A Pretender God is one of the beings that are struggling to become the new supreme God. Each nation in the game is led by one Pretender God. Pretender Gods can be custom designed by players for each game.
Pretender Gods automatically spread their own dominion by their presence; this effect is similar to, but stronger than, a prophet's automatic dominion spread. Pretender Gods receive substantial bonuses in hit points, strength, and magic resistance in their own dominions, and penalties in the dominion of enemy Pretender Gods.
If a Pretender God dies (and is not saved by the Immortal ability, items or other effects), they can be recalled by priests, but their magical abilities will be weakened by the experience. However, if a Pretender God has no dominion over any province in the world, or if the God's nation does not rule any provinces, the Pretender God is permanently destroyed and the player is eliminated from the game.
Some Pretender Gods do not start the game in play, but will awaken after some time has passed.
Other special rules for Pretender Gods:
- Cannot receive heroic abilities, even if they appear in the Hall of Fame.
- Immune to all forms of mind control.