From owner-in_nomine-digest@lists.io.com Fri Mar 28 18:10:52 1997 Return-Path: Received: from lists.io.com (majordom@lists.io.com [199.170.88.15]) by deliverator.io.com (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id QAA12571; Fri, 28 Mar 1997 16:42:12 -0600 (CST) Received: (from majordom@localhost) by lists.io.com (8.8.5/8.8.5) id QAA03800 for in_nomine-digest-outgoing; Fri, 28 Mar 1997 16:45:52 -0600 Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 16:45:52 -0600 Message-Id: <199703282245.QAA03800@lists.io.com> From: owner-in_nomine-digest@lists.io.com (in_nomine-digest) To: in_nomine-digest@lists.io.com Subject: in_nomine-digest V1 #94 Reply-To: in_nomine-l@lists.io.com Sender: owner-in_nomine-digest@lists.io.com Errors-To: owner-in_nomine-digest@lists.io.com Precedence: bulk in_nomine-digest Friday, March 28 1997 Volume 01 : Number 094 In this digest: Re: IN> Easter Re: IN> Easter Re: IN> Easter IN> From the Mind of Hatcher Rhanyr IN> Varagog, Prince of Recklessness Re: IN> From the Mind of Hatcher Rhanyr IN> nice info Re: IN> Roles IN> Re: Alu-Fiends IN> Voodoo Rules Re: IN> Re: Alu-Fiends IN> Heaven's Gate; was From the Mind of Hatcher Rhanyr IN> Elohim and Emote Re: IN> Roles Re: IN> Devilish tunes Re: IN> Elohim and Emote Re: IN> Voodoo Rules Re: IN> Re: Alu-Fiends Re: IN> Roles ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 09:24:20 -0500 From: Earl Wajenberg Subject: Re: IN> Easter Rob Wolff asks for ideas for Easter IN campaigns. One idea naturally associated with Easter is resurrection. In Nomine offers two kinds. First, there is the resumption of a material body or vessel by a spirit. For a celestial, this is, I gather, nothing very special and wouldn't be much of a campaign idea. But I gather "saints" are sometimes allowed back on Earth bodily. So perhaps one could construct a campaign about the bodily return of a saint in the modern world. If the saint was newly dead and returning to their own locale, one challenge would be to keep hidden from public attention (since I gather that neither side of the War wants humans to be too convinced of spiritual reality) AND from demonic attention (since the return of a saint might be "noisy"). Then there's convincing the right people that the saint really is who they say they are. ("That can't be Charlie. Charlie's dead.") Then there's whatever mission the saint came back for. Then there's a more radical kind of resurrection. Both human and celestial souls can be destroyed, in this game. Can they be re- created? The rules say nothing about it, and such a re-creation would presumably the a miracle even by the standards of an Archangel. But we are also told that there are many more levels of heaven above those of the Archangels. What if Michael shows up at the Seraphim Council and says, "Remember Chaniel, who held the front early in the War in Heaven, and got shredded into grace notes by Lucifer himself as his reward? The first angel -- the first BEING -- to die in the history of the universe? Well, here he is. He's back." Chaniel: "I have a Message for you all...." Earl Wajenberg ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 07:49:46 +0000 From: "Bodhi" Subject: Re: IN> Easter SNIP > Earl Wajenberg Earl, you've got a wonderfully creative bent here. Thanks. If I wasn't already committed to a current plot line, I'd work in the Saint angle tonight!! Walk in Beauty, Rob Wolff / Bodhi rob@v-wave.com Nicholas Copernicus, Master Astronomer Stood up and Shouted, addressing the throng, "Abandon poor Ptolomy, Stand up and follow me, Heliocentrically, Ptolomy's Wrong!!" ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 10:16:35 -0500 From: Earl Wajenberg Subject: Re: IN> Easter Thank you very much. Earl ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 10:29:30 -0500 From: Hatcher Rhanyr Subject: IN> From the Mind of Hatcher Rhanyr Yes...it's another glimpse into the mind of someone who probably should be institutionalized... Thought #1- I'm certain anyone who lives in the US (don't know how many ppl on the list are in other countries) has heard of the situation that occured in San Diego involving the "Heaven's Gate Cult". I'm not suggesting that what occured wasn't a tragedy...in fact the massive suicide was very tragic and I feel for everyone who is involved with this. However I thought that the progression of this "cult" might make an interesting adventure seed. Here's what the news is telling us... -- The cult was formed by a man who had a background as a minister (no he never formally became a clergyman but he was always interested in seminary.) -- Then he meets this woman who is into cults/new age/whatever who helps him to form this new religeon that believes that they must seperate themselves from the rest of the world aand prepare for the time when they will all ascend to a higher level. -- Add to this an almost technomantric aspect to the religeon. My initial thoughts are that an NPC is introduced who a PC cherubim is attuned to. This NPC gets involved in this cult and it's up to the PC's to make sure that she/he doesn't end up comitting suicide as the cult has planned. Any other thoughts?? Thought #2- I'm sure everyone has heard of such creatures like Succubi and Inccubi....how would these creatures translate into In Nomine? A few weeks ago there was a lot of debate on Celestial offspring...most of the thread discused whether the forces of good would approve, but what about the Demon Princes? Would they be opposed to or consent to offspring of demonic creatures. This brings to mind a creature known as an Alu-fiend (half-human/half-demon). The Succubi and Inccubi were both creatures who's only function was to have sex with humans...Any other thoughts?? So there's what has been occupying my mind...take it however you want. Hatcher ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 10:46:20 EST From: "Thomas Scudder" Subject: IN> Varagog, Prince of Recklessness rogue@ez-net.com (RogueLdr) writes: >Distinctions for Vagarog, Demon Prince Of Recklessness >Duke Of Daredevils- Always one to be different, Vagarog changed the >title of his highest Distinction (hear Asmodeus' teeth grinding?). >The vessels of these Demons are nearly impossible to take down. >Unless the damage comes from a Song or Celestial Relic, they can be >hurt, but never killed, by any Body hits taken! Think of Wile. E. >Coyote.... slow 'im down, sure, but never stop him! Don't try to tell me you didn't, even for a second, think of calling this distinction "Duke of Hazards". (note: I'm not actually subscribed to this list, but I read the digests fairly religiously. And this was too much to let slip by.) - -T Tom Scudder -<*>- http://www-personal.umich.edu/~tomscud Degree Audit group University of Michigan Registrar's Office ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 11:00:35 -0500 From: Earl Wajenberg Subject: Re: IN> From the Mind of Hatcher Rhanyr Concerning incubi, succubi, and hybrids: I suppose any demon in the service of the Prince of Lust (whose name I forget) might do duty as incubus or succubus at some time. However, these encounters as they appear in folklore are often depicted as horrific -- supernatural rape. Not sure if that furthers the cause of lust. It might be more appropriate to violence, in which case you might find incubi and succubi as a special division of the troops of Belial, or whoever is the Prince of War. Concerning hybrids, they seem to be a fairly common infernal plot in the literature. "Rosemary's Baby" depicts the infant antichrist as such a hybrid. At least one thread of medieval Arthurian \ romance describes Merlin as a demon's son, meant to become the antichrist, but cannily baptized by his mother and turned to good. Just before the Flood story in Genesis, the nephilim are mentioned, hybrids of angels and humans. General feeling is that these were fallen angels, and IN makes them the Grigori, and the "Nephalim" as huge monsters. (Genesis describes them as big, too, but they may be just hugely athletic demigods or giants, so far as the description goes.) One origin story of the fay ("mazikeen") is that they were the children of Adam and Eve by evil spirits, between their expulsion from Eden and the birth of Cain. Incubi and succubi are sometimes supposed to be breeding hybrids. In one kinky version, the same spirit can play succubus and incubus, and transfer the semen from male victim/client to female, so that the whole operation is not so much hybridization as infernal selective breeding. I never heard of the "Alu-fiend." What's it like? Earl Wajenberg ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 10:52:35 -0600 (CST) From: Shadowcat Subject: IN> nice info Greetings My fiance introduced me to a new Web sight last night. The address is: http://www.pantheon.org/ It contains two encyclopedias Mythicas, and Mystias. The first is wellspring of information on anchient mythology, and the second is a resorce on modern mysticism. I have looked over both and they are great. A valuable resorce for any gamer looking for information on either subject. Shadowcat ******************************************************************************** Who purrs by the grave of the unshriven dead, while witches dance and ghouls are fed ?" ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 11:26:02 -0600 (CST) From: Shadowcat Subject: Re: IN> Roles In an earlier post it was suggested that a Role of Faith Healer would not totaly cover the noticability of using the songs of healing. I think I have an idea for a Role that might, A massage therapist. As both a practioner, and someone with constant back pain (Degenerative disk disease), I can state that there is alot that can be done in a massage. I am not saying that a mortal could do as much good as a celestial with the song, but it wouldn't be as noticable if the celestial used it. Cases in point. Corporeal: Massage back "Loosening muscles and tention from the joints" heal lost hits of damage. Client feels refreshed with extra vim and vigore. As long as cosmetic damage (Scars, scabs, bruises) are not drasticly changed ie sudenly vanish, it is not likely to be noticed. Ethereal: Working on clients face and chest look into eyes and talk. Mixture of relaxation,soothing music, and TLC, helps ease mind. also good for coma patients physical stimulas helps bring them around. Little more risky here, but still doable. Celestial: administer massage, afterward Client feels more assured,relaxed and calm. Not likely to raise many flags. opinions/sugestions on this idea? Shadowcat %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Is that my soul that calls me by name? ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 12:48:31 -0500 From: Hatcher Rhanyr Subject: IN> Re: Alu-Fiends Earl Wajenberg wrote: > I never heard of the "Alu-fiend." What's it like? OOPS....AD&D Reference... (Hatcher scans the sky for any TSR lawyers) In the Planescape Setting an Alu-Fiend is a child from a male human and a female fiend. (i.e. what you get when a Lilim gets pregnant maybe??) I apologize for the obscure reference...since I blend standard mysticism and mythology with my Planescape games I sometimes forget what TSR has come up with and what is based on mythology. Hatcher P.S. Attn: Sean Reynolds Any plans on converting some you-know-what stuff to In Nomine?? - -- ************************************** _< >_ * Hatcher Rhanyr * / \0/ \ * "The Angel of Bright Shiney Teeth" * /_/| |\_\ * * / \ ************************************** ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 11:11:39 +0000 From: "Bodhi" Subject: IN> Voodoo Rules Okay. I know that Vodun, or Voodoo, is in actuality an acceptable religion, and shouldn't be dissected, translated, and/or corrupted from a true understanding of its principles. I also know that Hollywood has been responsible for many misconceptions about Vodun, and that many practitioners of Vodun undergo a certain degree of intolerance simply because we do not take the time to come to understand Vodun in its proper light. However, certain aspects of Vodun are more "mercenary" than some other religions, and are more concerned with "getting things Done!" than with worship per se'. Thus, at least some of our misunderstandings and misconceptions stem from a fundamental philosophical/theological difference between the aims and goals of practitioners of other religions, and the aims and goals of some practitioners of Vodun. Towards that end, I would like to present a system of Vodun, or Voodoo, that has been simplified (shudder) and translated into In Nomine terms. The system is presented as a creation of my own devising, stemming from collected works on Vodun, and is NOT meant to represent certain aspects of Vodun as strictly Diabolical in Nature. It is not my intention to indicate that all Vodun practitioners are secretly devil-worshippers, power-hungry, or evil. Nor is it my intention to present certain of the voodoo spirits, or Loa, as strictly Evil in the "real world". However, in GAME TERMS, cerain loa fit so well into the Diabolical camp that it is easy to see how the rest of the world can come to see them as Evil, instead of just power-oriented. If there are any practitioners on this list who are offended by my translations, please feel free to correct me, chastise me, and try to bring the finished product "into line". Voodoo, or Vodun Yves' works in religion are spread across the whole of our planet, even to the darkest corners of Africa. Yves' African experiments developed into Voodoo. Voodoo, Vodun, or Sevi Lwa is a religion that is comes from the 18th Century African country of Dahomey. The name Voodoo derives from the African word for `spirit'. The central aspect of Voodoo is the communication of mortals with the extremely powerful spirits, known as the Loa. The Loa are all the servants of a greater and more powerful being, known as the "Gran Maître". The Gran Maître (God) is too remote for practical purposes, and thus the Voodoo practitioners attempt to gain attention of his servants, the Loa. If the Loa can be convinced, they will perform services for a devout practitioner, but will usually demand that a price be paid for their favour. Voodoo, in its original form, was essentially, therefore, a worship of God and his Archangels. The Loa in question (the Rada loa) were really just Archangels and Angels given the task of answering the specific ritual summonings, and perhaps guiding these devout worshippers in their quest for enlightenment. The Rada Loa tended, therefore, to perform only minor services, and not interfere with the development of mortal affairs in these regions to any great extent. Indeed, the archangels were under strict orders to keep their services minimal, and not to disrupt things too much. However, Satan had other plans. When African slaves were brought into Western colonies forcibly, they brought with them a great deal of hatred, anger, and negative energy. This collection of negative energy was a great power source for the Diabolicals at the time, and a plan was concocted to tap into this angry sub-culture. Thus, a second type of loa evolved, to join the ranks of the first. These loa, the Petro loa, are more concerned with performing major favours, but of course they demand even more stringent prices for their services. These loa, the dark loa, are extremely powerful, far more powerful than the Rada loa. As a consequence, many of the practitioners turned towards darker and more powerful ceremonies, centered on the Petro loa, since the Petro loa seemed to be able to "come through for the practitioners" when the Rada loa would simply sit idly by and watch the slaves suffer. Eventually, all Voodoo ceremonies began to be tainted by the newfound understanding that the Petro loa would do the hard work, and the Rada loa were the original, more benevolent, more gentle loa. Certain practitioners of Voodoo turned their back on the Rada loa completely, and devoted all of their efforts to the Petro loa. Even the most benevolent practitioners still find it difficult not to turn their attention to the more powerful and attentive Petro loa when the need arises. Thus, modern Voodoo, through Satan's influence, has developed into a battleground over which Celestials and Diabolicals battle for the attention of Voodoo practitioners. Unfortunately, however, the Diabolical's willingness to perform acts of vengeance in exchange for pledges of fidelity often results in even benevolent voodoo practitioners becoming stained with Diabolical overtones. Voodoo Rituals A voodoo priest (houngan) or priestess (mambo) will conduct the invocation of the loa in one of two places. If they are attempting to invoke a Rada loa, they will conduct the ceremony in a special building (hounfort) which is consecrated and dedicated to benevolent purposes. If they are attempting to invoke a Petro loa, they will conduct the ceremony in an outside location, usually far away from prying eyes. All priests and priestesses are also Sorcerers (bokors), whether or not they choose to exercise their abilities. White houngans and mambos will merely study Black magic in an attempt to understand and combat evil in the world. They will not succumb to the temptation and become an actual Bokor. However, many practitioners of voodoo fall sway to the temptation to get favours from the Petro loa, and thus they begin to practice black rituals, and become full Bokors. The ritual involves the consecration of sacred food for the loa to come and eat, as well as ritual patterns drawn in cornmeal. Offerings of food, liquor, and animal sacrifice are made, in an attempt to entice the loa into coming in answer to the ritual. Different Loa seem to respond to different elements. Thus, each archangel/demon prince has different voodoo ceremonies that center around their invocation. There is much dancing, drumming, chanting, and general ecstatic fervour. If enough of a fervour is met, then the general subconscious outpouring of essence powers the ritual. The ritual then calls the attention of the Celestial/Diabolical in question, who will answer the call of the Voodoo practitioners. When the Loa arrives, they will possess the body of one of the practitioners (the cheval, or "horse"). The possessed individual has no knowledge of what is done, or said, while the Loa is in possession of their body. It is through this possession that information is passed to the voodoo practitioners. When a Loa mounts the Horse, then the ritual has been completed. What the Loa chooses to do after that moment is up to the persuasiveness of the Houngan, the quality of the offerings, and the whim of the Loa!!! The Rada Loa The Rada Loa are the original spirits worshipped in far away, long ago Africa, before the corruption of Western religion, slavery, and Satan's persuasive minions. The principle Rada Loa follow Legba, Guardian of the Gate (Archangel Yves) Legba, Papa Legba, or Legba Ati-bon, is the most primary of the Loa. He is the one called upon in each and every ceremony, no matter what Loa is eventually to be summoned. He is the guardian of the different paths that one's life may take. He is the spirit of the Gate. He is depicted as a man sprinkling water, or perhaps as an old man walking with a crutch or a cane. The center post of every Hounfort is dedicated to Legba. Thus, rituals that are to involve the Petro Loa are not performed in the Hounfort, as this would displease Legba. He is the Loa who guides us through the maze of paths and turns, to find our eventual path. Thus, every ritual opens with homage to Legba, and a recognition that the ceremony will change one's path in the very near future. Without his agreement to "open the Gate", between the Corporeal Realm and the Spiritual Realm, no Loa will be able to come down and communicate. Yves has rooted this understanding so deeply in the subconscious of Voodoo mythology, in an attempt to further the mortals' understanding of Destiny. Thus, while he actually has TWO personas in Voodoo, they both go towards furthering understanding of Yves word here on Earth. Legba is symbolized by the Lion, and White Sheep. He is fed animal bones and marrow. Damballah (ALSO Archangel Yves) Damballah, or Damballah-Wedo, is the Great Serpent. He represents the ancestral knowledge of Voodoo, the pure faith. He is the sky-serpent, the wise and loving father. His main focus is on things that are pure, beautiful, and good. His colour is white, and he is often symbolized by snake eggs. The ritual language of voodoo, which sounds much like a hissing snake, is derived from Damballah's own language. He responds to offers of pure white foods (cornmeal, olive oil, cake, champagne, white wine, milk, powdered sugar, eggs), and his ritual sacrifice is a pair of white chickens. Yves enjoys the attention he gets through his little experiment. He tries to explain to his devotee's that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are the keys to happiness. Aida-Wedo, Wife of Damballah (Archangel Novalis) Aida-Wedo is personified as a short coiled snake that lives in water, and survives mostly by eating fruits, specifically bananas. Her symbol is the rainbow, and her invocation involves the use of a multitude of colours. She symbolizes natural powers, and offers the blessings of nature to her devotee's. Novalis started answering calls to Voodoo priests centuries ago. She adopted the persona of Aida-Wedo, and uses her influence to further the importance of agriculture, nature, and an understanding of the importance of growing things. This is why her snake symbol is always shown eating fruit, and never meat!! Ogou, the Warrior (Archangel Michael) Ogou, the Warrior, is summoned using the colour Red. Ogou understands brute force, and the need to get things done through strength. Towards that end, invocations of Ogou involve the sacrifice of a Bull. While the Warrior will not fight for you, he will help you in your battle. He will not kill the mortals who are your enemies, but he will show you how to do the job yourself. There are many different aspects to Ogou, each one emphasizing different facets of his personality. However, they all come down to the same thing: symbols of strength, power, and conflict. His aspects include the military leader, the phallus, the sword, fire, lightning, and metal-work. Michael understands the more basic insights that his voodoo practitioners evince. He enjoys their simple, straight-forward quest for `getting the job done'. He knows that he is only called for in times of trouble, and when understanding of Conflict is needed. He doesn't mind... whenever he is called, it furthers the importance of his Word on Earth. His animosity for Yves, however, and his antithetical position towards Yves word, will make him less likely to attend to the needs of a Houngan who has recently invoked Damballah (Yves). Thus, Houngans must be careful that they not displease Ogou by overly-concentrating on Damballah's attention. Loco Atisou, the Guardian (Archangel David) Also known as Agassou, Atisou is the Guardian Loa. He serves to protect places and people. He encourages his people to band together and protect one-another. He passes on knowledge of medicine, and healing, and attempts to make his devotee's stronger and more resilient. David may not be overly fond of some of the other Loa, but he knows that people need protecting. Thus, his aspect as Loco Atisou emphasizes safety, usually the safety in numbers. He keeps places and people safe. There is, of course, a slight animosity between the Guardian (David) and the Warrior (Michael), but they each have their role to play. Ayizan, Patroness of the Marketplace (Archangel Marc) Marc has adopted a female persona for the practitioners of Voodoo. However, this doesn't diminish the importance of his word to certain voodoo practitioners. Not every Voodoo practitioner is a hut-dwelling farmer. Some more modern voodoo worshippers will find themselves thrust into the world of high finance and business, and Ayizan is there to answer their calls for assistance. This is where Marc steps in. Ayizan is more than willing to make deals. It is uncanny, however, how Ayizan always seems to profit more than the other Loa through the deals he cuts with his voodoo practitioners. ____________________ The Petro Loa Not every loa is a benevolent helping spirit. Some of the spirits are more interested in doing the really nasty deeds themselves, in exchange for some serious payback. These spirits began to be worshipped around the time that slavery introduced Voodoo to Western culture and Western slavers. The need for vengeance against their oppressors led some practitioners down the darker paths of Voodoo, and now there is a whole family of Loa who answer to the calls of those who wish to see something done RIGHT NOW!!! Those who serve both types of Loa are known as "those who serve the Loa with both hands". Thus, this type of practice has been come to be known as Left-Hand Voodoo. They will ask the Petro Loa for special favours of a more malevolent nature, usually involving personal gain and power. Examples include the creation of Zombies, the calling of the dead to wreak vengeance for the living, the harming of another mortal through the use of Voodoo Dolls, and the creation of powerful Ouangas (talismans) that house Bakas (evil spirits) and contain great power! It is obvious that it is the Petro Loa who are partners to the Bokor in his black magic rituals, in exchange for great sacrifice and service. The pact between the Loa and the mortal is called the Angajan. The Angajan, once enterred, is notoriously difficult to get out of!!! Often, practitioners who practice summoning the Petro Loa on a more-or-less exclusive basis will form secret societies, known as either Bizango, or Cochon Gris. These Bokors will practice shrouded in Red or White robes, so that their faces are hidden and unknown. These secret societies will use cannibalism and human sacrifice to further their dark purposes, much to the delight of the Petro Loa. Carrefour, the Guardian of the Crossroads (Demon Prince Kronos) Also known as Kalfu and Maître Carrefour, he is the patron of all Sorcery. Black rituals, in which a practitioner wishes to get a serious favour out of the Petro Loa, all open with an invocation to Maître Carrefour. While some practitioners attempt to pretend that Carrefour is really just another aspect of Legba, they know deep down that while similarities between the two Loa are evident, there are differences as well. Kronos uses Carrefour as a means to emphasize the meeting of a practitioner's Fate. Usually, since the practitioner who is opening a ceremony by calling to Carrefour is already emphasizing the gathering of Power and Favours, it is easy for Kronos to step in and subtley guide the proceedings in a fashion that helps somebody meet their Fate. When one calls upon Carrefour in the opening of a Petro ceremony, one knows that one is tampering with a great and powerful being. This being is more than willing to nudge aspects of your life towards greatness, but it is often a greatness that comes with a price! Carrefour is the patron of sorcery, and the Petro equivalent to Legba. This is appropriate, as it was Kronos' job to oversee the development of the Petro loa, and the ceremonies that would catch the attention of various demon princes in their Petro Loa personae. Erzulie, the Patroness of "Love" (Prince Andrealphus) Erzulie is the loa you call upon when you want someone to fall in love with you, or you want ot force somebody to stay in love with you, or you want vengeance for love betrayed! While Andrealphus may have adopted a female personae for the purposes of Voodoo, this was done with a purpose. Many practitioners of Voodoo do not realize that their calls to the patroness of Love are less than well-intentioned... but Andrealphus knows it! When we try to make somebody fall in love with us, we do not try to gain their love as a person, but rather as an object. We dehumanize the object of our affection, and turn them into "things" that we wish to possess. If you call upon Erzulie to make somebody fall in love with you, you have already dehumanized them to the point where any caring and true affection is beyond redemption. This possessive, jealous, vengeful love has Lust at its very heart, and so Andrealphus gladly accepts the calls for Erzulie's attention. As Erzulie, she encourages the Word of Lust every time somebody begs to have another mortal made to fall in love with them. Such love is tainted, foul, be-smirched, and ultimately pleasing to Andrealphus' plans. Baron Samedi, the Lord of the Dead (Prince Saminga) Samedi is a popular loa amongst the darker practitioners of Voodoo. When Samedi rides a horse, that horse tells lewd jokes, wears dark glasses, eats and drinks alcohol profusely, wears outrageous gaudy or shabby clothing (sometimes cross-dressing), and smokes cigars. Samedi LOVES to possess horses, because he then gets a chance to really ENJOY the good things in life! Samedi's symbols are coffins and phalluses, and he is offered sacrifices of black goats and black chickens. He is the lord of the dead, and the ruler of the cemetary. It was Samedi who taught certain early Bokors the trick of making Zombies, but all Zombies are essentially under Samedi's thumb. He is a great one to call upon in an hour of need, but calling upon Samedi is often extremely dangerous, and ultimately perilous to one's soul!! It is the emphasis on death, the dead, and the use of dead mortals that has garnered a great bloc of power for Prince Saminga through the attentions of his Voodoo worshippers. Thus, Saminga, probably more than any other Prince, has profitted by his involvement with Voodoo. His influence over the Left-Hand Voodoo has been incalculably extreme!!! Guede', the Gravedigger (Prince Kobal) Guede' is another aspect of the dark side of Voodoo, who again emphasizes death, the graveyard, sexual debauchery and buffoonery. Guede' will always wear a tall black hat, and smoke cigars. He often opens up fresh graves and uses the dead souls for his service. He is jovial, and laughs quite a bit. It is his aim to show that Life and Death are part of a great Joke. His humour can be subtle, and filled with hidden meaning, or it can be simply Baudy and Disgusting. He has been known to use corpses and spirits in disturbing displays of the futility and meaninglessness of Life. His principle interest is to expose and reveal secrets. However, he will not do so directly. Instead, he taunts, teases, and cajoles the victim with his Hidden Knowledge. When he does finally deliver the punchline, his perceptions are often accurate and cruel. Guede' doesn't care, however: it's all too funny! Dinclinsin, the Punisher (Prince Belial) Dinclinsin is feared and revered for his great Severity. He is called upon only in times of great strife, to perform acts of vengeance of a direct and horrible nature. Dinclinsin is never called upon lightly, for one is never sure what price he may call upon for his services. The victims of Dinclinsin are notoriously mangled, burned, and horrific. Being a victim of Dinclinsin not only punishes the poor hapless mortal whose life has ended, but also sends a message of terror to all others near and dear to the victim. Dinclinsin is never subtle, never humorous, and never interested in anything other than the direct approach. The Baka The Baka are really a series of Shedim who work for various Princes, and who will do small errands for their masters when called upon. They will possess a voodoo practitioner, and transform his body (using the Celestial Song of Forms) into a parody mixture between man and Beast. This Baka will then carry out the vengeance that has been requested by the voodoo practitioner. They may appear as leaopardmen, serpentmen, or any other bizarre combination of man and beast. They are especially feared by voodoo practitioners, because they will often choose the same Horse and possess them again and again. The mortal Horse will then be taken out on nightly prowls, night after night, often killing many enemies of the Bokor before finally being killed themselves. The Loupe Garou', or werewolf, is a common form chosen by the Baka. ___________________________ Thus, the realm of voodoo can be seen through the eyes of In Nomine. We can see how practitioners can summon only one type of Loa, or the other, or a combination of the two. Both Yves and Kronos are vitally important to Voodoo, as they represent the two primary guardians of the rituals. When performing a ritual, one takes one's destiny or fate into their own hands. Voodoo practitioners are generally interested in achieving things, and getting things done. Thus, they scurry quickly towards either their Fate or Destiny, depending upon which path they choose to follow more than the other. However, it is important to note that the temptation to over-use and abuse power is often too overwhelming for most poor mortals. Thus, even the best practitioners, with the most noble hearts, have been corrupted by the ease-of-access that the Petro Loa represent. When they really need something to happen right away, even the most devout and pure practitioners may come to call upon the Petro Loa for a favour or two. Once they start down this path, they begin to further the words of Diabolicals, and begin to further their own destruction, as well!! Walk in Beauty, Rob Wolff / Bodhi rob@v-wave.com Nicholas Copernicus, Master Astronomer Stood up and Shouted, addressing the throng, "Abandon poor Ptolomy, Stand up and follow me, Heliocentrically, Ptolomy's Wrong!!" ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 13:14:03 -0800 From: Clinton Wolf Subject: Re: IN> Re: Alu-Fiends Hatcher Rhanyr wrote: > > Earl Wajenberg wrote: > > > I never heard of the "Alu-fiend." What's it like? > > OOPS....AD&D Reference... > (Hatcher scans the sky for any TSR lawyers) There's a character idea... word bound under Nybbas - Demon of Copyrights. > In the Planescape Setting an Alu-Fiend is a child from a male human and > a female fiend. (i.e. what you get when a Lilim gets pregnant maybe??) Oh no... I haven't even looked at the rest of my mail and I just know this has started a "Celestial Pregnancy" thread... *straps on helmet* ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 21:21:36 GMT From: w_mazur@primenet.com (Walt Mazur) Subject: IN> Heaven's Gate; was From the Mind of Hatcher Rhanyr On Fri, 28 Mar 1997 10:29:30 -0500, Hatcher Rhanyr wrote: >Yes...it's another glimpse into the mind of someone who probably should >be institutionalized... Let he who is without quirks hand out the first straitjacket. >Thought #1- > I'm certain anyone who lives in the US (don't know how many ppl on the >list are in other countries) has heard of the situation that occured in >San Diego involving the "Heaven's Gate Cult". I'm not suggesting that >what occured wasn't a tragedy...in fact the massive suicide was very >tragic and I feel for everyone who is involved with this. However I >thought that the progression of this "cult" might make an interesting >adventure seed. ... Maybe I've gotten too desesitized by all the bad jokes about this on Politically Incorrect, but the question that runs through my mind is who got points for this: Saminga's Balseraph of Suicide? Kobal's Impudite of Cults? Yves' Elohim of Evolution? ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 17:41:54 -0600 From: rbeall@fdldotnet.com (Grim88) Subject: IN> Elohim and Emote Can an Elohim take the Emote skill, or would this be dissonant. My player wants this, but I'm not sure if its legal. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 15:46:37 -0600 (CST) From: Thany Subject: Re: IN> Roles You have to get them past the GM, though. - -- "I don't need your spells or the little games you try to pull on me/Come to think of it I don't need your religion" - Blind Melon, "Holyman" Disclaimer: I babble. A lot. If you don't understand something I said, don't worry, I probably don't, either. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 16:48:51 -0500 (EST) From: Gregory Littmann Subject: Re: IN> Devilish tunes Have I just missed some posts, or has *no-one* mentioned "Sympathy with the Devil" by the Rolling Stones? Was it just thought to be too obvious? ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 17:21:33 -0500 From: Elizabeth McCoy Subject: Re: IN> Elohim and Emote At 5:41 PM -0600 3/28/97, Grim88 wrote: >Can an Elohim take the Emote skill, or would this be dissonant. My player >wants this, but I'm not sure if its legal. You don't have to *feel* what you're Emoting. (In GURPS terms, Emote is Acting skill.) It will read as "truth" if you're Emoting what you're really feeling, but it doesn't *have* to be what you're feeling. It would be something that would be *dicey* for an Elohite to do, and s/he'd have to be very sure that hir actions were purely for the benefit of the Symphony, and not self-interest-directed. And it might get a trio of Dominic's Finest descending upon hir to see if sie was actually showing *real* emotions, rather than acting! (Probably including another Elohite, to gague hir emotional state and how much sie was allowing it free reign.) - --emccoy@nh.ultranet.com // arcangel@io.com // emccoy@jade.mv.net GURPS characters, Roleplayers; Art: http://www.io.com/~arcangel/ ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 17:34:46 -0500 From: Elizabeth McCoy Subject: Re: IN> Voodoo Rules I know little of "Voodoo," but this seems to be a balanced and interesting In Nomine take on it... - --emccoy@nh.ultranet.com // arcangel@io.com // emccoy@jade.mv.net GURPS characters, Roleplayers; Art: http://www.io.com/~arcangel/ ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 17:39:39 -0500 From: Elizabeth McCoy Subject: Re: IN> Re: Alu-Fiends At 12:48 PM -0500 3/28/97, Hatcher Rhanyr wrote: >Earl Wajenberg wrote: > >> I never heard of the "Alu-fiend." What's it like? > >OOPS....AD&D Reference... >(Hatcher scans the sky for any TSR lawyers) Oooops. >In the Planescape Setting an Alu-Fiend is a child from a male human and >a female fiend. (i.e. what you get when a Lilim gets pregnant maybe??) According to Gustav's Dictionary of Angels (inc. the Fallen Ones), there were offspring between Lilith and Adam (Cain, for one)... No doubt she's close-mouthed as all getout there! Cain being human, this would suggest that the default is human sons, at least. Perhaps Lilim daughters? (Unlikely that Lilim could do that themselves -- Lilith wants to keep her secret recipe a secret!) - --emccoy@nh.ultranet.com // arcangel@io.com // emccoy@jade.mv.net GURPS characters, Roleplayers; Art: http://www.io.com/~arcangel/ ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 17:42:46 -0500 From: Elizabeth McCoy Subject: Re: IN> Roles At 11:26 AM -0600 3/28/97, Shadowcat wrote: >In an earlier post it was suggested that a Role of Faith Healer would not >totaly cover the noticability of using the songs of healing. I think my take on this is that if you're using Essence "with control," the Essence is going to make a noise. You *might* be able to get the Check-Digit-Disturbance of a Song covered by a Role (might, if I'm feeling generous), but the basic Essence-cost will make some slight amount of noise. I generally think that the Role is supposed to let celestials get away with "mundane" things that are noisy when a celestial does them; doing supernatural things is supernatural, and always noisy. (Even if a human is doing them!) - --emccoy@nh.ultranet.com // arcangel@io.com // emccoy@jade.mv.net GURPS characters, Roleplayers; Art: http://www.io.com/~arcangel/ ------------------------------ End of in_nomine-digest V1 #94 ****************************** The material here is (C) 1996 Steve Jackson Games, Incorporated. All rights reserved.