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The Greatest Creation of the Gods

The Benelim are perhaps the greatest creation of the Gods. The closest thing to original intent of the Novalim, the Benelim are an offshoot of the Nephilim crafted by Terra and Omnitus. Such was their potential that before their completion Tenebrous believed they should inherit the mortal realm over humanity. Yet it all nearly unraveled when the Second War in the Heavens began. The formless Novalim could only watch as the battles engulfed both the Mortal Realms and the Heavens. When the war ended with Godfall, the resultant magical energies ravaged the Novalim.

Only after stabilizing the earth, sea and sky did the Gods finish the task of the Novalim. Yet they had to be fast, the longer the damage festered, the less likely they could be saved. While many were restored and became the first Benelim, for others the damage was too severe or the Gods were too late. These souls became the first Maelim. The Benelim were forever bound to Terra and shared many of her values and ideals. They viewed Terra as their Great Mother. The Benelim would spread across the world, forming several powerful kingdoms named after the biome they chose. Each one the wonder of its day and in complete harmony with the environment they called home.

But the Benelim were far from perfect. Some would be seduced by Tempestia and become the first Harpies. Others would be corrupted by Mendax or warped into Horrorlim by the Twisted Gods. While they often boasted as being superior to humanity, they were just as often fallible and such follies would cost them dearly. By the present, two major Benelim kingdoms are forever lost, the Realm of the White Birches, and the Realm of the Jungle. The others are shadows of their former selves, despite the bluster they make among humans.

Yet the despite these issues, the Benelim remain a major force of good and they just might have a few glories left...

Benelim Traits

Like all types of Nephilim, Benelim are functionally ageless, only the very first of them look old as a result. Whether or not a Benelim can die of old age has yet to be seen. Benelim can die from battle, sickness or a broken heart. 

Benelim, like the Godshards, Daemons and Gods, have Soulsight. As such their eyes glow faintly, just like a Godshard. Their Soulsight is the weakest kind however, and while that is usually sufficient to read the vibes off a person, there are many instances of Benelim being deceived. Unlike Godshards, Fallen Angyls such as Succubi and Incubi have been known to seduce Benelim before. The Succubus Queen Lilith boasts no Benelim has ever resisted her charms.

Many Benelim have animal like attributes, a sporadic quirk of their creation. Some have antlers or horns, others have cloven feet. Others take this even further and look more like upright walking animals. These are known as Animites and despite their beastial appearance are just as intelligent as any other Benelim. Since they can't speak orally, the Benelim have a Sign Language for which they can communicate.

Some Benelim dwell in the sea or have a strong bond with the water. These Benelim are bound to Aquarius instead. These 'Aqualim' often bear fish like features like scales on their limbs and gills.

Lifesongs

A parting gift Terra gave them shortly after their creation, Lifesongs are a keystone of Benelim culture. They were designed to dissuade boredom, soothe the brokenhearted and to keep the Benelim striving to be better than they were yesterday. Each and every Benelim has their own Lifesong as does every family, town, city, and kingdom. Each Benelim has a Book of Lifesongs and scribes are frequently adding new verses.

The Lifesong is magical in nature, the lyrics create themselves and often a Benelim won't even know what they will be the first time they sing. The eldest and greatest of the Benelim have Lifesongs so long they are rarely sung in full. The reciting of Lifesongs has become a favored pastime among the Benelim. 

Yet to some it is not a blessing but a curse. To a criminal, it is a catalog of misdeeds forever linked to their name. The shame of a father or mother reflects in their child's Lifesong. An older Benelim who has improved from their times as a ruffian in youth will still get sour looks when he sings his Lifesong. The struggle to overcome the sins and shames of the past is a difficult one. Many often become obsessed with making their song better, often at the expense of their relationships or even their lives. 

Notable Benelim

High King Ioannis
King Christoros
King Aloysius
Orion, Father of Animites
Pietrus the General
Umbra of the Lazarus Seven
Aurora of the Lazarus Seven
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