At 09:48 PM 7/21/98 EDT, Nlson31@aol.com wrote:

Okay!  I'll post this up publicilly, cause I *know* I made a bunch of
mistakes, and this way, I can be corrected, or verified.  This is coming

right

off the top of my head, so...

1) The Lance of Longinus:  other than preventing Lilith from fully
regenerating, what uses does it have?  What can it do?

	Traditionally, the Lance of Longinus, (named after the Roman legionnaire 
who, according to legend, used it first) was supposedly the spear used to 
hold up the 'sop' full of water and vinegar to the lips of Jesus while he 
was on the cross. Later, it was used to pierce his side.

	Legend holds forth that anyone holding the Lance of Longinus, also known as 
the Spear of Destiny, _CANNOT_ be defeated in battle. Period. The lance is 
supposedly touched with divinity, having been used to mutilate the body of a 
living god, and carries that divinity with it. 

	In addition to making the wielder personally invincible in battle, it's 
also believed that the Lance can make any _cause_ the wielder espouses 
unstoppable. That is to say, if you believe in something strong enough to 
fight for it, your belief will be unstoppable as well.

	It's said, though without strong proof, that Hitler sent teams of SS 
researchers after the Lance, believing that if he held it, Germany could not 
be defeated.

	Interestingly enough, DC comics used this idea. When backed into a plot 
corner by World War II (ie, if we got superheroes, why aren't they kicking 
Nazi ass in Germany), they explained that away by claiming that the power of 
the Lance allowed Hitler to command any hero who came withing range. Enter 
Europe, and *poof* the Lance controls your mind, and Hitler controls the 
Lance. Can we say 'ooops', children?

	This was often thought to come from the fact that the Lance belonged to a 
Legionnaire, soldiers famed both for their heroic bravery, and their 
incredible, almost blind, obedience. Hence, the Lance was supposed to allow 
the bearer to command the loyalty of heroes, even when against their will.

	There are a LOT of legends about the Spear of Destiny, and a little 
research in the net should provide you with reams of information about it.

	Hope this was of some help..

	Edward Becerra

	(lapsed Roman catholic, and victim of a MOST through Jesuit-overseen 
education.)

	"Dreamers may die, but the Dream is eternal.."