Avatar

An avatar is the only method the gods, devils, or demons can enter the Shadow Realms after the creation of Heaven's Gate. An avatar is created by forming a body from spiritual power and giving it life with the power within them (see Spark of Creation or Un-Life).

Unlike the beings that created them these avatars have a relatively short time before the expire. The spiritual bodies fashioned for them consume the power in order to shield the Shadow Realms from the power contained within. When there is not enough spiritual power left the power within will cease to exist. The more power that the avatar must draw upon the faster it will consume its spiritual body.

The only other way for an outer being to enter the mortal plane is to give up their own divine or infernal power before entering. Once this happens the being can never again regain that power and become one of the Fallen God or Redeemed. While no longer immortal they can still live for several millennia. This life can be extended nearly indefinitely if they are willing to sleep for long periods of time.

These beings are still omnipotent compared to any mortal, but far diminished compared to the self they left behind. The reasons such a being would do this varies. Most of the Fallen Gods did so to aid the Earthmother in containing the Heart of Mir. Devils that choose the path of Redemption often come to the world to increase their influence far beyond what they are capable as avatars.