The Luminous Devil: Light Fallen Into Darkness
Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 8:57 pm
Having dwelt on the vile side of Evil with the Corrupter Devil, now I'll present the tragic aspect. Inspired by the legends of fallen angels, the idea of the Devil appearing as an angel of light, and the strong artistic tradition of the diabolical lover, here are the Luminous Devils. They represent the almost-sympathetic face of the diabolical, as they present themselves as lords in exile and victims of injustice. Consumed with pride and resenting their expulsion from Heaven, these beings seek to make a substitute Paradise of fleeting pleasure and false glory, and they don't care who has to suffer for it. Suggested listening: Black Sabbath's "N.I.B.", or the Rolling Stones' "Sympathy For The Devil."
LUMINOUS DEVIL (Fallen Angel)
NO. ENCOUNTERED: 1
SIZE: Large (8' tall, but usually appears Medium)
HD: 12 (d8)
MOVE: 36', 72' (fly)
AC: 24
ATTACKS: 2 Magical Sword +2 (1d10+6)
SPECIAL: Magic or Silver Weapons To Hit, Deepvision, Fire Resistance (Full), Electricity Resistance (Full), Immune to Poison and Emotion-affecting Magic, Awful Visage, Artistic Mastery, Diabolical Wager, Confer Power and Glory, Spell Resistance 16, Spell-like Abilities
SAVES: M+P
INT: Genius
ALIGNMENT: Lawful Evil
TYPE: Extraplaner
TREASURE: 12
XP: 8025+10
The Luminous Devils hold themselves to be above and apart from the other castes of Devils, claiming to actually be Angels unfairly cast out from Heaven. They further claim that all the Devils were once Angels, but the other castes have grown so corrupted by Hell that they do not remember their own past. Accordingly, the Luminous Devils consider themselves to be Hell's ruling nobility, and their Prince to be the greatest of all Devils. They treat other Devils accordingly. The Corrupter Devils take particular umbrage at the arrogance of the Luminous Devils, and the two castes will often try to undermine each other's schemes.
Luminous Devils usually appear in one of two forms. The first is a very handsome (or beautiful) and extremely well-dressed human, normal except for two small horns and a set of moderately-sized bat-like wings. The second form is that of a lovely child (usually blond haired and blue-eyed), with no overt signs of supernatural heritage. Neither is their true shape. Their true form, which they almost never show because other Devils find it to be very offensive, is that of a radiant, eight-foot tall angelic figure, dressed in a robe of white silk and cloth-of-gold, and possessing a pair of large, jet-black wings. Their faces are lovely, framed by wavy blond hair and set with deep blue eyes. Only a pair of small horns mars the gorgeous countenance. It is extremely hard to actually look at a Luminous Devil in their true form, however, because they constantly radiate bright light (equal to that of a Light spell).
The other castes of Devils, although they are forced to respect the manifest power of the Luminous Devils, do not fully trust them, and are suspicious of how they constantly agitate for an assault on Heaven itself. The other Devils widely (if usually secretly) believe that the Luminous Devils want nothing more than to re-join Heaven, and will happily betray Hell to be allowed back into Paradise. Taken as evidence for this belief is the fact that the abodes of the Luminous Devils resemble grotesque parodies of the mansions of Paradise. Also, the Luminous Devils sometimes brood for long periods of time, evidently pining for their lost place in Heaven. In fact, no caste of Devils bears more ill will towards the hosts of Heaven than the Luminous Devils. For the Luminous Devils, the war against Heaven isn't ideological - it's personal.
Of all the Devils, the Luminous Devils possess an emotional life that is most similar to mortals. Alone among Devils they are capable of actually falling in love (albeit of a twisted and selfish kind). They have even been seen to weep. It is not uncommon for a Luminous Devil to be overcome with feelings of love for a mortal of great beauty and innocence. They actually spurn the affections of evil folk, finding themselves most attracted to the good and pure. The Luminous Devil may assume a human form to court the object of their love, or may abduct them and bring them to Hell to be their infernal spouse. The Luminous Devil will initially shower their beloved with gifts, and lavish attention on them. In time, however, the evil within the Devil takes hold, and they always eventually find cause to destroy whoever they love. The Luminous Devil will never accept responsibility for this, but seek to blame their lost lovers themselves (for allowing themselves to become corrupted), or else the envy of the other Devils.
Sages speculate that many (if not most) of the Luminous Devils were formerly the Angels responsible for the birth of the original Nephilim. The Luminous Devils deny it, blaming instead the Craft Devils.
Luminous Devils have a noted obsession with the number 6 and its multiples, and an aversion to the number 7 and its multiples. Sages speculate that this aversion is due to the importance of the number 7 as an organizing principle in Heaven.
Combat: In combat, Luminous Devils always seek to display their own prowess and skill. They will actually forbear using efficient but unspectacular tactics in favor of those that make themselves look more impressive. For example, a Luminous Devil will almost never attack secretly or from behind, because it would not give their opponents the chance to behold the glory of the Luminous Devil's swordsmanship. The Luminous Devil may only use its spell-like abilities to add drama to the scene of combat, unless they face particularly powerful enemies. Each Luminous Devil possesses a Bastard Sword +2, and their great strength also adds an additional +4 to the damage done with the weapon. They are able to strike twice in around with these swords. Luminous Devils possess a strong, but twisted, sense of chivalry, and will actually honor attempts to negotiate truces if they respect their opponent.
Awful Visage: Although they are naturally beautiful, Luminous Devils involuntarily assume a truly Awful Visage when angered. The face of an angry Luminous Devil will turn bright red, their eyes will start to glow, flames will shoot out of their mouths and nostrils, and lightning like flashes (accompanied by crashes of thunder) will shoot out of their body. Anyone seeing this display must save versus Charisma (Challenge Level 12) or be affected as by a Symbol of Fear. The Devil cannot use this ability unless it has been truly angered, such as after having been cheated or embarrassed.
Diabolical Wager: Every Luminous Devil is an absolute master of some mode of artistic expression, whether singing, sculpting, or playing a musical instrument. If a mortal challenges Hell to a contest of skill there is percentage chance equal to the challenger's Level that a Luminous Devil will take notice. The Devil may appear and accept the challenge, the terms of which will usually be that if the boaster wins they receive a (Level-appropriate) treasure, but if they lose their soul belongs to the Devil. As a suggestion, the CK may decide the result of such a contest with appropriate SEIGE checks, giving a Devil a bonus on the roll of 2 greater than whatever the PC's bonus is. If the Devil loses such a wager he will honor his bargain, but will forever feel hatred and enmity towards the winner.
Confer Power and Glory: Like Pact Devils, Luminous Devils will also bargain for souls. They offer only one thing, however: earthly power and glory. The Luminous Devil will produce a contract to be signed, but it is never anything so pedestrian as the Pact Devil's Black Book. The contract offered will be scribed on a obviously costly scroll with beautiful calligraphy, and may even be illuminated and gilt. The Luminous Devil doesn't bother with tricky or convoluted language. The term are quite clear - you will become a wealthy and important person, but your soul belongs to the Luminous Devil after death. Once the contract is signed in blood, the person will awaken the next day to find themselves suddenly in a desired position of power and wealth. Naturally, they will also have mortal enemies, but the contract never said they wouldn't...
Spell-like Abilities: At will: Charm Person, Cure (or Cause) Serious Wounds, Cure (or Cause) Disease, Polymorph Self, True Seeing, Wall of Fire. Once per day they can strike with a 12 die Lightning Bolt, and Control Weather. In common with other Infernals, Luminous Devils can roam the Ethereal and Astral planes; speak, write, and understand all languages and forms of communication; become Invisible; see in complete darkness; Teleport with no chance of error; perform feats of Prestidigitation; Know Alignment, and create Darkness, all at will. A Luminous Devil can Summon any other Devil (except a Corrupter Devil) six times a day. All abilities have an effective caster level of 12. Like all Infernals, Luminous Devils can teach the Arcane spells that correspond to their own Spell-like abilities, if a Wizard can somehow convince them to do so.
Immune To Fire and Lightning: Like all Devils, a Tormentor Devil cannot be harmed by fire. Additionally, they are immune to damage from lightning or electricity.
_________________
The Engine of Oracles: Creations For Gaming
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LUMINOUS DEVIL (Fallen Angel)
NO. ENCOUNTERED: 1
SIZE: Large (8' tall, but usually appears Medium)
HD: 12 (d8)
MOVE: 36', 72' (fly)
AC: 24
ATTACKS: 2 Magical Sword +2 (1d10+6)
SPECIAL: Magic or Silver Weapons To Hit, Deepvision, Fire Resistance (Full), Electricity Resistance (Full), Immune to Poison and Emotion-affecting Magic, Awful Visage, Artistic Mastery, Diabolical Wager, Confer Power and Glory, Spell Resistance 16, Spell-like Abilities
SAVES: M+P
INT: Genius
ALIGNMENT: Lawful Evil
TYPE: Extraplaner
TREASURE: 12
XP: 8025+10
The Luminous Devils hold themselves to be above and apart from the other castes of Devils, claiming to actually be Angels unfairly cast out from Heaven. They further claim that all the Devils were once Angels, but the other castes have grown so corrupted by Hell that they do not remember their own past. Accordingly, the Luminous Devils consider themselves to be Hell's ruling nobility, and their Prince to be the greatest of all Devils. They treat other Devils accordingly. The Corrupter Devils take particular umbrage at the arrogance of the Luminous Devils, and the two castes will often try to undermine each other's schemes.
Luminous Devils usually appear in one of two forms. The first is a very handsome (or beautiful) and extremely well-dressed human, normal except for two small horns and a set of moderately-sized bat-like wings. The second form is that of a lovely child (usually blond haired and blue-eyed), with no overt signs of supernatural heritage. Neither is their true shape. Their true form, which they almost never show because other Devils find it to be very offensive, is that of a radiant, eight-foot tall angelic figure, dressed in a robe of white silk and cloth-of-gold, and possessing a pair of large, jet-black wings. Their faces are lovely, framed by wavy blond hair and set with deep blue eyes. Only a pair of small horns mars the gorgeous countenance. It is extremely hard to actually look at a Luminous Devil in their true form, however, because they constantly radiate bright light (equal to that of a Light spell).
The other castes of Devils, although they are forced to respect the manifest power of the Luminous Devils, do not fully trust them, and are suspicious of how they constantly agitate for an assault on Heaven itself. The other Devils widely (if usually secretly) believe that the Luminous Devils want nothing more than to re-join Heaven, and will happily betray Hell to be allowed back into Paradise. Taken as evidence for this belief is the fact that the abodes of the Luminous Devils resemble grotesque parodies of the mansions of Paradise. Also, the Luminous Devils sometimes brood for long periods of time, evidently pining for their lost place in Heaven. In fact, no caste of Devils bears more ill will towards the hosts of Heaven than the Luminous Devils. For the Luminous Devils, the war against Heaven isn't ideological - it's personal.
Of all the Devils, the Luminous Devils possess an emotional life that is most similar to mortals. Alone among Devils they are capable of actually falling in love (albeit of a twisted and selfish kind). They have even been seen to weep. It is not uncommon for a Luminous Devil to be overcome with feelings of love for a mortal of great beauty and innocence. They actually spurn the affections of evil folk, finding themselves most attracted to the good and pure. The Luminous Devil may assume a human form to court the object of their love, or may abduct them and bring them to Hell to be their infernal spouse. The Luminous Devil will initially shower their beloved with gifts, and lavish attention on them. In time, however, the evil within the Devil takes hold, and they always eventually find cause to destroy whoever they love. The Luminous Devil will never accept responsibility for this, but seek to blame their lost lovers themselves (for allowing themselves to become corrupted), or else the envy of the other Devils.
Sages speculate that many (if not most) of the Luminous Devils were formerly the Angels responsible for the birth of the original Nephilim. The Luminous Devils deny it, blaming instead the Craft Devils.
Luminous Devils have a noted obsession with the number 6 and its multiples, and an aversion to the number 7 and its multiples. Sages speculate that this aversion is due to the importance of the number 7 as an organizing principle in Heaven.
Combat: In combat, Luminous Devils always seek to display their own prowess and skill. They will actually forbear using efficient but unspectacular tactics in favor of those that make themselves look more impressive. For example, a Luminous Devil will almost never attack secretly or from behind, because it would not give their opponents the chance to behold the glory of the Luminous Devil's swordsmanship. The Luminous Devil may only use its spell-like abilities to add drama to the scene of combat, unless they face particularly powerful enemies. Each Luminous Devil possesses a Bastard Sword +2, and their great strength also adds an additional +4 to the damage done with the weapon. They are able to strike twice in around with these swords. Luminous Devils possess a strong, but twisted, sense of chivalry, and will actually honor attempts to negotiate truces if they respect their opponent.
Awful Visage: Although they are naturally beautiful, Luminous Devils involuntarily assume a truly Awful Visage when angered. The face of an angry Luminous Devil will turn bright red, their eyes will start to glow, flames will shoot out of their mouths and nostrils, and lightning like flashes (accompanied by crashes of thunder) will shoot out of their body. Anyone seeing this display must save versus Charisma (Challenge Level 12) or be affected as by a Symbol of Fear. The Devil cannot use this ability unless it has been truly angered, such as after having been cheated or embarrassed.
Diabolical Wager: Every Luminous Devil is an absolute master of some mode of artistic expression, whether singing, sculpting, or playing a musical instrument. If a mortal challenges Hell to a contest of skill there is percentage chance equal to the challenger's Level that a Luminous Devil will take notice. The Devil may appear and accept the challenge, the terms of which will usually be that if the boaster wins they receive a (Level-appropriate) treasure, but if they lose their soul belongs to the Devil. As a suggestion, the CK may decide the result of such a contest with appropriate SEIGE checks, giving a Devil a bonus on the roll of 2 greater than whatever the PC's bonus is. If the Devil loses such a wager he will honor his bargain, but will forever feel hatred and enmity towards the winner.
Confer Power and Glory: Like Pact Devils, Luminous Devils will also bargain for souls. They offer only one thing, however: earthly power and glory. The Luminous Devil will produce a contract to be signed, but it is never anything so pedestrian as the Pact Devil's Black Book. The contract offered will be scribed on a obviously costly scroll with beautiful calligraphy, and may even be illuminated and gilt. The Luminous Devil doesn't bother with tricky or convoluted language. The term are quite clear - you will become a wealthy and important person, but your soul belongs to the Luminous Devil after death. Once the contract is signed in blood, the person will awaken the next day to find themselves suddenly in a desired position of power and wealth. Naturally, they will also have mortal enemies, but the contract never said they wouldn't...
Spell-like Abilities: At will: Charm Person, Cure (or Cause) Serious Wounds, Cure (or Cause) Disease, Polymorph Self, True Seeing, Wall of Fire. Once per day they can strike with a 12 die Lightning Bolt, and Control Weather. In common with other Infernals, Luminous Devils can roam the Ethereal and Astral planes; speak, write, and understand all languages and forms of communication; become Invisible; see in complete darkness; Teleport with no chance of error; perform feats of Prestidigitation; Know Alignment, and create Darkness, all at will. A Luminous Devil can Summon any other Devil (except a Corrupter Devil) six times a day. All abilities have an effective caster level of 12. Like all Infernals, Luminous Devils can teach the Arcane spells that correspond to their own Spell-like abilities, if a Wizard can somehow convince them to do so.
Immune To Fire and Lightning: Like all Devils, a Tormentor Devil cannot be harmed by fire. Additionally, they are immune to damage from lightning or electricity.
_________________
The Engine of Oracles: Creations For Gaming
http://engineoforacles.wordpress.com/