Rattlers

Rattlers are Level 5 Demons who are smuggled in as normal incarnate births.

They are the strongest demons encountered on Earth. Each is said to be one of the original 200 spirits imprisoned in Tartarus millions of years ago.

Rattlers are usually easy to spot as their host bodies tend to be at least partly rotten. Their eyes (or orbital sockets) tend to have a red glow.

Upon detection of a Rattler, it is required that a well-armed team of Census Enforcers be dispatched to engage them. Only two Census Agents have ever emerged from a lone encounter with a Rattler alive: Director Black and Agent Wolfe.

The etymology of the name “Rattler” is unclear, but is believed to originate either from: a) the uncomfortable sensation reportedly felt in their physical presence (as in the feeling one gets when they see a rattlesnake) or b) a reference to the internal struggle between the host body’s soul and the invading demon (the host soul is “rattled” by the demon’s cohabitation of the host body. As if trapped in a cage with them.)

CENSUS – EYES ONLY

07 April 1932

MEMORANDUM ON “RATTLERS”

To All Census Agents & Support Personnel:

   Reports of Rattler planar incursions have grown exponentially. Recent incidents resulting in the death of Census Agents have prompted a change in policy whereby no single agent is to engage with a suspected Rattler without additional authorized support.

   Any questions regarding this advisory should be brought up to the attention of your superior.

-Office of Census Director Samantha Black