Archangel

 

The First Archangel, Metatron The Second Archangel, Tzaphkiel The Third Archangel, Raziel The Fourth Archangel, Kamael The Fifth Archangel, Tzadkiel The Sixth Archangel, Raphael The Seventh Archangel, Michael The Eighth Archangel, Haniel The Ninth Archangel, Gabriel The Tenth Archangel, Sandalphon

 

 

"Archangels are simply the leaders of the ten Angelic Orders and the managers of Heaven. Their powers are immense, and they're among the most powerful Aeternals. In times of war, they're the generals and strategists of the Army of Heaven. While they answer to no one but Metatron, not even to the Aspects, they take Sophia's words with the highest regard and almost always will follow her orders disguised as carefully-worded suggestions."

 

 

This page will offer a brief description of the Ten Archangels as Heavenly Entities. For more detailed information on their current Incarnations, their abilities and their role in GOSPEL, check the Characters section.

 

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The First Archangel, Metatron

The Lord of Archangels, the Crown of Heaven, the Voice of the Father, the Illuminated Hierarch

 

Level: 94

Agenda(s): The Crown, Potential, Completeness

 

 

"Metatron is the most powerful and the leader of the Archangels and the entire Hierarchy of Heaven. His voice is law throughout Heaven, and his decisions and actions define the very history of both Higher and Lower Realms. While the other Aspects of God are not subject to his authority, all of them respect and acknowledge his power. Yeah, even me.

 

Metatron is one of two Aspects of God (the other being his brother Sandalphon) who simultaneously bear the title of Archangels. His role as the Lord of Archangels is obvious. He leads and commands every single member of the Hierarchy of Heaven. He sees and knows everything that takes place within the Higher Realms, unless it involves another Aspect of God, as his power and authority does not extend to them. His word is almost absolute. This means that, while no one is under any compulsion to obey him, everybody does because they know Metatron's commands are always aimed at the well-being of Heaven and its inhabitants.

 

Metatron works as a bridge between the lesser Angels and the Aspects of God, and works to ensure his fellow Aspects are not seen as otherworldly beings beyond their grasp; beings to be whispered of and feared. He has tried to make the Aspects involve themselves a bit more with the workings of Heaven. While this is easy with characters like Sandalphon or Micael, it's hard to remove the 'divine' veil from beings like Shekinah or Sophia. Basically, most Angels think of the Aspects the way mortals think of Angels.

 

Metatron's job is incessant and permits little rest. He is very close to the secluded Adam Kadmon, probably because they're both the greatest exemplars of masculinity.....in a way. That also explains why they decided to Incarnate together as onii-chan. He admires Sophia immensely (some would even dare say he's in love with her - I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case). His labor in Heaven keeps him in regular contact with Sandalphon, and the twins are as close as they could possibly be. They represent the polar opposites of the Hierarchy -the Highest and the Lowest-.

 

It is still unclear what 'The Crown' Agenda represents. My hypothesis is that it symbolizes his authority over the Hierarchy of Heaven as its creator, ruler and enforcer. It's also curious that, despite being the leader of the Hierarchy of Heaven, Metatron doesn't have any Agenda related to authority or government."

 

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The Second Archangel, Tzaphkiel

The Heavenly Sage, The Librarian of Eternity, Keeper of the Akashic Records, The Chancellor of Heaven

 

 

Level: 76

Agenda(s): Classification, Understanding

 

"Tzaphkiel is, using mundane words you mortals can understand, a 'Warrior Sage'. This ambiguously androgynous Aeternal spends her (I'll assume he/she/it is a she for simplicity) time constantly updating and supervising the Akashic Records, the library of everything. The Records contains everything that has been, everything that is, and maybe even what will be. As you might expect, Tzaphkiel's work allows no rest. She also has to make sure none of her underlings make mistakes, as her obsession with order and structure knows no equal. Whenever an Angel, Archangel or Aspect of God needs to know something or just a little help remembering something, they go Tzaphkiel.

 

With her immense knowledge and her unmatched ability to process information and create more knowledge from it, Tzaphkiel contributes to the Hierarchy of Heaven by offering her services as an advisor, mediator and referee. Her skills are so great that most of the time she knows what you're going to ask her even before you do! Her wisdom is second to only Sophia, but Sophia is a lot harder to talk to, hence Tzaphkiel's usefulness.

 

Of course, despite being an 'ordinary' librarian, Tzaphkiel is very powerful. While she's quite capable in it, she prefers to avoid direct confrontations ('melee'). To her, the optimal resolution of a conflict is non-violent. However, should violence become necessary (in a Holy War, for example), Tzaphkiel can unleash pandemonium from afar with her titanic combinations of long-range techniques. I should know: I taught her!

 

Tzaphkiel is an Archangel of few words, hence she's not very easy to become friends with. She's closest to her mother, Sophia, and her younger sister Acamoth. She has an awkward relationship with the Third, Raziel. They both represent knowledge and its utilization, but their perspectives are so different that they often find it hard to agree on things. Tzaphkiel's passive personality often clashes with Raziel's active, almost hyper, way to do things. It's sort of a love-hate relationship. You could find them bickering one day, and the next day they're passionate lovers. Sort of like Adam and yours truly in the very, very, very, VERY old days."

 

 

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The Third Archangel, Raziel

The Bard of Glorious Songs, The Keeper of Secrets, The Angel of Mysteries

 

 

Level: 76

Agenda(s): Creativity, Secrets, Wisdom

 

"Raziel is Tzaphkiel's counterpart and an embodiment of knowledge himself. However, unlike Tzaphkiel, who works for the classification and proper use and understanding of knowledge, Raziel is mostly associated with ultimate truths and secrets better left untold. It is said that Raziel is connected to the Akashic Records by means of a powerful technique (a Reality Script, maybe?) that allows him to know every single bit of knowledge stored in Tzaphkiel's library. He's also said to know the secrets behind the creation of the Supernal Structures (I did tell him plenty about my Thread of Destiny - the guy's got a way with words. He wouldn't be able to do much with that knowledge, anyway).

 

Just like his servants, Raziel is wherever he is needed. May it be to offer his knowledge in Tzaphkiel's stead, or just to lighten the mood, Raziel is always eager to do whatever is required of him. To tell you the truth, he's also a bit of a flirt. Some would say he's irresponsible, but I have to differ. He's quite capable. He's the ultimate jack-of-all-trades. Like I said before, both he and Tzaphkiel are knowledge and its accumulation but, while Tzaphkiel is the thinker, the meditator and the erudite, Raziel is the engineer, the inventor and crafter."

 

 

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The Fourth Archangel, Kamael

The Radiant Blaze of Glory, The Sharp Blade of Heaven, Sophia's Most Beloved Firstborn

 

Level: 74

Agenda(s): Judgment, Severity, Strength

 

 

“Kamael, the first of Adam and Sophia’s children, is a warrior first and foremost. He’s a stalwart protector of Heaven, sworn enemy of Hell and the most eager to stand on the front lines when War dawns upon the Supernal Realms. This, of course, does not mean Kamael is some sort of warmonger obsessed with violence. He truly wishes for peace and would definitely enjoy a reality in which wars are not necessary. However, he understands and accepts that conflict is a necessary element, and devotes his existence to make sure Heaven is ready to face such conflict.

 

Even when there are no demons to fight, Kamael is busy studying records of past conflicts, dissecting strategies and tactics and devising new methodologies of warfare. His Seraphim undergo constant martial training and, under Shekinah’s supervision, watch over the Boundary between Heaven and Hell. 

 

Kamael is another of those “hard to approach” Archangels. He appears gruff and stern to the lesser angels and his very presence can be a little overbearing to them. Of course, everybody knows at heart that Kamael, just like the others, is a caring, gentle being. Besides, just like the others, Kamael becomes a puppy in his mother’s presence.”

 

 

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The Fifth Archangel, Tzadkiel

The First Standard Bearer, The Stern Hand of Forgiveness

 

Level: 70

Agenda(s): Freedom, Mercy, Patience

 

 

“The Archangel of Forgiveness is the primary problem-solver in Heaven. In a way, he acts like a father (or is it a mother?) for everyone, showering his fellows with wisdom and affection. I think I’ve said this before, but angels are not very different from humans. They are all unique in mentality and perspective, and when two different opinions clash, conflict is certain to occur. Tzadkiel strives to find a solution to such conflicts before they grow to a regrettable level and threaten the peace that suffuses Paradise. Needless to say, he deeply regrets not being able to stop the chain of events that led to the First Holy War. I don’t think he likes me very much.

  

Tzadkiel is, to be honest, not a great fighter. In a Holy War, he will not challenge the enemies from Hell. Instead, he acts as one of Heaven’s two standard bearers (the other being the Angel Jophiel). The Banners of the Heavenly Host supposedly represent the Father’s will and blessing upon his children, and their very presence boosts the morale of the Army of Heaven. Tzadkiel and Jophiel proudly protect the Banners with their unique defensive techniques, for allowing the Banners to fall would be equivalent to losing the battle altogether.”

 

 

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The Sixth Archangel, Raphael

Metatron's Right Hand, The Radiant Messenger of Hope, Heaven's Star, The Eye of the Father, Sophia's Pride

 

Level: 90

Agenda(s): Beauty, Happiness, Harmony, Healing, Health, Life, Retribution, Satisfaction

 

 

“Raphael is definitely the mightiest of the Archangels who is not also an Aspect of God. A lover of life like no other, and a being who enjoys absolutely everything he does. He is not a jack-of-all-trades like Raziel, but that does not stop him from helping anywhere and in any way he can. He’s everywhere he might (or not) be needed. He can be the helping hand, the listening ears, the watchful eyes or even the shoulder to cry on. That also makes him Heaven’s greatest gossip, I guess. Humans might find people like Raphael annoying but, in the Eternal Static Realm of Paradise, there are few beings as loved as the Sixth Archangel. Raphael is no fool, though. He would never possess the power he wields if he lacked the wisdom to use it properly.

  

Christian angelology has given Raphael the title of ‘Healer’ and turned him into the patron of medical workers, solely because of his single appearance in the Bible and the translation of his name. This is only partially right (and mostly wrong). The true “medic” amongst the Archangels is the Seventh, Michael, who represents the healing arts and the act of restoring health. Raphael represents health itself; that is, to be in possession of a proper body and mind that does not require external (medical) aid to be healthy. In this way, Raphael more closely represents the necessary elements to live a joyful, healthy life: body fitness, a proper diet, adequate mental stimulation, good rest, manageable stress levels and, of course, love.”

 

 

 

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The Seventh Archangel, Michael

The Branded, He of the Crystaline Smile, Shekinah's Firstborn

 

Level: 56

Agenda(s): Healing, Splendor

 

 

“The Warrior Saint, the Justicar of Heaven; Michael matches Kamael in sheer martial spirit. However, unlike Kamael, who was born with a natural talent for the art of war, Michael has taken the role out of a miserable sense of responsibility as the brother of the traitor, Lucifer Diabolos. Michael is, without the shadow of a doubt, the most balanced fighter in the Army of Heaven, and the third in Creation, after Adam and yours truly. This is, after all, the Archangel that defeated Moloch and Satan in the First Holy War. This might did not show nearly as substantially in the Last Holy War, but that was simply because of Jeri’s choices and limitations.

  

In the meantime, he acts as a watcher of souls, guiding them after they abandon their mortal cages of flesh and begin the long journey back to Adam Kadmon. It’s a difficult job, especially because his Beni Elohim are, by far, the smallest of the Ten Angelic Orders, after the Chioth ha Qadesh. He is a tender, caring Archangel, filled with hope, love and optimism. Nobody blames him for his brother’s or his followers’ mistakes.”

 

 

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The Eighth Archangel, Haniel

She of the Joyous Smile, The Fickle Mockingbird of Heaven, She who Walks a Step Behind Adam, The Sword of the Promised Victory

 

Level: 65

Agenda(s): Perpetuality, Victory

 

 

“Fleeting, impish and pure of heart; Haniel is an eternal child at heart. The Elohim, the messengers of Heaven, pretty much manage themselves, so Haniel mostly does whatever she wants. She roams Paradise like a free soul, never lingering for too long in a single place and never keeping the same company for long, either. Friend of all, companion of none, that’s the Eighth: an adventurous, passionate lover unable to make attachments. Desired by many, claimed by none.

  

I was told, however, that in her constant roaming she manages to find the elusive Adam very often, and the Archangel greatly enjoys her father’s pampering, of course. Maybe lonely souls attract each other, after all.

 

 

Her Agendas seem an odd choice, then. This is because Haniel should not be seen at face value. Her Agendas represent not how she is, but why she is how she is. Haniel symbolizes the power to accept all the obstacles life puts in your path and the willingness to face them with a smile. She represents the fortitude to work for the sake of your dreams, ambitions and aspirations, no matter how difficult it might be to accomplish them. She represents the motivation that drives people to do things, the willingness to endure anything for the sake of achieving something and the power to succeed against impossible odds.”

 

 

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The Ninth Archangel, Gabriel

The Rogue Archangel, The Harbinger of Divine Retribution, The Master Demonhunter, The Stalker of Lilith

 

Level: 75

Agenda(s): Foundation, Possibilities

 

 

“Gabriel is a troublesome existence among the hosts of Heaven. There is no doubt the betrayal and subsequent imprisonment she suffered changed her from her glorious, radiant former self to a bitter, secluded avenger. There is no doubt, either, that Gabriel has become Heaven’s prime specialist in all matters demonic (after Sophia, I presume?). No other Archangels Incarnates nearly as often as Gabriel, and no other Archangel can claim as many victories against the forces of Hell as the Ninth. No other Archangel can claim to possess a Reality Script, either.

  

Gabriel used to be the leader of the Cherubim: the Angelic Order in charge of information gathering and monitoring of Heaven’s general affairs. After the First Holy War, she cared only about hunting down demons and finding me. See how that turned out, huh.

 

 

So, what does ‘The Foundation’ mean, anyway? I did not have the slightest idea until Gabriel and I ended up in the same body. It refers to the underlying principle that leads to the creation of anything and everything. It represents the laws of nature and the scientific method, the energy conversion that allows all forms of motion, the sexual organs and the act of reproduction that creates new life…even the very act of thinking that leads to new ideas is included in The Foundation. The origin of all things…it’s a surprisingly neat Agenda. I must admit I like it a lot.”

 

 

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The Tenth Archangel, Sandalphon

The Vizier of Heaven, The Glorious and Most Beloved Martyr, The Primordial Kindness, He Who Kisses Lilith's Hand

 

Level: 44

Agenda(s): Equality, Humanity, The Kingdom (The Lower Realms)

 

“Sandalphon…my dear, most adorable Sandalphon. Heaven’s errand boy, I guess? Ufufufufu, no, I’m not mocking him this time. Sandaphon valiantly accepted the lowest rank in Heaven’s Hierarchy, simply because somebody had to. For making this choice, this sacrifice, he is now loved, respected and glorified by his peers.

  

But what exactly does “the lowest rank in Heaven” imply, you might be wondering? Well, the main effect would be losing his ‘aura’. The Aspects of God give off a natural ‘feel’ of something beyond even Divinities and Aeternals. It is not a person’s natural awareness of an Aspect’s status; it’s, in lack of better words, an Aspect’s ‘presence’. Sandalphon lost this ‘presence’. Everybody knows he is an Aspect of God. He just doesn’t ‘feel’ like one. He ‘feels’ like, well, just another angel. No, maybe even worse. Maybe he feels like a human. It’s a pitiful thing, in a metaphysical realm where the one thing you can be proud of is your own radiance.

  

Also, there is a significant loss of power. Sandalphon is Metatron’s twin in every regard, so there’s a lot of power sealed within him (50 levels, apparently). It is hard to deal with the fact that your potential is being kept out of your reach, but Sandalphon, if anything, is very, very, humble. Maybe Aisa is his reward for that humility.”

 

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