BEATIFIC

(bee-at-tiff-ic)

By Charles Phipps (tcp@zoomnet.net)

Nickname

Angels/Demons

Description

Long has humanity pined away at the Heavens and wondered what God's and Satan's servant's would appear as (or goddess's or otherwise but more on that later). The Ancient Persian Zoroastrians imagined beings of unending beauty lead by Archangels and horrid monsters. The Judaic traditions would add their own spin cataloging many and soon Christianity and Islam would add their own. The dreams of religion having a powerful effect on the Dreaming.

Some claim this Kith is but an offshoot of the Sidhe, with many of the nobility hoping to "tap" the legends of their now Christianized country by appearing as beings of God and Jesus rather than "devil folk." Other changeling scholars put them as much older. Besides, not all this Kith are good; many enjoyed the legends of the demonic folk and found them attractive: the "midnight visits" and corruption of the church occasionally being challenged by not necessarily evil kith and kinain who glady called themselves "demons."

After the Shattering many Beatific did make the journey to Arcadia but a greater number were turned away as traitors and more so felt obligated to their beleaguered church. So, many of this Kith took to the Changeling way. Of course the demons were not allowed as rebels and even still they exist in far greater numbers than their counterparts in this world.

Appearance

The beatific are beautiful to say the least, appearing as perfectly formed humans (usually blonde) with an ethereal glow about their features. Wings of glorious white feathers or bat wings are always present upon them, most often dictated by court. They wear clothing usually of great glowing armor (a version of Sidhe plate), robes, togas, or vestments. The demons wearing wear as little as possible and showing a definite preference for leather.

Lifestyle

The "angel" beatific believe it is their duty to aid mortals return to religion. Touched by an Angel isn't just a show to them; it's a lifestyle. Others are less pleasant, with the Seelie "angels" viewing themselves as punishers and avengers of all blasphemers or heathens. The "demons" make corruption a way of life but not necessarily true evil; freeing up an Autumn person to her baser instincts is an act viewed by most as a good thing. Not the Seelie; alone among the Kiths is the war between them still going on. Their enmity is great.

Seemings

Childlings: Angelic cherubs, they look after children, calm bullies, and shoot little bows and arrows to make grownups "right for each other" fall in love. Unseelie can be as evil as Damien from the original Omen or just the children who point out the hypocrites and liars among mortals and Kith. However, most childlings even among demons, begin as angels.

Wilders: Again Touched by an Angel is a merit with the angels first getting their taste of the real world and suffering. It is a rite of passage with many falling to their "demon side" but others becoming much stronger and more faithful for the experience. The demons put many satyrs to shame, fostering forbidden desires among the hopelessly suppressed.

Grumps: Clarence from It's a Wonderful Life, these work diligently to improve the lives of those and make a difference. Others settle into freehold monasteries for quiet contemplation. Still in this Autumn world very few make it without falling to banality or their demon sides (though even then they remain usually chaste and pious folk).

Demons become Al Pacino from the Devil's Advocate and later Damien's seeking massive amounts of power to affect the world. These Kith become fabulously wealthy crime lords, masterminds, and "pact makers." The Shadow Court becomes a true home for these folk as they have found dreamers among the worst of the worst.

Affinity

Actor

Birthrights

Flight: All of this Kith have the power of Flight and can soar into the sky with the greatest of ease with their wings. Banality has far less effect upon these Kith with this power and they can usually rely on the mists to protect them.

Heavenly Charm: All Beatific get 2 extra dice to put in appearance or Charisma, even it raises them over Six. Demons, for some reason, may add this to Manipulation as well.

Frailties

Faith: Faith has a powerful affect on them. Not only can they review and rapture from acts of it but it affects them in great ways.

First demons can be turned away by True Faith and true holy ground causes them pain (Willpower roll to enter it unless invited -- just like a vampire). Angels have a similar frailty with the Wyrm and Devil's children.

Worse the disbelief of the modern world is anathma to the Beatific. An atheist Autumn causes twice as much banality to a Beatific as a normal person would. The simple saying, I don't believe in God or Satan, itself if true gives a temporarily banality point.

Opinions

On them both: We were the first angels on this Earth and I don't rightly care for their masquerading as such. Still I like what some of them do, but no one's going to tempt me in my house!

Angels: True friends among the world but often too clouded by their comfort to do real good.

Demons: The only Kith who exemplify banality; they need to seriously loosen up.

On them both: Their tales of temptation, greed, love, and charity make grand stories. However, once in their presence get ready for a sermon. The demons are fun though but dangerous....

Angels: Usually true-hearted but too fickle.

Demons: I can show them some things that they can talk about forever....

On them both: They always are asking us to @^@*! fix their armor, swords, etc and worse ask us to mind our language. @^(^) self-righteous @*!!^@. Demons always worse offer to help for a price. I know more about this than those @&@@!

Angels: Such vile dispositions.

Demons: I can fix their flaws.

On them: The Angels are nice folk and I almost feel guilty stealing their sandals. The succubus-looker I mistook for a bat pooka but she was nice....<devious grin>

Angels: I'm sure many tricks will await them in Hell. Where are my sandals?!

Demons: These guys don't know half the party but they at least are willing to learn.

On them: Flaming sword my ass. I'll pluck those damn feathers! Demons, wow they showed me a few things....<devious grin>

Angels: To Hell with you vermin! <rips out flaming sword>

Demons: Oooo let's do this instead.

On them: I'm wary of the succubi. They make worse our ways, but I cannot resist their charms -- damn my nature! The angels though do not even recognize the purity of our ways.

Angels: Fornication is not the path to God.

Demons: They've been warned about us but a little low cut and it won't matter....

On them: They are traitors to our lineage, embracing human terms for us to survive the Shattering. Still, they are Sidhe and should be treated as above the rabble.

Angels: Such arrogance -- theirs is a divine rulership and yet they recognize not its source!

Demons: Let's show the king and queen how they can truly avoid banality. I'm sure the courts have gotten a little...boring.

On them: I know their secrets and I tremble for them.

Angels: One cannot embrace the mysteries of death that the devil makes up and not be tainted.

Demons: Here's a story for you. I'll even introduce you to some of my...friends.

On them: A warrior at your side in an Angel is a warrior you will never regret having. Pull the tongues out of their enemy's mouths though.

Angels: Steadfast if occasionally a bit pagan, the noblest of Kith after us.

Demons: Blech.

Quotes

Angels: "I am the Sword of God, foul cretin! Sent to this earth to send you to Hell!"

Demons: "Care to make a deal?"

Suggested Legacies

Saint, Paladin, and Sage are especially appropriate for Seelie while Unseelie are Knave, Beast, Ringleader, and Riddler.

Suggested Merits and Flaws

Higher Purpose, Driving Goal, True Faith, Intolerance, Lifesaver, Softhearted, and Echoes are all appropriate for this kith.