Messenger 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.

By far the most common Angel encountered in the biblical stories are Messenger Angels. Entrusted with delivering messages on behalf of the Most High, these celestials take their jobs seriously. However, sometimes delivering a message is more complicated than it seems.

Jobias asked him, "Do you know the way to Media?" "Yes," the stranger replied, "I have been there many times,"
Tobit 5:5

Mysterious Ways. Mortals rarely learn information that is simply told to them; they more often learn through life lessons. Angels understand this better than the mortals themselves, and thus will often approach the delivering of their message by an indirect path. For example, if someone is called to a position of leadership, an Angel might first deliberately lead that person through a stressful situation to build their confidence; if a person is called to return to their homeland, the Angel might first lead them into conversation with a town elder who regrets never returning home. In short, a Messenger Angel will always attempt to teach a mortal by creating life experiences, and will only resort to words when necessary.

Medium Celestial (Angel), Lawful Good

Armor Class 15

Hit Points 45

Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
12 (+1)	8 (-1)	14 (+2)	10 (+0)	14 (+2)	18 (+4)

Saving Throws Wis +6, Cha +8

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

Damage Immunity Radiant

Languages All spoken languages

Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 18

Challenge 3 (700 XP)

Features

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

Special Equipment. Most messenger angels carry a Staff of the Messenger.

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:

Animal Messenger
Bless

1/Day Each:

Death Ward
Revivify
Teleport (Self Only)

Actions

Lightning Strike. A bolt of lightning flashes down form the sky, striking a point the angel can see within 60 feet. Each creature within 5 feet of that point must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 17 (3d10) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one.

Restorative Touch (3/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.