Apotheosis

Apotheosis is a mythical route of enlightenment that allows a mortal to reach such an enriched self-actualization that they die and become a celestial spirit or a demiurge (i.e. a Stellar divinity) instead of continue the cycle of life and death.

Summary

Little is know about the actual process. What is known mostly comes from the legends of Veric and Marken, who are both mortals that completed it.
The process of apotheosis appears to be a spiritual enlightenment based on realizing some sort of cosmic truth that allows a being to die in a state of tranquility called apatheia. When a person dies while in this state, their spirit is pure enough to receive something called a divine spark and, if strong enough of will, grow into a celestial spirit, maybe even a demiurge.

Historical Basis

Historians agree that there are two known confirmed cases of apotheosis into demiurgehood:

• Veric, in an uncertain year before the release of magic.
• Marken, in 247 AR.

Cultural Reception

There are many minor schools of philosophy and cults that strive for apatheia so that they may ascend to divinity. Some believe that it requires multiple cycles of life and death dedicated to this route to achieve, others feel that it can be earned at any point in someone's life.
Sadly, since death seems to be the only way to confirm that apatheia was achieved, many of these cults do not last.

Related Species

• Stellar Divinity