A PROJECT BY MONTAIGNE KUBASEK
"Most Angels suck, and worse, most are blonde - yeah just like me. In a place where everyone is righteous, I am the law for those actually above the law. And I really try not to be an asshole. Yep, I hate Angels." - Halo-99
II. Book of Beatitude:
Celestial Lore
Beyond the Gates of Heaven: The Celestial Realm
The Celestial Realm, commonly known as Heaven, is a dimension of breathtaking light and immense divine energy. Governed by the enigmatic Celestial High Council, this realm exists beyond mortal comprehension, where time flows like a gentle stream and space expands in fractal patterns of unimaginable beauty. It is presented as the epitome of order, a place where Harmony, Purpose, and Eternity are the guiding principles.
At the dawn of creation, Na'amah, the Prime Luminary, a being of immense cosmic significance, established the celestial hierarchy. This order comprises numerous choirs of heavenly beings, each meticulously designed with distinct purposes and varying levels of power. At the pinnacle are the Celestial Highers, the first minds of the Source, surpassed only by true gods. Below them, the Celestial Radiants, beings of pure divine intelligence, not only run the Celestial High Council but also subtly shape the very fabric of creation with their thoughts. The third highest order, the Celestial Knights, are elite warriors and flawless executioners of divine will, whose power is said to be an understatement.
Outwardly, the Celestial Order operates on principles of absolute harmony, balance, and divine purpose, a stark contrast to the chaotic demonic realms. Every celestial being is assigned a specific role in this grand cosmic tapestry. From the powerful warrior Powers who vigilantly guard the sacred dimensional gates, to the Neo-Angels who act as Heaven's police force, maintaining order within the lower choirs, the cosmic law is meticulously preserved within the celestial archives, said to contain all knowledge of creation. Yet, beneath this seemingly perfect facade, a complex and often contradictory reality exists, unseen by most.
The Celestial Hierarchy
- Celestial Highers: The first minds of the Source, unknowable and eternal. Only true gods sit above them. Remarkably they can have very plain appearances.
- Celestial Radiants: Beings of pure divine intelligence whose thoughts shape creation. They run the Celestial High Council.
- Celestial Knights: Elite warriors of the Radiants; flawless executioners of divine will. Calling them heavy hitters is an understatement. Level 1 (the highest) enforcers of cosmic law.
- Thrones: Sentient seats of judgment; they embody divine law and order. They take credit for the laws of the Universe running smoothly.
- Virtues: Channels of miraculous energy, empowering all celestial functions.
- Powers: Defenders of sacred boundaries and protectors of everything behind the heavenly gates. Level 2 enforcers of cosmic law.
- War Angels: Six-winged juggernauts of wrath and destruction, Heaven's front-line force.
- Celestial Wardens: Guardians of forbidden realms and relics beyond mortal comprehension. Level 3 enforcers of cosmic law.
- Archangels: Named commanders of celestial legions; wielders of legendary authority.
- Neo-Angels: Mechanized divine enforcers (Heaven's cops) with jet-powered wings (and some with evolving doubt). Level 4 enforcers of cosmic law.
- Heralds: Bearers of apocalyptic prophecy and divine announcements.
- Battle Angels: Strategic warrior-seraphs specializing in high-precision holy combat.
- Watchers: Ancient observers of all realms, forbidden from direct interference.
- Angels: Guardians, healers, and messengers — the faithful backbone of Heaven. They make up the majority of the population and seem to play a role in everything.
- Sparks: Raw, volatile divine energy; quite powerful and usually full of potential abilities & powers. Humanoid shape but slightly unformed. Some outside of Heaven refer to them as star-people or star-kids.
- Wisps: Semi-sentient fragments of emotion and memory that drift through holy space. If you meet one you realise there's always more to their story.'
- Echoes: Shattered remnants of forgotten or fallen beings; unstable but insightful. Some fall from Heaven, others become Echoes.
- Halolets: Innocent motes of divine light; childlike and pure, often found near miracles.
Neo-Angels: Heaven's Cybernetic Enforcers
The Neo-Angels are the cybernetically augmented angels who serve as Heaven's primary police force and enforcers of cosmic law. Unlike traditional angels, they are equipped with robotic implants, multi-part wings often featuring built-in afterburners for extreme speed, and wield futuristic plasma weaponry. Their primary function is to uphold what Heaven dictates as "law," "right," and "good," maintaining the perceived order of the Celestial Realm.
Despite their appearance of unwavering loyalty and their role in maintaining cosmic balance, a profound truth lies beneath Heaven's pristine facade: it is a realm riddled with corruption, hypocrisy, and a hidden lawlessness. The grand structure and smooth operation of the Universe are, in many ways, a carefully maintained illusion. The Neo-Angels, tasked with enforcing this deceptive order, are unknowingly part of a system that is far from righteous.
Neo-Angels are organized into highly structured units, typically named after traditional weapons, though their actual armaments are advanced futuristic guns (the named weapons are largely symbolic or for show). These units include:
- Core Combat Units: Spear (rapid assault), Sword (balanced, general-purpose), Polearm (long-range suppression), Battleaxe (brute force, siege), Mace (riot control).
- Precision & Shadow Units: Dagger (stealth ops), Scythe (cleanup, extermination), Glaive (tactical precision, notably the first to defect).
- Symbolic/Elite Doctrine Units: Lace (infiltration, intelligence, manipulation), Whip (chaos suppression), Chalice (bio-alchemical "healing," divine experimenters), Hammer (heavy siege, demolitions), Shield (Celestial protection), Crossbow (long-range portal users), and the elite Halo Unit.
Their organizational structure is precise: five Neo-Angels form a Star, four Stars constitute a Cross, and a Cross typically makes up a whole unit. Larger units, like the Sword Unit, can comprise multiple Crosses.
Neo-Angels are primarily referred to by their work designations, such as Sword-19 or Battleaxe-45, rather than their real names. However, a growing number of Neo-Angels, like Halo-99 (one of the first doubters and mother of Polearm-99) and Glaive-14 (friend of Polearm-99 and close to Amber Hellfire), are beginning to see through Heaven's facade. This burgeoning disillusionment hints at a potential future where these "cops of Heaven" may find themselves aligning with unexpected allies, perhaps even the very demons they were designed to suppress.
Celestials of Note
Na'amah
The Prime Luminary
Age: Believed to be over 4 million years
Domain: The Luminary Spire Penthouse
Status: Creator of Heaven's Hierarchy
The primordial being who established the celestial hierarchy and laid the foundational laws of Heaven. Her wisdom is the very blueprint of divine order. She is secretly related to Lilith.
Seraphina
Celestial Higher
Age: Estimated at about 2 million years
Domain: The Primal Source Gardens
Status: Connected to the Source via a transdimensional mental link.
As a Celestial Higher, her thoughts are in constant flux in spacetime connecting her to the Source. Seraphina embodies the very essence of unknowable and eternal divine existence, her presence shaping realities with subtle thought, and resonates with the harmonies of creation.
Mikaela
Celestial Radiant
Age: 1,102,680 years
Domain: The Luminous Nexus
Status: Architect of Divine Thought
A being of pure divine intelligence whose thoughts shape creation. Mikaela helps guide the Celestial High Council and orchestrates the flow of cosmic insight.
Gavriela
Celestial Radiant
Age: 902,601 years
Domain: The Harmonious Weave
Status: Weaver of Cosmic Order
A Radiant whose intellect ensures the intricate cosmic tapestry remains in perfect alignment. Gavriela's wisdom maintains the delicate balance across all realities.
Raphaella
Celestial Radiant
Age: 990,100 years
Domain: The Healing Constellation
Status: Conduit of Divine Restoration
A Radiant focused on the restoration and healing of cosmic energies and realms. Raphaella channels miraculous energy to mend breaches in reality and spirit.
Nuriel
Celestial Radiant
Age: 1,288,988 years
Domain: The Empyrean Library
Status: Keeper of Celestial Knowledge
A Radiant dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of divine wisdom. Nuriel oversees the vast celestial archives, ensuring all knowledge is safeguarded.
Aurelion
Solar Warden
Weapon: Solbrand (greatsword)
Domain: The Sun Forge
Status: Deceased
Master of cosmic fire and stellar birth, he is the former Guardian of Stellar Creation. He once forged stars in the celestial furnaces, and maintained the balance of solar energies throughout the universe, and gates to the multiverse. He is defeated and slain by the Frost Sisters during their raid on Heaven. During these raids the Sun Forge is destoryed.
Aurelia
Solar Warden
Age: 277,100 years
Domain: The Nebula Veil
Status: Stellar Guardian Replacement, Guardian of the Cosmos
Master of cosmic and stellar magic and might. Aurelia forges stars in the new celestial furnaces rebuilt in the Nebula Veil. She maintains the balance of solar energies throughout the universe and gates to the multiverse, with the help of Celestia. She is the little sister of Aurelion and replaced him after his defeat.
Celestia
Starlight Virtue
Age: 850,000+ years
Domain: The Nebula Veil
Status: Keeper of Cosmic Harmony
A channel of miraculous energy, Celestia weaves celestial melodies that maintain universal balance. Her song guides comets and shapes nebulae, and her tears become new star clusters.
Lumina
Moonlight Throne
Age: 450,000+ years
Domain: The Silver Spire
Status: Embodiment of Divine Law
A sentient seat of judgment, Lumina embodies divine law and order. She is the keeper of the Akashic Records, containing all knowledge of creation, and her light illuminates the path to wisdom.
Orionis
Celestial Warden
Age: 420,000+ years
Domain: The Constellation Wall
Status: Commander of Celestial Legions
A named commander of celestial legions, Orionis wields a spear forged from starlight that can pierce dimensional barriers and banish darkness. He is a formidable defender of the Heavenly Gates.
Halo-99
Neo-Angel (First Doubter)
Age: Exact is unknown (roughly 500-1000 years)
Designation: Halo Unit
Status: Heaven's Robo-Cop / Disillusioned Enforcer
A cybernetically augmented Neo-Angel, Halo-99 is one of the first to doubt Heaven's supposed righteousness. She serves as Heaven's police, but secretly despises the corruption of the Celestial High Council and seeks genuine justice. Mother of Polearm-99 and friend to Glaive-14.
Agrat bat Mahlat
Unknown Celestial (Lilith's Sister)
Age: Ancient (Sister to Lilith)
Weapon: Chariot of Nightmares
Status: Active, Associated with Temptation
One of the ancient demonesses, regarded as a sister to Lilith. Agrat is associated with dark temptations and is said to ride a fearsome chariot through the night, spreading corruption and discord.
Eisheth Zenunim
Celestial Knight
Age: Ancient (Associated with Lilith)
Weapon: Bronze Blade of Judgment
Status: Active, Enigmatic
A lesser-known, ancient sometimes grouped with Lilith. Eisheth embodies a darker, knightly aspect, wielding a formidable blade that enforces her own mysterious will within the demonic realms.
Shadowbane
Fallen Angel (Corrupted Grace)
Age: Roughly 20,000 years
Weapon: Hellish Weapon (from Forge Hellfire)
Status: Allied with Hellfires, Seeking Revenge
Once a radiant angel, Shadowbane's mysterious fall transformed her into a being of shadows and corrupted grace. Banished from the ethereal and rejected by The Arch Ethereal, she now seeks vengeance against all ethereal beings, allied with the Hellfires.
Nightmarch
Fallen Warrior Herald
Age: Roughly 55,000 years
Weapon: Holy Spear of Discord
Status: Active, Spreader of Dark Prophecies
Once defender of those who bear divine announcements, Nightmarch fell from grace. Now, she twists her former purpose, delivering grim prophecies and sowing discord with her corrupted pronouncements.
Tigerblood
Fallen War Angel
Age: Roughly 55,000 years
Weapon: Purple Enchanted Longsword
Status: Active, Destructive Force
Once a six-winged juggernaut of Heaven's wrath, Tigerblood's fall has amplified her destructive tendencies. She now unleashes raw, untamed power, a force of pure combat mayhem.
Thornlash
Fallen Battle Angel
Age: Roughly 33,000 years
Weapon: Orange Enchanted Longsword
Status: Active, Precision Combatant
A former strategic warrior-seraph, Thornlash now applies her high-precision combat skills with a cruel twist. She wields barbed chains, specializing in ensnaring and debilitating foes with ruthless efficiency.
Polearm-99
Neo-Angel (Daughter of Halo-99)
Age: Younger than Halo-99
Weapon: Futuristic Plasma Rifle
Status: Active, Friend of Glaive-14
A Neo-Angel from the Polearm Unit, and daughter of Halo-99. She is a close friend of Glaive-14 and, like her mother, is beginning to question the true nature of Heaven's order.
Glaive-14
Neo-Angel (Significant Doubter)
Age: 310 years
Weapon: Plasma Pistol & Energy Blade
Status: Active, Ally of Amber Hellfire
A Neo-Angel cop from the Glaive Unit, and a significant doubter of Heaven's righteousness. She formed an unbreakable bond, and secret love, with Amber Hellfire, risking her standing to maintain their connection even after Amber's exile.
Quick Celestial Lore Spark
- The Arch Ethereal: The preeminent celestial entity, embodying cosmic wisdom and boundless compassion. She perceives all but adjudicates none, offering guidance to earnest seekers. She does not communicate with Neo-Angels or Fallen Angels due to a cosmic law.
- The Source: The ultimate origin of all divine energy and celestial beings. Its true nature is beyond comprehension, a wellspring of pure cosmic existence from which the Celestial Highers emerged.
- The Luminary Spire: The central and highest structure in Heaven, home to the most powerful celestial beings and the seat of the Celestial High Council. Its upper levels are reserved for the Prime Luminary and Celestial Highers.
- The Akashic Records: A vast, ethereal library within Heaven, overseen by the Moonlight Thrones. It contains all knowledge of creation, past, present, and potential futures, accessible only to those with the highest divine clearance.
The Holy Chronicles: Amber Hellfire is recruited
The celestial gates shimmered, not with the usual welcoming glow, but with a tense anticipation. Amber Hellfire, still bearing the subtle marks of her demonic origin beneath newly acquired golden celestial armor, stood before the Celestial High Council. Her black wings, a permanent reminder of her true self, were folded tightly, a stark contrast to the pure white pinions of the angels around her. She had sought redemption, a way to live with strength without the cruelty of her bloodline, and Heaven, in its infinite wisdom, had seemingly offered it.
Her recruitment was a calculated risk for Heaven, a propaganda coup to show their "mercy" and "transformative power." Amber, in turn, saw a chance for a new purpose. She was quickly integrated into their ranks, her formidable combat prowess making her an invaluable asset, even outperforming many native-born angels. It was here she met Glaive-14, a Neo-Angel whose pragmatic view of justice resonated with Amber's own burgeoning disillusionment. Their bond, forged in shared patrols against alien threats on the outskirts of Heaven, would become a quiet rebellion against the very system they served.