James Slaughenhoupt @JaSlaugy
I have been following you on here…and I wanted to ask a question. During the Time of Troubles Helm was the only Deity to remain in the heavens. Was he then able to still answer the prayers of all his clergy and did that increase his followers?— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) March 6, 2020
1)
No, all deities lost the ability to communicate directly with their clergy and lay worshippers, although some managed by sheer force of will to send confused visions for all to see, that swirled briefly in the air above some 2)
…of their altars (cryptic images whose meanings clergy debated). The Weave echoes prayers for spells of third level and lower (including orisons), so priests can regain those (though for parts of the Time of Troubles, many…#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) March 6, 2020
3)
…could not), but no one could regain divine magic spells of fourth level or higher during the Time of Troubles. It was a time of widespread chaos and fear, with avatars of the gods stalking the Realms in person and warring, 4)
…and although many fearful mortals turned to any deity they hoped could help them and keep them safe, no god truly gained followers, as mortals in the Realms believe in, and worship, all of the gods (unless they’re clerics, …#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) March 6, 2020
5)
…paladins, or zealots), and worship most of them, even if only to ward off their displeasure, all the time.#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) March 6, 2020