Challenger Angel

Angels. The word "angel" is often mistakenly used as an umbrella term for all of the celestial creatures of the spiritual realm. In actuality, Angels are one of many of the creature type "Celestial," which includes Seraphim, Cherubim, Archangels, and the other spiritual beings loyal to the will of the Most High. Angels appear frequently in the scriptures, usually in service to one specific mission which, once complete, signals the end of the Angel's presence on the material plane.

"Looking up, he saw that three men had appeared standing near him."
Genesis 18:2

Messengers of the Divine. Angels serve primarily in the role of messenger and intermediary between God and mortals. In fact, the word "angel" comes from a Greek word that literally means "messenger." Although celestial in original, the appearance of angels is often very subtle. Unlike other celestials, such as the Cherubim, who arrive in a flurry of wings, lightning, and thunder, Angels are not usually recognized for what they are to the mortals they interact with. Angels do not have wings or other recognizable features and mortals who have encountered Angels did not usually realize the identity of these beings unless the Angel chose to reveal itself.

Unwavering Focus. Angels are among the least powerful of the celestials of the spiritual realm, but what they lack in raw power they make up for with an unwavering focus on serving the will of God. Once given a mission, an Angel does not stop until that mission has been completed. Angels do not question the will of God, or ask for any details beyond what they need to accomplish their goal. This can, at times, lead to unusual conversations between mortals (who are intrinsically curious) and Angels (who cannot comprehend the relevance of a mortal's question).

Defenders of Mortals. Because they spend so much of their time on the material plane, Angels have a special affinity with mortals that is not always shared by other celestials of the heavenly host. When Lucifer, a powerful Seraphim, rebelled against the idea that humans would one day be glorified in Heaven, it was the angels who first leaped to their defense. Angels always act out of concern for mortals, and will only engage in combat with mortals out of self-defense, or the defense of another mortal. Even then, Angels are far more likely to deal non-lethal damage to their mortal assailants, hoping that one day these mortals may be redeemed.

Angels are almost all peaceful beings focused on guiding and protecting mortals against the evil forces of darkness. However, sometimes a more direct approach is needed. Although an Angel will never purposefully kill a mortal, there are times when a little violence between allies can go a long way.

"You have contended with divine beings and have prevailed,"
Genesis 32:29

Holiness Through Violence. Challenger Angels are unique in that their method of communicating the will of God is done through violence. On very rare occasions, an Angel will challenge a mortal to combat as a test of the mortal's strength and willpower. This duel is not enacted out of malice or anger, but rather as an opportunity for the mortal to learn something about themselves. Although it seems unnecessary, some mortals find that it is only through extreme situations that they learn the most about themselves. The purpose of this combat is to equip the mortal with the grit and confidence that only comes from defeating an Angel in hand-to-hand combat.

A New Identity. Mortals who beat a Challenger Angel in combat often receive a new identity as a reward. As in the case of Jacob, he receive a new name: Israel. Other times, the victor of the combat will receive a special calling from God, be blessed with divine protection, or even be entrusted with a Legendary magic item. Whatever the outcome of the duel, a mortal who contends with a Challenger Angel will never be the same.

Medium Celestial (Angel), Lawful Good

Armor Class 17

Hit Points 52

Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
16 (+3)	8 (-1)	14 (+2)	10 (+0)	14 (+2)	14 (+2)

Saving Throws Wis +6, Cha +6

Skills Religion +10, History +10, Perception +8

Damage Immunity Radiant

Languages All spoken languages

Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 18

Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)

Features

Truth Sense. The angel is automatically aware of any lie that it hears spoken (but not of one written down).

Radiant Return. If the angel dies, it immediately reverts to its true form and returns to the spiritual realm. An angel killed this way may not return to the material plane for 1d4 years.

Innate Spellcasting. The angel's spellcasting modifier is Charisma, and can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:

At will: Guidance, Light, Sacred Flame (Dex 16) (2d8 Radiant)

3/Day Each:

Inflict Wounds (+7 to hit, 4d10 Necrotic)
Prayer of Healing (2d8 + 4 HP)

1/Day Each:

Flame Strike (Dex 16, 4d6 Fire + 4d6 Radiant)
Freedom of Movement (cast before entering combat)
Teleport (Self Only)

Actions

Multiattack. The angel makes two melee attacks or casts a spell.

Sword of the Challenger. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8+3) piercing damage and 9 (2d8) force damage.

Restorative Touch (1/Day). As an action, the angel may touch a living creature. This touch restores 10 hit points, and removes any one of the following conditions: cursed, poisoned, blinded, deafened, frightened, paralyzed.

Bible5e custom monster. Its specific traits supplement the current rules. See Using Bible5e Monsters.