Adapted by Ben Acosta

Communication: The imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information through various means.

One of the youngest Archangels in existence, Nybbas has been an inspiration to many of his fellow Exiles since his elevation. To many he's a golden boy, whose meteoric rise has been accompanied by tremendous (perhaps even unprecedented) gains by the forces of Hades. For things such as improved internal coordination to greater corporeal influence to better intelligence capabilities, Nybbas has been given at least partial credit by many of his fellow Exiles. These results - and his cool, self-assured demeanor - has given Nybbas an aura of nigh-infallibility that has reinvigorated the spirits of many of his fellows.

What they don't realize is that it's all a meticulously crafted image. Beneath the facade of calm confidence and subtle genius that Nybbas shows the world stirs currents of self-doubt, fear, guilt, and uncertainty. Once, Nybbas truly was as he seemed. But then he learned too much. Listening to echoes from beyond, he's seen and heard the full capacity for evil that lies in every soul. He's learned how vulnerable even the most noble being is to their darker impulses, and how low it was truly possible for any angel to sink. Baal, Lilith, Vapula. Even himself.

Today he's at the forefront of every level of the war. To the rest of Hades, Nybbas is a brilliant mastermind, with plots, strategies, and contingency plans for any inevitability. His ultra-competent, in-control persona has helped to boost morale among the Exiles. And that's the only side of Nybbas they will ever see. Any doubts, fears, or anxieties must never be expressed. For he knows that to show any weakness or flaw would undermine the hope and confidence he's inspired, and thus hurt Hades. So he does what any Mercurian would, and adopts a persona that the others need to believe in.

He just prays that the mask never slips off.

In both Celestial and Corporeal form, Nybbas' default appearance looks like a suave, confident man in the prime of his life, usually dressed sharply in basic black. He's been known to vary his height, build, and ethnic stock on different occasions. What is always constant in his appearance are his sunglasses. Nybbas rarely takes his shades off, hiding his eyes behind the sleek framed dark lenses. Not that it really matters. He possesses enough wit, charm, confidence, and conversational skills to make anyone interacting with him forget completely that one never sees his eyes. Some say Nybbas' apparel was the original inspiration behind the tales of Men in Black. Nybbas himself has made no comment on this assertion.

<Sidebar>

There's been a lot of speculation on why Nybbas never takes his shades off. Some contend he does so merely to avoid the gaze of Seraphim and Lilim who would seek to peer into his eyes and see his Truths and Needs. Others, however, tell a different tale, saying the Archangel of Communication hides his eyes not for his sake, but for theirs.

Those that say this tell the story of how Nybbas, leaving the Council Chamber just after his elevation, was stopped by a Seraph of the Watch who had infiltrated Hades and wished to inquire about what Word he had been granted, unaware of his Superior status. It's been said one can say much with one's eyes alone. In the case of the Archangel of Communication, this phrase signifies a significant Truth. For when the seraph glanced into Nybbas' eyes it found itself locked into an unbreakable gaze, and overwhelmed by what was said by his eyes.

Nybbas' eyes Communicated the truth. Nybbas' Truth. All of Nybbas' Truth. The seraph found itself consumed by his Truth, becoming fanatically devoted to it. It saw that Nybbas' Truth must prevail. Now slavishly devoted to Nybbas, who had become the Seraph's ultimate Truth, it quickly confessed its undercover nature. Some say its mind broke that day, and it now is mercifully locked away, reciting praises to Nybbas the Most High, the Metatron Reforged. Those that tell this tale say that this was the day Nybbas shaded his eyes from the world, lest others be overwhelmed by his compelling gaze.

No one knows whether the story is true, or just another urban legend of Hades. But if the story was accurate, here are the hypothetical effects of a Seraph or Lilim looking into Nybbas' eyes.

First, the Seraph or Lilim would automatically resonate Nybbas, whether they wished to or not. Nybbas' eyes are so mesmerizing they can't help but be drawn in. If they fail their resonance roll they get off lucky. They can take that moment to look away, lest their gaze be drawn in again. On a favorable Intervention, they are immune to his gaze for this encounter, but their resonance is blinded for their Perception in minutes. It's if they succeed that their troubles really begin.

If they succeed, they must make a Will roll. If it succeeds they look away, unscathed except for the blindess effect above. If not then the CD of the roll becomes the level of Celestial Discord they receive, as Nybbas' eyes Communicate his Truths and Needs with such intensity that they burn into the celestial's soul. The Discord is always the same: Devotion to Nybbas. Unless the Discord is removed, the celestial will feel Nybbas' way is True, or that his Needs must be served. If Nybbas does not look away, they must make a Will roll to do so, or continue to stare into his eyes, thus accumulating more discord equal to the CD of the failed Will roll. If they continue to stare and the Devotion to Nybbas Discord grows beyond six then their minds and wills become broken as Nybbas becomes everything to them.

If the above is true, Nybbas could conceivably control this effect with a conscious effort, but chooses to wear shades lest his control slip and an innocent celestial is overwhelmed. Superiors, of course, would be immune to the effect, though some speculate Nybbas might be capable of intensifying his gaze to the point that it could even affect beings of that level.

Of course, this could be all smoke and mirrors, with the truth being that Nybbas just wears his shades to project a certain image, so that when he chose to be incognito no one would suspect it was him. But no one knows for sure. And Nybbas himself says nothing on the matter. You're not cleared for that message.

</Sidebar>

Nybbas is always listening to those around him, attentive to what they have to say. Even on the rare occasions he looks distracted or indifferent, or more accurately, especially when he looks distracted or indifferent. If Nybbas looks like he's not paying attention, that's just the impression he wants the speaker to have. Nybbas always hears and understands what's being conveyed. That's what's part of what makes him so effective.

A master of words and subtlety, Nybbas considers violence the lowest form of Communication. It is dissonant for a Servitor of Communication to resort to violence in a situation unless other means that might accomplish the Servitor's goals have been tried first. Self-defense, of course, is acceptable if it looks one can't avoid a fight, but violence is never the first resort of a Servitor of Communication.

Due to Nybbas' youth and the achievement that made him an Archangel, a number of celestials have the mistaken opinion that Communication just encompasses things like television, movies, and radio. They couldn't be more wrong. They're merely a part of The Media, which is encompassed by Communication. Nybbas is happy to let them hold such an impression. Most of those celestials are part of the Host, and the more they underestimate him the better.

Communication is about interaction, the exchanging of ideas between beings. Anything part of such a process falls under the Word. From speech and body language to movies and television, any and all means of conveying and perceiving messages is a part of Communication. Conversations, communications technology, the mail, and even crude hand gestures are under Nybbas' domain. Without Communication, every being in the Symphony would be isolated and alone, unable to interact with anyone else. This gives Nybbas an awesome amount of power. Words fall under Communication, as they are common concepts beings use to relate the nature of things to each other. If Heaven fully comprehended Nybbas' full power they would be frightened. Which is why Nybbas makes sure Heaven underestimates him.

When Nybbas became an Archangel, many wondered where he would situate his Cathedral. Some speculated he would place it in the center of Hades, the better for him to be in the middle of Superior interaction. Others thought he would put his digs next to his old Superior Vapula, for sentimental reasons. Everyone was surprised when a tower arose at the edge of Hades, bordering the Marches. But Nybbas knew that geographical location was unimportant. No matter where he was, he could always insure he was at the center of the action.

The Tower of Babel is a modern, technological version of the Biblical original. Nybbas deliberately chose the architectural design to commemorate that structure, which was mankind's attempt to communicate directly with God, unfortunately thwarted by the Host. It stands at the edge of Hades, within sight of Blandine's Tower, and Gabriel's Volcano can be seen in the distance from across the Marches (Where Belial's Principality would be in Canon). Nybbas is concerned with the pulse of humanity, the ebb and flow of their shared perceptions, and the Marches embodies such things. The Marches is a realm of ideas, and Communication is about the exchange of ideas. Because of this natural affinity between the plane and Word, the Tower of Babel, like Blandine and Beleth's Towers and Gabriel's Volcano, is an Ethereal/Celestial Tether. Its view of the Volcano allows for great reception, as the antennae array of The Tower lets broadcasts be received by Heaven, even with their attempts at jamming.

Inside there is a buzz of activity as angels go about their various duties, making sure everyone is in contact with who they need to be, and know what they need to know. The place is fully equipped with all means of communication, all being used to their maximum capability. The influx of Communication flows through the Tower. Messages in all forms go to and from the Cathedral at a rapid rate, speeding on their way to the right people. Some say everything anyone ever communicates to another finds its way here, from broadcasts to email to one on one conversation. Others say that's not possible, and still others say that even if it was one shouldn't worry, as Nybbas couldn't possibly have enough people to monitor and analyze them all. Whatever the truth to the rumors are, Nybbas isn't saying. You're not the right person for that message.

<Sidebar>

One of Nybbas' many projects to undermine the Host, Radio Free Heaven broadcasts news and entertainment for the denizens of Heaven as an alternative to the pabulum distributed by its Archangels. It began broadcasting at the same time Radio Free Europe began broadcasting on the Corporeal Plane. No one knows whether it was Nybbas or humans that came up with the idea first. All they know was that they served the same purpose, to oppose the workings of a tyrannical state through information and persuasion. No one knows for sure how many in Heaven listen to such broadcasts (with the possible exceptions of Nybbas and Mariel), but it is being heard, since the Host has forbidden anyone to listen. If Heaven outlaws it, then it must be reaching some.

</Sidebar>

The Facilitators, The Intermediaries, The Presenters, The Network, The Subtle Ones, The Ears in the Wall, those <expletive deleted> spies

Despite the size of Nybbas' organization, it is one of the most tight-knit, efficient, and smoothly run operations in Hades, and perhaps the Symphony. A master of information theory and social science, Nybbas has streamlined internal communications to maximize the potential of all who work for him. Everyone is informed of everything that they need to know. Everyone is able to contact who they need to promptly. If someone is dissatisfied or is having problems it is discovered almost immediately, and proper measures are implemented to deal with the problem. Because of this, Nybbas has had the fewest defectors from his ranks on either side of the War, and even fewer successful ones. Some say none at all.

Nybbas' Servitors have a structured but flexible hierarchy, with those with higher capabilities handling more responsibilities. Those in the upper levels usually have Distinctions, as Nybbas is always quick to reward those who are talented, while Word-Bounds can be found anywhere in the structure, depending on how much responsibility the Word entails. Ben, Elohite of the Media, would certainly be found in a higher position than Orkand, Malakite of the Klingon Language. There are numerous branches in Nybbas' organization, each charged with a different aspect of Communication. There is little rivalry between branches, since depending on the circumstances one could be temporarily transferred from one to another when a situation calls for it. Coordination between branches is also done efficiently, with clear lines of communication between them. Among the many branches of Communication are the following groups.

The Facilitators are concerned with improving communication between parties. They are charged with minimizing misunderstandings and making sure messages reach the right people and are understood correctly. From translating to phone line repair, insuring that people understand what others are trying to say is their responsibility. They work closely with Mercurians of Vapula in researching the social sciences and communications theory. The Internet was a joint project of theirs.

The Intermediaries are the diplomats of Hades. It's their job to help others get along together and make compromises. They are the ones who keep the channels of communication open, even between those who might not like talking to each other. Conflict resolution through negotiation is their calling.

The Presenters are Nybbas' mass communication arm, making sure that information which serves Hades' cause reaches wide audiences. The Media, Word of Mouth, Propaganda, Gossip, and Education are all Words that are a part of this branch's work. They are charged with teaching others what they need to know, and shifting viewpoints for the cause of Hades.

The Network is Hades' main intelligence and counter-intelligence division. They are charged with gathering information from a multitude of sources, analyzing the significance and veracity of it, and making sure their findings are relayed to the right people. They also make sure the Exiles lines of communication are secure, and that the wrong people aren't receiving sensitive information. Other tasks of theirs include the suppression of enemy communication, and deception, the careful delivery of misinformation in order to manipulate the actions of others for the benefit of Hades. This branch pulls its talent from a wide variety of sources, including the other branches of Communication, the Servitors of other Archangels, Ethereals, Soldiers, Sorcerers, and Shades. Even some of the Undying are rumored to work with them. Slang terms for this branch among other celestials include the Listeners, the Ears in the Wall, The Subtle Ones, The Illuminati, The Angels in Black, and the New Symphonic Order. Whatever one calls them, all agree they are remarkably good at what they do. No one knows when one of them might be listening.

<Sidebar>

Some people may be wondering why Nybbas is head of Hades' main intelligence organization. He's only been an Archangel for little over a century. What did the Exiles do for intelligence before that? The answer to that question is yes, Hades did have intelligence operations before Nybbas. Each Archangel had a branch of their organization dedicated to such activities. One of the things Nybbas did before his rise to Archangel was help these disparate organizations coordinate their efforts so that vital information between them could be shared. This was one reason Nybbas was made head of Hadean Intelligence after his elevation. The other Archangels still maintain their own private intelligence organizations, but Nybbas makes sure they are all made aware of what each one needs to know. Even if it is kept secret by another.

Another reason Nybbas is in charge of intelligence is that his Word makes him eminently suited for it. A large portion of espionage falls under Communication. The interception and analysis of messages, disinformation, codes and ciphers, and discreet, secure channels of communication are all a part of Nybbas' Word. Intelligence is all about communicating the right information to the right people.

</Sidebar>

Cherubim of Communication enjoy a telepathic link with those who are their attuned. They are able to read their surface thoughts, and if they so choose, project messages to them telepathically as well.

Those of other Choirs with this Attunement can use it in conjunction with the Celestial Song of Attraction.

Ofanim of Communication have expanded their resonance into the realms of interaction. They can use their resonance to send a message through the quickest and most direct channel to get it received and understood by the intended party. For example, the President can be contacted on his private line using this Attunement. The knowledge of the fastest means available to the Ofanite at the time of use is intuitive rather than something the Ofanite is consciously aware of. If the fastest way available to reach someone is by phone, for example, the Ofanite will know to use that method. The same if it's through email, snail mail, or having to go there in person.

The actual number, address, or other information is not gained by use of this Attunement. For technological means, no number or address is entered. The Ofanite just picks up the phone and is automatically connected to the phone nearest the intended recipient - or just hits Send with the address blank, and the email automatically ends up in the correct account (and only the correct account). Snail mail, paper airplanes, and messages in a bottle work similarly, all miraculously ending up at the proper destination. If an 'in person' visit is required, the Ofanite walks, drives, or gets on the proper conveyances without having a conscious knowledge of the intended destination.

Being obsessed with Communication, Nybbas' Elohim are concerned with comprehending other's messages in the proper context. Elohim of Communication have access to the original resonance ability of their Choir, though they only have to worry about their present day dissonance conditions. Being also concerned with how others receive their messages, the emotion manipulation aspect of their resonance has also been expanded, enabling them to encourage a positive or negative reaction about any subject they are talking about or presenting at the moment.

In order to help understand the context of what one is saying, Malakim of Communication are able to use their Resonance to discover what their value system is. Instead of the normal CD results of a resonance roll, a Malakite can choose instead to learn what their hypothetical CD table would be up to the CD, and thus what they consider right or wrong to an extent.

Kyriotates of Communication are able to communicate to their hosts that the corruptive impulses they are feeling are wrong, using what they discern from their host's mind as part of a convincing argument. Once a day per host, by winning a successful Contest of Wills, a Kyriotate of Communication will convince a host that its impulses are wrong, and thus negate any corruption they would've caused for that time period.

Mercurians of Communication are able to help a subject of their resonance convey their relationship to others. On a successful resonance roll, not only is the subject convinced of the relationship, but all those present are convinced as well. Additionally, anyone to whom the subject or others affected introduces or mentions the Mercurian while under the effect is also affected. Those who would know better may make engage in a Contest of Wills with the Mercurian to resist, though only the subject's rejection counts for dissonance purposes.

Lilim of Communication understand the value of networking with each other, and are almost always willing to help a Sister in need. Once per day (or after completing one of Nybbas' rites), one with this attunement is able to sense the nearest other one with this attunement most able to help her with a specific need (not just Need), either personally or through a invoking a Geas owed, and the best way to contact her. For example, if a Lilim needed a ticket to a sold out concert for some reason, using this attunement would reveal the cell phone number of her nearest colleague with this attunement who either had one, possessed a Geas on someone who did, or failing those, the one with the best means of obtaining one.

There is no formal obligation to render aid once contacted, but it's customary to do so unless there is a good reason one can't. Those who make a habit of refusing to lend help without a good reason usually develop a bad reputation among her sisters, and find it more difficult to get help without a good cause when invoking this attunement themselves.

Note that this Attunement is not restricted: it can be awarded to other Choirs, or even humans and ethereals. However, Nybbas only gives this Attunement out to those who other members of the Lilim Network recommend or vouch for. Which means non-Lilim have to get in good with a member of the network, preferably a Lilim, to have a chance of getting it.

This attunement allows one to completely comprehend what someone or something is trying to convey, no matter the means being used. Language, slang, technical jargon, metaphors, poor writing, and even encryption are no longer obstacles. The message a speaker, written work, picture, or other presentation is trying to convey is always understood.

One with Complete Comprehension always understands the gist of the message itself. The perceiver always knows the definition of unfamiliar words, the identification of something identified by a pronoun or nickname, and an explanation of acronyms and code words. However, it won't always explain the context of a reference outside a message. For example, if someone with Complete Comprehension heard Charles Foster Kane say Rosebud, one would know he meant his boyhood sled. But Servitor level Complete Comprehension wouldn't tell one that the sled to him represented his lost youthful innocence, or the eventual fate of the sled.

The exception to this would be if the one with Complete Comprehension is included among the intended recipients. In such cases, one gets the entire meaning of a message, outside context and all. Which means it's possible for two beings with Complete Comprehension to have deep, meaningful conversations with only single words exchanged, or even just gestures and expressions.

If someone is addressing a group, and one with Complete Comprehension is among those listening, then they would count as one of the intended recipients. For messages with multiple meanings imbedded, one with Complete Comprehension gets all of them, but only the outside context of the meanings which the sender intended him to be the recipient of. Those with this Attunement make great art critics.

Those possessing this attunement are able to not only understand any type of langauge, but speak, write, or otherwise convey information with it as well. Treat as (appropriate language skill)/3.

A person with this attunement can ascertain the true identity of the immediate source of any message, be it verbal, written, or other, with just a successful Perception roll. Additionally, they can trace the path it took to them back a step by another Perception roll and an expenditure of a note of Essence, with each successful use allowing them to peer one step further back down the chain of Communication, theoretically until they reached the ultimate source. However, the moment a Perception roll is failed the chain is broken, and one can not trace the message further back. One doesn't have to do the entire tracing at once. One can ascertain the true identity of the immediate source, make another roll and spend one essence to trace it back a step, and then continue tracing it further back at another time.

If the source has a Role, then a contest between the user's Perception and the source's Role level + Corporeal Forces is made. If the user wins, then he learns the source's true identity. If the source wins, then the user gets the Role.

What is acting but the Communication of the aspects of a character? Those with this Attunement can Communicate a character to the Symphony itself, assuming a Role of a level equal to the CD of a successful Emote roll (or Acting if there is such a skill in your campaign). Cost in Essence is equal to the Status of the Role desired (with a minimum Status, and thus Essence cost of 1).

Successful use of this Attunement provides the Symphonic Masking, documentation benefits, but not any free skills. The duration of any Roles created by this Attunement equal the user's Corporeal Forces in hours.

Master Thespians can communicate a character through pure skill alone, without any need for costumes or disguises. This Attunement is the ultimate refinement of that skill. Those with this Attunement can convince those around him that he's another person with a successful Emote roll (no matter what his actual appearance or apparel) for CD hours. Generic persona such as a fry cook, deliveryman, or Host Seraph can be adopted with ease, and one's actual identity will not be recognized.

One can use this Attunement to impersonate specific individuals, but only those who mannerisms and vocal patterns they have observed, either personally or via recordings. Those who are closely familiar with the individual being impersonated may make a Contested Roll of their Perception versus the Actor's Emote skill. If the Actor wins, the person is fooled. If the observer is successful, then they know the Actor is an imposter but can not discern his actual identity. When this Attunement is in use, breaking character in front of any observers automatically ends its effects. One can say secret code phrases or pass written notes to clue one's allies in to one's true identity, but openly telling them, or acting out of character in front of any observers cancels out this attunement's effects.

This Attunement allows one to listen in on someone's communication. With a successful Perception roll, one with this attunement is able to lock on to any one subject one can see or hear. From that point on, any communication to or from the subject can be perceived by the Eavesdropper, no matter where he is, until the Perception Lock is dropped. The Eavesdropper can perceive any conversations the subject engages in, material the subject reads or writes, and presentations the subject views. The only thing that can not be listened in on is communication via Songs and Attunements. The Eavesdropper will be aware that such communication is taking place, but perceives such conversations only as whispers that are audible but too faint to be intelligible.

To Eavesdrop, one must maintain complete concentration - nothing else is possible, except repeating aloud what one is perceiving. When not actively Eavesdropping, one may maintain the Perception Lock in the back of one's mind, and may take simple actions such as walking, speaking, and so on - anything requiring deep thought or attention (like combat) requires a successful Perception roll every round it is engaged in, or the Perception Lock is lost. When one is keeping a Perception Lock in the back of one's mind, one can set up a number of "trigger words" or phrases equal to one's Ethereal Forces to watch for. If those words or phrases are used or perceived by the subject of the Perception Lock, then the Lock will pop back into the forefront of one's mind.

One of the most powerful tools of Nybbas' Intermediaries, this attunement almost literally lives up to its name. When invoked, it draws the mediator and all those involved in a battle, argument, or other immediate conflict into a virtual environment for a subjective duration of (15 x mediator's Celestial Forces x Essence) minutes. What is actually happening is the establishment of a group telepathic rapport and the acceleration of the thought processes of those involved. In actual time, the exchange of ideas is instantaneous.

It is impossible to harm each other in any way while in the virtual environment, since it is just an illusion generated by the mediator. Due to this fact, the environment may take any form the mediator wishes, and he can provide any amenities such as refreshments at will. Since everything is illusionary, any mortals involved are free of all the ordinary constraints of biological necessity, such as eating or sleeping. No participant is able to harm another by any means, including attunements and Songs, since the whole session is a consensual hallucination, though contests such as simulated duels (with no permanent results) can be held if both parties are willing. Since the session is telepathic in nature, barriers to comprehension such as language differences do not exist. Thus the environment is an ideal place to negotiate.

When the mediator chooses to end the session, or when the subjective duration runs out, all parties will find themselves back where they were when the attunement was invoked, with only an instant having passed. Hopefully, by that time all sides would have come to a satisfactory settlement. Since an entire Time Out session takes place in only an instant of Real Time, contact by any means with anyone outside the environment is impossible, and any Songs or attunements that were in effect (such as Songs of Tongues) are suspended until the session is over.

Sometimes words can cut deeper than any mere blade. This Attunement is the ultimate example of such a phrase. With it, those making a successful Emote roll can express their hatred, contempt, or ridicule in such a way that it actually traumatizes the subject, inflicting the CD plus their Ethereal Forces in Mind Hits.

The user of this Attunement has to direct an insult or put down at the target when trying to invoke it, and the target must be able to perceive it. Thus, one who is deaf is totally immune to the effects of this attunement (unless of course the insult is delivered via sign language or telepathy). A target of this attunement can attempt to resist by calling upon their resolve. If the target succeeds in a Will roll, he maintains his self-esteem and is not affected by that particular insult. If the GM feels that a particular insult is apt to get under a target's skin, then a penalty to the Will roll could be applied.

Those who hold this Distinction are able to share the benefits of Complete Comprehension and Universal Translator with anyone in their presence they wish, either totally or selectively. If one who receives this Distinction has neither of these Attunements, then Nybbas awards at least one of them with it.

Those who hold this Distinction are able to employ the equivalent of a two way, unlimited duration version of the Celestial Song of Tongues at will, with no disturbance unless they choose to send or receive Essence. No roll is required.

Those few who hold this Distinction are those with the highest respect and honor in Nybbas' organization. With this Distinction comes an expanded version of the power enjoyed by a Master of Protocol. One can now hold conference calls with it, and reach anywhere with it.

The four who hold this Distinction are the highest ranking in Nybbas' organization: they help coordinate major Communication operations. An Ambassador is able to form a network of Communication with any within his presence, thus allowing all involved to utilize each other's resonance, Attunements, Distinctions, Songs and skills. It also allows everyone in the network to speak to each other telepathically and use the Celestial Song of Tongues between each other at will, no range limitations, no roll required, and with no disturbance generated unless they choose to send essence.

Once part of the network, members can leave the presence of the Ambassador at any time and still be connected. Those in the network may choose to withdraw themselves from it at any time, but can only be rejoined by the Ambassador when in his presence. As the central node of the network, the Ambassador can also choose to expel someone from the network anytime they choose. They may also choose to block access to an individual in the network, either totally, or partially, denying them the use of specific elements possessed by those in the network. If someone in the network acts against the interest of Hades or Communication, with a successful Perception roll the Ambassador becomes instantly aware of it.

<Sidebar>

The abilities of an Ambassador of Communication seem powerful. So powerful that there are some who say it should be impossible for anyone short of a Superior to wield them - and even then, only a Superior with an appropriate Word. Like Communication. Some suspect there are no actual Ambassadors of Communication, but that they are all simply Nybbas using Superior level Acting! to convince others that these high ranking angels exist.

Those who believe this theory suspect other things about the nature of the networks these "Ambassadors" set up. Such as that an angel can't actually withdraw itself from a network, but Nybbas merely lets them think they have done so. That Nybbas can monitor everything a member of a network does and experiences. That he could read the very thoughts of anyone in a network. That he could at anytime he chose, simply take control of an angel who was part of a network. And the scariest thing of all, that all Servitors of Communication are part of one vast network, and are unaware of it.

Communication angels, of course, don't believe a word of it, and discount such tales whenever they come up as another urban legend, like the story about Michael's remnant still walking the Earth, ready to be restored, or the one about Nybbas being the Metatron reforged. As for the one time Nybbas himself was asked about it, he just smiled enigmatically and asked "Do you really believe everything you hear?" Of course, this neither confirmed nor denied anything, leaving those few fringe conspiracy theorists on both sides of the War to wonder. They'll never learn what is really true. They aren't cleared for the message.

</Sidebar>

<Sidebar>

Despite being one of the youngest Superiors in the War, Nybbas has access to a wide array of secret songs. This due partly to the fact that his coordination efforts among the Exiles brought him into the contact and confidence of many Superiors and high ranking Servitors in Hades. It is also partly due to the fact that he controls quite possibly the best information gathering organization in existence. Then there is the fact that singing is a form of Communication, thus placing songs under Nybbas' dominion. Not only has Nybbas gathered songs from others, but he's created a few himself. Here's an example of one Nybbas has developed.

Song of Masking

Discovered by Nybbas through his study of The Mark, these Songs let one mask the message ("I'm an Exile") which is communicated by The Mark... temporarily. An unmodified check digit of 6 on a Perception roll will penetrate the disguise early, as will the casual gaze of a Superior, but nothing else will.

CORPOREAL

The subject's Mark is made invisible when on the Corporeal Plane. Whether in a vessel, host, or celestial form, the Mark will not be seen. The duration is the singer's Corporeal Forces in hours.

ETHEREAL

The subject's Mark can not be seen in the Marches. The duration is the singer's (Ethereal Forces X 10) in minutes.

CELESTIAL

The subject's Mark is hidden in the Celestial Realm (or in celestial form on Earth). If under careful scrutiny, a check digit of 5 or 6 on a Perception roll will penetrate this disguise and end the song.

Otherwise, the duration is the singer's Celestial Forces in minutes.

AFFILIATION: None

ESSENCE COST: 2

DISTURBANCE: The singer's Forces in the appropriate realm.

So just what other secret Songs does Nybbas possess? No one exactly knows. They're rumored to be many. Servitors of Communication don't question the origins of any unfamiliar Songs Nybbas may give out. He could conceivably have any Song. Which ones he has is a mystery to all save the recipients.

You're not cleared for that message.

</Sidebar>

The Exiles

Allied: Lilith, Raphael, Vapula

Associated: Bladine, Eli, Novalis, Ogiel, Uriel

Neutral: Everyone else except...

Hostile: Malphas

Others

Allied: None

Associated: Gabriel

Neutral: Everyone else except...

Hostile: Jordi, Mariel

The Host

Allied: None

Associated: None

Neutral: Andrealphus, Beth, Israfel, Kobal, Marc

Hostile: Everyone else except...

Enemy: Lucifer

: Spend two hours in conversation.

: Get two people of differing opinions to debate reasonably.

: Fix a broken communications device.

: Get two people with differing opinions to admit the other side has at least one valid point.

: Spend an hour talking before a group of people.

: Spend at least an hour in a chat room.

: Moderate a mailing list with a large number of interesting posts a day (could range from +1 to +3 depending on the amount of traffic on the list).

: Help someone get their message heard.

True to his Word, Nybbas is one of the easiest Archangels to get in touch with.

+1 A personal communications device, such as a phone, or computer on line

+2 A device which facilitates communications, such as an Internet server

+3 At the site of an event being broadcast to a mass audience

+4 On the premises a local communications outlet, such as a TV station

+5 At the site of a major communications nexus, such as the NSA HQ or The CNN building in Atlanta

+6 Nybbas' current private phone number (And no, Ofanim can't get it with their Attunement. He has Symphonic Call Blocking)

He was born in Hades a Mercurian of SCIENCE!, one the first angels Vapula created upon his ascension to the rank of Archangel. Created out of Vapula's own personal Forces, he was the epitome of what a Mercurian of SCIENCE! should be. He was an adept inventor and researcher, coming up with a number of innovative theories in the social sciences. But where he really shined in Vapula's service was applying what he knew in theory successfully in practice, trying to enhance the efficiency of Vapula's organization by improving internal communications between the various projects and departments. It was an uphill battle for the Mercurian, but he used all he knew of communication theory, applied psychology, and personnel management to keep all of his fellow Vapulans aware of what everyone else was doing, so that they could minimize conflicts and duplications of effort, and maximize the synergy created by two researchers working on complementary experiments.

Those informal efforts gained Nybbas the attention of Vapula, who knew results when he saw it. He took Nybbas off pure statistical research and formally assigned him the task of keeping everyone up to date on the latest developments. Nybbas saw this as an important task. After all, new developments were built on the foundations of previous achievements. A healthy flow of ideas was essential for his Archangel's Word to prosper. Nybbas threw himself into the task, setting up the procedures and communications networks that kept everyone apprised about the latest inventions and discoveries. He also kept the wheels of Vapula's organization greased by helping to resolve any misunderstandings and rivalries which developed among its members, changing minds and steering people to compromise with carefully chosen words and presentations. Nybbas knew that sometimes it wasn't just the facts that influenced people, but who presented them and how. The right stimulus, properly applied, could help move people where they needed to be.

With this thought in mind, Nybbas persuaded Vapula that he should apply his efforts beyond internal matters. Hades could benefit more from the developments of SCIENCE! if they had a better understanding of them. And SCIENCE! could benefit from more data gained through enhanced communication with those of other Words. Vapula made Nybbas his official liaison between SCIENCE! and the organizations of other Superiors. He excelled at the task, translating and summarizing the technical jargon of SCIENCE! into terms and concepts those of other Words could grasp. Since he had contact with so many organizations, Nybbas used the opportunity to help Hades on the side by aiding the coordination of efforts between them all as well. And of course, using persuasion and the proper presentation of one's message to smooth dealings between the various Words.

While he attempted all this, he also attempted to have his methods applied to the War itself as well. The promotion of Words depended upon humans and their collective perceptions of underlying concepts. And such perceptions were formed and evolved by the exchange of ideas between individuals. If one understood the process and could influence it predictably, then one could alter their conceptual perceptions in a deliberate fashion, affecting the status of Words and thus the Symphony itself. Nybbas' private agenda was to do just that, to gain for Hades the systematic control of the flow of information in human society, and thus shape human society for the benefit of the Loyalist cause. Libraries, newspapers, town criers, conversation, they all were access points to the human heart, mind, and soul. These same channels were also used by both sides to keep in touch with their forces. Control them and you could hinder the enemy's efforts of coordination against you, and learn what they wished to keep secret from you. With the right messages, you may even convert them to your side, or set them against each other.

Nybbas did all he could to show the potential of his work and plans, lobbying for more resources to advance his cause, and thus the cause of Hades. And he succeeded in pressing home his message even more effectively than he planned. By the time he had invented television, as a part of a long-term plan to steer humanity on a middle course between Fate and Destiny, he had several Distinctions, Attunements, relics, and part-time Servitors from all the Exiled. Though nominally still of SCIENCE!, he had a lot of discretion and autonomy. Television itself became a catalyst that cemented the Council's decision. Answering their summons, he entered the Great Chamber a Mercurian of SCIENCE!. He left the Archangel of Communication.

More than any other, Nybbas is the archetypal Mercurian. He's always concerned about how others perceive him and the messages he conveys. He's a master of subtlety, presenting just exactly the right impression for the effect he desires, whether it be love, fear, amusement or anger. He tells the best jokes, sings the best songs, and is a master at getting people to like and trust him. He is the master of being all things to all people.

Which is precisely why he doesn't give his total trust to anyone, even his beloved father Vapula. He knows now that even the most seemingly faithful and trustworthy soul can end up being a traitor. He's heard enough to learn anyone can potentially turn their back on what is right. Anyone.

The Rebellion itself is proof of that. Before it occurred everything was happy and peaceful. Everyone got along most of the time, and when there was conflict a rigorous debate would usually help resolve matters. At the very worst, you would have to bring your case to Baal, so he could fight it out with Michael, but wiser heads found alternatives to that arrangement.

Then Lucifer decided he didn't like God's decree, so he rebelled against it. What was worse was that he seduced others with his methods, and talked them into open rebellion against God. If Lucifer could sway people towards strife in such an idyllic paradise, then it was possible for anyone to be persuaded of anything, if someone simply spoke the right words. The Exiles supported God's message, but defections have occurred. No one could be considered incorruptible. Nybbas has deduced that the only way to prevent others from being seduced away from the right side was to fight fire with fire, on the ultimate battlefield of ideas. And because he could become a casualty on that battlefield, he concludes that to give his full and total trust to anyone makes himself and Hades potentially vulnerable.

It's not as if he cuts himself off from all contact: quite the contrary, he has a number of good friendships, acquaintances, and relationships of all kinds. His father Vapula is his mentor and idol: more than anyone else in the cosmos, he approaches total trust with him. But he knows full well how idols can fail. Was not Lucifer an idol? Lilith is a remarkable woman, an example of the extraordinary potential humanity has to offer. As a Friend of Man, he appreciates her. He would even admit he's slightly smitten with her. But Liberation means the freedom to choose, so it's possible she could choose wrongly (after all, look at where Eve ended up). And so it goes with all his friends and allies. Each one must be watched, for who knows when one could go astray.

He doesn't exclude himself from this suspicion. No, indeed he watches himself most closely of all, always trying to make sure he's keeping true to God's Message, that he doesn't lose sight of his ultimate goal and become a mirror image of the beings he fights. After all, only he knows the potential traps that he could fall prey to. In an imperfect, Godforsaken universe, one can't even entirely trust one's self.

And thus, ironically, the Archangel of Communication does not fully communicate. He must deny himself the total and full connection with another that all beings yearn as long as the War goes on. Only when the War is over and the God's message prevails throughout the entire Symphony will he be free to communicate his innermost feelings and secrets. With that in mind, it is totally understandable why he works so hard for victory.

Nybbas believes the War is ultimately a conflict of ideas rather than a purely military campaign. It is a conflict between God's Message and Lucifer's, with the fact that Lucifer's first victim was the Metatron clearly demonstrating Nybbas' point of view. While military victories will help support one's arguments, the decisive battle will be waged in the hearts and minds of those involved. Nybbas believes Lucifer's suppression of God's Message is what lead to the current state of affairs, and when a critical number of the Host hear and accept it, Lucifer's reign of power will be over. Military campaigns are necessary, but unless God's Message prevails, then they will just prolong the stalemate. Nybbas intends to insure God's Message does prevail, even if he has to use every dirty trick in the book to do it. He's the Exiles' acknowledged expert on matters of Public Relations and Propaganda, doing whatever he can so that the Truth of God's Message reaches all, and that opinions and perceptions are swayed in Hades' best interest.

Nybbas is also the Chief Coordinator of all Hadaen intelligence operations. The Network is perhaps the most massive, widely flung, and well-coordinated espionage organization in the entire Symphony. He also tries to coordinate cooperation between the various intelligence organizations of his fellow Archangels on the Exile Council, making sure each one knows what they need to know.

Another role Nybbas has in the War is that of facilitating Communication between various Superiors to serve the interests of Hades. He aids in the maximization of teamwork and coordinated, multi-tiered strategy, and the minimization of inadvertent interference and stepped-on toes. He also serves as a secret relay of information between Superiors on both sides of the War as long as the interaction serves the cause of Hades.

The prime example of this is the attempts of various Superiors on both sides to repair the damage to the Symphony and stem its decay. While he himself can't be a major contributor to Symphonic Repair, he does what he can to help by planting needed information and arranging encounters which lead to cooperation between Servitors of the various Archangels mostly concerned with such matters. Usually in such a way that even those involved don't suspect his hand in things. He also makes sure the covert cooperative attempts that he helps arrange are not discovered, as the The Sword does not take to kindly to those who work with Exiles, even on matters of common interest such as preventing the Symphony's collapse.

Nybbas knows God is still alive. Not believes. Knows. This is a matter of fact, not faith to him. God is out there, somewhere. Even now he tries to make contact through various means, such as the Archangel Gabriel. Nybbas has heard those attempts, and understood. But due to the machinations of Lucifer God has been cut off from his creation. The Metatron, once the clear and resonant Voice of God, has been silenced, and access to the Higher Heavens cut off. God's plans for the Symphony and Humanity, his Message about how things should be, has been suppressed and distorted due to the actions of the Host. It is up to those among the Exiles, who keep his Message in their hearts, to act as the new Metatron and see that it prevails over all attempts to deny it.

By any means necessary.

<Sidebar>

As stated before, Nybbas modeled his Cathedral on the original Tower of Babel in order to commemorate man's attempts to communicate with God. It's been rumored that the Tower's design is for more than just aesthetic reasons. Some say that the Force Configuration of the Tower matches exactly that of its sorcerer-designed historical counterpart, as part of a secret project to communicate with God. After all, he is the Archangel of Communication. If there's anyone who has the power to send a signal beyond the Symphony and communicate with God, it would be him. Some angels even say he's had at least one limited success in that area.

Those that do report that Nybbas spoke the words "How are you?" into a microphone attached to an arcane looking technological device, and it was later learned that at exactly the next moment Gabriel said "Fine, but very busy."

Most angels discount the rumor as the celestial equivalent of an urban legend, but others are not so sure. They speculate that Nybbas indeed has devised a way to reach God, but that the current state of the Symphony causes too much interference for the signal to get through. They theorize if Nybbas were able somehow to relocate The Tower directly under the Light of Heaven, where Jacob's Ladder once stood, he might be able to get clear two-way reception.

Nybbas, of course, is not talking. You're not cleared for a message about that subject.

</Sidebar>

In Nybbas' eyes Lucifer is guilty of the ultimate crime, the supplanting of God's Message with his own. Everything that has occurred since then is ultimately due to the fact that Lucifer rejected God's Message, and chose to promote his beliefs and priorities instead. The War and its casualties, the current state of the Symphony, and all the ills and problems which are part of current day existence are all his fault.

The other members of the Host are patsies who've bought into Lucifer's Message at the expense of God's. It still may be possible to convince them of the Truth of things. But Lucifer himself knew full well God's Message, and chose of his own Free Will to deny it with no encouragement or persuasion. Nybbas intends to make sure Lucifer's Message becomes unheeded and unheard. When Lucifer is brought low, when everyone sees his Lies for what they truly are, and when God is finally called back to the Symphony, then the Lightbringer will receive the due justice he so richly deserves.

Nybbas loves humanity in a way that only a Friend of Man can. They are one of the major reasons the War is being fought. The uniqueness of humanity was a major part of God's Message. Nybbas wants to make sure they get what they truly deserve. In his opinion, the Blessed are wasted on the Host, who do not have the vision to appreciate the qualities in them which brought them to Heaven. He and his fellow Exiles, on the other hand, see the potential for greatness in every human, including the ones which end up in Hades.

As far as Nybbas is concerned, the current state of affairs is a travesty of justice, and one of his major projects is to mitigate the injustice by trying to maximize the number of humans who reach neither their Destiny nor their Fate, keeping them out of the hands of the Blessed and the awfulness of Hades until the War can begun and the God's natural plan for them restored.

He fights for humanity in a multi-pronged strategy. He encourages distractions such as television to shape human culture so that individuals don't strive, which decreases the chances of meeting one's Destiny and Fate. The second part of his strategy is to encourage skepticism and the questioning of authority, so that those who do end up in Heaven aren't so easily taken in by the lies of the Host. He also plants hints of the true nature of the Host and the Exiles, to help in this. His last strategy is to help shape human culture in such a way that even those who do meet their Fate have redeemable features which would help the Exiles to reform them. The portrayal in the Media of anti-heroes, sympathetic villains, and criminals who follow strict codes of honor are all part of Nybbas' plan to shape the subconscious of the potential Fated, to give hooks that the Exiles can use in their rehabilitation.

Blandine: "Dreams are the dreamer's subconscious, trying to Communicate with the dreamer. The Marches are the confluence of the ideas of man, and Communication is about ideas. With all this in mind is it any wonder I consider her and Word important. She understands the importance of ideas as much as I do."

<Sidebar>

The Quiet Lady of the Marches never speaks. This in the past has made communicating her viewpoints in Council meetings she managed to attend sometimes difficult. The rise of Nybbas to Archangel has mitigated such matters only somewhat. With his Diplomat of the Message Distinction, Nybbas is able to grant Complete Comprehension to all those in attendance, thus allowing Blandine's fellow Archangels to understand the messages she conveys through her dream images.

Unfortunately, this is not entirely successful. Sometimes the layers of imagery contain so many different messages to different recipients that the same image is comprehended differently from one angel to the next. This makes it impossible for everyone to know everything she has said, and thus hampers the discussion of what she said between the other members of Council. Nybbas finds this exasperating, since he wants everyone to try to understand each other as much as possible. He, of course, understands all the messages, and tries his best to help explain things so everyone has a common frame of reference. This sometimes annoys Blandine, when she meant one message to be for that one person alone.

In the end, while both Blandine and Nybbas find each other to be crucially important in the scheme of things, there are times such as these when they get on each other's nerves. Nybbas because Blandine seems to confuse what he wants to make plain, and Blandine because Nybbas tries to impose objective explanations of subjective imagery which she would rather speak for itself.

</Sidebar>

<Sidebar>

Along with Blandine and Uriel, Nybbas is one of the Exiles who deal most with Ethereals. Ethereals are a product of Communication, the result of the cumulative effects of tales, myths, and ideas among a people. Which places them in Nybbas' power. How myths are retold and presented can effect an Ethereal, altering his power level, or even his very nature and personality. Nybbas uses his power carefully, building up the strength of Ethereals who are allies, and altering the perceptions of those who are not, so that they may become allies. He's even tried, through his Presenters, to grow new Ethereals, with some success. Nybbas doesn't make any overt threats. He'd rather have the friendship of Ethereals rather than their fear. But the fact that he could potentially destroy any of them serves as yet another incentive for most to stay at least somewhat in Hades' camp.

</Sidebar>

David: "As Stone is now, shattered and broken, it is more of a hindrance than an aid to Hades. But if he could somehow be talked into recovery, his reforging and resurgence would be a great morale boost for our side."

Dominique: "For Justice to prevail, its values must be properly passed down. Her Word depends on mine."

Eli: "He and his Servitors produce works which deserve to be communicated to all. My only Choir-mate among Hades' Superiors, I appreciated his counsel, and his friendship."

Haagenti: "His enthusiasm and zest for life are qualities to be appreciated, though his behavior can disconcert those with more sensitive sensibilities."

Lilith: "She is the epitome of what we're fighting for, God's decree of Humanity's potential for greatness. Such intelligence, beauty, and spirit are all examples of the Truth of God's Message, and why it must prevail over all."

Malphas: "Communication ties beings together, while Factions tear them apart. His Word causes him to oppose my work, and forces me to keep him in check. It's a pity, for if we worked together better there is no telling how much damage we could do to the Host. Then there is the mystery of his Heavenly counterpart. I've seen enough to know that they are truly enemies, but there is clearly some connection between them. I will get to the heart of that mystery."

Novalis: "She knows in her roots the importance of God's Message. If there was anyone who would surprise me the most by turning it is her. And she knows the value of peaceful means of persuasion as well."

Nybbas: "Of course I'm going to comment on myself. It pays to be complete, after all. As far as I'm concerned, I know I'm doing an important job, and I devote all my efforts to be as good it as I can. There's nothing else to say."

Ogiel: "As the leader of the Resistance against the overwhelming foe of Heaven, he knows the value of intelligence and subterfuge. His Servitors are a valuable source of information of events in Heaven. The more successfully they infiltrate the inner sanctums of the Host, the better. We can work well together."

Raphael: "Knowledge and Communication are both concerned with ideas. What is Education but the Communication of Knowledge. And Grandma has such neat lore too."

Uriel: "Like Ogiel, he's willing to use any means to get an advantage. I know he's using me, but I'm using him. Together, perhaps we can use each other to win a Final Victory in this War and send Lucifer's Message to the trash where it deserves to be."

Vapula: "I can't help but feel a soft spot for the old man. He gave me my start. I'd have never achieved as much as I did without his guidance and encouragement. He made me the Mercurian I am today. I have an inkling of what he's got planned, and believe me he's got his hands full. Hopefully, we'll win the War and his project will be unnecessary. If it is, then perhaps the information I provided him will aid him in his endeavors."

<Sidebar>

With his origin as a Mercurian of SCIENCE!, Nybbas has a better appreciation of technological tools than any other Superior in Hades, save Vapula himself. He knows the potential technology has to aid his operations, and wants to utilize such aid to the fullest. This attitude, coupled with his close ties to his father, has led to the founding of Q Division.

A joint operation between Servitors of Communication and those loaned by SCIENCE!, Q Division helps develop both artifacts and mundane technology which would be useful to Communication operations, especially those of the Network. From the latest in surveillance equipment to technologically oriented relics to the most outrageous in James Bond gadgetry, Q Division creates and equips agents with some of the most advanced and sophisticated devices in the Symphony. From microdot camera's to plant on surveillance subjects to pens which transform into flaming swords, one never can tell what a Network Agent may have been loaned by Q Division.

</Sidebar>

The Host

Andrealphus: "It doesn't take expert analysis to tell you that he's lying to himself. He loves humanity, and yet he works with those who keep them in a gilded cage. But I'm working on him. When he finally acknowledges God's Message, he will join us."

Asmodeus: "Of course he's not a Superior. He still bears watching. I am aware of his plots and schemes. He is a danger that must be monitored, and a threat that must be kept in check."

Beleth: "Fear is but one tool in my arsenal, while it is all she has. The fears she generates are easily dispelled by the right words. And her own fear and yearning can be used against her, maybe even suborn her. Her continuing love for Blandine is a weakness that must be exploited without mercy."

Beth: "Her obsession makes her an impediment to the Host, which can be exploited. Her Cold War of Pleasantries with Asmodeus is one way to manipulate her. And there are other conditions which maker her vulnerable as well. Which is all to the good, for the Library is a strategic asset which must be subverted as much as possible. We must feed her compulsions for order and tidiness, and thus impede the flow of information."

Chris: "Her Innocence is that of ignorance, the deliberate denial of truth in order to hide in a fantasy land of make believe. She blinds both herself and others to all that is bad among the Host, making my job harder. On the plus side, she and her Servitors are easy to manipulate if you know how to talk to them."

Demogorgon: "He is a prime example of why Lucifer is wrong. The Symphony itself is unraveling and his message is to let it; or even worse, twist it into a mockery more to one's liking. His reckless endangerment of God's Creation must be stopped. His efforts to disrupt our plans will avail him not. I have plans and contingencies for everything Chaos could possibly throw against Hades, and even some it couldn't. Isolate him from all who would follow him and we'll see how far Chaos propagates."

Gebbeleth: "If he has heard God's Message, why doesn't he communicate it to the others? Because he and Lucifer both know it would prove Heaven's cause wrong. I will find a way to make him talk."

<Sidebar>

It's completely understandable why Nybbas and Gebbeleth despise one another so much. At the heart of their feud is the opposition of their Words. Communication involves how beings are tied to each other, and how messages between them are comprehended. In regards to religion, this involves God's Message and humanity's relationship with God. While miscommunication is also an aspect of Nybbas' Word (and one that he inflicts quite effectively on the Host) in some matters he desires as much clarity and truth as possible. To him, the Message and how it ties speaker and listener together is what's important.

This, of course, puts him in direct opposition to Gebbeleth's Word of The Holy Mysteries. By their very nature, mysteries are things that are unknown. Such things are an obstacle to clarity and comprehension. Thus, The Holy Mysteries serves to distance humanity from the divine, and is an affront to both Nybbas' Word and Mercurian Nature. What should be an open revelation to all is instead cloaked in secret lore and hidden meanings, insulated from the masses. From Nybbas' perspective, The Holy Mysteries deprives Humanity of their true heritage as children of God.

Nybbas has been fighting Gebbeleth's Word almost since he was born. Inspired by the impact of the Gutenberg Bible, and how it increased accessibility to what was once the province of a few, Nybbas began working to undermine The Holy Mysteries by encouraging the increased access to spiritual knowledge, the exchange of religious ideas, and the communication of secrets that corrupt church officials would rather stay hidden. One of his early major victories was his help in encouraging Martin Luther to question the Church, and assisting him in spreading his ideas.

Throughout the ages, from Nybbas' humble beginnings to his rise to Archangel, Nybbas and Gebbeleth had constantly been thorns in each other's sides. Each has had their victories and defeats, but neither has had the last word. Nybbas' production of the King James Bible brought it to many who would otherwise be deprived access to scripture, but this put a potent weapon in the hands of those who would misuse it. Free Expression vs. censorship is also a fight which Nybbas and Gebbeleth have some ties to, and the victor of that war is yet to be determined.

</Sidebar>

Iblis: "Where would greatness be if no one knew about it. Glory depends on Communication for its very existence, which puts him in my power, whether he knows it or not. His penchant for battle and his distaste for intrigue make him an easy figure to manipulate with the right words. He is but a pawn to be used and discarded."

<Sidebox>

Servitors of Glory (such as the Camael, Angel of Celebrity) have taken a number of Words that would fall under the purview of Nybbas and his servitor Ben, Elohite of the Media. Communication was, of course, not going to take such moves lying down. They fought back by claiming Words which either overlapped or were associated with those taken, thus forcing them to promote those Words in the promotion of their own. For example, the Angels of Celebrities, Fame, Glamour, and Infamy are all Communication Servitors that benefit from Camael promoting his Word. By utilizing Glory Servitor's instinct to strive, those in Communication benefit from their efforts.

</Sidebar>

Israfel: "I've heard everything she's said and comprehended all as well. I know exactly what she's talking about, and she underestimates me. There is a big difference between Communication and mere Media. That goes for the Superior as well as the Word. Still, she works to restore the Symphony to God's original specifications. A word here, and a rumor there, to put her Servitors where they need to be, and in contact with the right people, serves the cause of God and Hades."

<Sidebar>

Some say (mostly the ones who believe the Babel rumor) that Nybbas has found a way to communicate with those beyond the Symphony. After all, if God is alive, he must be beyond the Symphony, right? So any research into talking to God is bound to explore extra-symphonic transmission and reception. More sensible minds counter this with the argument that there is nothing beyond the Symphony - with the exception of God, of course. Which causes the others to speculate that this may not be the case. If God is powerful enough to create the Symphony, they argue, doesn't it stand to reason he could create others, echoes and variations of the prime Symphony that is our own?

Those ones say that Nybbas has actually found proof of this in his Babel Project, somehow managing to contact a distorted echo of himself hailing FROM BEYOND. The conversation was fruitless, with Nybbas' echo being a shallow and base buffoon, but its very supposed success gave hope to the possibility that help could be summoned. If Nybbas could contact an Echo in which the Metatron was still alive, perhaps he could get a message to God.

Nybbas of course says nothing on this. You're not cleared for the message.

</Sidebar>

Jean: "I know what he's not telling Lucifer. Perhaps I should pass the information along to the right people. Or use it as a hold on him. Jean knows the truth. Now he must communicate it to the rest of Heaven, so they will turn against Lucifer and his vanity. If necessary, I'll may have to arrange it."

Kobal: "Laughter itself is a form of Communication, letting others know you appreciate the joke. What's the joke now, Kobal?"

Laurence: "Of all the idiocies in the Symphony, his is one of the front runners for first prize. How could he mistake mere coincidence as a Communication from God? What's tragic is that his submission was likely a critical factor in the swaying of the majority of Heaven to side with Lucifer. If only he wasn't around then, who knows what could have been. Still, what ifs may be fun, but they don't help the here and now. I am at least happy he's running the Host's counterintelligence efforts. My people can run rings around his."

Lucifer: "He is guilty of the ultimate crime, the supplanting of God's message with his own. When God is finally called back, he will receive due justice."

Malphas: "An interesting opponent, in his own way. He is merely content to move pieces on the board, while I alter the pieces and reconfigure the board. His Pyramid depends on Communication of orders and policies, which make it vulnerable to our subversion. The Right Words can bring groups together and tear others apart. His connection to his counterpart is a mystery I will eventually solve. The important thing is that they do not share similar goals. If they ever do, I will be in a position to know, and take the necessary countermeasures."

Marc: "Out of all the reasons to stay in Heaven, his are the easiest to forgive. He knew God's Message about Humanity in his heart, and did what he could for them in his position. In many ways, he's my Heavenly counterpart. For how can one Trade without Communication? And what is Communication but the Trade of ideas? It would take so little, just a few subtle words at the proper moment, to knudge him gently out of the Light of Heaven and into Hades' camp."

Zadkiel: "Along with Laurence, she's my counterpart in Intelligence. The division of such duties makes subversion of the flow of information easier. As for the effectiveness of her operations, while the rumors of the amount of information she has on us frightens others, the rumors of how much of it is false should frighten her."

The Others

Adam: "Another example of Man's potential for greatness. Not an Archangel, but through either power or cunning, he manages to play at our level. He's a potent foe against the Host. If only we could convince him to trust us enough to join our team."

Beelzebub: "If he truly wishes to make sure the War doesn't get out of hand he should work for the quick defeat of the Host. As it stands, he's a potential danger who still harbors sympathies to Lucifer."

Fleurity: "His devotion to helping ease the pain of humanity is to be admired. His failure to take sides is to be rectified. He must get the message that the only way to Soothe the Symphony is to depose Lucifer and bring God's Message to realization."

Gabriel: "From her mouth come snatches of God's message. They must be heard."

Jordi: "He turned his back on God's Message, deliberately sending Ophis to interfere. Now he tries to supplant God's Message with his own. He's like Lucifer in temerity, but without his resources. His influence and power can be minimized easily enough."

Mammon: "Like Asmodeus, a non-Superior who's needs to be watched."

Mariel: "In a perfect Symphony, we would work hand in hand, seeing to the passing of Memory from one generation to the next, and insuring all Truths from the past were Communicated to the present. But she fails to realize this is not a perfect Symphony and some Truths are for a few alone. Because of this I must work against her, checking her attempts to widely proclaim memories better kept secret. Or more succinctly, she does not comprehend Need to Know policies."

<Sidebar>

Nybbas knows of course that Mariel's Memory Palace potentially gives her access to the memories of all beings who ever existed. When he first became a Superior it was a vexing problem for him. He could block it, of course, but his Servitors were not so gifted. How could he have his organization coordinate intelligence when their accumulated memories lay out there in the Far Marches, waiting to plucked by the first enemy operative who got lucky? Or worse, if Mariel herself suddenly rejoined her estranged Heavenly cohorts? It wasn't possible to give them all the power to block. Such ineffability was the domain of Superiors alone. But there had to be a way to minimize the risk that Mariel posed to Hades. And as the Archangel of Communications, he found it.

Nybbas discovered a way to subtly configure the Forces of his Servitors so that the Symphonic Communication of his Servitor's memories to the Memory Palace would be encrypted into a melange of symbolism leavened with nonsense. Such a process rendered the contents of their memoryscapes incomprehensible to any but the Servitor in question -and Nybbas, of course. It was through this that Nybbas insured the security of his operations. And perhaps part of the reason why Mariel is so hostile towards him.

Each Servitor's set of memories has a code unto itself. Nybbas knows that while it is unlikely, there is always the possibility that a code could be broken. But breaking one code only gives access to one Servitor's memories, and one can not be sure if everything contained is true. Some even say the code is multi-layered and breaking the first layer will provide only false memories, concealing the true ones behind their facade. Nybbas, of course, says nothing on this. You're not cleared for the message.

(/Sidebar)

Soldekai: "His opposition to the Host places him with us in spirit, despite the lack of a formal alliance."

White Star: "He wants the same thing as the rest of the Exiles. He just disagrees with the methods. Hopefully, we can convince him to return."

This version of Nybbas has grown cynical since his early days of idealism, and has come to see the War as some vast game for his amusement, seeing how well he can manipulate the pawns. He secretly prolongs the War to prolong his amusement, and has the power to end it anytime. Combine this version with Zadkiel as the Spider, the Host's Malphas, and other manipulative Archangels, and you have the largest game of Illuminati in existence, with real organizations and personalities for cards.

Jokes are a form of Communication, and this version uses such techniques to the fullest by pulling pranks on the Host. While amusing, this also serves Hades by humiliating Heaven, hurting their morale, and Communicating to all of the Symphony what fools they are. This Nybbas takes a page from canon Kobal's book, and uses derision, satire, and ridicule to hurt the Host, and make them look like the blind idiots he feels them to be. No prank is too complex, audacious, or cruel to pull on those he feels deserve it.

Remember all of the rumors about Ambassador Nybbas? What if they were all true and more? Imagine Nybbas as the core element of a massive Network covertly assimilating angels, humans, and ethereals of all sides, until Nybbas secretly conquers the Symphony.

Now imagine the PC's learn the secret. What do they do?

What if Vapula had used some of the Metatron's Forces to create Nybbas? It would explain his desire to see God's Message heard. This version of Nybbas' Babel Project has had a spectacular success and now has become God's Voice remade, countering the lies Lucifer has spread for so long. He now understands everything. Gabriel's words. Gebbeleth's Holy Mysteries. He reveals and interprets all of it to the Exiles, Communicating to all God's Message in such a way that the Lightbringer himself is nervous. Could it be God is finally turning his attention back to his Tattered Symphony?