so the overall ‘universe’ my rp characters n whatnot exist in operates under the notion that what can exist, does exist, it’s just a matter of finding the right combination of elements n particles and all that science-y shit to make it work in accordance with human understanding 

so, technically, “man-made” is a misnomer and “discoveries” are just things humankind finally figured out how to interpret and utilize. “magic” also falls under that category; however, it’s a step above, being that it cannot be replicated by humankind’s technology, no matter how advanced tech becomes. it can be mirrored, perhaps, yet not replicated. 

therefore “magic” is as inherently organic as everything else yet is un-makeable, it is something accessed only by beings that are the right conduit i.e. Nephil, possible others i haven’t decided upon yet. those who engage in practices involving connecting with The Earth itself and spirituality can get close, though, but if anything they’ll access what’s possible on Earth rather than The Universe itself. 

this prob makes zero sense to anyone but me lol but i had to get it on here before i completely lost steam 

likely subject to revision.

psychoanalyticmystic

Though her voice was level, Belle’s excitement and interest was palpable to Joshua regardless; his smirk became a broad grin as he finished his full-body stretching and opened his eyes. And briefly arched a brow at the fact she was further away than he thought necessary. Yet he supposed it’d be easier to see his wings at their fullest extent from a distance. That made sense.

Setting his stance and crossing his arms over his bare chest, Joshua willed his wings into tangible existence, appearing, to the human eyes, immediately. They began, relatively speaking, along his back from the notch at the base of his neck to just above the base of his spine, jutting up above his head at their highest point and brushing the grass beneath his feet at their lowest. He let them rest against him for Belle’s sake, so she could adjust to seeing them there before he stretched them out to properly showcase them. They were broad, hefty, and long, spanning nearly forty feet from wingtip to wingtip. Plumage the colour of a clear night sky, dark feathers smattered with flecks like stars that clustered in some areas and dotted sparsely in others. As though they’d been patterned after part of the Universe itself.

Joshua resisted an urge to bring his wings in so he could smooth down a few ruffled feathers, otherwise remaining patient, waiting on what Belle would do now.

HC: Clifford’s wings are similar in shape between those of falcons and terns: narrow, pointed, and short (in comparison to Joshua’s, whose wings are long and broad). Designed for high-speed flight despite his tall, lean build. The feathers appear grey-white in low light; in bright/sunny light they can become blindingly iridescent. Literally blinding. Staring at them for too long can and will cause permanent retinal damage.

I’m toying with something here:

The “flames” Nephil produce are white-blue to the human eye, are self-contained, and hot enough to reduce anything to ashes/smoke/steam upon contact.

That said, given how actual fire requires three components (fuel to burn, heat to induce burning of fuel, and oxygen to keep the fuel burning), it’s technically not fire - more like extremely hot gas or vapor. Right?

HC: One of Joshua's strengths as a Nephil is the ability to, voluntarily, Influence calmness  and tranquility in others - to aid with restlessness, anxiety, high states of emotion, etc. However, he won't use/extend it if the recipient(s)'s don't outright consent to it first, wanting to allow them the choice - and the right - to experience their own emotions and states of being at their discretion.

Possibly the only exception is if someone is such a state of panic or anger that they cannot conceivably calm themselves down, will he intervene. Especially if they're putting themselves and/or others in danger while in that state.

HC: Joshua's wings are very much the same shape and, in relation to his body, size as those of your standard turkey vulture.

Long, broad, primaries slotted when extended, designed for gliding and soaring. Needs one hell of a run-up, and a fuck-ton of space, because relatively speaking, they're huge.

If it weren't for my reluctant willingness to drop some aspects of Earth-science accuracy, Joshua probably wouldn't be able to fly without having to run off a cliff or something first.

HC: The colour, shape, size, span, and overall design of a Nephil's wings have little to no bearing or reflection of the individual's moral standing or disposition.

(White wings don't mean "pure" or "good", black wings don't mean "tarnished" or "evil", etc.)

The only time any judgement is cast regarding one's wings is if a Nephil cannot, or does not have the power to, integrate them fully onto the Earthly plane. It is a sign that there is a problem with the unique connection tethering them together, which is never a good thing. Being unable to have what is an integral part of one's existence is considered a fatal flaw, especially given their heightened risk of instability that often lead them to become extremely dangerous to themselves and everyone around them.

Note:

The Nephil I play are not strictly of any religious affiliation; the terms 'Nephil', 'angels', 'heaven', 'hell', 'demons', etc. are used for identity/familiarity purposes, which are in the constant state of flux as ideas shape and develop.

I apologize for any inconveniences this may cause.