Angels

A species from Heaven, and the polar opposite of Demonkind. Angels are creatures of light, whereas Demons are creatures of darkness. This is rather interesting, considering that Demons were once Angels, well, at least the original ones were.

Angels are beautiful creatures, and have large feathery wings, which of course give them the gift of flight. As with Demons, they cannot exist in this realm, and must instead take over a body of a Human. They almost always choose vessels that will not be missed, ones that already have nothing to lose. This ensures that they are not being too invasive. While an Angel is using the body, the body's original soul goes dormant, until the Angel is done using the body. Angels must use much of their power simply to keep a body from burning up, meaning that in this realm, they are much weaker than they are in Heaven.

Unlike Demons, Angels only have a single form. This form, however, does have its own advantages. They can use their full power while in this form, and can make their wings appear at will. Many also have the ability to summon weapons that are bonded to their soul. Through this method, they can summon armor and weapons that were given to them in Heaven. They have no qualms about using weapons, but usually older weapons such as swords and spears are preferred.

Angels often work closely with the Shadowhunters, acting as both advisers, and powerful fighters. Most of the time that one encounters an Angel in this realm, however, they are merely here to observe and learn. It is imperative that the Angels understand who they are protecting, and learn about the beings of this realm, to understand how they feel, and what they live for. They must come to understand why people do things, and be ready to report events of importance back to Heaven.

The ability to use Angelfire is but one of the things that makes Angels deadly foes. Angelfire alone burns both the soul and the body. However, unlike Hellfire, it can also be used to heal if the user so wishes. In addition to this, Angels also have the ability to make wings appear on their back. These wings are large, feathered, and of course grant the individual the ability to fly. A curious ability shown by powerful individuals, is the ability to rally allies and strike fear into foes just by being on the battlefield. Yes, the sight of an Angel can be terrifying in combat, but this is different. They can cause irrational fear among the enemy, and unwavering resolve in allies.

Lifespan - Immortal

Angels can live forever. The bodies that they possess do not age, so long as they are within them.

Size - 4.5 to 6.5 feet

Since they possess the bodies of Humans, they of course have the same dimensions and body sizes.

Diet - Omnivorous

The only eating that Angels actually need to do, is to keep their vessels alive. They themselves do not appear to require any sort of sustenance.

Strengths

Angels possess the ability to fly, and use devastating Angelfire. In addition to this, they can heal, and are physically stronger than Humans.

Weaknesses

Angels are generally not faster than Humans. They also have an angelic signature, similar to a demonic signature, which can give away their presence to those who can sense such things. Also, when their wings are revealed, they are a weak spot for the Angel, being a direct connection to the Angel's soul.

Reproduction - 20%

Angels can only mate succesfully with Humans, and other Angels, making them have one of the most limited interspecies relationship webs. In either case, the resulting child is a Nephilim.

Death

When an Angel dies, its soul returns to Heaven for a time, where it rests to regain enough energy to take another vessel.

Ranks

Rank E - Messenger - The weakest of Angels, who lack the power to use their abilities in this realm. They are generally here just to deliver messages.

Rank C - Watcher - Weaker Angels who only have minimal powers in this realm. They can call their wings into existence, and can use Angelfire for minor healing, but otherwise lack special abilities.

Rank B - Missionary - Angels of medium rank, they can use Angelfire to some degree, as well as of course being able to use their wings. They are stronger than most Humans, and generally have combat training.

Rank A - Holy Flame - Powerful individuals, they can use Angelfire to great effect, and are stronger than any normal Human. They possess the ability to rally allies, and strike fear into the hearts of lesser foes.

Rank S - Archangel - The most powerful of Angels. They can smite most enemies with little effort, merely engulfing them in glorious flames with a flick of the wrist. They can make entire armies flee in terror with their mere presence on the battlefield.