The death of each elder god unleashed a torrent of divine power at the site of their death. This wave of energy wrought strange alterations both in the world and in its mortal denizens. A few absorbed this power, gaining strange abilities similar to those gained from catalysts. These individuals became known as godtouched.
Godtouched are born seemingly at random, and scholars still debate the exact manner in which they gain their powers. Some believe that it is hereditary, though if this is the case it can skip a half-dozen generations before re-appearing. Others claim that pools of divine energy blanket portions of the world, and that godtouched gain their powers by passing through one of these areas.
While their origins are hotly debated their existence is an undisputed fact. Godtouched are forces to be reckoned with, and possess many advantages over their mundane brethren.
The first and perhaps most highly valued is their ability to survive catalization. One in three people who approach a catalyst die from absorbing too much divine energy. It snuffs them out like a candle. Godtouched are immune to this effect and can safely catalize.
The second advantage is a longer lifespan. The aging process halts for five years whenever a person catalizes. Godtouched experience an amplified version of this, gaining ten years each time they catalize. This allows them an enviable lifespan, which gives them plenty of time to grow in power as they journey from catalyst to catalyst.
The third and most potent advantage is their inborn powers. All godtouched gain two catalizations without ever coming near a catalyst. These catalizations come complete with an extended lifespan, which means all godtouched gain at least 20 years before they begin aging normally.
Godtouched typically gain their first catalization during a time of great stress, when such abilities would be useful or would save their lives. Those who live safe and normal lives may live into their 30s or even 40s without realizing their true nature, though it is far more likely their powers will emerge during their teens or early 20s.
