It is that FAQ thing:
As the questions often come up in talking to other muns, I’ve decided it is really about time that I post some sort of explanation of Percy’s universe. Most of this is going to be long, some of it less interesting that others, but hey! Now when you ask a question I can just send you here. Go me!
1. What sort of Vampire is Percy? Buffy style, Blade style, VM, or what?
None of those. Percy was created for an online, freeform RPG. The vampire mythos is based off of popular legends. These were adjusted carefully to allow for a Zero Sum Rule on Weaknesses and Strengths. That is to say, that their down sides either cancel out benefits or out weigh them so not to allow for them to be over powered. None of which explains what sort of vampire he is. That’s for the next question.
2. So…what sort of vampire is he?
In a not so summed up manner:
The Life of Vampires
Vampires are immortal and they never age. However, there are certain things that govern their immortality. All vampires cast reflections and it is not necessary for them to sleep in coffins or be invited into another’s home. Running water and garlic have no effect on a vampire.
Vampires are sensitive to daylight ebbing and encroaching, and always begin to feel tired as soon as day dawns. Since sunlight kills them, vampires sleep through the day. Once asleep, it’s extremely difficult to wake a vampire up, near impossible without exposing them to sunlight.
Although they are somewhat limited, vampires are gifted in many ways. They have excellent hearing and their sense of smell is extremely sensitive, to the point where they can smell someone’s scent on another even after they’ve showered. They also have much swifter movements than humans and greater strength. That isn’t to say all vampires are extremely strong, just that their strength as a vampire will always be greater than when they were human.
Better eyesight also comes with vampirism, as well as improved physical appearance. A vampire will always appear more beautiful and alluring than when they were human. They have a magnetic quality to them which makes it easier to draw in prey.
Feeding
Vampires survive by drinking human blood. Whether it's fresh or refrigerated doesn’t matter, though warm blood straight from the vain is generally preferred. Animal blood can be ingested as an alternative to human blood, but it’s not as appealing or nourishing. The blood of supernatural creatures cannot sustain a vampire.
Ideally, all vampires should feed three to four times a week. It keeps them strong and keeps their senses sharp. When vampires don’t feed/don’t feed as often as they should, they become pale, weak and lethargic. Continually not feeding makes these conditions worsen until the vampire dies of starvation. This usually takes about two weeks.
Holy Objects/Magic
Traditionally it is believed that vampires are weak against ‘holy’ or ‘religious’ objects. And while this is generally true it relies on several factors: How strongly someone believes, how strongly does the vampire himself/herself believe, and if the item or water has been blessed by a truly devote person. That is to say, an atheist cannot hold up a cross and repeal vampires. A woman who truly believes in her faith, however, can display a symbol and cause the vampire pain.
However, like all things, these affects to take time cause lasting harm. It begins with discomfort and grows. If the vampire is already weak, the discomfort is much more server.
Offspring
Vampires are the only species that cannot reproduce through sex. Since vampires are technically dead, their bodies are unable to produce live young. They also cannot sire live young with any other race. Vampires multiply by draining a human of nearly all their blood, until they’re on the brink of death, then offer their own blood to the victim. If the human drinks, they become a vampire. A bite doesn't make a human turn, only a blood exchange will do that. Only humans can be turned into vampires. All other creatures, including half-demons and half-angels, cannot be turned.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Vampires can die through any of the following:
3. Why won’t animal blood sustain a vampire?
Because vampires are human in their basic elements. Human blood is needed because it can be used by their bodies to sustain a sort of ‘half-life’. As they cannot make blood of their own, they have to farm it from others. Blood from their victims keeps their bodies alive (so to speak), allows certain cells to function and reproduce, and provides other medically things. Think of it this way, when you get a blood transfusion…they don’t give you animal blood 90% because it just doesn’t work well in human bodies. The same goes for a vampire. Animal blood simply won’t provided the needed elements to force their bodies to operate and regenerate.
4. What about blood banks, do vampires need to kill and have fresh blood or?
The simply answer to ‘do they have to kill?’ is no, they do not. So why do they? The average human body has 10 pints of blood. As a vampire does not produce their own blood anymore they need to ingest a large amount of blood to maintain a healthy body. Do they take all a victims blood? No, but they do take as much as they can (until the victims heart stops pumping the blood out of the wound). They roughly need to maintain about 10 pints or more in their systems. Assuming that they are not injured in any way, they can feed off one or two victims in a 7 day period and be fine (assuming they take 5 for more pints of blood from each victim). Now you’re thinking, but blood can live for 120 days! They shouldn’t need that much!
Right, well we suspend some disbelief and assume that vampire biology accelerates the rate of decay exponentially. Blood from a victim is drained of all sustaining material to continually rebuild a decaying body. This means that if they take 10 pints of blood in 7 days from two different victims, the longer they go from the first feeding to the next the weaker they will become. Their bodies start to break down, and they begin to die. They take from blood what humans take from food and water: hence their lack of need for food and water.
As for the blood banks, part, it is basically like trying to keep yourself alive off TV dinners. They lack just about any appeal, and aren't nearly as healthy as some might think. Plus, if you take into account all the other aspects of feeding, this blood would sustain them for even less time as fresh blood.
5. Do they have heart beats then?
I’ve thought about this one for a while, and I’d have to go with yes. Their heart beats aren’t nearly as strong as a living human’s, but it is there. The blood seeps as much as it is pushed throw their systems though. The heart is important, but could, in theory, be removed or damaged for short periods of time and then repaired so long as blood is in the system.
6. Right, ok well what about this. Some legends and games say that vampires have a hold on their victims, do yours?
Not really. There are so people that would imagine it, and use it as an excuse, but beyond luring victims in there is no other draw to them. Simple as that. This is a personal thing, as I hate to give people silly excuses for licking the bastards.
7. . What about abilities, do they all have the same or is each one a little different
There are, as listed in the outline, certain traits all vampires have. Heighten speed, sight, smell, and hearing. However, anything beyond that is not something you would gain because you became a vampire. For example, Percy was born (as a human) with telekinesis.
8. Are there any other supernatural creatures in Percy’s universe?
Yes! Percy’s universe is populated with a number of other races outside the human race. They include angels, demons, lycanthropes (Werewolves/creatures), hinds, unicorns and many others. Of course they are all in varying populations. Unicorns and hinds being quite rare, while lycan and vampires numbering in the thousands.
9. Anything else important to know about his universe?
A number of things, really, but the most important is the psychic abilities. There are five Major branches, ranging from extremely powerful, to particularly weak. Over time these abilities grow in strength, so to say a 15 year old will not be as powerful as a 500 year old Psychic.
Psychic abilities are considered the strongest of all, because of the nature of the gift. However, it is extremely rare to find a true Psychic. Many have found themselves trapped and used by other's for personal means, or killed for simply being what they are. Still, they can be found from time to time. It is more common to find a "partial psychic" who receives only partial glimpse and has no control, or understanding of the gift.
Telekinesis is considered the most difficult to master, while Empathy and Telepathy are both common among the supernatural races.
The disciplines are as follows (including a basic outline of some advantages and disadvantages, players are not limited to what is listed):
Main-Branches:
Empathy
Telepathy
Psychic
Telekinesis
Astral Projection
Empathy: The ability to feel what another is feeling, and influence their feelings as well.
Advantages
-Can Influence another (less-abled) being's emotions.
-Can feel the emotions of another.
-Can mask personal feelings, and "shield" them from others.
Disadvantages
-Cannot simply "Not feel" the emotions of others.
- Subject to insanity at early ages.
- Empaths often suffer from depression, boarding on suicidal.
Telepathy: The ability to enter another's mind.
Advantages
-Can read the thoughts of others.
-Can influence the thoughts of others.
-May 'speak' with another 'within their mind'.
Disadvantages
-Often forget proper social behaviors, such as waiting to be introduced.
-Are considered aloof, arrogant, and smug by others, and hard to get along with.
-Tend to 'live within' their minds.
Psychic: perceiving future or past events through a mind's eye.
Advantages:
-Clairvoyance: the ability to perceive types of energy not normally perceptible to humans, such as discarnate spirits and auras.
-Retrocognition: the ability to know something about a situation after its occurrence.
-Premonition: the ability to know a situation when future events are foreknown or forecast
Disadvantages:
-There is no warning before an "episode" occurs.
-"Episodes" cause the individual to appear as if they are experiencing a seizure of one type or another, other's unable to 'wake them up'.
-"Visions" not always clear, and usually short clips of a scene. The older, and strong a person becomes, the longer and clearer the visions will be.
Telekinesis: the influence of mind upon matter, as the use of mental 'power' to move or distort an object.
Advantages:
-The Ability to move objects with the mind.
-The Ability to land a "physical" strike without actually touching someone.
-The Ability to change the physical form of a non-living object that is within sight.
Disadvantages:
-It takes more effort to hone these skills than anything else, as such most powerful Telekinetics are over 400 years old.
- Extremely difficult to control, becoming more so with the size and complexity of the task.
- Changing the physical form of an object is usually irreversible, and considered unwise as the results can never be predicted.
Astral Projection: The ability to cast your “soul” or physical form into the ethers between heaven, earth, and hell.
Advantages:
-Quick travel: moving from one location to another through the ether.
-Summon Object: Pulling an object to you through the ether.
-Phasing: passing through solid-objects.
Disadvantages:
-While on the ether, any wounds taken are reflected in your physical form.
-The ether is shaped by the mind, and thus the careless can get lost.
-Can be disorientating.
10. Wow, ok…what else can you tell me about his universe?
In Percy’s universe there are three planes of existence; Heaven, where "God", Angels and other celestial beings reside; Hell, where demons and creatures of an evil, malcontent disposition reside; and Earth, where mankind rules.
The Ether: Between the worlds
Between these planes exist the “ether”, a world that is undefined and controlled by the mind. Nothing truly lives or dies here as there is no passage of time. The ether is a dangerous between world, where chaos reigns over logic, and up can very quickly become down. The slightest thought can change the landscape, or bring to life the most terrifying of nightmares.
Typically one projects only their spirit (or soul) onto the ether, but those who have a talent for Astral Projection can move their physical form onto the plain. This is, of course, a dangerous feat as the chances of being “lost” grows exponentially when cutting yourself off from a physical world. If lost, unless someone on the physical plain comes to your aid…You could spend eternity in a half-living, half-dead state.
As there is no time on the ether, people can often experience a sense of disorientation when returning to another plain. But it can be assumed that-
One Hour On the Ether plain is equal to 12 Hours on Earth.
One Hour On the Ether plain is equal to 4 hours in Heaven.
One Hour On the Ether plain is equal to 2 hours in Hell.
Earth: The Middle World
Earth is the home of humanity, but plays host to many other creatures. Legends say that it was once populated with all manner of creatures; Fae, Unicorns, Sphinx, Elves, Dwarves, and all manner of myths and legends. It is here that the battle between good and evil takes place, a war that has waged over the course of thousands of years. The goal is simple, for heaven or hell to win…
It is believed that when the final battle is one, the victor’s realm with merge (or crash) into Earth’s plain…However, this legend is believed to be propaganda created to urge troops on.
A neutral plain, like the ether, anyone can reside here without risk. However, time does move faster on earth than any other plain.
Heaven: The Plane of Light
Heaven is the home of angels and benign souls gone to rest. It is a peaceful place filled with beauty and love, where troubles are forgotten and happiness reigns supreme. The landscape is bright and airy, built mostly from marble and white brick. Heaven is very much like a large city, circling out endlessly above the ether, where angels and souls are left free to mingle amiably. Most angels live in large family groups; eating, working and raising children communally. Sharing space and time is key in these environments; the bonds between family and friends are most important.
There is one supreme being that reigns over heaven. Often called God, sometimes given other names, the ruler of heaven is a patient, benevolent and forgiving leader. This supreme being is a beacon of trust and love, supporting order and growth among its people. There is no crime and no hatred in heaven; it’s a place where anyone and everyone can get along.*
*It is important to note that while the ruler of Heaven is called God for simplicity’s sake, that he is not the Christian God. It would be easier to assume that the being is all encompassing, possessing the traits of all 'righteous' religions, and so that anyone praying to a 'benign god' is in fact praying to him.
Hell: The Plane of Darkness
Hell is the home of demons and monsters, as well as the most vicious and sinful of the dead. It’s dark and dank and noisy, smells of rotting flesh and sulfur. There are large volcanoes dotted about that erupt frequently, coughing up molten rock that oozes its way down to the black rivers that snake through the realm. The temperature is always unbearably hot and humid and the terrain is rough and covered with spikes of shattered bone.
Like heaven, hell has one supreme being to rule it, though the method of leadership couldn’t be any more different. Whereas the supreme being or ‘god’ of heaven is concerned with order and creativity, the anti-god of hell promotes chaos and destruction. There are no rules in hell, there is no right or wrong. There is no forgiveness, either, no beauty and no love. It’s an ugly, heartless realm filled with spite, hatred and harm.
Accessing worlds & portals
Both heaven and hell each have a portal. These portals allow demons and angels to leave their realm and travel to earth and souls to access their final resting place. Only the dead are allowed to enter via the portals, and only the living are allowed to use them as exits. The portals protect residents of the respective worlds and prevent them from crossing over into enemy territory.
Once an angel or a demon has left their world in order to fight for souls on earth, they cannot go back. The only way they may gain entry to their home world is if they are killed. Because earth is their base of operations, they are bound to it until they die...or until somebody wins.
Since there is no physical way for angels to return to heaven, they keep in communication with their god via prayer. When they are troubled or finding their task particularly stressful, angels can speak directly with their leader, who will answer their questions and renew their hope in what they do.
11. Alright, is there magic in this universe?
Yes and no. Technically that is magic, but it is not common. Magic takes years to learn, and ever longer to master. As humans are the most likely to engage in a study of magic (aside from demons and angels) magic is not something right out of Lord of the Rings. It is more like…pulling flowers out of a hat.
12. Can I use any of this for my own character?
While I cannot stop anyone from using the information I put online in a public format, I can ask that permission before using. Percy’s universe and the RPG it came from is my creation. And while the game is no longer in play, it is still my intellectual property.
If you ask, I’ll probably not care. And even offer to help. But really, you should ask.
If you want to know something else, well…Just ask! :D
1. What sort of Vampire is Percy? Buffy style, Blade style, VM, or what?
None of those. Percy was created for an online, freeform RPG. The vampire mythos is based off of popular legends. These were adjusted carefully to allow for a Zero Sum Rule on Weaknesses and Strengths. That is to say, that their down sides either cancel out benefits or out weigh them so not to allow for them to be over powered. None of which explains what sort of vampire he is. That’s for the next question.
2. So…what sort of vampire is he?
In a not so summed up manner:
The Life of Vampires
Vampires are immortal and they never age. However, there are certain things that govern their immortality. All vampires cast reflections and it is not necessary for them to sleep in coffins or be invited into another’s home. Running water and garlic have no effect on a vampire.
Vampires are sensitive to daylight ebbing and encroaching, and always begin to feel tired as soon as day dawns. Since sunlight kills them, vampires sleep through the day. Once asleep, it’s extremely difficult to wake a vampire up, near impossible without exposing them to sunlight.
Although they are somewhat limited, vampires are gifted in many ways. They have excellent hearing and their sense of smell is extremely sensitive, to the point where they can smell someone’s scent on another even after they’ve showered. They also have much swifter movements than humans and greater strength. That isn’t to say all vampires are extremely strong, just that their strength as a vampire will always be greater than when they were human.
Better eyesight also comes with vampirism, as well as improved physical appearance. A vampire will always appear more beautiful and alluring than when they were human. They have a magnetic quality to them which makes it easier to draw in prey.
Feeding
Vampires survive by drinking human blood. Whether it's fresh or refrigerated doesn’t matter, though warm blood straight from the vain is generally preferred. Animal blood can be ingested as an alternative to human blood, but it’s not as appealing or nourishing. The blood of supernatural creatures cannot sustain a vampire.
Ideally, all vampires should feed three to four times a week. It keeps them strong and keeps their senses sharp. When vampires don’t feed/don’t feed as often as they should, they become pale, weak and lethargic. Continually not feeding makes these conditions worsen until the vampire dies of starvation. This usually takes about two weeks.
Holy Objects/Magic
Traditionally it is believed that vampires are weak against ‘holy’ or ‘religious’ objects. And while this is generally true it relies on several factors: How strongly someone believes, how strongly does the vampire himself/herself believe, and if the item or water has been blessed by a truly devote person. That is to say, an atheist cannot hold up a cross and repeal vampires. A woman who truly believes in her faith, however, can display a symbol and cause the vampire pain.
However, like all things, these affects to take time cause lasting harm. It begins with discomfort and grows. If the vampire is already weak, the discomfort is much more server.
Offspring
Vampires are the only species that cannot reproduce through sex. Since vampires are technically dead, their bodies are unable to produce live young. They also cannot sire live young with any other race. Vampires multiply by draining a human of nearly all their blood, until they’re on the brink of death, then offer their own blood to the victim. If the human drinks, they become a vampire. A bite doesn't make a human turn, only a blood exchange will do that. Only humans can be turned into vampires. All other creatures, including half-demons and half-angels, cannot be turned.
Strengths
- Vampires never die, nor do they age, and their injuries heal very quickly.
- Sleep during the daytime helps vampires heal/stay strong and alert.
- Drinking blood not only satisfies a vampires hunger, but builds up their strength, putting them at the peak of their own physical health. It also helps wounds to heal more quickly.
- Black magic and unholy places/items give vampires strength.
Weaknesses
- Vampires are vulnerable during the day, and should seek to avoid sunlight at all costs.
- Vampires can become weak and lethargic if they don't feed.
- Holy places (such as churches, mosques, synagogues), items/symbols (crucifixes, the star of David, etc) and white magic can weaken vampires.
- Should a vampire's sire/child die, they will feel weaker for several nights.
Vampires can die through any of the following:
- Direct exposure to sunlight.
- Decapitation.
- Prolonged starvation.
3. Why won’t animal blood sustain a vampire?
Because vampires are human in their basic elements. Human blood is needed because it can be used by their bodies to sustain a sort of ‘half-life’. As they cannot make blood of their own, they have to farm it from others. Blood from their victims keeps their bodies alive (so to speak), allows certain cells to function and reproduce, and provides other medically things. Think of it this way, when you get a blood transfusion…they don’t give you animal blood 90% because it just doesn’t work well in human bodies. The same goes for a vampire. Animal blood simply won’t provided the needed elements to force their bodies to operate and regenerate.
4. What about blood banks, do vampires need to kill and have fresh blood or?
The simply answer to ‘do they have to kill?’ is no, they do not. So why do they? The average human body has 10 pints of blood. As a vampire does not produce their own blood anymore they need to ingest a large amount of blood to maintain a healthy body. Do they take all a victims blood? No, but they do take as much as they can (until the victims heart stops pumping the blood out of the wound). They roughly need to maintain about 10 pints or more in their systems. Assuming that they are not injured in any way, they can feed off one or two victims in a 7 day period and be fine (assuming they take 5 for more pints of blood from each victim). Now you’re thinking, but blood can live for 120 days! They shouldn’t need that much!
Right, well we suspend some disbelief and assume that vampire biology accelerates the rate of decay exponentially. Blood from a victim is drained of all sustaining material to continually rebuild a decaying body. This means that if they take 10 pints of blood in 7 days from two different victims, the longer they go from the first feeding to the next the weaker they will become. Their bodies start to break down, and they begin to die. They take from blood what humans take from food and water: hence their lack of need for food and water.
As for the blood banks, part, it is basically like trying to keep yourself alive off TV dinners. They lack just about any appeal, and aren't nearly as healthy as some might think. Plus, if you take into account all the other aspects of feeding, this blood would sustain them for even less time as fresh blood.
5. Do they have heart beats then?
I’ve thought about this one for a while, and I’d have to go with yes. Their heart beats aren’t nearly as strong as a living human’s, but it is there. The blood seeps as much as it is pushed throw their systems though. The heart is important, but could, in theory, be removed or damaged for short periods of time and then repaired so long as blood is in the system.
6. Right, ok well what about this. Some legends and games say that vampires have a hold on their victims, do yours?
Not really. There are so people that would imagine it, and use it as an excuse, but beyond luring victims in there is no other draw to them. Simple as that. This is a personal thing, as I hate to give people silly excuses for licking the bastards.
7. . What about abilities, do they all have the same or is each one a little different
There are, as listed in the outline, certain traits all vampires have. Heighten speed, sight, smell, and hearing. However, anything beyond that is not something you would gain because you became a vampire. For example, Percy was born (as a human) with telekinesis.
8. Are there any other supernatural creatures in Percy’s universe?
Yes! Percy’s universe is populated with a number of other races outside the human race. They include angels, demons, lycanthropes (Werewolves/creatures), hinds, unicorns and many others. Of course they are all in varying populations. Unicorns and hinds being quite rare, while lycan and vampires numbering in the thousands.
9. Anything else important to know about his universe?
A number of things, really, but the most important is the psychic abilities. There are five Major branches, ranging from extremely powerful, to particularly weak. Over time these abilities grow in strength, so to say a 15 year old will not be as powerful as a 500 year old Psychic.
Psychic abilities are considered the strongest of all, because of the nature of the gift. However, it is extremely rare to find a true Psychic. Many have found themselves trapped and used by other's for personal means, or killed for simply being what they are. Still, they can be found from time to time. It is more common to find a "partial psychic" who receives only partial glimpse and has no control, or understanding of the gift.
Telekinesis is considered the most difficult to master, while Empathy and Telepathy are both common among the supernatural races.
The disciplines are as follows (including a basic outline of some advantages and disadvantages, players are not limited to what is listed):
Main-Branches:
Empathy
Telepathy
Psychic
Telekinesis
Astral Projection
Empathy: The ability to feel what another is feeling, and influence their feelings as well.
Advantages
-Can Influence another (less-abled) being's emotions.
-Can feel the emotions of another.
-Can mask personal feelings, and "shield" them from others.
Disadvantages
-Cannot simply "Not feel" the emotions of others.
- Subject to insanity at early ages.
- Empaths often suffer from depression, boarding on suicidal.
Telepathy: The ability to enter another's mind.
Advantages
-Can read the thoughts of others.
-Can influence the thoughts of others.
-May 'speak' with another 'within their mind'.
Disadvantages
-Often forget proper social behaviors, such as waiting to be introduced.
-Are considered aloof, arrogant, and smug by others, and hard to get along with.
-Tend to 'live within' their minds.
Psychic: perceiving future or past events through a mind's eye.
Advantages:
-Clairvoyance: the ability to perceive types of energy not normally perceptible to humans, such as discarnate spirits and auras.
-Retrocognition: the ability to know something about a situation after its occurrence.
-Premonition: the ability to know a situation when future events are foreknown or forecast
Disadvantages:
-There is no warning before an "episode" occurs.
-"Episodes" cause the individual to appear as if they are experiencing a seizure of one type or another, other's unable to 'wake them up'.
-"Visions" not always clear, and usually short clips of a scene. The older, and strong a person becomes, the longer and clearer the visions will be.
Telekinesis: the influence of mind upon matter, as the use of mental 'power' to move or distort an object.
Advantages:
-The Ability to move objects with the mind.
-The Ability to land a "physical" strike without actually touching someone.
-The Ability to change the physical form of a non-living object that is within sight.
Disadvantages:
-It takes more effort to hone these skills than anything else, as such most powerful Telekinetics are over 400 years old.
- Extremely difficult to control, becoming more so with the size and complexity of the task.
- Changing the physical form of an object is usually irreversible, and considered unwise as the results can never be predicted.
Astral Projection: The ability to cast your “soul” or physical form into the ethers between heaven, earth, and hell.
Advantages:
-Quick travel: moving from one location to another through the ether.
-Summon Object: Pulling an object to you through the ether.
-Phasing: passing through solid-objects.
Disadvantages:
-While on the ether, any wounds taken are reflected in your physical form.
-The ether is shaped by the mind, and thus the careless can get lost.
-Can be disorientating.
10. Wow, ok…what else can you tell me about his universe?
In Percy’s universe there are three planes of existence; Heaven, where "God", Angels and other celestial beings reside; Hell, where demons and creatures of an evil, malcontent disposition reside; and Earth, where mankind rules.
The Ether: Between the worlds
Between these planes exist the “ether”, a world that is undefined and controlled by the mind. Nothing truly lives or dies here as there is no passage of time. The ether is a dangerous between world, where chaos reigns over logic, and up can very quickly become down. The slightest thought can change the landscape, or bring to life the most terrifying of nightmares.
Typically one projects only their spirit (or soul) onto the ether, but those who have a talent for Astral Projection can move their physical form onto the plain. This is, of course, a dangerous feat as the chances of being “lost” grows exponentially when cutting yourself off from a physical world. If lost, unless someone on the physical plain comes to your aid…You could spend eternity in a half-living, half-dead state.
As there is no time on the ether, people can often experience a sense of disorientation when returning to another plain. But it can be assumed that-
One Hour On the Ether plain is equal to 12 Hours on Earth.
One Hour On the Ether plain is equal to 4 hours in Heaven.
One Hour On the Ether plain is equal to 2 hours in Hell.
Earth: The Middle World
Earth is the home of humanity, but plays host to many other creatures. Legends say that it was once populated with all manner of creatures; Fae, Unicorns, Sphinx, Elves, Dwarves, and all manner of myths and legends. It is here that the battle between good and evil takes place, a war that has waged over the course of thousands of years. The goal is simple, for heaven or hell to win…
It is believed that when the final battle is one, the victor’s realm with merge (or crash) into Earth’s plain…However, this legend is believed to be propaganda created to urge troops on.
A neutral plain, like the ether, anyone can reside here without risk. However, time does move faster on earth than any other plain.
Heaven: The Plane of Light
Heaven is the home of angels and benign souls gone to rest. It is a peaceful place filled with beauty and love, where troubles are forgotten and happiness reigns supreme. The landscape is bright and airy, built mostly from marble and white brick. Heaven is very much like a large city, circling out endlessly above the ether, where angels and souls are left free to mingle amiably. Most angels live in large family groups; eating, working and raising children communally. Sharing space and time is key in these environments; the bonds between family and friends are most important.
There is one supreme being that reigns over heaven. Often called God, sometimes given other names, the ruler of heaven is a patient, benevolent and forgiving leader. This supreme being is a beacon of trust and love, supporting order and growth among its people. There is no crime and no hatred in heaven; it’s a place where anyone and everyone can get along.*
*It is important to note that while the ruler of Heaven is called God for simplicity’s sake, that he is not the Christian God. It would be easier to assume that the being is all encompassing, possessing the traits of all 'righteous' religions, and so that anyone praying to a 'benign god' is in fact praying to him.
Hell: The Plane of Darkness
Hell is the home of demons and monsters, as well as the most vicious and sinful of the dead. It’s dark and dank and noisy, smells of rotting flesh and sulfur. There are large volcanoes dotted about that erupt frequently, coughing up molten rock that oozes its way down to the black rivers that snake through the realm. The temperature is always unbearably hot and humid and the terrain is rough and covered with spikes of shattered bone.
Like heaven, hell has one supreme being to rule it, though the method of leadership couldn’t be any more different. Whereas the supreme being or ‘god’ of heaven is concerned with order and creativity, the anti-god of hell promotes chaos and destruction. There are no rules in hell, there is no right or wrong. There is no forgiveness, either, no beauty and no love. It’s an ugly, heartless realm filled with spite, hatred and harm.
Accessing worlds & portals
Both heaven and hell each have a portal. These portals allow demons and angels to leave their realm and travel to earth and souls to access their final resting place. Only the dead are allowed to enter via the portals, and only the living are allowed to use them as exits. The portals protect residents of the respective worlds and prevent them from crossing over into enemy territory.
Once an angel or a demon has left their world in order to fight for souls on earth, they cannot go back. The only way they may gain entry to their home world is if they are killed. Because earth is their base of operations, they are bound to it until they die...or until somebody wins.
Since there is no physical way for angels to return to heaven, they keep in communication with their god via prayer. When they are troubled or finding their task particularly stressful, angels can speak directly with their leader, who will answer their questions and renew their hope in what they do.
11. Alright, is there magic in this universe?
Yes and no. Technically that is magic, but it is not common. Magic takes years to learn, and ever longer to master. As humans are the most likely to engage in a study of magic (aside from demons and angels) magic is not something right out of Lord of the Rings. It is more like…pulling flowers out of a hat.
12. Can I use any of this for my own character?
While I cannot stop anyone from using the information I put online in a public format, I can ask that permission before using. Percy’s universe and the RPG it came from is my creation. And while the game is no longer in play, it is still my intellectual property.
If you ask, I’ll probably not care. And even offer to help. But really, you should ask.
If you want to know something else, well…Just ask! :D