Ars Goetia - Tumblr Posts

6 months ago

Why is every male ars gotia expect paimon is gay


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1 year ago
Just A Couple Of Royal Demons Chilling

Just a couple of royal demons chilling

1st demon is Amon

2nd demon is Paimon

3rd Demon is Buer

4th is Ipos

And finally, the 5th is Stolas


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11 months ago
Ars Goetia Demons By Zhengyi Wang
Ars Goetia Demons By Zhengyi Wang
Ars Goetia Demons By Zhengyi Wang
Ars Goetia Demons By Zhengyi Wang
Ars Goetia Demons By Zhengyi Wang
Ars Goetia Demons By Zhengyi Wang
Ars Goetia Demons By Zhengyi Wang
Ars Goetia Demons By Zhengyi Wang
Ars Goetia Demons By Zhengyi Wang
Ars Goetia Demons By Zhengyi Wang

Ars Goetia Demons by Zhengyi Wang


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9 months ago
0reoliaflop69 - 🌘〰️🌒
0reoliaflop69 - 🌘〰️🌒
0reoliaflop69 - 🌘〰️🌒
0reoliaflop69 - 🌘〰️🌒
0reoliaflop69 - 🌘〰️🌒
0reoliaflop69 - 🌘〰️🌒
0reoliaflop69 - 🌘〰️🌒
0reoliaflop69 - 🌘〰️🌒
0reoliaflop69 - 🌘〰️🌒
0reoliaflop69 - 🌘〰️🌒

The Demons

Yippee another dump art of some recent demon ocs I made


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11 months ago
The Goetia Demon Forneus

The Goetia demon Forneus


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6 months ago

It’s been a while hasn’t it?

Its Been A While Hasnt It?

Just thought I would check in and introduce y’all to my puffin Goetia from helluva boss, her name is Mira and I love her

Until next time! Whenever that is lol


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1 year ago
Some Shit About My Story
Some Shit About My Story
Some Shit About My Story
Some Shit About My Story

Some shit about my story

In the third image, the characters in order are Liam, Prince Aamon, Pyro, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Some Shit About My Story
Some Shit About My Story

Bonus King Purson and his Viper Spit.


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1 year ago

New child just dropped in!

Shadow: *just eating coffee beans*

*tall ass bird shaped shadow looms over him, bright purple eyes looking down at him*

Shadow: You need something Tia?

*the bird shadow turns into a crow demoness and shows Shadow the little hut she made in Minecraft, eyes sparkling*

Shadow: That’s real pretty Tia, ya did good.

*Tia ruffled her feathers happily and chirps*

New Child Just Dropped In!

Empatía ‘Tia’ Virtud is the actual youngest of the family. She was found along Shadow when she was an egg on the streets.

Tia is a shy and introverted girl, often hiding behind her siblings in public situations. She is an experimental Ars Goetia and can manipulate people’s emotions. She is mute and has OCD. She can understand a good variety of languages and she communicates with sign language, and when she happy, she chirps. She is quite emotional as well, especially when she was a kid.

One time when they were little, Shadow and Zero were arguing and Tia wanted them to have a tea party with her but they exploded on her and immediately regretted doing so when she started crying. They got grounded and had to play with her with tutus and tiaras for a week. Since then, they try not to fight as much and mostly do it where Tia isn’t around.

She loves to play with Shadow’s and Zero’s hair! Shadow finds it soothing while Zero doesn’t really mind. She and Shadow have the closest relationship out of the rest of the siblings.

Hellverse AU! Let’s GO!

In this AU, Genesis Virtud is Queen of Hell. Never banished from Heaven, she actually fell on her own accord when she saw all the BULLSHIT that was gonna happen in the humans’ future if she or God didn’t do something. God refused to do shit so she decided, fuck it, she’ll do it herself!

Genesis is the first Angel to exist and the first to fall, hence her name being Genesis which means the ‘beginning of something’. She has almost all the qualities needed to be considered a goddess but isn’t actually one considering she doesn’t really have any followers. She can shapeshift into ANYTHING and she constantly shapeshifts to see what is happening around Hell to make sure it ain’t getting to messed up.

Hellverse AU! Lets GO!

With her flaming crown and a thousand dollar smile, she is eccentric and charming and can be manipulative whenever she wants. She is not necessarily evil but she will commit mass genocide if her kids get hurt.

Speaking of kids, her majesty actually adopted several kids she found on while out on ‘patrol’.

Hellverse AU! Lets GO!

Grace Virtud is the oldest of the Virtud kids and the first one to have been adopted by Genesis. She was found crying near her mother’s corpse after extermination day. She loves Hell History but whenever she talks about the Exorcists, she gets nauseous and starts panicking.

She is dramatic and alluring, sometimes having a rather… scary side. She is a hybrid of a Hellcat and a Succubus, meaning she can seduce people and hypnotize them and has the qualities of a cat. She will get distracted by laser pointers and will get high on catnip. She is protective of her stuff and has a very early bedtime, that being 7 pm. If anyone eats her leftovers, without asking, or makes to much noise after 7, she’ll rage.

Hellverse AU! Lets GO!

Whitmore ‘Whitty’ Virtud is the second oldest Virtud and second child Genesis adopted. He was found while he was running away from an organization that was chasing him.

He is calm and passionate about music, and adores his mother. He will break reality if provoked and only Genesis is able to calm him down. Nobody really knows what Whitty is, considering he is an experiment, but they don’t really care. He is timid and always asks Grace if he can eat some of her leftovers when he hungry (he eats a lot!) and she usually lets him since he asked. He is always amused when he sees Grace acting dramatic or acting to her feline instincts. Although the scratches are not really welcome.

(Insert image of a Human Shadow the Hedgehog with horns or something :p)

Duncan ‘Shadow’ Virtud is the third oldest Virtud and the third to be adopted by Genesis. He was found in the streets after his family had been killed and he had to run away before they got him too.

He is a quiet and mysterious individual who doesn’t let himself be vulnerable to many, just his family and close friends. He is rather powerful, having speed that only a god could match and abilities no normal demon could have. Shadow is a demon but he is also an experiment like Whitty. It is currently unknown what type of demon he is supposed to resemble. Shadow is quite difficult to figure out, always having this cold exterior that not many can melt. While he doesn’t show it, he truly does care for his siblings, knowing if something were to happen to them, there would be bloodshed.

Hellverse AU! Lets GO!

Benjamin ‘Bendy’ Virtid is the youngest Virtud and the last kid that Genesis adopted. He was found playing with a toy train in an animation studio alone.

Bendy is a playful and charming individual, having the form of the Ink Demon as well. Being an ink creature, he sometimes makes a mess if he is panicking or in distress. When he is, his mother will be there to comfort him. He often uses laser pointers so he can have a good laugh when Grace is chasing after it. He is the favorite sibling and has a cute mischievous face that let’s him get away with almost anything. And when I say almost, it’s because he will not get away with eating Grace’s leftovers or when he wakes her up after 7.

Hellverse AU! Lets GO!

Genesis indeed tempt Eve to eat the Apple, not because she wanted to doom humanity, but because she wanted them to be independent and have them not listen to God. God got mad and took away her legs when she was in snake form but she just grew them back and waddled away.

Of course, humans thought it seemed gay that Genesis tempted Eve so they decided to change Genesis to be this demon called Lucifer. It was rewritten to be that Lucifer fell because of a rebellion. Gen was like ‘WTF?’ when she read the Bible and that particular scene.

Hellverse AU! Lets GO!

These are Genesis, Whitty and Bendy’s heights compared to each other. (Didn’t know how to fit Grace’s and Shadow’s silhouettes, sorry-) Grace reaches Whitty’s elbow while Shadow reaches the tip of Whitty’s hand.

And that’s all for the Virtud family, the most OP family in all of Hell! Try and hurt one of them and you will be dead before next Extermination Day!

(Genesis and Grace belong to me. Shadow is from the Sonic fandom, Whitty is from FNF and Bendy is from BATIM)


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7 months ago

The 72 demons of the Ars Goetia each have unique symbolisms and attributes that can be beneficial to explore within a spiritual or magickal practice. Below is an overview of some of the key benefits and symbolisms associated with each of these entities. This is a high-level summary and can be expanded with detailed research and personal exploration.

1. Bael

Symbolism: Invisibility, wisdom, leadership

Benefits: Enhances one’s ability to go unnoticed, gain wisdom, and lead effectively.

2. Agares

Symbolism: Language, speed, retrieving runaways

Benefits: Helps with learning languages, hastening tasks, and finding lost items or people.

3. Vassago

Symbolism: Divination, discovering hidden things

Benefits: Assists in divination practices and uncovering secrets.

4. Samigina (Gamigin)

Symbolism: Necromancy, education, knowledge of the past

Benefits: Facilitates communication with the dead and enhances learning.

5. Marbas

Symbolism: Healing, mechanical knowledge, shape-shifting

Benefits: Provides healing, technical knowledge, and transformational abilities.

6. Valefor

Symbolism: Theft, friendship, loyalty

Benefits: Useful in gaining friends and promoting loyalty.

7. Amon

Symbolism: Love, friendship, resolving conflicts

Benefits: Aids in reconciling disputes and fostering love and friendship.

8. Barbatos

Symbolism: Understanding animals, treasure hunting

Benefits: Helps in communicating with animals and discovering hidden treasures.

9. Paimon

Symbolism: Arts, sciences, philosophy

Benefits: Enhances understanding and mastery of the arts and sciences.

10. Buer

Symbolism: Healing, moral philosophy, herbalism

Benefits: Promotes health and teaches natural and moral philosophy.

11. Gusion (Gusoin)

Symbolism: Reconciliation, divination

Benefits: Assists in reconciling friends and divining the future.

12. Sitri

Symbolism: Love, desire, lust

Benefits: Increases passion and can manipulate love and desire.

13. Beleth

Symbolism: Love, music

Benefits: Enhances musical talent and brings about love.

14. Leraje

Symbolism: Archery, warfare, conflict resolution

Benefits: Useful in matters of strategy, combat, and resolving conflicts.

15. Eligos

Symbolism: Warfare, hidden knowledge

Benefits: Provides insights into warfare and uncovering hidden secrets.

16. Zepar

Symbolism: Love, seduction

Benefits: Aids in matters of love and seduction.

17. Botis

Symbolism: Divination, conflict resolution

Benefits: Helps in foretelling the future and resolving conflicts.

18. Bathin

Symbolism: Travel, knowledge of herbs and stones

Benefits: Facilitates travel and understanding of natural substances.

19. Sallos

Symbolism: Love, lust

Benefits: Promotes love and sexual attraction.

20. Purson

Symbolism: Hidden treasures, divination

Benefits: Reveals hidden treasures and assists in divination.

21. Marax (Morax)

Symbolism: Astronomy, liberal sciences

Benefits: Enhances knowledge of astronomy and the liberal arts.

22. Ipos

Symbolism: Wit, courage, valor

Benefits: Boosts wit, courage, and bravery.

23. Aim (Aini)

Symbolism: Fire, cunning, strategy

Benefits: Grants cunning and strategic insights.

24. Naberius

Symbolism: Rhetoric, arts, sciences

Benefits: Improves eloquence and mastery in arts and sciences.

25. Glasya-Labolas

Symbolism: Bloodshed, conflict, knowledge of future events

Benefits: Provides knowledge of future events and strategies for conflict.

26. Bune

Symbolism: Wealth, eloquence, necromancy

Benefits: Attracts wealth, improves eloquence, and aids in necromantic practices.

27. Ronove

Symbolism: Rhetoric, languages

Benefits: Enhances abilities in rhetoric and languages.

28. Berith

Symbolism: Alchemy, transformation

Benefits: Assists in alchemical practices and personal transformation.

29. Astaroth

Symbolism: Knowledge, friendships

Benefits: Provides knowledge and helps in forming friendships.

30. Forneus

Symbolism: Languages, understanding

Benefits: Improves language skills and understanding of others.

31. Foras

Symbolism: Logic, ethics, wealth

Benefits: Enhances logical thinking, ethical understanding, and wealth.

32. Asmoday (Asmodai)

Symbolism: Knowledge of math, astronomy, handicrafts

Benefits: Provides knowledge in mathematics, astronomy, and handicrafts.

33. Gaap

Symbolism: Philosophy, liberal sciences

Benefits: Enhances knowledge of philosophy and the liberal arts.

34. Furfur

Symbolism: Love, storms

Benefits: Aids in love matters and controlling storms.

35. Marchosias

Symbolism: Warfare, protection

Benefits: Provides protection and aids in strategies for warfare.

36. Stolas

Symbolism: Astronomy, plants, stones

Benefits: Enhances knowledge of astronomy, plants, and stones.

37. Phenex (Phoenix)

Symbolism: Poetry, music

Benefits: Inspires poetry and musical talent.

38. Halphas

Symbolism: Building, protection

Benefits: Assists in construction and fortification.

39. Malphas

Symbolism: Building, warfare

Benefits: Aids in construction and strategic warfare.

40. Raum

Symbolism: Theft, destruction

Benefits: Can aid in destructive endeavors and uncovering secrets.

41. Focalor

Symbolism: Water, destruction

Benefits: Controls water and destructive powers.

42. Vepar

Symbolism: Sea, battles

Benefits: Influences sea battles and provides naval knowledge.

43. Sabnock

Symbolism: Building, protection

Benefits: Provides protection and aids in construction.

44. Shax

Symbolism: Deception, hidden knowledge

Benefits: Uncovers secrets and aids in deception.

45. Vine

Symbolism: Revelation, defense

Benefits: Reveals hidden things and provides defensive strategies.

46. Bifrons

Symbolism: Necromancy, astronomy, geometry

Benefits: Enhances necromantic practices and knowledge of astronomy and geometry.

47. Uvall (Vual)

Symbolism: Love, friendships

Benefits: Helps in forming love relationships and friendships.

48. Haagenti

Symbolism: Alchemy, transformation

Benefits: Assists in alchemical practices and personal transformation.

49. Crocell

Symbolism: Mysteries, geometry, liberal sciences

Benefits: Reveals hidden mysteries and enhances knowledge of liberal sciences.

50. Furcas

Symbolism: Philosophy, rhetoric, logic

Benefits: Provides knowledge in philosophy, rhetoric, and logic.

51. Balam

Symbolism: Divination, invisibility

Benefits: Aids in divination and becoming invisible.

52. Alloces (Allocer)

Symbolism: Astronomy, liberal sciences

Benefits: Enhances knowledge in astronomy and liberal arts.

53. Caim

Symbolism: Knowledge of birds, philosophy

Benefits: Provides understanding of birds and philosophical insight.

54. Murmur

Symbolism: Necromancy, music

Benefits: Facilitates necromantic practices and musical abilities.

55. Orobas

Symbolism: Truth, divination

Benefits: Reveals truths and aids in divination.

56. Gremory (Gomory)

Symbolism: Love, hidden treasures

Benefits: Assists in matters of love and uncovering hidden treasures.

57. Ose (Voso)

Symbolism: Delusions, transformation

Benefits: Provides transformation and can cause or cure delusions.

58. Amy

Symbolism: Astronomy, liberal sciences

Benefits: Enhances knowledge of astronomy and liberal arts.

59. Oriax (Orias)

Symbolism: Stars, transformations

Benefits: Provides knowledge of stars and transformation.

60. Vapula (Naphula)

Symbolism: Handicrafts, philosophy

Benefits: Enhances skills in handicrafts and philosophy.

61. Zagan

Symbolism: Transformation, wisdom

Benefits: Provides wisdom and facilitates transformations.

62. Valac (Volac)

Symbolism: Serpents, treasures

Benefits: Reveals hidden treasures and controls serpents.

63. Andras

Symbolism: Discord, conflict

Benefits: Can create or resolve conflicts.

64. Haures (Flauros)

Symbolism: Fire, truth

Benefits: Reveals truths and controls fire.

65. Andrealphus

Symbolism: Astronomy, mathematics

Benefits: Enhances knowledge of astronomy and mathematics.

66. Cimejes (Cimeies)

Symbolism: Warfare, legal knowledge

Benefits: Provides knowledge of warfare and legal matters.

67. Amdusias (Amdukias)

Symbolism: Music, thunder

Benefits: Enhances musical talent and controls thunder.

68. Belial

Symbolism: Worthiness, rewards

Benefits: Provides favor and rewards in positions of power.

69. Decarabia

Symbolism: Birds, gemstones

Benefits: Controls birds and provides knowledge of gemstones.

70. Seere (Sear)

Symbolism: Time, travel

Benefits: Accelerates time and facilitates travel.

71. Dantalion

Symbolism: Knowledge, emotions

Benefits: Provides profound knowledge and understanding of emotions.

72. Andromalius

Symbolism: Theft, return of stolen goods

Benefits: Reveals thieves and returns stolen items.

Each demon of the Ars Goetia offers unique qualities and benefits that can be integrated into your spiritual practice. By understanding and working with these symbolisms, you can enhance various aspects of your life, from personal growth to practical skills. Always approach these entities with respect and clear intention to make the most of their energies and wisdom.

Lucifer in Occult Tradition

**1. Lucifer in the Ars Goetia:

Interpretative Variations: While traditional listings of the 72 demons in the Ars Goetia do not include Lucifer, some versions and artistic renditions may include Lucifer as a significant figure. These versions often place Lucifer at a higher hierarchical level above the 72 demons.

Illustrations and Additional Texts: In some illustrated versions or extended texts, Lucifer is depicted as a central figure or given titles such as "King of Hell," reflecting his prominent role in broader demonological hierarchies.

**2. Lucifer in Other Grimoires:

Grimorium Verum and the Grand Grimoire: In these texts, Lucifer is often named as one of the principal spirits, ruling over other demons. He is typically associated with other high-ranking demonic figures such as Beelzebub and Astaroth.

Hierarchy and Symbolism: In various occult traditions, Lucifer is symbolically associated with enlightenment, rebellion against tyranny, and the pursuit of knowledge. This symbolism sometimes influences his depiction in derivative works and adaptations of the Ars Goetia.

Lucifer’s Role and Symbolism

**1. As a Symbol of Enlightenment:

Lucifer's Name: The name "Lucifer" means "light-bringer" or "morning star," symbolizing enlightenment, knowledge, and the quest for truth.

Promethean Figure: In many traditions, Lucifer is akin to Prometheus, bringing light (knowledge) to humanity and challenging established norms.

**2. In Modern Occult Practices:

Luciferianism: This spiritual path emphasizes individualism, self-empowerment, and the pursuit of personal enlightenment, often venerating Lucifer as a symbol of these values.

While Lucifer is not traditionally one of the 72 demons listed in the Ars Goetia, his inclusion in some versions and interpretations underscores his significant role in the broader context of demonology and occult practices. His symbolism as the "King of Hell" or a central figure reflects his enduring influence across various occult traditions.


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3 months ago

The 72 demons of the Ars Goetia each have unique symbolisms and attributes that can be beneficial to explore within a spiritual or magickal practice. Below is an overview of some of the key benefits and symbolisms associated with each of these entities. This is a high-level summary and can be expanded with detailed research and personal exploration.

1. Bael

Symbolism: Invisibility, wisdom, leadership

Benefits: Enhances one’s ability to go unnoticed, gain wisdom, and lead effectively.

2. Agares

Symbolism: Language, speed, retrieving runaways

Benefits: Helps with learning languages, hastening tasks, and finding lost items or people.

3. Vassago

Symbolism: Divination, discovering hidden things

Benefits: Assists in divination practices and uncovering secrets.

4. Samigina (Gamigin)

Symbolism: Necromancy, education, knowledge of the past

Benefits: Facilitates communication with the dead and enhances learning.

5. Marbas

Symbolism: Healing, mechanical knowledge, shape-shifting

Benefits: Provides healing, technical knowledge, and transformational abilities.

6. Valefor

Symbolism: Theft, friendship, loyalty

Benefits: Useful in gaining friends and promoting loyalty.

7. Amon

Symbolism: Love, friendship, resolving conflicts

Benefits: Aids in reconciling disputes and fostering love and friendship.

8. Barbatos

Symbolism: Understanding animals, treasure hunting

Benefits: Helps in communicating with animals and discovering hidden treasures.

9. Paimon

Symbolism: Arts, sciences, philosophy

Benefits: Enhances understanding and mastery of the arts and sciences.

10. Buer

Symbolism: Healing, moral philosophy, herbalism

Benefits: Promotes health and teaches natural and moral philosophy.

11. Gusion (Gusoin)

Symbolism: Reconciliation, divination

Benefits: Assists in reconciling friends and divining the future.

12. Sitri

Symbolism: Love, desire, lust

Benefits: Increases passion and can manipulate love and desire.

13. Beleth

Symbolism: Love, music

Benefits: Enhances musical talent and brings about love.

14. Leraje

Symbolism: Archery, warfare, conflict resolution

Benefits: Useful in matters of strategy, combat, and resolving conflicts.

15. Eligos

Symbolism: Warfare, hidden knowledge

Benefits: Provides insights into warfare and uncovering hidden secrets.

16. Zepar

Symbolism: Love, seduction

Benefits: Aids in matters of love and seduction.

17. Botis

Symbolism: Divination, conflict resolution

Benefits: Helps in foretelling the future and resolving conflicts.

18. Bathin

Symbolism: Travel, knowledge of herbs and stones

Benefits: Facilitates travel and understanding of natural substances.

19. Sallos

Symbolism: Love, lust

Benefits: Promotes love and sexual attraction.

20. Purson

Symbolism: Hidden treasures, divination

Benefits: Reveals hidden treasures and assists in divination.

21. Marax (Morax)

Symbolism: Astronomy, liberal sciences

Benefits: Enhances knowledge of astronomy and the liberal arts.

22. Ipos

Symbolism: Wit, courage, valor

Benefits: Boosts wit, courage, and bravery.

23. Aim (Aini)

Symbolism: Fire, cunning, strategy

Benefits: Grants cunning and strategic insights.

24. Naberius

Symbolism: Rhetoric, arts, sciences

Benefits: Improves eloquence and mastery in arts and sciences.

25. Glasya-Labolas

Symbolism: Bloodshed, conflict, knowledge of future events

Benefits: Provides knowledge of future events and strategies for conflict.

26. Bune

Symbolism: Wealth, eloquence, necromancy

Benefits: Attracts wealth, improves eloquence, and aids in necromantic practices.

27. Ronove

Symbolism: Rhetoric, languages

Benefits: Enhances abilities in rhetoric and languages.

28. Berith

Symbolism: Alchemy, transformation

Benefits: Assists in alchemical practices and personal transformation.

29. Astaroth

Symbolism: Knowledge, friendships

Benefits: Provides knowledge and helps in forming friendships.

30. Forneus

Symbolism: Languages, understanding

Benefits: Improves language skills and understanding of others.

31. Foras

Symbolism: Logic, ethics, wealth

Benefits: Enhances logical thinking, ethical understanding, and wealth.

32. Asmoday (Asmodai)

Symbolism: Knowledge of math, astronomy, handicrafts

Benefits: Provides knowledge in mathematics, astronomy, and handicrafts.

33. Gaap

Symbolism: Philosophy, liberal sciences

Benefits: Enhances knowledge of philosophy and the liberal arts.

34. Furfur

Symbolism: Love, storms

Benefits: Aids in love matters and controlling storms.

35. Marchosias

Symbolism: Warfare, protection

Benefits: Provides protection and aids in strategies for warfare.

36. Stolas

Symbolism: Astronomy, plants, stones

Benefits: Enhances knowledge of astronomy, plants, and stones.

37. Phenex (Phoenix)

Symbolism: Poetry, music

Benefits: Inspires poetry and musical talent.

38. Halphas

Symbolism: Building, protection

Benefits: Assists in construction and fortification.

39. Malphas

Symbolism: Building, warfare

Benefits: Aids in construction and strategic warfare.

40. Raum

Symbolism: Theft, destruction

Benefits: Can aid in destructive endeavors and uncovering secrets.

41. Focalor

Symbolism: Water, destruction

Benefits: Controls water and destructive powers.

42. Vepar

Symbolism: Sea, battles

Benefits: Influences sea battles and provides naval knowledge.

43. Sabnock

Symbolism: Building, protection

Benefits: Provides protection and aids in construction.

44. Shax

Symbolism: Deception, hidden knowledge

Benefits: Uncovers secrets and aids in deception.

45. Vine

Symbolism: Revelation, defense

Benefits: Reveals hidden things and provides defensive strategies.

46. Bifrons

Symbolism: Necromancy, astronomy, geometry

Benefits: Enhances necromantic practices and knowledge of astronomy and geometry.

47. Uvall (Vual)

Symbolism: Love, friendships

Benefits: Helps in forming love relationships and friendships.

48. Haagenti

Symbolism: Alchemy, transformation

Benefits: Assists in alchemical practices and personal transformation.

49. Crocell

Symbolism: Mysteries, geometry, liberal sciences

Benefits: Reveals hidden mysteries and enhances knowledge of liberal sciences.

50. Furcas

Symbolism: Philosophy, rhetoric, logic

Benefits: Provides knowledge in philosophy, rhetoric, and logic.

51. Balam

Symbolism: Divination, invisibility

Benefits: Aids in divination and becoming invisible.

52. Alloces (Allocer)

Symbolism: Astronomy, liberal sciences

Benefits: Enhances knowledge in astronomy and liberal arts.

53. Caim

Symbolism: Knowledge of birds, philosophy

Benefits: Provides understanding of birds and philosophical insight.

54. Murmur

Symbolism: Necromancy, music

Benefits: Facilitates necromantic practices and musical abilities.

55. Orobas

Symbolism: Truth, divination

Benefits: Reveals truths and aids in divination.

56. Gremory (Gomory)

Symbolism: Love, hidden treasures

Benefits: Assists in matters of love and uncovering hidden treasures.

57. Ose (Voso)

Symbolism: Delusions, transformation

Benefits: Provides transformation and can cause or cure delusions.

58. Amy

Symbolism: Astronomy, liberal sciences

Benefits: Enhances knowledge of astronomy and liberal arts.

59. Oriax (Orias)

Symbolism: Stars, transformations

Benefits: Provides knowledge of stars and transformation.

60. Vapula (Naphula)

Symbolism: Handicrafts, philosophy

Benefits: Enhances skills in handicrafts and philosophy.

61. Zagan

Symbolism: Transformation, wisdom

Benefits: Provides wisdom and facilitates transformations.

62. Valac (Volac)

Symbolism: Serpents, treasures

Benefits: Reveals hidden treasures and controls serpents.

63. Andras

Symbolism: Discord, conflict

Benefits: Can create or resolve conflicts.

64. Haures (Flauros)

Symbolism: Fire, truth

Benefits: Reveals truths and controls fire.

65. Andrealphus

Symbolism: Astronomy, mathematics

Benefits: Enhances knowledge of astronomy and mathematics.

66. Cimejes (Cimeies)

Symbolism: Warfare, legal knowledge

Benefits: Provides knowledge of warfare and legal matters.

67. Amdusias (Amdukias)

Symbolism: Music, thunder

Benefits: Enhances musical talent and controls thunder.

68. Belial

Symbolism: Worthiness, rewards

Benefits: Provides favor and rewards in positions of power.

69. Decarabia

Symbolism: Birds, gemstones

Benefits: Controls birds and provides knowledge of gemstones.

70. Seere (Sear)

Symbolism: Time, travel

Benefits: Accelerates time and facilitates travel.

71. Dantalion

Symbolism: Knowledge, emotions

Benefits: Provides profound knowledge and understanding of emotions.

72. Andromalius

Symbolism: Theft, return of stolen goods

Benefits: Reveals thieves and returns stolen items.

Each demon of the Ars Goetia offers unique qualities and benefits that can be integrated into your spiritual practice. By understanding and working with these symbolisms, you can enhance various aspects of your life, from personal growth to practical skills. Always approach these entities with respect and clear intention to make the most of their energies and wisdom.

Lucifer in Occult Tradition

**1. Lucifer in the Ars Goetia:

Interpretative Variations: While traditional listings of the 72 demons in the Ars Goetia do not include Lucifer, some versions and artistic renditions may include Lucifer as a significant figure. These versions often place Lucifer at a higher hierarchical level above the 72 demons.

Illustrations and Additional Texts: In some illustrated versions or extended texts, Lucifer is depicted as a central figure or given titles such as "King of Hell," reflecting his prominent role in broader demonological hierarchies.

**2. Lucifer in Other Grimoires:

Grimorium Verum and the Grand Grimoire: In these texts, Lucifer is often named as one of the principal spirits, ruling over other demons. He is typically associated with other high-ranking demonic figures such as Beelzebub and Astaroth.

Hierarchy and Symbolism: In various occult traditions, Lucifer is symbolically associated with enlightenment, rebellion against tyranny, and the pursuit of knowledge. This symbolism sometimes influences his depiction in derivative works and adaptations of the Ars Goetia.

Lucifer’s Role and Symbolism

**1. As a Symbol of Enlightenment:

Lucifer's Name: The name "Lucifer" means "light-bringer" or "morning star," symbolizing enlightenment, knowledge, and the quest for truth.

Promethean Figure: In many traditions, Lucifer is akin to Prometheus, bringing light (knowledge) to humanity and challenging established norms.

**2. In Modern Occult Practices:

Luciferianism: This spiritual path emphasizes individualism, self-empowerment, and the pursuit of personal enlightenment, often venerating Lucifer as a symbol of these values.

While Lucifer is not traditionally one of the 72 demons listed in the Ars Goetia, his inclusion in some versions and interpretations underscores his significant role in the broader context of demonology and occult practices. His symbolism as the "King of Hell" or a central figure reflects his enduring influence across various occult traditions.


Tags :
6 months ago

So I wrote a new Helluva Boss fic, this time about Octavia receiving some much needed comfort from her aunt, Decarabia Goetia (My OC). Octavia needs a hug, and if no one’s going to give her one in canon, I’m going to make an OC up to give her one. (This is purely aunt/niece comfort. No incest)

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Tags :
1 year ago

Was originally going to comment this until it became too long

Hm. Looking over the Ars Goetia listings again, Of Barbatos; “He breaketh the Hidden Treasures open that have been laid by the Enchantments of Magicians”.

I confess I have little knowledge of demonology or alchemy, however I think there’s more symbolism here. Barbatos (of course) ends up breaking a great many things throughout the series, but it’s the emphasis on hidden treasures that has me thinking. Barbatos’ appearance, and use by tekkadan, directly leads to numerous “hidden treasures” being unearthed over the course of the series. Barbatos’ entrance into battle is it bursting from the underground entrance, being unearthed. It’s battle with Gaelio leads to him taking the Gundam Kimaris out of storage, “unearthing” it for the first time in nearly 300 years. McGillis’ sees it in action, sees tekkadan in action, and while I’m sure he already had plans to move against Iznario (IE Montag Company), this leads to an “unearthment” of his motivations, of his ambitions. And from there, Bael.

While Barbatos isn’t directly involved in their discovery, it’s “Summoner” Tekkadan does unearth both Flauros and Hashmal at the Half-Metal Mine in Chryse. And what happens to both of these hidden treasures of the calamity war? They get broken.

Was Originally Going To Comment This Until It Became Too Long
Was Originally Going To Comment This Until It Became Too Long

(Though there’s a point, if Tekkadan is being read as their “summoner”, I wonder if that would make Mikazuki a willing sacrifice? There’s probably a read there, since as a child soldier his lot was likely “to be sacrificed on the altar of war”)

“He is of the Order of Virtues, of which some part he retaineth still;”

While to my understanding the Virtues were a classification of Angel (see Gundam Virtue from 00), Barbatos was previously part of a “Virtuous Order” - Gjallarhorn. If we take form 4 to be it’s Calamity War form, then it retains its Katana and possibly a spectre of its pilot from those days. However, I want to point out “of which some part he retainers still”. As Barbatos is upgraded it becomes more and more inhuman, more and more demonic, casting off its “Virtue” is exchange for more power. It’s still recognisable as a Gundam, retaining some aspect of itself, but becoming more demonic in service of Tekkadan. It’s interesting to note that this is directly in response to Mikazuki’s piloting data, the man driving the demon ever forward, making ever more pacts with it.

“and he knoweth all things Past, and to Come, and conciliateth Friends and those that be in Power”

Barbatos conciliateth friends and those that be in power - it’s directly Barbatos’ strength (or rather, the strength it grants Tekkadan) that leads to the Turbines recognising Tekkadan as equals. And it’s that strength that Mcgillis recognises, conciliating him and Tekkadan, and leading to their alliance.

Really stellar analysis, by the way, looking forward to part 3!

IBO reference notes on … the Gundams (part 1)

[Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3]

Or: a spotter’s guide to the Calamity War.

[Note: I tried to post this twice today before figuring out that one of the images was causing it to be consigned to Tumblr oblivion. Apparently a shot of Lt. Crank's gloved hand was too racy for this site. Yeah.]

I said at the time that the fanfic Of Obsessions and Erotemes was written as an alternative to writing an essay expanding on my thoughts regarding the Gundams in Iron-Blooded Orphans. This is probably not strictly accurate, however, and I've been struck by the urge to take a figurative walk through the canonical examples out of the 72 Gundam frame type mobile suits.

I want to focus on the Gundams as they started out during the Calamity War, as far as that is possible, and what this says about the nature of the conflict. I will probably follow up at some point with notes on the mobile armours too, since they are the flip-side of this narrative. As I’ve had cause to mention before, I’m generally content with not knowing too much about the historical event that serves as the basis for IBO’s world-building. I think that adds rather than subtracts from the story. Still, it is fun to play with what we get and piece together an impression of what happened three hundred years prior to the series’ beginning.

For the purposes of not writing a post ten thousand words long, I’ve split the Gundams into three groups based on numerical position in the master list, which is of course taken from the Ars Goetia. Here, I will be drawing on Crowley’s edition.

All images shown here are either borrowed from the Gundam Wiki or are my own screenshots.

As with all my posts like this, spoilers are present for everything.

The Gundam frame

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

Let’s start with what is under the hood, to whit: the Gundam mobile suit frame.

I covered some of this in my post on the aesthetics of the mobile frame concept, but the most important detail about the Gundam type is how human-like its proportions are, in both limb structure and eye placement. Unlike other frames, this is intended from the start to be used with an Alaya-Vijana system, so designing it to more closely approximate the human form makes a great deal of sense.

At the same time, there is something fittingly demonic about the skeleton, down to the claw-like fingers. However it must be noted that this is specifically Barbatos’ frame; the talons on on the feet are not reflected on the others. Indeed, based on the design work for Kimaris and Flauros, the feet are the part that varies the most from machine to machine.

A Gundam’s power – both in the sense of motive force and superior strength – comes from the twin Ahab reactors making up its torso. It’s the only mobile weapon in Iron-Blooded Orphans confirmed to have multiple reactors, with the implication that this boosts the output beyond simply adding the two together. Indeed, when operating at full capacity against a mobile armour, Barbatos seems barely able to contain its own energies.

Ancillary material states Ahab reactors are made ‘on a plant near a fixed star’, implying a difficult process to begin with (or at least a factory in orbit of the sun). Synchronising the reactors so they run in parallel is adding extra complexity on top of that, which is one of the reasons Gundam construction is a lost art. These things are the peak of mobile suit design and have never been equalled since they quite literally saved the world.

A Gundam, then, is not merely another weapon. It is the maximisation of human capacity, allowing a pilot to exceed their bodily limitations to destroy an inhuman enemy. We don’t know for sure the Calamity War pilots ended up in the same sorry state as Mikazuki (though the taleof Agnika Kaieru’s spirit residing inside Bael carries some interesting implications). But we do know the Alaya-Vijnana places extraordinary pressure on human physiology by its very nature, and the Gundams themselves come with competing limiters as a result. One that disengages in proximity to a mobile armour, allowing the full force of the reactors to be unleashed; another that switches on at that point, to stop this burst of power immediately overwhelming the operator. Only by accepting the danger can the pilot proceed with their attack.

It’s a duality of ultimate strength and ultimate risk that makes the Gundam frames seem like suitably desperate creations. They are the demons that prevented total apocalypse, while consuming their pilots body and soul.

ASW-G-01 Bael

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

The first king of the Hell, and therefore presumably the first Gundam to have been constructed. From latter machines, there is the suggestion that deployment order did not match the numerical codes, so it isn’t entirely clear if we can solidly say they are numbered in the order they were built. But it seems reasonable to assume that this represents the start of Gundam operational history.

If we can take Bael to exist in the present exactly as it did in the War, it is a relatively simple affair, sporting nothing more flashy than a pair of wing-like boosters (I say wing-like purely because they are not functionally wings; they’re more an elaborate jet-pack). From a design point of view, Bael otherwise matches exactly to the template set by the series’ hero machine, Barbatos: the armour and thruster placement is identical and we may take this to be the default.

The combat philosophy behind this machine appears to be the same too: strike fast and strike sharp. It follows that Agnika Kaieru was the kind to lead from the front. Indeed, kit manual text makes it clear he was self-sufficient in battle, taking down mobile armours solely with his twin swords. Given McGillis holds his own against an entire fleet for a while, this doesn’t feel like a stretch and it certainly explains why the man became such a legend.

The symbol on Bael’s left shoulder is the original Gjallarhorn logo, which more directly presents the source of the organisation’s name: the horn that sounds Ragnarök. This would later be elaborated into the flag used in the present while remaining as a some sort of badge/pin or medal on officers’ uniforms. I find that fitting, that something simple would be built up over time into a grander image, disguising the root truth. In many ways, that sums up Bael’s place in history.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

From the Ars Goetia:

The first Principal Spirit is a King ruling in the East, called Bael. He maketh thee to go Invisible. He ruleth over 66 Legions of Infernal Spirits. He appeareth in divers shapes, sometimes like a Cat, sometimes like a Toad, and sometimes like a Man, and sometimes all these forms at once. He speaketh hoarsely. This is his character which is used to be worn as a Lamen before him who calleth him forth, or else he will not do thee homage.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

Notably, the sigil used for Gundam Bael’s interface does not simply replicate the 'canonical’ seal from the Ars Goetia but rather reinterprets it.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

Clearly OG Gjallarhorn had graphic designers on staff. Also, Bael’s main console screen is of a uniquely narrow design, in a rather elaborate housing. It would seem the cockpits were refined for later models, simplifying things towards a standard pattern seen in Kimaris and Gusion that would itself go on to become the standard for Gjallarhorn 'suits.

ASW-G-04 Gamigin

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

Pretty much all we know about Gamigin is that it exists, it was originally piloted by Kalf Falk and it made it out of the Calamity War in one piece. Oh and someone in the armoury department was having a laugh the day they issued this Gundam its weapons.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

Seriously though, if Bael is the default, this is a heavy-duty model. Gamigin looks a hell of a lot less manoeuvrable, even accounting for the extra thrusters built into its skirt, and its standard-sized arms appear positively weedy compared to the heft of the body and legs. Clearly though, that was a trade-off deemed acceptable for the sake of destructive capacity.

The giant Gatling gun speaks for itself, but the revolver axe is the more interesting item here. As silly as it looks, it’s represents the (presumed) earliest incorporation of Dàinsleif weaponry into a Gundam frame mobile suit.

'Dàinsleif’ is a term used to refer to anything that launches javelin-like projectiles at high speed with the intent of puncturing nano-laminate armour. It’s unclear if the present ban on their use extends to smaller-scale versions like this, which is a point-blank deployment of the technology.

The blunt side of that axe is designed to strike an enemy and fire a spike straight through it. Crude but effective. Or so we can assume given this machine was piloted by one of the first Seven Stars and therefore must have destroyed a great many mobile armours.

From the Ars Goetia (Samigina/Gamigin):

The Fourth Spirit is Samigina, a Great Marquis. He appeareth in the form of a little Horse or Ass, and then into Human shape doth he change himself at the Request of the Master. He speaketh with a hoarse voice. He ruleth over 30 Legions of Inferiors. He teaches all Liberal Sciences, and giveth account of Dead Souls that died in sin. And his Seal is this, which is to be worn before the Magician when he is Invocator, etc.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

This is one of several demons with multiple names listed in the Ars Goetia. There doesn’t appear to be any pattern to which was picked as the ID for the corresponding Gundam.

ASW-G-08 Barbatos

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

Teiwaz are stated to have restored Barbatos to its original state so we can assume the 4th form represents the version that fought in the Calamity War. Given this, it likely used a katana in battle, as the sword Teiwaz provides bears the same logo as the 'suit and we know from their work on Flauros that Gundams store information about their own weaponry (see also Mikazuki’s sudden competence with it when he connects deeper to Barbatos).

Intriguingly, with the retroactive introduction of predecessor designs, it appears Barbatos takes cues from both Bael and Gamigin, which ties these three low-numbered models together nicely. It is also relatively unspecialised in comparison, lacking the features that mark out the previous two. When found, it had a small buckler shield built into a gauntlet on its left forearm, similar to those the 5th form in the series would use. However, there’s no indication if this was used as a mount for mortars like the later version, leaving us with a machine that appears to have been a simple melee combatant.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

The absence of gimmicks showcases just how powerful Gundams are in comparison to other mobile suits, at a baseline. In any given fight during Season 1, Barbatos is faster, stronger, and more adaptable than its opposition, and while we see it built up with add-ons over the course of the series, those often seem to get in the way or provide only passing advantages.

Since my focus is on the Calamity War, I’m not going to go into any detail regarding the Lupus and Lupus Rex forms. But I will posit the idea Barbatos’ original pilot was of a different temperament to Mikazuki. If it is indeed their 'ghost’ who comes to his aid in Edmonton – some trace left behind in the system that allows him to understand the katana in the nick of time – they seem to have been a master of that weapon, favouring lethal precision, in stark contrast to Mikazuki’s gradual transformation into an animalistic, living weapon.

(The mace that Mikazuki leads with seems to have been something Maruba bought for possible use if he could ever get Barbatos running, rather than a relic of it previous operations.)

From the Ars Goetia:

The Eighth Spirit is Barbatos. He is a Great Duke, and appeareth when the Sun is in Sagittary, with four noble Kings and their companies of great troops. He giveth understanding of the singing of Birds, and of the Voices of other creatures, such as the barking of Dogs. He breaketh the Hidden Treasures open that have been laid by the Enchantments of Magicians. He is of the Order of Virtues, of which some part he retaineth still; and he knoweth all things Past, and to Come, and conciliateth Friends and those that be in Power. He ruleth over 30 Legions of Spirits. His Seal of Obedience is this, the which wear before thee as aforesaid.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

Again, we see a redesign of the seal for Gundam Barbatos’ start-up sigil.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

I like the choice to make the lines more dynamic.

ASW-G-11 Gusion

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

We don’t know if this is what Gusion started out looking like. Gusion was found in a debris zone and passed through various hands before it reached the Brewers, and we know the Brewers’ Man Rodis are custom jobs, more heavily armoured than standard Rodi frame models. On balance, this is probably something they cooked up to fit their requirements.

But gives us an idea of the limits of a Gundam frame’s flexibility. The arms and legs have been stretched outwards from the main body to accommodate the armour load-out. You can see a glimpse of the piston that operates the hip joint under the skirt in the image above, providing a sense of where the legs have been moved. Quite how this works is unclear since we only see the head exposed when the Turbines start deconstructing this form. The fact it does work emphasises just how far the Gundams can be reconfigured. The Turbines even go so far as installing extra arms into the Rebake version given to Akihiro, seemingly with no issues at all.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

Gusion also provides an example of the fate suffered by quite a number of the Gundam frames: that of being lost and forgotten after battles during the Calamity War. The figure provided for how many frames are known to have survived is 26, but it’s unclear where that sits in the timeline of IBO canon, throughout which several Gundams are uncovered from previously hidden resting places. Certainly it appears only a minority of such 'suits remain in Gjallarhorn’s custody. While some have most likely been destroyed outright, many may still be drifting among debris fields or buried at the sites of battles from three hundred years ago.

It’s a neat conceit, leaving fertile ground for fanfiction or spin-offs to play on, and underscores that these machines belong to a bygone era most have forgotten about.

From the Ars Goetia:

The Eleventh Spirit in order is a great and strong Duke, called Gusion. He appeareth like a Xenopilus. He telleth all things, Past, Present and to Come, and showeth the meaning and resolution of all questions thou mayest ask. He conciliateth and reconcileth friendships, and giveth Honour and Dignity unto any. He ruleth over 40 Legions of Spirits. His Seal is this, the which wear as aforesaid.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

The connection between the machine or pilot and the Ars Goetia descriptions is somewhat variable throughout this list. In some instances there’s nothing obvious at all. However, I love that Gusion bestows honour and dignity because of how beautifully it ties into Akihiro’s arc. This said … I don’t actually know what a 'Xenopilus’ is. My first thought was 'Xenopus’ and a frog motif certainly would explain Gundam Gusion’s appearance. But I don’t think that’s right? Answers on a postcard, please.

That’s where we’ll leave things for today. I will probably post the next instalment sometime tomorrow.

Other reference posts include:

IBO reference notes on … Gjallarhorn (Part 1)

IBO reference notes on … Gjallarhorn (Part 2)

IBO reference notes on … Gjallarhorn (corrigendum) [mainly covering my inability to recognise mythical wolves]

IBO reference notes on … three key Yamagi scenes

IBO reference notes on … three key Shino scenes

IBO reference notes on … three key Eugene scenes

IBO reference notes on … three key Ride scenes

IBO reference notes on … the tone of the setting

IBO reference notes on … character parallels and counterpoints

IBO reference notes on … a perfect villain

IBO reference notes on … Iron-Blooded Orphans: Gekko

IBO reference notes on … an act of unspeakable cruelty

IBO reference notes on … original(ish) characters [this one is mainly fanfic]

IBO reference notes on … Kudelia’s decisions

IBO reference notes on … assorted head-canons

IBO reference notes on … actual, proper original characters [explicit fanfic – as in, actually fanfic. None of them have turned up in the smut yet]

IBO reference notes on … the aesthetics of the mobile frame

IBO reference notes on … mobile suit designations


Tags :
1 year ago

Regarding Bael’s Ars Goetia listing; “He maketh thee to go Invisible. He ruleth over 66 Legions of Infernal Spirits. He appeareth in divers shapes, sometimes like a Cat, sometimes like a Toad, and sometimes like a Man, and sometimes all these forms at once.”

Though it’s less about the Mobile Suit and more about Mcgillis, would-be invoker of Bael’s power; Mcgillis concealed his ambitions in Gjallarhorn for years, making himself invisible to everyone, friend and foe alike. He appears in diverse shapes - a Masked Man, a Virtuous Son, a Prospective King. It’s possible that Bael’s listing denotes more about Mcgillis than the suit itself.

IBO reference notes on … the Gundams (part 1)

[Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3]

Or: a spotter’s guide to the Calamity War.

[Note: I tried to post this twice today before figuring out that one of the images was causing it to be consigned to Tumblr oblivion. Apparently a shot of Lt. Crank's gloved hand was too racy for this site. Yeah.]

I said at the time that the fanfic Of Obsessions and Erotemes was written as an alternative to writing an essay expanding on my thoughts regarding the Gundams in Iron-Blooded Orphans. This is probably not strictly accurate, however, and I've been struck by the urge to take a figurative walk through the canonical examples out of the 72 Gundam frame type mobile suits.

I want to focus on the Gundams as they started out during the Calamity War, as far as that is possible, and what this says about the nature of the conflict. I will probably follow up at some point with notes on the mobile armours too, since they are the flip-side of this narrative. As I’ve had cause to mention before, I’m generally content with not knowing too much about the historical event that serves as the basis for IBO’s world-building. I think that adds rather than subtracts from the story. Still, it is fun to play with what we get and piece together an impression of what happened three hundred years prior to the series’ beginning.

For the purposes of not writing a post ten thousand words long, I’ve split the Gundams into three groups based on numerical position in the master list, which is of course taken from the Ars Goetia. Here, I will be drawing on Crowley’s edition.

All images shown here are either borrowed from the Gundam Wiki or are my own screenshots.

As with all my posts like this, spoilers are present for everything.

The Gundam frame

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

Let’s start with what is under the hood, to whit: the Gundam mobile suit frame.

I covered some of this in my post on the aesthetics of the mobile frame concept, but the most important detail about the Gundam type is how human-like its proportions are, in both limb structure and eye placement. Unlike other frames, this is intended from the start to be used with an Alaya-Vijana system, so designing it to more closely approximate the human form makes a great deal of sense.

At the same time, there is something fittingly demonic about the skeleton, down to the claw-like fingers. However it must be noted that this is specifically Barbatos’ frame; the talons on on the feet are not reflected on the others. Indeed, based on the design work for Kimaris and Flauros, the feet are the part that varies the most from machine to machine.

A Gundam’s power – both in the sense of motive force and superior strength – comes from the twin Ahab reactors making up its torso. It’s the only mobile weapon in Iron-Blooded Orphans confirmed to have multiple reactors, with the implication that this boosts the output beyond simply adding the two together. Indeed, when operating at full capacity against a mobile armour, Barbatos seems barely able to contain its own energies.

Ancillary material states Ahab reactors are made ‘on a plant near a fixed star’, implying a difficult process to begin with (or at least a factory in orbit of the sun). Synchronising the reactors so they run in parallel is adding extra complexity on top of that, which is one of the reasons Gundam construction is a lost art. These things are the peak of mobile suit design and have never been equalled since they quite literally saved the world.

A Gundam, then, is not merely another weapon. It is the maximisation of human capacity, allowing a pilot to exceed their bodily limitations to destroy an inhuman enemy. We don’t know for sure the Calamity War pilots ended up in the same sorry state as Mikazuki (though the taleof Agnika Kaieru’s spirit residing inside Bael carries some interesting implications). But we do know the Alaya-Vijnana places extraordinary pressure on human physiology by its very nature, and the Gundams themselves come with competing limiters as a result. One that disengages in proximity to a mobile armour, allowing the full force of the reactors to be unleashed; another that switches on at that point, to stop this burst of power immediately overwhelming the operator. Only by accepting the danger can the pilot proceed with their attack.

It’s a duality of ultimate strength and ultimate risk that makes the Gundam frames seem like suitably desperate creations. They are the demons that prevented total apocalypse, while consuming their pilots body and soul.

ASW-G-01 Bael

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

The first king of the Hell, and therefore presumably the first Gundam to have been constructed. From latter machines, there is the suggestion that deployment order did not match the numerical codes, so it isn’t entirely clear if we can solidly say they are numbered in the order they were built. But it seems reasonable to assume that this represents the start of Gundam operational history.

If we can take Bael to exist in the present exactly as it did in the War, it is a relatively simple affair, sporting nothing more flashy than a pair of wing-like boosters (I say wing-like purely because they are not functionally wings; they’re more an elaborate jet-pack). From a design point of view, Bael otherwise matches exactly to the template set by the series’ hero machine, Barbatos: the armour and thruster placement is identical and we may take this to be the default.

The combat philosophy behind this machine appears to be the same too: strike fast and strike sharp. It follows that Agnika Kaieru was the kind to lead from the front. Indeed, kit manual text makes it clear he was self-sufficient in battle, taking down mobile armours solely with his twin swords. Given McGillis holds his own against an entire fleet for a while, this doesn’t feel like a stretch and it certainly explains why the man became such a legend.

The symbol on Bael’s left shoulder is the original Gjallarhorn logo, which more directly presents the source of the organisation’s name: the horn that sounds Ragnarök. This would later be elaborated into the flag used in the present while remaining as a some sort of badge/pin or medal on officers’ uniforms. I find that fitting, that something simple would be built up over time into a grander image, disguising the root truth. In many ways, that sums up Bael’s place in history.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

From the Ars Goetia:

The first Principal Spirit is a King ruling in the East, called Bael. He maketh thee to go Invisible. He ruleth over 66 Legions of Infernal Spirits. He appeareth in divers shapes, sometimes like a Cat, sometimes like a Toad, and sometimes like a Man, and sometimes all these forms at once. He speaketh hoarsely. This is his character which is used to be worn as a Lamen before him who calleth him forth, or else he will not do thee homage.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

Notably, the sigil used for Gundam Bael’s interface does not simply replicate the 'canonical’ seal from the Ars Goetia but rather reinterprets it.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

Clearly OG Gjallarhorn had graphic designers on staff. Also, Bael’s main console screen is of a uniquely narrow design, in a rather elaborate housing. It would seem the cockpits were refined for later models, simplifying things towards a standard pattern seen in Kimaris and Gusion that would itself go on to become the standard for Gjallarhorn 'suits.

ASW-G-04 Gamigin

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

Pretty much all we know about Gamigin is that it exists, it was originally piloted by Kalf Falk and it made it out of the Calamity War in one piece. Oh and someone in the armoury department was having a laugh the day they issued this Gundam its weapons.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

Seriously though, if Bael is the default, this is a heavy-duty model. Gamigin looks a hell of a lot less manoeuvrable, even accounting for the extra thrusters built into its skirt, and its standard-sized arms appear positively weedy compared to the heft of the body and legs. Clearly though, that was a trade-off deemed acceptable for the sake of destructive capacity.

The giant Gatling gun speaks for itself, but the revolver axe is the more interesting item here. As silly as it looks, it’s represents the (presumed) earliest incorporation of Dàinsleif weaponry into a Gundam frame mobile suit.

'Dàinsleif’ is a term used to refer to anything that launches javelin-like projectiles at high speed with the intent of puncturing nano-laminate armour. It’s unclear if the present ban on their use extends to smaller-scale versions like this, which is a point-blank deployment of the technology.

The blunt side of that axe is designed to strike an enemy and fire a spike straight through it. Crude but effective. Or so we can assume given this machine was piloted by one of the first Seven Stars and therefore must have destroyed a great many mobile armours.

From the Ars Goetia (Samigina/Gamigin):

The Fourth Spirit is Samigina, a Great Marquis. He appeareth in the form of a little Horse or Ass, and then into Human shape doth he change himself at the Request of the Master. He speaketh with a hoarse voice. He ruleth over 30 Legions of Inferiors. He teaches all Liberal Sciences, and giveth account of Dead Souls that died in sin. And his Seal is this, which is to be worn before the Magician when he is Invocator, etc.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

This is one of several demons with multiple names listed in the Ars Goetia. There doesn’t appear to be any pattern to which was picked as the ID for the corresponding Gundam.

ASW-G-08 Barbatos

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

Teiwaz are stated to have restored Barbatos to its original state so we can assume the 4th form represents the version that fought in the Calamity War. Given this, it likely used a katana in battle, as the sword Teiwaz provides bears the same logo as the 'suit and we know from their work on Flauros that Gundams store information about their own weaponry (see also Mikazuki’s sudden competence with it when he connects deeper to Barbatos).

Intriguingly, with the retroactive introduction of predecessor designs, it appears Barbatos takes cues from both Bael and Gamigin, which ties these three low-numbered models together nicely. It is also relatively unspecialised in comparison, lacking the features that mark out the previous two. When found, it had a small buckler shield built into a gauntlet on its left forearm, similar to those the 5th form in the series would use. However, there’s no indication if this was used as a mount for mortars like the later version, leaving us with a machine that appears to have been a simple melee combatant.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

The absence of gimmicks showcases just how powerful Gundams are in comparison to other mobile suits, at a baseline. In any given fight during Season 1, Barbatos is faster, stronger, and more adaptable than its opposition, and while we see it built up with add-ons over the course of the series, those often seem to get in the way or provide only passing advantages.

Since my focus is on the Calamity War, I’m not going to go into any detail regarding the Lupus and Lupus Rex forms. But I will posit the idea Barbatos’ original pilot was of a different temperament to Mikazuki. If it is indeed their 'ghost’ who comes to his aid in Edmonton – some trace left behind in the system that allows him to understand the katana in the nick of time – they seem to have been a master of that weapon, favouring lethal precision, in stark contrast to Mikazuki’s gradual transformation into an animalistic, living weapon.

(The mace that Mikazuki leads with seems to have been something Maruba bought for possible use if he could ever get Barbatos running, rather than a relic of it previous operations.)

From the Ars Goetia:

The Eighth Spirit is Barbatos. He is a Great Duke, and appeareth when the Sun is in Sagittary, with four noble Kings and their companies of great troops. He giveth understanding of the singing of Birds, and of the Voices of other creatures, such as the barking of Dogs. He breaketh the Hidden Treasures open that have been laid by the Enchantments of Magicians. He is of the Order of Virtues, of which some part he retaineth still; and he knoweth all things Past, and to Come, and conciliateth Friends and those that be in Power. He ruleth over 30 Legions of Spirits. His Seal of Obedience is this, the which wear before thee as aforesaid.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

Again, we see a redesign of the seal for Gundam Barbatos’ start-up sigil.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

I like the choice to make the lines more dynamic.

ASW-G-11 Gusion

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

We don’t know if this is what Gusion started out looking like. Gusion was found in a debris zone and passed through various hands before it reached the Brewers, and we know the Brewers’ Man Rodis are custom jobs, more heavily armoured than standard Rodi frame models. On balance, this is probably something they cooked up to fit their requirements.

But gives us an idea of the limits of a Gundam frame’s flexibility. The arms and legs have been stretched outwards from the main body to accommodate the armour load-out. You can see a glimpse of the piston that operates the hip joint under the skirt in the image above, providing a sense of where the legs have been moved. Quite how this works is unclear since we only see the head exposed when the Turbines start deconstructing this form. The fact it does work emphasises just how far the Gundams can be reconfigured. The Turbines even go so far as installing extra arms into the Rebake version given to Akihiro, seemingly with no issues at all.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

Gusion also provides an example of the fate suffered by quite a number of the Gundam frames: that of being lost and forgotten after battles during the Calamity War. The figure provided for how many frames are known to have survived is 26, but it’s unclear where that sits in the timeline of IBO canon, throughout which several Gundams are uncovered from previously hidden resting places. Certainly it appears only a minority of such 'suits remain in Gjallarhorn’s custody. While some have most likely been destroyed outright, many may still be drifting among debris fields or buried at the sites of battles from three hundred years ago.

It’s a neat conceit, leaving fertile ground for fanfiction or spin-offs to play on, and underscores that these machines belong to a bygone era most have forgotten about.

From the Ars Goetia:

The Eleventh Spirit in order is a great and strong Duke, called Gusion. He appeareth like a Xenopilus. He telleth all things, Past, Present and to Come, and showeth the meaning and resolution of all questions thou mayest ask. He conciliateth and reconcileth friendships, and giveth Honour and Dignity unto any. He ruleth over 40 Legions of Spirits. His Seal is this, the which wear as aforesaid.

IBO Reference Notes On The Gundams (part 1)

The connection between the machine or pilot and the Ars Goetia descriptions is somewhat variable throughout this list. In some instances there’s nothing obvious at all. However, I love that Gusion bestows honour and dignity because of how beautifully it ties into Akihiro’s arc. This said … I don’t actually know what a 'Xenopilus’ is. My first thought was 'Xenopus’ and a frog motif certainly would explain Gundam Gusion’s appearance. But I don’t think that’s right? Answers on a postcard, please.

That’s where we’ll leave things for today. I will probably post the next instalment sometime tomorrow.

Other reference posts include:

IBO reference notes on … Gjallarhorn (Part 1)

IBO reference notes on … Gjallarhorn (Part 2)

IBO reference notes on … Gjallarhorn (corrigendum) [mainly covering my inability to recognise mythical wolves]

IBO reference notes on … three key Yamagi scenes

IBO reference notes on … three key Shino scenes

IBO reference notes on … three key Eugene scenes

IBO reference notes on … three key Ride scenes

IBO reference notes on … the tone of the setting

IBO reference notes on … character parallels and counterpoints

IBO reference notes on … a perfect villain

IBO reference notes on … Iron-Blooded Orphans: Gekko

IBO reference notes on … an act of unspeakable cruelty

IBO reference notes on … original(ish) characters [this one is mainly fanfic]

IBO reference notes on … Kudelia’s decisions

IBO reference notes on … assorted head-canons

IBO reference notes on … actual, proper original characters [explicit fanfic – as in, actually fanfic. None of them have turned up in the smut yet]

IBO reference notes on … the aesthetics of the mobile frame

IBO reference notes on … mobile suit designations


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10 months ago

KING ZAGAN

May 2nd, 2023

Direction: North; West

Planet: Sun; Mercury

Metal: Gold

Element: Earth

Color: Yellow

Incense: Frankincense

Tarot: Eight of Wands; The Magician; The Tower

Dates: Nov. 23 – Dec. 2; Jan. 20 – 24

Enn: Anay on ca secore Zagan tasa

Zagan is the 61st spirit of the Ars Goetia. He is listed as being both a President and a King. He is a demon of alchemy and transformation, being noted as having the ability to change wine to water, water to wine, and blood into wine. He is said to possess the ability to turn metals into coins. He can turn a fool into a wise man and, presumably, a wise man into a fool.

He is a strong and powerful King, and a fierce protector to those who are loyal to him. He can assist in all manner of life changes, such as improving one’s financial situation or overcoming addiction. He can bring forth wealth. He teaches one to utilize their strengths and how to possess wit and charm. Being an elemental Earth demon, he can assist in any nature of mundane matters or business affairs.

He can also aid one in learning astral travel and astral combat.

He is a kind, patient, and wholesome King; steady and strong. He will assist you with any needs you may have. He welcomes all to his kingdom, to sit in his lap of luxury and wealth, and to enjoy good times and good friendships.

He enjoys classic rock and oldies music.

Offerings to King Zagan may include citrus fruits, incense, candles, tobacco, all precious metals, coins – particularly those that are rare or foreign, and alcohols such as bourbon or rum. He appreciates art offerings, particularly when done in Earth tones, and sculptures made of clay, as well as anything relating to the element of Earth, such as gardening or spending time in nature.

KING ZAGAN

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2 years ago

I was afraid of some nightmares like a fucking child ( the michilian man was after me ) so Stolas stayed by and let me ramble until I fell asleep


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