APPENDIX:
Aava the Jaguar- Aava was first spotted in the wilds of Belize by local poachers. Word spread quickly of a strangely-colored, unusually large jaguar making its home there. Naturally Aava attracted the attention of hunters, fur trappers, wildlife traders, and the like from all over but she was by no means easy to track or capture. After she was eventually caught, and by some happenstance, she was encountered by Renato Roque who had stowed away on a transport vessel making its way up the North Atlantic coast. While Renato was initially pursuing a particular coalition of hunters on board, he opted to free Aava and make off with her when they made port. Although he attempted to free her, she was unwilling to part with him and so Renato took her back to his home in Lisbon where they have been companions ever since.
Ajani Njuko- A Nigerian poet and author with the ability to bestow temporary good fortune to those he touches.
Amir Abdel-Nazeem Tatakera- Sometimes called The Eyes of the World, or Mirafra as he is referred to by Radiance. An Egyptian demigod who awakens when tension between humans and demons arise. Amir usually awakens when supplicated by his most devoted followers.
Archdemon Antistrophe- The sovereign of demonkind and founder over the Overneath. A sworn enemy of Radiance and of Kala.
Arbiter of Gravity- The cosmic body of Hail Casimir.
Argos Sarantakos- An artifact collector and swindler from Greece. Argos was convinced by Cirogaan to manipulate the subconscious of Amir Tatakera as part of a plot to destroy the Demigods.
Arjun “Eric” Maheswari- Born Arjun Emeric Maheswari and later given the nickname “Jun” when he immigrated from India to the west coast of the United States. He met his husband Hail Casimir during travels for his career in journalism. Eric is the host of Kala’s Earthborn spirit.
Arturo, the Moon Demon- The youngest cousin of Cirogaan. A beautiful magenta-skinned demon with tremendous physical strength. Arturo also possesses healing powers. He took his name from the first human lover he took, who unfortunately died due to a broken Demonic Pact.
Astradea- A hefty glass greatsword wielded by Astrid. Astrid is able to summon the blade across great distances of space.
Astrid, Emergent 3317- A Tatran that was curious about Earth and its inhabitants. She took a special interest in the mounting conflicts between demons and humans, having once encountered Antistrophe in combat.
Aternal Demons (Aternals)- Jet-black skinned demons that tend to dwell in darkness. While they only possess one form, they are quite formidable in their abilities and many, like the Demon of Woe, are feared by other demon species.
Blood Moon Ring- A signet ring worn by Demon Lord Hume to commemorate a long-passed deity of the moon.
Bolero- A mischievious and lustful green-skinned demon who lives in Overneath.
Caelum- Called "The Last Light". A city in the cosmos where the angelkin reside, overseen by the Archangel of Radiance.
Cerezas- A gay bar in Lince, Peru owned by Héctor de Santos which features a second basement bar where demons are welcome.
Cirogaan the Golden/Ciro, the Golden One/The Sun Demon- A clever and dangerous multifarious demon with an affinity for sunlight, twin brother of the stillborn Mangata and child of the Moonfarer Mythindra.
Demon of Woe- A frightening fiend that lives in the shadows of Overneath. His presence drives others to deep despair and madness. He once tormented Kendro Valladão's twin brother through a Nexus Event, attempting to obtain the Valladão Heirloom Sword.
Demonic Pact/Demon’s Kiss- A bargain struck between demon and human, the demon usually offering to grant a wish or bestow upon the human some sort of boon or supernatural ability in exchange for something they desire. The pact is initiated by the kiss of a the demon and is generally broken if the human kisses someone else. There are very few humans to survive the breaking of a pact. In Gravity Boys, Hail Casimir and Saa’ir Ayad are the only ones known to have survived in recent times.
Desolate Sartre- A crossbreed demon that once resided in Caelum. He was executed by order of Radiance but reanimated by Demon Lord Hume. A gifted assassin.
Eclipsing Cape (or Cape of the Eclipse)- The cloak worn by Amir Tatakera through which solar radiation does not travel. It was wrapped around Milo McKinney and burned with him at his funeral pyre.
Emperor’s Revolver- The chosen weapon of Ricardo de la Vega. A brushed steel pistol modified by Ricardo for enhanced range and deadly impact.
EXOSPHERE- A massive cybersecurity and research corporation with many affiliated agencies, some of which are dedicated to the study of supernatural phenomena around the world. Responsible for the capture and cybernetic graft experiments on Hope through Project Vilmantas. One branch of the company is entirely dedicated to locating Honor's Reliquary.
Ezra Lorick- A young college student living in America. The best friend of Kazen Reddick and frequent lover of Nikola Radenović.
Farers- Thought to be roamers of the cosmos. Farers are immensely powerful, sometimes thought of as gods. Kala is one such farer.
Giants- These demons are known for their monstrous size and brutal nature. Vendetta is one such giant.
Golden Eyes- There are several characters who have mysterious golden irises: Arturo, Amir Tatakera, Ajani Njuko, Rhys Hoyle, Saa’ir Ayad (in one eye), and Hail Casimir (Arbiter Form).
Hail Casimir- A famous gamer and streamer. Husband of Arjun “Eric” Maheswari.
Hallowed Antal- Sartre's coconspirator. A truly skilled mystic of both angelic and demonic arts.
Harrowing- An infectious illness that causes a gradual degredation of the human will (it seems to have no effect on demonkind) which outwardly affects a person's ability to think, feel, or otherwise function as usual. Those afflicted tend to stop speaking and move slowly, sometimes even simply "stopping".
Héctor de Santos- Formerly a football coach in Peru. He now owns a gay bar called Cerezas.
Hidetaka Shibuya- A Japanese football star. Hidetaka once toured the world with several teams and rose to a mild degree of fame during his time in the South America, when he was coached by Héctor de Santos. A former employee of an affiliate agency of EXOSPHERE, one formed to study the Archangel of Hope upon his arrival on Earth.
Honor/Archangel of Honor- Lost kin of the Archangels. Presumed murdered by Cirogaan the Golden.
Honor’s Reliquary- Considered a myth by some. Said to house the many findings of the Archangel Honor during his first pilgrimage to Earth including his studies and collected relics.
Hope/Archangel of Hope- Tasked with journeying to Earth to retrieve the Solar Halo and return to Caelum. Hope was captured by a group fo experimental scientists in Japan who brutalized him and outfitted his body with cybernetic grafts which rendered him unstable but extremely powerful. The experiments on Hope were mysteriously cut short by the premature activation of his "enhancements" by an unknown party. Out of confusion, fear, and rage Hope killed all of the personnel in the laboratory (except for one) and escaped. He was later "discovered" by Hidetaka Shibuya.
Hubble- An adorable Dalmatian adopted by Hail and Arjun on the first anniversary of their wedding.
Hume, the Game Keeper- One of the most powerful Lords of Overneath. A master tactician and commander of Vendetta and the Demon of Woe.
Jun Xian Wei- A gifted swordsman from Malaysia. His agility and precision is enhanced by his ability to “dance” upon gusts of wind, which he can also produce with a swift swing of his blade.
Kala- Time and death incarnate. The most powerful known Farer in the universe.
Kalisz, the Vindicator- One of the most mystifying creatures that has ever appeared on Earth. Some say he is the harbinger of Death, others an avatar of nature, or perhaps Kalisz is inexplicable altogether. His powers are numerous, but his appearances are so infrequent that they can hardly be listed or described. What is known, however, is that he only appears to those who are not in search of him and cannot be perceived otherwise. He sometimes appears to those on the edge of death and offers them a choice: to die vindicated of transgression, or to live on but for a true purpose. If the bearer of this blessing of life does not go on to fulfill this purpose, Kalisz will appear to eliminate them. It is rumored that he then claims their souls forever.
Kazen Reddick, the Crossbreed- Half demon, half human. The best friend and college roommate of Ezra Lorick.
Kendro Valladão/Santa Espada- A powerful psychic from Brazil. Wields the Valladão Heirloom Sword as well as one crafted by Ricot de Sante. Called “Santa Espada” or “Saint of the Sword” due to his renown as a swordsman with a keen sense of justice and peacekeeping.
Kilton Reiss- The human form of the Archdemon Antistrophe. Kilton took the guise of an established lawyer who eventually developed a reputation for his cunning and ruthlessness. He pursued and ultimately forged a demonic pact with Hail Casimir while suspecting that Hail may be a candidate for Kala's consort in the current age. He disappeared after attempting to murder Hail as he sensed Kala's touch of destiny was at work.
Knave (or the Covetous Knave)- A wily Aternal Demon who wears a white bone mask. He communicated with Yumei Han thorugh a Nexus Event and was eventually invited to enter Earth by her.
Kumiho- The legendary white fox form of Park Se-Yun, a being of power and purity.
Kumiho Mask- The artifact that when worn, allows Park Se-Yun to transform into the Kumiho.
Lad Astra- A menswear brand focusing primarily on casual and underwear. See the gallery here.
Leash of Chaos- Describes the birth of the universe in the origins of Radiance, Archdemon Antristrophe, Mirith, and Kala. A term mostly known among angels and demonkind as these beings predate human history.
Língshí- An adorable red panda. The companion of Jun Xian Wei.
Luminous Orb- A mysterious glowing sphere gifted to Argos Sarantakos by Cirogaan. This device has numerous capabilities, the most remarkable of which is the projection of both visual and aural illusions upon a person’s mind. These may be subtle at first, depending on Argos’ intention with his target, but can also be used to completely derail them.
Makana Watanabe- Native to Hawaii and vessel of Ozma.
Makisig Ramoso- A boy from the Philippines who traveled to Hawaii to answer the calling of Ozma. He bears a tattoo that means "To know water".
Mangata, the Pallid Stillborn- The stillborn twin of Cirogaan, the Sun Demon. Only her languished arm remains, which Cirogaan used to fashion a grave in Overneath.
Metamorphic Demons- A very rare subspecies of demon that can take most any form it chooses, such as the Archdemon Antistrophe. Note that Antistrophe is also an Aternal.
Miguel Carrizales- A Venezuelan football player. At one time was coached alongside Hidetaka Shibuya by Héctor de Santos.
Milo McKinney- Mortal lover of Amir Tatakera. He was murdered by Cirogaan the Golden.
Mirafra- The name bestowed upon Amir Tatakera by Radiance when he became a demigod.
Mirith (or Mirith Firstborn)- A Farer like Kala. Mirith has a unique ability known as Divine Influence, whereas she can shape the outcomes of certain events by willpower alone.
Mosaic Demons- A demon crossbred with either angel or human, such as Kazen Reddick.
Multifarious Demons (or Multifarions)- A subspecies of demonkin that have more than one form. Typically they have a more humanoid form and one, more primal and beast-like form. The non-humanoid form is called True Demon Form. An enraged Arturo, the Moon Demon became Feral Arturo following Remy Rocher's death. Cirogaan becomes the Refulgent Scourge in his True Demon Form.
Multitude (The Multitude)- The collective of all souls in the universe, so named by Radiance when they descended from Farers.
Mythindra, the Pallid Mother (also Moonfarer)- The long dead Farer of the Moon. The mother of the twins Cirogaan and Mangata. Mythindra in her grief attempted to eat the body of her stillborn baby Mangata. This befouled her body and ultimately lead to her death.
Nexus Event- A natural, temporary “thinning” of the membrane that separates Earth from the Overneath on an unpredictable basis. During such, demons can perceive the other side and even communicate with the beings who may be present nearby. Cirogaan claims to have determined when and where these will occur.
Nikola Radenović- CEO of EXOSPHERE. Nikola is known for being a bit of a playboy, as his busy professional life has generally lead to unsuccessful long-term romantic relationships. He is, however, rather fond of Ezra Lorick and pays him frequent visits.
Overneath- A realm within realms, where demonkind resides apart from the populations of Earth. Separated from Earth by an invisible membrane crafted by the Archangel of Radiance and Antistrophe.
Ozma- Demigod of the seas. Ozma is magnificent and terrifying in his own way, not unlike oceans he travels and presides over. He does not take kindly to those who have no reverence to the sea or its creatures. There are many stories over many an age of sailors and even entire vessels that have disappeared after spotting him. One might consider seeing Ozma at the surface a bad omen.
Ozmeridian Pearl- A treasured ritualistic artifact of Ozma given to Makisig Rakisig Ramoso by Makana. Makisig was instructed to study the item in hopes that it would unlock within him certain powers of the Sea Prince.
Park Se-Yun- A pop star and fashion icon from South Korea. He posseses the mystical powers of the Kumiho. He fought Arturo's True Demon From and inadvertently caused the death of Remy Rocher.
PARAGON- The first ever sentient artificial intelligence created by Rook. PARAGON can construct and deconstruct himself in physical form at will, he can also choose the form he takes.
Project Vilmantas- The first initiative of a secret branch of the cybersecurity giant EXOSPHERE, whose mission was to capture to Archangel of Hope and submit him to study and cybernetic modification.
Radiance/Archangel of Radiance- The sovereign of angelkin, and the most powerful angel in Caelum.
Remy Rocher/Risen Remy Rocher- The spirit of the deceased Remy Rocher who, by the power of Kalisz, was able to re-enter the physical world to meet his lover, the Moon Demon Arturo. After a Demonic Pact between them was shattered by the cleansing power of Park Se-Yun, Remy succumbed to a body that was enfeebled by Pancreatic cancer. Although Kalisz was able to sustain his life, he made no promise to restore his body to full form. Thus, Risen Remy lives half alive, half spirit.
Renato Roque- Owner of Roque Designs in Lisbon, Portugal. Husband of Yafeu Roque.
Rhys Hoyle- A young fistfighter from Wales. Friend to Miguel Carrizales.
Ricot de Santa AKA "Shrike"- A "retired" assassin from Haiti. Friend and lover of Park Se-Yun. Following Park's serious injury by the Feral Moon Demon Arturo, Shrike decided to once again take up his Silver Hemlock Rifle.
Riven, the Stargazer- Younger brother to Arturo. Riven has never pacted with anyone.
Rook- Begun as a “simple computer hacker”, Rook was eventually able to infiltrate the cybersecurity giant EXOSPHERE and gain access to various world governments’ and various affiliated (and many perhaps “unaffiliated”) agencies’ data on artificial intelligence. From Rook’s tireless innovation of this data, PARAGON was born. Subsequently, more and more electronic evidence of Rook and his Promethean achievement began to disappear until he was gone without a trace.
Rúbia, the Maned Wolf- A Brazilian maned wolf with scarlet red fur and a blue and white mane. Encountered by Kendro and Ricardo on their travels in South America.
Saa’ir Ayad- A disciple of Amir Tatakera from Palestine. The current bearer of the Solar Halo. One of the only known survivors of a broken Demonic Pact, which left his body with golden scars. Lover of Siraj Al Neyadi.
Silver Hemlock- A giant rifle invented by Ricot de Sante.
Siraj Al Neyadi- An Emirati peacekeeper. Lover of Saa’ir Ayad. Once he learned of Saa'ir's fate at the hands of Cirogaan, Siraj vowed to protect him at all costs.
Sol- A young sorceress adept. Sol can manipulate natural elements to a degree and keeps a small phoenix as a familiar and companion.
Solar Halo- Taken from the body of the Archangel Honor, who was presumably murdered by the demon Cirogaan. The Solar Halo ended up in the hands of Saa’ir Ayad when his pact with Cirogaan was broken and he miraculously survived. The artifact mysterious attuned to Saa’ir, and generally floats above his head. The halo is sought after by Honor’s kin.
Sozo, the Dragon of Creation- The spirit of an ancient dragon god inhabiting the reawakened body of a fallen warrior.
Strange Seedling- Gifted to Tiago del Rio by Cirogaan, the Sun Demon. Cirogaan performed for Tiago a clever riddle to intrigue him of its properties:
“Do not fear, young sprite of the wood
for I come with a gift, if you will but look
So grant me your eyes and lend me an ear
might these be the last friendly words that you’ll hear,
Open your hand, do take from me this
A wonder of worlds, none like it exists
Tend it to hence and soon you will see
sprout branches of one most magnificent tree
But heed my words thus, let it not come to harm
lest you wish to live all your days in the dark
And should it bear fruit, you must make me this vow
Do not drink of its nectar, nor others allow
This task I appoint you, and if you succeed
you’ll find that my favor yield all that you dream.”
This riddle was a veiled threat, but also gave Tiago an incentive to protect whatever spawned of it. Cirogaan cautioned him that he himself nor anyone else should consume any fruit born of the mentioned tree that would grow.
Tiago del Rio- A young woodland sprite of Puerto Rico. Mentee of Tolovae Vaovasa.
Tolovae Vaovasa- The Samoan demigod of Righteous Fire.
Touch of Destiny- Describes Kala's influence on earthbound beings, particularly involing Eric Maheswari and Hail Casimir. When Kala became aware that Hail was his consort, a dormant demigod, he sought to unite with him and took Eric has a human host to uphold their bond on Earth.
True Demon Form- The original form of a demon before it has assumed a humanoid one. A True Demon is often much larger than any humanoid or even some of the largest beasts on Earth. True Demons are largely instinctual creatures, sometimes described as “feral”, and dangerously powerful.
Valladão Heirloom Sword- A blade passed down to Kendro by family heritage. His family often tell stories of their ancestor who won the blade as a prize for defeating an angel in a duel of sport.
Valor- The Archangel of Valor, known to inspire courage in the hearts of others by his presence alone.
Vendetta- One of the giants. A red-skinned brute known for inciting violence and a desire for revenge in others.
Yafeu Roque- Husband of Renato Roque.
Yumei Han- A lonely and unhinged woman of Taiwan who invited Knave to be her companion.