Apotheosis describes the process by which mortals rise to divinity, triggered by an astral event that shakes the foundation of their very existence. It is without question the most dangerous process a mortal can undergo, as there are far worse fates along this path than death...
Apotheosis
Apotheosis is often triggered by a cataclysmic event, such as the true death of a mortal that bears a spark of divine essence, or a creature that places their hand upon the
Starstone. There are no widely-accepted conditions that apply to everyone, and are likely as unique as the process of Apotheosis itself.
Those who do find themselves along this path are assaulted with information beyond the
Infinite Line, coming to know about the
Infinity Petal and the
Godhead, a fact that obliterates any mortal of a lesser mind. They may also be confronted by the divine beings tied to their existence, the portfolios deemed cosmically similar to the creature, or powerful creatures that have taken an interest in the mortal's rise.
Regardless of the event, mortals who undergo Apotheosis must accept what is shown, and either accept that which is offered or reject it outright. Those who fail to do so typically
Zero Sum, but other known aftereffects include being cast throughout time (such as with
Nicholas Carter and
Moscaroth), being shunted across the
Mirror (e.g.
Tommen), falling into the
Void (e.g.
David Bastion), or remaining stuck in an endless cycle between Apotheosis and Nadir (e.g.
Caesura and
Helen).
Nadir
To Nadir is to reject what is offered by Apotheosis, in a manner that is both without complication and resolute. It is to remain mortal, but changed by the knowledge gained, and the wisps of Apotheosis that remains even as the process ends. Countless mortal heroes were or are of the Nadir, including
Bane's Children, the
Zodiac Braves, and the generals of the
Chessboard Conclave.
While such creatures are not as capable as the divine when manipulating the essence of the universe, they bear a unique defense in that they are now less of this
Petal, and thus do not share its astral weaknesses. Thus, it is generally accepted that to be of the Nadir is no less than to be of the divine, and vice versa.
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