Anima Beyond Fantasy Dramatis Personae English Translation

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Exxet, Those Who Walked Amongst Us Vol. 1, Arcana Exxet and Prometheum Exxet.

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Index

Page

Disclaimer

2 Characters

XII

4 Kali

7 The Colonel

9 Anna Never

11 Romeo Exxet

13 Nerelas Ul Del Sylvanus

16 Griever

18 Yuri Olson

20 Ophiel

22 Kujaku

25

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Name: Unknown

Rank: Supervisor of the Crows of Wissenschaft Place of Birth: Unknown

Age: Unknown (presumably about 28 years old)

Fighting Style: Self-taught based on a combination of firearms, swords and speed Ethnicity: Asher

Height: 1.81 m Weight: 81 Kg Hobbies: Unknown

What they most appreciate: Nothing What they hate most: Noise

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Level: 10 Life Points: 195 Class: Shadow

Race: Nephilim D’Anjayni

Str: 8 Dex: 11 Agi: 15 Con: 7 Pow: 9 Int: 8 Will: 10 Per: 11

PhR: 80 MR: 85 PsR: 90 VR: 80 DR: 80

Initiative: 190 Natural, 180 Long Sword, 170 Pistol, 170

Leo (Pistol), 140 Leo (Sword)

Attack Ability: 270 Leo (+10), 270 Long Sword +10 Defense Ability: 265 Dodge

Damage: 110 Sword, 80 Bullets, 90 Long Sword +10 Wear Armor: 10

AT: None MK: 250

Ki Abilities: Use of Ki, Ki Control, Ki Detection, Erudition,

Weight Elimination, Presence Extrusion, Aura Extension, Use of Necessary Energy, Ki Concealment, Aura of Concealment.

Ki Accumulations: STR 1 DEX 3 AGI 3 CON 1

POW 1 WILL 3 Total: 12

Generic Ki: 96

Techniques: Veritas, Versus, Visio Dei

Advantages and Disadvantages: Ambidextrous, Severe

Phobia, Imperceptible Ki, Night Vision, Immunity to Pain and Fatigue.

Natural Abilities: Ars Magnus: Leo, Long Sword Powers: Inhumanity, Zen.

Size: 15 Medium Regeneration: 14 Movement Value: 15 Fatigue: 7

Secondary Abilities: Acrobatics 90, Athleticism 65,

Swim 40, Jump 20, Climb 65, Style 20, Leadership 20, Lock Picking 30, Disguise 130 Hide 250, Theft 30, Stealth 260, Poisons 20, Notice 250, Search 250, Track 30 , Science 65, History 65, Medicine 65, Memorize 65, Composure 75, Withstand Pain 75, Sleight of Hand 30 Cheats, Ki Detection 250, Ki Concealment 435.

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ROCESS

If XII abilities were already considerably inhuman, having been subjected to The Process has given him many unique abilities. The following are the most prevalent. Overall, the abilities from The Process have a Level modifier of +3.

Adaptability: XII's body has the ability to rapidly adapt

to any situation or contingency. At the start of any turn, he may declare that he gains one the following advantages:

+20 to his Attack Ability +20 to his Defence Ability +20 to Initiative

AT 5 against all types of attack +30 to all his Resistances +4 to Strength

+1 to Agility

+50 to Notice and Search

However, activating his ability to adapt puts a considerable strain on the nervous system of XII, so you cannot use it for more than 5 minutes each day.

Regeneration: The Process provides XII with a

Regeneration 14.

More Than Human: While criticals continue to affect

him like any other being, XII has no vulnerable points on his body (not even his head or heart).

Minor Telekinesis: XII can use without limit the Minor

Telekinesis Psychic Power at the Medium Difficulty.

Physical Need: XII must consume small amounts of

processed blood regularly to survive. If he spends more than a week without it he would begin to suffer pain and discomfort, which will produce a -20 All Action Penalty and would cause the rest of his powers from The Process to become unstable. If he still does not receive his dose, his body will begin to degenerate and go into a state of dementia until, in a period between one and two months, he would die.

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Very little is known of XII, the reserved and solitary Supervisor of the Crows of Wissenschaft. The majority of the agents of the organization do not know him nor have they even seen him; only a shadow moving in the darkness of the world. Inexplicably appearing in different places around Gaia and, similarly, vanishes without a trace of their presence. Some say it is nothing but a ghost, a legend embodied by someone different each time.

But he does exist.

XII is one of the main agents of the prince of Lucrecio and, despite the short time he has been active, he is one of the pillars that support the current power structure of Wissenschaft. Unlike other Crows if first rank he is known only by the number that was assigned to him upon joining the organization. According to the Arcana of the Tarot the twelfth card is The Hanged Man, representation of sacrifice and atonement, the incarnation of those who have given their all for what they believe. But the Arcane also has a much darker interpretation, the eternal suffering and martyrdom. The reasons why he received that particular number is unknown, but no doubt that Lucanor had an appropriate motive for it.

XII's identity before becoming what it is today is a mystery. No one but the prince of Lucrecio himself, knows anything at all about his former life and, since none of them ever speaks of the past, it is difficult to know someone else. However, there is no doubt that the Crow is completely faithful to the principles of the organization and to be the prince of Lucrecio absolute dedication.

Although the rest of the leadership of Wissenschaft is ignorant, XII is the most perfect of all the Crows created to date. His level of synchronization is at the limit of a true Processed, while not suffering any negative consequences that always carries from the experiment. Even possessing a purity rate close to ten precent, his body has not experienced physical alterations or deformities, only obtaining pure power.

This is not entirely fortuitous; it is because Lucanor decided to subject him to the experiment in a different way to the others. While every one of the organization’s Crows are a work of art of supernatural genetic engineering, XII is more, it is a masterpiece carved with time and dedication. For five long years he remained in suspended animation, cryogenically frozen in laboratories of Wissenschaft while slowly his blood was being replaced by the dark fluid that gives birth to the Processed. Thanks to that his body was able to adapt to the substance without serious alterations. XII was not the only one who tried this method, but he was the only one who survived it.

He is solitary and silent, perhaps that is why, the rare times that he says something, everyone will listen. He behaves in a cold and direct manner, while his sudden appearance always causes nervousness among researchers and Crows. When not engaged in a mission or managing operations and away from the bustle of cities, he looks for quiet places where no one will bother him.

XII has capabilities worthy of his legend. If his combat ability was is itself inhuman, the Process has merely multiplied his powers to limits impossible for a mortal man. He is so fast that when moving he disappears from the view of ordinary people and even superhuman individuals distinguish him as a dark blur approaching them. He fights using two technomagical weapons called Nillium and Ether, a sword-pistol and an automatic revolver, wielding them as if they were a part of him. His inexplicable speed allows him to combine physical attacks with long-range shots; running following his own projectiles leaving no possible escape to his enemies. Surprisingly, his speed is not the only gift he has obtained from the Process, his body and his essence is able to adapt in seconds to any contingency or necessity. This allows it to withstand blows that would kill any normal person (even surviving impacts that have pierced his heart), or repel supernatural effects of the highest level.

From that, less than a year later, Lucanor put him in charge the main bulk of the Crows of Wissenschaft, his work has been superb. He appears wherever the Organization needs it, either to strengthen the security of any of its facilities or ensure that those who threaten the objectives of the Prince are removed. He is also in charge of eliminating the possible leaks of information and, if it were the case, any renegade agent. He acts alone but in the rare cases where it is considered necessary for a large-scale operation, he commands two agents only chosen to form his assault team of Wissenschaft. His current role is to accompany the Researcher Reist Ebersbacher and provide all the tactical support he may need to recover the Lost Loggia of Solomon pursued by the Empire and Azur, as well as test the latest weapons developed by Wissenschaft. He also needs to secretly monitor Ebersbacher’s actions and ensure that, in any case, not overstepping in his duties. For the first time since he was reborn in the world, XII will show his true power.

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K

ALI

Real Name: Kali Ul Del Serendis Rank: Executioner of Selene Place of Birth: Selene Age: 20

Fighting Style: Assassination Arts of Selene Ethnicity: Vildian with Sylvain blood Height: 1.74 m

Weight: 41 Kg

Measurements: 82-59-89 Hobbies: Collecting Scarves

What they most appreciate: A pendant given to her by Celia What they hate most: Failing her mother

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Level: 10 Life Points: 135 Class: Shadow Race: Half Sylvain

PhR: 85 MR: 100 PsR: 85 VR: 95 DR: 95

Initiative: 165 Natural, 175 Stiletto +10, 175 Kunai 10,

180 Daggers

Attack Ability: 250 Selene, 260 Stiletto +10, Kunai +10

or Dagger +10

Defense Ability: 270 Dodge (Selene)

Damage: 30 Selene, 60 Stiletto +10, 60 Kunai +10, 80

Dagger +10

Wear Armor: 5 AT: None MK: 290

Ki Abilities: Use of Ki, Ki Control, Ki Detection, Erudition,

Weight Elimination, Presence Extrusion, Aura Extension, Use of Necessary Energy, Ki Concealment, False Death, Inhumanity.

Generic Ki: 57

Techniques: Shadow Jump, Daughter of the Moon,

Sinalma, Festival of the Four Seasons

Advantages and Disadvantages: Ambidextrous, Acute

Senses, Martial Mastery 1.

Natural Abilities: Aikido (Advanced), Selene (Base),

Selene Weapons Module.

Ride 30, Swim 30, Jump 15, Climb 60, Intimidate 125, Lock Picking 30, Hide 220, Theft 30, Stealth 245, Trap Lore 30, Poisons 140, Notice 220, Search 220, Track 160, Memorize 15 , Composure 40, Withstand Pain 65, Sleight of Hand 70, Ki Detection 255, Ki Concealment 305.

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XECUTIONER

Within Selene nobody is as feared as Kali, the Executioner. The daughter of Alaxa, the very lady of the organization herself, this young woman is a peerless hunter, a perfect assassin with who bears the role to find and kill renegade agents who have betrayed Selene and destroy anything that might endanger her companions. Some even consider her the best of all assassins in the world; they say she has the ability to destroy anything that becomes her target, whether mortal or divine.

The very existence of Kali is shrouded in mystery, because even Alaxa has never revealed the identity of her father, although it appears that he was human. That makes the young executioner an unusually rare mixed race, since the fact that a Sylvain bearing the child of a Human is something that has been seen little more than a dozen times in history. Either way, the only thing known for sure is that she was born on the island of Selene, where as one might anticipate she soon demonstrated that she had inherited Alaxa’s enormous talent for combat. She soon became the brightest of all students and only her sister Celia, with whom she developed a strong rivalry and friendship with, managed to keep up with her. Both girls competed in countless tests without reaching a clear dominance over the other, and decided to settle their dispute by participating in a mission that would determine who would get the title of Executioner of Selene.

Surprisingly, although it was Celia who managed to find her target first, she decided to drop out of the organization. Devastated by the decision of the one whom she believed more than a sister, Kali won the title with the terrible task of one day having to kill her best friend.

Since that moment, already turned into the Executioner of Selene, she has done her job with absolute efficiency, which has allowed the organization to survive even in the dark periods that have recently passed.

Kali has a really unusual personality. She's cold while ironic, distant while very human. She has no qualms about killing, but at the same time would not hurt anyone if it was not part of her duty as executioner. Therefore, it sometimes seems as if two different people are sharing the same body. When not acting as an agent she behaves like an ordinary young woman who loves dresses and pretty things. However, when a task is entrusted to her, a completely different nature awakens in her, making her a perfect assassin, the very embodiment of death.

Too often she feels alone but after what she considers a betrayal by Celia, her only friend, she never tried to get close to anyone for fear of again losing another person important to her. However, she professes absolute devotion to her mother, so she would do anything that she asked. Naturally, as the Executioner, she is a master in the arts of combat and assassination without equal. She could hide even from the darkness itself, and her natural instinct to find a weak point in the defence of her targets is unmatched. As if that were not enough, she has mastered four of the original ancestral Selene techniques, considered in antiquity as some of the most powerful ever created.

Recently she has been involved in the events leading to the Breach of the Heavens. Commissioned by the former Archbishop, the ultimate assassin has been given to hunt numerous individuals endowed with unique powers, which has even led to confrontation with the best agents of Wissenschaft. At the moment her whereabouts are unknown, but those who know her do not hesitate to continue acting in the shadows as they always have, towards the benefit of the organization.

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OLONEL

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Real Name: Wilhelm (his last name is unknown) Rank: Colonel of Les Jaeger

Place of Birth: Togarini Age: 28

Fighting Style: Hephastios and Azur Assassin Commando Style Ethnicity: Daevar

Height: 1.91 m Weight: 82 Kg Hobbies: Playing chess

What they most appreciate: Logic

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Level: 8 Life Points: 220 Class: Dark Paladin / Tao Race: Human

PhR: 75 MR: 75 PsR: 85 VR: 75 DR: 75 Initiative: 130 Natural, 120 Godhand + Hephastios Attack Ability: 215 Godhand

Defense Ability: 200 Godhand Damage: 80 Godhand

Wear Armor: 50

AT: Longcoat of Command (A. Longcoat +10) (Cut 3,

Impact 2, Thrust 4, Heat 3, Electric 4, Cold 4, Energy 2)

MK: 190

Ki Abilities: Use of Ki, Ki Control, Presence Extrusion,

Aura Extension, Increased Damage, Use of Necessary Energy.

Generic Ki: 85

Techniques: Hephastios Crest, Awakening of Ifrit

Advantages and Disadvantages: Natural Learner

(Tactics), See Supernatural, Disquieting.

Natural Abilities: Boxing (Supreme), Godhand (Base). Size: 16 Medium Regeneration: 2 Movement Value: 8 Fatigue: 8

Secondary Abilities: Ride 60, Swim 30, Style 70,

Intimidate 160, Leadership 210, Persuasion 170, Tactics 240, Notice 60, Search 60, History 40, Composure 150, Feats of Strength 120, Withstand Pain 100, Sleight of Hand 70.

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AEGER

No one doubts that Les Jaeger is the most powerful organization of the few in the Alliance. Despite having been recently created, its agents are feared and respected above any other military in the world. However, even within Les Jaeger there is a person whose mere mention produces a mixture of awe and terror, a man whose power and influence has spread worldwide. Everything about him is a mystery. In fact, it can be counted on the fingers of one hand those who even know his real name.

For the rest, it's just The Colonel.

The story of this enigmatic individual and his rise to power is the subject of debate, as there are few who know anything of his life before he became Supreme Leader of Les Jaeger. The only thing known for sure is that when he was young, he briefly entered the service of the Lord of War Tadeus Van Horsman, becoming his right hand for a short period. For unknown reasons, he abandoned Tadeus to be under the command of Gaul and support him during the breakup of the Empire, ensuring power to Azur. After the creation of the Alliance, the Supreme Archon Gaul put him at the head of his body of intelligence and special forces, to which the Colonel christened the named Les Jaeger. In that position he responds to no authority except that of the Arbiter Aizen and Gaul himself. In fact, he controls the entire organization with such thoroughness and perfection it would be possible to collapse without him.

The Colonel is one of the most brilliant military minds of Azur (maybe even the world), only comparable to that of some of Arbiters and to Gaul. Each of his plans, each of his strategies... is a perfectly calculated move in which each and every one of the details are always provided. For him, the life of his men is little more than a bargaining chip with which to achieve mission success.

However, his strategic capabilities and planning are not his only qualities. The Colonel is a talented martial artist who has forged his immeasurable body into a living weapon. His perfect mastery of Ki and huge inner energy make him one of the worst enemies that anybody can ever face in combat. When fighting, his mere presence is so powerful that it can even paralyse his enemies, frozen like a toad watching the eyes of a snake. And thanks to the acquisition of the Hephastios armband, an ancient technomagical weapon that can control fire, his powers have increased to reach levels of power never seen before, with a mere gesture he creates huge tongues of fire consuming everything they touch. Therefore, no man or immortal can oppose him, and even the some of the Arbiters respect him.

It is difficult to determine what drives his cold heart, although those that believe he is a dark creature and greedy for power could not be more wrong. At heart, Colonel knows that the world is doomed to chaos and, in its current state, humanity is headed to inevitable destruction. Therefore, his goal is to return order to Gaia, for which absolute power is needed to guide man down the right path. The cost in lives or collateral damage is simply a minor price to pay.

For months has focused all efforts of Les Jaeger on finding and controlling all Lost Loggia relics of the world, knowing that he who controls their power, will have Gaïa at their feet. He has assembled a group of Special Forces directly to his service with which he plans to confront all organizations in the shadows that try to oppose him.

At last, the final game is about to begin. And The Colonel does not intend to lose.

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A

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EVER

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Real Name: Elisabetta Barbados

Rank: Empress of the Sacred Holy Empire of Abel Place of Birth: Abel

Age: 13

Fighting Style: Angelus Fencing Ethnicity: Aionense

Height: 1.38 m Weight: 38 Kg

Measurements: Secret! Hobbies: Travelling incognito

What they most appreciate: Too many things

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Level: 7 Life Points: 190 Class: Paladin Race: Human

PhR: 90 MR: 105 PsR: 95 VR: 90 DR: 90

Initiative: 120 Natural, 90 Angelus (Bastard Sword +20),

110 Katana +10

Attack Ability: 185 Angelus (Bastard Sword +20), 185

Katana +10

Defense Ability: 210 Angelus (Bastard Sword +20), 210

Katana +10

Damage: 130 Angelus (Bastard Sword +20), 90 Katana

+10

Wear Armor: 75 AT: None MK: 180

Ki Abilities: Use of Ki, Ki Control, Ki Detection, Presence

Extrusion, Aura Extension, Increased Speed, Use of Necessary Energy, Ki Concealment.

Generic Ki: 75 Techniques: Last Song

Advantages and Disadvantages: See Supernatural,

Charm, Good Luck, Martial Mastery.

Natural Abilities: Mixed-Class Weapon module (Katana). Special: Mikael 50, Uriel 50, Jedah 50, Gabriel 50, Noah

50, Rafael 50, Erebus 50, Azrael 50, Barakiel 50, Eriol 50, Meseguis 50.

Secondary Abilities: Acrobatics 50, Athleticism 30, Ride

80, Swim 30, Jump 15, Climb 40, Style 135, Intimidate 30, Leadership 220, Persuasion 120, Disguise 100, Hide 60, Stealth 65, Notice 115, Search 75, Track 25, Animals 90, Science 40, Herbal Lore 90, History 125, Medicine 50, Memorize 50, Navigation 50, Occult 90 Appraisal 50, Magic Appraisal 60, Composure 135, Feats of Strength 20, Withstand Pain 110, Art 75, Dance 75, Music 75 , Sleight of Hand 35, Ki Detection 150, Ki Concealment 125.

The young woman Anna Never, daughter of some simple traders of Gabriel that travels to all corners of Gaia, could be overlooked were it not that, for one reason or another, she has been directly involved in the major events that shook the world the past year. However, it is much more than mere chance that has led to this young lady of thirteen years old to become one of the people most relevant to what happens in Gaia.

"Anna Never" is nothing more than an identity of Elisabetta Barbados, the child Empress of the Sacred Holy Empire of Abel, uses to travel the world incognito. With that name she may go unnoticed and observe the world with her own eyes.

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RAVELLER

Even at a young age, her personal history has always been fraught with problems and difficulties. Her mother died bringing her into the world, the reason why Elias hated her and, considering her the cause of the death of his beloved wife, kept his distance from her. Alone and friendless, she tried to grow up happy, even when everything seemed to be against her. Her character soon won her the affection of many people, among whom is included the Lord of War Tadeus Van Horsman himself.

During the Breach of the Heavens, Elisabetta was an exceptional witness of everything that happened, realizing that there were forces in the world and unknown powers. After the death of her father and the subsequent chaos she decided, very reluctantly, to assume full control of the Empire with the support of Tadeus Van Horsman and the Order of Heaven. Even knowing that her appointment would cause a stir, Elisabetta thought it would be much worse if she let Abel be shattered even more than it was. Since coming to the throne, she began to enact revolutionary laws and edicts that led to the unconditional support of one sector of society and the absolute rejection of the other.

Since she began her travels as Anna Never she has gotten into endless trouble and problems, temporarily making unlikely traveling companions (with people as unusual as Sylvia Ul Del Sylvanus and Donoban Van Horsman). As "Anna" she has even been involved in some issues against the Empire, when she considered Abel's actions were unfair and there was abuse of power. One of the things that have most shocked her is her trip to Remo. Although she has spent very little time there, what she saw there truly left her horrified. Including the hatred of these people towards the Empire and no justification for the atrocities committed there. That's one of the reasons for her rejecting to wage war against Azur, as she believes that people have already suffered too much in too little time.

Of course, Anna's identity is only one of many faces. Although she has been fond of her, if necessary she would have no problem taking another name to keep traveling anonymously. She secretly hopes one day to meet again with Nemesis, wishing right now that she had the courage to confess her feelings. Her head tells her that it is nothing more than foolishness of her age and knows that he is someone exceptionally dangerous for her, but neither one thing nor the other manages to silence her young heart. Despite her young age, the Empress has demonstrated an incredible talent for fighting, and thanks to the training she has received from Kisidan, already is a true master with the sword. Her learning was so amazing that even her own teacher believes that, in a few years, she might even be his equal (something unthinkable for a mere "mortal").

Elisabetta has attracted the attention of C'iel and Gaira as even they were not expecting. The unusual behaviour of this young girl has made them both put a lot of interest in her, making sure that no power, not even themselves, can influence her decisions. Interestingly, she is undoubtedly one of the human beings with the greatest Gnosis of those to have existed for centuries, so certainly her actions, whether for good or bad, will alter the course of events of Gaia as nobody could predict.

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R

OMEO

E

XXET

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Name: Romeo Exxet

Rank: Supreme High Inquisitor of the Church of Abel Place of Birth: Unknown

Age: 32

Fighting Style: Mundus in combination with sacred power Ethnicity: Undetermined

Height: 1.93 m Weight: 92 Kg Hobbies: Meditating

What they most appreciate: Power

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Level: 11 Life Points: 245 Class: Warlock Race: Human

PhR: 135 MR: 140 PsR: 135 VR: 135 DR: 135 Initiative: 125 Mundus, 95 Jared (Bastard Sword +20) Attack Ability: 255 Mundus, 275 Jared (Bastard Sword

+20)

Defense Ability: 255 Mundus, 275 Jared (Bastard Sword

+20)

Damage: 110 Mundus, 160 Jarad (Bastard Sword +20) Wear Armor: 75

AT: Wings of Azreal (Half-Plate +15) (Cut 7, Impact 7,

Thrust 7, Heat 5, Electric 3, Cold 4, Energy 4)

MK: 250

Ki Abilities: Use of Ki, Ki Control, Ki Detection, Weight

Elimination, Levitation, Object Motion, Mass Movement, Flight, Presence Extrusion, Aura Extension, Use of Necessary Energy, Inhumanity.

Generic Ki: 70

Techniques: Caedus Celestia MA: 90 (100 with Jared) Zeon: 1,595

Magic Projection: 210 Offensive Projection, 230 through

Jarad

Magic Level: 80 Light

Metamagic Advantages: Spell Specialist 30, Spell

Specialist 60, Double Spell.

Advantages and Disadvantages: The Gift, Touched by

Destiny, Use of Armour 1.

Natural Abilities: Mundus: Control of the Surroundings,

Magic Projection as an Attack.

Special: Mikael 80, Azrael 80, Chosen of the Light. Size: 20 Medium Regeneration: 3 Movement Value: 10 Fatigue: 10

Secondary Abilities: Ride 65 Swim 60, Style 125,

Intimidate 70, Leadership 240, 120 Persuasion, Notice 100, Search 100, History 120, Occult 200, Magic Appraisal 180, Composure 100, Feats of Strength 45, Withstand Pain 100.

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L

IGHT

Although superficially he could be considered "human", Romeo Exxet possesses powers far superior to that any mortal could have. This is represented in a number of unique abilities, both physical and spiritual, that are described below. Overall, the capabilities of Chosen of the Light have a level modifier of +3.

Luminous Nature: In terms of play Romeo has

absolute affinity towards the light as if he were an elemental creature of high rank. Any being of light of low or intermediate grade will automatically consider him its superior, and must pass an MR or PsR check against 120 in order to refuse to follow a direct order given by him. Furthermore, halve any damage received that is based on light, except those that is produced by beings with Gnosis 35 or higher.

Exterminator of Gods: Any attack that Romeo makes

against creatures with a Natura greater than 10 or Gnosis greater than 20 applies a special bonus of +50 to its damage. This ability modifies both the physical and magical attacks of Romeo.

Seraphim Wings: At will Romeo can externalize a pair

of huge wings of light that allow him to move through the air with a Flight Value 12. This ability can only be maintained for 5 rounds, after which he must wait a full minute before using it again.

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The Supreme Inquisitor Romeo Exxet is the highest figure of power of the Inquisition. His name is pronounced in whispers with a mixture of fear and unconditional devotion. In the eyes of the world he is a holy man, endowed with divine powers and gifts that have not been seen since the era of the Messiah, whose fate is none other than the salvation of Gaïa from perdition.

But the truth, like dreams, is always open to many interpretations.

It is impossible to deny that Romeo is a unique man, a figure in whom it is difficult to determine whether he represents the ideal embodiment of an Inquisitor or its more radical opposite. In the five years he has spent as Supreme Inquisitor his fame has spread like the wind. He is very intelligent and has shown to be a person both so sympathetic and fearsome. He is not at all cruel, he is even tolerant of matter other Inquisitors consider heretical. However, he is completely without pity or remorse. Anything that is an obstacle or danger to his goals is something with no place in the world.

As head of the Inquisition and the most powerful of all the High Inquisitors of history, his personal and political power is at the level of the greatest powers of Gaia. A single word and thousands of people would give their lives without hesitation or kill with the same fervour. The Inquisitors, from the most radical to the most moderate, follow what he says with absolute fidelity by his charisma and leadership. His will within church circles is absolute, since only he answers for his actions before the Thirteenth Cardinal and Supreme Archbishop. In fact he is the only person in the world, with the exception of Magnus, who knows the identity of the Cardinal in the Shadows.

Born under a prophecy that he would be a saviour, his personal history has always been surrounded by darkness. Unlike the rest of Inquisitors he was not raised in Albidion, but confining him from the continent in a monastery on the tiny island of Kaasi. There, the best teachers were totally devoted to him to cultivate his body and mind, with the sole aim of creating the ultimate Inquisitor.

And they succeeded.

In only fifteen years his skills far exceeded those of all his instructors together and his natural powers were such that it even produced fear among his peers. Some members of the high ecclesiastical circles even consider that maybe it was too dangerous to let him live. It was the intervention of Augustus, former Supreme Archbishop, who exonerated Romeo of any suspicion, but the old man saw that the boy was perhaps too perfect. Years later, it was impossible to deny that there is any soul in Gaïa more qualified than Romeo for Supreme Inquisitor.

Everything that is in him, from the tiniest of his hair to the last drop of his blood emanates true power. In his body converge dynasties of various incarnations of the seven sacred Beryls, and his arrival in the world was predicted for centuries as a chosen of the light. Blessed from the moment of his birth, Romeo has always been a giant among ants. His natural affinity is such that even the most powerful elementals kneel before him and serve him as if his words were absolute orders.

Given his position he usually never enters the battlefield personally letting other Inquisitors do it for him. However, if for any reason he is forced too, he boasts an immense destructive power. In combat he carries one of the eleven original Lawmakers, who belonged to the Apostle Jared, The Executioner. It is a huge cross-shaped greatsword forged with the blood of the Messiah that the Supreme Inquisitor always has across his back. In reality he never unsheathes it; he simply makes it float around him as he wields it with unparalleled expertise.

Romeo sincerely believes he has been chosen to save the world from destruction that it is heading towards. He feels he is the final instrument of a higher force that guides his hand and destiny. For him names like God, C'iel or Beryls are just different names from what he represents, is the saviour of existence itself. Therefore he seeks to obtain power, absolute and ultimate power that allows imposing his will as supreme will.

Being the voice of God.

While aware of the power of the Lost Loggia and he controls a considerable number of them, he despises their abilities and those who use them. He believes that those who seek to use them are just fools blinded by earthly things, unable to realize that there are other higher powers available to anyone who would look. But, as irritating as he finds it, he knows that when his plans will have to wait a little longer. The transient state of weakness in which the Church is in forces him to try to ensure a certain order before he can continue to focus on his plans. And thanks to the information services of the Thirteenth Cardinal he has found that different forces are actively acting in the shadow against the Circle of Cardinals, as well as his own master. Although he does not really care too much what the destiny awaits them (and knows that the Thirteenth Cardinal is no danger), he is really annoyed that they are trying to act against the Church. That is why the Supreme Inquisitor is very active now, the sooner he can fix these minor issues, the sooner he can begin his true objectives.

For Romeo, the day when the world is saved by his hand is getting closer.

(16)

N

ERELAS

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DEL

S

YLVANUS

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Real Name: Nerelas Ul Del Sylvanus Rank: Lord of all the Faerie Nations Place of Birth: Sylvania

Age: 254

Fighting Style: Divine Arts fighting combined with arcane magic Ethnicity: Sylvain

Height: 1.82 m Weight: 68 Kg Hobbies: Reading

What they most appreciate: His sister Sylvia What they hate most: Mankind

(17)

Level: 14 Life Points: 250 Class: Warlock Race: Sylvain

PhR: 105 MR: 150 PsR: 135 VR: 115 DR: 125 Initiative: 155 Natural, 165 Pillar of Souls (Quarterstaff

+20)

Attack Ability: 330 Pillar of Souls (Quarterstaff +20) Defense Ability: 330 Pillar of Souls (Quarterstaff +20) Damage: 100 Pillar of Souls (Quarterstaff +20) Wear Armor: 10

AT: Sylvanus Ceremonial Uniform (Cut 4, Impact 4, Thrust

4, Heat 4, Electric 4, Cold 4, Energy 5)

MK: 280

Aura Extension, Use of Necessary Energy.

(DEX 4 POW 5 WILL 3 with the Pillar of Souls)

Generic Ki: 76

Techniques: End of Fantasy, Dedalus, Metatron MA: 200

Zeon: 2,110

Magic Projection: 260, 280 through the Pillar of Souls Magic Level: 80 Light, 50 Fire

Metamagic Advantages: Remove Protection, Increase

Destruction (Arcane), Defensive Expertise (Arcane), Offensive Expertise (Advanced), Mystic Accuracy.

Advantages and Disadvantages: The Gift, Gestureless

Casting, Magic Nature.

Natural Abilities: Magic Projection as an Attack, Magic

Projection as a Defence.

Secondary Abilities: Athleticism 75, Ride 105, Swim

105, Style 120, Intimidate 110, Leadership 140, Persuasion 170, Notice 130, Search 130, Track 15, History 140 Occult 220, Science 120, Magic Appraisal 210, Composure 120, Withstand Pain 120.

"Heir of Ruins" or "Ruler of the Betrayed" are some of the titles by which are known of Nerelas Ul Del Sylvanus, the Fallen Prince. Son of the late Emperor Taumiel, and if the elven nations still existed he would be the supreme ruler of all that mankind now considered "faerie tales".

Like his twin sister Sylvia, Nerelas was born in the period of splendour for Sylvania, in those days of illusion in which the faerie races dreamed of regaining their old life. Endowed with innate powers far superior to any other supernatural being, the burden was upon him to raise the empire that in antiquity governed Gaia. For theirs was more than mortal, was a beacon of hope that returned the light to those who were lost.

T

HE

F

ALLEN

P

RINCE

However, the fateful night when his sister disconnected the defences of Sylvania he knew everything had come to an end. Between death, pain and suffering of their own, the fallen prince did what was in his power to save as many as he could, but not without changing forever.

As opposed to the usual in his people, Nerelas always allowed his passions to guide him. He is an individual of great contradictions, capable of loving as intensely as appalling is his resentment and anger. He carries on his shoulders the weight of many regrets and heartbreaking hatred towards mankind and all those who betrayed him. Yet, there is some light in his nature and he has not yet crossed an impassable line in his actions, but he knows that when he does, there will be no turning back for him. In recent decades he has become a dark and melancholic figure, who does not hesitate to resort to any measures, however radical, to achieve his goals. Above all he wants to obtain huge power, a force greater than that of a god itself with which to protect his own and take revenge against those who destroyed them.

Using the knowledge he gained during the time he spent in Sylvania, he has sought for years the location of the Eye of God, an enormous artifact of unparalleled power, and he believes he has found it in the depths of Bekent. Still, knowing that he would not be able to access it, he has left it alone instead searching for a source of energy to make it work, he has not tried to reach it yet for fear of revealing his objectives in the Powers in the Shadows. He has therefore initiated a deal with Kagami, legendary renegade agent of Jürgand, for a part of their technology to control the Eye. Nerelas is sure that Kagami betray him, but after all, he plans to do the same with his partner when he had obtained what he needed. If he gets control of the device he plans to use its power to destroy in an instant the civilization of man, plunging everything into a chaos of flame, as once happened with Sylvania. Knowing that, even with the power that The Eye would confer to him, once he activated it he will be stopped by Imperium a few hours later, but at least he would have gained his revenge. Whether he would finally be able to dare carry it out or not is something only time will tell.

Nourished by the gifts of C'iel and incredible natural talent, the powers of Nerelas border on the divine. Both his magical abilities as his fighting skills make him a true force of nature virtually unstoppable. With his current power, it would be very easy to destroy entire armies in seconds. The Fallen Angels, lords of Samael, have been looking for him for years to offer him a position of prominence among them, but he has always rejected. In fact, he does not have the slightest interest in pursuing purposes other than his own. Undoubtedly, what hurts him most is not knowing the whereabouts of his sister. For he feels very conflicting emotions and, although he wants to hate her with all his heart, his feelings still disturb him. Wishing to find her, but also fears that moment, he ignores what might happen when he finally does.

(18)

G

RIEVER

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Name: Jonathan Grimm

Rank: Knight of the Order of the Seventh Heaven Place of Birth: Abel

Age: 38

Fighting Style: Imperial Fencing Ethnicity: Asher

Height: 2.35 m Weight: 142 Kg Hobbies: None

What they most appreciate: The Empire What they hate most: Failure

(19)

Level: 10 Life Points: 350 Class: Weaponsmaster Race: Human

PhR: 95 MR: 80 PsR: 90 VR: 95 DR: 95 Initiative: 110 Natural, 40 Two-handed Sword +10 Attack Ability: 275 Two-handed Sword +10, 265

Pankration

Defense Ability: 270 Two-handed Sword +10, 260

Pankration

Damage: 160 Two-handed Sword +10, 50 Pankration Wear Armor: 130

AT: Septimus Induviae (Armoured Longcoat +10) (Cut 3,

Impact 2, Thrust 2, Heat 3, Electric 4, Cold 4, Energy 2)

MK: 150

Aura Extension, Use of Necessary Energy, Inhumanity.

Generic Ki: 64 Techniques: None.

Advantages and Disadvantages: Martial Mastery 1, To

the Limit, Untiring.

Natural Abilities: Area Attack module, Chained Attack

module, Defence Against Projectiles module, Firm Grip, Increased Critical module, Bodyguard module, Different-Class / Unarmed module, Ars Magnus: Final Attack, Pankration (Advanced).

Secondary Abilities: Athleticism 65, Ride 75, Swim 40,

Style 55, Intimidate 65, Notice 160, Search 160, Composure 55, Feats of Strength 160, Withstand Pain 120, Sleight of Hand 105.

In the seven hundred year history of the Sacred Holy Empire, the Throne of Abel has benefit from the service of some of the most powerful individuals of Gaia. But of all the agents of the Emperor, among Arbiters and Lords of War, of High Inquisitors and Templars of Tol Rauko, none has generated a myth greater than that of the Knights of the Seventh Heaven. Griever, the Destroyer of the Eternal Flames, is its living embodiment.

Personal guardian of the child Empress, this man is more than just power and skill, he is the force of an ideal made flesh. Son of Baphomet, the last of the Praetorians who directly served the Giovanni dynasty, Griever was trained to be the ultimate weapon of humanity, a man who equally could face gods or demons with his own hands.

His personal history and his life have been complicated. Related by his mother with the Barbados family, the young man could have been anything he chose, but decided to follow the path of Baphomet willingly. His father understood that to ensure the survival of Abel he would need to create a new symbol, someone able to make up for where he had failed. Ironically, he found what he was looking for in his own son.

T

HE

E

TERNAL

F

LAME

Prepared by Baphomet and the best agents of Lascar Giovanni, the boy learned to remove and save lives with the same ease with which others breathe and to face men and nightmares alike. In his own way, he was as a legacy left behind by the previous generation. Griever entered the Order at just thirteen years old and before the age of eighteen he was part of the personal agents of Elias. He participated in dozens of high-level missions and survived several wars in the shadows. He sacrificed everything, even love, just to achieve his goal, and no doubt that he succeeded.

The high Praetorian remained with his mission even when the Empire was plunged into a dark period, more faithful to the ideals that represented Abel than the Sacred Holy Emperor himself. After being briefly removed from his position, by direct order of Elias, he and Tiamat were in charge of stopping the uprising of Yuri Olson. Although he managed to stop the forces of the young general, the Emperor's death was a terrible setback for Griever, who felt that he had failed in his role. The Empire crumbled for the second time without him being able to do anything about it. Then he met Elisabetta Barbados, the daughter of the late Elias who aspired to the throne of Abel. Even in this time of crisis, she managed to keep majority of the Empire together. Griever could not help but crack a wry smile when he realized, the girl would become the image that he had not been. And, whatever the cost, this time around he would protect her.

Formal, disciplined and fully dedicated to his work, the Praetorian Griever is most serious about how he takes his role. He greatly appreciates his three companions, although they often exasperate him. Towards Elisabetta he feels a mixture of affection and admiration, both for her personality as much for her position. He would not hesitate to kill or die for her without hesitation.

Griever's devotion towards Abel is beyond patriotism. It is his purpose and that to which he has devoted his entire life to. Inside he feels every one of the principles underlying the Empire and, as a living standard of its ideals, his only goal is to live up to the expectations that his father had for him. It's really difficult to determine the true power of the Praetorian, because apparently he was not born with innate special powers, but the truth is that there has not been one fighter in the world that has been able to break him in combat. Closer to a primeval force than a man with a sword in his hands he has no equal. He could kill entire armies or cut dragons in half with a movement. He is the ultimate warrior, the ultimate weapon forged by the Empire to destroy all enemies.

Griever does not feel comfortable abandoning Elisabetta for long periods of time, she is most aware that his combat abilities are needed. At the end of the day, he is the sword of his lady.

(20)

Y

URI

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LSON

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Name: Yuri Garvus Olson Rank: Imperial General Place of Birth: Dalaborn Age: 25

Fighting Style: Imperial Fencing Ethnicity: Aionense

Height: 1.83 m Weight: 70 Kg Hobbies: Reading

What they most appreciate: His companions What they hate most: Losing

(21)

Level: 8 Life Points: 240

Class: Paladin / Weaponsmaster Race: Human

PhR: 75 MR: 75 PsR: 75 VR: 75 DR: 75

Initiative: 190 Natural, 100 Exelion (Long Sword +10) Attack Ability: 225 Exelion (Long Sword +10) Defense Ability: 225 Exelion (Long Sword +10) Damage: 90 Exelion (Long Sword +10)

Wear Armor: 120

AT: Medeus (Full Plate +15) (Cut 8, Impact 8, Thrust 8,

Heat 7, Electric 3, Cold 7, Energy 5)

MK: 140 (50 Free)

Aura Extension.

Generic Ki: 58

Techniques: The Tower of the King, Shield of the Queen Advantages and Disadvantages: Charm, Quick

Reflexes, See Supernatural.

Natural Abilities: Knight module.

Size: 16 Medium Regeneration: 2 Movement Value: 8 / 7 Fatigue: 8

Secondary Abilities: Ride 60, Swim 70 (35), Style 130,

Intimidate 70, Leadership 225, Persuasion 130, Tactics 210, Notice 50, Search 40, Track 20, Stealth 40 (5), History 50, Memorize 30, Composure 110, Feats of Strength 50, Withstand Pain 105.

Despite his young age, the Imperial General Yuri Olson is a legend in his own right. Young and impetuous, yet incredibly skilled in all fields, not just the only person in the history of Abel to reach the position of General before turning twenty-two but, were it not for the recent events that have shaken the Empire, no one doubted that one day he would be Lord of War.

Born into the Garvus family, one of the most important military lines of the Empire, and son of High General Sergei Garvus, even before he could stand up properly, he began to be trained in the use of weapons. His father, who soon recognized his natural ability, found in him a diamond in the rough and tried to transform him into the perfect soldier. He tried to instil that the morals and feelings were nothing but an obstacle to turn weaker men and that for his future position, were things he had to do without.

However, Yuri had his own ideas.

T

HE

S

TRATEGIST

At fourteen, after a heated discussion, he left home and renounced the family name. Thanks to his knowledge of military operations he began working as a free agent and, in no time, his achievements were so striking for someone his age that he attracted the attention of the Lord of War Tadeus Van Horsman. Interested in the young man, Van Horsman decided to evaluate him by placing him in command of a small division of men performing covert operations. In that post was where Yuri developed his full potential; by the time he had turned nineteen he had become Tadeus right hand and had no qualms about expressing his opinions openly what has become his mentor. Since then, his charismatic personality and achieved successes making him an inspiration to all young people of Abel. However, his best known act and his consecration as a hero of the Empire came at the time of greatest crisis of Gaia, it was he who, leading a division of the Knights of the Order of Heaven, assaulted Arkangel during the Breach of the Heavens and carried out the rescue of Tadeus.

After the accession to the throne for Elisabetta, the Lord of War turned to Yuri to lead a group of special agents who acted in the shadows and respond only to the Empress herself. Unfortunately, first he had to "die".

After faking an accident at sea and the Empire officially announcing his disappearance, Yuri is now in charge of the organization known as The Empress’s Hand, and has led numerous covert operations for Elisabetta. In the short time he has been active, the young General has earned the respect and admiration of his peers thanks to his openness and natural charisma. He is not only responsible for monitoring plans and organizing missions, but tends to captain groups often when in battle.

Although serious, Yuri has a fun and friendly personality with he manages to be liked with ease. In contrast, when in combat he becomes a real demon that nobody would want to face. Trained since childhood by the best teachers and trained in the use of Ki by the Knights of Seventh Heaven Tiamat and Kisidan, he is widely recognized as one of the best warriors of Abel, maybe worldwide. The only thing that exceeds his fighting skills is his incredible tactical capabilities. Whether at a map or on that same battlefield, Yuri's mind operates at a different level than that of a normal person and in an instant is capable of devising and analysing dozens of plans and choose the most appropriate in each case. Yuri has a particular way of doing things. Although he always follows the orders he receives, he interprets them to his "style", trying to get what is proposed in the most unlikely way. Perhaps that fact is what makes him really unpredictable, no one ever knows what he will end up doing. Above all, his highest priority is always to ensure the lives of his agents. Having lost several friends in the past, has promised himself to avoid making sacrifices again at all times. Surprisingly, that does not ever stop him succeeding in the missions, and to date, has not failed in anything that's been proposed.

(22)

O

PHIEL

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Name: Ophiel Akerontes Zeros Rank: Fallen Angel

Place of Birth: Dafne Age: 294

Fighting Style: Dark magic and killer instinct Ethnicity: Duk'zarist (Mixed)

Height: 2.26 m Weight: 89 Kg Hobbies: None

What they most appreciate: Nothing in particular What they hate most: Humanity

(23)

Level: 10 Life Points: 210 Class: Warlock

Race: Duk’zarist (Mixed)

PhR: 105 MR: 115 PsR: 105 VR: 100 DR: 100 Initiative: 130 Natural

Attack Ability: 260 Umbra, 260 Weapon Defense Ability: 260 Umbra, 260 Weapon Damage: 110 Umbra

Wear Armor: 25

AT: Pandemonium Scales (Cut 6, Impact 5, Thrust 4, Heat

5, Electric 4, Cold 4, Energy 2)

MK: 200 (100 Free)

Aura Extension, Use of Necessary Energy.

Generic Ki: 71

Techniques: End of Eternity, Zeul, A World Without God MA: 90 (100 using Nue)

Zeon: 1,150

Magic Projection: 210, (225 Using Ring of Shadow) Magic Level: 80 Dark

Advantages and Disadvantages: Blood of

Phandemonium (special), The Gift.

Natural Abilities: Magic Projection as an Attack, Ars

Magnus: Umbra: Attack of Shadows.

Secondary Abilities: Swim 65, Style 60, Intimidate 120,

Leadership 130, Persuasion 105, Notice 130, Search 105, Occult 135, History 60, Magic Appraisal 190, Composure 130, Withstand Pain 125.

F

AVOURED

OF

THE

D

ARKNESS

C

HILD

OF

THE

S

HADOWS

Because of his monstrous origin, the nature of Ophiel is halfway between Duk'zarist and a dark elemental. Accordingly, he possesses considerable dark powers that are described below. Overall, the abilities of Son of the Shadows and his Duk'zarist nature have a level modifier of +5.

Mastery of the Shadows: Ophiel has control over

darkness equivalent to the effects of the spell Control Darkness (Darkness Lv 30) cast at the Base degree. However, if you focus on controlling the darkness and takes no other action for the turn, increase its effects to those of the spell cast at the Intermediate degree. This ability has no cost to Ophiel.

Elemental Nature: Ophiel ignores any darkness-based

damage inflicted by creatures with Gnosis lower than 35, but takes double damage against light-based attacks.

Superior Umbra: Ophiel can use the abilities of Ars

Magnus Umbra without any cost to himself in Ki. Also, being something innate in him, Ophiel can attack with his shadows and accumulate or cast dark spells without applying any penalty to his ability for multiple actions or reduce his MA.

Area Attack: Unlike the general rules of Umbra, Ophiel

can perform area attacks with his shadow up to a distance of 50 meters. Increasing the scope in this manner has a cost of 5 points of Ki per use.

Shadow Weapons: Using his mastery of shadows

Ophiel can solidify it to form any weapon made from darkness (Quality +0) and wield it without any penalty, like an expert in its use.

Dark Empowerment: By spending every turn 2 points

of Ki or 20 points of Zeon Ophiel can increase the potency of his attacks through Umbra. If he does, it is considered that the shadows that he commands are +10 Quality weapons, so proportionally increases attack ability, its damage and armour modifier.

(24)

Ophiel Akerontes Zeros, favoured son of darkness, is the youngest and most ambitious of all the lords of Samael. Despite being the last to join the Fallen Angels, in just two decades he has emerged as one of the most active powers of the organization. He is a shadowy figure, who enjoys controlling his agents from the shadows for the sole purpose of plunging the world into utter chaos.

Ophiel not even a true Duk'zarist, his nature is something much darker and frightening, even among member of that same race. In fact, no one knows whether to consider his birth a miracle or a curse for Gaia. His mother, Adelisia Akerontes, one of the most powerful summoners of her era, by mistake attracted the Dark Aeon Phandemonium during a ritual. Adelisia was trapped inside the entity for several hours and when he re-emerged, she could no longer see. It is difficult to determine whether she was already pregnant at that time and all that darkness affected the child in her womb, or if it was the Phandemonium himself who impregnated her by some unknown means. For whatever reason, months later she gave birth prematurely to a baby who she named Ophiel, which in their language means "Hope".

Adelisia was weakened after the delivery and, in many ways, never recovered. However, raised the little one with true maternal devotion alongside his brother Kairos. Tragically, fourteen years later she was killed by a group of Inquisitors while trying to protect her children. Witnessing the death of his mother, the young man's latent powers awakened and, flooded by a primordial rage, invoked a tangle of darkness and shadows that engulfed everything for miles around. While Ophiel laughed and cried steadily, the Inquisitors were devoured by darkness. When the shadows disappeared and all was quiet, there was only the small Kairos and a sea of blood surrounding the future Fallen Angel.

The world never knew, but that cold winter night of a year that nobody remembers, an unparalleled horror was born.

After leaving his brother in the care of Samael, Ophiel disappeared from the face of the earth for a century. Nobody knows exactly what he did during that period, although there is speculation that he spent a lot of time in The Wake. The first evidence that he had returned was around the year 920, when, in person, he devastated several church sites ending more than a dozen High Inquisitors. Like a shadow, for decades he accumulated power in the darkness, surrounding himself with the most terrifying agents and followers. Soon he commanded a powerful group of demonic entities, spirits of the dead and dark seraphim who followed him with blind devotion. However, Ophiel wanted more.

Knowing he needed a greater influence and control over the world, he entered the service of the Fallen Angels, for whom he worked as a Supervisor for decades. He quickly established a close relationship to the radical sector of the organization, becoming its top agent. Eventually, his power became too great to continue to be ignored and, after the death of the Fallen Angel Ravernus at the hands of Legion, took his position as the ninth Angel.

Ophiel possesses a truly frightening power, so it is difficult to consider him a mere mortal creature. With his powers, it would be so easy to destroy conventional armies like a child stomping insects. Not only does he have a great martial skill and knowledge of magical beyond the comprehension of even the best archmages, but, because of the Aeon's blood running through his veins, he has several unexplained abilities. But they all pale compared to his absolute control of the darkness; with a single thought he is able to give solid form to shadows, creating tangles of living weapons that destroy everything they touch.

If ever there was a positive feeling in the heart of Ophiel, it died with his mother when he was young. Now, it is filled with a deep cold darkness and hatred for the world. His companions and lovers mean little to him; they are disposable instruments in pursuit of his goals. The only person for which he still genuinely seems to care for his brother Kairos, although their relationship has become cold recently.

Right now, Ophiel commands a group of exterminators of Samael with which he is conducting a covert attack against the Church. After months of effort, he has managed to infiltrate a number of agents into senior offices of the Church. His master plan is to supplant the Supreme Archbishop with a puppet, with which to control both the Inquisition and the Christian dogmas. Although most of Fallen Angels seek to exploit this influence to be able to return openly in the world, those things matter very little to Ophiel. He just wants to drag humanity into a fratricidal war and use the secrets that the Church has accumulated over the past seven centuries to achieve ultimate power. Ironically, his biggest enemy in that undertaking is none other than the Fallen Angel Dinah, who, despite having worked with him many times, has proven to be radically opposed to its plans.

But those things matter little to Ophiel.

Man, god or demon... anyone who crosses his path will be exterminated by the shadows.

(25)

K

UJAKU

H

IME

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Name: Kujaku Asakura

Rank: Princess of the Asakura Clan Place of Birth: Lannet

Age: 23

Fighting Style: Samurai Fencing Ethnicity: Ryuan

Height: 1.70 m Weight: 51 Kg

Measurements: 82-58-91

Hobbies: Watching cherry blossom trees and eating something beneath them What they most appreciate: A hair pin given to her by a girl she saved What they hate most: The Dark Aeon Orochi

(26)

Level: 7 Life Points: 225 Class: Acrobatic Warrior Race: Human

PhR: 65 MR: 75 PsR: 70 VR: 65 DR: 65 Initiative: 175 Natural, 135 Nodachi +20 Attack Ability: 210 Nodachi +20 Defense Ability: 205 Dodge Damage: 140 Nodachi +20 Wear Armor: 5

AT: None MK: 215

Aura Extension, Inhumanity.

Generic Ki: 76

Techniques: Reigi no Ishizue, Kaze no Odoriko

Advantages and Disadvantages: Blood of the Kami

(Michinokami), See Supernatural, Quick Reflexes, Martial Mastery, Easily Possessed.

Natural Abilities: None.

Swim 35, Jump 85, Climb 35, Style 95, Persuasion 15, Hide 150, Stealth 145, Poisons 45, Notice 70, Search 50, Art 45, Dance 45, Music 45, Sleight of Hand 190.

Tradition and duty. Honour and atonement. All these principles are in conflict in the princess Kujaku Asakura. In a few months this young woman has gone from being one of the most important members of her clan to being a renegade fugitive pursued by all the great families of Lannet. Second daughter of Katsumi Asakura, regent of the Asakura Clan until the young Tatsuya comes of age; the princess Kujaku is famous throughout Lannet for her beauty and swordsmanship.

From an early age she was always a determined girl with a huge love for adventure and the unknown. Kujaku had a natural desire to help people, because her affinity for the spiritual world allowed her to speak with the spirits... and not knowing how to say no to what they asked. As a mere teenager, she and her guardian Takanosuke staged dozens of incidents exploring places tied to myths and fables. But of all the places they visited, there was always one in particular that aroused particular interest; Akuchi Sanctuary, from which the young girl heard strange whispering voices.

T

HE

W

ANDERING

P

RINCESS

Time passed and the day she turned twenty-two Kujaku was ordered to marry a nobleman of an important Imperial family. Although she was not exactly happy about the news, she readily accepted the decision of her mother and prepared to change her lifestyle. However, before the ceremony she decided for the first time to commit to disobeying the crazy taboo of entering the Akuchi Sanctuary.

Inside, the Princess drew an old nodachi that was on the altar, unwittingly unleashing a terror of immeasurable proportions. She had just not only sealed her own fate, but also that of the entire world.

Enveloped in insane choirs and tears, a huge serpent-shaped shadow emerged from the depths of the temple rupturing everything. Had it not been for Takanosuke, who covered the princess with his own body, Kujaku herself would have died overwhelmed by the wave of darkness. And then, holding the sword in her hands, the truth of what had happened became clear to her.

Akuchi was just a prison where one of the nine heads of Orochi had slept, the Dark Aeon that Emperor Amaterasu no Mikoto dismembered and sealed in antiquity with the three sacred weapons. The entity, conscious again but with even a tiny fraction of his divine power, he would be available to find and free his other parts until the shadow of Orochi once again fell upon Gaia. The affinity of the spirits Kujaku possessed was only a connection that the Aeon used to his advantage.

With tears flooding her eyes for her foolishness, the princess raised her sword, which was none other than the heavenly blade Kusanagi no Tsurugi, ready to make amends with life. The ninth head lunged at her, but still weak, only managed to infect Kujaku’s blood with his poison. Realizing that it was not the right time to take on the power of the sword that could seal it, preferring to evade combat, it escaped towards its other parts. Exhausted, Kujaku fell to her knees, vowing to not let anyone pay for what she had done. Certain that her family would not allow her to correct her mistake, upon awakening she made the difficult decision to pursue the Aeon, knowing that it represented being marked as a traitor in the eyes of her clan.

Soon she felt the shadow of Orochi had crossed the ocean toward Phaion, which made things easier for her by not having to stay in Lannet.

As a fighter Kujaku is a prodigy. Despite being a woman, as is traditional in the nobility of the Asakura family she received intensive training with the sword, which made her the best Samurai Maiden of the Asakura. She is an expert in the use of Ki, and in many fighting techniques. Especially, now carrying the heavenly sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi, a weapon of unparalleled power capable of ignoring any protection or armor. Unfortunately, the curse of poisonous blood of Orochi spreads through her body more and more, causing a piercing pain that is becoming increasingly harder to bear.