Angels

[THE DAMNED]

GENERAL
Angels received their names for their unmistakable wings. They are otherwise similar to humans, in looks. Compared to humans, Angels have no natural superiority in speed. While extended lifespans and vigorous training can often provide a tie-breaker, they are otherwise similar. The strength of an Angel is its key. Supernatural strength, enough to crush bones with their hands. A single strike from an Angel could easily provide enough to kill a human outright. Angels live far longer than humans, as long as 2000 years. Maturity is reached at around the age of 50, the day that their wings finally push from their backs (this is to say, Angels have none before this point). One is considered at their 'peak' at around the age of 400 to about 800. An Angel's body does not deteriorate as a humans does, instead gains power until the last few months of existence, when the Angel is riddled with illness and dies. However it is rare, for an Angel to live to reach this point.

APPEARANCE
Angels, an ancient race of primitive warriors from a world unknown. Their appearance is that of a very beautiful human with wings to match the color of their body hair, with the exception of black and white. No angel has white hair, nor does it grow white with age, meaning there are no white wings. Black hair results in dark greys and browns. Wings are similar in structure to that of a bird; hollow bones and feathers. Their wings span approximately 12ft in diameter (6ft per way), varying upon the height of the creature. They are taller than humans, with the average height being about 6ft tall. Overwhelming muscles aid in their towering appearance. Angels are generally clean-shaven. Some have small goatees, or sideburns, but never beards or mustaches. Hair is kept short for men, and kept back and natural for women. Angels do not care about being attractive to one another, as attraction is rather taboo. Instead, appearance is curved towards emanating power, and commanding respect.

As such, garments worn by Angels reflect a similar ideal. Angels care little for fabrics worn over their skin, for they are rarely seen. Intricate armor are always worn proudly over simple silks and velvets. These armours are grand; adorned with various items that appeal to the taste of the individual and their clan. Gems, rare metals, coloring and even the down of another slain Angel are all commonplace. Such armour is the center of an Angel's appearance, more or less the only thing the whole society pays attention to, apart from their armaments. The most revered armor is either a set passed down through a clan, given out to someone who distinguishes themselves, or similar sets taken as trophies of another.

Where armour gives the Angel rank, title, and respect, their weapons reflect personality. They are the equivalent of jewelry and accessories to a human. How an Angel fights is everything, what they fight with is similarly important. Shields reflect a defensive, opportunistic nature. Polearms show the importance of devastating blows and footwork. Smaller, one handed weapons show a preference for dexterity and mobility, where two handed ones, place preference upon destruction and intimidation. Seeing as Angels carry a large assortment of weapons, it is often the weapons held in hand or exposed that Angels look at. If an Angel wishes to be perceived a certain way, they need only hold the proper weapon in hand.

Because weaponry plays such a vital role in their image, Angels do not use swords, axes, or any similar bladed weapon. These are the tools of a slave or peasant, and would reflect the same upon their holder. This rule pertains strictly to melee weapons, and only to basic items. Weapons that are bladed, but complex in usage (such as a scythe or kusari-gama) do not share this view, nor do throwing weapons of similar shape such as throwing axes or knives. With so much weight being placed on weaponry, many Angels turn to exotic weaponry to confuse and impress those around them. Being unpredictable and different is not only a sign of intellect and cunning, but power.


SOCIETY
While society can vary from clan to clan, most traditions are retained with each. In Angel society, power and reputation is everything. To challenge ones reputation; to insult them or even call one of their actions incorrect, often warrants a fight to the death in the name of honor. Appearance serves the sole purpose of projecting ones power.

Angels possess absolutely none of what humans call 'technology'. Life is rather simple in this matter. Their cities were built of stone and wood. Farming provides the basis for almost all the consumed food of their kind, with exotic fish and rare jungle game being available for a ridiculous price. Anything that technology would accomplish for humans is either completed through immense strength, and numbers, or it is not needed.

While many would assume flight to be a blessing of the Angels, it is not so to them. To use ones wings in battle is to show weakness - completely taboo. If an Angel is caught doing so, those who witness are compelled to kill the Angel outright. Weakness is not tolerated. This leaves the purpose of wings to being an effective means of locomotion, and nothing else.

To show weakness of any kind results in nothing short of being challenged upon it. If an Angel feels another is weak, for whatever reason, they will try to slay them to further their own reputation. This leads to society being brutal and unforgiving - mistakes are fatal.

Slavery is also common to Angels, accepted without question. While some may choose to slay weaker, defeated foes, some choose to show mercy. While there are mixed views upon those who spare the weak, when one is shown mercy, there is no question. The individual has no choice but to accept it. They will remain a servant to their merciful master until some manner of redeeming their honor has been achieved. No exceptions.

Mating is nothing like that of humans. There is no love, no intimacy, or attraction. Sex is performed until pregnancy is achieved, and not once further. There is no marriage or even any sort of bond shared. When the child is born, it is the fathers decision whether or not he cares for and teaches it. It is not uncommon for him to choose not to.

Should, for some strange reason, an Angel show signs of love, compassion, or attraction to another, similar effects occur as when weakness is shown (as showing feelings is to show weakness). Beyond this, the individual is looked down upon for such things, and exiled if not killed. Feelings are taboo.

TRANSITION
When the rift was torn, Angels were caught completely off-guard. Parts of their own world were instantly transported to Earth, along with many of the Angels themselves. Thrown into a strange new world, scattered and confused.

There were many not initially sent over. Society was fractured, landmarks vanishes. The Angel population was thrust into a state of chaos, with everyone searching for clues as to how and why this was happening, to no avail.

When an Angel is moved from one world to another, the transition is instantaneous. The Angel simply ceases to be in their own realm. They're 'dropped' onto earth, as if from a high distance, only gaining control of themselves once they've landed painfully on the ground.

As a large piece of an Angel city came with the initial Angels, so too did their hopes of restarting anew. No time was wasted in re-establishing order, and beginning to rebuild. Crops were re-sown. New buildings erected. And for a time, even new leaders pushed forward to command the clans.

Angels were more than surprised when the encounters with humans began. They were viewed as a lesser, more primitive version of themselves, and thus weaker. Humans were taken prisoner, forcibly, and made to aid the humans in the re-structuring of their own society. Human dialect was picked up eventually, and spread throughout the Angel ranks to increase productivity between the two.