Angels

Abrahamic angels have a strict, regimented hierarchy. They are divided into the first, second, and third triads, each with their own purpose and lower classifications. The first triad, the Seraphim, Cherubim, and Ophanim, are the most powerful of the angels. This triad live in a heavily fortified sector of Heaven called the Sanctum, nearly impenetrable to outside attackers, and are forbidden to leave in all but the most dire of circumstances. The Seraphim monitor and tend to God directly, ensuring the energy remains in balance and that the souls are fed into it properly, delicately, and at the correct rate. Originally protectors of the Garden of Eden, the Cherubim are the guardians and chaperones of God, escorting and delivering large portions of it to the lower triads to distribute as necessary. Cherubim also protect the Sanctum, and thus the faction’s direct access to God, from demons or other angels who would destroy or steal it. The Ophanim, according to Christian texts, contemplate the power and judgment of God. This means they are the angels that decide where and in what quantities the energy from God should be delivered as blessing, punishment, or otherwise.

The second triad are the primary intermediaries between the mortal and divine realms. They are comprised of the Dominions, Virtues, and Powers. Dominion angels take orders from the first triad and in turn govern the third. They oversee the operation of the Abrahamic territories and deliver messages to and from the third triad. The Virtues are the foremen and custodians of the universe. They ensure the natural world is in order, and govern the elements and nature. At the behest of the Ophanim, they may cause natural disasters or miracles. The Powers are the divine military. Their sole purpose is the defense of Heaven against demonic and heretical threats, including the continued subjugation of Abrahamic demons, and the invasion of other divine territories deemed to be a threat.

The third and final triad are the direct envoy between humanity and the second triad. This triad includes the Malakhim, Elohim (Archangels), and Ishim. The Malakhim are the Principalities, tasked with managing the Elohim and Ishim, and with guiding and protecting nations, institutions, and other organized groups of humans. The Elohim are the most important messengers, the only angels entrusted with critical sensitive information to deliver to humanity and guide the individuals chosen to be prophets. Finally, the Ishim are the lowest order of angels, who protect and guide individual people.

Rarely, especially devout individuals or those who were martyred for their faith are granted sainthood by mortal religious authorities. These souls are rewarded in Heaven by becoming the ingredient in the creation of a new angel, usually an Ish, powered by the newfound beliefs of the religious body that nominated them. This is the only way for a mortal being to become an angel. All but one - St. Guinefort, the only dog granted passage into Heaven - have been human.

The Nephilim are angels who were cast out from Heaven but were rejected by Hell, or who rejected Hell themselves. They are rogue wanderers, roaming the planet on the verge of existence and dissolution, because humans believe in their existence, but few worship them. As a desperate attempt at survival, many Nephilim have chosen heretical prophets to found small cults in their honor.

There exists a text called the Lesser Key of Solomon, written by mortals as a guide for mystical rituals to communicate with divine entities. Within it are two books called the Shemhamphorash and the Ars Goetia. In the Shemhamphorash is a list of 72 angels, their commanding officer, the verse of scripture used for mortals to invoke or summon them, and the demons they are assigned to monitor. These angels were selected by the Cherubim to protect Heaven against any future conspiracies or uprisings after the truce with the demons took effect, and to protect any mortal that would summon their assigned demon for just purposes. The Lesser Key of Solomon also contains The Ars Theurgia Goetia to summon independent spirits, and the Ars Paulina to summon minor niche angels, as well as other texts to describe general rituals and how to make the tools required to complete them.