Wisdom & Biscuits

YES i love it when adrian is way bigger than rocky uh here's my take on rocky and adrian

Tyrael's model from Diablo IV by Gustavo Medeiros on ArtStation (links for everyone that wants a good reference for his face and armor!)

[link to textured model]

Wisdom of the day, presented by Tyrael

reference under the cut

From the Book of Malthael: The Creation of the Aspects

“I was the first, and I expected nothing else. I walked the Light; through my gaze the halls and spires of the Heavens were crafted. Where I tread, structure grew, until Anu’s will was done, and I was freed from this burden.

I forged a corner for myself in the emptiness. From a cliff overlooking nothingness, I asked Anu to grant me the gift of learning. The Pools of Wisdom sprang forth, bathing the heavens in unending knowledge. My thirst was unquenchable. How long I stared into the Light’s depths, I do not know. My world was one of peace and silence.

Until the Arch chimed, high and sweet.

One became five.

I was young, then. As were they. We spread, claiming the corners of the High Heavens. They crafted their realms from their will, which were in truth Anu’s will, given form.

Valor. Justice. Fate. Hope. All gained place. And purpose.

The Heavens filled with melody and Lightsong. Our spirits grew, and our people multiplied. We became radiant, blinding.”

Heavenly & Mortal Aspects

Though the Heavens possesses a single Archangel per Aspect, all angels  profess devotion towards one of those domains. When Inarius and Lillith stole the Worldstone and created Sanctuary, angels from all five Aspects joined them and their demonic adversaries in procreation. From them came the first Nephalem.

Most mortals are unaware of the details of their lineage due to the effects of the Worldstone. Others found ways to remember:

From “A Light in the Darkness” Chapter 2: The Kin of Angels

“Long ago, angels and demons bred together. The seraph came from all Aspects of the Heavens. Inarius, the first, was of Justice. Others were of Valor, Hope, and Fate. And a few were of Wisdom.

Most forgot their history. A side effect of the tampering given to the Worldstone. But my father’s family preserved theirs in writing. It was a noble history. They kept the knowledge of the Heavens, and later, that of Sanctuary. We have our stories of the marble halls and the Crystal Arch. Of endless pools of light that glittered with the wisdom of eternity. And of a gaunt, wise figure who carried curved blades engraved with angelic runes.”

Over time, as mortals proliferated on Sanctuary, demon and angelic blood became mixed. Still, from those pairings, an astute individual can identify certain characteristics that are common among humans whose bloodline is less muddied, including innate drives or magical abilities.

Below is a listing of the various Aspects, as well as details of their immortal and mortal incarnations.

icon versions of the logos

Aspect of Valor With valor comes glory; with glory comes victory.

The soldiers of Valor are the Heavens’ staunchest defenders. Proud warriors, they tirelessly protected the Silver City and the Light from the Burning Hells and anyone else who might threaten it. Their greatest warriors, the Luminarei, defend the Crystal Arch itself, and in war are always led by the Archangel of Valor, Imperius. They prize the glory of battle above all else and train to become a ruthless and undefeatable force.

Mortals from the line of Valor are courageous and fearless. They are confident in their own abilities, whatever those may be, though they often lean towards martial pursuits or other physical professions where they may feel the burn of their muscles or the glow of sweat. Those with less self-control are prone to outbursts of anger or impulsiveness, while those who have gained maturity are able to channel their emotions into achieving their goals. Valor mortals pursue such goals with the dedication of the Luminarei themselves and can be a terrifying force of nature to behold.

Aspect of Wisdom True strength lies in the wisdom of all things.

The servants of Wisdom collect knowledge in its purest form. In the Heavens, this involves studying the Pools, to the degree they are able, or to help Malthael, the Archangel of Wisdom, gather wisdom from the Chalice. Wisdom angels offer advice on all queries, from the lowest of questions to the most integral.

Mortals from the line of Wisdom demonstrate a similar thirst for knowledge. They are often learned, pedantic, and take pleasure in playing the “devil’s advocate” in debates. They are listeners, researchers, inventors, and advisors. Sometimes they are leaders, though those who fall into that roll may stumble from excess arrogance. They are restless souls, never content with the present, always looking towards the future that they are shaping. They are commonly witty or sarcastic, and often believe they can outwit or control those around them.

Aspect of Justice Justice is equal in its defense of the innocent and its pursuit of the guilty.

The defenders of Justice seek to preserve the Light and defeat darkness wherever they are present in creation. Led by the Archangel of Justice, Tyrael, they fight alongside Valor on the Eternal Battlefields, relishing in bringing justice to those who are guilty. Angels of Justice are calm, confident warriors, capable of observing conflict and determining guilt, as well as dispensing punishment when required.

Mortals from the line of Justice are driven by righteousness and the rule of law. Their interpretation of each varies. Some are drawn to organized religion or political office, others to duties that more directly protect the innocent. They are guardsmen, crusaders, and templars, though not all fall into martial pursuits; some may become judges or writers of regulation. They are collected and poised individuals, and some may appear aloof or cold, though at heart they are deeply dedicated to a person or idea. Others wield their passion openly and may become zealots for whatever cause they champion.

Aspect of Fate From the past comes our future, eternal and profound.

The keepers of Fate scour fragments of the Arch for hints about the future. Their leader, the Archangel of Fate Itherael, possesses the ability to read the strands of fate directly from such pieces. They are objective advisors of the truth, able to state with certainty what has occurred, and for the immortal realms, what will occur in the future. They are also meticulous record keepers, choosing to preserve what-was and what-will-be for all to consider.

Mortals from the line of Fate are level-headed, collected individuals who prize organization above other things. They are driven to put things in order, whether it be ledgers of financial information, libraries of books, or the organization of workers within a fortress. They are no-nonsense and often have little time for frivolities, though those who become closely acquainted with them realize they are exceedingly dependable and often intelligent. Some mortals share Itherael’s ability to peer into the future and may be known as Seers or those who have the Sight.

Aspect of Hope Even in darkness, one will always find the light of hope.

The guardians of Hope tend to the Gardens of the Archangel of Hope, Auriel, so that others can revel in their peace and warmth. Their domain is permeated with the sound of music and the gentle glow of the Light. They provide a respite to the other Aspects when they most need it, and they provide encouragement for those who feel the weight of the Eternal Conflict heavily on their shoulders. They also tend to the wounded and heal injuries both physical and emotional.

Mortals from the line of Hope are optimistic, joyful, and creative souls who revel in life and relationships. They prize small details and individuals over greater truths and are sometimes called naive because of it. Truthfully, they see the importance of embracing the Light at all moments, and they are able to stand tall when others fail. They are often teachers, healers, priests, and artists, or any profession that brings joy and peace to the world. They are relentless and selfless in their optimism, though they are also prone to the darkest depressions if their demeanor does fail. Those without life experience may find themselves drawn into conflicts without understanding their intricacies, and they are at risk of being used by others who hold less value for individual autonomy.