Homebrew Archangel Species Details

Archangels are celestial beings whose very presence strengthens and preserves those who fight beside them. Though they possess an unmistakably divine nature, their greatest power is not found in devastating attacks or overwhelming magic, but in the protection they provide to their companions.

An Archangel radiates a subtle protective influence that surrounds nearby allies, making attacks more difficult to land and allowing those who remain close to withstand dangers that might otherwise overwhelm them. This protection is strongest when companions remain near the Archangel, encouraging Archangels and their allies to fight as a unified group rather than scattering across the battlefield.

Their celestial presence also strengthens the effects of healing. When an ally near an Archangel receives magical healing, the restorative energy becomes more potent, allowing wounds to close more completely and exhausted bodies to recover more readily. Even healing provided by potions and other items is enhanced, though to a lesser degree than healing produced through magic.

These blessings do not extend to the Archangel itself. An Archangel's divine nature is inherently outward-reaching, strengthening those around it rather than reinforcing its own defenses. As a result, Archangels often become extraordinarily valuable members of an adventuring party—and equally valuable targets for enemies who recognize the source of their opponents' unusual resilience.

Archangels understand this vulnerability and rarely mistake their celestial nature for invincibility. They depend upon their companions just as their companions depend upon them. Protecting an Archangel allows its blessings to remain upon the battlefield, while the Archangel's presence makes those protecting it considerably more difficult to defeat.

Archangels possess an instinctive understanding of injury and recovery, and many develop considerable knowledge of medicine even without formal training. Their celestial heritage also grants them command of Celestial, allowing them to communicate naturally with other beings associated with the Upper Planes.

Among Archangels, protection is considered one of the highest expressions of strength. Their purpose is not necessarily to stand at the front of every battle, but to ensure that those who do stand there are able to keep fighting.

Archangel Traits

As an Archangel, you have the following species traits...

Creature Type

Your creature type is Celestial.

Divine Aegis

Your celestial presence shields those who fight beside you. Allies within 20 feet of you gain a +1 bonus to their Armor Class. You don't benefit from this bonus.

Restorative Presence

Your celestial presence strengthens healing received by those near you. Whenever an ally within 10 feet of you regains Hit Points from a spell or other magical effect, that creature regains an additional 1d8 Hit Points. If the healing is provided by an item, that creature instead regains an additional 1d4 Hit Points. You don't benefit from this trait.

Advanced Medical Training

Your celestial nature grants you an instinctive understanding of injury and recovery. You gain proficiency and expertise in the Medicine skill.

Celestial Tongue

Your celestial heritage grants you an instinctive command of the language of the Upper Planes. You can speak, read, and write Common and Celestial.

Ability Score Increase

If you are using the 2014 rules, when determining your character's ability scores, increase one ability score by 2 and a different ability score by 1. If you are using the 2024 rules, ignore this trait.

Darkvision

You have Darkvision with a range of 60 feet.

Truesight

Your celestial sight allows you to perceive the world as it truly is. You have Truesight out to a range of 15 feet.