Mystic_clown
6th September 2009, 10:57 PM
Megami Tensei:
Inner Demons
Glossary
Hello everyone. The following contains information that will prove useful to you in the RPG Shin Megami Tensei: Inner Demons. (found here: http://www.pokemasters.net/forums/showthread.php?t=19282) Please note that this is not the final product, for as the RPG develops, more may be added. What is here is simply what can give you a well rounded idea of the world this takes place in.
For those familiar with the SMT series and curious about which one inspired this, this is rather a blend of different aspects of the series, such as Nocturne, the Persona series and the Devil Summoner series.
Personas
What is a Persona?
A persona could be best described as a person’s inner demon, a manifestation of an aspect of a person’s personality, or maybe a part that person wishes to keep hidden. What this persona could symbolises, and what form it takes, differs for each person. With that, it’s logical to assume that everyone has the potential to have a persona within them. However, it takes a special few, or a certain event to happen to an individual, in order to awaken these personas and allow them for use.
Persona or Demon?
Persona’s bear a striking resemblance to demons, and that’s because they are fundamentally the same thing. They share similar characteristics, elements, and except for a few occasions, cannot normally be seen by regular people in the normal world. The key difference between the two is that while Personas are born from the human heart, regular demons come from a while variety of different sources. However, there have been some cases where a Persona has somehow broken away from their host and gone rogue. These rogue personas are usually classified as demons.
Persona Elements
Much like demons, Persona’s have an elemental aspect to them, whether it’s a weakness or a strength. Like with demons, there are six elements.
Heat
The power over fire and to incinerate all that stand in your way. Is weak against Cold.
Cold
The power of ice and to freeze your enemies solid. Is vulnerable against Heat.
Lightning
The power over electricity, with it’s shocking power coursing through you. Is weak against Force.
Force
Control over the wind, and the power to throw your enemies aside. Weak against Lightning
Life
The power over healing, and in some cases what appears to be light. This has a distinct weakness to Death.
Death
Despite it’s name, very few abilities classified under Death are considered kill spells, but rather spells of darkness. Is weak against Life.
There are some legends about a seventh element, without any equal. However, so far, no demons or personas with this have been recorded.
While they have the weakness to their opposing element, they’re resistant to their element, able to shake off attacks no problem. Some demons and Personas can even absorb them. However, there have been reports of some demons who are able to nullify even physical attacks, resorting in magic or magic based attacks to defeat these demons.
Personas in Battle
Well, currently, there are two methods of battling with a Persona, and a third in theory, but never achieved.
Summoning
The most common method of battling is to simply summon your Persona. This is preferred by most as it doesn’t leave the host open, and can also allow the Persona and host to fight simultaneously. However, the host does not have access to the Persona’s magical abilities, resulting to physical attacks alone.
It should be noted that a Persona can not actually ‘die’ if it’s defeated, as long as it’s host is still living. It would just be pulled back into its host in order to regenerate itself. Don’t be cocky though as a Persona’s ‘death’ affects the host, from rendering them unconscious, and on the very, very rare occasions, death, which would destroy the Persona anyway. Very few people, with a particularly strong will, have managed to stay conscious after their Persona was destroyed.
Integration
This is the act of combining your Persona with your weapon, giving it the same elemental properties. Note that if disarmed, the host will still be rendered powerless. This is the least used method of combat, as this would leave the host open for attack, and even makes them a desirable target. However, there are some who prefer this method of fighting.
Synchronization
This method has been mentioned, but so far, there has been no known case of this occurring. The act of Persona and host merging, body and mind. This would increase the host’s strength, and grant them the powers of the Persona. In theory, the result would be stronger than either on their own. However, as this method has not been achieved, nobody knows of any side effects.
Persona Forms
While a Persona’s form and abilities depends on its host, their initial form doesn’t exactly mean it will look and be like that forever. There are two known ways for a Persona to change form.
Evolution
This form of transformation mainly occurs when the host goes through a period of spiritual growth, and usually represents the increase in strength of the host’s heart. These transformations are usually for the better, though there have been some cases. There have also been cases of multiple evolutions, as the host grows through different stages of growth.
Fusion
When a demon is destroyed, they will sometimes leave behind traces of their essence. These contain their elemental traits and such, and are essentially the demon in spiritual form. It is possible, with the assistance of someone who can perform this, for a Persona to be merged with the demonic essence. This would usually result in the Persona taking on a new form, with some characteristics of the fused demons. The Persona would still be under the host’s control. There have been some cases however, due to the phase of the moon, that results in an accident occurring in the fusion process. When this happens, it’s uncertain what the final result could be.
The World.
Most normal people would believe the world is what they see. However, in the world of Megami Tensei: Inner Demons, there is so much more to it. This part of the glossary will pinpoint the different ‘worlds’ the make up the Inner Demons universe.
The Human World
Our world to be more exact. There really isn’t much to explain that you wouldn’t already know. The demon population here is very know, with most of them unable to be seen by human eyes. The same goes for personas unless the host wills it. The very few demons that can be seen, usually come to this world to cause trouble. Those with Personas willing to keep the peace may want to make it their mission to stop demons like this.
The Dark World
If the human world was he heads side of a coin, then the Dark World is the tails. A shadow covered version of the human world, the Dark World acts as a half way point between the human world and the Vortex World. As a result, there are significantly more demons here than in the Human world, and unlike there they are all visible here. While there are no humans native to this world, it is possible for humans to travel here, whether intentional or accidental.
The Vortex World
The home of demon kind. The worlds seems to be in the inside of a sphere, with a glowing white ‘sun’ in the middle. It’s possible to see the opposite end of the Vortex world simply by looking up. For the most part, it’s covered in desert, with oceans of dark matter and some cities and places scattered throughout the place. It can be best described as a rather chaotic place, and since it’s the home of demons, it makes sense. Due to the environment, and the light of the ‘sun’, it’s almost impossible for humans to survive here. Those with personas could possibly survive the light, but would be a bit weakened. Their personas however would be just fine.
Amalia
Humans would call this place Hell. Demons however would refer to this place as “The World of Madness”. This is where demons are at their strongest, as the energy of this place fuels them, but usually at the cost of their sanity. It’s near impossible to reason with these demons. Only the strongest seem to show any semblance of sanity and reasoning. Those with Personas seem fine here. However, very few have actually come here, and not for long, so it’s uncertain what long term exposure to this place can cause.
The Crimson Abode
This small pocket dimension is the home to the mysterious being known as Lafitte (see notable figures). Much to its name, this room is completely crimson, taking the form of a rather stylish cross between a throne room and an office. Very few people gin access to this room, either being invited in by Lafitte himself, or by being given a Crimson Key, which allows them to visit whenever they wish.
Notable Figures
Note: This section will be changed the most in this glossary. As the RPG goes on, more will be added to this section.
Victor
An eccentric scientist, studying in demonology. Using his scientific knowledge, he has a developed a method of fusing demons and personas, and is usually the go-to guy for people wish to fuse personas. He’s always studying in demons and personas, and is more than willing to share this knowledge with those who ask for it. While he hasn’t confirmed or denied this, it is believed that Victor may be a descendant of Dr. Victor Frankenstein himself.
Lafitte
This enigmatic individual is the creator, and one of the occupants, of the Crimson Abode. Calm and collected, this man has the abilities to fuse demons and personas, but is also highly skilled at fortune telling. Of course, he’ll be very vague about it, not giving you too much information. He’s normally assisted by two women, Julia and Eliza, who seem quite loyal to him. Despite his appearance, he’s anything but human.
Portal Maidens
These mysterious maidens are the keys to getting to the other worlds, mainly from the human world to the dark world, but also to the vortex world and Amalia. They’re located in shrines around the world, and will only grant you passage for very good reason. These maidens all appear as women wearing black cloaks that obscure their features. It makes you wonder if they’re human, as they all look similar. Though the ones in the demon worlds usually have red skin and a single eye on their hoods.
Inner Demons
Glossary
Hello everyone. The following contains information that will prove useful to you in the RPG Shin Megami Tensei: Inner Demons. (found here: http://www.pokemasters.net/forums/showthread.php?t=19282) Please note that this is not the final product, for as the RPG develops, more may be added. What is here is simply what can give you a well rounded idea of the world this takes place in.
For those familiar with the SMT series and curious about which one inspired this, this is rather a blend of different aspects of the series, such as Nocturne, the Persona series and the Devil Summoner series.
Personas
What is a Persona?
A persona could be best described as a person’s inner demon, a manifestation of an aspect of a person’s personality, or maybe a part that person wishes to keep hidden. What this persona could symbolises, and what form it takes, differs for each person. With that, it’s logical to assume that everyone has the potential to have a persona within them. However, it takes a special few, or a certain event to happen to an individual, in order to awaken these personas and allow them for use.
Persona or Demon?
Persona’s bear a striking resemblance to demons, and that’s because they are fundamentally the same thing. They share similar characteristics, elements, and except for a few occasions, cannot normally be seen by regular people in the normal world. The key difference between the two is that while Personas are born from the human heart, regular demons come from a while variety of different sources. However, there have been some cases where a Persona has somehow broken away from their host and gone rogue. These rogue personas are usually classified as demons.
Persona Elements
Much like demons, Persona’s have an elemental aspect to them, whether it’s a weakness or a strength. Like with demons, there are six elements.
Heat
The power over fire and to incinerate all that stand in your way. Is weak against Cold.
Cold
The power of ice and to freeze your enemies solid. Is vulnerable against Heat.
Lightning
The power over electricity, with it’s shocking power coursing through you. Is weak against Force.
Force
Control over the wind, and the power to throw your enemies aside. Weak against Lightning
Life
The power over healing, and in some cases what appears to be light. This has a distinct weakness to Death.
Death
Despite it’s name, very few abilities classified under Death are considered kill spells, but rather spells of darkness. Is weak against Life.
There are some legends about a seventh element, without any equal. However, so far, no demons or personas with this have been recorded.
While they have the weakness to their opposing element, they’re resistant to their element, able to shake off attacks no problem. Some demons and Personas can even absorb them. However, there have been reports of some demons who are able to nullify even physical attacks, resorting in magic or magic based attacks to defeat these demons.
Personas in Battle
Well, currently, there are two methods of battling with a Persona, and a third in theory, but never achieved.
Summoning
The most common method of battling is to simply summon your Persona. This is preferred by most as it doesn’t leave the host open, and can also allow the Persona and host to fight simultaneously. However, the host does not have access to the Persona’s magical abilities, resulting to physical attacks alone.
It should be noted that a Persona can not actually ‘die’ if it’s defeated, as long as it’s host is still living. It would just be pulled back into its host in order to regenerate itself. Don’t be cocky though as a Persona’s ‘death’ affects the host, from rendering them unconscious, and on the very, very rare occasions, death, which would destroy the Persona anyway. Very few people, with a particularly strong will, have managed to stay conscious after their Persona was destroyed.
Integration
This is the act of combining your Persona with your weapon, giving it the same elemental properties. Note that if disarmed, the host will still be rendered powerless. This is the least used method of combat, as this would leave the host open for attack, and even makes them a desirable target. However, there are some who prefer this method of fighting.
Synchronization
This method has been mentioned, but so far, there has been no known case of this occurring. The act of Persona and host merging, body and mind. This would increase the host’s strength, and grant them the powers of the Persona. In theory, the result would be stronger than either on their own. However, as this method has not been achieved, nobody knows of any side effects.
Persona Forms
While a Persona’s form and abilities depends on its host, their initial form doesn’t exactly mean it will look and be like that forever. There are two known ways for a Persona to change form.
Evolution
This form of transformation mainly occurs when the host goes through a period of spiritual growth, and usually represents the increase in strength of the host’s heart. These transformations are usually for the better, though there have been some cases. There have also been cases of multiple evolutions, as the host grows through different stages of growth.
Fusion
When a demon is destroyed, they will sometimes leave behind traces of their essence. These contain their elemental traits and such, and are essentially the demon in spiritual form. It is possible, with the assistance of someone who can perform this, for a Persona to be merged with the demonic essence. This would usually result in the Persona taking on a new form, with some characteristics of the fused demons. The Persona would still be under the host’s control. There have been some cases however, due to the phase of the moon, that results in an accident occurring in the fusion process. When this happens, it’s uncertain what the final result could be.
The World.
Most normal people would believe the world is what they see. However, in the world of Megami Tensei: Inner Demons, there is so much more to it. This part of the glossary will pinpoint the different ‘worlds’ the make up the Inner Demons universe.
The Human World
Our world to be more exact. There really isn’t much to explain that you wouldn’t already know. The demon population here is very know, with most of them unable to be seen by human eyes. The same goes for personas unless the host wills it. The very few demons that can be seen, usually come to this world to cause trouble. Those with Personas willing to keep the peace may want to make it their mission to stop demons like this.
The Dark World
If the human world was he heads side of a coin, then the Dark World is the tails. A shadow covered version of the human world, the Dark World acts as a half way point between the human world and the Vortex World. As a result, there are significantly more demons here than in the Human world, and unlike there they are all visible here. While there are no humans native to this world, it is possible for humans to travel here, whether intentional or accidental.
The Vortex World
The home of demon kind. The worlds seems to be in the inside of a sphere, with a glowing white ‘sun’ in the middle. It’s possible to see the opposite end of the Vortex world simply by looking up. For the most part, it’s covered in desert, with oceans of dark matter and some cities and places scattered throughout the place. It can be best described as a rather chaotic place, and since it’s the home of demons, it makes sense. Due to the environment, and the light of the ‘sun’, it’s almost impossible for humans to survive here. Those with personas could possibly survive the light, but would be a bit weakened. Their personas however would be just fine.
Amalia
Humans would call this place Hell. Demons however would refer to this place as “The World of Madness”. This is where demons are at their strongest, as the energy of this place fuels them, but usually at the cost of their sanity. It’s near impossible to reason with these demons. Only the strongest seem to show any semblance of sanity and reasoning. Those with Personas seem fine here. However, very few have actually come here, and not for long, so it’s uncertain what long term exposure to this place can cause.
The Crimson Abode
This small pocket dimension is the home to the mysterious being known as Lafitte (see notable figures). Much to its name, this room is completely crimson, taking the form of a rather stylish cross between a throne room and an office. Very few people gin access to this room, either being invited in by Lafitte himself, or by being given a Crimson Key, which allows them to visit whenever they wish.
Notable Figures
Note: This section will be changed the most in this glossary. As the RPG goes on, more will be added to this section.
Victor
An eccentric scientist, studying in demonology. Using his scientific knowledge, he has a developed a method of fusing demons and personas, and is usually the go-to guy for people wish to fuse personas. He’s always studying in demons and personas, and is more than willing to share this knowledge with those who ask for it. While he hasn’t confirmed or denied this, it is believed that Victor may be a descendant of Dr. Victor Frankenstein himself.
Lafitte
This enigmatic individual is the creator, and one of the occupants, of the Crimson Abode. Calm and collected, this man has the abilities to fuse demons and personas, but is also highly skilled at fortune telling. Of course, he’ll be very vague about it, not giving you too much information. He’s normally assisted by two women, Julia and Eliza, who seem quite loyal to him. Despite his appearance, he’s anything but human.
Portal Maidens
These mysterious maidens are the keys to getting to the other worlds, mainly from the human world to the dark world, but also to the vortex world and Amalia. They’re located in shrines around the world, and will only grant you passage for very good reason. These maidens all appear as women wearing black cloaks that obscure their features. It makes you wonder if they’re human, as they all look similar. Though the ones in the demon worlds usually have red skin and a single eye on their hoods.