Chucking some notes down before editing into master post [hider=Unorganised world building notes and shiz] Although the Nephilim have always been few in number, since the last great war against Alithe's dark forces some 500 years ago, there are fewer than ever. It is only through a respectful fear and great personal power that they hold the accords and laws governing the tenuous peace among the distrusting neutral races going though now even this influence wavers as they are spread thinner and thinner. No longer do they have the power to challenge Alithe directly and worse still, as tensions rise there are those among the Neutral races that believe the Nephilim no longer have the power needed or even the right to govern and protect the realms. Many have forgotten the danger of Alithe and her minions and governing bodies vie for ever greater control and influence among the realms, splintering the races further. To add to the distrust against the Nephilim, they are given near ultimate authority over law, able to act as judge, jury, and executioner. Although each Nephilim is free to choose most aspects of his or her armament, there are a few key features that define them out of any crowd. - An ashen white cloak as standard (Some Nephilim choose to adjust it's length and alter in different ways). The cloak is imbued with a few enchantments such as waterproofing and the fabric equalling armour in combat. - Tattoo like markings of the Runes handed down from Raziel granting various powers and abilities (will be discussed later) - The Braidh. The Braidh is a blessed artifact forged specific to each Nephilim that holds two forms. It is able to take the form of a hand and a half sword (along the lines of the image below) as well as a slender long chain only just thicker than a silver chain necklace. In both forms the braidh is embewed with a number of useful traits. Although not all a known, it is known that the Braidh is able to cut through any enchantment and there has yet been an armour to successfully turn aside the Braidh in sword form. Not only this but the Braidh is the primary tool in capturing criminals, as once the Braidh has been wrapped around the wrists of a being whilst in it's chain form, all strength and power is sapped from them, rendering the being helpless. As the Braidh has been forged to the fabric of each nephilim, all it's powers become inert when not weilded by its rightful owner. [img]http://www.kultofathena.com/images/IP0012_2_l.jpg[/img] [b]Raziel's Runes[/b] (need to find pics) As not all of Raziel's children hold the use of magic, nor even the magic users hold the abilities required by Raziel for them to perform their duties, Raziel passed down his own powers within the limited forms of Runic markings seared upon the body. Each rune has an associated power which is then fused to the soul of the being wearing it. The exact number of Runes are unknown but there are some known of - Various Runes marking transcendence from mortal form to the part Angelic form that is the Nephilim - Rune that provides protection from mind intrusion - Rune for Clarity of sight (as well as clarity of people's intents) - Rune of protection, allowing the nephilim to take serious hits physically and magically - Rune of Blinding light. This is the most known among supersition. Upon placing a hand upon the forehead of a being, the nephilim sends searing light throughout their mind and bodies. The light is the literally flame of Raziel himself and is used as a form of execution. The eyes are burnt from the head of the victim, with glimmering cracks forming along the husk of the body. The light cleanses all darkness from the victim and it is said that there may even be some that have survived over the years, though you can never trust rumours. Remember, when you see the light, Iron justice is at hand. - Rune of Endurance. Allows the Neph to fight long after the limitations of their previous forms - Rune of healing. Whilst it won't immediately fix any ailment, given enough time this rune allows for the nephilim to come back from all but the most mortal of wounds. Must take note that while the runes are powerful, they all have their limits and faults. [/hider]