Of Hierarchies and Packs

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The Heaven

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The Heaven's infrastructure is built exclusively with winged creatures in mind. Within one floating island, the mode of transportation is always flight, and some office entrances are situated at lofty heights. To travel between islands or other realms, angels and the like use flying shuttles.

The caste system is strict. Even schools only teach to children of a specific caste. However, it is normal that all races can take up any job. Higher-level positions such as managers or doctors are restricted to exalted and above.

The justice system employs executioners, specially trained angels who execute the sentences passed in court. This can range from knocking on someone's door, demanding payments, to performing the severest punishment possible: cutting one's wings and thus exiling them from The Heaven. All executioners carry the executioner blade. It's a piece of metal imbued with Enochian magic. Once the executioner imprints themselves on it, the metal will always take on the shape of the weapon in their deepest hearts. Non-imprinted blades resemble swords of light when activated. Due to its nature, only angels can use Enochian weapons.

** Caste System **

Archangels - only angels with at least two pairs of wings on each side are considered archangels. They are considered 'holy' and deemed as 'untouchable gods'.

Exalted - even angels get separated into different castes. Exalted are those who have white or brightly-colored wings.

Acknowledged - Somewhat of an outlier, the Fae have somehow managed to establish themselves comfortably amidst the angels. However, this only applies to female Fae. Male Fae, while technically also considered Acknowledged, are treated like scum. Therefore, it is unsurprising to rarely see male Fae in The Heaven, with most choosing a better life on The Surface.

Tainted - Any angel with spotted feathers or other multicolor variety is considered 'mediocre' at best. Since mothers pass on the color of feathers, most female angels of this caste have barely any chance of establishing long-lasting relationships, resulting in a high amount of those working as an escort or offering similar services.

Bird-winged - Lastly, any non-angel is considered bird-winged. This includes harpies who live in matriarchal family clans and griffin tribes. With their coal-black feathers, the crow Tengu belong to this caste as well. Angels born to a bird-winged parent often get pushed into this caste, regardless of their wing color.

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The Surface

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The Surface is ruled by the four Auspicious Beasts. Each Beast is associated with one type of elemental magic they specialize in. Furthermore, they have a non-human race attached to them, resulting in many mixed races. The Beasts are divided into a total of seven houses, with leadership rotating every nine years. Once a year, the Beasts hold a council to decide on the course for the subsequent year.

Law enforcement is similarly strict to The Heaven. In addition, regional disputes may be directly handled by the ruling clan.

** Auspicious Beast Clans **

To the east: Qinlong, the azure dragon with the elemental aspect of wood. The elves are associated with the Qinlong clan. Current ruling house: Family of Fang.

To the west: Zhuque, the phoenix with the elemental aspect of fire. The red single-tail foxes are associated with the Zhuque clan. Current ruling house: Family of Xing.

To the south: Baihu, the white tiger with the elemental aspect of metal. This is the only clan that is entirely attributed to humans. Current ruling house: Mao.

To the north: Xuanwu, the black serpent with the elemental aspect of water. The merfolk are associated with the Xuanwu clan. Current ruling house: Xu.

Legendary clan of the Qilin, with elemental aspect earth. The legendary race of centaurs is associated with the Qilin. No records of the houses remain, and to this day, the other clan leaders deny there ever was such a clan.

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The Underworld

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The Underworld is characterized by its nearly lawless state. Criminals, fugitives, exiled Wingless Ones, they all seek their fortune in the caves below the Surface. The only ones bringing order are the succubi. They are the only known demon race and rival the longevity of angels - if they don't die due to unforeseen events.

Each succubus is the matriarch of a pack. The pack consists of members who accepted to link their lives to their mistress in exchange for enhanced abilities and protection. This is achieved through a small blood ritual.

The pack is strictly hierarchical, but every member is permitted to gain more power by rising through the ranks through hard work. Becoming a pack member is highly sought after since it provides stability and protection from Underworld gangs and is considered reputable. It is also the only way for many dwellers to obtain a good education and a well-paid job.

In addition to the ordinary members, the matriarch is flanked by two pack leaders, the alpha and beta. While the beta acts as a vice leader and is responsible for most internal affairs, the alpha is on the same level as the succubus. Her life is intricately linked to the alpha - if they die, she will fall as well, regardless of how many pack members exist. This extraordinary bond results in the alpha being physically altered, increasing the probability of acquiring a completely new ability. Likewise, an already powerful alpha unlocks the matriarch's full potential. In addition, the alpha is the only creature the succubus can mate with to produce offspring. Therefore, succubi choose their alphas very well. Traditionally, they rely on physically strong races such as wolves and Felines.

The firstborn child, regardless of sex, will always become the next matriarch. If the child is male, they will eventually transform into a female once they become matriarchs. Any younger siblings take on the race of the father. Once the child becomes of age, the succubus will pass the mantle to her child, retiring with her alpha. The old pack members have the option to form a bond with the new matriarch or be released from the link. Unfortunately, due to the fragile nature of the alpha and succubus bond, more often than not, the succubus passes away before she can retire. In the rare event, a succubus can forfeit her life and pass her entire life force to her offspring, pack, or alpha to increase their survival. If the alpha survives, their purpose changes to mating with a suitable partner. Establishing a link with a non-succubus physically alters the partner, and they become a new succubus.

Since succubi are the only winged creatures exiled from The Heaven, they show little respect for angels - and vice versa. Some packs even harbor hatred so deep that even wingless ones are shunned.

** Succubus pack hierarchy**

Matriarch Succubus || Alpha (Mate)

Beta (Internal affairs)

Gamma (Generals)

Delta (Elite)

Epsilon (Foot soldiers)

Zeta (Family members of members with no direct link to the matriarch)