#16 Angelic Host of the False Messiah

August 05, 2020

#16 Angelic Host of the False Messiah

When the False Messiah appears he is invariably mounted upon his terrorgheist. However, such is the Raptured Court's fixation on his person, none even notice the great beast but attribute all that it affects to their beloved Lord alone. This perhaps helps to explain his continuing, uncontested supremacy over the Archbishop who has arguably surpassed his master.

In addition, the False Messiah is usually accompanied by what the Court regard as a host of angelic beings. Thought to be otherworldly creatures, they are in fact former ghouls gruesomely transformed by drinking the blood of the False Messiah and his terrorgheist. But the Sanguine Rose delusion wipes any memories from their deranged minds and all alike are convinced of their eternally angelic nature.

To the rational, healthy eye, these winged monstrosities may appear repulsively indistinguishable, but within the delusion they are organised according to a strict and absolute hierarchy. The clergy of the Sanguine Rose teach the congregation that the lowest and most numerous are simply called Angels, formed into choirs led by Archangels. Often, several choirs are gathered under a Cherub, the next most senior. Above these are the Seraphim, those closest to the False Messiah himself. But within this general hierarchy there are numerous sub-ranks and classes.

The Baby-Eating Bishop of Barfunweltz has been granted to know the names of the mighty Seraphim, meaning he may call upon them to help the Raptured Court in their times of need. Blessed by the False Messiah with particularly chiropteran aspects, 'Susath' and 'Lailar' are truly angels of death.

The Seraph Susath (Varghulf Courtier)

The Seraph Lailar (Varghulf Courtier)

Cheubim have been granted powers beyond their angelic peers and can be distinguished by features such as additional vestigial wings and fragments of arcane armour.