Shadows and Vorlons

By Malcus Dorroga (malcus@xtdl.com)

Introduction

From the dawn of time, intelligent beings have speculated on the concepts of "good" and "evil." In time, these terms came to be synonymous with law and chaos. This confusion has extended itself to every known species of animal, including the shapechangers. Denizens of the Umbra tend to know better, for Law and Chaos have existed long before even the Triat. Two breeds of spirits embody the universal ideals of Law and Chaos: The Vorlons and the Shadows. With the rise of the Triat, each spirit allied itself with an appropriate aspect, and now work to bring their allies to power.

The Shadows: Spirits of Chaos, Creators of Strife and Discord

"When this (perfect) state is achieved, mankind would have become too feeble to produce great genius any longer. Should we not wish, therefore, that life retain its violent character, and that wild strength and energies be called forth over and over again?"
-- Fredereich Nietzche

"A little rebellion is a good thing . . ."

-- Thomas Jefferson

The Shadows advocate the Wyld life of strength and evolution. These embodiments of pure societal chaos believe firmly in the theory that might makes right and that only the strong should survive. Evolution is their clarion call, and they work feverishly toward that goal. They encourage combat on all levels, from simple street gang violence to full-fledged wars, as a way of culling the weakest from the "herds" of all species and advancing the strength of the rest.

The Shadows are allied, albeit loosely, with the Wyld. Many Garou believe the Shadows to be Wyrm spirits; in actuallity, the Banes known as psychomachiae are corrupted Shadows, and are hunted down by their former brethren for their de-evolution. Shadow views tend to border on what modern humans call "evil" but they only look toward the care of living beings in a different manner. For a Shadow, societal stagnancy breeds weakness, stupidity, and complacency. There must be societal upheaval in order for society to exist and reach its most perfect state. Once the perfect society is reached, the Shadows believe they will withdraw; knowing the Shadows, however, they will always find some imperfection that must be removed, and will always strike out at an ordered society. Whether a being lives or dies is not a Shadow's concern. Rather, it wants to see Gaia evolve in its possible strongest direction, and that means a cold, uncaring death for the weak.

Shadows come in all strengths, from Gafflings to a few Incarna. The Celestine of Chaos has been known by many names, but its real name remains a mystery even to the other Shadows.

Typical Shadow (Jaggling)

Willpower: 6
Rage: 3
Gnosis: 6
Power: 35-45

Charms: Airt Sense, Assess Character, Influence, Insight, Materialize, Suggestion

Typical Materialized Form: Shadows, when materialized, look like huge demonic spiders. Strength 3, Dexterity 2, Stamina 6. Brawl 5, Stealth 4, Alertness 2, Subterfuge 4. Attacks: Two front pedipalps, wickedly barbed (Strength +2 damage)

The Vorlons: Spirits of Law, Dreamers of the Unified Order

"I am glad, therefore, that the Utopians have achieved their social organization, which I wish all men would imitate. Their institutions give their commonwealth a moral and social foundation for living happy lives, and as far as man can predict, these institutions will last forever."
-- Sir Thomas Moore, Utopia

The Vorlons advocate a society of totally ordered reason. Each being, in the perfect world, would have a certain role and would follow that role without hesitation or deviation. A properly led life, one of total order and peace, will create strength and intelligence in the species, and advance Gaia to her highest state. It is not the body that makes one strong, it is the ability to use it properly. The creation of laws and strong social orders, the advocacy of peace, and the implanting of rigid societal order is their goal.

The Vorlons have allied themselves with the Weaver, though they remain somewhat separate from it. The Weaver wishes to spin the world into a new age of stasis, and the Vorlons see this as a good thing. If the world is rigidly placed, then everyone will have a specific place in the societal order, and Gaia will gorw in strength. Vorlons do not take into account that stasis in Gaia means the end of growth; they only see that stasis brings order.

A perfect Vorlon society would have all living beings, from the lowest worm to the highest human, set in a perfect pattern of activity. Each caste would have its chores, which it would carry out wthout question. Rebellion would not be tolerated, and free thought not an option. The Vorlons believe that, by creating the perfectly rigid society, they prevent death, hatred, and discord, thus bringing all of Gaia into a new and glorious age.

Vorlons come in all strengths, from gafflings to a few Incarna. The Celestine of Order has gone by many names throughout history, mostly sun gods, and a few members of the Celestial Chorus believe it to be "the right hand of the One." Its real name is clouded in mystery and spiritual red tape, and even the Vorlon incarna do not know it.

Typical Vorlon (Jaggling)

Willpower: 6
Rage: 2
Gnosis: 7
Power: 35-45

Charms: Airt Sense, Ease Pain, Influence, Lightning Bolts, Materialize, Purify

Typical Materialized Form: Vorlons' prefered form is of an angelic human with huge featherd wings, tremendous beauty, amd a glowing aura. Lately, it has begun to manifest in a Veiled form, hiding its angelic self underneath a dark shroud and helmet that looks more menacing than beautiful. Glass Walkers theurges call this form the "encounter suit." Strength 2, Dexterity 3, Stamina 6. Brawl 2, Stealth 2, Alertness 5, Dodge 6, Leadership 2. Attacks: In Angelic form - fists (Str +1). In Veiled Form: no physical attacks, uses lightning (consider lightning firing as an extra skill of 2)