Celestials

Celestials are the first children of Evithanon. Physically, they look human, but they have a natural aura to them; a warm and encompassing glow that flows freely from their heart to their skin. It gives off a calming effect and those around them tend to feel a strange sense of peace and tranquility. This glow can be suppressed, but most Celestials only do so when they’re mingling with other races. Celestials are very supple and lithe. They can be quite beautiful and have large, feathery wings sprouting out from their shoulder blades. These wings often inspire awe and some people believe that Celestials are angels.

Their skin color can range from common human-like flesh tones to unnatural soft toned colors. Their wing feathers are usually light in color, but can fluctuate through several different shades of the same color - ranging from white to light brown. Their wings are never dull or dark shades such as gray or black.

Because Celestials have a natural connection to Evithanon they have an innate ability to use minor light magic without magite. However they still have to train in order to develop this ability. They can use any other magite based on their class, but a Celestial can never use Dark or Shadow. They consider these dark stones to be untouchable and tainted with evil.

Celestials cannot perform an act of true evil. Yet there is that question: what is good and what is evil? To most, this is usually a matter of interpretation. One should consider, though, that it would have to be something truly appalling for a Celestial to lose their connection to Evithanon. Some believe that a Celestial can do no evil, but this is not exactly true. Celestials are mortal, and mortals make mistakes. Also, in some circumstances, one may have to do some evil to bring about good.

The Celestial people all have their own opinions and beliefs. Each has their own unique way of looking at their bond with Evithanon. They understand it, and understand Evithanon better than any other race or class. Naturally some lose their way, thinking they’ve done something wrong or they lose faith in themselves. Long ago, before they came to Calamia, Celestials were a closely-knit community and they often assisted those who strayed or became confused.

Many wonder about the Celestials, and how they ever came to be linked with Forsaken. Because Celestials are the children of Evithanon, they’re prime targets for Molrivath’s vengeance and influence. On Israidius, demonic spirits could, occasionally, attach themselves to a Celestial. This evil, cunning spirit could be very deceptive and difficult to detect alone. When the Celestials lived together on Israidius, these demons were rarely seen. When they were, the group disposed of them swiftly. During these times, a Forsaken was a rarity - virtually unheard of - and many Celestials came to believe that they were nothing more than tales.

But these dark spirits, called Ahgeon, were very real. Such spirits sought out the weak or confused among the Celestials. Then, following their chosen victim, they would attempt to whittle away that Celestial’s faith and beliefs, confusing them, and eventually driving them to break their link with Evithanon. Once broken, Celestials experience emotional trauma ranging from panic to despair. Losing their link to Evithanon is like losing a limb or a loved one and without that connection life becomes unbearable, often to the point of death. In most cases, a Celestial slowly dies. The time varies, but they don’t usually last more than a day or two. A Celestial can regain their link with Evithanon, but only if they find out how, and it is not always easy. As the Celestial weakens the Ahgeon begins to push the Celestial’s soul out of its body. Eventually, the soul is ejected and the demon takes over completely.

These new beings are evil reincarnations – disembodied demons that enter the body of the dead celestial, twisting it into something dark and sinister for their own purposes. They do not share the body with the former Celestial nor do any remnants of the Celestial’s soul remain. Celestials always die if the Ahgeon successfully takes over and their souls are permanently displaced. The newly born Forsaken retain some ‘knowledge’ of their former host’s life, but they hold no empathy for it.

Forsaken are not redeemable. All Celestials who see this progression will do everything within their power to stop the Ahgeon. If all else fails they will give an honorable end to their brethren before allowing the Ahgeon to take the body. The victim is forgiven for all their transgressions and their spirit is returned to the creator. Of course, in this day and age such actions are not possible since the Celestial people have been separated. In fact, seeing two Celestials together is rare.

Forsaken, as a race, stem from an unfortunate event known as the Corruption. The Corruption released spirits of darkness upon the lands of Israidius that ran rampant and caused great suffering.

(For more information on the Celestials, please view the Celestial History in the Library.)

Enlightened

An Enlightened is a general word to describe one who could trace their bloodline back to a Celestial, either their mother and father or a relative many generations back. The effects of having such a being in one's heritage last many generations and so the Enlightened still retain some special qualities about them.

All Enlightened are usually gifted with comely looks, taking on some of their celestial ancestor’s physical traits, though they never gain wings. They learn skills rather quickly, especially those having to do with the light, and are generally good-looking, naturally charismatic, and pleasant to deal with.

Some have minor physical traits suggesting their heritage, such as an unusual hair color, eyes, or an intense stare. Most Enlightened are decidedly good aligned. (And yes, this includes "Robin Hood" type personalities). They fight against evil causes and attempt to sway others to do the right thing. A direct descendent of a Celestial can live up to two hundred years of age. Each generation’s longevity decreases as the Celestial blood thins until it is no longer present in the family line.