Angels

Overview

The Angels are the primary race of Herat, occupying the north-central and north-eastern portion of Alatrya. They are one of two winged races on the continent, alongside the Fairies. Herat is the only nation that allows free travel and residency by other races within its borders, making it the most ethnically diverse country on the continent and the home of the most biracial and multiracial people. Angels migrated from the coastal settlement of Tabatenn on the Maviv Sea northward following the Tabatenn Floods in 28 c.e., founding Atema beneath the Great Ateman Waterfall.

Physical Traits

All Angels have light or white-toned skin, exceptionally long eyelashes (sometimes reaching 2.5 inches, matching hair color), and a defined halo hovering above the head that emits golden or white light. The halo is a mix of concentrated light and mana, appearing only after the start of the Magician's Era. Wing shape and pupil shape are the two primary ethnic differentiators, producing three recognized groups.

Shared traits across ethnicities: light or white-toned skin; long lashes; glowing halo.

Element Attunement

Healing and Light attunements are common, visible in the cultural and divine associations of the nation and its proximity to Herat's open religious tradition.

Society & Culture

Angels founded one of the first formalized multi-city governance structures through the Angelic Council and the Ethral Accord. Herat is known for openness to other races, strong road infrastructure (the first major continental road was Herati), and a rotating council structure. The nation has been an important diplomatic anchor throughout Alatryan history.

Ethnicities

• Balinians — Excemia and Bovalna Sectors; two feathered wings from the scapulae, draping to the back of the knee; plus-shaped pupils; gray, light blue, or light turquoise irises; stark white straight hair
• Atemians — Kalavam, Centrem, Divinava Sectors; two foldable wings from the scapulae, reaching the top of the glutes; cross-and-slash pupils; light yellow or deep gold eyes; extremely light blonde hair, nearly but not quite white
• Tavirians — Colvescum, Novernia, parts of Divinava; four wings (two upper from superiore scapulae, two shorter lower from inferiore scapulae); compass-rose pupils; light gray or light desaturated green eyes; light or mid-blonde hair

Nation(s) of Origin

• Herat

Notes

• The Halfwinged are biracial Angels with one or diminished wings; first included in Herati governance in 92 c.e.
• Herat is the one country that explicitly welcomes other races as full citizens