Angel

Angels vary in appearance depending on their caste and other contributing factors such as the substance they have chosen to form their 'body' from. In general, Angels consist of a solid core resembling a gemstone typically filled with a golden liquid. From this core, most angels project a 'body' from ambient light sources, most often one of the suns of their plane or the Great Radiance itself. These 'bodies' range wildly in shape and purpose depending on the needs of the Angel at the time of formation and can fluctuate as those needs fluctuate. However, consistent themes such as rings/halos and wings are quite common among all castes.

Angelic castes that are expected to interface more regularly with mankind appear to more easily assume humanoid or humanoid adjacent forms. These castes also tend to manifest smaller forms than other angels excepting Scions. In some cases, Angels may choose to create a 'body' from organic matter. In these cases, the body is meant to resemble a humanoid anatomy including internal organs and other systems. These forms sometimes struggle to operate for extended periods without expressing secondary Angelic characteristics such as halos or wings, leading to common humanoid perception of Angelic appearance as winged humanoids.

Angels are immortal and thus lack reproductive organs. Occasionally, new angels emerge from the Radiance but it is as yet unclear how these new beings come to be.

In rare cases, some Angels (primarily Guardians) have managed to utilize their magic to produce Nephilim offspring with mankind. In these instances, the Angelic 'genetics' received by the Nephilim appear to be dependent on two factors: the 'natural' form of the Angelic parent (the form in which they feel most comfortable) and the 'mannerism' of the child during their adolescence. How and why certain traits are inherited from the Angelic parent are still mostly unknown.

Angels do not have a concept of aging or growth, but rather of knowledge and experience. 'Young' Angels are considered those with less knowledge and experience than others and are treated closer to humanoid children even though their appearance may betray this reflection.

Angels that take on humanoid forms (primarily Guardians) most often take on forms that they believe will resonate with their charge. This, too, is often in juxtaposition to their 'age' as an Angel.

In their natural state, Angels do not require physical sustenance, though they do seem to struggle in solitary, lightless environments. Angels assuming an organic form are required to eat as humanoids do in order to sustain their mortal bodies. Unlike most humanoids, however, Angels cannot tolerate meat or animal products and will become quite ill on consuming them.

Angels, despite being obligate vegans, are considered to be Apex Predators among the planes and are strongly territorial. They have positioned themselves as the protectors of all beneath the Radiance and seemingly take orders from its light. Fortunately for mankind, Angels have positioned themselves as guardians and protectors, primarily seeking to watch over and guide humanity along the paths of good and light. Unfortunately, most Angels view human ideals and considerations as alien to much of their worldview and can sometimes cause more harm than good. They are very set in their thoughts and dare not deviate from what they believe they have been told by the Radiance.

Angels' primary opposition are Devils in the Infernal and the Demons in the Abyss. These forces occasionally make their way to the Material plane to 'corrupt' and harm mankind with their own set of beliefs and values. As part of their protection, this often brings the Angels into both direct and indirect conflict with Devil and Demonkind.

Angels have formed an elaborate Caste System referred to as The Angelic Order. Each Caste is associated with the tasking the Angel is expected to perform and members are granted expectations and privileges based on their place within the order. Angels closer to the top of the system are in more direct contact with The Radiance while those lower in the system are in more direct contact with mankind. Angels are assigned their position on emergence, though Guardian Caste Angels are sometimes rotated into and out of position with Messengers or Scions to prevent the effects of humanoid contamination.

While extra eyes are not uncommon among Angelic appearances, the organs appear to be more symbolic than functional as most Angels appear to be able to sense any creature not obscured by magical darkness even without a direct line of sight. Like Paladins, they also appear to have a unique capability to sense the presence of 'good' and 'evil' forces (or at least the presence of fae, fiends, and the undead) with enhanced accuracy.

Angels with ties to Mortals such as Guardians and some Messengers have an internal connection to their targets allowing them to sense details such as their position and health status from great distances even across planes.

Rather than direct names, Angels are granted titles upon their emergence in accordance to what the Radiance expects for them. These names are a reflection of their work, demeanor, and position within the Angelic Order. Due to the nature of Celestial as a language, these titles are often misinterpreted as names in the common tongue.