The Celestials are divine beings created by Unknown, the god of life, to protect the Plane of Helion and enforce the will of the Unknown across the Continuum Crystal Cosmology. They embody the virtues of the gods, serving as protectors, messengers, and warriors who maintain balance in the cosmos. Tasked with upholding order, the Celestials are the counterpart to the chaotic and destructive forces of Plane of Khaos, particularly the Demons born from The Nine Hells.
Creation of the Celestials
The first Celestials were born at the Twilight of Creation when Helios, alongside the other Unknown deities, sought to protect the fledgling cosmos from the forces of chaos. The first and most powerful among them were the Archangels, who served as the divine generals of Helion's celestial armies. They were soon followed by the Unknown, a vast legion of angels created to guard the heavens and ensure the divine order of the Pantheon of Primus extended throughout all realms of existence.
The Celestials are fundamentally tied to the Plane of Helion, where they reside and serve the gods. Their existence is tied to the divine order, ensuring that the balance of the cosmos remains intact. Though some Celestials have been known to appear on the Prime Plane or other planes of existence, it is typically to carry out the will of their divine creators.
The Archangels
The Archangels were the first Celestials created by Helios, imbued with immense power and divine authority. Each Archangel was entrusted with unique responsibilities, acting as the enforcers of the gods' will across the cosmos. The Archangels are the generals of the Hosts of Helion and have been instrumental in many cosmic conflicts, including the Aeonic Struggle against the Elementari and the subsequent wars against the forces of Khaos.
These Archangels are near-immortal, their essence tied directly to the Continuum Crystal itself. Though they are not omnipotent, they wield power beyond mortal comprehension, acting as the first line of defense against threats to the balance of the universe. Despite their great power and responsibility, however, nine Archangels fell to the corrupting influence of Khaos and ultimately formed the Nine Hells under Asmodeus - the greatest amongst the fallen angels.
The Hosts of Helion
The Hosts of Helion are the vast legions of angelic warriors created to protect the divine realms and enforce the will of the Pantheon. While not as individually powerful as the Archangels, the Hosts are a formidable force, each angel imbued with divine magic and martial prowess. They serve as the guardians of The Celestial Citadel and the protectors of the Riftways that connect the realms.
The Hosts of Helion played a crucial role in The Aeonic Struggle, battling the Elementari to prevent the destruction of the Prime Plane and other realms. They continue to serve the Pantheon by ensuring the stability of the Continuum Crystal Cosmology, stepping in when the cosmic balance is threatened. Talos, God of Vigilance and Vengeance, now commands the Hosts of Helion, ensuring their readiness for any divine task.
Purpose in The Greater Cosmos
The Celestials serve as the executors of divine order, ensuring that the delicate balance between the elemental planes, the Prime Plane, and the cosmic forces remains intact. Their purpose is to defend the Continuum Crystal and the divine realm from the forces of chaos, particularly the demons that rise from the Plane of Khaos and threaten to tear apart the fabric of reality.
Celestials do not meddle in mortal affairs unless absolutely necessary, and even then, their intervention is subtle. They may inspire visions, protect mortals in peril, or guide worthy souls toward their destined paths, but they rarely interfere directly. Only in times of great crisis, such as during the Continuum Crisis or when the balance of the cosmos is threatened, do the Celestials intervene more directly.
The Nature of the Celestials
Celestials are inherently good-aligned, but their sense of morality is often distant and impartial compared to mortals. They view the universe in terms of the grand cosmic order and act in the best interest of the divine plan, even if that plan is not always understood by mortals. This detachment can make them seem cold or uncaring, but in reality, they are bound by their duty to maintain the balance of the universe.
While they are divine beings, Celestials are not invincible. They can be slain, though doing so often requires extraordinary power or the intervention of other divine beings. Even in death, the essence of a Celestial may return to Helion, to be reborn or remade at the discretion of the gods.
Celestial Influence on the Mortal Realm
Though they primarily reside in the Plane of Helion, Celestials occasionally appear on the Prime Plane to guide and protect those who carry out the will of the gods. Mortals who serve the Pantheon of Primus often receive blessings from Celestials, and some may even claim to have seen visions of these divine beings during moments of great crisis.
Celestials have been known to assist mortals during critical moments in history, such as the fall of the Mythar and the battles of the Aeonic Struggle. However, they remain bound by the laws of the divine realms, only intervening when absolutely necessary to preserve the balance of the cosmos.
In times of war or great need, Celestials may manifest directly to lead divine armies or protect important mortals. These rare instances are often remembered in legend, and their appearances are seen as signs of divine intervention.