Lucian - Marvel: 1963

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;

I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
—Isaiah 14

You know the tale: God creates all. All is good. Then Mankind happens and gets the short end of the stick. Lucifer rebels against Heaven, and ends up cast into Hell for eternity for losing.

The real story is somewhat more complicated.

“Why do they blame me for all their little failings? They use my name as if I spent my entire days sitting on their shoulders, forcing them to commit acts they would otherwise find repulsive. 'The devil made me do it.' I have never made one of them do anything. Never. They live their own tiny lives. I do not live their lives for them.”
— Lucifer Morningstar

Lucifer was the right hand of the Creator until he led a war against Heaven upon the matter of predestination and free will. Overcome by the forces led by Michael, he fell. Unlike other rebellious angels, he retained his powers to fulfill his new role. As Lord of Hell, he kept various hell lords in check, and punished dead mortals' souls. Sometimes, supernatural forces interrupted. Sometimes he bested them and they remembered their place.

For unknown spans of time, he ruled the planes of Hell and nurtured bitter resentment at an unreasonable punishment for a one-time infraction. Over the centuries, mortal tales of his supposed exploits reached Lucifer, heightening his disgust with his plight. All the fun they claimed certainly wasn't happening. Bored with his existence and longing for more, he abandoned Hell and locked the gates. He distilled the vast power of his mantle — part and parcel of being the Lord of Hell — into a sword, and banished the weapon from his presence. Even he doesn't know where it ended up, and not for lack of trying.

Lucifer lost the vast majority of his power but attained his freedom. He thought the trade was well worth it. Accompanied by a few stalwart loyalists, he ascended to Earth. It took quite a bit of persuasion and the odd immolation to get it through infernal heads he quit his job permanently and wasn't coming back.

At first the shock of losing his power exhilarated the newly-freed fallen angel. Cities offered glittering revels and infinite experiences. He wandered among them for many years, getting his bearings in great cities of Europe, Asia, and the Americas. He met with mystics and priests, scientists and criminals to learn about this wild new world. Dodging demons, monsters, angels, and assorted enemies gave the first thrill he'd had in epochs.

Discovering humanity wasn't quite what it was chalked up to be came later. By then, Lucifer settled as "Lucian" in New York City from the bastion of his club, brooding on how to change the world for the better. In his opinion, anyways. He has no intention on returning to Hell, but the Morningstar isn't much pleased with his lot. He wants to clean up the mess he sees around him. And he wants his damned sword back.

We are from the West.
The world we suggest should be of a new wild west,
A sensuous, evil world,
Strange and haunting.
— Jim Morrison

Lux vaunts its salacious past. The site has had its fair share of scandal: it has hosted the likes of immigrants, a Prohibition-era cabaret frequented by celebrities, and a few dark deals. It's a beautiful, vaulted den of dusky upholstery, dark floors, and brass accents. Jazz and soulful tunes are the place's calling card.

Those who make it past the watchful doorstaff fall through the looking-glass into a sensual, vibrant experience heavy on Old World flourishes and an intimacy rare in the soulless vinyl and Formica cocktail bar scene elsewhere. Hints of counterculture and rebellion are woven into the decor, a nod to the lyrics covering up the same. It's a lounge for lovers of cocktails, the louche, the velvety and the vivacious. Stimulating conversation and drinks to match are almost a necessity.

The cocktail list trades on the music's reputation for debauchery. If you've a devil-may-care attitude to your drinks, pluck a selection that earns a smirk or cipher the ingredients list. As might be expected in a hideaway for luxury libations and lyrical liaisons, the sleek space has a sense of mischief and impropriety.

— From a very particular reviewer's pen, among those in the know.

Every luxury must be paid for, and everything is a luxury,
Starting with being in this world.
— Cesare Pavese

Taste the fruits of exile and exploration, colourful herbals and luxurious ingredients sought from the furthest reaches of the globe. Embrace the unknown. Have the harvest of discovery and adventure in a glass.

Traditional Medicinals

Arsenic and Old Lace: Gin, dry vermouth, creme de violette, absinthe
Corpse Reviver: Tanqueray gin, Cocchi aperitif, Cointreau, lemon, absinthe
Gimlet: Vodka, mezcal, coconut water cordial, soda
Gunpowder Shot: Rum, gin, citrus, demerara, Old World spices, black powder
Knickerbocker: Rum, Cointreau, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, pineapple
Manhattan: Whiskey, vermouth, orange bitters
Mule: Tito's, lime, ginger beer
Negroni: Dry gin, sweet vermouth, Campari
Old-Fashioned: Spiced rum, coconut water syrup, ginger syrup, lime
Sazerac: Bulleit rye, cognac, absinthe, Peychauds

Curiosity Cabinet

Aurora Borealis: Rye, maple, birch, pine liquoer, green chartreuse, bitters
Cibola: Tequila, sweet vermouth, Amontillado sherry, ancho liqueur
Dream Jar: Vodka, Swedish punch, apricot, egg white, soda, vanilla, oregano syrup
Hannibal: Brandy, sherry, cacao leaf, molasses, acorn syrup, Catalan cream
Hyperborea: Vodka, aquavit, mulberry root cider, cloudberry jam, lemon
Rising Sun: Cognac, rhum, lime infusion, lavender water, lemon, champagne
Rus: Vodka, black currant tea cordial, Peychauds, lemon
Sheba: Tequila, mezcal, strawberry, vermouth, coffee liqueur, chipotle bitters
Sicilia: Gin, root liqueur, spirulina, Greek jasmine syrup, lemon

Holy Waters

Death's Door: Gin, Cointreau, absinthe, falernum syrup
Devil May Care: Gin, scotch, juniper infusion, herbs
Enlightenment: Lemongrass-infused vodka, cilantro, ginger, Lillet Blanc, pineapple, agave, lime
Epiphany: Blended scotch, Calvados, honeycomb, mead liqueur, sherry
Passion: Mescal, whisky, absinthe, raspberries, citrus
Saviour: Vodka, rhubarb, elderflower, sparkling rose, elderflower
Sin-eater: Scotch with black walnut, chocolate bitters, Cynar, black sesame syrup
Transubstantiated: Aquavit, Cynar, lemon
Vigil: Scotch, sweet vermouth, green chartreuse, aperol, rhubarb

Literal Apotheke

Dead Poet: bourbon, rye, allspice, clove, agave, espresso
Devil's Advocate: Mezcal, Ancho Reyes, mandarin, honey, spiced blood orange, lemon, firewater
Last Word: Knickerbock gin, green chartreuse, Luxardo, lime
Lost Manuscript: Rum, ginger liqueur, honey, ginger beer, bitters, lime
Poisoned Pen: 27-year rum, lemon, vermouth del Professore Bianco, St. Germaine, orange bitters
Rhyme or Reason: Rum, golden raisin liqueur, milk, cinnamon, honey
Scrivener's Art: Bourbon, lemon, St. George raspberry, egg white, Angostura bitters

Mythic Remedies

Alchemist's Solvent: Whisky, rum mix, milk oolong chai, pineapple syrup, arrack, citrus water
Athena's Cup: Vodka, herb spirit, marjoram and lemon verbena cordial, lime, apricot beer
Cupid and Psyche: Gin, pomegranate, ruby port, Peychauds, lime
Devil's Playground: Absinthe, gin, dragonfruit, prickly pear, agave
Frigga's Kiss: Rum, golden mead, apple brandy, lemon, orange bitters, honey
Hammer of the Gods: Aquavit, rosemary, Benedictine, lingonberry syrup, cardamom bitters
Papa Llegba: Rye, arrack, demerara, chocolate bitters
Queen's Respite: Gin, Riesling, sherry, Lillet blanc, elderflower
Storm at Sea: Vodka, St. Germain, blackberry shrub, lime, salt and pepper tincture, pink peppercorn rim
Waters of the Lethe: Bourbon, amaretto, pink grapefruit, raspberry, egg white, maraschino

Secret Garden

Blush of Dawn: Gin, elderflower cordial, lime juice, rose lemonade
Eternal Summer: Beefeater gin, blackberry cordial, lemon
Eventide Revel: Tanqueray, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, honey syrup, float of sparkling wine
Fleur du Mal: Rose and orris vodka, lemon, absinthe
Rosa Mundi: Rose bourbon, rum, campari, creme de peche, absinthe, honey, lime, lemon
Springtime Fizz: Limeflower and ambrette gin, Prosecco, lemon, sugar
Autumn Eclipse: Cider brandy, Breton cider, lemon, aromatics
Thief of Eden: Gin, basil, dill, fresh lime, white pepper syrup
Winter of Discontent: Genever, bisongrass vodka, dry vermouth, honey, holly syrup
Zephyr: Midori, gin, ginger, lemon, egg white

Man is born unto trouble as the sparks fly upward.
I stay within the house rules, Michael. You should take it up with the management.
— Lucifer

Anahita (Ana - אנאהיטה): The main bartender at Lux when Lucian is otherwise occupied, Ana defies typical conventions about a publican. Many guests aren't anticipating a spirited, easygoing girl-next-door mixing drinks for them. The chalkboard noting the last time someone tried to order something boring is her creation, along with the admonishment to take dull, common options elsewhere. Her alchemical expertise borders on liquor-laden sorcery, giving the finishing touches to most of the unique creations on the menu. In her other incarnation, she's the Lady of the Waters, a celestial with a talent for healing.
Bucky (Jack - תומיאל‎): A key member of the security staff, Jack's official role belies his actual position. He could be fairly called a jack-of-all-trades, pitching in with whatever Lux requires. Sometimes he handles bar duties or offers strategic aid as uncommon problems arise, and sometimes it's good to know the Winter Soldier is on the payroll.
Mazikeen (Maz - מזיקין): If there's a dark-haired, dusky-skinned woman stalking about in a decidedly dark mood, congratulations, that's Maz. The Lilim ferociously loyal to Lucifer acts as his right hand in all business matters. As Lux's enforcer, she keeps the mundane and especially supernatural guests in line by whatever means necessary. Force with her frequently involves a cutting word, a pointed glare, and occasionally demonstrations with knives. Maz isn't expressive or particularly social; what she excels at is ruling with an iron fist in a kidskin glove, backed up by a very pointy sword.
Sarasvati (Sara - פְּנִימִי): Lux's social organizer and event planner, she manages all the arrangements surrounding entertainment. Her keen eye for talent, together with Lucian's instincts, mean several up and coming acts get their first New York debut to intimate audiences in the club before anywhere else. She frequents the mezzanine level, handling diplomatic matters with a light touch, and has an uncanny talent for configuring the sound system.
Shamsiel (Sam - שִׁמשִׁיאֵל): Acerbically witty on a good day, and taciturn when not, Sam is Mazikeen's second for all operations matters that do not directly involve the bar. He adds another layer of security during mid-afternoon to dawn. Need someone to manage an awkward, brewing situation? He can do that too. About the only thing Sam won't do is park a car or hit on your sister.

In principio creavit Deus cælum et terram.
Terra autem erat inanis et vacua, et tenebræ erant super faciem abyssi:
et spiritus Dei ferebatur super aquas.
Dixitque Deus: Fiat lux. Et facta est lux.
Et vidit Deus lucem quod esset bona: et divisit lucem a tenebris.
— Genesis 1:1-4

And God said, let there be light. And there was.

The being who calls himself Lucian is, very much, that first blaze of light at the instant of creation. Yet he is but a spark to the immense potential that served to cleave the fomenting chaos in twain, bringing forth from the void of eternity being. He is to his former might but a pale reflection, and yet he is still Lucifer Morningstar, named a thousand thousand names by sentient creatures hurtling around countless stars in an ever-expanding universe.

He's also simply a fellow who appreciates music and mixing up cocktails as the mood takes him.

Allspeak: He can communicate in and understand the language of any sentient being.
Holy Being: Lucifer is composed of divine energy, not flesh. He can change his form to any single frequency of electromagnetic force. He gains all the energy's properties while retaining sensory, communication, and thought abilities. Changing frequency requires focus and he cannot do anything in transition. In any form, he can fly at the speed of his energy type and often casts a visible light aura he can dampen. In the correct energy form, he can travel through electronics or grids, conceivably anything able to receive or transmit a signal. When he manipulates force, he can lift up to 500 kg. with a fine degree of control. He has superhuman durability, speed, strength of 60 tons, and endurance thanks to a greatly altered physical structure. Mundane weapons do little damage. When an energy weapon or spell would destroy his physical body, he is dispelled and reconstitutes in 10 minutes to 24 hours. He regenerates even grievous damage in a quarter the time a human takes. He still experiences the unpleasant effects of pain. Around his bane (FLAW: Castigation), any massive damage or lethal injury kills him instead of dispelling him. He doesn't need to eat, drink or breathe, and functions fine in space. Diseases, toxins, and poisons have no effect.
Flight: He can fly at supersonic speeds up to Mach 8 with perfect maneuverability.
Lightbringer's Fire: Lucifer can absorb energy and manipulate it as blasts, beams, focused projections or fields. A hardened field can act as a shield, while a blast can melt tungsten. Distance of his projections are limited by wavelength, extremely low frequency goes further than high frequency with less force. When depleted of energy, he needs to recharge via time, an abundant energy source, sunlight or prayers to him. He is immune to his own soulfire.
Sin Reading: By concentrating, Lucifer perceives a subject's sins and flaws. The first vision defaults to their darkest moments, followed by the rest. Spontaneous transfers can happen with eye contact or touch.
Willpower: As the highest of angels, Lucifer has unearthly willpower. He is all but immune to psionic tampering or mind-reading except by cosmic beings. When aware of an intrusion, he can reflect the power back on the source (75 chance).
Faith Sense: He hears prayers and pleas in his name, aliases or intent. He gains a limited sense of their origin based on overall proximity, but he otherwise can't identify the petitioner without knowing them. An earnest prayer or divine whimsy (like plot reasons) takes him directly to the petitioner by the most direct means, no matter how convoluted. Providence gets him there, though it doesn't make him invulnerable.
Appearance: He can change his appearance with adequate time and concentration, such as altering his complexion, hair colour, or physical features to another race.

Delinquent Devil: He is the Devil out of Hell. Myriad angelic and infernal beings want to restore, punish, or embroil him in their plots.
Castigation: He is stripped of his immortal protections from death when in line of sight of Rosemarie Falcroft. His body can die or be destroyed. He reincarnates within 15 minutes to 36 hours, a longer duration if resisting the divine plan. He hates this experience and rarely reconstitutes in a good mood.
Lie Inept: Lucifer will not and cannot lie. Only the weak and corrupt lie, and he refuses to be either.
Lost Mantle: Lucifer abandoned his mantle as Lord of Hell. He incarnated most of his vast divine abilities into a sword he banished to places unknown. The sword does not work for anyone else except as a mundane weapon. Regaining the sword restores his mantle, but it won't return without an act of great sacrifice pleasing to God.
Sin: Envy: Lucifer is barred from Heaven and his family. Screw you, Dad. That wound is never going to heal.
Sin: Gluttony: He buries his miseries and problems under wine, women, and song in excess.
Sin: Greed: He embrances new experiences that lift his ennui. Sometimes he acts without thinkig about the consequences.
Sin: Lust: Lucifer wants his sword back. He dreams about it constantly. It's his. He is willing to go to any lengths but returning to Hell to recover it.
Sin: Pride: Pride is Lucifer embodied. He wants nothing more than to prove Dad wrong. Cheating, pointless violence or murder are antithetical to him. His key motivation is freedom from a divine plan.
Sin: Sloth: He doesn't give a damn unless given damn good reason.
Sin: Wrath: When he gets passionate, his incorruptible celestial side emerges. He looks exactly like the firstborn archangel should: wings, halo, glowing eyes, divine stature. His angelic aspect follows the emotion, almost always terrifying rather than benevolent. His appearance in no way subtle. The Morningstar unleashed becomes a preferential target and draws a hell of a lot of unwanted attention, period.
Word is My Bond: When Lucifer gives his word, he will keep it, no matter the cost or consequence.
Inhuman: Lucifer is not human and, though a humanist and deeply preoccupied with mankind, doesn't share human values or qualities. He is arrogant, amoral, ruthless, and even cruel at times. He walks the walk at being human, but something about him comes off wrong, out of place.

Marvel: 1963

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