The Campaign Builder's Guild

Quote from: Steerpike[ooc]That said, I've been reading a lot of Lucifer and Preacher recently, and in both of those works God is a trickier figure... in the former His commands have to be interpreted (and He only speaks sporadically) whereas in the latter He's abandoned Heaven altogether.  His Dark Materials had another great option: make God senile.  Something like that might really work in this setting (this might form the focus of a campaign - discovering that God isn't what He used to be).

Anyone have any ideas for reconciling the idea of an authoritarian God with dissent in Heaven? [/ooc]

I'd argue against the God as senile model. It doesn't fit the, inspiration? source material? that this all sprang from. Also, that would swing quite a bit towards the God = Elder One, or basically the same thing, something else I'm not fond of.

Abandoning Heaven seems to negate the whole "dictatorship" going on, unless you want to add in deceit. The Thrones and Seraphim trying to keep the other orders of angels from finding out about their abandonement. Deceit in itself opens up a whole host of things too, although it goes against the concept of "angelic ideals".

The interpreting thing gives you factions very easily, but again breaks down on the dictatorship bit.

All in all, I'm not too fond of any of these options. None of them seem to mesh well with what has been established.

[ooc]Perhaps the Authority, rather than going senile, has just gone mad with power, to the point where many of the loyalist angels now recognize His tyranny, even if they're still too afraid to rebel.  Some angelic factions might clandestinely being trying to usurp His rule, while others might be trying to uphold it for their own purposes; Metatron or some other figure could subtly be planning a coup or sycophantically manipulating the Authority.[/ooc]

Llum does bring up an interesting point. What if the authority did abandon heaven and the head angelic orders are hiding it from everyone.

Or alternatively the authority doesn't issue commands but rarely. So outside the set laws the angels are generally free to have their own thoughts on matters. If he steps in they obey, but in general they are as divided at times as the demons, they just all answer to the authority and for that reason can present a united front.

The idea I liked the most that was similar was that the ArchAngels actually cast God down and were acting as if he was still i charge giving orders...

I don't know if anyone else mentioned this before (a search did not find a mention of this in the thread.)

But have you heard of in Nomine-

See Link---> HERE

It tracks some of the ideas you use here:

"In Nomine is a role-playing game ... published in 1997 ... Players typically assume the role of angels and demons in a setting that draws heavily on the traditional Christian mythos.[2]  In Nomine won the Origins Award for Best Graphic Presentation of a Roleplaying Game, Adventure, or Supplement of 1997.[3]"

[ooc]Added Cain... kind of like Wolverine meets Cogliostro.

Thanks for the link, Light Dragon!  Cool looking game (very similar to this).[/ooc]

Nice foreshadowing. Now I'm dying to know more about Lilith and her spawn !

[ooc]A bit about Lilith is up![/ooc]

Ah, very nice. The Lilin presumably do not always share their mother's disinterest in the Adversary's rebellion? Are they mostly fathered by mortals, or angels/demons? How powerful are they?

Quote from: SteerpikeLilith has also been identified by mortals as the demigoddess Lamashtu and the primordial entity Echinda.

Just a little correction, if you're refering to the mythical being, the name should be spelled Echidna.

[ooc]Thanks for the correction!

I imagined the Lilin to have a very diverse range of powers and motives... some would be disinterested, others more easily wooed.  Angels would probably scorn Lilith's bed but Grigori might be seduced; demons are more amenable (with notable exceptions).  Mortals would be the most common and least powerful.[/ooc]

How powerful is the son of the morning, could he take on an angel by himself? Are there other demons of such power levels?

[ooc]I hadn't really given it a lot of thought, but I think the Son of the Morning is probably on par or more powerful than most angels but lesser in raw power than the upper-level archangels (Michael cast him down).  He was the Authority's right hand man, after all - greatest in esteem before all the other angels of the host.  Other demons would be of considerably lesser power, as a result.[/ooc]

Quote from: Steerpike[ooc]I hadn't really given it a lot of thought, but I think the Son of the Morning is probably on par or more powerful than most angels but lesser in raw power than the upper-level archangels (Michael cast him down).  He was the Authority's right hand man, after all - greatest in esteem before all the other angels of the host.  Other demons would be of considerably lesser power, as a result.[/ooc]

Cool, I actually would like to hear a bit more about him. His views and such in regards to the authority and humanity (and other demons). Also what is the history behind and geography of cocytus and the other circles, and how is he imprisoned (frozen in a block of ice?)

>>(during the Flood, he spent one hundred and fifty days walking around underwater).

Amusing. Cain sort of reminds me of Constantine from the movie of the same name.

I updated the main thread a bit - I have dropped the five points of the pentagram idea since no stats theatre has proved successful as a "system."  The different factions no longer have the points of the pentagram associated with them; instead each faction has three of the seven deadly sins associated with it (all demons are Proud, so no particular faction has Pride as a sin).  This doesn't have a mechanical effect (at least, I can't think of an appropriate one).

Also, because it was an excellent way to procrastinate while I was writing term papers, I wrote up some more characters.  All of the characters invented so far are as follows.  The Meanest Guest invented Pazuzu and Light Dragon invented Lemure, so credit to them for those two excellent characters!

[ic=Namaah]A sensual, guileful demon of Belialian affiliation, Namaah revels in entrapping mortals through seduction and deception.  Appearing as an androgynous human usually garbed in an immaculate white suit, with porcelain-white skin and large violet eyes, Namaah can switch its sex at will, emphasizing either female or male characteristics while always maintaining an edge of sexual ambiguity.  Sophisticated and ruthless, Namaah is a calculating creature with a capacity for subtleties.  In its true demonic form Namaah is a grotesque hermaphrodite with exaggeratedly prominent genitals and other sexual characteristics, including a long, serpentine beard and massive, pendulous breasts, a hybrid of fertility goddess and tumescent satyr.  Famously, Namaah seduced Noah and gave birth to the half-demon Ham.

Powers

Namaah can change its sex at will without Energy expenditure.  Namaah can also always predict the result of a die roll or discern the suite and number of a card without seeing it.

Soulsuck: Namaah can drain a mortal's Essence through coitus, and severely weaken them (to the point of unconsciousness) through a mere kiss.  Protective talismans can safeguard against this ability.  This ability uses one point of Energy.

Caress: If Namaah can touch a mortal's skin it can charm that mortal supernaturally, enthralling it and captivating it.  While a mortal thus charmed is not an automaton they are instantly sympathetic to Namaah's suggestions.  Protective talismans can safeguard against Namaah's caress.  This ability uses one point of Energy.

Deadly Beauty: Namaah can enhance its allure to induce violent ecstasy in all that view it.  It can moderate this effect to produce physical pain or even death, as its victims' hearts pump too quickly.  Protective talismans or eyewear can safeguard against this attack.  This ability uses two points of Energy.[/ic]

[ic=Samael]A moody, brooding demon, Samael was once the Authority's Angel of Death, a role now belonging to the Archangel Azrael, for whom Samael reserves an intense, simmering hatred.  Samael generally appears as a tall, pale, sinewy youth with long, white-blonde hair, dressed in black jeans and hoodie, his eyes concealed by opaque, totally reflective black sunglasses (behind which his eyes are black voids).  When required to 'dress up' he wears a black suit and tie with a heavy leather coat.  In his true form he is a faceless, cadaverous figure swathed in a tattered black robe.  Now a soldier of Hell, Samael's politics can be most closely aligned with Moloch's, though in general he prefers to follow orders rather than to lead.  In battle he wields a numinous weapon called the Scythe, which can assume the form of any weapon - in modern times, often a gun of some variety.

Powers

Samael's Scythe can become any weapon wieldable by an individual warrior (i.e. it can become a sword or pistol, but not a nuclear bomb, a bazooka but not a tank).  If the Scythe becomes a firearm it has infinite ammunition, though its bullets can still be deflected by sufficiently heavy armour or similar protection; Samael can, however, execute incredibly intricate trick shots.  Samael is also a master of every conceivable mortal weapon, from a katana to a rocket-propelled grenade to a boomerang.

Gaze: Samael can kill with a mere glance if he wishes.  By removing his glasses and making eye contact he can instantly slay any mortal.  Protective talismans or eyewear may guard against the Gaze.  This ability uses one point of Energy.

Speak with Dead: Samael can temporarily bring a soul back to its body, though only if the soul went to Hell.  This ability uses one point of Energy, but cannot be used on any corpse on which Last Rites have been said.

Reanimate: Samael can infuse a corpse with a measure of his Energy to create an undead Revenant that obeys all of his instructions.  The Revenant is very difficult to destroy; even decapitating it will not stop it.  This ability uses two points of Energy, but cannot be used on any corpse on which Last Rites have been said.[/ic]

[ic=Cagnazzo]Taking the form of a small, deceptively adorable French Bulldog with a gleam of sinister intelligence in his eyes, Cagnazzo is diminutive but vicious, a sly, sometimes cantankerous demon skilled in the arts of deception and infiltration.  With a penchant for fine cigars, cognac, and explosives, Cagnazzo is far more dextrous than most canines and can grip objects (such as pistols or keys) in his paws, and can talk.  He also professes a taste for canine females, regularly making lascivious comments on seeing one.  In general he is a sardonic, wise-cracking curmudgeon, a stalwart Beezlebubian known for his caustic wit and his predilection for obscenity.  In his true form Cagnazzo appears much as the mythical Cerberus - a slavering, three-headed monstrosity of gigantic size, with glowing red eyes and massive fangs.

Powers

Cagnazzo's small size allows him access to certain areas other fallen might find inaccessible.  He can urinate and defecate at will, and can also conjure a cigar or a mickey of cognac without expending Energy.

Blasphemy: Calling on the fell powers, Cagnazzo can bark a dreadful blasphemy that temporarily stuns and permanently deafens any mortals who hear it.  Protective talismans or ear-wear can safeguard against this effect.  Blasphemy uses one point of Energy.

Safe-cracker: Cagnazzo can expend one point of Energy to discover the combination to any safe or any electronic password.

Hellfire: If Cagnazzo drinks the entirety of a mickey of cognac he can let out a massive belch of sulphurous Hellfire, incinerating any mortals and flammable materials in a broad and potentially knocking down walls or blowing open doors as well.  Protective talismans or wards, or flameproof clothing, may guard against Hellfire.  While in his true form all three of Cagnazzo's heads breathe Hellfire.  This ability expends two points of Energy.[/ic]

[ic=Abyzou]Preferring the guise of an enfant terrible culled from Japanese horror movies - scraggly black pigtails, pinafore dress, an obscene giggle, and sunken, flashing eyes - Abyzou is a demonic mischief-maker and trickster who thinks of mortals only as playthings (or snacks), delighting in violent and usually gory pranks.  Other demons tend to consider her something of a loose cannonball, even a liability; she is more or less apolitical, preferring simply to run amok on the mortal plane than to debate in the Infernal Parliament.  In her true form, Abyzou resembles a statuesque woman with writhing black tendrils for hair and clawed hands.

Powers

Abyzou can commune telepathically at a distance of up to one hundred feet (note that this does not allow her to read minds, only communicate psychically, though those she contacts can speak back mentally).  Protective talismans cannot block Abyzou out, though they may protect against her Mental Violation ability.  Abyzou's size may allow her access to areas others find too small to enter.

Mental Violation: Abyzou can project disturbing hallucinations into mortal minds, potentially driving them into fits of madness, depending on the creativity and imagery of the illusion.  The mortal must be in range of her telepathy.  Protective talismans can safeguard against this effect.  Mental Violation uses one point of Energy.

Psychokinesis: By focusing on an object Abyzou can move it with her mind; she must be able to see the object to manipulate it.  While this ability can be used as a weapon or to levitate team-mates Abyzou cannot pick herself up using it.  Protective talismans or wards may safeguard against this ability.  Psychokinesis uses one point of Energy.

Cannibalism: Abyzou can devour a mortal enemy whole, distending her jaw horrifically like a serpent.  By doing so she gains access to the memories of anyone she eats.  Protective talismans do not safeguard against this ability - though they do give Abyzou a case of wicked heartburn.  Cannibalism expends two points of Energy.[/ic]

[ic=Pazuzu]A slick, animated storm-demon, Pazuzu appears as an unusually tall man, almost stretched seeming, with storm grey eyes and somewhat tanned skin.  He is commonly dressed in a black pin-striped suit and a matching fedora. Pazuzu ascribes to a Beezlebubian philosophy. He is quick to compromise when he sees that it is to his benefit, but will react with frenzied wrath when all other options have been exhausted. His true form is that of a massive, obsidian gargoyle about which lightning and obscuring shadows play.

Powers

Pazuzu can cause any electrical device to malfunction or otherwise behave unusually at will. In addition, he can exert control over any nearby live electrical current.

Eldritch Thunder: By harnessing his innate power, Pazuzu can create a burst of intense light and noise that permanently blinds and temporarily deafens nearby mortals. Protective talismans and ear or eye-wear can safeguard against this effect. This ability uses one point of Energy.

Enshroud: Through the expenditure of one Energy point Pazuzu can call up an unnatural, viscous, concealing fog that seems to move as of its own will. Pazuzu has a vague sense of all that occurs within the confines of the fog. Protective talismans can burn off the fog in a localized area.

Demoniac Lightning: Pazuzu can let fly an arcing stream of powerful demoniac lightning from his outstretched arms, charring flesh and halting neural activity. This lightning can jump across multiple targets, unless it encounters a protective talisman in which case the lightning dissipates. This ability requires two Energy points to use.[/ic]

[ic=Legion]Erratic and unpredictable, Legion is regarded by other demons with nearly as much suspicion as Abyzou.  Driven insane by the Fall and subsequent aeons of exile in Hell, Legion has developed multiple personality disorder and refers to itself as 'we.'  In its mortal form Legion generally appears as a slightly pudgy, balding man (prone to whistling through his teeth) with thick horn-rimmed glasses, whose eyes dart to and fro frenetically.  Beneath its husk's flesh, Legion's true form - an amorphously shaped swarm of locusts - squirms and eructates, betraying the demonic presence within to a careful observer.  Broadly speaking, Legion is actually Belialian in political affiliation, in that it longs painfully for lost Paradise, but in practice its warped mind lacks the subtlety and sophistication of most followers of Belial.  It does possess a certain twisted, predatory cunning, however.

Powers

Wherever Legion moves, plants rapidly wither and die; this effect cannot be repressed.  While in its true form Legion can inveigle its way through any space big enough for a locust by changing the shape of its 'body.'

Fission: Legion can expend one point of Energy to split itself into two identical halves which can act independently and communicate telepathically.  These duplicates can later use the same ability again if they wish, though this expends another point of Energy: Legion and its duplicates share a common Energy pool.  Multiple iterations of Legion can remerge without Energy expenditure.

Blight: By touching a mortal's bare skin Legion can cause accelerated decomposition: the victim's flesh withers, putrefies, and atrophies, killing them if the contact is prolonged.  This ability expends one point of Energy.

Possession: Legion can spend two points of Energy to spit forth a small swarm of locusts from its mouth.  These locusts can then force their way into a mortal's body, assuming control of them; Legion can send the possessed individual irresistible telepathic commands.  Protective talismans (or facial protection, such as a gasmask) can protect against possession, and possessed individuals can be exorcised.[/ic]

[ic=Nyx]Hard-hearted and coldly beautiful, the demoness Nyx was worshipped by a few remote Greek cults as a primordial goddess centuries ago.  Appearing as an elegant ebony-skinned woman with flowing midnight hair, she is typically clothed in a sumptuous velvet dress.  Nyx prefers to remain in her Palace of Darkness in the Abyss, but does occasionally venture forth into Creation.  She possesses typical Mammonian politics: disdainful of mortals and their pallid world and unwaveringly dedicated to the Infernal project, Nyx would prefer to build the Republic of Hell into a realm fit to rival Paradise, rather than attempting to storm the gates of Creation.  In times of need, however - or when more mortal souls are needed for labour - Nyx manifests on the mortal plane on certain moonless nights.  In her true form she appears to be a regal, shadowy figure with massive tenebrous wings and the lower body of a serpent.

Powers

Nyx can instantly dim or extinguish any light source she can see, electrical or natural, or summon a black cloud to obscure the moon.  She can blend into darkness perfectly, becoming effectively invisible so long as she does not move; in her true form she can move invisibly in darkness, as well.  She can also see perfectly even in complete darkness.  However, none of Nyx's powers function in daylight, and she is trapped in her mortal form while the sun shines.

Eyes of Night: By looking into a mortal's eyes Nyx can peer into their soul, uncovering what the mortal believes to be their deepest and darkest secret.  Protective eyewear or talismans can block this ability, which uses one point of Energy.

Animate Shadow: Nyx can invest a humanoid shadow with uncanny life, freeing it from the shackles of its owner.  The shadow becomes a quasi-corporeal wraith, able to fight and kill; weapons, however, pass harmlessly through it.  Any powerful light source, such as an electric torch, or direct sunlight, dispels the wraith.  This ability uses one point of Energy.

Slumber: By murmuring a word of blasphemous power Nyx puts mortals to sleep.  Any who hear the word fall instantly into a potent eldritch slumber until dawn.  Protective ear-wear or talismans can safeguard against this ability, which expends two points of Energy.[/ic]

[ic=Lemure]Apolitical, with a weathered, world-weary, and cynical attitude. 'Leo' the Lemure could be described as emo, or the Eyeore of the demons. He once rode with Moloch on the waves of Hell's first battles. Then he gazed into the abyss and foresaw that the struggle would never be won - his side was flawed and they could never dare stand against or reconcile with the Authority.

Leo became absorbed with hedonistic nihilism, and abandoned battles, slinking into the sewers of France for a hundred years. When he emerged, he was seen in Colombia, in slaughterhouse work, beating the life from calves and sucking blood from their sinews. Years later, he migrated to America and became a janitor at a State University. And therein he has dwelled, pushing his mop about.

If pressed, Leo might express some fondness for Moloch due to his past association, but he's more Belial in character - the war is over, there is no way to win - it's best to coexist. He thinks Mammon is foolish at best and dangerously insane at worst and generally preaches a far too-involved creed. Followers of Beezlebub depress him since frankly his political alignment should probably be Beezlebubian due to his close co-existence with humanity... but like objects repel as Leo despises what he has become. Although he has been too lazy to tempt, neither does he much respect the humans at his side - he takes many chances to criticize the Beezlebubians' 'going native' as he calls it and ensures that others remember his once mighty deeds in the service of Moloch during the War in Heaven.

A fat man, round and short. Leo slides around slowly, coughing and smoking alternately.

When alone, he dines on doritos, cheetos, greasy hamburgers, and all matter of disgusting, slimy creepy crawlies, from snails to worms, to jellyfish, and centipedes. His preferred method of cleaning messes in bathrooms is absorbing the watery substances, and draining the toilets of the muck - becoming one with the waste.

Powers

Slime slicks behind Leo at will as he compresses the world's atoms into muck. Already-existing molds and slimes pulse and grow in his presence.

Leo can eat almost anything.

Most human beings find it impossible to be in the same room as Leo for very long. Humans are usually overcome with disgust at his presence.

Stench: Overcome mortals with uncontrollable nausea for one point of Energy. Nostril-plugs and talismans can protect against this ability.

Melts: In his true form, Leo can squeeze himself into a sticky slime that can slip under or through any passage - and can be immune to permanent harm from most damage other than flame. Shrink, reshape, flexible self for one Energy point.

Flames: Flaming liquid and any-color smoke comes out of any chosen orifice of any target for two Energy points.[/ic]

[ic=Nergal]The chief of Hell's secret police, the fiery demon Nergal is a vicious Molochian known for his brutal methods, merciless demeanour, and single-minded dedication.  He never suffers fools, considers humans largely weak and wretched, and always elects for a direct approach, though he is capable of considerable cunning and subtlety when required.  Preferring the form of a powerfully muscled, immaculately dressed man with red muttonchop whiskers, a mane of livid, flame-coloured hair, and shimmering, crimson-irised eyes, Nergal is fond of slaughter and brawling, particularly enjoying crushing the skulls of mortals in his massive fists (he typically wears several rings set with rubies and bloodstones).In his true form, Nergal appears as an anthropomorphic lion with a flaming mane and long, razor-sharp claws.  He typically carries a telescopic truncheon - usually concealed in his inside jacket pocket - which becomes a gargantuan black iron mace when Nergal in his true form.  He shares a fondness for cigars with Cagnazzo and carries a huge gold-plated lighter.

Powers

Whenever Nergal enters a room it becomes several degrees hotter.  He can cause any open flames to expand or diminish at will, causing a few embers to become a roaring bonfire or vice versa.  No Earthly fire can burn Nergal.

Combustion: By expending a point of Energy Nergal can cause flammable objects to burst into flames just by looking at them.  Since this ability typically targets clothing rather than individuals, protective talismans are rarely effective when Nergal uses Combustion as an attack.

Roar: Nergal can utter a leonine roar (in either form) for one point of Energy that causes all mortals who hear it to flee or cower in uncontrollable terror.  Protective earwear and talismans can guard against the Roar.

Eyes of the Sun: By expending two points of Energy Nergal can cause his eyes to blaze with blinding white light; any mortal who meets his gaze is instantly incinerated.  Protective eyewear or talismans can guard against this ability.[/ic]