In the Carnivale universe there are beings of power known as Avatars. Each generation has two Avatars, one Light and one Dark who are drawn into conflict with each other. There are two Avataric bloodlines with the "mantle" of Avatar status being passed from father to son. The mothers of avatars are usually driven insane by the process. An Avatar's supernatural status gives him certain vaguely defined supernatural powers. The most common of these is the ability to sense the presence, and condition, of their opposite number. At the time of Carnivale Ben Hawkins and Justin Crowe are the respective avatars of Light and Dark. Both are able to sense the presence of the other and occasionally their condition, both also receive prophetic visions. Other than that Ben's most frequently used ability is an ability to heal, while Justin most commonly uses an ability which instills fear in others. However, they are also shown using other powers, such as when Justin telepathically summons Varlyn Stroud to be his servant.