Ennervism

From Mizahar Lore

Ennervism is the divine power manifested in the marked one's new strength when all hope seems lost, or the loss of vigor when one is in dire need of it.

Contents 1 The Mechanics 2 Appearance 3 Mark Progression 4 Mark acquisition threads

The Mechanics

Yahal views his followers like his children or his bride. He is protective and can grow jealous should their faith lie in less worthy things. He is devoted to his followers and watches over them even when they feel all is lost.

Yahal's positive Gnosis is earned for acts of faith, especially when they benefit another person. Frequently, these acts of faith do not result in what the follower intended, but this does not mean they did not please Yahal. Yahal is a god that thinks on the long term, a moment of suffering in this life pales in comparison to what it may earn the person on an eternal scale. He is always looking to purify and strengthen his followers even by unpleasant means. However, Yahal is intensely faithful to his own and presides unseen over their daily lives. He promises to not let his followers fall into anything they cannot withstand if they look to him.

Cursed marks are bestowed on those who significantly harm one of Yahal's own, perform an act of extreme cowardice, or egregiously betray another's trust causing great harm. Those with corrupted minds and hearts, bent on wickedness may also be cursed by Yahal. Because he is a benevolent and merciful deity, these marks can be reversed should a cursed one pursue a purer path or perform an especially selfless act that merits forgiveness.

Depending on the subject, Yahal may or may not manifest to grant his Gnosis. Sometimes his invisibility is a demonstration of trust in the individual's faith or an attempt to strengthen it. When Yahal does not make himself visible, he sends cowled messengers, souls recruited to his service. He is always present during the gift of a mark, but may choose to escape notice.

The positive Gnosis usually activates when the believer is under severe stress, physically or emotionally, whereas the negative Gnosis activates when the marked person has a moment of especial need. At higher levels, activation may be at will or random.

If applicable, the marks are cumulative. What powers or curses are bestowed carry over to the next level.

Appearance

Yahal's positive Gnosis looks fairly plain. It is a dark tattoo of a letter of his name in Shiber on the recipient's palm. Until the final mark, one letter is awarded each level, so a champion will bear Yahal's full name on his or her palm.

A negative gnosis appears over the cursed person's heart. It is a dark spot that spreads until the entire heart is covered in a malignant design that varies according to the recipient. The design is always intertwining words, spelling out the recipient's cowardice or corruption.

Mark Progression

Marked [Cursed] - 1 Gnosis Mark
	Marked: When the situation is dire, the marked follower can double their strength until the adrenaline lowers, or when faced with a emotional trial, the marked person is blessed with an intestinal fortitude that causes admiration. Cursed: A sudden sapping of strength, akin to losing two night's sleep, or the mind is clouded with inexplicable dread just when fortitude or strength is needed.
Favored [Despised] - 2 Gnosis Marks
	Favored: Frequently, the blessed follower is able to purify his thoughts to bar distraction, producing an uncanny focus on a single, important task. His physical strength is now tripled and can last for up to an hour beyond the loss of adrenaline. Despised: A Despised figure will have a difficult time trusting others in time of need and manufacture hidden agendas in those trying to assist him.
Priest/Priestess [Adversary] - 3 Gnosis Marks
	Priestess: A Priestess can reach a state of clarity of thought at will and finds great comfort in Yahal despite fear. Her strength may also be summoned any time without the spark of adrenaline. This strength can last for half a day, but may only be used seventy times a year. Adversary: Seventy random times a year for a half day period, the blighted one cannot leave bed for lack of energy. They have a hard time even turning over or swallowing. Their dreams become anxious and paranoia infects them without warning.
Champion [Nemesis] - 4 Gnosis Marks
	Champion: Yahal's champion is a force to be reckoned with. Their strength is five times the normal person's and can be rallied whenever and last as long as they choose. Their purity of thought can produce an amazing clarity. They will be able to focus on minute noises and distant targets without distraction. A Champion's lifestyle is also one of devotion to Yahal and an upright cause. They are faithful when others would abandon friends and pure of heart when others would bend under corruption. Fear and confusion are felt, but the forces can be overcome with their iron will. Nemesis: Those cursed four times by Yahal are paltry shadows of a person. They are confined to bed and plagued by personal torments of doubt and suspicion. Because they can trust nothing, they wither away alone and afraid.

Mark acquisition threads

First mark
	As Far As Light Excels Darkness	First mark acquisition for Abashai.
	Drops of Faith	First mark acquisition for Zaira.

Second mark

Third mark

Fourth mark