[Acacea]

The whole Divine Relation thing comes up a lot, just query it and see the angst. In the General Discussion today it was asked that it basically only work on the dead to know who to raise or who not to raise, which I don't really agree with and in general think it doesn't make much sense.

However, the topic does warrant some thought for the future incarnation, because we will not be limited by NWN mechanics. Since everything starts from the ground up, we have the opportunity to think, not how does it work, or why, or how could it work with our current limitations... but just ideally, how should it work?

I think what might be a good compromise is the ability for certain deities to allow clerics to mask the divine links of their followers, the better to blend in when forced. Perhaps even only certain sects of particular faiths, and maybe not even strictly evil. While I don't think it should be as heavily used as some threads seem to wish ('enemy' is enemy, and that's all, not evil, and for the vast majority of cases a good character trying to convert an enemy means an opportunity to do the same), it would still be neat with some restrictions. Not 'at will' and being unable to change the specific relation, for example...just the equivalent of temporarily blanking your deity field. Perhaps for gods with the trickery domain or leanings in that direction? Since we won't have the domains... still it applies.

A Hound would have great use of it. A Corathite in some situations, as well, though not as often. If the Guardians were not being disbanded, even Lucindites of the Cerlyn Wethrina would have this ability fit perfectly in with their ward of shadows and secrecy.

An enemy follower may become the wolf among sheep with such an ability, and Divine Relation could then be used as an opposed spell to it. A herd of acolytes and lower level priests of Katia may be taken in by the 'neutral' enemy, whereas Plenarius with his strength of faith would not only not be fooled, but recognize the attempt to hide it. Someone between may see the truth without seeing what was done to hide. It would depend on who was doing the masking, and who was doing the detecting. Who is stronger in their faith?

I don't think all faiths should have it, but for the trickier ones I feel it would be a really good addition to avoid detection being a matter of certainty, while still being a real and constant danger. Branderback, Shadon, Corath, extinct Lucinda (trickery version), even Beryl (more for their safety and sanctuary than infiltration) would all be examples of deities I think it works well with.

It would be useful for getting past deity faction specific NPCs in a pinch, for sure...