Angel Miniatures, Beautiful & Battle Ready
Angels in History and Angel Miniatures Gaming
Angel miniatures give the players the ability to bring the game to life. Angels have had a huge affect on human development and it is no surprise that their influence crosses over into gaming. Lets look at Angels in Mythology, Angels in TTRPGs and Angel Miniatures for gaming.
Angels in Mythology
Angels appear in the mythology and religious traditions of various cultures around the world. While the concept of angels varies across different belief systems, they are generally considered benevolent and divine entities, often serving as messengers or intermediaries between the divine and the human realm. Here are some examples of angels in mythology from different cultures:
Abrahamic Religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam):
Gabriel: Known as the messenger angel, Gabriel is often mentioned in the Bible as a bearer of important announcements. In Christianity, Gabriel is the angel who announced the births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.
Michael: Regarded as a powerful archangel, Michael is often depicted as a warrior angel who fights against evil forces. In Christianity, Michael is considered the leader of the heavenly army.
Raphael: In Christian and Islamic traditions, Raphael is associated with healing. He is mentioned in the Book of Tobit in the Bible, where he assists Tobias on his journey.
Azrael: In Islamic tradition, Azrael is the angel of death who separates the souls from the body. In some Christian traditions, Azrael is also associated with death.
Zoroastrianism:
- Amesha Spentas: In Zoroastrianism, the Amesha Spentas are divine beings or spirits, and some of them are considered akin to angels. For example, Sraosha is associated with divine obedience and is often considered a messenger of Ahura Mazda, the supreme god in Zoroastrianism.
Ancient Greek Mythology:
- Nike: While not a traditional angel, Nike is the Greek goddess of victory, often depicted with wings. She is a divine being associated with success and triumph.
Norse Mythology:
- Valkyries: In Norse mythology, Valkyries are warrior maidens who serve the god Odin. While not traditional angels, they share some similarities as they choose those who may live and those who may die in battle.
Hinduism:
- Devas: In Hinduism, Devas are celestial beings that can be considered somewhat analogous to angels. They are associated with various aspects of the divine and play specific roles in the cosmic order.
Pull inspiration from any of these traditions as you build your world for your RPG for take their usage in a totally new direction
Angels in TTRPGs
Angels appear in various tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), each with their own unique interpretation and integration into the game’s lore and mechanics. Here are a few examples from different TTRPGs:
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D):
- In D&D, angels (known also as aasimon) are a recurring supernatural creature. They are often divided into different celestial ranks, such as devas, planetars, and solars, each with increasing power and responsibilities. Angels in D&D are commonly associated with the forces of good and serve gods or cosmic principles. They may act as guides, patrons, or powerful allies for player characters.
World of Darkness (Chronicles of Darkness and Vampire: The Masquerade):
- The World of Darkness settings incorporate angels, but their portrayal is often darker and more ambiguous. In the Chronicles of Darkness, there are entities known as “Messengers” or “Agents,” which are enigmatic beings that may serve or hinder characters based on cryptic motives. In Vampire: The Masquerade, there’s the concept of Golconda, a mystical state some vampires seek, and it’s sometimes associated with angelic redemption.
Pathfinder:
- Similar to D&D, Pathfinder features various celestial beings, including angels, with diverse roles and abilities. They are often associated with specific deities and may serve as divine messengers, guardians, or agents of cosmic justice. Pathfinder also introduces unique angelic subtypes, each with its own characteristics and role in the celestial hierarchy.
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (WFRP) and Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy:
- In the Warhammer Fantasy setting, angels are not as prevalent, but divine beings, such as those associated with the various gods, play a significant role. In Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, the setting’s grimdark tone features powerful warp entities known as “daemons,” which are often in stark contrast to traditional angelic imagery.
Exalted:
- Exalted, a high-fantasy TTRPG, features a pantheon of powerful beings, including celestial entities with angelic qualities. Solars, Lunar Exalted, and other types of Exalted may be associated with a celestial hierarchy, and their powers often mirror the grandeur and might commonly attributed to angels in mythology.
These examples illustrate the diverse ways in which angels are integrated into TTRPGs, ranging from traditional benevolent guardians to more nuanced and morally ambiguous figures, depending on the specific themes and tones of each game. Game masters and players can explore these celestial beings in various ways to add depth and intrigue to their tabletop adventures.
Angel Miniatures in Gaming
Angel miniatures in gaming refer to small, detailed figurines representing celestial beings that players use in tabletop miniature wargames or role-playing games (RPGs). These miniatures serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, enhancing the visual appeal of the gaming experience while also providing a tangible representation of characters or creatures within the game world. Here are a few ways angel miniatures are utilized in gaming:
Aesthetic Representation of Angel miniatures:
• Our Angel miniatures are crafted with intricate details, often reflecting the iconic imagery associated with angels from mythology, religion, or fantasy lore. Players and game masters can use these miniatures to visually represent celestial entities during gameplay, adding a dynamic and immersive element to the tabletop experience.
Angel Miniature Gameplay Mechanics:
• In tabletop wargames or RPGs, angel miniatures may have specific rules and attributes associated with them. These mechanics could include special abilities, strengths, or weaknesses that align with the characteristics traditionally attributed to angels, such as healing powers, protective auras, or divine interventions. The miniatures become an integral part of the game’s mechanics, influencing strategy and decision-making. We have touched on this topic in more detail below.
Collectibles and Customization of Angel Miniatures:
• Many tabletop gaming enthusiasts enjoy collecting miniatures as a hobby. Angel miniatures, often produced by various manufacturers, allow players to build diverse collections of celestial beings. Additionally, players may customize their angel miniatures through painting or modifications, adding a personal touch to their gaming experience.
Narrative Enhancements:
• Angel miniatures contribute to storytelling within tabletop RPGs. When a pivotal moment involves an encounter with celestial beings, placing angel miniatures on the gaming board can heighten the narrative impact, creating a memorable and visually engaging experience for players.
Campaign Themes for Angel Miniatures:
• In campaigns or scenarios centered around divine or otherworldly themes, angel miniatures can play a central role. Whether as allies, adversaries, or key plot elements, these miniatures help set the tone for the overall narrative and contribute to the thematic richness of the gaming experience.
Overall, angel miniatures in gaming serve as both practical tools for gameplay and artistic expressions that enhance the visual and narrative aspects of tabletop adventures. Their presence on the gaming table brings the celestial and mystical elements of the game world to life, captivating players and immersing them in the fantastical realms of angels and other supernatural entities.