Malakim

## Overview

Malakim are the Angels of celestial order and divine justice. More than any other they are concerned with mortals and their actions; most strongly embodying the idea that lesser minds need to be lead and controlled to make the best of their lifes. They wield power over the human mind and spirit, being able command their will and uplift their Faith. Malakim are not only divine leaders but also justicars, monitoring the actions of others to bring down reward or punishment. Malakim appear charismatic and easily inspire admiration in others, but their is also a grim resolve and stubbornness in their actions.

## Philosophies

### Shepherds- *Lissan Aurel*

Shepherds are the most benevolent and defining philosophy within the Malakim. They feel a firm and altruistic love for humanity and believe it to be their divine obligation to serve and guide it into a better future. Central to a Shepherds philosophy is a their interpretation of gnosis, that through hardships and devotion an individual can realise and accept their cosmic role in the universe. This belief is deeply tied to the *Pyramid of Order*, dictating an overarching hierarchy that includes every mortal or Neverborn.

Shepherds aid mortals in exploring their potential and abilities, allowing them to find their place on this Pyramid. Those that are destined for a higher position among their kin must be aided to achieve it and become the best version of themselves; where as the ambitions and desires of others fly to high and need to be brought low alas they would hurt others and themselves. Understanding that one must serve with dignity and politness and rule with mercy and understanding in order to allow every being to find their place in the worlds overarching social machinery. Shepherds may guide others directly or from the shadows, but they will never abandon their flock.

### Exalted- *Cor Domun*

Exalted firmly believe that power is best held by the most worthy, and that the primary test of worthiness is acquiring said power. They believe that good rulers naturally possess charisma and leadership to inspire others, the rational to make the right choices and a self-evident moral compass. Necessairy aspects of such are ruler are unapologetic pride and self-assurance, instantly recognisable style and elegance, a sovereigns asthetic evident in everythimg from clothing to demenour, dignity and honor aswell as a form of selfishness that works to benefit of the majority. And while they adore strong rulers in the divine and mortal dominion; they abhor nothing more than those that cling to power they have not earned.

While Exalted also believe in the *Pyramid of Order* and an all-encompassing hierarchy; the view the aspect of climbing the ladder as far more important than the ladder itself. To them a desire for power and divine might is the first step to become someone capable and morally obligated to rule; those that are oblivious to it no matter how much its fostered have destined themselves to be ruled in turn.

### Justicars- *Ira Shaar*

Justicars view justice as the holiest of virtues; and its pursuit as the sacred of duty bestowed upon every sentient being. They have devoted themselves to rendering judgement and executing it; an embodiment of wisdom and strength. More than any other angel they dediacte their eternal lifes to fight for whats right, standing as a thin line against the unending tides of corruption that spew into the material world. Justicars can view a mortals or Neverborns heart and consider the deeds that lift it and the sins that wear it down. When it comes to their understanding of morality and justice the *Ira Shaar* are by no means a unified group, often disagreeing more with each other than other groups of Malakim. Despite such qualms the Justicars are the greatest warriors of the Malakim and enforce the will of their celestial lords with a passionate flame in heart and hand alike.

The souls they carry and guard in their realm are mostly there for punishment, serving an eternity in chains to repent for unforgivable wrongs done in their lifes. Since these souls are part of their realm and therefor themselves; punishing them in this way is also a form of self-chastisement. Subconciously the cruelest punishments of mortal souls are often also directed against themselves as a twisted way to repent.

## Unique Rules

The Malakim gain access to the Road of Order.

### Celestial Gifts

* **Divine Radiance-** *Imbued with angelic authority the Malakim can project their radience outwards, drawing the looks of lesser creatures onto them and make them unable to look away; even becoming visible to blind targets.* **Use Might:** The Malakim may capture the attention of every mortal in their proximity, making it impossible to look away or think of anyone else but them. Keeping this up requires *Intense Focus.*
* **Mark of Faith-** *The Malakim becomes a paragon of virtue, being able to command respect or fear of mortals around them.* **Use Might:** The Malakim becomes intuitively admirable or sympathetic to mortals sharing their values and frightening to those fundamentally opposed to them, for up to a scene.

### Advantages

* **White Sight-** *The Malakim has the power to look deep into a mortals heart and gain insight into its virtue; a power especially common among the Ira Shaar.* Once per session the Malakim can choose a target they spoke with and gain accurate insight into their virtues and vices.

### Corruptions

* **Malakim Marks-** *The Host has developed typical Malakim marks such as marble-like skin, glowing hair, inhumanly smooth facial features, golden nails, ivory lips, liquid light instead of blood or an aura of divine authority.* The character may gain any amount of cosmetic marks. They reduce their Perception by 1. In addition anyone observing them can find out they are supernatural with a successful Insight + Occult Roll.
* **Oathbound-** *There exist Malakim that greatly value honesty and loyalty, even towards their enemies. For some a given word is sacrosanct, and violating it brings metaphysical shame upon oneself.* Should the Malakim betray a given promise or fail to fufill an oath, they permanently reduce their Essence by 2. This effect lasts until the have sufficiently redeemed themselves.
* **Obsessive Order-** *All Malakim crave a world free of chaos and disorder; desiring a clear and organized world. Some of them develop and obsession with this, feeling an overwhelming need to put things back into order. This may include objects being missplaced or lying around, areas in disrepair or even entire character trais.* Should the Malakim come across something or someone they personally consider out of place they can not use **Might** or Essence until putting it back into place or the end of the scene.