on a generic fantasy world, humans slowly developed widespread psionic ability and eventually its use took precedence. Human civilization grew to eclipse all others, and the gods of the other races decided one by one to direct their followers away to safety in secret places, other worlds or planes of existence, or a final desperate but futile battle against man.

It was during this period that several deities realized they were growing weaker. the psionic philosophy of power from within meant a growing disinterest in prostrating oneself to a distant deity.

Worse still was one gods’ discovery that psionic power was, if not very closely linked to, the very energy drawn from the mortal devotion that sustained them. The greatest psionic workings were even draining away the prayer-energy of their remaining clergy. The metaphysical leeching might one day reach all the way to the outer planes, resulting in deicide – while simultaneously granting the humans apotheosis.

Several gods began planning together on how to prevent this...