Divine Magic: The Power of Prayer
Ecclesiastic Prayer
The influence of Eli is strongly felt in MK. Prayers can and are frequently granted, and certain protection is bestowed on all believers.
Traditionally, the Ecclesia has considered the use of magic to be spiritually dangerous. Receiving the benefits of "white" magic, such as a healing spell or a strength charm, was considered a venial sin, a relatively minor and pardonable offense. Actually being a mage was much more serious, and was generally looked on as a sort of contract with demonic spiritual forces.
In more recent centuries, the science of manology has demonstrated that arcane magic is a part of the natural universe, that it can be understood and controlled in a rational (or mostly-rational) manner. Magic is no more inherently mysterious and "supernatural" than quantum mechanics. This has eased the fears of many Ecclesiasts about the use of magic.
However, to make up for the lack or distrust of arcane magic, the Ecclesia developed a priestly magic of their own to draw on. Prayer by a true believer in needy circumstances can produce many effects.
Prayer by a true believer in needy circumstances or through the intervention of a priest (or nun) can produce many effects, including:
- Healing — On oneself or another.
- Protection — From hostile magic.
- Protection — From natural forces.
- Prophecy — Very obscure glimpses. However, Follower prophecy is very reliable.
- Exorcism — A true Follower has authority over the Fallen and can command them to leave a person's body, though usually only highly trained priests will attempt this because of the danger involved.
Appeals to Fallen Gods
In addition, the Fallen Gods and Daedra Lords can respond to prayers directed at them. Granting those prayers used to be done on a regular basis before the Great Fall (what better way to secure the energy from worship than to give the mortal what they wanted/needed), but with a diminished power reserve it is much less common for a prayer to be granted by these fallen gods.
