Magic corrupts over time and the Starborn are the only ones that can cleanse it. A terrible tragedy ensured that Ash is the last Starborn left breathing and it now stops the gods from interfering in the world that they govern.
A new god, an upstart that is only part of their pantheon in a singular world, offers a deal that none of them can refuse. He will create a connection between the world they can no longer touch and another. In exchange, he will join them in full, part of their number in all worlds they govern.
The gods have no other choice. Some of them seek a way to save the world that will die without the Starborn. Some of them seek the loving connections they lost when they were forced away from the world.
One of them seeks more power, the chance to build something new. Perhaps the world the Starborn kept from ruin will be saved or perhaps it will fall. Either way, there's entertainment to be had.