Demon: The Descent - Revision history

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2023-06-20T17:05:33Z

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91.193.232.245: /* Tempters */

2022-12-18T21:46:26Z

Tempters

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:46, 18 December 2022
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	===Tempters===		===Tempters===
	[[File:DTD Tempter.png\|right\|150px]]		[[File:DTD Tempter.png\|right\|150px]]
	Tempters are alive and loving it. Something of a mix of the [[Toreador]] and the [[Ventrue]], they are, depending on who you ask, either lazy sods who make others do their dirty work for them, or the only ones who realize you need some kind of infrastructure ~~(and occasionally Infrastructure)~~ to work with if you want to face the God-Machine. Tempters (aka the Decadents or Builders) seek both pleasure and power: one for its immediate reward, and the other for what it gives them in the long run- the wealth, connections, and resources needed to erode the God-Machine's influence. Despite what you'd assume from their nature, the Tempters are actually the most organized out of all the Agendas, finding that the structure that they give their members help attaining their goal, or at least enjoying themselves on the way there.		Tempters are alive and loving it. Something of a mix of the [[Toreador]] and the [[Ventrue]], they are, depending on who you ask, either lazy sods who make others do their dirty work for them, or the only ones who realize you need some kind of infrastructure to work with if you want to face the God-Machine. Tempters (aka the Decadents or Builders) seek both pleasure and power: one for its immediate reward, and the other for what it gives them in the long run- the wealth, connections, and resources needed to erode the God-Machine's influence. Despite what you'd assume from their nature, the Tempters are actually the most organized out of all the Agendas, finding that the structure that they give their members help attaining their goal, or at least enjoying themselves on the way there.

	Through their experiences and resources, they seek to either find or build Hell, considering it to be a physical place; the problem is, none of them are entirely sure how to do either of those things. As a result, the Tempters associate into several sub-factions:		Through their experiences and resources, they seek to either find or build Hell, considering it to be a physical place; the problem is, none of them are entirely sure how to do either of those things. As a result, the Tempters associate into several sub-factions:

1d4chan>Newerfag: /* That's great, but how do I get one? */

2022-07-10T14:42:15Z

That's great, but how do I get one?

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	Obviously, the simplest way to improve your Cover is to live in it and do things your Cover would be expected to do. The longer it stays a part of the world, the more it'll be accepted by the world.		Obviously, the simplest way to improve your Cover is to live in it and do things your Cover would be expected to do. The longer it stays a part of the world, the more it'll be accepted by the world.

	But sometimes that's too slow. That's where pacts come in. Put simply, a demon can make a pact with a human to give them something they want, and in return the human gives up a little bit of their life: a former roommate, an unsatisfying job, and so on. That connection with the world then gets transferred to the demon's cover, making it that much more "real". Only the demon and the pactbound remember the original relationship; everyone else assumes the demon was always in the place of the pactbound. Initially all these disparate pieces grafted on cause some inconsistencies within the Cover, but with enough "patch jobs" such a Cover can become nearly impenetrable.		But sometimes that's too slow. That's where pacts come in. Put simply, a demon can make a pact with a human to give them something they want, and in return the human gives up a little bit of their life: a former roommate, an unsatisfying job, and so on. That connection with the world then gets transferred to the demon's cover, making it that much more "real". Only the demon and the pactbound remember the original relationship; everyone else assumes the demon was always in the place of the pactbound (though even then sometimes evidence of the original relationship can emerge, which can be troublesome if it falls into the wrong hands). Initially all these disparate pieces grafted on cause some inconsistencies within the Cover, but with enough "patch jobs" such a Cover can become nearly impenetrable.

	And if they're desperate enough, a human can be convinced into selling away their soul. It doesn't damn them in the conventional sense of the word, but when a demon calls it in, the pactbound individual will be effectively erased from existence- which the demon steps into, effectively converting the pactbound's entire life into a Cover without any of the usual weirdness associated with the workings of the God-Machine. The catch? It doesn't transfer any of the pactbound's memories or personality to the demon, so they had better know the pactbound's life like the back of their hands before making it their own. Otherwise, the resulting compromises will make that cover all but worthless. Oh, and burning them in order to go loud creates an Echo- a ghost that can use Embeds against you and will do all it can to make you miserable. Turns out that most people don't like having their existences stolen and then used up for a brief power boost.		And if they're desperate enough, a human can be convinced into selling away their soul. It doesn't damn them in the conventional sense of the word, but when a demon calls it in, the pactbound individual will be effectively erased from existence- which the demon steps into, effectively converting the pactbound's entire life into a Cover without any of the usual weirdness associated with the workings of the God-Machine. The catch? It doesn't transfer any of the pactbound's memories or personality to the demon, so they had better know the pactbound's life like the back of their hands before making it their own. Otherwise, the resulting compromises will make that cover all but worthless. Oh, and burning them in order to go loud creates an Echo- a ghost that can use Embeds against you and will do all it can to make you miserable. Turns out that most people don't like having their existences stolen and then used up for a brief power boost.

162.245.130.85: /* So, What's the God-Machine? */

2020-12-10T16:40:58Z

So, What's the God-Machine?

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	{{WoD-stub}}		{{WoD-stub}}

	Nobody knows. No, seriously. The God-Machine is an enigma; even the Unchained only know that this is thing is real, that it created them as angels, and that they followed its commands without question before they Fell.		Nobody knows. No, seriously. The God-Machine is an enigma; even the Unchained only know that this thing is real, that it created them as angels, and that they followed its commands without question before they Fell.

	Partly physical, partly digital, partly spiritual, partly technological, partly scientific and partly magical, the God-Machine is a sprawling labyrinthine entity-device that spreads itself across space, time and reality itself. It seems as if it seeks to perpetuate the status quo of the Chronicles of Darkness, but its mind (assuming it's even sentient) is so far removed from the human psyche that its motives are all but unknowable. Not even its angels can say what its goals really are, only that they were created to serve it.		Partly physical, partly digital, partly spiritual, partly technological, partly scientific and partly magical, the God-Machine is a sprawling labyrinthine entity-device that spreads itself across space, time and reality itself. It seems as if it seeks to perpetuate the status quo of the Chronicles of Darkness, but its mind (assuming it's even sentient) is so far removed from the human psyche that its motives are all but unknowable. Not even its angels can say what its goals really are, only that they were created to serve it.

1d4chan>Newerfag: /* Keys, Interlocks, and the Cipher */

2020-10-16T17:07:08Z

Keys, Interlocks, and the Cipher

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	Linking two Keys together also creates an Interlock. An Interlock is a custom power that typically acts as a combination of the two Keys that compose it (either literally or conceptually). They aren't considered Embeds or Exploits, and by definition no two Demons will ever have the same Interlock even if the Keys composing them are identical.		Linking two Keys together also creates an Interlock. An Interlock is a custom power that typically acts as a combination of the two Keys that compose it (either literally or conceptually). They aren't considered Embeds or Exploits, and by definition no two Demons will ever have the same Interlock even if the Keys composing them are identical.

	Some Demons believe there may be a fifth Key in the Cipher which might lead to greater revelations if discovered. But since almost every attempt to try and add a fifth Key ends in disaster for the dope who tries it, that probably isn't the case. The few times adding a fifth Key does sort of work (referred to as "the Pentagram"), it creates an entirely new set of Interlocks and a new secret truth; the former are much more powerful than Interlocks usually are, but typically come with significant risks when used.		Some Demons believe there may be a fifth Key in the Cipher which might lead to greater revelations if discovered. But since almost every attempt to try and add a fifth Key ends in disaster for the dope who tries it, that probably isn't the case. The few times adding a fifth Key does sort of work (referred to as "the Pentagram"), it creates an entirely new set of Interlocks and a new secret truth which may or may not be nonsensical; the former are much more powerful than Interlocks usually are, but typically come with significant risks when used.

	==So, What's the God-Machine?==		==So, What's the God-Machine?==

1d4chan>Newerfag: /* Keys, Interlocks, and the Cipher */

2020-05-15T16:41:23Z

Keys, Interlocks, and the Cipher

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	Every Demon has a "Cipher", a set of four Key Embeds that link to each other to reveal a secret truth giving its holder a profound insight into their personal view of Hell. You start with the first one by default, but you have to figure out what the other three are on your own. That said, after any scene involving God-Machine related phenomena where you get a beat you make a special roll- if you succeed you can ask the GM for a hint as to what the next Key is. You can also test any Embed with your Cipher to see if it's a key- this does have the risk of causing damage or glitches if you guess wrong or end up discovering a key out of order, though.		Every Demon has a "Cipher", a set of four Key Embeds that link to each other to reveal a secret truth giving its holder a profound insight into their personal view of Hell. You start with the first one by default, but you have to figure out what the other three are on your own. That said, after any scene involving God-Machine related phenomena where you get a beat you make a special roll- if you succeed you can ask the GM for a hint as to what the next Key is. You can also test any Embed with your Cipher to see if it's a key- this does have the risk of causing damage or glitches if you guess wrong or end up discovering a key out of order, though.

	Linking two Keys together also creates an Interlock. An Interlock is a custom power that typically acts as a combination of the two Keys that compose it (either literally or conceptually). They aren't considered Embeds or Exploits, and by definition no two Demons will ever have the same Interlock.		Linking two Keys together also creates an Interlock. An Interlock is a custom power that typically acts as a combination of the two Keys that compose it (either literally or conceptually). They aren't considered Embeds or Exploits, and by definition no two Demons will ever have the same Interlock even if the Keys composing them are identical.

	Some Demons believe there may be a fifth Key in the Cipher which might lead to greater revelations if discovered. But since every attempt to try and add a fifth Key ends in disaster for the dope who tries it, that probably isn't the case.		Some Demons believe there may be a fifth Key in the Cipher which might lead to greater revelations if discovered. But since almost every attempt to try and add a fifth Key ends in disaster for the dope who tries it, that probably isn't the case. The few times adding a fifth Key does sort of work (referred to as "the Pentagram"), it creates an entirely new set of Interlocks and a new secret truth; the former are much more powerful than Interlocks usually are, but typically come with significant risks when used.

	==So, What's the God-Machine?==		==So, What's the God-Machine?==

1d4chan>Newerfag: /* And Infrastructure is? */

2020-05-15T16:32:45Z

And Infrastructure is?

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	===And Infrastructure is?===		===And Infrastructure is?===
			In a nutshell, Infrastructure refers to the "programs" or "projects" that the God-Machine is running. Like the God-Machine itself, these span the physical realm and many of the occult realms, weaving together in ways no human could hope to understand to produce bizarre outputs for reasons that are utterly incomprehensible. While many of these are supernatural at least in part, the Machine is nothing if not efficient and will create Infrastructure from purely mundane elements if it would be more effective.

	In a nutshell, Infrastructure refers to the "programs" or "projects" that the God-Machine is running. Like the God-Machine itself, these span the physical realm and many of the occult realms, weaving together in ways no human could hope to understand to produce bizarre outputs for reasons that are utterly incomprehensible. While many of these are supernatural at least in part, the Machine is nothing if not efficient and will create Infrastructure from purely mundane elements if it would be more effective. Its also worth noting that Infrastructure can be completely mundane in its cause and effect in addition to its composition. An example might be a police station (Defense Infrastructure) built right next to the town hall with all the people plugged into the matrix in the basement~~; The~~ speed at which the police will intervene in the event of a security breach and the fact that killing them will create a whole bunch of evidence will work to keep all but the most bold or foolhardy ~~Demons~~ away. Or maybe the mail service (Logistics Infrastructure) is controlled by a GM cult at the highest level but otherwise is completely normal, staffed by completely normal people and is probably vital to a city's smooth functioning ~~and~~ any attacks on it or disruptions to it will bring federal attention.		It's also worth noting that Infrastructure can be completely mundane in its cause and effect in addition to its composition. An example might be a police station (Defense Infrastructure) built right next to the town hall with all the people plugged into the matrix in the basement: the speed at which the police will intervene in the event of a security breach and the fact that killing them will create a whole bunch of evidence will work to keep all but the most bold or foolhardy demons away. Or maybe the mail service (Logistics Infrastructure) is controlled by a GM cult at the highest level but otherwise is completely normal, staffed by completely normal people, and is probably vital to a city's smooth functioning; unsurprisingly, any attacks on it or disruptions to it will bring federal attention.

			Infrastructure is the main tool in the God-Machine's arsenal to complete an Occult Matrix.

	Demons have classified Infrastructure into five basic categories:		Demons have classified Infrastructure into five basic categories:
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	*'''Logistics''': Infrastructure dealing with location, acquisition, and transport of raw materials to be used in the God-Machine's outputs. This can be anything from ordinary vehicles to long-lost relics, to say nothing of what the "raw materials" might be.		*'''Logistics''': Infrastructure dealing with location, acquisition, and transport of raw materials to be used in the God-Machine's outputs. This can be anything from ordinary vehicles to long-lost relics, to say nothing of what the "raw materials" might be.
	*'''Elimination''': Infrastructure for disposing/recycling of any evidence following the success or failure of the God-Machine's projects. Depending on the circumstances, this could be as mundane as arson or as esoteric as a mage in the God-Machine's service erasing the memories of anyone in the area.		*'''Elimination''': Infrastructure for disposing/recycling of any evidence following the success or failure of the God-Machine's projects. Depending on the circumstances, this could be as mundane as arson or as esoteric as a mage in the God-Machine's service erasing the memories of anyone in the area.
	*'''Command and Control''': Infrastructure that coordinates the factors that will eventually lead to the output desired by the God-Machine; Command and Control Infrastructure is the closest an Angel gets to direct communication with the God-Machine, as it is directly involved in the Machine's decision making processes. Its critical role means that they are rarely discovered, and it is believed that the God-Machine employs decoys or redundant Infrastructure to minimize the effects of having one of these shut down. Even then, they are almost always protected by various Concealment and Defense Infrastructure systems to keep intruders away. An example includes a mainframe of human computers hidden on a non-existent floor in a seemingly ordinary apartment building; the only way to access it is through a special elevator which is itself protected by Concealment Infrastructure.		*'''Command and Control''': Infrastructure that coordinates the factors that will eventually lead to the output desired by the God-Machine; Command and Control Infrastructure is the closest an Angel gets to direct communication with the God-Machine, as it is directly involved in the Machine's decision making processes. Its critical role means that they are rarely discovered, and it is believed that the God-Machine employs decoys or redundant Infrastructure to minimize the effects of having one of these shut down. Even then, they are almost always protected by various Concealment and Defense Infrastructure systems to keep intruders away. An example includes a mainframe of human computers hidden on a non-existent floor in a seemingly ordinary apartment building; the only way to access it is through a special elevator which is itself protected by Concealment Infrastructure.

	~~Infrastructure is the main tool in the God-Machine's arsenal to complete an Occult Matrix~~.

	===And Occult Matrix is?===		===And Occult Matrix is?===

1d4chan>Newerfag: /* And Infrastructure is? */

2020-05-15T16:30:39Z

And Infrastructure is?

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	*'''Concealment''': Infrastructure designed to hide the God-Machine's operations from prying eyes. Things like a fake restaurant to keep mortals from poking around in the basement, or a paint whose color causes people to ignore anything painted with it.		*'''Concealment''': Infrastructure designed to hide the God-Machine's operations from prying eyes. Things like a fake restaurant to keep mortals from poking around in the basement, or a paint whose color causes people to ignore anything painted with it.
	*'''Defense''': Infrastructure used to repel intruders that were able to bypass Concealment Infrastructure. Can be anything from security guards to guardian angels.		*'''Defense''': Infrastructure used to repel intruders that were able to bypass Concealment Infrastructure. Can be anything from security guards unaware of what they're really guarding to guardian angels.
	*'''Logistics''': Infrastructure dealing with location, acquisition, and transport of raw materials to be used in the God-Machine's outputs. This can be anything from ordinary vehicles to long-lost relics, to say nothing of what the "raw materials" might be.		*'''Logistics''': Infrastructure dealing with location, acquisition, and transport of raw materials to be used in the God-Machine's outputs. This can be anything from ordinary vehicles to long-lost relics, to say nothing of what the "raw materials" might be.
	*'''Elimination''': Infrastructure for disposing/recycling of any evidence following the success or failure of the God-Machine's projects. Depending on the circumstances, this could be as mundane as arson or as esoteric as a mage in the God-Machine's service erasing the memories of anyone in the area.		*'''Elimination''': Infrastructure for disposing/recycling of any evidence following the success or failure of the God-Machine's projects. Depending on the circumstances, this could be as mundane as arson or as esoteric as a mage in the God-Machine's service erasing the memories of anyone in the area.
	*'''Command and Control''': Infrastructure that coordinates the factors that will eventually lead to the output desired by the God-Machine. ~~Their~~ critical role means that they are rarely discovered ~~(due to the extensive use of Concealment Infrastructure to hide their presence)~~, and it is believed that the God-Machine employs decoys or redundant Infrastructure to minimize the effects of having one of these shut down. ~~Command and Control Infrastructure is the closest an Angel gets to direct communication with the God-Machine. It is essentially the closest representation of the God-Machine on Earth. And even~~ then ~~it is~~ protected by various ~~concealment~~ and Defense Infrastructure. An example includes a mainframe of human computers hidden on a non-existent floor in ~~an FBI~~ building, the only way to access it is through a special elevator. That said, given how many times demons of different agendas have subverted, manipulated, or outright destroyed C&Cs, is it any wonder that the God-Machine's activities are contradictory and unfathomable?		*'''Command and Control''': Infrastructure that coordinates the factors that will eventually lead to the output desired by the God-Machine; Command and Control Infrastructure is the closest an Angel gets to direct communication with the God-Machine, as it is directly involved in the Machine's decision making processes. Its critical role means that they are rarely discovered, and it is believed that the God-Machine employs decoys or redundant Infrastructure to minimize the effects of having one of these shut down. Even then, they are almost always protected by various Concealment and Defense Infrastructure systems to keep intruders away. An example includes a mainframe of human computers hidden on a non-existent floor in a seemingly ordinary apartment building; the only way to access it is through a special elevator which is itself protected by Concealment Infrastructure.

	Infrastructure is the main tool in the God-Machine's arsenal to complete an Occult Matrix.		Infrastructure is the main tool in the God-Machine's arsenal to complete an Occult Matrix.

1d4chan>Newerfag: /* And Occult Matrix is? */

2020-05-15T16:25:34Z

And Occult Matrix is?

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	===And Occult Matrix is?===		===And Occult Matrix is?===

	In a nutshell, Occult Matrices refer to the method the God-Machine uses to complete its goals. Typically these goals are obscure and alien to most entities, though some Infrastructure can be hacked to reveal the purpose (though how it accomplishes said purpose may be itself difficult to understand). An example of an Occult Matrix may be sacrificing 4 ~~people~~ at ~~Elmination~~ Infrastructure and then using Logistics Infrastructure to focus the ~~rituals~~ energy into creating a solar flare to trigger a nuclear reactor's ~~fail safe~~ before a catastrophic leak destroys the area.		In a nutshell, Occult Matrices refer to the method the God-Machine uses to complete its goals. Typically these goals are obscure and alien to most entities, though some Infrastructure can be hacked to reveal the purpose (though how it accomplishes said purpose may be itself difficult to understand). An example of an Occult Matrix may be sacrificing 4 black-haired men who are estranged from their fathers at Elimination Infrastructure on exactly 4:09PM and then using Logistics Infrastructure to focus the ritual's energy into creating a solar flare, which will trigger a nuclear reactor's failsafe before a catastrophic leak destroys the area.

	==Stigmatics==		==Stigmatics==