IN> Elemental Words in China

[William Keith]

Most mythological elemental systems possess four elements in the 
Aristotelian style, with possibly a fifth central, non-opposing element 
of "Aether" or "Void."  When such concepts gain currency in human 
thought, they make attractive Words since they are viewed as aspects of 
the Universe itself -- very long-lasting, stable in meaning, and wide 
in application of metaphorical concepts.  It is no wonder that across 
much of the world the four elemental Archangels and their opposing 
Demon Princes are among the most powerful.  "Void" and "Aether," on the 
other hand, are regarded as having less substantive meanings, and so do 
not have similarly major Words bound to them.

The Chinese system of elements is different from those in use in the 
West (though similar Buddhist and Hindu systems are known there).  
Those elements are Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood, and all of them 
have real, physical presence.  To celestials who have been working in 
China for a long time, Novalis is a "core" elemental Archangel, while 
Janus is not, and David's Word is a form of Earth.  This can affect 
relations between Words, with Novalines obtaining a different level of 
respect while Windies are sometimes less welcome than they are with 
Word-allies elsewhere.  The locals' Essence-generating activities even 
mean that there are celestial ramifications for supernatural powers: 
Flowers has several Rites associated with Confucian or even older 
Chinese thought, which support the Word locally more so than they would 
elsewhere, and so are rarely given to Servitors outside this region.  
Such Rites include "formally join an established organization" (Wood 
penetrates Earth), or "encourage a protest against injustice (+1 
Essence; +3 if you take bodily injury as a result and thereby prevent 
any humans from doing so)" (Wood generates Fire).  A GM taking players 
of elemental Words from a Western setting to China may wish to consider 
altering the power of various Attunements or Rites, or the base 
Invocation number of one's Archangel -- after consultation with players 
as to such rules changes, naturally.

Archangels are generally regarded by Chinese celestials who give any 
currency to feng shui concepts as interacting in the cycles of balance 
(generation and overcoming), while Demon Princes interact in the cycles 
of imbalance (insult and excess).  The elements of Fire are represented 
on both Sides, of course; both of Water are currently unoccupied.  
Novalis represents Wood, and is not directly opposed at present; 
Valefor is her closest elemental opponent, air being an aspect of wood. 
  David represents Earth, an elemental connotation which can make 
Servitors of "Stone" in the region more receptive, adaptive, and 
flexible than their Word-mates elsewhere.  (Relations between Flowers 
and Stone in the region are probably more cordial here than anywhere 
else on the planet.)  He is likewise not directly opposed, but Kronos 
via Hatiphas sponsors a fairly large network of feng shui practitioners 
that use Sorcery for perverse geomantic rituals, sometimes even 
encoding long-term projects into architectural jobs.  The local 
popularity of feng shui gives this human organization some shielding 
against Davidian counterefforts.

Metal, regarded as a sub-concept of Earth or Stone elsewhere, has a 
number of Word-Bound angels and demons that deal with specific metals.  
Several of those demons have made plays for a Princehood, but none have 
succeeded against the efforts of the other metal-Word demons who, 
though rarely united, can get together behind the concept of keeping 
someone *else* from winning the Word.  This heterostasis has been the 
situation of the demonic side for quite a while.  On the Angelic side, 
the Seraphim Council has been fairly clear about having no intention to 
raise an Archangel of Metal.  Metaphorical overlap with David is cited, 
but in fact older natural philosophers consider Laurence the patron 
Archangel of this Chinese element: his sharp blade and dedication to 
discipline personify the metaphorical qualities of this element.  
Occasionally Lightning's work with conductors or modern technology is 
given this role, but generally speaking Laurentians are regarded by the 
locals as elemental angels.  Laurence accepts the role with grace, but, 
strangely, seems a little uncomfortable with the role, and talks about 
it very little.  Perhaps it's his great respect for David.

Or maybe it's that he doesn't like keeping secrets.

Tomorrow: Awase, Archangel of Metal (Secret, Transient, Inconvenient 
Feature)

William