"From the hate-scorched sky,
With righteous anger in our hearts,
We draw forth the sword that smites Evil,
Thou art the innocent blade,
Deus Machina!"

Name: The Order of the Raven

Series of Origin: Deus Machina Demonbane

Government Type: Esoteric Order

Executive Leader: Grand Master Leviathan Corax

Geo-Political Position: The Order of the Raven is an ancient, hermetic order of sorcerers and scientists who have joined forces to defend the Earth from malevolent forces, terrestrial or otherwise. When they can, they establish guidelines and limitations with organized governments on matters such as magical research and exploration. However, they primarily serve to stamp out those that would endanger the Earth or her population with their machinations.

The leadership of the Order consists of the Grand Master, who presides over the Seven Emperors, each of which being a tremendously powerful sorcerer. The positions within the Seven Emperors are all named after Roman Emperors of old: Nero, Augustus, Caligula, Titus, Tiberius, Vespasianus and Claudius.

A recent coup involving the heir to the position of Grand Master has shaken the order, leaving the previous Grand Master dead, his inexperienced son filling his position, and both a powerful sorcerer and a deadly magical cyborg on the loose.

Military Capabilities: The Order of the Raven's primary weapons are Deus Machina, massive, humanoid engines powered by Grimoires (tomes of magical power) and piloted by sorcerers. Even without their Deus Machina, the Order's chief members and powerful sorcerers in their own right. There is also a small army of mundane, automated mechas that the Order may utilize if need be.

Population Estimate: The key members of the Order number less than twenty, but there are a few hundred vassal members (mostly West Industries employees) that make up their lesser ranks.

Claimed Areas: The Order's headquarters is located in Arkham, Massachusetts.

"That is not dead which may eternal lie... Dammit, how did the rest go?"

Name: Leviathan "Levi" Corax

Age: 22

Species: Sorcerer (Human)

Position/Job: Grand Master of the Order of the Raven

Short Bio: The Corax family founded the Order of the Raven in the times of the Ancient Roman Empire, and since then a member of their bloodline has always held the title of Grand Master.

Levi recently inherited the position of Grand Master of the Order following the death of his father and the betrayal of his elder brother Therion. While he feels he is unready for the position, given that his brother had been groomed to be the next in line in their family's tradition, he accepts the responsibility out of duty.

As Therion escaped with the traditional Grand Master's Grimoire, The Pnakotic Manuscripts, and its paired Deus Machina, Liber Legis, Levi was forced to delve into the Order's vaults snd choose a new Grimoire for his use. To combat the threat his brother posed, he selected a Grimoire than had been sealed away out of fear of its unknown power, Al Azif, better known as the Necronomicon. With the power of Al Azif, he constructed a new Deus Machina, christening it Strange Aeon.

Skills: A genius sorcerer and powerful combatant, Levi is well schooled in magical theory and combat, as well as several school of engineering, having studied at the Miskatonic University. He is also an amateur detective, having an interest in such matters since his youth.

Weapons: Levi possesses the Grimoire Al Azif, and the Deus Machina bound to it, Strange Aeon. In addition, he wields the magic guns Cthugha (an automatic pistol of explosive power) and Ithaqua (an elegant revolver with homing rounds), as well as the sorcerous blade, the Scimitar of Barzai.

Abilities: Thoroughly adept in magic, he is far mightier than the average sorcerer, though still below the level of the masters that comprise the Seven Emperors. By channeling the power of Al Azif, he can take on a superhuman form without summoning his Deus Machina.

Other: While effectively the weakest of the Order's leading sorcerers, Levi is being trained and tutored by the Seven Emperors to effectively grow as a magician and a leader.

"My unholy creations shall be fueled by the power of rock! That's what love is all about, baby!"

Name: Herbert West

Age: 23

Species: Human

Position/Job: Chief Deus Machina Engineer, President of West Industries

Short Bio: For several generations the West family, a lineage of genius scientists and engineers, has been close with the Corax family, eventually coming to provide the technological framework for the invention of Deus Machinas. In the last century they founded West Industries, a corporation that utilizes the money made from their advances in science and medicine to fund the activities of the Order of the Raven.

Over time, it seems that the scions of the West family have gradually grown more brilliant, but also more unhinged. This subtle, incremental process appears to have skipped ahead a great deal with Herbert, who is as a great an inventor as he is a madman. Whatever wires there are in his brain seem to be thoroughly crossed, giving him the inspiration and drive that only the insane can possess. His creations, while astounding, tend to lack basic common sense and practicality in their design, and Doctor West has a very bad habit of not thinking these things through enough.

Doctor West grew up alongside Levi, as their fathers were close friends. Both had lost their mothers when they were young, and bonded over it. They stayed friends for their entire youths, even attending the Miskatonic University together, earning a doctorate in the same time Levi earned his Master's. Many consider Levi to be the only person that can decipher Doctor West's insane ramblings, and actually persuade him to put his efforts toward supporting the Order.

Skills: Doctor West is a scientist and inventor unparalleled in the field of designing, constructing and maintaining massive engines of destruction. While he is not a sorcerer, he possesses great understanding of magic theory, and can work spell matrices into his inventions, thus creating magic-infused technology. He's a proficient mecha pilot, as well as a decent hand-to-hand combatant and marksman.

Weapons: Doctor West's guitar case is equal parts rocket launcher, machine gun and flamethrower. His personal mecha is the Super West Invincible Destroyer Robot No.28.

Abilities: Apart from a seemingly superhuman ability to take a beating from Levi whenever he gets pissed off by his manias, Doctor West has no supernatural abilities to speak of.

"I am the Lord's fury made manifest. Repent, and I may yet have mercy for you."

Name: Leica Crusade

Age: 27

Species: Cyborg (Human)

Position/Job: Metatron, Angel of Hope

Short Bio: Leica's parents died in an industrial accident when she was very young, orphaning both her and her twin brother, Ryuga. Both were soon after adopted by a strange man, who indoctrinated and performed strange procedures on them. THese were very difficult times for the both of them. In their suffering, Leica turned to God, whereas Ryuga's heart filled with anger and despair. Their bodies were modified with magic-infused techologies, turning them into extremely powerful magical cyborgs.

However, this series of experiments (known as the Moonchild Project) was disrupted by the man who was at that point Grand Master of the Order of the Raven, and Levi's Father. The Moonchild Project was dissolved, and both Leica and Ryuga, who had now been re-named Metatron and Sandaphalon, respectively, were taken under his wing. For fifteen years they lived and fought alongside the Order, where they were accepted and valued for their modified bodies. However, Sandaphalon participated in Therion Corax's coup, escaping with him. Metatron has been made extremely bitter by her brother's betrayal, and seeks to bring him back at any cost.

Skills: Metatron lacks many practical skills, favoring mostly her intense training in armed, magical and hand-to-hand combat.

Weapons: Metatron's cyber-magic implants turn her entire body into a single, incredibly powerful magical weapon.

Abilities: Metatron's strength, speed and durability far exceed that which a human is capable of, and that which many sorcerers can compete with. She flies at hypersonic speed, and has access to both an intense magical beam weapon, and the highly destructive Sabers of Heaven. Both her flesh and mechanical implants can regenerate, and her senses are strong enough to monitor events several kilometers away.

Other: Metatron is ignorant of the fact that Vespasianus, one of the Seven Emperors, was the one to turn herself and her brother into what they are now.

As she is a few years older than Levi, she is something of an elder sister figure to him, and they have bonded over their mutual anguish over their brothers' betrayals.

"If it wasn't for me, you'd be out on the street pulling rabbits out of a hat to afford your meals. Don't you forget it!"

Name: Lucifer "Lucy" Corax

Age: 19

Species: Human

Position/Job: CEO of West Industries

Short Bio: Levi and Therion's younger sister, Lucy is the only one of the three siblings without the ability to use magic. Complications during her birth resulted in the death of their mother, and as such Lucy grew up with very few womanly influences. Her few feminine traits are a veneer learned from her retainers, covering her aggressive, businesslike attitude.

As Doctor West is far too busy being batshit insane to run his family business, that matter is left up to Lucy. She keeps West Industries running smoothly, ensuring that the Order stays well funded and well stocked. A thankless, but necessary job, which keeps her well away from the stresses and confusion that come with being neck deep in magical nonsense.

Skills: A cunning capitalist and expert businesswomen, Lucy has an excellent mind for numbers and a keen eye for profit. Even so, she runs a company that cares well for its employees, and can be quite charming if she puts her mind to it.

Weapons: Carries a low-calibre pistol with her for emergencies.

Abilities: Superhuman patience developed from dealing with her frustrating family and their close associates.

Other: Was closer to Levi than to Therion before his betrayal, and so is more concerned for her loyal brother than for the other.

"Alchemists of old described gold as being the perfect metal. For how strongly it rules the hearts of men, I can think of no better description."

Name: Giovanni Pucci

Age: 38

Species: Sorcerer (Human)

Position/Job: Augustus, Emperor of Gold

Short Bio: Born in Italy, Augustus spent his youth travelling the world, all the while trying to determine the strongest form of sorcerery. Learning from many different schools, he eventually decided upon his own style, but was at a loss with what to use this power for.

While he had vague plans of taking over the world, a small invasion of Deep Ones introduced him to the Order of the Raven. He met and befriended Levi's father, who convinced him to use his power to defend the Earth as one of the Seven Emperors.

Skills: A master magician, Augustus has a great deal of knowledge regarding culture and history, and speaks numerous languages.

Weapons: Wields the Grimoire The Golden Bough, and is master of the Deus Machina Legacy of Gold.

Abilities: Augustus uses magic involving golden barriers and beams of destruction, as well as some magic manipulating laws and order.

Other: After the death of Levi's father, Augustus is effectively the acting leader of the Order, until such a time that Levi can be trusted to run the Order on his own.

"Come now, my. good fellow, there is much work to be done, much work indeed."

Name: Abraham Vandenberg

Age: 56

Species: Sorcerer (Chimeric Human)

Position/Job: Vespasianus, Emperor of Beasts

Short Bio: A well-learned and powerful sorcerer, Vespasianus made his bid for global domination some years ago in a series of experiments known as the Moonchild Project. He used his tremendous magical and alchemical skill in numerous attempts to create a being through which he could command an entity known as "Big C."

His plans were halted by Levi's father, who defeated him and rescued the subjects of his experiments. Vespasianus was offered a chance at redemption in becoming one of the Seven Emperors, and protecting mankind from the kind of monster that he had become. His eyes opened by the Grand Master's mercy, he has loyally served the Order since then.

Skills: A genius in magic and the art of alchemy, Vespasianus is also an expert in biology and chemistry.

Weapons: Wields the Grimoire Book of Eibon and is master of the Deus Machina Cykranosh.

Abilities: Vespasianus' magic specializes in mutating and altering life, though he is also quite skilled in illusions and anti-magic. His body has been altered through alchemy to be far stronger than a normal human, and possesses great regenerative power. He possesses three familiars, Otho, Galva and Vitellius, within his body to enhance his power.

Other: After Therion's coup, the rest of the Seven Emperors assumed Vespasianus would make a grab for power. The fact that he did not is seen as extremely suspicious.

"Don't try and throw your weight around with me, boy. You know I'm not impressed."

Name: Laban Shrewsbury

Age: 71

Species: Sorcerer (Human)

Position/Job: Claudius, Emperor of Wind

Short Bio: A scholar originally from Peru, he researched yhe secrets of magic for decades before immigrating to Arkham and teaching the subject at the Miskatonic University. Hos knowledge is so vast that he was able to pen his own Grimoire, Celaeno Fragments. When word of this reached the Grand Master of the Order at the time, Levi's grandfather, he was invited to join the Seven Emperors. Claudius eagerly accepted, and has served the Order for longer than anyone else, with one exception.

Claudius maintains his position of professor at the University, and was in fact Levi's teacher during his college years. Despite Levi's rank of Grand Master, Claudius still treats him like an ignorant student, as though they were still in his classroom.

Skills: Claudius has a deeper understanding of magic theory than possibly anyone else in the Order, and is also an expert in demonology.

Weapons: Wields the Grimoire Celaeno Fragments, and is master of the Deus Machina Ambrose.

Abilities: Claudius specializes in wind, weather and air-based magic, and additionally has some power over demons.

Other: His Grimoire is of highly notable power, as he is the only member of the Seven Emperors to have written his own.

Despite his magic keeping him young and strong, Claudius still feels his age catching up with him, and has begun to train his grandson to take his place in the Seven Emperors.

"Hardly worth my time. Were you not already dead, I'd kill you for suggesting that we were equals in power."

Name: Daijuji Kensuke

Age: 34

Species: Sorcerer (Chimeric Human)

Position/Job: Titus, Emperor of Steel

Short Bio: Born in Japan, from an early age Titus dedicated himself to mastery of the sword. He trained constantly, and his skill grew to where no mortal blade could surpass his. Still, he looked for greater challenges, delving into magic so that he might defeat gods with his sword.

Travelling abroad, Levi's father came to hear of this legendary sorcerer-samurai, and challenged him to a magical duel. The two fought to a draw, whereupon Titus was invited to join the Seven Emperors, so as to put his great skill to use in defending the world.

Skills: A truly unsurpassed swordsman, Titus' skill with a blade has yet to be matched by man, machine or god. He is also an accomplished sorcerer, and his talent as a self-taught scholar of magic is not to be overlooked.

Weapons: He carries four katana blades, wields the Grimoire Cultes des Goules, and is master of the Deus Machina Ogre.

Abilities: His sportsmanship surpasses that which normal humans are capable of. His speed, strength and precision can scarcely be matched by other sorcerers, and his body has been altered through magic to give him hidden advantages. His swords can cut through vacuums, such is his power. His perception is honed to superhuman levels as well. Tutus can summon blades from any point on his body, thus making him always armed.

Other: Does not respect Levi, as the two of them have yet to duel to the death as Titus did with Levi's father.

"Two kinds of people; the strong and the dead. Guess which you are."

Name: Ezekiel Moore

Age: 32

Species: Sorcerer (Human)

Position/Job: Caligula, Emperor of Fury

Short Bio: Raised in poverty, Caligula resorted to petty crime to keep himself alive. The bastard son of a reputable sorcerer, he was born with inherent magical talent that was squandered due to lack of training. Caligula was found by Levi's father and taken in by the Order, where he was trained to use his talent for the greater good. Eventually a position in the Seven Emperors opened, and more skilled, disciplined Caligula joined them.

Skills: A masterful hand-to-hand combatant, and a decently knowledgeable sorcerer.

Weapons: Wields the Grimoire Cthäat Aquadingen, and is master of the Deus Machina Kraken.

Abilities: Caligula's strength, speed and durability are each ludicrous, even by sorcerer standards. His punches have literally explosive power, and the shockwaves alone from a punch can be enough to kill a man. He also has a specialty in manipulating water and ice.

Other: Easily the least intelligent of the Seven Emperors, but he is a genius in battle, and underestimating him is a lethal mistake.

"Hee hee! If you thought life was a joy, just wait and see what comes after!

Name: (Unknown) "Pagliacci"

Age: 93

Species: Sorcerer (Undead Human)

Position/Job: Tiberius, Emperor of Worms

Short Bio: A strange, clown-like sorcerer, Tiberius' past is a complete mystery, but it can be assumed that he cast off his former life in exchange for the power of his Grimoire some time ago. Levi's father discovered him trying to raise a small army of zombies in Europe some years ago. After defeating him, Tiberius willingly submitted to the Grand Master, and came to hold a position as onr of the Seven Emperors, having since served faithfully.

Skills: A surprisingly accomplished sorcerer, despite his apparent insanity. He can also juggle.

Weapons: Has large metal claws on each hand, wields the Grimoire De Vermis Myterriis, and is master of the Deus Machina Belzebuth.

Abilities: A powerful necromancer, Tiberius can raise the dead to serve him as well as channel the souls of the dead to fuel his power. His magic sustains his undead body, which will regenerate from any would as long as his Grimoire remains unharmed. His own flesh he can also freely manipulate, as well as several varieties of vermin.

Other: Easily the most hated by the other Seven Emperors, though he is still trusted more than Vespasianus.

"..."

Name: (Unknown)

Age: (Unknown)

Species: Sorcerer (Presumably Human)

Position/Job: Nero, Emperor of Secrets

Short Bio: Nero has been one of the Seven Emperors for so long, that no one remembers how long she has been in the Order. She predates every Corax in recent memory, all the while remaining ageless and mysterious.

Nero says nothing about herself, staying bound and gagged in the bowels of the Order's headquarters, releasing herself only in times of great peril.

Skills: Nero's magical skill is legendary, and she is said to be the most powerful sorcerer alive.

Weapons: Wields the Grimoire Unaussprechlichen Kulten, and is master of the Deus Machina Nameless One.

Abilities: Is completely ageless, and is said to be of tremendous, world-ending power.

Other: She speaks to no one and acknowledges even few in her dungeon, but seems to react strangely to Levi's presence.

"I live in my Lady's service. That is all there is to know."

Name: Norman Winfield

Age: 36

Species: Human

Position/Job: Butler, Personal Attendant to Lucifer Corax

Short Bio: Employed by West Industries as a young man, he was tasked to care for the Grand Master's children whenever his duty kept him busy. Initially ignorant of what the Order dealt with, when he became aware of the threats the father of his wards dealt with, he trained himself to keep them safe.

As Therion and Levi grew up and became sorcerers, Winfield was left with only Lucy to care for, and the two have a very strong bond. To this day his is Lucy's closest retainer, and her fiercest defender.

Skills: Winfield has trained in boxing to an extreme degree, and his skill is so great that he can fight off sorcerers and win. He is also an expert in cooking, cleaning, handiwork, tutoring, childcare, first aid and etiquette.

Weapons: Winfield fights bare-handed, like a true gentleman.

Abilities: Despite not being supernatural in any way, Winfield's training has given him skills comparable to a sorcerer in power.

Other: It is rumored that Titus and Winfield have something of a rivalry, and have been dueling in secret.

"Stop in the name of love, robo! Wow, that sounds dumb, robo."

Name: Elsa

Age: 2

Species: Robot

Position/Job: Personal Assistant/Bodyguard of Doctor West

Short Bio: Built on a whim by Doctor West, Elsa is both his bodyguard and lab assistant. While programmed to follow his orders, Elsa's AI is advanced enough to realize how nonsensical they usually are, and as s result has a very sarcastic attitude toward her creator.

Skills: Programmed to have a great deal of Doctor West's scientific and magical knowledge, as well as advanced fighting skill.

Weapons: Elsa carries a pair of tonfa-pistols, has a machine gun hidden in each arm, carries magic-nullifying grenades, and can summon the magic cannon Dig Me No Grave.

Abilities: Elsa's artificial body is supremely strong, fast and durable, and she has the processing power of a supercomputer.

Other: Her only outwardly robotic trait is that she pubctuates her sentences with "robo."

"Teki-li-li!"

Name: Dunsany

Age: (Unknown)

Species: Shoggoth

Position/Job: Pet, All-purpose furniture

Short Bio: Dunsany was discovered amongst the ruins of the Elder Things during a voyage to Antarctica by Levi's father. He was taken back to Arkham as an amusing pet for his children, though he is used as a chair more than anything else.

Skills: Is exceptionally soft.

Weapons: His massive, gelatinous body.

Abilities: Has incredible strength, can shapeshift into various forms, and can grow new appendages as needed. He can also mimic voices and words in a very parrot-like manner.

Other: His favorite food is fresh penguin meat.