the Realms from outside of its cosmos. Aside from his function during the Time of Troubles, the only responsi- bility that Ao continues to perform in relation to the Realms pertains to its deities. Since the Time of Troubles, Ao decides who is a power who is not. (See The Birth of Powers.) He decides which powers who efdied or otherwise lost their divine connection to the Realms in other are allowed to return to the Realms as deities. He also decides which of many deities worshiped by the beings who emigrate to the Realms are lowed to establish a divine connection with Realmspace to serve their shipers. Finally, this involves promoting mortal beings to the status of gods. Ao may promote any mortal, sentient creature to any stature of godhood (greater power through demipower) instantly if it accepts the responsibili- ties and duties of that state, but he has only exercised that ability to elevate mortals to other than demipower rank during the Time of Troubles,