Concept:

I’ve always had a deep fascination with religion and belief. I myself would never become religious, but it is interesting to me how people can draw strength from it, and gain contentment and justification for their existence through their belief. The universe is nigh-infinitely large from our perspective, and it can be incredibly difficult to feel a sense of purpose - placing faith in a god or higher power can help our existence feel justified, as though the being we may worship has a ‘plan’ for us. I also want to explore the concept of god within the UniverSim.

I want to make a Conjure that is empowered by their belief in a higher power, as though they are blessed with a part of this higher power

Research:

There is no evidence to suggest that a god could exist in any capacity, and the very concept of god did not exist until man did. Thus, god is a manmade concept. It is this particular aspect that I want to explore. The Conjure is going to be focussed around how they ‘believe’ that a god exists, when, in actually, they themselves are the ones dictating their lives - they are, in essence, their own god.
In Christianity, it is believed that non-believers, and sinners, will go to hell. That, at the end of days, those who devoted themselves to god and Jesus would go to heaven and experience paradise. Suffering motivates us all, thus Christians are motivated to worship and follow the word of god and Jesus in order to achieve their goal of going to heaven. Worship to god usually comes in the form of prayer, in which individuals place their hands together at their chest, and do anything from asking for help/advice, forgiveness from sins, to ask for strength during hardsip, etc.
In Hinduism, worship involves invoking higher forces to assist in spiritual and material progress and is both a science and an art. During worship, individuals reflect upon themselves and the world around them in an effort to achieve a specific goal, which guides them on their journey to evolve into a higher being.
- In Hinduism and Buddhism, there is a concept called yantra, which are mystical patterns used during meditation. These markings can be tattooed upon an individual, as they are thought to offer protection and channel the divine through them.
In Islam, worship often takes the form of prayer upon a traditional prayer mat. Islamic law dictates that Muslims are to practice salat, in which they must prayer five times daily. Doing this is thought to please Allah, which builds the connection between the individual and Allah itself. The word ‘worship’ is only to be used in context of worshipping Allah, and is forbidden to be used in another other context.
In Wicca, worship commonly takes place during a full moon or a new moon. Some rituals are called an Esbat and may involve a magic circle which practitioners will contain energy and form a sacred space, or will provide them a form of magical protection.

Translatable Qualities:

Since this Conjure gains power through their devotion, I think that translates more so into offense than it does any other archetype. I think a balanced Conjure fits best here, with a bias to offense.

Strong attack, but nothing devastating
Higher than average bulk for an offensive Conjure
Divine intervention?
- Potential self-healing through worship?
- Damage boosts?
- Save allies from a fatal blow, or itself?
- Grant protection from an attack?

Conjure Ideas:

I really enjoy the idea of religious tattoos/markings, as the imagery makes for a really appealing idea in my mind. They give a much more physical means of showcasing the power channeled through the Conjure. I can easily imagine the Conjure’s markings glowing when they use their power.

Through effects and colours, I want to try and emphasise just how powerful this Conjure is through their belief, as though divine energy is coursing through their veins.