Literary And Film Inspiration

Mage: The Ascension

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Changeling: The Dreaming

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Demon: The Fallen

Recommended Books:

  • Paradise Lost, by John Milton. Seventeenth-century poetry isn't most people's idea of light reading, but this classic is a must for its evocative, even sympathetic portrayal of Lucifer and his war against Heaven. Though his motives are more driven by jealousy than love for mankind in this depiction, his defiant struggle against the Almighty is no less heroic because of it.
  • The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis. Presented as a collection of letters written from one demon to another, the book is an insightful commentary on temptation and faith in the divine.
  • In God We Trust: But Which One?, by Judith Hayes. Hayes, a prominent athiest, makes the case that if there is a God, He's not one worthy of our worship. For players who want more depth to their characters' opposition to God, this book is a good start. It's humorous and thought-provoking.
  • Legion, by William Peter Blatty. Blatty's follow-up to The Exorcist is a great novel with a fascinating theory on the nature of evil, free will and the identity of Lucifer.
  • Music of Razors, by Cameron Rogers. More warring angels forming the back story to an urban fantasy. Of particular interest is the depiction of artifacts from before Lucifer's rebellion.
  • Needful Things, by Stephen King. King's story is a perfect example of a Malefactor at work in a small town.
  • To Reign in Hell, by Steven Brust. Hard to find these days, but an excellent and darkly humorous story of Lucifer's rebellion.
  • American Gods, by Neil Gaiman. An evocative (and at times horrifying) tale of gods and their symbiotic relationship with mankind. An excellent story about the power of human belief.

Movie and TV sources:

  • The Devil's Advocate. Al Pacino's Lucifer is a perfect example of a Devil lost in his own Torment. His "look but don't touch" monologue near the end is a classic.
  • Angel Heart. A creepy, atmospheric tale of dark desires and subtle corruption. Watch for Robert De Niro's subtle, chilling performance as Louis Cypher.
  • American Gothic. This mid-90s TV show is a great model for how a demon in human form could infiltrate deeply into a community, maintain thralls and get away with murder. Additionally, Selena Coombs could be a low-powered Defiler trying to reform her ways.