Theory of The Archangels
I knew early that to tell the chain of stories that I wanted to tell I would need to commit to a version of Christian and Jewish mythology. I simply needed to know how many archangels there were, who they were, and in some cases what they did in the far reaching biblical past. I have had people who write to me and what to argue that Uriel is not the keeper of the gates of Hell, and the gender, and so on. Basically every aspect of my archangels are wrong to one person or another. So when you read the book, and check out the web site, just keep in mind, for the sake of linear story telling narrative, and most importantly back stories there needed to be a set "history".
Angels are very complex machines, most have zero personality, zero say so in it's fate, and cares not about it's state in the universe. Most angels either sing The praises of God in Heaven, or have some tedious, repetitive job, if most angels could think, their existence would drive them mad. It receives a command, and goes to execute it. Of course there are so many different angels, with so many different functions, Archangels are not the only angels that have the capacity of thought. But the gift of thought, analysis, and especially choice is a rare one.
Archangels are different. Each Archangel is uniquely designed and built with a set routine, an ongoing mission that is specific to it. Because of the complexities of these routines they are capable of thought, and empathy. They are able to will a physical form into existence to interact in physically with the environment. They are capable to understand man, and emotion, better to interface with the crude human. Sometimes this ability to think lets the Archangel make choices and decisions that are against the will of God.
Some of these instances are well known; The war that ripped heaven in half, led by an arrogant, prideful Archangel. The Watchers, angels from Genesis that took on human wives, and had half breed offspring against the will of God, bringing about the great flood. Some are not so well known at all, and barely survive in lore and speculation. Then there is the problem with Gabriel...
