printAfter the Great Wars, the remnants of mankind turned to the Thinking Machines? to guide them. The Machines were harsh, warlike rulers, and when the Nobles stepped out of the shadows, the tribes of man were more than willing to accept their leadership.
Role
The Aristocracy operates both civil government and the Church? throughout most of the West. They have driven the Demon Nations south, and warily watch the ever-expanding Green?.
Origin
The Nobles believe that they are descended from Joseph of Arimithea?, a disciple of Christ who obtained the Savior's body from Pilate and who saved His blood in a wooden bowl. The bowl was miraculously transfigured into a golden chalice, and Joseph himself became the first Noble.
Since then, it has been the duty of the Nobles to watch over their human brethren as good sheperds.
Lifespan
Nobles live pretty much forever, as near as anybody knows. Age also affects them more slowly than it does humans- a Noble matures (on average) half as fast as a mortal until sometime after puberty. After reaching physical maturity, Nobles age at varying rates. Those who practice magic? age more quickly than those who do not, and those who feed frequently and well age more slowly.
Certain rare and creepy disorders have been known to freeze noble aging as early as ten years of age.
Feeding
Yes, this was bound to come up some time. Members of the Aristocracy feed on human blood. True Aristocrats must feed more frequently than bastards (their more polite term for dhampirs).
Generally, the Aristocracy considers it wrong to deliberately kill a human while feeding. Although there are few repercussions for killing a peasant, the practice is considered cruel in the civilized West.
Weaknesses
Mostly, Nobles have the same weaknesses as humans, but are more resistant to them. Nobles have a few additional problems, though:
- Sunlight: As described below, sun exposure can be fatal.
- Crosses: The symbol of the Savior's execution causes Nobles pain- they are repelled by sorrow, and compulsively weep tears of blood for Christ's suffering.
Killing Them
Another inevitable topic. Although it's a blasphemy against the order of God's creation to kill a Noble, people do it occasionally (mainly other Nobles).
There are two known ways to kill a Noble:
- Exposure to sunlight: Noble flesh burns and catches fire when touched by the sun. Older nobles burn slower.
- Blood loss: If sufficient blood is lost in a single blow, the Noble's body will not be able to regenerate.
Some Noble epic poetry suggests that crucifixion is also fatal, as the symbol of the cross negates the Savior's powers. Of course, it may simply be the inevitable rising of the sun that makes crucifixion deadly.