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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Novem5er" data-source="post: 4191264" data-attributes="member: 57859">I think some people are over-playing the mercenary thing. I don't believe angels are these neutral beings who only serve their god as long as he/she/it is the highest payer (astral diamonds?!). I take it that the angels are defined by their basic role (valor, vengeance, etc), but that different groups of angels were attracted to different gods. Otherwise, what makes an Angel of Vengeance serve Hextor over Pelor? Does Hextor pay better? But then why wouldn't all of Pelor's angels switch sides? THAT'S the impression I usually get when I hear talk about mercenaries.I think WotC means something different. I think they used the word mercenary to clearly state that the angels are NOT robots, and only serve their chosen god as long as that god sticks to the portfolio that attracted the angel in the first place.Gruumsh has a host of angel servants that CHOSE to serve him during his battle with the primordials. Those angels chose him (valor, vengeance, et all) because they were called to his strength through battle, his lack of mercy, and his distaste for the weak. His angels serve him only so long as Gruumsh sticks to those virtues. If Gruumsh one day realized that his bloodthirsty theology was slowly destroying his chosen worshipers (orcs), and told his worshipers to now show strength through mercy and patience... well, all of Gruumsh's angels might have a problem with that.If you look at this way, two roleplaying possibilities come up:1. Angels ARE different between the gods. Perhaps they take on visual aspects of their chosen god, different colors and details. If the party broke open a tomb, which summoned a guardian Angel of Valor serving Pelor, perhaps the party could parley and walk away (Forgive us, we didn't know this tomb was sacred to Pelor). However, if that same tomb was sacred to Gruumsh, it would immediately be time of Initiative! 2. Do angels serve the gods... or do the gods serve the angels? What if a god wanted to dramatically change their portfolio? What if a god was somehow tricked into betraying their own values? I think a god without angels would be nearly powerless to exert direct influence across the planes. How's that for a story...  Pelor is tricked by Vecna into punishing an innocent being (less god, epic level hero?). Pelor realizes his mistake, but his godful pride does not allow him to admit it and take action against Vecna. As a result, Pelor's angels walk away, leaving Pelor's Domain open for attack. The party's mission? Defend Pelor's Astral Domain from assault by Hextor while simultaneously working to get his angels back on his side.Good luck!</blockquote>

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