1. Seraphim	2. Cherubim	3. Thrones	4. Dominations	5. Virtues
6. Powers	7. Principalities	8. Archangels	9. Angels of the Ninth Order	Dragon 35

This article is intended as a supplement to the games of D&D && AD&D.
Though the info it contains is based on both religious literature and theological speculations,
it is not intended to be representative of any religion’s actual beliefs.
Its sources also include popular fiction such as Dante’s Inferno && Milton’s Paradise Lost.

* * *

There exists in AD&D a multitude of Evil spirits, including Devils && Demons of all sorts.
Through these spirits, the powers of evil are
able to act on many levels in many places simultaneously. Missing is the
counterpart of the Devils to represent and protect Good. These messengers of goodness are often referred to as Angels.

Angels will appear much more rarely than will devils or demons.
This is primarily because, while the powers of Evil || Chaos are anxious
to interfere at every opportunity, the powers of 8God1doG8 are concerned with
men developing goodness within themselves and by their own efforts.
Angels are therefore less often participants in the struggle than they are messengers carrying needed Information && Inspiration.
In most earthly affairs they are more like coaches than star players.
This is to NOT say that they never take an active role in the conflict, for they are known to have done so before, especially in cases where their fallen brethren
(Devils) are involved.

The  as it is commonly pictured today is the product of a concept which has been evolving throughout most of the history of monotheism.
When Amenhotep IV (Akhnaton) tried to replace Egyptian pantheism with a belief in one supreme deity, he was left with the problem of what to do with the other gods.
Many of these gods had faithful (and powerful) followers who would resent having their god(s) eliminated by decree of the Pharaoh. <which one?>

Akhnaton’s solution was to demote the other deities from complete godhood to a lesser status as powerful beings in the service of the one God.

A similar, and more permanent, fate overtook the Persian deities
when the prophet Zoroaster (sixth century B.C.) declared that Ahura-Mazda was the supreme deity.
During Zoroaster’s years of preaching,
he found it impossible to completely eradicate belief in the older,
traditional deities.
Eventually the prophet began referring to them as
“beneficent immortals” or condemning them as “demons.”

The Angels of the early Hebrew religion drew upon the many
different concepts of lesser deities to which they were exposed.
These included not only the lesser gods of Persia, but also the Egyptian Kas && the Mesopotamian Genii.
As with all of these predecessors, they were the intermediary between the one God && man.
In the Book of Enoch (which is not part of the official Old Testament), some Angels were referred to as “watchers.”

These Angels were designated to look after man, but some could
not resist attempting to change what had been created.
So, landing first on Mount Hermon they spread out among the lands of men.
They then proceeded to teach men all sorts of “forbidden” knowledge and have sons borne by human wives.
<^sex+1()^>

These sons were literally giants; they caused immense problems,
and eventually men begged the other s for help. They then had
the 8Supreme Deity8 intervene. The “watchers” were forced to watch as
their children slaughtered each other and then were cast into pits and
covered with rocks (until the Judgement Day, when they shall be
thrown into the “abyss of fire”).
Enoch becomes involved when they ask him to intercede for them, but he is refused.

Even those angels who remained good were fearful to behold in the Old Testament.
Isaiah describes the Seraph as having six wings and later four faces.
He also refers to one Angel as being like the child of an adder in appearance.
In the Apocalypse, depicted at the very end of the Bible, the Angel that dictates to St. John appears as an elaborate
creature which includes seven golden candlesticks, plus a center that
was “one like unto the son of man” in a long white garment. His eyes
were like fire. Out of his mouth was said to come a two-edged sword. <what kind of sword?>
John fainted dead away.

Angels are often described as the seraphim && cherubim.
These phrases may also give a hint as to their early appearance.

Seraphim: “Seraph” means serpent and Seraphim directly translates “burning ones.”
The cherubim referred to in Exodus 25 are not the cute little winged children commonly pictured today, but rather were closer to the Babylonian Karibu, from which the word is thought to have been derived.

Karibu: The Karibu resembled nothing so much as the Griffin, a cross between
a mammal and a bird.
Solomon seems to have pictured them this way when he describes the images of two that were included in the temple
he built (2 Chronicles).

<img>

In modern times most angels are pictured as being DaVinci-like,
perfectly formed humans w/ white wings. During the Middle Ages
there was a large amount of literature && speculation as to the organi-
zation of the “heavenly hosts.”With these references (and a large
degree of license) it is possible to populate an angelic hierarchy.

There are many different lists giving from seven to twelve orders of
The Celestial Hierarchy angels. Such lists seem to have been popular,
as they can be found in sources as old as the Zohar (Exodus 43A), St. Thomas Aquinas;
Summa Theologica, the Mishne Torah, and Dante’s Inferno. Most lists
contain similar groups with the order varying greatly after the first two
types, Seraphim and then Cherubim, are listed. Aquinas; list is included here:
    1. Seraphim;
    2. Cherubim;
    3. Thrones;
    4. Dominations;
    5. Virtues;
    6. Powers;
    7. Principalities;
    8. Archangels;
    9. Angels.
Each order of Angels differs in their areas of duties and abilities.
Some, such as the Seraphim, are extremely unlikely to have any
interaction with normal mortals.

All Angels have the following abilities,
which they can use as often as desired: Bless (double strength +2,
lasts until removed); Detect Evil; Remove Fear; Know Alignment;
Remove Curse; Dispel Magic; Exorcise; Protection from Evil 20’
radius; Shapechange.

Angels in combat are subject to the same vulnerabilities as Devils
(fallen angels, after all) in the MM. Few Angels will have
any treasure in human terms, but an angel may be guarding a special artifact or holy place. <relic>
Angels speak all the languages of men fluently.

The original ruling prince of the Seraphim was Satan.
His place was taken by Michael (also called Seraphiel).
It is the duty of the Seraphim to surround the Throne of the Supreme Deity, intoning constantly his praise.
In 3 Enoch there is said to be only four Seraphim.

    FREQUENCY: Never on the material planes, otherwise very rare.
    NUMBER APPEARING: 1 (all four being found only at the throne)
    ARMOR CLASS: -7
    MOVE: 12/24
    H.D.: 199 Hit Points
    NUMBER OF ATTACKS: 1
    DAMAGE/ATTACK: 4-14
    SPECIAL ATTACKS: listed below
    SPECIAL DEFENSES: +3 or better to hit
    MAGIC RESISTANCE: 90%
    INTELLIGENCE: Genius
    ALIGNMENT: Lawful Good (of course)
    SIZE: Varies, as they desire

The Seraphim are the Elite of the Heavenly Hosts. They have
available to them all Miracles (all clerical spells). They may use one per
melee round and each one as often as desired. Seraphim often take on
the form of a fiery serpent when smiting the forces of Evil. Also known
as the Angels of love, light, and fire.

All Angels have the following abilities,
which they can use as often as desired: Bless (double strength +2,
lasts until removed); Detect Evil; Remove Fear; Know Alignment;
Remove Curse; Dispel Magic; Exorcise; Protection from Evil 20’
radius; Shapechange.
 

The Cherubim

The Cherubim are the first angels to be mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 3:22), guarding with a {flaming sword} the tree of Life in Eden.
Their griffin-like form is often used in early Hebrew religious sculpture.
They are the “flame of whirling swords” and are the guardians and protectors of Good’s greatest treasures.

All Angels have the following abilities,
which they can use as often as desired: Bless (double strength +2,
lasts until removed); Detect Evil; Remove Fear; Know Alignment;
Remove Curse; Dispel Magic; Exorcise; Protection from Evil 20’
radius; Shapechange.

The Ruling Princes of the Cherubim are:

FREQUENCY: Very rare
NUMBER: 1
ARMOR CLASS: -5
MOVE: 12/30
H.D.: 166 Hit Points
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: With fiery sword, 12-34 (10 + 2d12)
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Listed below
SPECIAL DEFENSES: +3 or better to hit
MAGIC RESISTANCE: 85%
INTELLIGENCE: Genius
ALIGNMENT: Lawful Good
SIZE: Large (12’ tall)

A Cherubim is likely only to be encountered if a character is
attempting to gain some item or piece of knowledge guarded by one.
Cherubim have the following specabs, which they will employ to
protect their trust. Each of these powers may be used as often as
desired, one per melee round: Wall of Fire, Flamestrike, Blade Barrier,
Glyph of Warding, and Lightning Bolt (10 dice).

All Angels have the following abilities,
which they can use as often as desired: Bless (double strength +2,
lasts until removed); Detect Evil; Remove Fear; Know Alignment;
Remove Curse; Dispel Magic; Exorcise; Protection from Evil 20’
radius; Shapechange.

Thrones

The third order in the Celestial hierarchy is the Thrones, who are charged with being the instruments of ultimate justice.
Rarely coming if appealed to, the Thrones appear when dispatched even if no request is made.
They tend to be more concerned with slights to their Deity than with the actions men do to one another.
They are mentioned in the Testament of Levi in the Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs.
The Princes are:
    Orifiel,
    Zaphkiel,
    Jophiel, and
    Raziel.

FREQUENCY: Very rare
NO. APPEARING: 1
ARMOR CLASS: -3
MOVE: 9/24
HIT DICE:133 Hit Points
NO. OF ATTACKS: Varies
DAMAGE/ATTACK: Varies (see below)
SPECIAL ATTACKS: See below
SPECIAL DEFENSES: +2 or better to hit
MAGIC RESISTANCE: 75%
INTELLIGENCE: Exceptional
ALIGNMENT: Lawful Good
SIZE: Varies

The Throne can assume the shape and powers of any other creature.
The Angel has the full abilities of the creature whose shape it assumes.
If the Throne assumes a humanoid shape, it has the abilities of whatever character class it chooses at the 15th level of ability.
The Thrones are relentless in their duty, and if defeated will retire for a year and then take up their pursuit again.
They are vaguely reptilian in their natural form and there is a 50% chance that they will employ one offensive magic item when in human form. <make table of offensive magic items>

All Angels have the following abilities,
which they can use as often as desired: Bless (double strength +2,
lasts until removed); Detect Evil; Remove Fear; Know Alignment;
Remove Curse; Dispel Magic; Exorcise; Protection from Evil 20’
radius; Shapechange.

Dominations

The Angels of this order are often seen appearing as Lords of great
majesty holding an orb, sceptre, or both. Their duty is to regulate the
Angels (fallen && true), and through them the Majesty of the Deity is
manifested. They are referred to in Colossians 1:16 and Enoch 20:1.
Should a Devil take too active a role on the material plane, one of the
Dominations will return him to his rightful place. They also react to
those who would put themselves forward as being a (false) god due to
magical powers or abilities.

The ruling Princes of Dominations are Zadkiel, Hashmal, Zacharael (Yahriel), and Muriel.

FREQUENCY: Rare
NO. APPEARING: 1
ARMOR CLASS: -2
MOVE: 9/24
HIT DICE: 88 Hit Points
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE: 5-60 (5d12 to subdue only)
SPECIAL ATTACKS: See below
SPECIAL DEFENSES: +2 or better to hit
MAGIC RESISTANCE: 65%
INTELLIGENCE: Exceptional
ALIGNMENT: Lawful Good
SIZE: Large (12’ tall)

When in conflict with a Devil, the Dominations will always attempt
to force the Devil to return to Hell. They will drive the Devil forth,
striking it with both hands until it subdues meekly, returning to its own
plane.

All Angels have the following abilities,
which they can use as often as desired: Bless (double strength +2,
lasts until removed); Detect Evil; Remove Fear; Know Alignment;
Remove Curse; Dispel Magic; Exorcise; Protection from Evil 20’
radius; Shapechange.

When in conflict with other creatures, the Angels of this order will
first attempt to overawe their opponent with the majesty of the power of
their Deity (save vs. Magic or be subdued), and if this fails they will use
miracles to put the opponent in a position where it can do no damage
while contemplating the error of its ways.

Angels of Dominations know the names of all creatures, and 40%
of the time will have and employ a Brazen Bottle. They may also
employ once per round any of the following miracles, Hold Person or
Monster (save at-3), Dispel Magic, Plane Shift, Dispel Evil, Poly-
morph Others, Imprisonment, Flesh to Stone or Salt, and Spiritwrack.
(Turn to page 42)

Virtues

The Virtues are the order of Angels that most commonly deals with men.
Their principal duty is to work miracles upon the Earth.
They are also said to be the chief bestowers of grace && valor.
As such, there is a possibility that they can reward an especially deserving human with an increase in charisma.
The Virtues often appear as perfectly formed humans with glowing countenances (very similar to what we expect an angel to appear like today).

All Angels have the following abilities,
which they can use as often as desired: Bless (double strength +2,
lasts until removed); Detect Evil; Remove Fear; Know Alignment;
Remove Curse; Dispel Magic; Exorcise; Protection from Evil 20’
radius; Shapechange.

zb
It is common for a Virtue to be accompanied by 2-12 Angels (9th order).
It was written that two Virtues accompanied by 12 Angels prepared Eve for the birth of Cain in Davidson’s monograph The Celestial Virtues.
The two angels pictured in the Ascension are commonly believed to be Virtues.
The Princes of the Virtues are:
    Uzziel,
    Gabriel, <use Arabic font for Gabriel>
    Michael,

    Peliei,
    Barbiel,
    Sabriel,
    Haniel,
    Hamaliel,
    and Tarshish.

FREQUENCY: Rare
NO. APPEARING: 1 or 2
ARMOR CLASS: -3
MOVE: 9/24
HIT DICE: 10
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE: 2-12
SPECIAL ATTACKS: See below
SPECIAL DEFENSES: +2 or better to hit
MAGIC RESISTANCE: 65%
INTELLIGENCE: Exceptional
ALIGNMENT: Lawful Good
SIZE: M (6-8’ tall)

It is not uncommon for a Virtue which has been sent to the Material plane to have been given the ability to perform one specific miracle that is beyond its normal powers.
These would be major miracles, such as
stopping the Sun || parting the Red Sea. All Virtues have the following <>
powers which can be used once per round as often as desired: Command;
Create Food or Water; Cure Disease, Blindness, or Insanity;
Hold Person; Speak with Dead; Cure Serious Wounds;
Neutralize Poison; Insect Plague; Raise Dead; True Seeing; and Find the Path.
Once per day Virtues may perform a Restoration or Resurrection.
If attacked, a Virtue will summon 2-12 Angels for assistance.

Powers

Powers are charged with seeing that the order of the spheres is maintained.
In this they are the chief opponents of Demons rather than Devils, because it is Demons who strive for chaos.
Powers are more frequent visitors to the Material plane than most types of Angels.
They are zealous in their dedication to maintaining the order as it should be.
The powers are divided into six groups:
    Logic,
    Creativity,
    Strength,
    Mercy,
    Legislation and
    Punishment.
St. Paul, in his Epistles, denotes that to him the Powers are or could be on occasion Evil, or have the potential to be so.
In Excerpts from Theodotus the Powers are said to be the first Angels created.
In Paradise Lost they are the Order of the Guards in the celestial army.
Chief among the Prices <?> is Camael.
The others are Gabriel, Vercheil, and formerly Satan (before the fall). <again, Arabic font for Gabriel>

Frequency: Rare
Number Appearing: 1 or 1-3
Armor Class: -3
Move: 9/24”
Hit Dice: 14
Number of Attacks: 1
Damage: 2-24
Special Attacks: see below
Special Defenses: +2 or better to hit
Magic Resistance: 65%
Intelligence: Exceptional
Alignment: Lawful Good
Size: L (12’ tall)

FREQUENCY:
NUMBER APPEARING:

The Powers have a Strength of 18/00 and regenerate 2 points of damage per round.
They add +3 to the morale of any Good creature who can see them.
Once each round a Power may use one of the following: Hold Person || Monster, Silence 15’, Continual Light, Sticks
to Snakes, Flame Strike, True Seeing, Blade Barrier, Stone Tell. Once
per day a Power may use Resurrection, Earthquake, Holy Word.

All Angels have the following abilities,
which they can use as often as desired: Bless (double strength +2,
lasts until removed); Detect Evil; Remove Fear; Know Alignment;
Remove Curse; Dispel Magic; Exorcise; Protection from Evil 20’
radius; Shapechange.

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Stevenson_Memorial_1903_Abbott_Thayer.jpg>

Principalities

The Order of the Principalities is entrusted with the duty of protect-
ing religion, and its temples, and priests. They also (according to
Dionysius) watch over the leaders of the people. With the leaders, their <cf. H4, St. Dionysus?>
primary concern is to prevent the powers of evil from having too much
sway. They prefer to work by inspiration rather than taking any direct
action when dealing with earthly rulers.

If a temple of Good is being desecrated or a faithful follower is in
great danger, there is apossibility that an angel of Principalities will
intervene. They restrict their actions to the minimum necessary for
protecting their charge. They never use more force than is necessary. If
telling a bishop about an escape route will save him, for instance, they
would never do more than that. If the bishop fails to heed the warning
and is captured, the Principalities take little notice because they believe
in allowing man his free will. If they are needed, the Principalities have
the ability to gate in 1-4 angels (9th order).

The Princes are:

Nisroc, Hanieln, Requel, Cerviel, and Amael.
Frequency: Rare
Number appearing: 1
Armor Class: -4
Move: 9/18”
Hit Dice: 11
Number of Attacks: 1
Damage: 2-16
Special Attacks: See below
Special Defenses:+2 or better to hit
Magic Resistance: 55%
Intelligence: Exceptional
Alignment: Lawful Good
Size: M
Principalities will appear most often as a noble-looking king or
high-level cleric. When possible, they will remain invisible and employ
42

a powerful suggestion spell to impart their message. If needed, a
Principality can employ any of these abilities one at a time, one per
melee round: Command, Detect Charm, Detect Lie, Tongues (and its
reverse), True Seeing, Suggestion, Invisibility, Ventriloquism, Confu-
sion, Project Image. Once per day these Angels may use Flamestrike,
Teleport (others), Restoration and Control Weather.

All Angels have the following abilities,
which they can use as often as desired: Bless (double strength +2,
lasts until removed); Detect Evil; Remove Fear; Know Alignment;
Remove Curse; Dispel Magic; Exorcise; Protection from Evil 20’
radius; Shapechange.

Archangels

In Revelations 8:2, John refers to the seven Angels who stand before God.
These are the Archangels, who head up the Heavenly Hosts.
Enoch I lists them as Uriel, Raguel, Michael, Seraqael, Gabriel, Haniel, and Raphael.
Their Leader is usually considered to be either Raphael or Michael.
The Koran describes Michael as the Warrior Archangel, <>
and he is normally considered to have headed the Heavenly Hosts that defeated the revoking angels led by Satan (Lucifer).

Archangels are also used to carry messages of great import.

FREQUENCY: Very rare
NO. APPEARING: 1
ARMOR CLASS: -3
Move: 9/24”
Hite Dice: 11
No. of Attacks: 1
Damage: 6-24 (6d4)
Special Attacks: See below
Special Defenses: +2 or better to hit
Magic Resistance: 55%
Intelligence: Genius
Alignment: Lawful Good
Size: L (10’ tall)

Each Archangel leads a Heavenly Host whose population has been
estimated many times, never less than many thousands. When acting
as messengers they travel alone, but have the ability to gate in as many
of their Host as is needed (at 1-3 per round). Archangels may also use
one of the following per melee round as often as desired: Spiritual
Hammer (doing 9-12 points for 20 rounds), Chant (affects human
types only), Dispel Evil, Flame Strike, Insect Plague, Blade Barrier, and
Call Lightning. Once per day they may use Earthquake, Holy Word,
Symbol. Virtually never will an Archangel appear himself if less than a
massive attack of Devils is involved. Most often, Heaven’s Marshals will
appear as a muscular, white-clad warrior of great beauty and charisma.

All Angels have the following abilities,
which they can use as often as desired: Bless (double strength +2,
lasts until removed); Detect Evil; Remove Fear; Know Alignment;
Remove Curse; Dispel Magic; Exorcise; Protection from Evil 20’
radius; Shapechange.

Angels of the Ninth Order

By far the largest number of Angels belong to this order. These are
the multitudes of Angels that make up the Celestial Host and Choirs.
They are also the most-used Angels for the carrying of messages,
warnings, etc. to other planes. They serve also at the call of the angels of
the other orders and assist them in their tasks. Among these angels the
Princes (Sergeants) are: Phaleg, Adnachiel, Gabriel, and Chayliel.

Frequency: Uncommon
No. appearing: 1 or 1-4
Armor Class: -4
Move: 9/18
Hit Dice: 6-8
Number of attacks: 1
Damage: 4-24 (4d6)
Special Attacks: See below
Special Defenses:+1 or better to hit
Magic Resistance: 50%
Intelligence: High
Alignment: Lawful Good
Size: L (9’ tall)

The Angelic hosts can appear in any form they choose. Most
commonly they appear as human warriors with white robes and Holy
Swords || Hammers which only they can use. They are capable of
meleeing and invoking a miracle simultaneously. When not combating
evil, Angels will assume the appearance of a pleasantly featured
human. Angels may employ one of the following per melee round:
Cure Light Wounds, Purify Food and Drink, Hold Person,
Plane Shift (others), Speak with Dead, Blade Barrier, and Cure
Disease. Once per day the Angel may Control Weather as a 12th level Druid.

All Angels have the following abilities,
which they can use as often as desired: Bless (double strength +2,
lasts until removed); Detect Evil; Remove Fear; Know Alignment;
Remove Curse; Dispel Magic; Exorcise; Protection from Evil 20’
radius; Shapechange.

A particular group of cabalistic Throne Angels are closely involved
in the magic arts and can be invoked by Good Magic Users. They are
knowledgable in all matters arcane, but part with any knowledge
reluctantly, feeling that a Magic User is best served by advancing
himself through his own efforts. In the Sixth and Seventh Books of
Moses, 15 of these Angels are mentioned, including:
Thronus, Techom, Haseha, Amarzyom, Schawayt, Chuscha, Zawar, Yahel, Adoyahel and five others.
Angels are also assigned to look after the seasons and their manifes-
tations. This list is based on those in The Magus:

* * *

In The Book of Jubilees the watchers are the Sons of God (Genesis
6). Some of these fell from grace, as described earlier, but many
remained. They are the Holy Watchers of today; treat them as ordinary
Angels with special knowledge, as follows:

Armaros—Teacher of enchantments.
Araqiel—Taught the signs of the Earth.
Baraqijal—Taught astrology.
Gadreel—Introduced weapon of war to Man.
Penemue—Taught man writing, and for
Sariel—Taught the courses of the Moon.
this iseternallydamned.
Many of the Princes of the Angels also have other roles of interac-
tion with men. They possess and can grant to an especially worthy man
knowledge in a certain area. A few of these are:
Akatriel—Revealer of mysteries.
Gabriel—Mercy and vengeance.
Metatron—The sustainer of Mankind.
Michael—Angel of repentance; Chief angel
Raphael—Healing, science, and knowledge.
Sopheriel Mehayye and Sophereil Memeth—Keepers of the Book of Life and Death.
Sandalphon—Angel of Power and Glory.
Zagzagel—Angel of Wisdom.

* * *
Angels can be easily included in most campaigns. They can be
viewed as serving the concept of Good, Love or whatever and defi-
nitely are not limited to use only in a Christian, quasi-Christian, or even
pre-Christian theology. They can be as accessible as you desire, so long
as their role and purposes are remembered. They do have a respect for
men’s free will and will let a fool act foolishly if he disregards their
warnings.

Using Angels can greatly expand the scope of opponents and the
activities of an Evil PC. They should be treated as the
Good counterpart of Devils or Demons, as described in AD&D, and are
considerably less powerful than is often portrayed today. Do not also
forget to include the hatred that the fallen Angels have for their still-
blessed bretheren and those who assist them. Having such a powerful
friend can create powerful enemies. Angels in the Middle Ages were
also often the inspiration of Quests.

'Poor Taste'

Unfortunately, I do not feel so good about
Mr. Fawcett’s article, “Angels in Dungeons and
Dragons.” Yes, I did read the article’s opening
statement about the source material being both
religious and fictional in nature. As a DM, I will
admit that the concept of having angels for the
deities of a mythos is intriguing. However, it is
the source material that bothers me. Let us remember
that much of the article was derived
from the Holy Bible, and as far as I’m concerned
that is not a book to be taken lightly! Games are
games, but the Word of God is not something to
be used in such a manner.

I happen to believe in the Bible. However, I
also happen to believe in the Constitution, and I
respect your right to print what you wish. But I
think that “Angels in Dungeons and Dragons”
was in extremely poor taste.
 

Vaughn L. Shepherd
—Lafayette, IN
(The Dragon #37)
 

Angels are OK

Dear Editor:
I’m writing this letter primarily because of
Vaughn L. Shepherd’s letter in TD 37, which
criticizes Bill Fawcett’s “Angels in D&D” because
it uses the Bible as part of its source
material. Mr. Shepherd says himself that the
concept of having angels for the deities of a
mythos is “intriguing.” Why not use them then, I
ask? Demons and devils were also in the Bible;
does he somehow omit these from his campaign
also? I don’t see anything wrong with using
Judeo-Christian literature for sources, nor any
other mythos either. It makes the game more
interesting, and it is necessary, in a game with
cleric-types, unless the DM uses “invented”
deities and such, like in “Of The Gods” (TD 29) <link>
or “The Ramifications of Alignment” (TD 24).

Let me finish this statement with a direct
quote from a reply to a similar pair of letters in <link, link>
TD 24: “TSR Periodicals is not in the business of
ridiculing any religions or religious beliefs, nor
do we seek to do so in the future.”

Craig Stenseth,
Sioux Falls, S.D.
(The Dragon #39)
 

"Not sacrilegious"

To the editor:
I would like to comment on Vaughn Shepherd’s
letter in Out on a Limb (TD-37) regarding
the article “Angels” (TD-35). Mr. Shepherd
stated that he thought this article was in “extremely
poor taste.” I must disagree. Using the
Bible as a source for game material is not being
sacrilegious; in fact, incorporating angels into a
game system might even help us to understand
them better.

I would also like to say that I agree with Jake
(Out on a Limb, TD-37) in that this leaning toward
realism in fantasy role-playing games is
ridiculous. The two words “fantasy” and “realism”
are nearly opposite in meaning, so how can
a fantasy game be realistic in a!! aspects?
<move>

Keep up the good work and keep Out on a
Limb!
Jeff Allison
Fullerton, Calif.
(Dragon #41)
 

EGG's opinions
Dear Editor:
For those readers who wish to know the
opinions of the individual generally held culpable
for creating the whole mess, I offer the following
terse comments on #39:

Angels will never be part of D&D/AD&D as
long as I have anything to say. That treads too
close.

E. Gary Gygax
Lake Geneva, Wis
(Dragon #41)
[edit]
 

EGG revisited

Dear Sirs:
Reading “EGG’s Opinions” in the Out on a
Limb section of TD #41 prompted me to write this
letter in response. Many times in past issues of this
fine magazine Mr. Gygax has preached to us “ignorant”
players about this or that. Now granted,
much of what he says holds water, but it is not
necessarily the content of what he states but the
manner in which he states it which ticks me off:
specifically, the I-am-Lord-of-All, Everything-I-say
is-God’s-Holy-Word syndrome.

If I understand the game correctly, the object is
to have fun, and creativity is the whole idea behind
it. In the preface of The Players Handbook,
E.G.G. says, “Even the most important material
herein can be altered and bent to suit the needs of
individual campaigns.” But this does not seem to
be the attitude of that other E.G.G., who says,
“Angels will never be a part of D&D/AD&D as
long as I have anything to say. That treads too
close.” I ask Too close to what? The Bible? As Mr. <link>
Stenseth points out in his letter to Dragon #39,
devils are in the Holy Book. Devils which possibly
inhabit a real Hell are actually named in person in
Mr. Gygax’s Monster Manual. Now if that isn’t
treading close, what is?

With respect to E.G.G.’s stand on anti-paladins
and critical hits, what skin is it off his teeth if an individual
DM uses these rules in an otherwise “official”
AD&D campaign? Anti-paladins sometimes
can give relief (comic or otherwise) to a normally
good-oriented campaign; and (at least in my
opinion) some kind of critical hit/fumble table is
desirable to offset the hit point system of
D&D/AD&D, which otherwise provides that there
is no risk of death to a 67 hit point character who
wades into a pool of raving orcs and goblins!
There is simply no way these low hit die creatures
can pull off a realistically possible critical blow to a
character such as this unless he has been fighting
for a long time and weakening himself.

Actually, I greatly respect Mr. Gygax for his
pioneering this wonderful fantasy role-playing
hobby and (more specifically) his very good Advanced
Dungeons & Dragons rules system. It is
just that I don’t like the way that he may be misleading
people with the idea that these rules
should be used as anything other than simple
guidelines to be followed in the development of a
good, healthy campaign.

Eric Robinson
New Haven, Conn.
(Dragon #43)
 

Mr. Gygax’s reply:
Eric, you seem to have D&D confused with
AD&D. The former promotes alteration and
free-wheeling adaptation. The latter absolutely
decries it, for the obvious reason that Advanced
D&D is a structured and complete game system
aimed at uniformity of play world-wide. Either
you play AD&D, or you play something else!

As to angels and devils, I of course referred
to Judeo-Christianity. Obviously, while little objection
can be made to the utilization and slaying
of demons and devils, who would dare say the
same of angels? Surely you can recognize that
game use of such is absolutely out of the question
for those of Judeo-Christian faith, or Mos-
lems and many others as well.
 
 
 
 

‘Bravo’

Dear Editor:
Bravo for the fine article on angels that you
printed in TD #35. William Fawcett is a fine
fantasy player, and has done the hobby a great
service in this and other well-researched and
written articles. We should have as many angels
as we can get, even though there will never be as
many of them as demons or devils. Perhaps Bill
could also do an article on warrior saints.

By chance, my normal Bible readings happened
upon one of Bill’s texts just before I read
the article. There I found an answer to a question
that had bothered me? What is a Fantasysmith? I
had thought only that a Fantasysmith should be
a craftsman who produced fantasy. Solomon
had the idea much clearer than I, however:

    “. . . a man cunning to work in gold,
    and in silver, and in brass, and in iron,
    and in purple and crimson, and blue, and
    that can skill to grave with the cunning
    men. . . .”—2 Chronicles, 2: 7

My own personal cunning is much lower
than that of this type of Fantasysmith, but a
fictitious player character could have those skills
that I lack as well as the few I possess.

If you would be so kind, please publish the
snippet I enclose. It comments on a fine angelic
warrior figure which doesn’t exactly meet Bill’s
height standards, but certainly could fit the type.

Fantasysmith
(The Dragon #37)

Psionic angels

To the editor:
The only thing I could see wrong with William
Fawcett’s Angels article (issue #35) was its not assigning
angels psionic powers. Since devils have
psionic powers, and since devils are, in reality, little
more than “fallen” angels, there is no reason why
“unfallen” angels should be denied psionic
powers.
 

Kenneth W. Burke
West Hartford, Conn.
(Dragon #43)
 
 

Mr. Fawcett’s reply:
Angels do have psionic powers. If psionics are
used in your campaign, the following values are
suggested. Angels do not study the psionic disciplines,
due to the fact that regular magic is so
easily available to them.

Seraphim — 350 points, all Attack/Defense
modes.

Cherubim — 300 points, all A/D modes.

Thrones — 275 points, all A/D modes.

Dominations — 275 points, all A/D modes, but
specialize in defense. All attacks are to subdue
only.

Virtues — 200 points, A,B,E/All.

Powers — 200 points, A,C,E/F,G,I,J.

Principalities — 150 points, All/F,G,I,J (normally
use C or D to attack).

Archangels — 150 points, A,B,E/F,G,J.

Angels (ninth order) — 150 points, A,B/F,G,I.

All angels prefer to fight on non-psionic levels. If
attacked psionically they are likely to defend
psionically while attacking magically. Angels rarely
use psionics on lesser beings due to their strong
belief in free will. Angels’ psionic strength is regained
at the rate of 24 points per hour, regardless
of activity.

Angels do not have talismans similar to those of
devils. This is because they submit to their leaders
voluntarily, and so instruments for their control are
not needed. Angels are very susceptible to blackmail
and often can be manipulated by evil characters
who have control of important Lawful Good
leaders or Clerics. (“Do this or Arsos the Good will
lose his head.”) Needless to say, this i‘s risky, and if
the captive is freed, the angel which was manipulated
may choose to make the evil character’s
reformation a personal project. Often for
“revenge” an angel so manipulated will devote his
efforts to undoing all of the evil character’s deeds.
This will continue until the angel is driven away, or
until the evil character repents and changes to a
good alignment.

The counterparts of “protection from evil” (i.e.
protection from good) items do exist. Spiritwrack
can affect an angel, but doesn’t guarantee that it
will make a deal to end its torment. Some angels
can bear any torment stoically. (This is known as a
martyr complex.) Angels are inherently unable to
agree to perform a blatantly evil act, such as killing
a Paladin. Angels never lie, not even to those of
evil alignment, but often use clever phrasing or
silence on a subject to mislead an enemy.

(Dragon #43)
 

The Ruling Princes of the Cherubim are:
Gabriel,
Cherubiel,
Ophaniel,
Raphael,
Uriel,
Zophiel (and originally Satan).
<use Arabic font for Jibril (Gabriel)>
 

Angel

FREQUENCY:
NO. APPEARING:
ARMOR CLASS:
MOVE:
HIT DICE:
% IN LAIR:
TREASURE TYPE:
NO. OF ATTACKS:
DAMAGE/ATTACK:
SPECIAL ATTACKS:
SPECIAL DEFENSES:
MAGIC RESISTANCE:
INTELLIGENCE:
ALIGNMENT:
SIZE:
PSIONIC ABILITY: Nil
    Attack/Defense Modes: Nil
LEVEL/X.P. VALUE:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Thulcondar
I find that particularly fascinating (and yet another indicator of just how far you were willing to go to find source material).
Although it also points out how far Mme. Blavatsky was willing to go for source material, inasmuch as the Deva is a Hindu figure.

I have been toying with the idea of putting together some sort of Angelic heirarchy to counter the Diabolic and Demonic heirarchies.
Since we have arch-devils, why not arch-angels? Major Devils and Seraphim.
Demon Princes and Saints...
The details are unimportant, but you get the idea...
And of course the "named" Infernal figures would have their own counterparts.

The only thing that has stumped me thusfar is in individualizing them sufficiently.
Perhaps I am a creature of the mythologies to which I am accustomed, but the angelic hosts always seemed so... homogenous.
Valkyries could work for one of the other alignments (NG, mayhap, although for those who know their true nature according to the Norse lore they are far from beneficient beings!), but I find myself at something of a stumbling block.
And for the non-good/evil minions... I would ache for something more rooted in mythology than Modrons.

Any thoughts as to a possible expansion of the demon/devil/daemon idea into the realms of Good, beyond the (to my mind, rather limited) Deva/Plantar/Solar?

As always, my thanks in advance.
 

The short answer is that as a Christian I have stayed away from Judeo-Christian theology.
Thus the use of Theophysical in Hindu spirit entities.

Cheers,
Gary

<didn't Gary convert to Christianity c. 1985?>
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gray Mouser
What? Devas like angels?
You mean the winged figure in the MM II that was an other-planar minion of the powers of weal were meant to resemble angels? That's crazy talk, I tell you!

Actually, I rather liked Devas, Solars and (IIRR) Planatars.
It did seem, however, that the Solar could give a demon lord or duke of hell a run for his money. Which is fitting, given the angel/demon/devil parallels 

I recall that the Devas were divided into three distinct groups, were Planatars and Solars, as well?
Was this three-fold division inspired by the "Choirs of Angels" belief that was developed largely by Pseudo-Dyonisius' reflection on various passages in the New Testament?

Gray Mouser

Hi Mouser,

Devas were drawn mainly from mytholology.

Planetar and Solar were inspired by Theosophy.
There were no grades of either IIRR--too lazy to dig up MMII and check for sure.

The lot were surely meant to counter, and then some, the minions of the Lower Planes 

Cheerio,
Gary
 
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mighty Veil
What exactly is Theosophy all about? I'm reading it on Wiki but that's not helping. I'm curious to know because when my grandmother died years ago. In her book collection I found a very old bible like book with the emblem of the Theosophical Society symbol on it. The symbol has the Nazi symbol in it, so I always wondered if there was some connection (not that grandma *ever* seemed like the type).

Look up Sprirtism and Theosophy online, also try Madam Blavatsky (sp?).
It was a popular belief back in the late 1800s and lasted into the early 1900s, a spritualist sort of belief.
As a matter of fact it was very active in Wisconsin...and look up Wisconsin Death Trip sometime. <the movie?>

The swastika is a gammadon, IIRR, used in ancinet India and by the American indians as a good luck symbol.

Cheers,
Gary

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mighty Veil
Looking at Solar Symbols at Wiki.
The Canadian flag looks similar to the 8 pointed star.
Makes me wonder if that's what it's suppose to be.

8 pointed star
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_symbols

Maple leaf flag
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maple_leaf_flag
 

Howdy,

I don't believe that solar symbols are connected to the supposed Theophysical Solar spirit creatire.
a sort of thing similar to a Seraph,
just as the Planatar is rougly equivalent to a Cherub.

Cheers,
Gary

Quote:
Originally Posted by dcas
Are there rough D&D equivalents to each of the nine choirs of angels?
or was that not a consideration?
 

That was not a consideration, the Devas, Planatars, and Solars were added to the roster of creatures to coulter-balance the various demone, devils, and fiends.

Cheerio,
Gary

"Take the first step in faith.
You don't have to see the whole staircase.
Just take the first step."
- Martin Luther King Jr.
 

Dedicated to Peter Steele