Angelo


"Through unmatched discipline and acts of valor, the Angelo soar beyond mortal limitations, embodying the radiant power of purity and spirit. They are the guardians of light and symbols of humanity’s potential realized."

The Angelo are not born; they are made. Only the most accomplished Sapiens, those who have proven their worth through incredible feats of heroism, discipline, and strength, are invited to ascend to this faction. Through rigorous training, sacred rituals, and spiritual enlightenment, they awaken the divine spark within themselves. This transformation allows them to manifest ethereal, radiant wings that symbolize their spiritual purity and inner power.

The Angelo are more than warriors—they are paragons of virtue, protectors of balance, and the harbingers of hope. Their society is one of grandeur and tradition, bound by ancient customs that new initiates must adopt to fully embrace the Angelo way of life. While revered by many, they also carry the burden of living as examples of perfection, and failure is a weight few Angelo can bear.

Born of Transcendence

The Angelo originate not from a specific plane but from the evolution of the human spirit. They are forged in a sacred process that begins with mortal Sapiens proving their worth in the material world. Only those who demonstrate unparalleled skill, valor, and selflessness may be invited to undergo the trials of ascension.

The transformation into an Angelo is as much spiritual as it is physical. Through sacred rites and tests of endurance, the chosen candidates undergo a metamorphosis. Their bodies become stronger, their minds sharper, and their spirits brighter. When the transformation is complete, they gain the ability to summon glorious, feathered wings imbued with their inner energy.

The Angelo live in awe-inspiring sanctuaries that hover above the clouds or sit atop mountain peaks, places that blend natural beauty with grand architecture. These sanctuaries, adorned with gleaming spires and golden halls, are a reflection of the Angelo’s ideals: the pursuit of perfection and harmony.

Angelo in the Material Plane

When an Angelo descends from their sanctuaries into the material plane, it is often to fulfill a sacred mission. Their presence is awe-inspiring—when their radiant wings unfold, they shine with an otherworldly glow, illuminating the battlefield or bringing comfort to those in despair.

Mortals view the Angelo with a mixture of reverence and apprehension. To many, they are seen as divine messengers, protectors, or even demigods. To others, their strict adherence to their code of honor and purity makes them unyielding and alien, incapable of understanding the complexities of mortal struggles.

Despite their grandeur, the Angelo are not immune to doubt. Their quest for perfection often puts them at odds with the imperfections of the world, and their high standards can alienate potential allies. Nevertheless, the Angelo remain steadfast in their mission to protect the weak, maintain balance, and ensure that light prevails over darkness.

Culture of the Angelo

The Angelo culture is built on ideals of discipline, honor, and purity. Initiates are taught that their wings are not just symbols of power but responsibilities. To dishonor the Angelo code is to risk losing the very essence of what makes them who they are.

  • Rituals of Ascension: Each Angelo undergoes a series of trials before earning their wings. These trials test their courage, wisdom, and selflessness, ensuring only the worthy ascend.
  • Guardians of Balance: Angelo see themselves as protectors of the balance between light and darkness. They do not seek to dominate but to guide and protect.
  • Code of Conduct: Angelo are bound by a strict code that demands truth, justice, and mercy. Those who break this code are cast out, their wings stripped, and their names erased from Angelo history.

Their society is hierarchical, led by elder Angelo who have proven their wisdom over centuries. New members are mentored by these elders, learning the ways of their culture and the responsibilities of their power.

Playing an Angelo

To play an Angelo is to embrace a character driven by ideals of purity and greatness. Your Angelo character may struggle with the weight of their responsibility or the gap between their lofty ideals and the realities of the world.

Questions for Roleplaying

  • What drove you to seek ascension? Was it a desire to protect others, prove your worth, or escape your mortal flaws?
  • How do you view mortals? Are they kindred spirits deserving of guidance, or fragile beings in need of protection?
  • What does the burden of perfection mean to you? Do you embrace it as a sacred duty, or do you struggle against its weight?

Traits

Ability Score Increase: Your Charisma score increases by +2, and your Strength or Wisdom score increases by +1.

Age: Once ascended, Angelo stop aging in the conventional sense. They remain in their physical and mental prime for centuries, though their bodies may still weaken if their spirit falters.

Alignment: Angelo tend toward lawful alignments, driven by their adherence to their code of honor. Some may lean toward neutrality or goodness, but few fall to chaos.

Size: Angelo are similar in size to humans, standing between 5.5 and 6.5 feet tall. Their wings, when unfolded, span 10 to 15 feet. Your size is Medium.

Speed: Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Angelic Wings: As a bonus action, you can summon your radiant wings for up to 10 minutes. While your wings are active:

  • You gain a flying speed of 30 feet.
  • Creatures of your choice within 10 feet of you have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.

You can use this feature once per long rest.

Radiant Resilience: You have resistance to radiant damage and advantage on saving throws against being charmed.

Aura of Light: As an action, you can emit a burst of radiant energy in a 15-foot radius. Creatures of your choice in the area must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw (DC 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier) or take 2d8 radiant damage and be blinded until the end of their next turn. You can use this feature once per long rest.

Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and Celestial.

Subraces: Ascended Paths

The Angelo follow different paths of ascension, each reflecting a unique aspect of their nature.

Seraphic Protectors

  • Shield of Light: As a reaction, you can impose disadvantage on an attack roll targeting an ally within 5 feet of you.
  • Radiant Defender: You gain proficiency in heavy armor and shields.

Dawnbringers

  • Beacon of Hope: You can cast Cure Wounds or Bless once per long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
  • Inspiring Light: Allies within 10 feet of you gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls while your wings are active.

Zephyr Heralds

  • Swift Wings: Your flying speed increases to 40 feet when your wings are active.
  • Agile Grace: You gain proficiency in Acrobatics, and you can Dash as a bonus action.

Names

The names of the Angelo reflect their exalted status, often drawing from celestial themes or embodying their ideals of light, strength, and purity. Their names resonate with elegance and power, and newly ascended Angelo often take on new names to symbolize their transformation.

Masculine Names

  • Serathiel, Caladryn, Aeron, Valion, Erythas, Thalor.

Feminine Names

  • Lyssara, Aelira, Selthiel, Myrith, Valenna, Cyradia.

Neutral Names

  • Arion, Solen, Althara, Zevryn, Kaelith, Rythion.

When interacting with mortals, Angelo may adapt their celestial names to simpler forms or choose entirely new ones, reflecting their connection to humanity while retaining a sense of grandeur.

Playing an Angelo

As an Angelo, you embody the culmination of human potential, driven by ideals that set you apart from ordinary mortals. Whether as a noble protector, a healer of the wounded, or a swift and relentless guardian, you carry the weight of your ascension in every action.

Example Angelo Characters

  • "Serathiel Caladryn, a Seraphic Protector, serves as a shield for the innocent, guarding the weak with unwavering resolve. His ascension was driven by a childhood tragedy, and he vows to never let others experience the pain he endured."
  • "Aelira Selthiel, a Dawnbringer, travels across war-ravaged lands, bringing light and healing to those in need. Her radiant presence inspires hope in all who meet her, but she struggles with self-doubt, questioning whether she can live up to the Angelo ideal."
  • "Zevryn Rythion, a Zephyr Herald, is a swift and agile scout for a company of knights. While his speed and grace are unmatched, his rebellious nature often puts him at odds with the strict Angelo code."

Roleplaying Hooks

  • How do you reconcile your divine responsibilities with your personal desires or doubts?
  • What inspired you to undergo the trials of ascension, and what sacrifices did you make along the way?
  • Do you see your role as a guide for mortals, or do you struggle to relate to their imperfections?
  • How do you interact with other factions, such as the Alpha or Beta, who may see you as either an ally or a threat?

DM’s Toolbox: Angelo in the World

The Angelo can add depth and intrigue to any campaign, serving as allies, mentors, or even antagonists when their ideals clash with the party’s goals. Their presence brings a sense of awe and gravitas to the story, and their lofty ideals make them both inspiring and challenging to work with.

As Allies

  • Divine Guardians: The Angelo join the party to combat a growing darkness, their wings and radiant abilities turning the tide of battle.
  • Mentors and Guides: A senior Angelo mentors the party, providing wisdom and insight while guiding them toward their ultimate potential.
  • Healers of the Land: Angelo Dawnbringers work alongside the party to restore a plague-ravaged region, their abilities offering hope to a desperate population.

As Antagonists

  • Unyielding Idealists: The Angelo’s rigid adherence to their code leads them to oppose the party, believing their actions threaten the balance of light and darkness.
  • Fallen Angelo: A disgraced Angelo who has strayed from the path becomes a tragic antagonist, their power corrupted by their own doubts or ambition.
  • Clash of Virtues: The party’s pragmatic decisions conflict with the Angelo’s uncompromising ideals, creating tension and moral dilemmas.

Campaign Hooks

  • The Trials of Ascension: The party is tasked with aiding a mortal candidate in their quest to become an Angelo, navigating challenges that test courage, wisdom, and selflessness.
  • The Lost Wings: An Angelo elder approaches the party to recover the severed wings of a fallen comrade, a powerful relic that must not fall into enemy hands.
  • The Shattered Code: The party must mediate between Angelo factions torn apart by differing interpretations of their sacred code, preventing a civil war that could weaken their order.

Angelo in Combat

The Angelo are powerful combatants, combining radiant energy, mobility, and support abilities to dominate the battlefield. Their wings give them unparalleled versatility, allowing them to shift between offense, defense, and utility roles as needed.

Combat Roles

  • Tank: Seraphic Protectors are ideal front-line defenders, using their shields and radiant auras to protect allies and control enemy aggression.
  • Support and Healer: Dawnbringers excel at healing and buffing their allies, ensuring the party can endure prolonged battles.
  • Mobile Striker: Zephyr Heralds use their speed and agility to outmaneuver enemies, striking quickly and retreating to safety.

Strengths

  • High mobility with their flight abilities.
  • Strong defensive and support capabilities, making them valuable in any party composition.
  • Radiant damage and resistance make them highly effective against undead and fiends.

Weaknesses

  • Their reliance on their wings means they are vulnerable in enclosed spaces or areas that restrict flight.
  • Their strict code of conduct may create tension with party members who operate in morally ambiguous ways.

Optional Details

  • Visual Representation: Illustrations of Angelo sanctuaries could depict radiant spires rising above the clouds, with golden light streaming through intricate architecture.
  • Faction Symbol: A golden winged trident surrounded by a circle of radiant light, representing their ideals of purity, power, and balance.