Since the list is nearing completion, one of the things we need to sort out is some concrete data for the Angels. This post is basically a compilation of all the background info I have on the Angelic civilisation, their cities, their culture, languange and weaponry, birth and death. It's not written in a very fluffy way, and most of it isn't intended to actually be published. It's basically just here so that people can make sure any new units or fluff or whatever they create don't clash with the established fluff, and something to provide inspiration for any new things you may want to create.
AyamithThe Holy city of Ayamith is the capital of the Angelic race, the first city of the Angels. Following the great victory over the forces of Chaos, the city was built from finest marble in just seven days, by the labour of the Powers. It is divided into nine levels, each separated and supported by a massive, shear marble wall studded with jewels, with no gates or stairs, ensuring only flying creatures can pass around the city of the Angels, and a constant reminder to the Angels of their gifts and their purpose.
Each level of the city has a specific function, for Angelic society is strictly ordered.
The 1st level is home to many houses of the Angels, but it is also the level of defence, as it is the first level any invading army would enter. It is a level filled with twisting streets and dead-ends, pre-assembled barricades are positioned everywhere, and each rooftop is a point for an ambush. Any enemy who breached the shining walls of Ayamith would face a terrible battle to even get through the first level.
The 2nd level is where the Angels live. The majority of the population of Nirvana have their homes in this level, though there are a few who inhabit other levels. The 2nd level is always full of activity and life of Angels going about their daily business.
The 3rd level is the level where Angelic craftsmen ply their trade. The air in the 3rd level rings with the clang of forge hammers, the swish of looms, and the scratching of quills on paper. The vast majority of workshops, schools, and other such municipal buildings are located here. Though there are others scattered throughout the city, the 3rd level is where they are most concentrated.
The 4th level of Ayamith is the level of war. It is filled with gymnasiums, sparring courts, palaestra and drill grounds. Here is where the majority of the Angels spend much of their time, exercising and practicing their swordsmanship or military techniques. For they are a race of warriors, whose only purpose is to fight the hordes of Chaos.
The 5th level is a level filled with wide-open spaces. Paths, parks and copses of trees abound on the 5th level. This level serves two purposes. Firstly, it is a communal garden, a place for Angels to go and relax, or simply to admire the beauty of the world. Secondly, it is the level of flight. It’s wide open spaces make an ideal area for Angels to practice airborne manoeuvres, or simply to launch off from on a journey or patrol. The Anelai, those Angels blessed with larger wings than their kin, inhabit this level as well, and spend many hours of the day practicing their deadly style of fighting on its wide plains.
The 6th level is the domain of the Princedoms, and also of any Dominions currently in the city. It is a military level, it is here that the commanders of Angelic forces, from mighty armies to stealthy patrols, meet, plan and coordinate their actions, for it is the Princedoms that deal with the running of the Angelic forces.
The 7th level is the home of the Virtues, priests of the Angels. It is a level heavy with the weight of magic and ancient knowledge, full of secluded glades, dusty libraries, and magical circles, for it is here that the Virtues meditate, learn, and practice their sacred arts.
The 8th level is where the Cherubim reside, just below the ninth and highest level. The Cherubim guard also spend much of their time here, standing every watchful over the palaces of the Cherubim. The 8th level is the smallest and most beautiful of all the 8 lower levels, a fitting domain for the mighty warriors who live there.
The 9th level is empty, save for two great towers, the Celestial Throne, and the Great Library of Cherubael.
The Great Library is the repository of all Angelic knowledge. Though much was lost during the time of betrayal, the sum of knowledge contained within is still staggering. To the Virtues, it is the most important building in the city, and all one day hope to be appointed to the position of Ark Virtue, for only they are allowed access to the higher levels of the tower. The highest levels of the building hold the most precious and revered treasures of the library, the Tomes of the Old Ones. Where, written on pages of finest Silk in ink of molten Gold, every detail of the lives of the Old Ones is reverentially recorded. In the highest tower of the ninth level of the Library, as high as the Celestial Throne itself, resides the Tome of Seraphaal, father of the Angels. Directly below the levels holding the Tomes of the Old Ones is the chamber of Remembrance, a wide, domed space, empty, save for a single book on a plinth in the centre of the room, the Celestial Tome of Sephiroth, mightiest of the Angels. The Custodian of the Library is the Seraphim Raziel, greatest and most learned of all the Virtues.
The Celestial Throne is the Angel’s seat of government. It is here that the Seraphim reside and hold their council. At the peak of the tower is the Celestial throne itself, the seat of Sephiroth. Directly below the throne is the council chamber where the Seraphim meet to discuss matters of great importance. There are fifteen seats in the chamber, one for each of the Seraphim. The Celestial throne is enchanted with ancient magics, allowing it to descend from the peak of the tower into the council chamber so that Sephiroth could take part in the debates of the Seraphim. At the base of the tower is the largest of the Choir houses that dot the city, so that the Seraphim can listen to the songs of the Choristers as they debate.
GovernmentUnlike the races of men and elves, the angels know their purpose. They were born to fight the minions of Chaos, and this they will do with all their strength. Because of this, there is no infighting or political scheming in Angelic society, and large part of it are mostly autonomous. Despite this, there is still a chain of command in Ayamith, mainly for control of military matters.
The highest power in Nirvana is the mighty Sephiroth himself, greatest of all the Angelic beings. However, he sacrificed himself during the time of betrayal to end the daemonic incursion into the world, and in doing so banished himself as deep as one can go into the Angelic Void. The Celestial Throne has remained empty for thousands of years as a mark of respect for Sephiroth, and it will remain empty for evermore, until he returns to sit upon its seat.
Below Sephiroth is the council of Seraphim, the ruling body of the Angels. Though Angelic society largely runs itself, they still need overall governance. The Seraphim set out the wider aims of the Angelic Beings, and also convene to solve matters of great importance. The Seraphim are also the overall military leaders of the Angels, and command the armies of Ayamith in times of war. There are sixteen members of the Council of Seraphim, including Sephiroth. They are:
Sephiroth, leader of the Angels, greatest of all the children of Seraphaal.
Uriel, Angel of Salvation, he brings peace where there is discord.
Michael, Angel of Miracles, whenever there is a manifestation of Angelic power, a sudden miracle that provides support to the pure, Michael is behind it.
Raphael, Angel of Healing, capable of healing any wound, the only injury he cannot restore is death itself.
Azrael, Angel of Death, one of the greatest warrior Angels, the reaper of souls is a dark and brooding presence amongst the council.
Camael, Angel of Power, an Angel with a massive presence, Camael emits an aura of invulnerability.
Cassiel, Angel of Genius, an incredibly skilled Virtue, he possesses more skill with weaving power than any other Angel alive.
Haniel, Angel of Harmony, he is surrounded by an aura of perfect balance.
Israfel, Angel of Beauty, possessed of the sweetest voice in the whole of the world, he is the head of the Choristers.
Jophiel, Angel of Paradise, capable of generating visions of Utopia, constantly surrounded by an aura of serenity.
Metatron, Angel of Supremacy, greatest of all the Seraphim, second only to Sephiroth, he is an incomparable warrior and the tallest of the Angels.
Raguel, Angel of Justice, Raguel is the enforcer of the Angels who brings those luminaries who have strayed to account.
Raziel, Angel of Mysteries, greatest of all the Virtues, Raziel is possessed of a staggering amount of knowledge, more so than any other being.
Sandalphon, Angel of Guidance, he guides the Angels along the correct path, no being can ever be lost when under his gaze.
Zadkiel, Angel of Benevolence, he hears the prayers of those in need, and spares those he deems worthy.
Apollyon, Angel of Destruction, a mighty warrior, once commander of the Angelic armies, he now dedicates his life to hunting down the Dark Angels.
The one Seraphim who is not on the council is Canti, Angel of Wisdom. One of the greatest of the Virtues, he rules over the Crystal Kingdom of Bran Bal, where he spends much of his time meditating, and seeking the future. The other Seraphs are somewhat distrustful of him, but he has proved to be a valuable ally in times of war.
Origins of the AngelsThe Tale of the Celestial HostIn the elder days, many thousands of years before men and Orcs, the Old Ones first came to this land through their mighty portal. Though small in number, their power was beyond imagining, and in the great library at Nirvana, the names of the greatest are written in ink of molten gold on pages of finest silk, their exploits reverentially detailed in every way. Harashamé, who first created the Slann to serve the old ones, Gelial, who spent his every waking hour crafting the great magical maps of how the worlds should be altered to fit the Old Ones vision. Halaalogin, who opened the gate of the Old Ones. Yet the most revered of these creators, his name and tale kept in the tallest tower of the ninth level of the great library, as high as the top of the Celestial throne itself, is Seraphaal, great warrior of the Old Ones.
Seraphaal was the Old Ones greatest champion. Whenever great resistance was encountered, it was Seraphaal who fought and defeated them. He was the great protector of the Old Ones and their work.
When the Old Ones made ready to leave this world, Seraphaal was the last. All the other Old Ones and many of their servants passed through. Yet as Seraphaal was about to pass through the portal, something went wrong. None know truly what happened then, whether chaos corrupted the portal, whether another of the Old Ones broke it, whether a third party reached into the fabric of the gate and twisted it out of reality. Whatever happened, chaos took control and the pure energy of chaos spilled forth. The winds of magic, ten thousand times stronger than they are now, burst from the corrupted portal, carrying with them countless tonnes of pure Warpstone powder. A thousand greater daemons and an uncharted horde of lesser daemons burst forth, determined to ravage this world in the name of their dark gods. Yet Seraphaal was the greatest warrior of the Old Ones, with the power to warp worlds at his fingertips. With his warriors he met the oncoming storm. The winds exhausted their power battering against a magical shield forged from the heart of a dying star. Warpstone combusted when it came near him. His sword, carved from a single pure white diamond and enchanted with magic beyond belief, cleaved three greater daemons in half with each stroke. Through his actions was the true, first Storm of Chaos blunted. Because of Seraphaal the winds of magic cannot warp the world, as was their power in that old time. Daemons cannot appear anywhere on the earth, and choking clouds of Warpstone do not cover the globe.
Yet Seraphaal could not stand forever against the tide, and eventually he fell. The chaos army was a mere fraction of its former size due to his efforts, but his power was not quite limitless, and finally he succumbed. Yet he was an Old One, and they were far more than any mortal. He was the first to die in the history of the universe, and when he fell, his body exploded into thousands of gleaming fragments. Where they touched the ground, the Angels formed from these fragments. When the Angels were formed, the daemonic advance crumbled. Depleted by the power of Seraphaal, then faced with an army of new warriors, the Daemonic legions fell back to the gate of the Old Ones, and for many years, peace reigned. The Angels build their great city of Nirvana, with its towering spires and shining walls, as a home for their people. Yet they knew this one city would not be enough of a buffer to the hordes of Chaos. So they spent great effort building a line of great stone monoliths along the border to the northern wastes. Each of these monoliths housed a group of angels who could defend it if need be. Yet its true power was not physical. As the heart of each monolith with a shard of Seraphaal's great sword, enchanted with powerful daemon-repelling magics maintained by the angels. In this way, they created a barrier through which Daemons could not pass. Victory seemed to have been won.
Yet the powers of Chaos are the most insidious and manipulative of foes. When Seraphaal shattered, some of the shards landed within the daemonic ranks and picked up a small taint of corruption. Some Angels who died picked up a taint as they returned. From this small taint grew a secret sect of angels, the Dark Angels. These insidious traitors were servants of the Chaos gods, holding dark rituals within carefully warded chambers. Every day, their numbers grew.
Finally, they revealed themselves. Almost a third of the Angelic population had been corrupted, and they had the element of surprise. Some bound themselves to a Daemon, forming a hideous symbiosis of dark and light that caused even the hearts of the Angels to quail. War erupted in the streets of Nirvana. With the Angels and their magical defences thus weakened, the Daemons attacked. They smashed through the barrier of monoliths into the world beyond, the start of the Great War with the Lizardmen. Daemons swarmed into the city of Nirvana. Many ancient and beautifully crafted buildings and countless records were destroyed. Hope seemed lost. Yet the Celestial throne still stood defiant. Sephiroth, greatest of angels, led the defence. In him the power of Seraphaal flowed, and none could stand before him. Wielding a blade make from a shard of the god's sword, he advanced on the Daemons. Inch by inch the servants of Chaos were pushed back, yet Sephiroth knew that the Angels could not hold out forever. As the Daemons pushed back once again, he knew what he had to do. Taking his sword, he strode to the top of the Celestial throne and stood upon its seat. Calling all his power into his blade, he reactivated the monoliths. The daemons vanished, the energy of the monoliths banishing them back to the realm of Chaos. Yet it was a hollow victory.
Great legions of daemons had got past and waged a great war against the Lizardmen in which the weakened Angels could do nothing. Yet that was not their greatest loss. Sephiroth had sacrificed himself to save the Angels, and banished himself as deeply as one could go. Without his energies the monoliths dimmed once more, their powers still active but weakened, and although it would take millennia for Chaos to recover, it would take longer for the Angels. The Dark Angels and their allies fled Nirvana after the Daemons were destroyed, and their fate remains unknown. Meanwhile, the Angels maintain their vigil over the south. The Spirit of Sephiroth is stirring in the Angelic Void, and the Angels prepare for war. Over the millennia they have rebuilt their forces, and despite being small in number, they fight with the power of the Old Ones, and they fury of the greatest warrior ever known, and no foe can stand before their holy onslaught.
Angelic Reproduction and Body StructureIn order to understand how Angels reproduce, you must first understand the basic physical structure of the Angels. Each Angel is not a physical being, they are spiritual beings of pure energy, due to the arcane body structure of the Old Ones. They do not belong on this plane, their true home is a region of alternate space known as the Angelic Void. They are, in fact, just like daemons, and under normal circumstances they would not be able to remain on this plane for very long.
However, the Angels have discovered a way to remain on this plane. The body of an Angel that you see is actually a shell of energy that protects the being inside. Like a space suit, it allows the Angel inside to remain indefinitely upon this plane. When an Angel is ‘killed’, they do not die, rather, the energy of their physical form expires. Without the anchor offered by their shell of energy, the Angel’s true form is sucked back into the Angelic Void. At the ‘top’ of the Void is the gateway, where the spirits of Angels can return to this world. Those Angels that have been returned to the void will end up at varying levels in the Void depending on the violence of their death. in the void, they begin gathering energy to them and progressing towards the gateway, until at last they have enough energy to re-form their physical body. Under normal circumstances, this process can take years, decades, or even centuries. The mighty Sephiroth has been in the Void for thousands of years, and will probably remain there for thousands more, but the manner of his death was unique amongst the Angels.
While Angels are technically immortal, there are ways they can be killed. Some daemons and sorcerers have the ability to trap the soul of an Angel once its physical body is destroyed, and keep it as a plaything to torment. Such an occurrence will always provoke retaliation from the Angels, as they will never allow one of their people to suffer so. Similarly, some powerful Daemons possess the skill to completely destroy the soul, but these individuals are extremely rare. A less common form of death is when an Angel becomes tired of the endless cycle of life and death, and chooses to voluntarily remain in the Angelic Void for the rest of eternity.
For an Angel to be born is a very rare occasion, and one to be rejoiced over. If two Angels feel especially close to each other, they may choose to conceive a child. Angelic conception is similar to, but less physical than, mortal conception. The two Angels each donate a portion of their life force to combine to form a new being. The new being is without an energy shell, so it is sucked into the Angelic Void where it incubates for many years, perhaps even decades. The parents can communicate with their child, but in this period there is remarkably little contact between parent and offspring. Conception is a very rare occasion, not only because of the depth of affection needed for the ritual to work, but also because the two parents lose almost half of their life force, and will be severely weakened for many months to come.
After the incubation period, the newborn Angel will emerge from the Angelic Void with a physical form. Their early childhood and infancy is lived out within the void, so when they emerge, regardless of how long they spent in the void, they are always aged around eight to ten in Human terms.
Angels reach physical maturity at around the age of twenty, which they reach normally. However, Angels remain in adulthood for many thousands of years, some longer than others, and a return to the Angelic Void will reset this clock many centuries. Thus, only the most ancient Seraphim show any sign of Ageing, the most ancient-looking being the Seraphim Raziel.
The Crystal KingdomIt is said that the Crystal Kingdom was formed when one shard of Seraphaal hit the ground and did not turn into an Angel. From that one crystal quickly a whole forest of them grew, covering a goodly amount of the isle as well as freezing over the forests, turning the landscape into an icy, crystallic, barren wasteland where everything that grew was covered in ice. As the Angels returned from the Polar Gateway, Canti, the wise Angel, came across the crystal lands and found them to be a good place for his kin to live, for they could not harm anything through the thick layers of ice. As he settled here more and more Angels joined his city of Bran Bal, which was centred in a lake where no ice could reach, and over which he maintains his eternal vigil from the famous spire in the centre of the city known as the Exuromors. It was found that no Daemon can ever set foot in the forest or in the kingdom, for the powers of the holy crystals will banish any form of evil that sets foot within its boundries.
Angelic LanguageThe ‘Gilded Tongue’ as it is known, is an archaic, musical form of language. Nearly every sentence contains a rhyme, and thus a conversation between Angels sounds more like a poem than ordinary speech. The tongue is created to have plenty of words that rhyme, with certain syllables cropping up repeatedly throughout.
Angelic DressThe most usual form of dress for Angels of both sexes is flowing robes, usually white, though some are in different colours. The more powerful of the Angels will often have beautiful embroidery or patterns sewn into their robes. In war, the Angels wear finely crafted, intricately decorated armour. Usually a breast and back plate that fits on over their robes, and sometimes greaves, wrist guards and gloves, depending on how much protection they think is needed. Few Angels wear helmets.
Link to Rogue's GalleryThe soldiers of the Crystal Kingdom are usually the heaviest armoured. Crystal Guardians will usually wear a suit of crystal half plate, providing maximum protection without reducing mobility too much. Silver Knights wear massive suits of plate armour that covers their entire bodies, including a highly decorated helmet, usually modelled in the shape of a Silver Drake’s head.
Angelic WeaponryAngelic weapons are always graceful, elegant and decorated, many seem more like works of art than fighting tools. While many Angels use swords, the most characteristic weapon of the Angelic Beings is the Halberd. Angelic halberds are designed so that they can be used when attacking from the air, slashing downwards in a sweeping circle, allowing them to launch devastating attacks without having to slow down and fight normally.
Link to Rogue's GalleryThe Swordstick is another unique weapon of the Angels. It consists of a short staff with lethally sharp blades at either end of the stave. Though it takes great skill to wield, a sufficiently advanced user can fight in a variety of styles, choosing either a fast flurry of strikes, or slower, more powerful blows.
Angelic weapons and armour are made of the finest steel, save for those of the crystal kingdom, where their arms are made from the strange, magical crystal that grows there.
Link to Rogue's GalleryUnit BackgroundCherubimFrom his Heart came the Cherubim, mighty warriors, without whom the Angels would surely fall.
The Celestial Tome of Sephiroth. P 51. L3
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The Cherubim are the second highest rank of Angel known, second only to the legendary Seraphim themselves. They are huge, imposing figures, standing head and shoulders over even their fellow Angels. Their eyes glow with righteous light, and their skin shimmers with energy. In war they are terrible to behold, wielding weapons blessed by the mightiest of Angels, cleaving their foes with every stroke. As befitting their status, the Cherubim lodge in the highest possible level of the city of Nirvana, the eighth level, below the ninth, which holds the Great Library of Cherubael, repository of all the knowledge of the Angelic race, and the Celestial throne, meeting place of the Seraphim. Angels do not have a social structure as such. They were born to be warriors, to defend the world from Chaos attack, and as such, Hierarchy has little meaning except in times of battle. Even so, the Cherubim are treated with great respect by the Angels wherever they go.
It is said that the Cherubim were created from the heart of Seraphaal when he shattered, and it is a fitting myth indeed, for the Cherubim are the heart of the Angelic host, one of the greatest and most vital parts of the Angelic civilisation.
VirtuesFrom his brain came the Virtues, channelers of the holy power of the Angels.
The Celestial Tome of Sephiroth. P 51. L5
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While the Angels do not practice magic like the other races, they do generate holy energy. Certain Angels are created with the gift of being able to manipulate this energy, channelling it into blasts of sacred fire, or protecting their comrades from harm. The Virtues inhabit the seventh level of Nirvana, where they spend their days studying the tomes of Ancient lore, handed down since the birth of the Angels.
For them, the most sacred building in the whole of Nirvana is the Great Library of Cherubael, which holds all information ever gathered by the Angels. It is here that many Virtues spend their days, and all dream of being one day appointed the position of Ark Virtue, for only they are allowed to the higher levels of the Library. The highest levels of the building hold the most precious and revered treasures of the library, the Tomes of the Old Ones. Where, written on pages of finest Silk in ink of molten Gold, every detail of the lives of the Old Ones is reverentially recorded. The highest room of the Library is home to the Tome of Seraphaal, father of the Angels. The Custodian of the Library is the Seraphim Raziel, mightiest and most learned of all the Virtues.
Each of the warding monoliths that once formed a barrier to the Daemonic hordes was once tended by a Virtue. Though they remain still, the energy of the Shards is dimmed, and their power is no longer sufficient to hold back a major daemonic incursion.
When Seraphaal died, it is said that the Virtues were formed from the shards of his brain. It is a fitting match, for they are the most intelligent of all the Angelic beings.
PrincedomsWhile the Cherubim are recorded as being great warriors that none could stop, the Princedoms are said to have been warriors in there own right but they were more in tone with the troops, commanding and leading them to battle instead of leaping into the fray themselves.
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From his arms came the Princedoms, for they are the hands of the Seraphim and Cherubim, and carry out their wishes.
The Celestial Tome of Sephiroth. P 51. L4
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The Princedoms are the captains of the Angels, leaders of the troops on a lower level. Where the Cherubim are often pictured leaping alone into the fray, the Princedoms are depicted leading the Angelic host from the front, commanding and leading the troops, rather than fighting as individuals. The Princedoms inhabit the Sixth level of the holy city, as befits their rank as Lieutenants and commanders of the Angelic troops. The Princedoms were created from the arms of Seraphaal when he fell, for they are the means by which the Seraphim and Cherubim exact their will.
DominionsWhile the Angels were created as defenders of the earth, they still have emotions, families and other such ties, and they still feel grief when their loved ones die. Dominions are those Angels who have lost everything that mattered to them, their friends and family, often painfully. With nothing left in their lives but hate and war, the Dominions train ceaselessly, spending every waking hour training, preparing to exact vengeance on those who stole everything they cared for. They refuse the company of other Angels and fight alone. They care not for their own fate, and will stand unyielding against whatever foe. They do not have set homes in Nirvana, for they are restless wanderers who dislike being in close proximity to others. Those that stay in Nirvana only do so to prepare for their ceaseless journey of Vengeance, while the majority of Dominions roam every-vigilant around the world, searching for enemies to slay, and exact retribution for the pain they have caused.
Angels and ArchangelsFrom his flesh and bone came the Angels, the massed legions of the blessed, the most numerous and vital of all the children of Seraphaal.
The Celestial Tome of Sephiroth. P 51. L6
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The Angels are by far the most numerous of the Angelic Beings. They form the bulk of the population, the citizenry of Nirvana. When not at war, they perform the day-to-day tasks of the city. They are its armourers, its craftsmen, its weaponsmiths, teachers and guards. In their spare time, they practice for long hours in the arts of war, awaiting the call to battle. Even the lowliest Angel is a warrior beyond compare, with a skill at arms exceeding that of the elites of most armies.
The Archangels are taller and stronger than ordinary Angels. They were created as elite warriors, the upper class of the Angels. In times of peace, they are the supervisors of the Angelic craftsmen. The master smiths and overseers of the Angel apprentices and workers. They spend the majority of their time training, for even more so than the Angels, they are a warrior caste, created to fight.
It is said that the Angels and Archangels were formed from the flesh and bone of Seraphaal, for they are the body of the Angelic population, the troops and workers of the civilisation.
VengeancesWhen the Angels were formed, there were some whose hatred for chaos was especially strong, who fought with fanatical fury against the Daemonic legions. These were the Vengeances, named so because they are forever seeking Vengeance against the Daemons who destroyed Seraphaal and drove out the Old Ones. They do not undertake menial activities. Instead, they spend every waking hour practising with their weapon of choice, the swordstick. This is a powerful weapon that can only be wielded by one of great skill, and only those who train constantly can master its use. The Vengeances go into battle bare-chested in defiance of the Daemon, refusing to wear armour as it would impede their movements. They trust in the power of Seraphaal to sustain them, as well as their skill. Their skin glows with brilliant light due to the power of their faith and fury, blinding their foes when they march to war.
Crystal GuardiansWhen Seraphaal shattered into thousands of fragments, not all of these shards formed an Angel. One shard simply embedded itself into the ground. Even the Angels know little about the Crystals, but they know that from that single crystal, a whole forest grew, covering a large area to the north of Nirvana, freezing over the lakes and forests, creating a chilling, silent forest. When Canti, the Wise Angel, came upon this forest, he immediately recognised it's power, and knew it would be a perfect location for him and his followers to settle. He founded the city of Bran Bal, with the great tower of the Exuromors at its centre, and he and his followers have dwelt there ever since.
These Crystal Angels have adapted to their unusual environment. Their weapons and armour are not forged from iron or steel, but from crystal. They are deadly warriors, for all of Canti's followers are devoted to their path, and there are few craftsmen or artists in Bran Bal, save the Crystal Artisans. Although they rarely march to war, save under the command of one of Canti's lieutenants, the Crystal Guardians, as they are known, are formiddable opponants. Many an opponant has felt the cold touch of fear when faced with their gleaming ranks. This fear is well founded, for the combined power of Angel and Crystal is potent indeed, and few foes have escaped alive from an encounter with the Crystal Guardians.
Cherubim GuardFrom his Ribs and skull came the Cherubim Guard, to forever protect the Cherubim and Seraphim in peace and war.
The Celestial Tome of Sephiroth. P 51. L7
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The Cherubim Guard are a sect of the Archangels created and dedicated to protecting the Cherubim at all times. They stand ever watchful over the palaces of the Cherubim in the 8th level, making sure that there is never a minute when the Cherubim are unprotected. When the Cherubim leave their dwellings, the Cherubim Guard are always there, ever vigilant, ever watchful. When the Angelic Host was created the Cherubim Guard were born with one aim only, the defence of their Cherubim. They are of similar stature to Archangels, but they train ceaselessly, night and day. Every minute not spent guarding the Cherubim is spent improving their skills so they may better protect the Cherubim.
To aid in their task, the Cherubim Guard are blessed with huge wings greater than those of other Angels, so they can follow their Cherubim and come quickly to his aid when he requires it. They will never leave their Cherubim once appointed, and as such only ever appear on the battlefield when a Cherubim is also present. Even then, they are reluctant to leave his side.
PowersFrom his mighty muscle and sinew came the Powers, to provide strength and creatures of burden to the Angelic Host.
The Celestial Tome of Sephiroth. P 51. L8
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Powers are huge creatures with the shape of an Angel, but standing taller than Ogres. They are incredibly strong, but they are not as intelligent as the other Angels. They rarely speak, and when they do it is in short, quick phrases. The Powers are used to carry heavy loads, the city of Nirvana, although architected by the Seraphim, was the work of the Powers. Although the Angels and Archangels smoothed and shaped the blocks, it was the Powers who quarried are transported the marble for its gleaming walls, and they who placed the finished blocks into position. All heavy work in Nirvana is done by the Powers. Indeed, when Seraphaal fell, the Powers were created from the shards of his muscles, for they are his strength.
In times of war, the Powers are terrifying enemies. They wield massive blades as tall as a man, scything into the enemy in a furious wave of destruction. Blows bounce off their thick skin and massive armour plates as they unleash their awesome blows. Few foes indeed can stand before an onslaught of Powers.
Silver KnightsWhen the Crystal Forest expanded, there were many creatures caught within it's confines. Many died due to this new environment, but others survived, helped along, some say, by the power of the Crystal. One such species were the Silver Drakes. Originally small reptiles, the power of the Crystals changed them, growing them to five times their original size. The Crystal Angels named them Silver Drakes, for they resembled dragons, but their wings and skin were shimmering crystallic silver in colour and texture.
Over the centuries, the Crystal Angels befriended the Silver Drakes, some of them forming especially strong, almost telepathic bonds with the creatures. Following the betrayal of the Chaos Angels, Canti formed these Angels into the Silver knights, a corps of the finest warriors in the Crystal Kingdom. To each of them he gifted a special suit of Crystal Armour filled wwith the memories of the greatest of the Angels, allowing even the youngest of the Silver Knights to fight with the skill of millennia. Riding into battle upon their majestic steeds, crystal armour and silver skin gleaming in the sunlight, it is a brave foe indeed who can face their onslaught.
AnelaiAt the time of the birth of the Angels, some among the host were created with massive feathered wings, dwarfing even the larger wings of the Cherubim and their guards. In the great battle against the Daemonic host, these blessed warriors took to the air, soaring high up and engaging the winged Daemons of Chaos in the sky. They drove back their foes, and dove down into the Daemonic ranks, crashing down upon the foe in a storm of destruction, sowing confusion and panic amongst the Daemons.
After the battle was won, these Angels banded together, and became known as the Anelai.
When not flying to war, these Angels can be seen practising their unique way of battle, soaring and wheeling high above the city of Nirvana like seagulls around a port, diving down towards the ground before pulling out at the last minute.
In battle, they do not form up and fight in ranks close to the ground. Instead, before the conflict begins, they soar upwards into the air and hover hundreds of metres above the ground. Once battle has been joined, they dive downwards and land in the heart of the enemy battle line, sowing discord and confusion, attacking the war machines of the enemy, or striking them from behind. Even on the ground, their wings are still capable of propelling them great distances, allowing them to swiftly fly around the battlefield, bringing swift death to their enemies.
Sons of FireWhen the gate of the Old Ones opened and the raw power of Chaos flowed through for the first time, it rent apart the world. The thunderous crack of the gates opening was heard in every corner of the globe. The sheer force of Chaos bursting into the world sent out shockwaves that tore up the earth, levelled cities and raised mountains. In some places, and especially around the gate where the waves were strongest, the ground itself split open and boiling lava blasted into the sky, creating great rivers of molten fire that turned the land into a barren waste.
When the great Old One Seraphaal died, his body shattered into thousands of fragments, which formed the Angels. However, when all but the last Angels were formed, the newborn warriors of light saw a shower of shards falling straight towards one of the great rents in the earth from which the fire spewed. The Angelic host let out a cry of dismay for their lost brothers, for they believed that not even the power of an Angel could withstand the burning heat of the earth.
Yet even as they grieved something emerged from the fire. An Angel, his wings and body seeming aglow with fire, flames licking across his form. The Angels cried out, for they believed him to be in terrible pain. Yet he uttered no cry, and one by one, more flaming angels emerged from the fire, blazing beacons hovering above the battlefield.
Then, they let out a roar, and with a thrust of their arms, they hurled burning fire at the Daemonic hordes. The minions of chaos shrieked as the Angelic fire burned their bodies, and a rousing cry went up throughout the Angelic ranks, as the horde swept forward to engage the Daemons. The fiery Angels also threw themselves into the fray, burning up hundreds enemies with a mere touch of their flaming hands.
After the Daemonic horde had been routed, the fiery Angels stayed with the others for a time, and among them they become known as the Sons of Fire, and were afforded great respect by all the Angels. They always remained enigmatic about the origin of their gift, saying only that they were Sons of the Great Fire who had granted them his blessing. What they meant by this is still debated amongst the Angels. Yet although they were held in high regard, the Sons knew that the flames that covered their bodies were a curse as well as a blessing, and if they stayed it would surely only lead to misery and death, for their powers made them especially self-conscious, and they dreaded the fact that they might one day cause harm to their fellow Angels. So the Sons of Fire left the shining city to wander the earth, seeking out Chaos in all it's guises, a task they continue to this day.
In battle they are a fearsome sight, borne across the skies on wings of fire, hurling flaming blasts at their enemies before smashing into their ranks in a blazing inferno of death. Wherever they tread, the minions of Chaos tremble, for their hatred of the great enemy burns as bright as the fire that covers their bodies, and they will not rest until they consume the taint of chaos and burn it to ash.
ChoirFrom his mouth came the Choristers, to forever serenade the Blessed host with their beautiful song.
The Celestial Tome of Sephiroth. P 51. L9
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When the Angels were formed, there were some among them that did not possess great skill with weapons or armour, nor did they possess magical talent. However, when they opened their mouths, the sound that came out was the most beautiful that had ever been heard upon the earth. When they gathered together and sang their songs, the Daemons fell, screeching to their knees, for they could not bear to listen to such music, the embodiment of order. Following the great victory over Chaos, these Choristers formed into many smaller Choirs, so that there would always be music for the Angels to listen to.
The Choristers dwell in their choir houses, which exist all over the city. The greatest of these choir houses is built into the base of the Celestial throne itself, so that the Seraphim can hear the music of the heavens as they debate. When the Angels go to war, one of these Choirs may accompany them into battle. When they raise their voices together in song, mortals fall to the ground, their minds unable to comprehend the beauty of the song. Similarly, the strains of their music are filled with the magic of the Old Ones, and they unravel the web of power that binds Daemons, Undead and other such aberrations to this world. Thus, the Choirs are always welcome in an Angelic host, for they provide music for the Angels as they march, and for their enemies when battle is joined.