Gaining divine ranks through worshippers

[Twurps]

My google-fu is failing me. I seem to remember reading somewhere about gaining divine ranks through gaining worshippers. And I'm pretty sure it was offical 3.5 stuff. I just can't seem to find it anymore. What book was this in?

3.5 only. And I'm aware of the DM fiat needed to get divine rank 0. That hurdle has already been taken.

[Krobar]

I only recall that in older editions, not 3.5.

Doesn't mean it isn't in there somewhere though.

[Gwachitallemall]

If I remember correctly, it's in Deities and Demigods. I have the book, just don't remember the name away from my books. Deity and Demigods may be only 3.0 though..

[hamishspence]

If I remember correctly, it's in Deities and Demigods. I have the book, just don't remember the name away from my books. Deity and Demigods may be only 3.0 though..

The SRD has the 3.5-ed version of the general Deities & Demigods rules, and there was a free online web enhancement that updated the deity stat blocks.


There's guidelines for how many worshippers each major rank should have:


http://www.d20srd.org/srd/divine/divineRanksAndPowers.htm#divineRanks


Rank 0
Creatures of this rank are sometimes called quasi-deities or hero deities. Creatures that have a mortal and a deity as parents also fall into this category. These entities cannot grant spells, but are immortal and usually have one or more ability scores that are far above the norm for their species. They may have some worshipers. Ordinary mortals do not have a divine rank of 0. They lack a divine rank altogether.

Rank 1-5
These entities, called demigods, are the weakest of the deities. A demigod can grant spells and perform a few deeds that are beyond mortal limits. A demigod has anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand devoted mortal worshipers and may receive veneration or respect from many more. A demigod controls a small godly realm (usually on an Outer Plane) and has minor control over a portfolio that includes one or more aspects of mortal existence. A demigod might be very accomplished in a single skill or a group of related skills, gain combat advantages in special circumstances, or be able to bring about minor changes in reality itself related to the portfolio.

Rank 6-10
Called lesser deities, these entities grant spells and can perform more powerful deeds than demigods can. Lesser deities have anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of worshipers and control larger godly realms than demigods. They also have keener senses where their portfolios are concerned.

Rank 11-15
These entities are called intermediate deities. They have hundreds of thousands of mortal worshipers and control larger godly realms than demigods or lesser deities.

Rank 16-20
Called greater deities, these entities may have millions of mortal worshipers, and they command respect even among other deities. The most powerful of greater deities rule over other deities just as mortal sovereigns rule over commoners.

however, there aren't rules for "going from rank 1 to rank 2" and so forth - it's DM discretion generally, unless you're pulling Ice Assassin Proxy Shenanigans (creating ice assassins from Frostburn, with divine rank, and having them grant you those ranks by making you their proxy):

http://www.d20srd.org/srd/divine/divineMinions.htm#proxies

[Red Fel]

It's an error in causation. There are statements like "stronger deities have more worshipers" and how certain deities are required to maintain worshipers to maintain their power. But the inverse - that more worshipers makes you a stronger deity - is not canonically established. As Hamishspense points out, it's very DM-discretionary.

Generally speaking, there's no canonical "fill out this list and become a deity, fill out this list and become an even bigger deity" checklist. There are ways described generally (e.g. PF's Test of the Starstone) but no specific way that exists without DM discretion.

[squiggit]

But the inverse - that more worshipers makes you a stronger deity - is not canonically established
I know Orcus has been described as the closest of all demon lords to ascension to true god hood because of his vast base of worship despite not being the strongest of his kin

[LoyalPaladin]

3.5 only. And I'm aware of the DM fiat needed to get divine rank 0. That hurdle has already been taken.
I must now speak to my DM. My paladin would like nothing more than to serve Torm for all of eternity.

[Twurps]

I did a quick read of Deities and Demigods once. Maybe that was it? In my recollection it was a lot more clear and 'rule-ish' than the SRD bit, but maybe that's just wishfull thinking/remebering.

DM fiat is not a problem, as he would very much like me to end up as a deity because plot. I just like to go by the rules and was hoping for something other than 'you're a god because DM says so'. Also: optimization levels are way below any Ice-assasin stuff and I prefer they stay that way.

Guess I'll use the error in causation, and vague guidelines of SRD to homebrew something with my DM.