Avatar of Creation
Verily Cidon understood this, and proclaimed that he would choose a champion who would wield the power of Cidon on earth and serve as his will upon the world.In ancient times, when Maferath the destroyer had all but conquered Unorrea, the Forces of Creation began the tradition of choosing avatars, one for each Force, who would be their respective champions on the mortal plane defending the Children of Solun in their name.Heroes 1:4
Qualifications
And thus was Kanan...a righteous man of much faith...Following the example of Kanan the Barbarian, Avatars are only the best of the best that Mortality has to offer. They exemplify the term "hero" in ever sense of the word. Furthermore, since they are often called to be the defenders of mortality, it also could be considered a qualification that they be brave, courageous and at least marginally capable of handling themselves in a fight.Heroes 1:5
Requirements
Historically the Avatars have been chosen from all walks of life. There is no requirement for age, species, gender or anything of the sort. Indeed, the Force that is electing a mortal to be their Avatar has their own requirements of who they want their Avatar to be, but this could (and has) changed throughout time. The only real hard requirement is a good or neutral moral alignment. Servants of Maferath will not be chosen as Avatars, never have, never will.
Appointment
Ones appointment to the rank of Avatar is a very personal experience. So personal and sacred in fact, that the only well known story of someone's appointment to the rank of Avatar is that of Kanan, as it is outlined in the Book of Kanan in the The Tome of Solun.
The Calling
While the actual appointment experience is personal and sacred to an Avatar, it does follow certain patterns across the board. First and foremost, the Force choosing the Avatar has usually be traveling with the intended Avatar for some time following the example of Cidon. It is only after the prospective Avatar has proven themselves a worthy candidate through some selfless deed that the Force reveals their true nature to the Avatar, again following the example of Cidon. Finally, however the following conversation goes, and however the offer to become an Avatar is presented it is always presented as a choice. While becoming an Avatar of Creation is one of the highest honors a moral can receive, it is fundamental to the plan of The Tome of Solun that their ascension to that rank be their choice.Duties
The primary duty of an Avatar is defend mortality from the power of Maferath, which in essence is evil in all its forms. Traditionally, they also hold a rather special position in the global politics of Unorrea. Often times they are called upon as consuls, arbiters and even interim leaders of factions and governments. Avatars are widely accepted as the best that mortality has to offer, and hold a special place in mortal cultures as such.
Benefits
A Life of Light
When a person chooses to become an Avatar a change is wrought upon their physical form. While they will maintain the same physical appearance, their body is infused with the Will of Solun, the purest source of divine power in Unorrea. Among other benefits, this makes allows their bodies to heal quicker and they are blessed with longer life (generally about 50% longer than their species' average lifespan).A Power of Creation
Each Avatar has special abilities that are unique to their patron Force of Creation. They are also more comfortable and more in tune with the creations of their patron force, acting at their strongest while surrounded by that creation.History
Aside from Kanan the Barbarian, the most well known Avatar in the world is Avatar Shayador who founded The Shayador Empire and lead a holy army of light to conquering all of Edane.
Cultural Significance
Culturally Avatars are looked at with almost as much reverence and deference as the Forces of Creation themselves. They are often looked to for advice and arbitration and even monarchs have been known to look to their council with diplomatic issues.
Notable Holders
The last known Avatar in Unorrea was Avatar Avatar Iriel, an Avatar of Numera. She disappeared in Aldir almost 350 years ago. Since her disappearance The Church of Creation has declared that the Forces no longer call Avatars, and the world should look to the clergy and Paladins of the Church for divine aid going forward.
Type
Religious, Special
Status
Declared Defunct in 924 AP
Creation
The Tome of Solun, Circa 1 AH
Equates to
While The Church of Creation actively claims that the Paladins are the new Avatars or at least their equals, this could not be further from the truth. Avatars a closer in comparison to Demigods than Clerics or Paladins and represent the will, force and power of their respective Creator on Unorrea.
Source of Authority
The Forces of Creation are an Avatar's Source of Authority, and when their authority comes into question their patron Force usually vouches for them in some way.
Length of Term
Avatars serve in this position until death. Hence the reason it is important that they chose this life for themselves.
First Holder
Past Holders
Related Organizations
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