1B.) Nephilim-Specific Ability Choices

=====Subraces ("Orders"):=====

(Nephilim choose one subrace)

====The Saiph: (Also known as the Saif al Jabbar, Swords of the Giant). ====

Named for a star in the sword of the constellation of Orion, the Saiph were all largely the Clarion of the Elohim at one time. Now the warriors of Hell, they spend their time in battles on behalf of the goals of the demons as a whole, but also the machinations of the various Princes as they jockey for power within Hell itself. They range from the most crude or bloodthirsty cutthroat to elite, highly trained warriors with their own particular codes of honor. It really depended which Prince was their liege, and what rank they held. Still, it is one thing to take the soldier out of the war, but quite another to take the war out of the soldier. Many of the Saiph believe in continuing the battles of old, despite their supposed peaceful involvement in the Consortium. Not killing humans and staying out of sight in no way precludes killing the Elohim in secret. (The Saiph start with master melee for free, from their eternity of fighting battles and wars. Any melee weapon they hold siphons pneuma on contact with an angel or anyone who does not follow Lucifer, and that siphoned pneuma automatically attempts to heal any wounds they might have. This allows them to fight longer than most other races.)

====The Alpha Leonis: (Generally referred to as Hellcats or Hellhounds): ====

There is a notable exception to the rule that all Nephilim were once Elohim. The minions of Satan, who betrayed their mad, destructive and abusive god to Lucifer's horde in the hopes of better treatment were fairly summarily accepted into the ranks of the Nephilim. Fiercely loyal to their saviors, the Hellcats were instrumental in preparing the demons for the dangers of the realm they had inherited. They tend to be guides, trackers, hunters and scouts. But many of them also take up bodyguard positions in the palaces of the Princes. Identifying themselves with the constellation Leo, they took the name of a star in that system for their order. It should be noted that there are some who believe that the Alpha Leonis and the Shifters share a common ancestry, though the lore of the Romani hints that the Hellcats and Hellhounds are formed from the souls of Shifters who have committed such vile acts that even being proclaimed Moxado could not atone for the sin. The Alpha Leonis are generally shunned, if not hunted outright, by Shifters because of this and as such generally hide their identities from Shifters. (The Hellcats get, in addition to their demon form, the ability to shift into a single type of feline, which may be anything from a common housecat to a lion. The Hellhounds may, in addition to their demon form, have the ability to shift into a single type of canine. Like the shifters, they have heightened regeneration and a soul howl, which causes those around them to wish to hurt, emotionally or physically, those they cherish. Also like the shifters, they are weak to silver, lose their tempers easily, and have no control over shifting on the full and new moons.)

====Mizari: (Named for Mizar and Alcor or "Horse and Rider") ====

These two stars have long been related to the concept of sight and vision, both eyesight, and supernatural foresight. It is said, in some cultures, that those who can no longer distinguish the two stars as separate in the sky will soon meet their demise. The Mizari demons are the most keenly perceptive of all demons. Very often, they use this perception to learn about those around them, and to manipulate them in the most devious and sinister of ways. Mizari demons are most likely to pose as cult leaders, psychiatrists, politicians, and anyone who can use their abilities of penetrating perception to influence others. Unfortunately, there is a downside to being so perceptive -- Mizari demons are easily overwhelmed by sensory overload, and can become temporarily blind, deaf, or disoriented during the most inopportune of times. (The Mizari always have a good chance of seeing through illusion magic and lies, and can roll a die to see if they do so. 1-8 is a fail, 9-20 is a win, and they may boost their rolls if they buy Perception with XP, though the other person may use Subterfuge to adjust the roll. They can sense surface emotions with a touch, and expend pneuma to manipulate those emotions through touch, however doing so will often cause them to 'mirror' whatever emotions they are forcing on the other person.)

====Ophiuchi: (Constellation of the Snake charmer) ====

The Ophiuchi are a strange duality. They are both the healers among the demons, and the makers of poisons. They are chemists and scientists, and also the builders of bombs and creators of Hell's lakes of acid. They are fascinated by utilizing science to control the world around them. In essence, the Ophiuchi can best be described as 'mad scientists'. It's great to have an Ophiuchi on your side when you need them, but they are known to come up with the most creative of punishments when crossed. It has long pissed off the Ophiuchi that they can't seem to master Necromancy. So instead, many of them throw themselves into Alchemy, looking for a way to unlock the doors of undeath through that route rather than necromantic ritual. It is the thought of the Ophiuchi, most often, that whilst magic is powerful...true godhood lays in the mastery of science, and the unchangeable principles of the world around them. (The Ophiuchi may start with grand-mastery of one of the following: chemistry, medicine, pharmacology, toxicology or occult. They also get journeyman mathematics for free. They additionally may, if they take Alchemy, use it to do Necromantic types of spells.)

====Order of Serpentis: (Constellation of Serpens) ====

When one thinks of a traditional demon, one might be thinking of the Order of Serpentis. Said to take their inspiration from the serpent that temped Eve, the Serpents are the tempters and corrupters of mankind. In general, each of their kind venerates one of the seven deadly sins: pride, greed, envy, lust, wrath, sloth, or gluttony. Most famous of the Serpents are the Incubi and Succubi, demons of lust, who have built an incredible reputation in Hell's Pleasure Palaces as purveyors of every kind of debauchery. But one should not forget their brothers and sisters, all dedicated to enticing others to join them in defying God by participating and encouraging all those delicious sins. (The Serpentis can regenerate wounds by binging on their chosen sin. It works moderately if they do this alone, but if they get others to participate, it works incredibly well. This makes wrath-based Serpentis warriors a real bitch to go up against. Additionally, they have a moderate ability to inspire the wish to do their particular venerated sin through touch.)

====Hydri: (Constellation of the Hydra) ====

There are monsters, there are nightmares, and then there are the Hydri. Named for the constellation of the Hydra, the Hydri are the most twisted and disturbed of all of the demonic orders, in mind or body, or both. Hailing often from the more bizarre, dangerous, and horrifying sections of Hell, they Hydri are legendary in their ability to terrorize and punish. Many of them are so exceptionally dangerous and insane that some Princes allow them to be hunted or driven off of their territories. Other Princes embrace the Hydri, often to utilize them for nefarious purposes. It is often difficult for the Hydri to blend in on Earth. Even though they can cloak themselves using pneuma, the Hydri who are particularly insane tend to end up institutionalized, and those who are unable or unwilling to hide their monstrous nature end up hunted. Most of the Hydri are therefore marginalized, or end up living at the edges of society, or in dangerous places such as the Haunted Forest. Most Hydri, it is believed, were once of the Silence as Elohim. (The Hydri often cause fear in non-Celestials by exposing their true form, though there is nothing particularly magical about this -- they just tend to look horrifying. Hydri blood is acidic, however, the acid must be 'activated' by the Hydri. This allows them to 'blend' in as normal 'people' when wounded, if they wish. In addition, the Hydri may have two useful non-standard physical traits, such as weaponized claws, fangs, tentacles, prehensile tail or tongue, jaw that unhinges, gills, extra limbs, and so forth. The traits must be specified on your app.)

====The Damned (Non-Nephilim, Human Only): ====

Just like the Elohim, the Nephilim have long used humanity to extend their influence and secure pneuma sources. These are the Damned, humans of such glorious sin that they come under a particular Nephilim's notice, and eventually, service. The Damned willfully hand over their pneuma to a Nephilim, who becomes the only one able to draw from that person, in return for power. To become Damned, the human must draw a ritual circle, inside of which both their name and the name of the Nephilim is inscribed. They must then invite the Nephilim into the circle verbally, and a willing exchange of pneuma takes place. This ritual must be repeated monthly. To become "un-Damned", either side must use their own blood to write "I forsake thee, (Name)" thrice over a period of three days. Ritual chanting by the Nephilim can be used to summon the Damned to their side, though they must travel this distance physically. Although the Nephilim always knows the physical and emotional state of the Damned, and the Damned the emotional state of the Nephilim, they can not hear the "prayers" of the Damned like the Elohim can hear the Blessed. Instead, they have the ability to manipulate the Damned's sense of pain or pleasure, even from afar, even down to specific body parts and sensations. Over time, a Damned may feel more and more imposed upon by the will of the Nephilim, more and more desirous to please them and serve them. Each Nephilim may only have a total of TWO Damned, generally termed the "Eyes" and the "Ears". Damned may not have NPCs as their demons, and the demon who makes a Damned must be in play at least one month before choosing a Damned. (Human Damned may cast one level 1 magic that their demon has. They may only use one of the schools of magic that their demon is using and may not use any magic their demon does not already know. To do this, they utilize their own pneuma.)