Background Info

[Arianna Ravenscar]

I was thinking maybe we ought to have a thread that gives a some info on the various races, maybe explanations on Shadowhunter jargon and the like. Mostly to give those who haven't read the books something to reference, rather than having to search, and to give those who have read the books a refresher.

[Simon Lewis]

OK That's a good idea. I've been a bit busy lately, but I shall definitely keep it in mind

[Arianna Ravenscar]

I wouldn't mind doing the legwork, if you need some help o.ob

[Simon Lewis]

That would be great thanks Only if you have time, that is

[Arianna Ravenscar]

Ya, I'll put something together and post it in here for you to do with what you will.

[Simon Lewis]

OK! Thank you so much for this

[Arianna Ravenscar]

(So this's what I've managed to assemble. Let me know what you think!)

Nephilim[/size]

Often referred to as Shadowhunters, the Nephilim were created a thousand years ago when the angel Raziel shared his blood with Jonathan Shadowhunter. The angel charged the Nephilim with the task of ridding the world of demons and keeping the peace among Downworlders. He also gave to them a set of laws, written in the Grey Book. They are sworn to obey them, as well as the rules set by the Clave and Council, their governing bodies.

The Nephilim use an instrument called a stele to mark themselves with runes. These runes are also contained within the Grey Book, and are what make Shadowhunters stronger and faster than regular humans (mundanes). Runes applied to a Shadowhunter are referred to as marks, and appear to be etched with phosphorescent ink into their skin. They are drawn to lend aid, strength, or protection. Most are temporary, and fade into thin scars after use. Healing runes are referred to as iratze. Drawing a rune on a mundane would kill them. When Nephilim wish to go unseen by mundanes, they utilize glamours.

Among Nephilim, one is not considered an adult (or a full-fledged Shadowhunter) until age 18.

Shadowhunters use sensors, small black objects resembling cell phones, to detect demon frequencies within a certain range.

Seraph blades are weapons commonly used by Nephilim to battle demons. Each one is named for an angel (though Raziel is never used). When the blade is named, it turns from a dull, blunt hilt into an incredibly sharp dagger, translucent blade blazing with light.

Idris is the home country of the Nephilim, located between Germany and France. Wards surround the country, and they instantly transport mundanes from one border to the next, preventing them from entering. The capital city is Alicante, sometimes called the Glass City. Enormous glass towers, called demon towers, make entry by demons impossible. They can only be deactivated by demon blood.

Downworlders

'Downworlder' is a generic term for human-demon hybrids, including werewolves, vampires, warlocks, and the Fair Folk. Twenty years ago, each of the four was given a seat on the Council.

Werewolves: Referred to as lycanthropes or Children of the Moon, they are the result of humans contracting a disease from demons, resulting in enhanced abilities and a physical transformation. Werewolves are not born, only created as result of a bite from another werewolf. While in human form, they have heightened strength and speed, as well as improved senses. They can shift into their wolf form at will, though it takes effort to resist shifting during certain phases of the moon. All are forced into wolf form during a full moon. Werewolves have an aversion to silver, and can be killed by it. They often run in packs, led by an alpha; any who kills the alpha takes their place. Many see vampires as their mortal enemies.

Vampires: Also known as Night Children, they too are the result of a demon disease. A vampire is created by ingesting the blood of a vampire, then being killed, normally by being drained. They have enhanced strength and speed, heightened senses, and a predatory nature. Vampires have the ability to sheath and unsheath their needle-like fangs, though fledgling vampires may have difficulty mastering this. They also have the ability to 'fascinate' or mesmerize mundanes when eye contact is made, allowing them to have almost complete control over their prey. They can be killed by sunlight, and are vulnerable to the holy symbols of whatever their faith was before being turned. Many see werewolves as their mortal enemies.

Warlocks: Also known as Lilith's Children, warlocks are the offspring of humans and demons. They are most often spellcasters, and are thought to be immortal. All warlocks bear a demon's mark, a physical abnormality, such as wings, horns, cloven hooves, tails, talons, or odd eyes. They are sterile, and cannot produce children.

Faeries: Referred to as the Fair Folk or Children of Lylic, they are the offspring of angels and demons. Extremely cunning, they cannot lie, though they will speak in riddles. They reside in the Seelie Court, within the Faeries Realm, and are ruled by a queen. Eating or drinking anything while visiting the Seelie Court while trap you there, unless the Queen allows you to leave.

Demons

Demons are inter-dimensional creatures that travel from realm to realm, destroying everything in their path. When killed, they return to their home dimension. Weapons must be runed, or the demon will be able to heal from the wound almost instantly. Nearly all demons are venomous, and iratzes have no effect on this poison. There is no set number are the different species of demon. Greater demons are a higher class of demon, and are far, far more powerful. Both are fatally susceptible to sunlight and seraph blades. To be well and truly dead, a greater demon must be killed in both it's physical and spiritual forms.

[Simon Lewis]

Amazing Thank you so much for this I just have to work out where to put it

[Arianna Ravenscar]

Hmmmmm. I have no idea. o.o There isn't any info section.

[Simon Lewis]

It's OK, I put it in the first one where all the rules go