Religion is back with that the return of the 8 Gods of Norrath. Can you tell us some history and background behind the return of the Gods? What is the importance of the return of the Gods?
Ilucide: When adventurers defeated Chel'Drak, the Guardian of the Codex, and restored Zebuxoruk's memory, they set in motion an ancient plan he devised to return the deities at the point when Norrath needed them most. Zebuxoruk has given thirteen prophecies to guide mortals and give them insight into future events. Others have already begun to work on unravelling these prophecies, even as some of them unfold before the eyes of an expectant Norrath. One which many believe to refer to the return of the gods is, 'The Nine shall return and face the end.
Who is the ninth? Are the eight deities a part of 'The Nine', or does the prophecies refer to something else? Is this a plan set in motion by the deities themselves, or by something or someone else? One thing is for certain - the return of the deities' hearlds a new chapter in Norrath's story.
What can religion do for your character? What kind of choices do you have when choosing one religion over the other ?
Ilucide : Religion is a personal matter for Norrathians. Prayer is done in the home at an altar dedicated to a person's deity. Each deity has a portfolio of areas he or she governs, and grants abilities related to that. The abilities granted are not related to class, nor restricted to a class, but rather are an extension of that deity's abilities. For example, Solusek Ro rules over fire and the sun, so the abilities followers are granted are related to those areas. This means that players may specialize in an area which enhances their class role, or branch out and gain abilities which can enhance their utility in other fields in a pinch.
Each deity's prophet seeks assistance in Faydwer. Assisting them in their endeavours will reward players with more powerful altars, unlocked deity abilities, and cloaks.
Can you tell us about the ability 'Wars Enlightened'? How does it benefit your character?
Ilucide : War's Enlightenment is a potent blessing for the followers of Rallos Zek. Every time a foe is slain in battle, the character gains insight into the chaos of battle. Their chance to double attack, strike multiple targets, critically hit and damage their opponents is increased for a short time after every enemy kill.
"Think not on what you may lose in death, but what you will win through victory!" -rallying cry uttered by Freeport officers
Can you tell us about the 'Blessings' and 'Miracles' system?
Ilucide : Blessings and Miracles are the abilities that characters will pray for at the altar dedicated to their deity. Each ability has a favor amount associated with it, and praying for an ability will lower the character's favor with the deity. An adventurer may only have one blessing and one miracle active in his or her spellbook at a time, and each may be used twice before they must be prayed for again. Once the blessing or miracle is prayed for, characters may save it for the future or use it right away.
Typically speaking, blessings are longer duration (about 10 minute) buffs that imbue a character with their deity's power, while miracles are short duration (usually a minute or less) focussed displays of a deity's power harnessed by the character.
