2.1 History of the Symphony
God created the universe through the writing of the
Symphony. To aid in caring for His creation, He created the angels.
Ages ago, one third of the angels rebelled, wanting
to twist the Symphony to their own uses rather than serving as its instruments.
Their selfless divine natures became dissonant as they became selfish
and twisted.
They were outnumbered by the loyal celestials, defeated
and cast into the celestial realm of Hell. From there, they have since
plotted the subversion of the Symphony, often through tampering in the
corporeal realm of Earth.
Since that time, other celestials, both angelic and
demonic, have come into existence, too young to remember The Fall. A
few angels have become dissonant and selfish and have Fallen; and a
few demons have been redeemed, regaining their divine natures.
But for the most part, the angels have acted as their
natures require, not questioning their parts. The demons, likewise,
have pursued their own selfish ends, fearfully ignoring the gnawing
doubt that they have chosen the wrong side.
2.2 The Three Realms
There are three levels of reality to the Symphony:
The corporeal, the ethereal and the celestial.
2.2.1 The Corporeal-- Earth
This is where the characters will be most of the time
on some mission. Each character will have a specific vessel (physical
form) and Role that he assumes on Earth in carrying out his mission.
2.2.2 The Ethereal-- The Marches
These are the dreamlands, where mortals visit when
they sleep. They are controlled on one side by Blandine,
the Archangel of Dreams, and on the other by Beleth,
the Demon Princess of Nightmares. Dreamers frequently travel between
the two sides in their sleep.
The Marches are also the realm of those few pagan
gods and creatures of myth who survived the 'purification' of the Earth
and the Marches by the Archangel Uriel (who has since been called to
the Higher Heavens). Some of these are under the protection of Beleth.
Others have fled to the Far Marches and are rarely seen.
2.2.3 The Celestial-- Heaven and Hell
The celestial realm contains many planes. The player's
characters can only reach the lowest of these, where Hell and the Lower
Heaven are located. Here, angels and demons take on their true celestial
forms.
Humans cannot go to the celestial realms while their
bodies still live.
The characters will be spending little time in the
celestial realm.
2.2.3.1 Heaven
The realm of God, the blessed and the angels has been
called by many names, but its inhabitants know it simply as Heaven.
There are many levels, only the lowest of which is accessible to the
player characters. The higher realms are inhabited by celestial beings
of even greater power than the angels. It is believed that once the
balance of the Symphony is restored, these greater realms will be open
again to the angels.
The celestial language, a musical language where each
Word encompasses the essence of its idea, is spoken in Heaven. This
language cannot be spoken on Earth nor can it be used to lie.
Each Archangel has his own Cathedral in Heaven, which
will be mentioned in the descriptions.
The soul of a good human arrive in the Lower Heavens
and may spend some time there before ascending to the Higher Heavens.
Sometimes a Soldier of God chooses to remain in the Lower Heavens or
to return to Earth to live another life for the cause of Heaven in the
War. These bodhisattvas spend but a short time in the Lower
Heavens before returning to Earth. Human souls are never made
into angels or relievers.
2.2.3.2 Hell
The realm of Lucifer, the damned and the demons has
also been called by many names, but its inhabitants just call it Hell.
There are many levels here as well. No one hopes to end up in one of
the lower levels and those visiting attempt to make that visit short.
The language of Hell is a twisted corruption of the
angelic tongue. It can be spoken on Earth and it can be used to lie--
the motivation for creating it in the first place. While many demons
can speak and understand the divine language, no angel can understand
the infernal one, though it is easily identified for what it is.
Each Demon Prince controls a Principality and jealously
guards his domain. Damned human souls end up in the principality of
the Prince whose Word they most supported in their lives. There is no
escape, though sometimes they are destroyed. Very rarely, a human soul
will be torn apart and the various pieces combined with other pieces
to make a new demon. Such a demon may have vague, confused memories
of his life as a human.
2.3 The Celestial Life
There are certain common aspects to the life of a celestial,
whether he is an angel or a demon. Some of these are discussed below.
2.3.1 Choirs and Bands
Each celestial is from a particular Choir or Band that
to some extent defines his abilities and outlook. These are discussed
later.
2.3.2 Superiors
With the exception of a few Renegades and Outcasts,
all celestials serve a Superior-- an Archangel or Demon Prince. For
most angels and demons, the Superior is far above them in a multi-tiered
hierarchy and they themselves answer to a lesser celestial. In the case
of the player characters, however, they answer directly to the Superior
and are favoured Servitors.
2.3.3 Attunements and Distinctions
Each Superior grants his Servitors certain abilities
called attunements that fit the particular Word that Superior serves.
In addition, titles, called distinctions, may be granted to a Servitor
who has been especially worthy. These distinctions grant that celestial
other abilities. These will be discussed later.
2.3.4 Words
Certain celestials have bound themselves to a particular
Word that resounds within the Symphony. The greater and more encompassing
the Word, the more powerful the celestial who will serve it. An angel
is granted a Word by the Seraphim Council after a hearing where he proves
that he has supported it. If an angel cannot adequately defend his qualifications
to the Word, he will not receive it. A demon is granted a Word by the
Dark Lord Lucifer himself, after a similar, but more nerve-wracking,
hearing with him. If a demon displeases the Dark Lord, Lucifer is likely
to give him an unpleasant Word instead, like Sewage.
Celestials bound to lesser Words that are encompassed
in larger Words will be under the angel serving that Word in the hierarchy.
For instance, the Demon of LSD might be in service to the Demon of Hallucinogens
who would be in service to Fleurity,
Demon Prince of Drugs.
Celestials who are not Word-bound serve their Superior's
Word. Thus, an angel in service to Novalis,
Archangel of Flowers, serves the Word of Flowers, with the peacefulness
and harmony it implies. A demon in service to Nybbas,
Demon Prince of the Media, will serve the Word of the Media, and generally
be involved in television, radio, newspapers, etc.
2.3.5 Essence
Essence is the energy of the Symphony. Celestials use
it to power Songs, up their chances of success and many other things.
It can be traded and is the currency of Heaven and Hell. For angels,
they regain a small amount of Essence at sunrise. For demons, they regain
a small amount at sunset. Performing certain Rites will also regain
you Essence. In the World Weavers setting, keeping exact track of Essence
is not as important, but it does serve as a useful plot device.
2.3.6 Rites
These are specific activities that support a given
Superior's Word and, thus, allow his Servitors to regain Essence. For
instance, angels of Jordi,
the Archangel of Animals, are supporting his Word when they rescue an
animal that has been endangered by man. Such activity will regain a
Servitor of Jordi a small amount of Essence. Individual Superiors' Rites
are discussed in their descriptions.
2.3.7 Songs
Songs are the method by which celestials create significant
effects in the Symphony. As might be surmised, Songs are performed by
singing, and are also frequently accompanied by dancing. There is no
specific set of words that must be sung for a Song to be effective,
rather, it is the melody that matters. Songs are more difficult to perform
than ordinary tasks and generally cause a disturbance that may attract
unwanted attention. Because of this, and their supernatural effects,
celestials rarely perform them in front of humans, preferring more mundane
solutions to problems. Because of this, few celestials know more than
a handful of songs, as their time is better spent learning skills.
Songs must be taught or supernaturally granted by a
Superior. They are too difficult and esoteric for a celestial to learn
on his own, for the most part.
The common Songs are Attraction, Charm, Dreams, Entropy,
Form, Harmony, Healing, Light, Motion, Possession, Projection, Shields,
Thunder and Tongues. Numinous Corpus, a corporeal song that allows a
celestial to modify his vessel, has several variations, including ones
that allow one to spit acid, have claws, grow a tail, or grow wings.
Most songs have three different forms-- a corporeal
that effects the physical world, an ethereal that affects the mind,
and a celestial that affects the soul. Each of these forms is a separately-learned
skill, though knowing more than one form of a Song makes performing
each a little easier, so most celestials learn all three forms.
2.3.8 Celestial Form
Each Choir and Band has a specific celestial form which
members take in the celestial realm. Angels and demons may also assume
their celestial forms while on Earth, but it is discouraged for a number
of reasons, not the least of which is that it can sometimes be perceived
by humans. The celestial forms for the various Choirs and Bands are
included in their descriptions.
Celestial forms on Earth can only be seen by unusually
perceptive humans. Celestials in corporeal form may or may not notice
a celestial form nearby. Celestials in celestial form usually notice
another celestial form, unless they're distracted or unusually imperceptive
for a celestial. A creature being attacked by a celestial in celestial
form can always perceive it.
Beings in celestial form can engage in celestial combat,
which is particularly brutal and may strip a celestial of memories,
abilities, or even his celestial nature. Most celestials avoid this
sort of combat for this reason.
2.3.9 Perceiving the Symphony
Celestials are attuned to the Symphony and can hear
its chords and changes with far more precision than humans can.
Celestial intervention in the Symphony creates a disturbance
that celestials can detect, and it may draw unwanted attention from
the other side, as well as from celestials on your side. Such interventions
include using Essence, using Songs, entering or leaving the corporeal
plane, destroying corporeal objects, or killing a human. The degree
of disturbance depends on the severity of the action. An angel throwing
and breaking a glass might be noticed by a very perceptive demon close
by, while a demon blowing up a building is likely to be noticed by every
angel and demon within the town. Likewise, a low-level angel appearing
on the corporeal plane will create far less disturbance than the arrival
of a Superior. A battle between a group of angels and a group of demons
with a lot of collateral damage will likely bring a lot of
attention.
Please note that humans (or animals) doing
mundane things do not create a disturbance in the Symphony. This includes
destroying corporeal objects (which humans do all the time) and killing
other humans (which they also do all too frequently). However, a human
who has somehow learned a Song will create a disturbance when he performs
it.
2.3.10 Resonance and Dissonance
A celestial's resonance is the unique way his Choir
or Band was created to perceive and manipulate the Symphony. It is an
innate ability that cannot be taught or explained. For instance, the
Seraphim
were simply created with the ability to perceive truth as part of their
nature, and cannot be lied to. Cherubim
can attune their perceptions to a particular person so that they always
know where that person is. The resonance of each Band and Choir is explained
in their description.
However, a resonance is not simply an ability for a
celestial, it is the central defining quality of their nature. It is
who they are. If a celestial goes against his own nature, this
creates dissonance. Dissonance makes it more difficult for a celestial
to use his natural resonance to perceive and manipulate the Symphony.
For an angel, large amounts of dissonance may result in him becoming
Outcast, unable to ascend to Heaven or perform Rites. Even greater amounts
may result in the angel Falling
and becoming a demon. For demons, dissonance may result in Discord or
the unfavorable attention of their Demon Prince.
A celestial may 'work off' dissonance by various acts
of contrition or rededication to their cause. Sometimes a Superior will
remove dissonance from a Servitor if he is feeling generous (most often
after a successful mission).
2.3.11 Discord
Discord is the visible manifestation of extreme dissonance.
It may appear in the celestial's corporeal vessel (cloven hooves or
a vestigial tail), his mind (greed or paranoia) or his immediate environment
(a stench or the sound of bees). Only a Superior can remove Discord.
Angels react badly to a fellow angel with discord and may even shun
him. Demons don't usually care, so long as the Discordant demon's loyalty
can be assured.
2.3.12 Corporeal Vessels
A celestial operating on Earth will generally have
at least one corporeal vessel-- a physical body he occupies while on
Earth, usually human though animal vessels are not uncommon. The corporeal
vessel appears when a celestial assumes corporeal shape. It does not
lay around uninhabited when the celestial is not in the corporeal realm.
Other than Kyriotates, a celestial may only occupy one vessel at a time.
A celestial may have more than one, but only one will be in use at a
time.
A celestial whose corporeal form is killed does not
die. He appears in Heaven or Hell in celestial form suffering from Trauma
(a semi-comatose state that takes several days to many years to recover
from). If he has another corporeal vessel, he may choose to take that
form before his vessel dies (assuming it is not an instant death), thus
avoiding the Trauma.
Most of the Choirs and Bands and many of the Servitors
of specific Superiors have preferences as to the appearance of their
corporeal vessels, but these are not set in stone.
2.3.13 Roles
A Role is the identity that a celestial has on Earth--
his standing in society, occupation, background and so on. A celestial
doesn't have to have a Role, but the lack of one may make things difficult.
Some Roles are more firmly entrenched than others. For instance, a celestial
who has maintained a Role as a college professor for ten years now is
quite likely to survive most background checks. On the other hand, passing
as a housewife for a few months will generally require little in the
way of background paperwork.
A celestial with more than one corporeal form may have
a Role for each, though he doesn't have to. Animal corporeal forms don't,
generally, have Roles.
2.3.14 Gender, Sex and Reproduction
Celestials don't have a specific sex in their celestial
form and choose the gender of their corporeal vessels based on a number
of factors such as the Role they will be taking, the human culture they
will be working in and their own personal preference. In the time period
in which the Bible and the Qu'ran were written, women had little status,
so celestials on important missions, such as those mentioned in those
books, chose male vessels. A celestial today has much greater freedom,
however.
Celestials in their celestial form do engage in activities
that could be considered sex in the human way of thinking. However,
they are not generally reproductive in nature (unless a Superior or
certain highly-secret Songs are involved) and are more a way of expressing
affection and sharing deeply of oneself with another (or several others).
Celestials also occasionally indulge in sexual activities
while in corporeal form (some Choirs, Bands and Servitors of particular
Superiors more than others). There is no general feeling either against
or for it, and most feel that if God made such activities pleasurable,
then there's nothing wrong with occasional indulgence. Since celestials
themselves are non-gendered, though their vessels may be, there is no
particular sanction against same-gender relations.
Most celestials are created, rather than being parented.
Two (or more) celestials who are particularly devoted to one another
can choose to reproduce, but it requires the intervention of a Superior.
While many of the Archangels are willing to hear and sometimes grant
the requests of their Servitors in this matter, most Demon Princes find
such evidence of selflessness disturbing and would not consider it.
Mixed couples-- one angel and one demon-- had better not ask.
Angels are never made from human souls, though Demon
Princes have been known to use bits of a destroyed damned soul to make
a demon. Such demons may have vague and confused memories of having
been human once, but their natures are entirely changed from the human
they once were.
Celestials' corporeal vessels are sterile and cannot,
ordinarily, cross-reproduce with humans. Certain highly-secret Songs
can result in such a crossbreed, but often produce monstrosities. A
human host can reproduce while possessed by a celestial, but the child
will be a normal human. Among angels, leaving your host pregnant or
with a paternity case is generally considered bad form, though it happens
occasionally. Demons don't much care.
2.4 Supporting Cast
As well as angels and demons, there are other creatures
involved in the War.
2.4.1 Soldiers
Soldiers are humans of unusually high ability who get
recruited by celestials or otherwise learned about the War and got involved,
directly serving an angel or demon. Some are taught Songs which affect
the corporeal plane. None are given the full details of everything that's
going on, as few mortals could comprehend it all.
Despite the name, few engage in actual combat with
the other side. Most serve as aides, guides, spies and support troops
for the celestials they serve. A few, however, really do take up their
swords, guns, knives, frying pans, or what have you and take on the
hated foe.
Soldiers have the advantage that their actions make
no disturbance in the Symphony, except for when they use Songs or otherwise
spend Essence. They also understand human society much better than any
celestial could hope to, and serve as useful advisors.
2.4.1.1 Soldiers of God
Soldiers of God serve angels and are sworn to fight
Diabolicals and their infernal forces on any front, regardless of the
personal costs. Some belong to organisations, while others operate alone
under an angel's guidance.
2.4.1.2 Soldiers of Hell
Soldiers of Hell serve demons, often having literally
sold their soul for some dark reward. Most are as selfish as any demon.
Most have also been misled.
The Hellsworn typically operate in small gangs, overseen
by a demon, but there are a considerable number of loners. A few large
diabolical organisations also exist.
While demons rarely stint their servants on Earthly
support, they are usually more tightfisted with supernatural aid, since
they don't want to see their servants grow too powerful.
2.4.2 Ethereal Spirits
Most ethereal spirits are the remainders of the old
gods, though there are a few human souls and spirits native to the dreamlands
as well. For the most part, they inhabit the Far
Marches and keep to themselves.
2.4.3 Celestial Spirits
Celestial spirits are created by various Superiors
to perform more minor duties too trivial to give to an angel or demon.
They may eventually grow in power to become angels or demons themselves.
2.4.3.1 Familiars
Familiars are celestial spirits-- gremlins, imps, or
relievers-- bound to a corporeal vessel-- generally a small animal or
normal size and type, except that it can talk. Their nature is to serve
and it is dissonant for them to disobey those they serve.
Familiars can also provide their masters with Essence
and may be forced to take their master's Discord for a short time. Because
of this, many familiars can grow very bitter and angry. The Demon Prince
Haagenti worked his way up from familiar status and many believe his
spiteful nature is because of this.
2.4.3.2 Gremlins
Gremlins are diabolical spirits sent to Earth to spoil,
break or disfigure the works of mankind. They have no corporeal form,
using Songs to affect the corporeal realm. Their celestial forms are
small, misshapen winged demons.
2.4.3.3 Imps
Imps are also diabolical spirits sent to Earth to make
humans' lives miserable in small, annoying ways. Like gremlins, they
have no corporeal forms and use Songs to perform their work on Earth.
Their celestial forms are as tiny humans with horns and tails.
2.4.3.4 Relievers
Relievers are minor angelic spirits, sent to help,
heal and guard humans. They have no corporeal vessels. They use various
Songs to affect the corporeal world around them. Their celestial forms
are as tiny fairies-- the more powerful the reliever, the larger his
celestial form appears.
2.4.4 Undead
Humans who sell their souls to Hell often want to become
powerful immortals. Hell is only too happy to oblige by making them
unaging undead. The cost, however, is that when their corporeal vessel
is destroyed, their soul is gone forever.
Undead need no food, water or sleep, though some choose
to continue to partake of these as in life.
2.4.4.1 Mummies
Mummies are the most powerful of the undead and are
produced when all goes perfectly with the black mass to create them.
They can easily pass for human, though they are more powerful than the
average human would be, indeed, more powerful than they were in life.
2.4.4.2 Vampires
Vampires are created when something goes wrong with
the black mass to create an undead, resulting in an undead with Discord.
This Discord is a vulnerability to sunlight and a need for some substance
to keep them alive. Most of the time, this need is for blood.
2.4.4.3 Zombis
Zombis are the product of a dark mass that goes really
wrong. They lose all will power and will obey their master's orders
without question. They are also frequently quite stupid. Like vampires,
they have a need for some substance (blood, brains, etc.) and take injury
every day they do not get it. This injury cannot be healed, so zombis
rarely last long. They also have at least one unearthly feature such
as claws or horns.
Servitors of Saminga, the Demon Prince of Death, can
also create zombis from a recently-dead corpse. These zombis have none
of their former owner's soul left, though they may have some of its
memories.
2.4.5 Remnants
A Remnant is an angel or demon who has had his celestial
nature stripped from him during celestial combat, leaving him as a normal
mortal in the last vessel he had. Remnants are typically broken, tragic
figures, only vaguely aware of their former glory and haunted by those
memories. Since they make no disturbance in the Symphony, they can be
powerful agents of good or evil and are sought by their former allies
and hunted by their former enemies for that reason. Remnants, however,
typically shun celestials, as the memories they engender are often too
painful. | 
