nefilim corruption
The angelic propaganda machine in the 1990s to keep the Blessed Choir in line.
Early in the Angelic Occupation, the archangels were faced with a problem: how to keep their forces from falling. All angels are attracted to nefilim, some more strongly than others and the draw of physical and emotional relationships with their subjects became a concern during 1995 when almost 5% of the stationed regimental angels went AWOL from their bases and joined the fallen community.
Because the specter of Wasting Fall haunted every angel without access to Heaven's supply chain, Azarael and Michael came up with the idea of blaming Wasting Fall on nefilim pheromones. It gave them the ability to further condemn the fallen angels already on Earth and to scare their own forces into distancing themselves from nefilim and humans alike.
Transmission & Vectors
Air travel; inhaled
Causes
Nefilim pheromones are inhaled, triggering corruption in the bodies of angels.
Symptoms
Wings lose luminosity, gain coloration and patterning; also causes nefilim-like aggressive response to nefilim in heat.
In truth, the act of falling lifts the God-fashioned veil on the angels' wings, revealing their natural pigmentation. The rut response is inherent to the reproductive cycle of angels.
Treatment
There is no known cure or treatment.
Prognosis
Early signs of corruption include physical stasis--being unable to control their physical appearance. Some angels will also manifest single feathers of odd colors as corruption proceeds. These signs usually indicate an emotional or intellectual susceptibility to corruption, sometimes as far developed as being romantically involved with a human or nefil but not yet exposed to nefil pheromones.
Physical stasis comes from the angels' uncertainty and questioning of their identity. Once they have stabilized their self-image again, the ability to change and manipulate their appearance returns.
Sequela
Corruption develops into Wasting Fall in its later stages, eventually leading to death.
Prevention
Half-masks of at least APF 10 are sufficient to filter nefilim pheromones from breathing air, which protects angels from airborne corruption. Elastomeric half-masks are recommended for angels working in close proximity with nefilim, such as census officers, medical personnel, and detention guards. Angels are encouraged to avoid social contact with humans and nefilim as well.
While the masks issued by the angelic forces do filter out the scent of nefilim in heat, wearing a mask is no sure protection from falling. The psychological effect of wearing the masks over their faces bonded regimental angels together, solidified the ties of flock-over-society and offered a shared identity which offered some protection from falling. Moreover, the loss of a mask during a stressful situation may actually trigger falling as that shared identity is stripped away suddenly.
History
The first recorded case of nephilim corruption dates back to the Great Flood of Noah's time. Samael, one of the angels of death given the task of wiping nefilim from the Earth fell in love with a nefilim named Hana and fell, deciding instead to protect her and her kind rather than remaining with the heavenly host. After his fall, his wings stained blue, black and white in a blue-jay pattern and he took the name Lucifer.
Type
Physiological
Children
Origin
Natural
Cycle
Chronic, Acquired
Rarity
Common
Affected Species
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