Nephilim
The Nephilim themselves are not a true species, but more of a condition through the infection of a substance called Black Blood. However to the common folk the Nephilim are viewed as the offspring of humans and fiends as such they are often shunned and despised out of reactionary fear. This aversion coming from a millennia of angelic propaganda and an on going crusade to wipe out the last remnants of demonic influence from the world. Those who survive the incubation period of the infectious blood will find no aid, no hope, or solice. Only death awaits the ill fated Nephilim.
Basic Information
Biological Traits
No Nephilim look alike; the fiendish blood running through their veins manifests inconsistently do to the circomstances of the host's environment. This grants them an array of fiendish traits. One might appear as a human with small horns, or a barbed tail, or even oddly colored eyes, while another might manifest a mouth of fangs, tiny wings, and claws.
Genetics and Reproduction
Nephilim while able to conceive, will always give birth to a stillborn child as the blood also infects the child during development. Before the baby has the strength or will to cling to it's life force as the substance ravages them. This is common knowledge however. Unknown to all but the nobility of Gath; their monarch is supposed to be a direct mortal descendant of the demon god's right hand. Whether this is true or not is widely debated in many circles.
Growth Rate & Stages
The metamorphosis into a Nephilim varies from victim to victim, but generally occurs in several stages. Infection, incubation, manifestation, and realization.
Infection:
Due to the parasitic nature of the black blood depending on the circumstance of an individual becoming infected the transformation could be delayed. As the blood would seam to have a sympathetic connection to it's host at this point. If an individual constantly in stress of, or fear of being discovered the parasite could stall out the process. however if the host is in fear of immediate death or injury the blood could accelerate the process in defense of its host.
Incubation:
Where the stage of infection is largely determined by circumstance. Incubation differs between races in an attempt to shore up the host's biological weaknesses. In elves the blood would strengthen their frail constitution. In halflings it would bolster their strength, and so on. These changes are rarely noticeable physically for any outside observer, but to the host who maybe as a Halfling goes from barely being able to lift thirty pounds to rivaling a dwarf in any contest of strength it becomes very noticeable. Due to this a false sense of familiarity and comradery is developed between the host and the parasite. Especially since this phase could last anywhere from weeks to years.
Manifestation:
Just as the name suggest this is where the black blood will began to grant its host an array of fiendish traits. It is in this stage that many of the infected die due to the extent of the changes. These fatalities are caused by the metamorphosis not just being in the physical body but also the soul. As the black blood greatly enhanced the host soul through the infusion of their essence with its latent infernal power.
Realization:
Only those with a true will to live make it through to the end. The men and women who once where, are no more. Mortal and Fiendish blood bounded now as one they are the heralds, and reminders of darker days. As not only are physical traits been enhanced, their souls is now known to types of magic that even angels will struggle to understand.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Though no two Nephilim are alike in terms of capabilities. All have been recorded to have heightened senses of awareness. Not by sight or by sound. The select individuals who described it as seeing through the aether. Though not a very detailed description. Many Gathian scholars believe that this second sight is the ability to collect sensory information through the veins of the world. the vast crystal network that spans throughout Namir. The scholars use this as evidance to prove that their demon god is Namir's one true creator, and rightful king.
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