit of an avatar is made from pure, divine energy. Though this energy does not age, often the physical form of the Avatar does. As such, Avatars often inhabit mortal flesh, before casting it aside. When they do so, the mortal is forced to sacrifice their body, their minds imprisoned at furthest reach, so that the Avatar can use their physical form as a host for their own immortal spirit. The Avatar may choose to move into another host, or discard the body when it is deemed useless due to age or injury.

Avatars vary greatly in their actions, but are undeniably swayed by the fundamental characteristics imbued by their maker. Some live solitary lives away from humans, some live amongst the mortals always observing and learning, mostly harmless beings.

Others play are far more active role, displaying their abilities clearly and fighting with or against mortals. They may grant others power or use their own to help or hinder, sometimes admitting their godly nature and sometimes concealing the true extent of their abilities.

Many seek recognition of their superior power, whether this narcissism is inherited from their creators it is unsure, but Avatars are frequently found in isolated communities and areas worshiped as rulers and even gods. Some dream of becoming a god, amassing power to such an extent that they can ascend and pass through the Divine Gate to take their place amongst the other deities on Divine Plane with the prime deities.

Some seek to destroy their creators. Often, this is fueled by venomous hatred, and it is unknown as to whether destroying the creator would also destroy the Avatar.