Celestials

Overview

Lightborn

Celestials are good-aligned spirits originating in the higher planes. In their natural state most look like sentient masses of light. When a physical presence is required, they possess and animate artificial bodies forged from otherworldly materials. Powerful constructs require equally powerful spirits to animate them. Celestial constructs take different shapes and appearances, but most are extremely beautiful, commonly resembling suits of armor, animals, or geometric patterns made of metal, crystal, jade, or living wood.

Elusive

The rulers of the higher planes disapprove of celestials appearing openly to mortals. While the edict is not absolute, most celestials are under orders to hide their true nature unless absolutely necessary. Unlike fiends, celestials believe that directly intervening in mortal affairs diminishes free will. When a celestial needs to communicate it will typically use telepathy from hiding, send a dream vision, or briefly possess a priest. Fiends are the one exception — celestials never hesitate to attack fiends that reach the mortal realm.

Humility

Celestials are genuinely good beings. They do not grandstand or belittle, because narcissistic behavior harms the cause of good by spreading feelings of inadequacy and resentment. They understand that because they are powerful and reside in the higher planes they do not face morally difficult choices as often as mortals do. They are wise enough to view sins in context, valuing intentions over results, and they spread the ethos of good by example rather than chastisement.

Benefactors

When dealing with the mortal world, entities from the higher planes maintain a culture of patronage and espionage. Mortal heroes serve as exemplars to the cultures they represent, acting as force multipliers in the cosmic struggle between good and evil. A celestial that "adopts" a party of good-aligned adventurers will commonly offer its patronage in the form of blessings, healing, and information — but it expects those mortals to remain strong enough to protect themselves.

Divinity

All celestials possess an innate knowledge of divine magic, and most are capable of casting low level divine spells. Some also practice arcane magic, becoming wizards or sorcerers. Very old celestials have had centuries or millennia to perfect their powers. While fiends outnumber celestials badly, the latter are usually better trained and have spent more time developing their arcane resources. Because they are less violent, more cooperative, and enjoy longer life expectancy, celestials are typically better at magic than their lower-planar counterparts.