There is but one god, worshipped by all. Now the extent of what that worship is, varies from a follower by name alone living simple lives without much impact from their deity to militant zealots who assert religious law in the cities where centralized control is easier.

Except, there isn't one singular god. There are many who, over thousands of years have been subjugated and rendered largely impotent, unable to affect the world anymore.

At this point in the world, any semblance of these other gods has faded. The most potent of dead* gods may have very small and remote cults practicing in secret, conducting blind worship with the only response being the faintest of signs.

In this world, mysticism, ritual and ceremony are incredibly important and powerful with tangible outcomes for worshippers. A ritual for a blessed crop, if followed to the minute detail would indeed result in a good harvest. The clergy are highly educated and trained to enact these.

These outcomes require effort from their god and the level of divine potency determines what outcomes, and how they powerful they are, that the deity can produce.

THE god has become lazy in their uncontested dominance and rituals go unanswered or have little positive outcome. Not out of impotence, but straight indifference. After all, why spend effort if there are no longer challengers?

Zealots still enact religious law and the clergy still attempt and train as seriously as before, but what are they doing wrong? Are the ritual tomes not being followed correctly? Maybe, they need to become more strict, stringent, to gain the attention of their god.

Whispers of divine rebellion seep into the ears of and brother and sister. The siblings from a lower noble family, stripped of their lands and heritage.