Returned
The Returned are men and women who have died and been resurrected. The cause of this resurrection is unknown, however at least one person who was resurrected in this manner was shown a vision of the future and offered the chance to return and change the events of his vision. The Returned retain no memory of their previous existence.
Breath
Each Returned is gifted with a single, powerful Breath which allows them to reach the Fifth Heightening. This divine Breath is a Splinter of Endowment.[citation needed] A Returned may give this Breath (sacrificing himself) to heal one person.
A Returned consumes one Breath per week as a consequence of being reborn. Their body feeds off of any Breaths they have available, including the divine Breath. Thus, without additional Breath, they would die a week later following their Return.
Returned can, however, receive more Breaths on top of their divine Breath. They can then use these Breaths for normal Awakening purposes.[1]
Appearance
Returned are able to modify their appearance to suit how they think they should look. The old gods look old and the heroic gods look strong, as examples.[2] Their appearance depends on how they perceive themselves. However, common traits include being larger than normal humans and giving off a color-altering aura.
A Returned is able to suppress their divine Breath, altering their appearance to be more normal. However, a normal-looking Returned still has increased strength and speed, immunity to disease, and agelessness.
Religion
In Hallandren the Returned are worshiped as gods sent by the Iridescent Tones to guide their followers. As such the Returned are fed one Breath each week in order to maintain their life. In exchange the Returned are petitioned by the people of the city to give their breath for them. They also are expected to perform auguries by reviewing works of art sent by citizens.