Prelates
Prelates is a term used in the media for vigilantes that use special abilities and skills above and beyond normal human ability to combat criminals, terrorists and other threats. The term generally applies to psionics, but has expanded to include people piloting powered armor or using other scientific contrivances in their crusades.

Most prelates are focused on major cities and have the blessing and backing of local officials while a few are relegated to the outskirts where they are often vilified or ignored. Until recently, prelates were exclusively solitary campaigns, and effectively a hobby for the person behind the mask (with the notable exception if Infinity in NYC).

This section lists and describes the prelates mentioned in The Descendants by city of residence.

Chicago, IL
The Shade
Little is known about The Shade except that he seems to specialize in protecting small businesses from protection rackets and stopping muggings in the Underground. He is reported to be an excellent martial artist and to appear and disappearing into and out of shadows.

New York, NY
Infinity
A psionic with the power of flight (max 50 mph), strength (five ton range) and durability, John Harding took up the mantle of Infinity to prevent the collapse of a skyway by a terrorist cell. Overnight, he became a media darling with numerous awards and endorsement contracts as well as adoration to the point that he no long maintains a secret identity.

Infinity, has, however, over the years, become skittish about fighting non-powered foes, afraid to dole out grievous harm. He leaves normal crime to the police, even when it is certain that they are woefully understaffed to attend to things like the rising gang problem.

The Whitecoat
Named for the trademark white overcoat he wears, the Whitecoat is Brooklyn and Manhattan’s one man defense against the encroachment of highly organized gangs, notably the Hip Sing Tong.

Little is know about him, but he has been observed demonstrating enhanced strength (1 ton range), agility and bulletproof durability. He is capable of fifty foot standing leaps and clinging to walls with the help of technological gauntlets. It is unknown of the Whitecoat is a full technological prelate or if he has some psionic ability.