[Suzerain of Sheol]

Originally Posted by Lawtan

And where can I find out more about the demonic forces beyond the info link?

You pretty much have to ask me, or school yourself in classical demonology and then ask me if specific things apply here.

But, in short, "demons" here are not the denizens of Hell (Hell is peopled by the fallen angels of the first and second revolts in Heaven led by Satan and Semyaza respectively).

Demons exist outside of reality in the primordial nothingness into which sprang the Light of Genesis, the "dark materials"* from which God sculpted the universe. They are beings inimical to the laws of physics and essentially abstract and eldritch entities, not strictly personalized or possessing identity or will.

Fallen angels on the other hand, have been cursed by God and denied their Heavenly forms, and have over the millennia been twisted by the essential Hell within their own souls (is a complicated concept found in Paradise Lost) into a near-infinity of abominable shapes.

No two fallen angels are alike, though the most powerful faction among them (led by Beelzebub, Satan's second), self-styled the "Princes of Hell" retain some vestige of their angelic form and lordly mind, and are not *entirely* opposed to humanity in this struggle, though they're hardly on friendly terms either -- they're consumed by their own struggle to maintain control of Hell over the hordes of their corrupted brethren, and to guard the shores of the Abyss to prevent true Demons from assailing the material realms.

(None of that is even touching Abaddon's forces from Sheol, which is an entirely different matter altogether.)

*

The Womb of nature and perhaps her Grave,
Of neither Sea, nor Shore, nor Air, nor Fire,
But all these in thir pregnant causes mixt
Confus'dly, and which thus must ever fight,
Unless th' Almighty Maker them ordain
His dark materials to create more Worlds,
Into this wild Abyss the warie fiend
Stood on the brink of Hell and look'd a while,
Pondering his Voyage: for no narrow frith
He had to cross.

-John Milton, 1667

--Not Phillip Pullman 1995 :|

[Gallagher]

yeeeah, Suze's universe here is way complex, you're best of directing your questions to him before doing outside research.

-blinks- ... Oh, Suzeboo, it is too late for me to brain those funny words.

[Espy]

Oops, sorry, passed out for a bit. Okay, then I might make him go there. But that'll be tomorrow, and only if no one else has posted anything for him to interact with.

[Quiet Man Cometh]

That passage makes sense now! Hooray!
My biblical lore is somewhat lacking. As is my knowledge of Paradise Lost. And Milton in general...

[Quiet Man Cometh]

Oh, and as a general note, I'm pronouncing Tarja's name with a soft 'j' sound, not a 'y.'

[Suzerain of Sheol]

Oh I forgot to address mages last night:

There's nothing so simple as typical fantasy magic to be found here. For the various powers available, there is:

Psykhosis -- including (but not necessarily limited to) psychokinesis (pyro-, cryo-, electro-, tele-), telepathy, precognition (in the enhanced reaction-time variety, not seeing the future), and biofeedback (psychometabolism, optimizing the functionings of the body by taking direct control of subconscious brain functions)

Theurgy -- Spiritual magic drawing power from the heavenly or hellish planes. Can manipulate reality to produce miracles at the wielder's will. Is powered by the soul of the user, opens a conduit to the higher planes which allows the caster to manipulate the quintessence and overwrite the laws of reality temporarily. It has very little to do with faith or lack thereof, as the existence of celestial powers is an observable fact. About 85% of theurges channel Heaven as it's merely overwhelming, not actively harmful/insanity-inducing, though Hell sorcery can produce rawer, more primal and devastating effects for the same effort and skill.

Necromancy -- Manipulation of the relationship between the soul and body. Can duplicate some of the effects of theurgic healing miracles, but at a terrible cost (to either the user or the recipient) as it deals with the actual *extant* function of the soul in reality, and doesn't supernaturally shape reality to perform its function. Primarily geared toward controlling or destroying the undead, and killing the living, though it has other applications. It takes a horrendous toll on the body of the necromancer and will eventually kill them, though if their soul is powerful enough, it will live on bodiless as an Emim (Emite, singular?)

[Arikana]

Originally Posted by Gallagher

-waves at Ari-

*waves back?*

Well, if you can see me, I'm gonna assume that I'm still alive. Unless if I've become a ghost? o3o

[Suzerain of Sheol]

Espy: Since I promised not to inst-kill Dante, allow me to advise not, um, diving straight through the door if you do have him make a break for the chapel. Uh, caution would... caution be advised. Yes, that's it.

[Gallagher]

I have a thing, before I forget for another two weeks to actually post it. I'm 98% sure that it covers absolutely everything you might need to know and more, unlike my current creep.

Gabriel Ivone Hickory Carnet

Age: 35
Height: 5’11” / 180cm
Weight: 132lbs / 60kg
Hair: Long, black
Eyes: Dark green
Build: Gaunt yet able-bodied

Spiritual Presence: High, specializes in healing wounds, disease, poisoning, and disorders. Can reduce fatigue in others, improve the body’s efficiency for short periods, cleanse water and certain foods, resurrect the recently deceased, and shield from limited spiritual attacks. Damages by disrupting the body’s functions, halting them completely, or sending them into overdrive. Able to use all skills from a distance, but uses and recovers energy more efficiently with direct contact. Well experienced and needs little to no preparation to use most of his skills.
Psychic Presence: Average, fair resistance, can create small flames, alter an object’s temperature, inhibit individual aspects of the somatosensory system
Combat Ability: Poor
Arcane Knowledge: Average, good theoretical knowledge but little first-hand experience
Mechanical Aptitude: Average, maintains and repairs his own belongings well
Other: Ambidextrous, but slightly better with his left hand, often uses mirrored writing. No formal education, taught by family and himself, extensive knowledge in traditional medicine and pharmacognosy. Able to create orbs of light in various colors, and perform other frivolous tricks.

Possessions:

Personal

Clothing (brown unless stated otherwise) – robe, sleeveless jacket, fitting pants, scrub top (teal), patterned hip scarf (teal and black), underwear x3 (various colors), socks x5 (various colors), boots, sandals, waterproof cloak (black)
Thermal Insulation Gear
Blanket
Packs – large backpack, strapped pack x4 (2 at belt, 1 at thigh, 1 at bicep), medical bag
Compression Bag x3
Toiletries & Carrier
Electronics - tablet computer, waterproof case, stylus, wireless headphones
Multi-tool
Cookware – pot (cooks for 3), bowl x2, cup x2, utensils
Pocket Notebook & Pencil
Sewing Kit
Basic Hunting Knife

Medical

Basic First Aid Supplies
Portable Diagnostic Device (fits in the palm, applied to a pulse point, data displayed on the face of the device)
Purification Filter x2
Surgical Kit & Sutures (box x2)
Procedure Mask (box)
Disposable Gloves (box)
Succor Capsule x60
Water of Eden x5 (vial)
Syringe x2 (reusable) & disposable needles (25ga x ½” & 20ga x 1”)
Assorted Medication Vials (max 10 doses each) – antibiotic, psychotropic (for enhanced cognitive operations, def not to get high. def not.), enhanced erythropoietin, antiepileptic, detox agent, tranquilizer
Universal Splint x2
Nasopharyngeal airway x2
Sterile Lubricant

Biography: After years of failed attempts at a child, Gabriel was born scarcely two years before the world came to an end. The family survived together thanks to no small amount of luck, some of which came in the form of strange abilities that became more pronounced as everything else around them was torn apart. For the first few years, they tried to stick with people they knew to survive together, but by the time Gabriel showed signs of having his own abilities, they had settled down in a more secure encampment. He was given a practical education, taught what they and other survivors deemed important, his parents encouraging his talents from an early age as they attempted to master their own, his mother gifted with psychic capabilities and his father with theurgic magicks.
The encampment’s numbers continued to dwindle, and soon the family made their way to one of the growing military fortresses. They brought with them two more to add to their numbers, a yet unborn child and an orphaned girl. This fortress was where Gabriel would spend the rest of his ‘childhood’. His family would be granted one more son shortly after Gabriel found his passion for medicine and healing. As in adulthood, the teen was devoted to his chosen field, all of his spare time spent caring for his family. He had just turned eighteen when he joined a group heading out to Thyat'ria, certain that the change of scenery was necessary if they were ever going to have the future his father had always assured him they would.
A few months after settling into his new life, Gabriel received word that both his mother and youngest sister had been killed in an attack. His adopted sister later left, following his own example, to join The Aery Alliance and protect humanity as a whole. Though he kept in touch with his father, his sister had far less time for him, and the younger brother he’d hardly gotten to know none whatsoever. Eventually, the broken family was struck one last blow when his brother was taken by his use of death magicks. Since then, he makes every effort to keep in touch with his father and sister, but blames himself for the collapse of his family.

Personality: Dramatic and changeable, he is most often seen in a bright mood and with a smile on his face. He’ll happily converse with any that allow it, teasing and flirting with those he likes best. He can, and usually will, talk for miles, encouraged by even the slightest bit of attention it earns him. When caught on his own, he is far more subdued. He’s extremely focused on his work, using it both to help others and for personal gain. He constantly practices and studies to improve, hating to let opportunities to slip him by. What time he has between those he uses to pursue less noble pleasures. He rarely sleeps well and often puts other things before eating, leaving his health to suffer.

[Gallagher]

He won't be joining for like 30 years, but if I don't get it posted, I'll accidentally delete all that mess eventually, so yeah.

[Quiet Man Cometh]

And here I thought we had someone who could put our dismembered body parts back together.

That reminds me, I have a few other things to add to my sheet. I forgot to mention the psychic resistance part. Any objects it makes sense for a non-combat oriented psychic to carry around?

EDIT: Or not. Seems I already had those details in, minus inventory tweaking.

[Gallagher]

Hurhur. You ain't seen no medic till you seen a Galla style medic.

[Arikana]

Hm, interesting character and nice to finally read his bio. :P

[Suzerain of Sheol]

If you're referring to Thomas, you do NOT want to see his brand of "healing". Leave the setting things on fire to him, fixing people up to someone else. He's also an NPC and we do not have a Party Priest Insurance Policy in the event of his, er, timely demise.

[Espy]

Originally Posted by Suzerain of Sheol

Espy: Since I promised not to inst-kill Dante, allow me to advise not, um, diving straight through the door if you do have him make a break for the chapel. Uh, caution would... caution be advised. Yes, that's it.

...Is that doddering old priest going to dismember me?

But okay, yeah. Will probably make him bash through the window first with the pommel of his sword.

[Espy]

Short post is short.