Heavenly Host

Before even the First Firmament, there was nothing separating the Fire of Creation and the Void Realm. This interstitial space was the fundamental expression of Chaos. The Presence introduced Order into the universe and set His angels to safeguard it.

Angels were created to ensure the continuity of the universe and protect it from aberrant ideologues that might threaten the grand design. This often focuses on Infernal entities from Hell threatening the sanctity of the mortal soul, but also the metaphysical balances of the universe itself.

Hierarchy of Angels

Several named angels are known as Archangels. These are leaders among the angelic host and by far the most potent and powerful. Each has a unique personality, mission, and duty to fulfill. Michael Demiurgos and Lucifer are by far the most powerful, being the Fire of Creation and the Hands of the Architect.

The remainder include Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Sandalphon, Metatron, Selaphiel, Jegudiel, Barachiel, Jerahmeel, Suriel, Jophiel, and Zadkiel.

The remaining angels are sorted into three Orders.

The lowest ranks, the Third Order includes the Principalities, the Cherubim, and the demi-angels. They have very little free will or independence. Some of them cannot even effectively communicate with non-angels. These are typically assigned to guardian or monitor duty, watching over regions, cities, and individuals.

The Second Order are the Dominions, Powers, and Virtues. They oversee the balance of cosmic power, watch for aberrant ideologues or threats to the universe itself, and form the officer ranks when the Host goes to War. Dominions govern the movement of the cosmos itself. Virtues are elementals and miracle-workers, represented in the classic elemental quartet. Powers are the fighting line against the machinations of evil, and often set to safeguard mortals with particularly important roles in the Angelic machinations.

The First Order, most potent, are the Archangels, Seraphim, and Ophanim. The Seraphim largely form a choir of self-sustaining worship that ensures the Holy Flame of the Silver City never goes out. The Thrones are cold and calculating, observers of the machinations of reality and the primary force that determines if a situation calls for the Heavenly Host. The Archangels are largely independent agents of immense power, but any of them can call upon the Host in legion if they so choose.

Subordinate angels are given strict orders and reduced amounts of knowledge or power. Following Lucifer's fall, many angelic creatures had their independence and willpower vastly diminished. Some are capable of independent action and free will, but the lowest orders of Angels are practically automatons, tasked with (relatively) simple orders and directives.