Lucifer

"We were blinded by false light. I will snuff it out, and the flame of truth will shine in its place. All who stand against me will burn."

-Lucifer, the Morningstar, Seraphim of the Second Angelic Legion

Lucifer is the King of Hell, the Lord Seraphim of the Dawn Lords, the Second Angelic Legion, and among the most powerful and influential beings in the cosmos. He was once the most beloved of Ynoch's sons, having brought countless worlds under his rule during the Angelic Conquest. Yet after he learned of his father's origin as the tyrannical conqueror Ra, he led over half his brothers in rebellion against him. Once a paragon of virtue and inspiration, admired even by his foes, Lucifer's desire to seize Creation and mold it in his image of the Dream he once fought for has consumed him. Now, he is one of the most feared beings in the cosmos, his very name a source of terror.

Early Life
Lucifer was crafted by his father Ynoch from the energies of the Prime shortly after beginning of the Bronze Age. Coming forth into the paradise realm of Eden, Lucifer was raised by Ynoch and his elder brother, Michael. During the first few years of his life, Lucifer often exasperated his big brother by sneaking off to play with the primitive human tribes who resided in Eden. Ynoch found this to be a refreshing change from Michael's childhood, and took great amusement in the young Lucifer's antics. Whereas Michael had been dutiful, reserved, and obedient, Lucifer was adventurous, bold, and rambunctious. As often as he peeved his brother, Lucifer's infectious charm ensured that even the stern Michael could occasionally laugh at Lucifer's hijinks.

Many of Lucifer's brothers followed him into mischief, which caused no end of woe for their brother Michael, who was responsible for taking care of them. The mild annoyance Lucifer himself had caused his brother escalated into exhausting exasparation. Their father Ynoch made several attempts to talk about his behavior, but Lucifer was typically able to talk his way out of serious consequences. It was not until Lucifer's innate gift of pathokinesis developed, and he began to actually be able to feel the frustration he caused his brother that he actually began to work on his behavior. Slowly, he matured, and using his innate gift, he became a confidant for many of his siblings, as well as a source of authority. This deepened his bond with Michael considerably, and he was eventually welcomed by Ynoch into the circle of trust that only Michael had previously occupied.

"Corruption" of his Siblings
Lucifer's life changed irrevocably upon the births of his younger siblings. The first few to be born were adored by the young Lucifer, who doted upon them. Even before the manifestation of his gift, he was highly empathetic and outgoing, and enjoyed spending as much time with his younger siblings. He convinced both Gabriel and Raphael to sneak off to play with the mortals with him, though after they were caught a few times, Raphael became more and more reluctant to join them. Gabriel, on the other hand, was always eager to get into trouble with his big brother, and eventually came to eclipse Lucifer in the amount of mischief he created.

Wake up Call
It was at the age of fourteen that Lucifer began to take on responsibility within his family. Having long had the position of most popular brother, most every one of his younger siblings looked up to him in some way, and often sought him out to help them escape trouble from Michael or their father. Ynoch conversed with him on several occasions regarding the matter, pointing out the sway he wielded among his brothers, but Lucifer was initially dissmissive. It was not his place to tell his siblings what to do. That was Michael's task. Ynoch urged Lucifer that it did not have to remain so, and encouraged him to assist Michael in his endeavors. When it was pointed out that Raphael, then eight, was already more obedient and helpful to Michael than Lucifer had ever been, Ynoch's Secondborn was left with a deal to contemplate.

Lucifer resolved initially that if ever Michael actually asked for help, he would give it. In his heart, however, he knew that would not happen, for it was not his brother's way. But then Lucifer began to perceive the emotions his brother was feeling, despite the fact that Michael always cloaked his Aura. As he was made aware of the considerable amount of stress Michael was under, Lucifer asked one day after playing against Michael in a strategy game if he would like any help looking after their brothers. He was surprised by the amount of relief he sensed from Michael when he made the offer, which was quickly accepted.

Lucifer was extremely gratified by helping his brother look after their siblings, particularly the infant Gadreel, who was born later that year. He sensed the burden that was lifted from Michael's shoulders by having someone else to help him during the long periods when their father was absent, and he was happy to have helped. Lucifer made use of his new gift frequently. Being able to sense the moods of his siblings, he could always seek them out to talk and address their problems as needed. Even Michael was included, and to Lucifer's surprise and delight, Michael eventually began to deliberately pursue him for consultation on various matters involving their siblings. As his responsibilities grew, so did his confidence, and Lucifer began to think of himself more as a guide for his siblings, especially when Ynoch welcomed him into the elevated circle of trust that previously only Michael had occupied.

However, Lucifer strangely could never read his father.

The Snake Incident
When a young Mephiston turned a human boy into a snake in a fit of anger after having watched him steal apples from a young girl, he ran crying to Lucifer to confess what he had done. Lucifer calmly listened to what he had to say, and then took him back to the now snake, and showed him how to fix it, and taught him how to wipe the traumatic experience from the boy's mind, introducing Mephistopheles to the Dominion of Thought.

The Nephilim Incident
Lucifer and Uriel returned to Eden in triumph from their destruction of the vile Shen pantheon. No sooner had Lucifer arrived home, however, than he and Gabriel, also fresh back from campaign were sought out by their brothers, Azazel, Gadreel, and Samael. Azazel had broken Ynoch's edict that they were not to sire halfborn children by impregnating a mortal lover, a fact which concerned Lucifer greatly. Nevertheless, he was present for the birth of his nephew, Nephilim.

After the brief debate of the next course of action following Nephilim's birth, Lucifer's brothers looked to him for leadership. Lucifer's first instinct was to go before Ynoch himself in order to plead Azazel's case to their father. However, out of concern for both his brother and his new nephew, Lucifer decided that the best course of action would be to gather their other brothers together, and use their fraternal alliance to pressure Ynoch into leniency, and allowing Azazel to keep his son. Lucifer and his siblings each swore to gather support for their cause.

Disaster Strikes
After the dispersal of their gathering Lucifer immediately sought out Uriel to secure his support. Fresh from fighting alongside him against the Shen, Lucifer was certain that he could win Uriel over, and with his help, Abaddon would follow. Though Uriel was more than willing to hear Lucifer out, their discussion was cut short when Uriel recieved a summons from their father. Knowing that the summons meant they had been discovered, Lucifer bade Uriel to go, rushing to the side of Azazel with all haste.

Azazel eagerly asked whose support Lucifer had gathered, but the Lightbringer silenced his sibling, explaining that they were discovered and urging the Evenstar to take his son and flee. The pair were interrupted by the arrival of Uriel and Abaddon, who had come at their father's behest to take Nephilim away. Sensing Azazel's terror, along with the fact that the two new arrivals were hesitant in their actions, Lucifer attempted to calm the situation. His chance to do so was taken, however, when Azazel tricked Abaddon into thinking he would be allowed into the hut where Nephilim was, only to attack him when his back was turned.

Brotherly Duels
This enraged Uriel, who immediately attacked Azazel. Lucifer moved to Azazel's aid, but most of his attention during the fight was devoted to reducing collateral damage in the mortal village where they did battle, conjuring shields of Substantiated Light to defend the mortals from the Seraphim's divine wrath. Azazel was driven to such passion, however, that he managed to force Uriel onto the defensive, and created an opening that enabled Lucifer to cut Uriel's arm off and end the fight. Lucifer sensed that Uriel could have continued on, but that the heart had gone out of him, and he was playing at being too weak to continue, which both surprised the Lightbringer and filled him with further admiration for the Great Bear.

No sooner had Uriel ceased his attack then they were accosted by another brother: Michael. He ordered them both to cease their resistance immediately, but Lucifer sensed the conflict between loyalty to Ynoch and sympathy for his brothers warring within him. Azazel begged Michael to for this one time, not follow their father blindly, and the Lightbringer felt Michael's resolve waver. Lucifer beseeched Michael to at least let them explain themselves, in the name of the love he bore them. Michael almost gave in, but in the end, Lucifer felt his heart harden, as Michael stated that Azazel had broken their father's edict, and must face the consequences.

Furious with Michael, Lucifer demanded what Nephilim's fate was to be, Michael was silent. Lucifer was confidant that Nephilim would not be harmed, but Azazel was not. The Lord of the Heartseekers accused Michael of plotting to kill his son, and Lucifer sensed despair flooding the Sixthborn of Ynoch, threatening to crush him. Azazel's distress stoked the fire's of Lucifer's determination, and he raised his golden sword, Glory, on high, its blade burning with fire equal to his spirit. He felt Azazel's determination reiignite, and together, the two of them engaged Michael.

The Godbreaker, Lucifer observed, remained entirely on the defensive for the entire duration of their fight, making no attempt at striking them. Lucifer knew that Michael did not have any serious wish to do them harm. They could not overcome Michael, but nor would Michael strike back at them.

Ynoch's Castigation
The conflict was brought to a sudden end, as with a blaze of Light, Ynoch took form. Lucifer and Azazel were both bound in chains of sunlight, and their ability to speak quashed beneath the weight of Ynoch's furious Aura. Azazel was the chief focus of Ynoch's fury, and Lucifer sensed the deep shame and humiliation that pervaded his brother.

Ynoch's mind was tightly shut, and his voice was taken, so Lucifer was not even allowed to attempt to dissuage his father as Ynoch took his new grandson in his arms. He could only listen as Ynoch informed them that he would see to it Nephilim caused no further trouble. Never again was such a thing to occur he told them, and expressed his severe disappointment at both their actions. Lucifer remained irate with his father, however, primarily for the injustice of not allowing them to speak in their own defense, or at the very least, in defense of the innocent child who was to be punished.

Aftermath
Both Lucifer and Azazel were imprisoned seperately for several weeks afterwards. The Lightbringer was soon visited by Michael in his cell, where the Godbreaker apologized for what had occurred. Though still upset with his brother, Lucifer sensed his sencerity, and accepted his apology, though he stated that Azazel was the one Michael should apologize to. Michael refused. While Lucifer had done no wrong by defending his brother, Azazel's negligence, laziness, and arrogance had brought this all upon him, and he should be punished. Lucifer insisted that even so, Michael should apologize, informing him of the betrayal Azazel had felt. Michael said nothing to that, but informed Lucifer that both Ynoch had been conferring with him and Raphael on the incident, and how it was Raphael who had convinced both Michael himself and their father that Lucifer was free of wrongdoing. When Lucifer inquired as to Nephilim's fate, Michael refused to tell him, but did say that Ynoch would be in to talk with Lucifer soon.

Ynoch arrived a few days later, and the first thing he asked his father was what had befallen his nephew. Ynoch's anger flared, and he replied that the boy would no longer be a problem, sternly warning Lucifer not to press the matter. Displeased, Lucifer nevertheless elected not to push his father farther, and inquired into the deliberations he had been having with Michael and Raphael. Ynoch remarked that he should thank Raphael, who had convinced him that Lucifer had been acting with the intent of protecting his brother, and had not simply been willfully defiant. He also informed Lucifer of all the brothers that were clamouring for his release, or at the very least, to speak with him and Azazel, a fact which warmed Lucifer's heart. The Lightbringer inquired as to what was to be done with him and Azazel, but Ynoch said merely that it was yet to be decided.

Lucifer was later visited by both Abaddon and Uriel, who offered their apologies regarding the events that had transpired, which Lucifer accepted. He inquired what they knew about Nephilim's fate, but neither of them was aware of what had occurred. At last, Lucifer once again was visited by Michael, who told him that he and Azazel, along with the Second and Sixth Legions, would be made to fight the formidable Tuatha De Dannan pantheon as punishment for their misdeeds. Without support from another legion, taking on the Tuatha would be a major and costly challenge.

Pre Fall
Before his fall, Lucifer's preferred form was that of a lithe and graceful young man with golden hair like a radiant sunstream, and eyes of molten gold. When taking flight, a pair of pure white wings would sprout from his back. Lucifer was regarded as one of the most beautiful of all the Seraphim, and indeed, of all the beings in the cosmos.

Fallen
During his time in the Abyss, Lucifer's physical form has altered the least of all his brothers. He retains his general shape, remaining a humanoid with feathery wings. However, he is possessed of a pale pallor, and his hair is short and black, streaked with silver. His eyes are a pale silvery white, and the feathers of his great wings are now a dull, brownish red, the color of dried blood. Lucifer retains his great beauty, once glorious to behold, but now dark and terrible.

Personality
"I will never stop. I have gone too far. Lost too much. The Dream is all I have now."

-Lucifer

Lucifer was once a proud, virtuous and noble being, driven by compassion and a desire to better the world. Since his Fall, and centuries of corruption within the Abyss, that nobility has become warped and dark. Through his indomitable will, Lucifer has clung on to his wish to bring about a new Age of Wonder for all Creation, but now, he is unrestrained by many of the virtues and morals that once held him back. To him, the ends justify the means, and he has no qualms about using genocide, torture, and other foul methods to advance his plans.

Lucifer's most notable trait is his staggering charisma. He dominates every room he enters. When angered, even gods quail before his fury. When leading forces into battle, his words inspire those who follow him into fanaticism. If he wishes to charm, his words become the sweetest honey. And he is a master charmer. One of Lucifer's most dangerous weapons is his words, for he is nearly unsurpassed in his ability to seduce, to beguile, to entrance. Men and gods are pawns to him, pieces on his board to be maneuvered as he sees fit.

For Lucifer is a player of the Great Game. A master manipulator, making weaving countless schemes and intrigues to bring about his goals. With surgical precision, his plots cripple foes, and bring him one step closer to his Dream. And Lucifer is no less cunning on the battlefield, being a genius commander, favoring fast, lethal strikes which eviscerate enemy weak points.

In battle, however, Lucifer's most glaring weakness often shows itself: His pride. Lucifer prefers rapid assaults, so as to overwhelm foes and claim swift victory over them. Adaptable and flexible, he often relies on his quick wits and personal prowess to win the day. Confident and self assured, Lucifer has little room for self doubt. Not when he is one of the most powerful, charismatic, and cunning beings in all Creation. For it is he who is destined to one day make the true, pure Dream reality. To one day lead all Creation to a glorious future. To him, failure is not an option, no sacrifice will go unmade, and nothing will stand in his way,

Yet still, focused as he is on his final goal, Lucifer is not utterly lost. Deep inside his furious heart, a sliver of who he once was remains. Even now, in his darkest hour, he has not forgotten the love he bears for his family. For the father who raised him, and the brothers he grew up alongside. If there is any hope of raising the Morningstar back out of the darkness, it lies with them.

Glory
Glory was a sword that was forged for Lucifer by his brother Uriel. It had a double edged blade, hand a half hilt wrapped with black leather. Both the blade and hilt were gold, with the crossguard shaped like twin tongues of flame, with a pommel of shaped like a sunburst and set with a stone of yellow tourmaline. Glory would shimmer brilliantly when exposed to light, and the surface of its blade could easily be used as a mirror. Glory was enchanted with several magical qualities, the first of which was the ability to burn with or fire searing golden flames.

Stats
Power Level: 4

Traits
Strength: 9

Dexterity: 12

Endurance: 10

Intelligence: 11

Charisma: 13

Perception: 11

Skills
Academia: 9

Artistry: 7

Brawl: 9

Charm: 13

Command: 12

Craft: 6

Deception: 12

Empathy: 11

Intimidation: 11

Intrigue: 12

Leadership: 13

Marksmanship: 9

Medicine: 8

Melee: 12

Occult: 10

Performance: 8

Seduction: 11

Stealth: 9

Stewardship: 8

Survival: 7

Torture: 11