Finally, how much is a single voice of prayer actually worth to a God?
(Note: I’m answering out of order because Being Ed, so this isn’t my final answer.) 1)
Not a lot, but like pennies, or drops of water, they add up. Drops of pure water are actually a better analogy: we humans need to ingest water, sooner or later, or we die. A deity needs worship, to retain godhood (not…#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) May 27, 2020
2)
…necessarily existence, as gods that “fade away” through being forgotten become vestiges).
So one act of worship is like a speck, but mountain ranges are made of many specks. “A wise god spurns no worship,” as the old…#Realmslore 3)
…Faerûnian saying goes. And as Elminster feels moved to add: a single act of worship AT THE RIGHT MOMENT can start a holy avalanche.#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) May 27, 2020
Depends on the god and the system of faith. Polytheistic systems, like ancient Greece or FR, I would say your answer of “mountains are made of many specks” sounds right, unless the voice is special. For narrower systems, like Christianity or as seen in Dragonlance As I said when I started these replies to @RedNoBlue, all of my replies are for the Realms only.
When it comes to other pantheons and settings, even others I've created, YMMV.— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) May 27, 2020
1)
And if it’s Mystra saying no, could other Gods intervene? Moradin says he won’t give power to any dwarf who wields a gun? Lolth says no drow may receive power from Lathander? Heh. Mystra can’t say no, as per my earlier answer. Other deities can intervene, but under Ao’s enforced limits. In the examples you give, Moradin can indeed refuse to give power to any dwarf who wields a gun, because…#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) May 27, 2020
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…Moradin decides how Moradin aids mortals. But Lolth can’t block aid from Lathander. She can try, but Mystra will ‘go around’ her to convey Lathander’s aid, and if Lolth presses, Ao will step in and shove her back.#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) May 27, 2020