About the World of Mr. French
The unusual and fascinating world that Mr. French inhabits is one where Odic Energy exists and can be used by gifted beings to perform magic. In this parallel universe, there are many of the creatures we all heard stories about as children- faeries and wood nymphs, elves, dwarves, and trolls, and even vampires (although not the blood sucking kind, the original; real vampire that sucked life energy). These lectures will explore elements of this rich literary world. It will cover everything from how to know whose ears point up and whose point down to a history of the Vaettir and their relationship to feral humans.
Odic Energy: The Power Behind Magic
What we know as Magic is the conscious manipulation of life-force known as Odic energy.
Odic energy is not natural to Earth-based life forms but was added to the genetics of all terrestrial living things by the Devine and Infernal races after their discovery of our plane of being. For them, Odic energy was a food stuff and consuming it was a necessary part of survival. Note that the parallel with eating is only partially correct as it is only the energy that these beings consumed and not the individual radiating the energy. A better analogy would be a plant and how it consumes sunlight to survive.
Identified in 1845 by Baron Carl von Reichenbach and a team of scientists from the Aelfar Ministry of Alchemy, the energy was called Odic energy after the Norse god Odin. Unfortunately for Reichenbach, the Aelfar council, know as the Kreise, decided that his research should not be shared fully with the unevolved human world and what little he could publish was received with ridicule. Despite this, Reichenbach went on to develop the Reichenbach lenses which are still used today to see the Odic energy in a person’s aura.
It is this Odic energy that can be harnessed by evolved beings to create magic. Once the mental self-harm barrier is broken, the power can be used to perform useful tasks. Early in our history, there were some individuals who chose to use this power for selfish and negative purposes. This caused a rift in Vaettir society which eventually led to war. With the return to peace, the Codex was created establishing our basic tenant of Helping others without hurting yourself and then helping yourself without hurting others.
The Origin of the Infernals and the Divine
Whatever you choose to call it—a parallel universe, another plane, alternate reality, or Heaven and Hell, the region that the Infernals and Devine occupied prior to their discovery of the Earth and its universe was a harsh place. It was a place of animate energy devoid of solid matter such as planets or stars. If you have travelled to the Aether, scientists and historians speculate that it was similar except everything there was out to eat you.
What we know of that place is only from what the Infernals have told us as the Devine are mute on their origins. Calling it “The Bad Place” or “The Place of Hunger”, their realm was a reality of constant fear, filled with predators, and there was no safe place to hide. To survive, the inhabitants killed and consumed other animate life. There was no vegan option as there was no equivalent to plants in the Bad Place. Intelligence developed quickly and the lifeform that came to dominate this place was the Orem which roughly translates as “Us” or “Allies”. All other life was referred to as “Na” which simply means “Danger”. Typical of life as it evolves, groups of Orem would band together to battle the Na and other Orem for resources. Eventually, a social structure was created in which all Orem stood together against the other life. Some of these lesser lifeforms were farmed just as Humans keep livestock, either to be eaten whole or to be partially drained of their Odic energy vampire-like. Those that were too dangerous to keep were hunted by bands of Orem to near extinction. The few that remained found their way to the human universe when the doorway to the Bad Place universe was breached. That happened not long after Atun discovered the Sphere. Desiring a safe place, the Sphere showed Atun our universe and a means of opening a portal. Wishing the other Orem to share in this place of safety, Atun opened the portal. This opening was regulated so that only desirable creatures would be allowed to pass on to Earth. It was during these travels, back and forth that the other Artifacts were discovered. On attempting to close the portal for the last time, Atun was killed by the Omnivora.
This was catastrophic as the opening could not be shut behind the Orem without the Sphere and all manner of creatures found their way to Earth.
At first, our universe was merely a place of refuge. It wasn’t until Orem scientists manipulated the life on Earth to create the Odic energy that they fed upon, that our universe became their primary place to exist. Not wishing the life ill will, they made it so that these life forms generated so much life energy that they could be fed upon without killing them.
To the early humans, the Orem had no shape appearing as geometric shapes spinning within an outer toroid of energy. They were described in Ezekiel as A wheel intersecting a wheel...full of eyes. The reference to being covered in eyes is believed comes from the Orem telling those early humans that they had the ability to see all around themselves at one time. In their energy form, this was true and was necessary for survival in the Bad Place.
The early Earth was not a particularly refined place so Atun used the sphere to find other planes where the Orem could create physical worlds of their own.
The Divine
The Divine have a very definite hierarchy based on power. The levels are called choirs
1. The Choir of Chayot Ha Kodesh
These are the angels of the highest order comparable in power to the four succubi queens. These are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel. The four are led by Metaron. There is some discussion by scholars whether Metaron is a title or actual individual as many documents refer to Michael as the leader yet others refer to Metaron. Note that the Divine followed the human preference for male leaders and took masculine forms.
2. The Choir of Ophanim
These are that angels responsible for overseeing heaven and are comparable to the Infernal Dukes and Princes. Described as “The Many Eyed Ones”, the Ophanim are oftentimes called Thrones, referring to the region of heaven that they govern. Some of the Ophanim spoken of are Raguel, Sariel, Selaphiel, Salathiel, Jegudiel, Barachiel, Zamariel, and Jeremiel.
3. The Choir of Erelim
These are the observers on Earth and are said to have 70,000 heads and it is they who retrieve the righteous dead. These are Divine of the highest intellect which is used to keep tabs on all of their Earthly charges at once.
4. The Choir of Hasmallim
At the Second Council of Lyon in 1274, the Vatican formally requested the Divine to create and administer Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell. Until that time, humans were reincarnated which didn’t match what the church had been preaching. With the creation of the Office of Human Planar Transfer, the Hasmallim were given the task of judging each human coming through purgatory. The Hasmallim work under Gabriel’s jurisdiction and are organized in ranks.
The first rank are the judges (this is what Izidkiel was)
The second rank are the senior administrators and security Directors (Palial was this rank).
The third rank are the case workers and medium level security personnel.
5. The Choir of Seraphim and Cherubim
These are the divine that do most of the work. They are competent and efficient workers who are happy to not share the mental stress of their superiors.
6. The Choir of Malakim
Considered to be at the bottom of the angelic hierarchy, the Malakim are the messenger angels and the bulk of Divine military. With little intelligence, they perform the function that they are trained for. Militarily, they are big and dumb brute soldiers who do what they are told.
7. The Choir of Ishim
The least powerful are the Ishim. Directly translated, their name means manlike beings which is not a positive thing as the Divine still consider humanity to be a lesser species. By labeling the Ishim human-like, the Divine have separated themselves from what they consider a genetic error. The Ishim have little power and are shunned by the rest of Divine society.
The Elohim and Bene Elohim-
These are children of Chayot and humans comparable to Succubi and Incubi. They are very rare. Being related to humans, the Divine society considers them unclean and so are used as intermediaries in the Vatican.
The Infernals
The Infernals and their Society
The infernal society is a very definite hierarchy based on power. This dates to the Bad Place and the necessary use of force required for a being to preserve one’s own existence.
Shedim
Called Shedim by the Divine just after the Orem split, the term means The gods of foreigners. It was used by the Divine as a means to disparage the Infernals in the eyes of early humans.
Shedim come in a variety of types based mostly on aura color. Their physical form is of course selected by each. Violet is the highest ranging down to Red which has the least power. Note that each type just understands what its place is in the hierarchy—there is no moving up much like in a caste system. Each type has a maximum capacity of Odic energy. Unlike the Divine, the Shedim do not have fancy names for their ranks. There is much less ego and posturing with the Shedim. Rather than vying for power and sucking up to superiors, the Shedim simply accept their place in the power structure and do their jobs. The attribution to titles was taken from the human power structure and isn’t actually used by Infernals much at all.
Violet- The Queens-
These are the highest of the hierarchy. The four succubi queens, Lilith, Eisheth Zenunim, Naamah, and Agrat bat Mahla are this type. They are equivalent to the Archangels of the Devine (Sarim) Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, and Uriel.
Indigo- The Dukes and Princes-
Near the top are Lucifer, Beezelbub, Satan, Abaddon, Mammon, Asmodeus, Ashtaroth, Belphegor, Moloch, and Leviathan but they do not command as much raw power as the “female” although they have no actual gender. Samael is at the power level of one of the Dukes although as a former Divine, he is seen as an outsider. They typically administer areas of the Infernal realm.
Blue- The Earls and Counts-
Only slightly more powerful than the Upper Class, these Infernals are given much more respect as they are at a genius level and are the pinnacle of their chosen specialty being equivalent to Nickolas Tesla or Einstein. Most people have heard of the Dukes and Princes of hell but never an earl or count. This is because the Earls and Counts are the senior research engineers and scientists working for secretive organizations like Hellish Intelligence or HARPA, the Hellish Advanced Research Projects Agency.
Green- The Upper Class Nobility-
These are the exceptionally skilled technicians and creative minds of Infernal Society. They are the movers and shakers who hold top positions in the different departments of Infernal administration.. Karen, the Director of Hellish Intelligence, is a good example of an upper class Infernal.
Yellow- The Masses-
This group is the majority of Infernal society comparable to the middle class of human society. Members of this caste are the higher skilled workers and middle management.
Orange- The Proles-
These are the working class performing the societal functions requiring brawn but no brain.
Red- The Inferiors (often called The Rabble)-
At the bottom of the Infernal caste system are these individuals with so little Odic energy (and typically intellect) that they are useless even as workers. Note that the Infernals chose to protect the Inferiors rather than let them be eaten by the predators in the Bad Place. Along with treating humans as cattle, what should be done with the Inferiors was one of the points of contention that led to the schism between the Devine and the Infernals.
Note, Succubi and Incubi are not on this list.
They are the spawn of humans and Infernals. For more information on Succubi and Incubi, go to the lecture titled Succubi and Incubi.
The Bad Place
The Infernals and Divine came from a parallel universe they called the Bad Place or the Place of Hunger. The division between the two had not yet happened and the race was known as the Orem. The Bad Place was so called due to the large number of predators and, unlike the world we are used to, in the Bad Place there was no physical body. With few first-hand accounts, scholars speculate that the Bad Place may have been something like the Aether but dangerously full of hungry shark-like creatures now referred to as demons.
In the Bad Place, you either ate or were eaten which caused evolution to progress quickly, favoring intelligence and speed over brawn. The Orem, which translates as “Us” learned quickly that banding together into a tribe, they could defeat larger predators. Over time, tribes became groups, groups became peoples, and peoples unified into the Orem population. By this time, lesser life forms were being farmed with the worst of the predators driven far away from the center of the Orem community.
Into this cultural mix, the Sphere of Atun arrived. Scholars still debate whether it was the scientist Atun seeking a safe place for the Orem or the Sphere seeking a host that breached the universal barrier but whichever it was, the Sphere led Atun to Earth.
On the Earth of 6000 years ago, the Orem found an abundance of life but life that generated very little in the way of Odic energy. To resolve this, Orem scientists genetically modified Earthly life to generate an abundance of Odic energy and no Orem need be farmed or killed for food ever again. The early humans saw these visitors as gods which isn’t surprising as they were still just masses of light and energy.
With the migration of Orem, Atun’s plan was for the portal to the Bad Place be closed, imprisoning the remaining predators inside. For reasons still not known, the arcane object known as the Geometry took over an Orem by the name of Edron and used him to kill Atun. The Geometry’s plan became evident as Edron then stole the Sphere from Atun’s dissipated energy and disappeared leaving the portal open and unprotected.
What followed was an invasion of Earth by the creatures now referred to as demons by humans, Divine, and Infernals alike, For more information, refer to the lecture titled On Demons.
On Demons
Notes on Demons, Specifically Summoning a Demon
Contrary to popular belief, you cannot summon Lucifer or Satan. They are Infernals and not the demons that you were warned about in Sunday school. If you do try to call to an Infernal, you will not be heard (unless they happen to be standing near you), but you do run the risk of opening a link to the Dark Aether. This is the realm just below the human universe where actual demons lurk. Many paranormal events can be traced back to portals being opened in this way.
What are Demons?
Your Sunday school teacher was wrong; demons do not dwell in hell. Instead, they are the predators the Orem faced in the Bad Place and which followed them to Earth. These creatures are now generally referred to by humans, the Divine, and the Infernals alike as demons. For more information on the universe of the Orem, refer to the lecture titled The Bad Place.
Types of demons
As with most lifeforms, there are different types of demons. Some that are really, really bad, others not so bad, a few merely annoying, and one type that is actually beneficial. We will start with the worst known as Mazikim.
Mazikim–
These are the dangerous demons with little intellect but huge appetites that were in the bad place. Think sharks. The psychic who calls himself Mr. French fought something like a Mazikim that had come to Earth from a universe like the one the Orem originated in. Mazikim kill what they eat, they don’t just suck it dry of Odic energy. Then, using body parts from what they consume, they can create a physical form which grows in size with each kill. It is paramount to confront and destroy a Mazikim before it grows too large.
Dybbuk-
These are the violent demons that don’t kill but instead possess humans for sustenance. Dybbuk are somewhat intelligent and can be bargained with but are very deceitful. They are not able to manifest as a physical form and can only be driven out of their host with the proper training. Successful human exorcists do this not through their faith but with their inherent Odic potential as they are Vanir but do not realize this fact.
Havot-
More commonly known as a poltergeist, Havot feed on panic and fear. Because these emotions explode in massive bursts, the poltergeist can become quite powerful. As they grow, they are able to manipulate the physical world more efficiently but they are incapable of taking physical form no matter how powerful they become. The Havot is limited to throwing objects with some force but nothing more.
Caedes-
This type of demon manipulates the emotions to cause violent outbursts on which it feeds. They are responsible for a great many civil disturbances, seeking the raw emotions of a family argument and stoking the flames of anger to a sometimes lethal level. Versions of the Caedes can be found in all human cultures with something similar even appearing in the 1968 Star Trek episode Day of the Dove written by Jerome Bixby (Season 3 episode 7).
Desparum-
These demons feed upon depression, anxiety, and despair. The Desparum seeks out prey already in the throes of depression or grief. Although it does not have the ability to possess its victim, it can manipulate the victim’s mind to trigger negative memories and thoughts in a never ending downward spiral. Some scholars believe that the Desparum can manipulate the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain but this has not been clinically proven. Desparum are often found in prisons, asylums, or mental hospitals even when such locations are no longer active. It is speculated that Desparum do not exist in linear time as we perceive it and so these locations are still sources of active emotion to the creature.
Strages-
Like Desparum, Strages feed off of strong emotions. For the Strages, it is the emotions of individuals who are dying in fear and pain. It is known that they can reduce the efficacy of pain killers, intensify bleeding, and increase the levels of nociception transmitters. Researchers also believe the Strages also may exist outside of linear time like Desparum as they are often found at locations of battles, executions, or mass murder. They can also be found in trauma wards and hospitals.
Naufragium-
This demon also feeds on emotion but in the case of the Naufragium, it is annoyance. Unable to possess or manipulate the mental state of its prey, Naufragium manifest as gnats, flies, bees, or even frogs. It was a mass attack of Naufragium that was cited as “plagues” in Exodus 8:1-4.
Drudes-
Drudes are malevolent nocturnal spirits who manifest in dreams turning these to nightmares with the purpose of causing fear to be fed upon. They have no real power otherwise. Drudenstein or hag stones (naturally occurring stones with a hole through which a cord can be passed) are hung to ward off Drudes. The stone must be of fossil bearing rock. It is believed this past life energy confuses the Drude into attacking the stone.
Ibbur-
Lastly are the Ibbur who, unlike the other demons, are beneficial for the most part. They are very intelligent and will possess a host but unlike Dybbuks, this is a symbiotic relationship. Occurring most often with children, the Ibbur provides friendship and guidance to an individual usually in the form of an invisible playmate. As the child becomes too old for such games, the Ibbur takes on a “Jiminy Cricket” role, gently acting as a conscious and nudging the person in positive directions. Note that this manipulation is towards what the Ibbur considers positive which is usually toward less life-threatening activities and lifestyles.
Succubi and Incubi
Where do Succubi and Incubi come from?
For the most part, Infernals reproduce through a process that is a mixing of the energies of both partners. Since this merging requires a resonance to work, only Infernals of the same wavelength color can produce offspring.
The exceptions to this are the creatures known as succubi and incubi. They were initially created through the Infernal Queens in their physical form having sex with humans. As only the Infernal Queens and the Divine Chayot Ha Kodesh can reproduce in this way, scholars assume that only Orem of the violet power level have the Odic energy necessary to conceive with a mortal human. For more information on the hierarchies of the Divine and Infernals and their origins, refer to the lectures titled The Origin of the Divine and Infernals, The Divine, and The Infernals.
Very early after Earth was discovered by the Orem, humans were regarded as equivalent to Proles; the Orem working class that does the societal functions requiring brawn but no brain. In Orem society, the mind of a Prole was often possessed to teach them a task. This was not done as a negative thing in any way; it was merely easier than trying to convey what was wanted in words. This is important because possession was not regarded as an offensive invasion of privacy as it is today.
At this time, the Orem Lilith (of violet power in the caste system) was working with Samael (of Indigo power) to create a physical form. Remember that at this early period, the Orem still appeared as geometric shapes to the humans and are described as rings within rings with eyes all around. Taking a physical form was new and exciting for the Orem with physical sensation something as potent and addictive as a drug. This is why in many mythologies of the period; gods often appear on Earth to have sex with humans and this is exactly what Lilith was attempting to do with Samael. Unfortunately, Samael was having difficulty in manifesting a physical form so a very frustrated Lilith suggested that he possess a human to feel what it was like in physical form. He did so, they enjoyed a great deal of sex, and Lilith conceived a child.
Samara the First Succubus is Born
The product of this union was the first succubus and was named Samara. She was neither mortal nor Infernal. Although Samara fed off Odic energy like her mother and could change her shape, she was bound to the physical world like humans and did not have a Queen’s Odic potential. Samara’s power fell in the yellow range. The other Queens quickly conceived their own children and soon there were many succubi and incubi roaming the Earth.
Not long after, it was discovered that Lilin could conceive children of their own with humans and these were called called cambions. Unlike with genetics, the Infernal aspect of Lilin and humans is not watered down when mating with humans. The female offspring of such a union are just as powerful as the Infernal parent (yellow). Males, however, are far less so (orange) and in the Orem hierarchy, that meant being regulated to manual labor or shock troops in combat situations. With the split in the Orem society and the wars that followed, the later became the primary purpose of Incubi.
The children of the four Queens and their cambion offspring are called Lilin. Succubi children and cambions refer to themselves as Daughters of whichever queen spawned them originally.
The Planes of Heaven
The multiple planes inhabited by the Divine and the Infernals
For a human used to intercontinental travel, it is easiest to think of the planes populated by the Divine and Infernals like continents. Although not divided by seas, there is a barrier space that must be crossed to travel between them. This barrier space makes some of the planes closer than others and often requires multiple stops at several planes along the path of travel before arriving at one’s destination.
Planar Barriers of the Heavenly Realm
Passing through a barrier is perceived differently by each individual. Many humans see distant flames and experience the smell of brimstone due to their Judeo-Christian and Muslim programming. For other religions such as Hinduism, it is experienced as an endless travel through a dense jungle. For the Divine, it just appears as darkness.
When explained to early humans, the Orem used rivers as a metaphor for the four barriers in the heavenly realm. These barriers are called Pishon, Gihon, Hoddekel, and Phrath. Of the four, Hoddekel and Phrath are home to multiple planes with Pisho and Gihon have only a single plane each.
The Planes of Heaven
Collectively known as Schamayim, there are seven Heavenly planes. Like the underworld, there is a diverse economy but much of the heavenly sphere is dominated by the administration of human souls. Just as the Abyss became a location for incarcerating “sinners” under the Second Council of Lyon in 1274, the Divine were given the job of adjudication and transiting post-life humans. Each plane is administered by an elected council of Ophanim. For more information on the Divine caste system, refer to the Lecture titled The Divine.
1. Jannah or Eden-
Located at the center of the barriers, Jannah is the point of contact with Earth. As such it has a large transfer facility for post-life humans on their way to their judgement at Elysium. Additionally, Jannah is the location of the Governmental Offices of the Divine, located in the city of Cratia. Jannah has many museums, libraries, universities, and hotels but there are only a limited number of residential zones, all high-end and exclusive.
2. Elysium-
Located in the Hoddekel barrier, Elysium is the location of DAHA, the Department of Agriculture and Human Assessment which is tasked with adjudication and transiting of post-life humans. It is an island archipelago in the sea of Oceanus with the large central island of Murago supporting the DAHA facilities. As specified in the Second Council of Lyon, the architecture of the judicial facilities must be of the Greek Classical style and the main island has many excellent examples available for tours. Surrounding Murago are many smaller islands where the majority of the residential population lives. This population supports both DAHA in Elysium as well as the governmental offices in Jannah. For anyone familiar with the Earthly country of Croatia or Italy, the landscape is similar.
3. Utopia
Located beyond Elysium in the Hoddekel barrier is Utopia. This is the holding place for worthy Post-life humans for the desired period until reincarnation. Travel to this plane is restricted.
4. Arcadia-
The first stop in the Phrath barrier, Arcadia has libraries and research facilities supporting both the government on Jannah and the Research and Development facilities in Empyrean. The cities are surrounded by rich and productive farmland and much of the produce of the Heavenly planes comes from Arcadia.
5. Empyrean
Located beyond Arcadia in the Phrath barrier, the Empyrean economy is primarily manufacturing with enough residential communities to support the administrators and workers involved in the plane’s industry. Some areas of Empyrean are restricted for security reasons.
6. Nirvanna
This plane serves primarily as housing for the administrative and governmental workers of Jannah. To support this population, Nirvanna’s economy has a large retail and service industry. Outside the cities and expansive suburbs, there is a moderate amount of agriculture.
7. Paradise
Located in the Pishun barrier, the economy of paradise is based on tourism. There are both large cities with exciting night life as well as out-of-the-way villages and rural destinations. The landscape of Paradise is just as varied with seaside pleasure islands, forest wildlife preserves, and mountain ski resorts.
The Planes of Hell
The multiple planes inhabited by the Divine and the Infernals
For a human used to intercontinental travel, it is easiest to think of the planes populated by the Divine and Infernals like continents. Although not divided by seas, there is a barrier space that must be crossed to travel between them. This barrier space makes some of the planes closer than others and often requires multiple stops at several planes along the path of travel before arriving at one’s destination.
Planar Barriers of the Underworld:
Passing through a barrier is perceived differently by each individual. Many humans see distant flames and experience the smell of brimstone due to their Judeo-Christian and Muslim programming. For other religions such as Hinduism, it is experienced as an endless travel through a dense jungle. For Infernals, it just appears as darkness. When explained to early humans, the Orem used rivers as a metaphor for the five barriers of the underworl. These barriers are called Cocytus, Styx, Phlegethon, Lethe, and Acheron.
The Nine planes of Hell
The nine planes of hell are Pandemonium, Janannam, Inferno, Perdition, Tartarus, Hades, Gehenna, the Abyss, and Maleboge. The economies vary from industry to tourism just as on the Vaettir and human world, with only the Vatican requested incarceration of life-challenged humans being something an Earth-based visitor might find unusual.
1. Pandemonium
Located at the nexus of the Infernal planes is Pandemonium. This is the civic and cultural center of Infernal life where most of the museums, libraries, and universities are located. Pandemonium is also where the Stygian Council meets and much of the Hellish government is located here. Pandemonium is jointly administered by three Infernal leaders: Duchess Ashtaroth is in charge of Justice, Prince Belphegor is in charge of education/science, and Duke Leviathan oversees Infernal governmental functions.
2. Janannam-
What was once only a small stop on the way to the Abyss, Janannam is now an exclusive residential district for the upper crust wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of Pandemonium. Nearly eighty years ago, Mammon redesigned the sleepy backwater into a thriving economy by catering to the desires and tastes of the ultra-rich and powerful. Janannam has the premier shopping boutiques, culinary dining venues, and one-of-a-kind spa experiences that can tempt anyone.
3. Inferno-
Lucifer rules this plane which is primarily known for manufacturing. Flat and featureless but with areas of dramatic desert scenery reminiscent of the American southwest, a biking/hiking/camping and eco-tourism industry is a growing part of the Inferno economy.
4. Perdition-
Administered by Asmodeus, Perdition is immediately adjacent to Pandemonium and has become a residential “suburb” to the central government administrators and workers. Because of this, shopping and family entertainment are the backbone of the Perdition economy. Perdition also is home to the Infernal film and television industry.
5. Tartarus
Known for rugged coastlines and scenic resort islands, Tartarus is administered by Beezelbub who crafted the “Be one of us, visit Tartarus” slogan. But it isn’t just all beautiful countryside; When first settled, Tartarus was as an industrial manufacturing center. Although not the manufacturing powerhouse it once was, the mainland of Erebos still generates nearly half of the plane’s GDP.
6. Hades-
This primarily middle-class suburb of Pandemonium may not be the brightest and shiniest of the planes but by providing low cost housing to the burgeoning middle class one-hundred years ago, Satan turned Hades into a thriving economic generator. Although beginning to show its age in the 1990’s, many young couples took advantage of the affordable home costs and through sweat equity turned dives into divas. Grants and low-interest renovation loan are available, sponsored by Satan to promote gentrification in his Return to Hades advertising campaign.
7. Gehenna-
On the far side of the Inferno, Gehenna has always been the industrial heart of hell. Historically, Moloch was criticized for environmental and safety issues but over the last forty years, the Prince has turned that reputation around and now Gehenna has the highest work safety rating in hell and some of the lowest emissions of any of the Infernal manufacturing regions. Note that in some of the mountainous regions of Gehenna, a nascent tourism industry is developing.
8. Abyss-
This plane, administered by Abaddon, has the task of administering the suffering requested by the Vatican with the Second Council of Lyon in 1274. Access to the plane is limited to security and administrative personnel. Travel to Maleboge is through the Abyss transit station which has limited facilities.
9. Maleboge-
Not well known due to its location far from Pandemonium, Maleboge is home to many R&D facilities for both industry and the government. H.I.-Six and HARPA have facilities here. Maleboge is administered by Pythias whose intellect is at or near the green level despite having the Odic power of a Duke. Visitation to Maleboge by the public is restricted.
The Prophecy of the Rod Bearer
A score of years before the time of troubles, a Defender shall be born. This Vanir of no magic shall perish holding the line against the minions of darkness. With his rebirth, lo the trumpets shall sound, heralding the beginning of the end of evil for he shall smite the right hand of darkness and the Omnivora shall return to whence it came.
The Prophecy of the Rod Bearer as provided by the Sphere of Atun.
Origin of the Prophecy
The Sphere of Atun led the Orem from the Bad Place and has continued to warn of bad things in the future. Like the Mirror of Eshabock, the Sphere fully immerses its host in an experience complete with sounds, smell, and violence. The voice of the Sphere in in three parts, speaking in past, present, and future tenses and, as such, it is tiresome to translate. Luckily, it seems that recent events explain the prophecy.
A score of years before the time of troubles, a Defender shall be born.
Jason de Luca, the human currently carrying Agrat’s Rod was twenty years old at the time he first took up the Rod.
This Vanir of no magic shall perish holding the line against the minions of darkness.
Although Jason is an Earth-born human, he does have Vanir blood and can use magic. The fact that he did appear to die at the hands of Lamechiel wielding the Geometry of Edron matches the prophecy. The fact that he did not actually die but was instead cast into the Aether actually fits the prophecy as well. Remember that the Sphere shows events to the host who then writes what they saw down while asking the Sphere if they are correct. Scholars remind us that the Sphere is an eternal planar object for which death may be a meaningless concept.
With his rebirth, lo the trumpets shall sound, heralding the beginning of the end of evil for he shall smite the right hand of darkness and the Omnivora shall return to whence it came.
Jason did indeed return and was at the Battle of Vis where the Divine Lamechiel using the Geometry of Edron were both destroyed. Of note is that the Geometry was sent into an empty universe. The line and the Omnivora shall return to whence it came is interesting as it may hint to where the five arcane objects originated.
The Prophecy of Unification
A child, conceived of man, born to a virgin Daughter, will bring the four Lilin together as one. In the war to follow, this Daughter shall lead the Infernals in the fight against darkness.
The Unification Prophecy as foretold by the Mirror of Eshabock
The Mirror of Eshabock gives its host a fully immersed experience complete with sounds, smell, and violence. When they seem important to the host or, as in this case, the Mirror directs, these visions are recorded by the host and called Prophecy.
In the case of the Unification Prophecy, the Alfar seamstress Hergeth was given a vision in the fall of 1189, and told by the Mirror to write it down and spread the word as prophecy. Being illiterate, Hergeth suffered through the vision repeatedly, night after night, until she finally was able to find a Vanir healer to whom she could dictate the vision.
The vision was in two parts. The first was of a young succubi and her human husband in the process of giving birth to a female child. Hergeth was told by the Mirror that the succubus was not pregnant by choice but that her child was needed for the universe to proceed correctly.
The second part was of a war. In the battle shown to Hergeth, a succubus was leading an army of Infernals in battle. Hergeth was quite specific about this, it was not an army of Succubi although the four queens of the Lilin were present, this was all of the Infernals and it was a war against evil.
Keep in mind, the Mirror is not an artifact of linear time as we experience it and the prophecy we have today is a translation of a translation from the original Polish dialect sppoken by Hergeth but here is what scholars have to say about it considering the recent event we have been witnessing.
A child, conceived of man, born to a virgin Daughter, will bring the four Lilin together as one.
Jynieth does meet that description. Although her tubes were blocked and this was confirmed medically, she did conceive the child of the human Jason de Luca. Her pregnancy was noticed by all four Lilin Queens and they are working in unison since the recent kidnapping. For more on Jason and the prophecy of the Rod Bearer, refer to the lecture titled The Prophecy of the Rod Bearer.
In the war to follow, this Daughter shall lead the Infernals in the fight against darkness.
Historically, this passage has been theorized to match a number of different possibilities but scholars are now split on who this Daughter refers to. Generally, this was thought to mean it was the child who would lead the forces of the Infernals. With respect to recent events, some are arguing that this refers to Jynieth and her part in the current war. Considering that Jynieth is now the host of the Mirror, this may well be the case.
On Elementals- Their History and Types
Elementals
What are referred to as elementals are creatures that existed on Earth prior to the arrival of the Orem (the Infernals and Divine before they split into two races). These creatures have no physical form, instead manipulating the material around them to create a body. For this reason, many Vaettir scientists believe that elementals exist in not just this plane but in some other plane of existence simultaneously. As the creatures do not seem to ingest sustenance of any kind nor die or reproduce, this adds credence to this hypothesis.
History
Originally, it was thought that elementals were of four types based on the classical elements as proposed by the Greek philosopher Empedocles of Acragas around 450 B.C. This view of the universe was disproven by Lavosier and later organized into the periodic chart we now recognize by Dimitri Mendeleev starting in 1869.
The creatures we still call Elementals were described by the 16th century writer Paracelus in his A book on Nymphs, Sylphs, Pygmies, and Salamanders and on the other Spirits. In that book, he describes elementals as undines (water), sylphs (air), gnomes (Earth), and salamanders (fire). In De Meteoris, he referred to them collectively as Sagani.
The correct four divisions
In fact, this four-part division is not correct but is still commonly used to describe these beings. Science has now classified Elementals as Earth, Green, Water, and Air. There are no true fire elementals but there is a type of air elemental that appears to favor the plasma of electrical storms. The correct taxonomy is based on the places these being choose to inhabit on Earth although even this is not agreed upon.
For more information on the individual types of elementals, refer to the lectures on each type.
Earth Elementals
Earth Elementals
Very little is known about the elementals inhabiting Earth’s mantle. There have been interactions with some forms but it is assumed that there are a great deal more types unknown to science. How they move so easily through solid rock is not quite known. One theory is that as creatures existing on two planes of existence, they travel in their other universe, This does not match with observation, however, as the rock can be seen moving about the creatures like a fluid allowing them to pass.
Jord- These are the largest and most intelligent of the known Earth elementals. Varying from a three-by-three-by-three meter cube to as large as the eighteen-by-eighteen-by-eighteen meter individual that destroyed an unevolved human open pit mine in Columbia, Only a head is usually encountered with large, pupilless eyes. The stone heads carved by the Olmec people are believed to be representations of Jords.
Druell- These beings, referred to as gnomi by Paracelus (who didn’t bother to ask the creatures what they called themselves), are toad-like bipeds which have a rock-like smooth skin and large, pupilless eyes. They are white like the flow stone of cave walls where they are occasionally found. They are of average intelligence and can speak the languages of Vaettir and humans. If found as a group, druell may be acting as servants/assistants to a larger Earth elemental such as a Jord.
Sigyns- These small and sometimes mischievous Earth spirits are the so called pygmæi of Paracelus. They are attracted to disruptions in the Earth’s crust, frequenting fault lines and active Earthquake zones. Commonly called Miner’s Assistants, due to their appearance at the repetitive hammering of picks and later in association to underground blasting operations, they are curious and appear as small humanoids, often mimicking the miner’s clothing and looks. With the intelligence of a ten-year-old, they would instruct Vaettir miners toward pockets of ore when given small trinkets.
Nordvig- This variety of elemental is drawn to volcanic activity. Observed only in Iceland and Hawaii, the nordvig seem to prefer effusive type eruptions where lava flows from long fissures creating a large field of cooling basalt. Playing on the newly created rock as well as in the molten lava flowing in the lava tubes, the creatures behave very much like children at the neighborhood playground on the first day of summer break.
The Huldrefolk- another type of creature typical of Iceland are the Huldrefolk. Not seen locally as elementals but more akin to faeries or elves, the creatures inhabit large stones and boulders. Researchers are split on whether the Huldrefolk are elementals or a type of fey as their tie to a particular object is more like the behavior of green elementals such as hamadryads rather than the roaming behavior of fey. Road and building construction is often delayed or relocated in Iceland due to the presence of Huldrefolk boulders.
Green Elementals
On Green Elementals
Frequenting area of dense vegetation, Green elementals favor regions of dense forest untouched by humans. The creatures seem drawn to areas of diverse plant life. It is theorized that some of types of Green elementals were merged with trees at the time of the Orem manipulation of Earthly DNA. Unlike all other forms of elemental creatures, the Hamadryads are bound to the life of their host plant in a sympathetic relationship.
Woodwose- Historically called Wild Man, Green man, yeti, or bigfoot, these elemental creatures of the forest are more correctly called Woodwose. They are encountered only infrequently and have the ability to disappear at will which is now assumed to be a withdrawal of the creature back into whatever dimensional realm they inhabit. Appearing as large, shaggy bipedal creatures, they can be aggressive if their territory is threatened. It is not known how intelligent the Woodwose is as no meaningful contact has ever been established.
Leshy- This tall guardian of the forest takes large areas of old-growth forest under his care. Acting like something between a gardener and a forest ranger, the leshy will manage place seedlings where trees have died, coordinate with other elementals to provide water in times of drought, and manage outbreaks of fire to become controlled burns. They are extremely secretive and dislike any intrusion into their forest even from Vaettir. On the rare occasion where they have dealt with our people, they have been intelligent, appearing as tall slender bipeds with bark-like skin and leaves for hair.
Satyr- Sometimes appearing as a male with the legs of a horse and, for unknown reasons, an oversized permanent erection, these elementals are forest dwellers who assist the leshy in maintaining the forest. Often found near the edges of forested areas, their appearance is presumed by scholars to be a mix of the Vaettir/humans the satyrs have observed combined with the horses we seen riding. This led to a cartoon by the humorist Erasmus Bud that is frequently shared amongst scholars showing the modern satyr that is half human and half motorcycle.
Faun- Similar to satyrs, fauns appear as younger males usually with no facial hair with the legs of a goat. They are frequently seen assisting a satyr so it is guessed that they are lesser elementals. Both satyrs and fauns are known to assist lost travelers and are quite intelligent. It is theorized that hamadryads may have been a similar lifeform to satyrs and fauns before the Orem DNA manipulation.
Hamadryads- Commonly called wood nymphs; these elemental creatures lack the immortality of other elementals as they are tied to the life of their tree host. This was a result of the Orem modifying the DNA of trees to create Odic energy. It is not known what form these creatures took before this modification. Appearing as human females of great beauty, hamadryads have the ability to enthrall humans of both sexes. This natural ability is used to influence humans to leave the forest when possible. They are of an intelligence equal to Vaettir. Note that Hamadryads generate Odic energy.
Meliads are specific to ash trees, Dryads to oak trees, Oreads to high mountain trees, Sequoiads to the Redwoods of the American West Coast, Viridiads to coniferous forests, and Pluviads of the tropical rainforest. The later three were not known to Europeans until the Age of Exploration.
Water Elementals
On Water Elementals-
Just as green elementals inhabit forests, water elementals inhabit bodies of water. Other than naiads and nereids, most do not have a physical form but merely inhabit the water which they can manipulate. With the oceans so lightly explored, science expects to discover far more water elementals in the future,
Naiads- This is a type of water elemental that manifests in fresh water usually appearing as a beautiful nude woman. They are cautious but curious about magic-using Vaettir but have learned to hide from unevolved humans. They can be protective of their body of water but are delightful and intelligent conversationalists when treated with respect. They enjoy a gift of flowers.
Nereids- These are similar to Naiads but live in seas and oceans. They are known to assist Vaettir travelers in times of crisis but are less likely to have a conversation afterwards. They are just as intelligent but far more reserved.
Noaan- These ocean dwelling water elementals manifest only as large rogue waves usually in storms. There is some debate if this is to do with the interaction of air elementals in the turbulent storm air as waterspouts have been shown to be the playful interaction of air and water elementals. No contact has ever been established.
Babblers- These elementals can be found located in secluded streams and brooks where water is passing over stones making bubbling noises. They are somewhat possessive of these spots but not aggressive in any way; a small splash is as violent as they get. They have the intelligence of a toddler.
Geysivera- These creatures have only been observed in Iceland with no observations more recent than 1940. They ride the eruptions of geysers for fun in the same way that a dolphin will ride the bow wake of a ship. Very little is known about their life in the water of the geyser pool.
Sjóꝺandi- (pronounced syo than di)- Creatures of Iceland living in the hot springs and possibly related to or the same creature as the Geysivera above. No more than eddies in the churning water of certain volcanically heated hot springs, the creatures generally descend into the depths of the pool when Vaettir of humans are near.
Venties- Not much is known about these creatures except that they play in the currents of the deep ocean hydrothermal vents. Appearing as nothing more than a slight eddy in the current, it is not entirely accepted that they exist with the data coming solely from unevolved human exploration.
Air Elementals
On Air Elementals
Just as the other elementals, the creatures of the air exist within the wind, clouds, and storms of the Earth’s atmosphere. Only two have ever had any communication with Vaettir, the sylphs and griffins.
Zephyri- These elemental creatures are associated with strong winds usually found in the upper atmosphere but will come down to the Earth’s surface to frolic in tornadoes. They seem to enjoy the destruction caused by the wind and will direct powerful downdrafts in larger thunderstorms to create straight line winds that can batter roofs and light buildings. This associated behavior with tornadic weather was not observed until the 19th century in the North American Midwest. It is assumed that this is an interaction with Earth elementals in some way. They can also be found above the anvil head of powerful thunderstorms amongst the electrical discharges in the mesosphere. Note: Zephyri are sometimes called tempests in literature of the classical period.
Stribohi- These are lesser elementals which exist near the Earth’s surface. Manifesting as a light breeze out of nowhere, they seem to enjoy this interaction with Earthbound life. They can often be found playing with the picked up dirt and detritus of dust devils.
Sylph- The only air elemental that chooses to interact with Vaettir, sylphs take the form of a ghostly woman in a diaphanous dress that is tugged by the wind even when there is no wind. They have been known to help people in distress and are intelligent and curious.
Griffins- Called Foo fighters by aviators during World War II, these elementals are curious and will sometimes appear as disturbed air, a mist, a solid spherical object, and even ball lightning. In this later form, they have been known to explore human dwellings, carefully floating through room by room. Since the beginning of the jet age, griffins have now moved to areas not on the flight paths of major airlines and tend to stay at higher altitudes.
Eldspretta- These are the Icelandic people of the fumaroles, playing in the ash and smoke. Similar to stribohi, the creatures seem to enjoy the rush of air and sulfurous stench of volcanic vents.