Angels

Angels are divinities found in the Echo and the reverse-side.

## Characteristics

Angels are considered Class D divinities. They are unable to affect large areas, but their effects within their spheres of influence can be particularly potent.

## Classification

Angels are divided into 3 groups (also known as spheres) of 3.

* First Sphere
	+ Seraphim
	+ Cherubim
	+ Thrones
* Second Sphere
	+ Dominions
	+ Virtues
	+ Powers
* Third Sphere
	+ Principalities
	+ Archangels
	+ Angels

## First Sphere

The angels of the First Sphere are isolated to the Echo. The angels of this sphere are considerably more powerful than even those of the Second Sphere.

### Seraphim

Seraphim are the strongest of the angels and are considered the direct attendants of divinities. They are entrusted with the maintenance of the Akashic Records. Some believe that the seraphim are the embodiments of the Records, and as such, they have the highest rank of eidos fortification. They are immune to the effects of magic, and even miracles have a markedly reduced effect on them. Seraphim are found solely in the depths of the Echo.

A seraph is easily recognizable due to having 6 wings (3 pairs), 2 over their feet, 2 over their face, and the remaining 2 for flight.

### Cherubim

Cherubim are protectors of the Echo.

A cherub is identifiable by their 4 wings and 4 faces. Unlike seraphim, they have 2 wings that cover their feet and another 2 for flight. Their wings are covered in eyes, giving them 360o vision around them. The cherubim have 4 faces: one each of a man, ox, lion, and eagle. The

### Thrones

The thrones are tasked with circulating information within the Echo. The thrones are constantly moving, and it is impossible to fully observe a throne in motion.

Thrones are characterized as a flame surrounded by rotating rings covered in eyes.

## Second Sphere

### Dominions

The dominions are the leaders of the lower ranks and humanity. Dominions orchestrate the movements and actions of the lower ranks, mediating between the angels of the First Sphere and those of the other two spheres. The dominions very rarely appear to humans, and even with mystic eyes, it is nearly impossible to identify a dominion.

### Virtues

Virtues are tasked with the maintenance of the laws of reality. The virtues are most closely associated with the natural world, and as such, they are more susceptible to the effects of magic.

### Powers

The powers assist the virtues with governing the natural order. They are the warrior angels who fight against demons and those who attempt to subvert reality. The powers are always observing the heavens to ensure that the natural order is being maintained.

## Third Sphere

The angels of the Third Sphere are the closest to the affairs of humanity. They are often tasked with the protection of humans and human settlements or delivering information from a divinity to humans. In their tasks, it is possible for an angel of the Third Sphere to cross from the reverse-side to the near-side, but this is a rare occurrence in the modern age. It is believed that the angels of the Third Sphere were more active in the age of gods (ending approximately in the 8th century BCE), but after the disappearances of most divinities from the near-side, the activity of the Third Sphere started to become reduced.

### Principalities

The principalities are protectors of communities and countries. Although their spheres of influence overlap, principalities are not totems.

### Archangels

Archangels are empowered to communicate and carry out the plans of divinities.

As the messengers of divinities, archangels often interacted with humans in the past, and some received names. The most powerful archangels were believed to be Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael, but it is possible that these names referred to different archangels throughout the ages, or perhaps they referred to the same one.

### Ishim

An ish is the lowest level of these divinities and most often protect individuals. The ishim are closest to humanity and as such, are the most common type of angel to be summoned to the near-side. They are composed of snow and fire and are said to be incredibly, inhumanly beautiful. However, the beauty of the ishim hides their destructive power; even the weakest of the ishim is capable of destroying an area of 5 square miles.