Part 14: Come To Mummy!

Update 13: Come To Mummy! No talking over cutscenes(Polsy) | Talking over cutscenes(Polsy) | Download




Affinity

Servants of heaven that populate the lowest of the angelic hierarchy, a Third Sphere rung known simply as Angels. Humans with deep faith often feel these angels close to their hearts. Descending from the heavens upon pure white wings, it is believed that the glimmering halo atop an Affinity's head lights the path for those who have lost their way.

The religious articles they equip are all tools used to further their conviction to protect the righteous and can become powerful weapons used to strike down those with sullied hearts.


Applaud

While still a member of the Third Sphere, Applauds are one step above Affinities, and thus known as Archangels. Occupying the eighth position within the nine-level angelic hierarchy, Archangels are still considered close to the physical world, and often come into contact with humankind. It is said that devoted prayer on the part of believers can call upon a host of angels to come to one's aid.


Decorations

With limited spiritual powers, this angel is spotted comparatively frequently within the physical, human world.

Capriciously firing arrows, they are often mistaken for Cupid. It is said that one of their arrows, shot through the heart of a believer, can be as infatuating as the goddess of love.


Fortitudo

Amongst the spiritually powerful of the Middle Ages, it was thought Paradiso held for all a Divine Will, and as a result, they developed heavenly logic. The concept of the "Cardinal Virtues" was born of this logic, and classifies Paradiso's Divine Will into four broad groups.

These Cardinal Virtues occasionally become physical manifestations of the great intentions of Paradiso, and are known as the Laguna, inspiring awe in the masses. Personifying courage and fortitude, Fortitudo has been depicted as a terrifying being sporting an enormous face and two dragon's heads. He is said to be capable of summoning magma flows at will.


Fearless

Fearless are classified as Dominions, the fourth rank amongst the hierarchy of angels. Controlling the lightning feared by many as the instrument of divine justice, Fearless make known the majesty of God to the masses.

Almost all of the naturally occurring lightning in the world is a result of the actions of these angels. It is said that divine wrath against gluttons is released in the lightning's flash, as the thunder signals heaven's roar.


Fairness

A Virtue charged with the administration of miracles, it is wrapped in flames when appearing in the physical world, a power emblematic of its courage. A torrent of flame blazing as bright as the sun, these flames become the light that burns away darkness from those who receive the graces of Fairness. However, for those out of the angel's good graces, they are the fire and brimstone of destruction.


Grace & Glory

Grace, draped in flame, and Glory, controller of lightning, are the twin escorts of the Creator. They share a wild disposition and are often depicted as gods of war heroically leading the soldiers of Paradiso into battle, with their giant, clawlike weapons being symbols of their ferocity. Humanity recognizes the increased spiritual power of twins, a power that comes from the blessings of Grace and Glory.


Beloved

Beloved is a member of the Second Sphere class Powers, ranked sixth in the angelic hierarchy. Its status is more that of a spiritual being, but it is also burdened with destroying the enemies of Paradiso. While still considered amongst the lower classes of angels, Beloved's power is of a far higher order than that of a human, and even those with strong spiritual powers are seldom afforded the chance to meet this being. Excelling in combat, Beloved are known for brilliant exploits in demonic battles.




Shadows on Vigrid

The witches are gone from this universe.

They were said to have been killed off one by one during the malicious Witch Hunts that once spread through Europe.

At least, that's what's written in the books. The real truth is a little more complicated.

The mass slaughter known as the Witch Hunts of Vigrid was, in truth, a war of mythical proportions. The Lumen Sage responsible for the war launched a conflict that expanded beyond just humanity, reaching into Inferno and Paradiso as well. The angels' offensive was so overpowering that the Umbra were completely wiped out, but in the aftermath, this destructive fate also met the Lumen, and both clans were wiped from history.

As I researched the Umbra and Lumen, who are considered the overseers of history, I learned that what we see with our eyes and hear with our ears isn't always the truth I thought it to be.

An Umbra Witch who survived the Witch Hunts of the past. What sort of monumental secrets are locked away in her destiny? They unfold even now, in the unending cycle of life and death. Crazy to think that something that could decide the fate of the universe is taking place in Noatun at this very instant... At least, that's what my instinct's telling me is happening.

I'll use this prized nose of mine to sniff out whatever is actually going on.


Where Darkness Falls

Similar to the secret underground passageways you'd expect to find behind bookshelves in old, looming mansions, Vigrid was full of rooms with secret pathways and training rooms the Umbra used.

I found that out a while back, when I was researching the Umbra. Later I learned my old man had stumbled upon the same thing.

Anyway, as witches draw their strength from the darkness, they would set up facilities that allowed them to train indoors while it was light outside.

It could be that they hated the sunlight, or maybe it was a measure they took to keep their secret arts as far from the public eye as possible.

Most of these hidden passages were forgotten after the Witch Hunts. Time passed, and the city developed. Most of the inhabitants probably would never think there could be some secret path in the very house they live in.

When you think about it, maybe they're happier not knowing.