Terminology of Infernalism - Vol One

From Atlantic Roleplay Wiki

Terminology of Infernalism - Vol I

by The Infernal Scribe

A thick, black leather bound tome with solid silver clasps.

Absolute, the :

The eternal consciousness of the Void; the living darkness from which all things come. Known by many names and hidden to all but the most insightful Infernalists, the Absolute is greater than the gods and devils of the earth put together, and is, in fact, the source of them all.

Adversary :

Literally, "one who turns against". Often used to describe Satan, it also defines "the Satan within", the impulse to oppose virtue and civility. By attuning himself with the inner adversary, an Infernalist sets himself against goodness and nurtures his darker urges.

Aesfotedia :

Infernally tainted Tass; demon-essence. Often said to be distilled in Hell, but just as often refined by exquisite hatred or suffering.

Ahriman :

In Zoroasttrianism, the Adversary; long ago, some Nephandi called themselves Ahrimanites. Later, the term came into use as the name for a Nephandic cabal (an Ahriman), so called because all of the member's were considered part of the Adversary's body

Ahrimanites :

Followers of the Adversary, ancient Nephandi.

Assumption :

The final step of the Path of Screams, in which the infernalist becomes one with the Darkness and leaves humanity behind.

Asward :

An anti-saint. Among the Nephandi, a subtle master of the Dark Arts and the truths behind them.

Barabbi :

A Nephandic turncoat who renounces some other fellowship and joins the Fallen willingly.

Black Magick :

Spells or rituals cast out of malice and intended to cause harm. See maleficia.

Caul :

The "Gate of Dark Rebirth" in which a Nephandus has her soul turned inside-out. Also a bit of placenta that sometimes covers the face of newborn babies who are said to possess uncanny powers.

Decandendi :

Rake-hells and libertines who indulge in blasphemy, demonism, and sensuality for kicks.

Deep Lords of Misrule :

Legendary "ghost-oracles" of darkness and chaos. Sentient fragments of the Primal Void, said to occupy a null-space beyond the heavens and the gods. Sometimes regarded as the breaths of the Absolute, its attendants, or both.

Demon :

Generic term for an intelligent, malicious spirit. Although often associated with anti-Christian Infernalism, demons can be found all over the world, in a multitude of forms. Early germ theory even attributes the cause illness to these malicious spirits, naming them "demonets".

Divine Chain of Being :

In Christian theology, the order of things. As ordained by God, all things in Heaven, Earth, and Hell are ranked in hierarchies that define their place in the Divine scheme. Supposedly, this system keeps disorder in check; thus, Infernalists love to break the chain

Dregvat :

A low-ranking Nephandus. Also known as a pawn.

Fallen :

A proper descriptor for one who has chosen the Path of Screams over the roads to virtue or Enlightment. Based on the rebel angels, who, with Lucifer, rejected Heaven in favor of a Hell of their own design. Despite its Christian origin, the term fits Infernalists of all kinds and cultures.

Foedus Infernus :

The pact of demonic service and servitude. Plural, Foderis.

Gallu :

"Demons". Sometimes used as a name for ancient Infernalists. Also a title among the Nephandi.

Gilledian :

One of a small but influential group of Nephandi who seek to unite the Fallen. Also known as a Div.

Gnostic :

A heretic (or heretical idea) that claims the Biblical God is really the Demiurge (Satan), and that the only true salvation comes through pure knowledge and defiance of the Demiurge's laws and Church.

God of the Book :

The One God revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims; called Lord of Israel, Allah, Jehovah, Yahweh, God the Father, and so forth.

Grimoire :

A text of magick, usually of the blacker variety. Host, The :

Wafer and wine of the Catholic Holy Communion; thought to become the body and blood of Jesus, the Host is often desecrated by those who wish to defile Jesus and his Church.

Investment/Investiture :

Inhuman power granted to an Infernalist in return for some service or Pact. Also the process of receiving such powers.

Jacquerie :

The "Jacks", a fiendish sect of French mercenaries. Supposedly hunted to extinction in the 1300's, they went underground and founded several Infernal cults in France.

Khristos :

"The Anointed One", that is, Jesus of Nazareth. Greek root of "Christ".