This is a revision of my article on using the Types of Magic as a basis for a system of Planetary Angelic Beings, though the types could be otherwise associated, for a similar effect. In particular, the tables have been tweaked, so as to better allow for Evilly aligned angels. The tables are so designed as to allow the GM to assign an alignment to the result as he pleases, or to use some random method for determining this factor. I haven’t supplied an alignment table, judging it better to leave this up to the user, who will know what alignment scheme he’s using and what sort of probabilities he might wish to assign to that determination.
THE PLANETARY/MAGICAL ANGELS
In the Hermetic literature, the Angels are associated with the elements, planets, and zodiac. All of these are mapped onto the Qabalistic Tree of life, which provides another level of Angelic Correspondences. Those wishing a traditional example, may reference Tom Moldvay’s article The Seven Magical Planets in The Dragon # 38. Also, Aleister Crowley’s Liber 777, may be found here. Otherwise…
The Types of magic are here considered as a manifestation of the metaphysics of whatever fantasy universe is being used. The Types could be associated with other symbols or sources of divine energy; astrological, religious, or what have you. They actually fit fairly well with historical ideas about Planetary Energies, which is no real surprise as they are all drawn from our magical and religious heritage. I’ve taken a few liberties, combining those Types usually found together, thus, treating Summoning as a particular application of Conjuration, for example. There are arguments for and against that idea. Teasing out Mr. Gygax’s thoughts on this aspect of the game has produced questions as well as answers, which I will probably address in a later post. Also, I have completely ignored Possession. It’s strong associations with demons and extreme rarity of use suggest to me that it may be treated as a perversion of other magics.
The Magical/Planetary Association of the Angel
| d8 | Angelic Choir | Type of Magic/Planetary Energy |
| 1 | Angels of Divine Power. | Evocation. |
| 2 | Angels of the Mind of the Gods. | Divination. |
| 3 | Angels of the Words of Creation. | Conjuration. |
| 4 | Angels of the Living Gods. | Necromancy. |
| 5 | Angels of Desire. | Enchantment. |
| 6 | Phantasmagorical Angels. | Illusion. |
| 7 | Angels of Abrogation. | Abjuration. |
| 8 | Angels of Transmutation. | Alteration. |
Correspondences
|
| Type of Magic. | Universal Principles. | Suggestions for Apparel. |
| 1 | Evocation. | War, Aggression, Dominance, Force. | Armor. Shield. Flames. Red. Electricity. |
| 2 | Divination. | Knowledge, Teaching, Wisdom. Obfuscation. Lies. | Robes. Darkness. Light. |
| 3 | Conjuration. | Creation, Command, Invitation. Art. Construction. Destruction. | Noble Finery. Rich or dashing clothing. Purple. Blue. |
| 4 | Necromancy. | Life Energy. Growth. Life. Death. | Robes. Light. Darkness. Organic materials. Green. |
| 5 | Enchantment. | Love. Lust. Yielding. Submission. Dominance. Marriage. Enslavement. | Nude. Clothing designed to entice. Green. Purple. |
| 6 | Illusion. | Dream, Guile, Trickery, Laughter. Lies. Perception. Secrets. | Gaudy Robes. Motley. Multi-colors. Dark colors. |
| 7 | Abjuration. | Fortification, Protection, Negation. Abrogation. | Armor. Shield. Clothing designed to deflect. Blue. |
| 8 | Alteration. | Change, Transmutation. Metamorphosis. Permanence. Restoration. | Bright Finery, Nude. Yellows. Radiant clothing. |
Symbolic Accompaniments
|
| Weapon Suggestions. | Other Accouterments. |
| 1 | Sword, Axe, Halbred. Weapons of Magical Energy. | A Warhorse. Gauntlet. Flames. Chariot. Warship. An Army. A Wand. A Staff. |
| 2 | Staff. | Books. A Crystal Ball. An Owl. A Library. An Abacus or Computer. Spectacles. |
| 3 | Rod. Staff. Sword. | Crown. Orb. Throne. Scepter. Artist's Accouterments. Clay. |
| 4 | Caduceus. Scythe. | Serpents. Skulls. Growing things. Undead. Fey Creatures. |
| 5 | Wand. Whip. Rod. | Flowers. Mirrors. Rings. Slaves. Lovers. Collars. Chains. |
| 6 | Sickle. Club. Silver Weapons. | A Hooka. Smoke. Mirrors. Bells. Large Diamonds. |
| 7 | Staff. Sword. | Scepter. Shields. Walls. Globes of Force. |
| 8 | Flaming weapons. | Gold. Alchemical Equipment. Potions. Enchanted Creatures. |
The reader will no doubt think of many other appropriate forms of symbolism. Various expressions of the magical energies involved are possible, especially when the full range of alignments are brought into play. So an Angel of Desire may, being the servant of a Lawful and Good Deity, appear as a chaste priestess or devoted bride. A Lawful and Evil example, may appear as a leather clad dominatrix, bearing a chain of slaves. A servant of a Chaotic and Evil god, may appear as a slave him or her self, even going so far a to let a mortal appear to dominate them, all the while secretly sucking them in and damning the arrogant “master”.
Level and base powers: Roll 1d8 and add 4 to determine. Defense is that of the base creature, increased by 1 for each Monster Level ( so the most powerful is at –2, or 22 depending upon what system you’re using.) Resistance to Spells starts at 20% for a lvl 5 angel, and increases by 5% at each level. Move as base creature. If winged, flight is at double the base movement. A magical weapon is needed to hit; the GM may adjust this as he sees fit. Also, the Wizard spells listed below, may be treated as Divine Magic, at the GM’s Discretion. Attack & Damage by weapon type.
Roll to determine the Level of the Angel.
| d8 | Powers. |
| 5 | May cast any 1st and 2nd level Divine spell, as well as any 1st & 2nd level Wizard spells which are of the Type corresponding to the angel, 1/day each. |
| 6 | As above, but 2/day each. |
| 7 | As above, but, 3rd level as well, all 2/day each. |
| 8 | As above, but all 3/day each. |
| 9 | As above, but 4th level spells as well, all 3/day each. |
| 10 | As above. |
| 11 | As above, but, 5th level as well, all 3/day each. |
| 12 | As above, all 4/day each. |
The Planetary Angels are considered to appear as a Human or Demi-Human like creature. The table may be expanded, or, further configurations may be reserved for other Angelic beings.
Base Appearance
| d6 | Appearance. |
| 1 - 4 | Human. |
| 5 | Elf. |
| 6 | Dwarf. |
Sex
| d8 | Sex. |
| 1 - 3 | Male. |
| 4 - 5 | Female. |
| 6 - 7 | Androgynous. |
| 8 | Neuter. |
Head
| d 100 | The Head Appears to be a: |
| 1 - 70 | Match for the Base Appearance. |
| 71 - 75 | Bear. |
| 76 - 80 | Serpent. |
| 81 - 85 | Nimbus of Light. |
| 86 - 90 | Hawk. |
| 91 - 93 | Wolf. |
| 94 - 98 | Dragon. |
| 99 - 00 | Covered. |
The head (as well as much of what follows) may be determined by the generated Type instead, but, I wanted some general diversity in the table.
Other Noteworthy Physical Characteristics
| d 100 | Roll Twice on this table. |
| 1 - 30 | Winged. |
| 31 - 45 | Horned. |
| 46 - 48 | Extra Pair of Arms. |
| 49 - 51 | Extra Pair of Eyes. |
| 52 - 55 | Extra Pair of Wings (add a first pair as well, if not already rolled.) |
| 56 - 65 | Odd Skin Color. |
| 66 - 68 | Covered in Fur. |
| 69 - 72 | Appears as a Pair of Identical Beings. |
| 73 - 75 | Smaller than usual for Base Appearance. |
| 76 - 77 | Larger than usual for Base Appearance. |
| 78 - 79 | Hairless. |
| 80 - 81 | Mechanical. |
| 82 - 85 | Incredible Beauty (35 + Com.) |
| 86 - 87 | Hideous. |
| 88 - 90 | Made of Light. |
| 91 - 95 | Metallic. |
| 96 - 00 | Roll Two-More Times. |
The “Extra” entries may be selected multiple times; otherwise, re-roll duplicates.
