Gift of Tongues
And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with divers tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak.
Rarely, some divine powers bestow the Gift of Tongues upon one or more of the chosen faithful. This special grace manifests itself as a tongue of fire above the recipient’s head.
When those blessed with the Gift of Tongues speak, anyone who hears the speaker’s words hears the words in his native tongue. What is more, the one blessed hears all spoken languages in his own native tongue. These are not the only benefits enjoyed by the recipient. Not only are his words universally comprehensible, he is endowed with eloquence and confidence. The speaker becomes immune to effects related to fear and doubt, and the force of his rhetoric can sway crowds of people to at least respectfully consider the speaker’s words.
Of course, the Gift of Tongues cannot be misused. Just as it is freely bestowed, those same divine powers can instantly withdraw the blessing should the recipient attempt to use its benefits for purposes contrary to the divinity’s ethos and goals. The duration of the Gift of Tongues tends to be brief, aimed at a particular circumstance, such as addressing a specific crowd of doubters at a certain time and place. It is very rare indeed that the Gift of Tongues becomes long-lasting.
There are no saving throws or other such things against this blessing’s effects. The Gift of Tongues never overwhelms a hearer’s will. It cannot compel action.
