Heretics

This is what you were taught as a child, and it is taught for a reason. But do not be deceived. Some heretics are amoral; those are the simplest type. A few see themselves as good people who are faithful to the Gods, and do not realize that they are heretics; this type is also relatively simple. Most of the most dangerous heretics are otherwise. Most believe very sincerely in some complex system of morals, handed down from other heretics or invented on their own. An attempt to bend the systems they were taught into a shape that accommodates their illicit beliefs, or to tear those systems down and start over from first principles.

Most heretics are not particularly good at this task, but they attempt it nonetheless. Some claim they are heretics because of their morals: they started with a seemingly innocuous moral deviation from standard, and when that deviation’s implications conflicted with the decrees of Gods, they discarded the Gods.

A most amusing situation sometimes occurs when multiple heretics meet and find that their heresies diverge from each other as strongly as they diverge from the Gods. Take advantage of the resulting confusion whenever possible.

FROM THE BASIC TRAINING MATERIALS FOR ANGELS OF NEMESIS

Expiration

You have grown up thinking of angels as immortal. Yet you are no longer a child. God-built technology can – will – repair the malfunctions which make mortals age. God-built cybernetics will help you survive injury, and few diseases can harm you. Rest assured, however, that one day – whether due to accident, violence, or decommissioning – you will die.

At that time, the final clauses of your contract will come into force.

You have been given a long and very powerful life. It has been given to you for a reason. See to it, when the time comes, that you have earned every moment.

FROM THE BASIC TRAINING READINGS FOR ANGELS OF NEMESIS