The Nine Heavens

The upper plane of the Nine Heavens is home to many of the good aligning celestials in the universe. It is not only a birthplace for these creatures, but also an afterlife for many mortals. When a mortal soul is plucked from the Fugue Plane and sent to the Heavens they begin in the first circle, Purgatory. It is in that circle where Azriel, Judge of Heaven, will assign what will become of the soul. He will read their every deed before deciding on which ring to place them in and what celestial being they will become. Each circle of heaven is guarded by an archangel that prevents souls from passing without permission.

The following is a list of the nine circles of the Heavens:

• Purgatory: The outermost circle, ruled by archangel Azriel, Judge of Heaven. Here is where many souls are taken to be judged, giving them time to contemplate their decisions and life choices. Within Purgatory there are many illusions of temptations, all being specifically placed to sway mortal souls. If a mortal is able to resist these illusions and it lived a life Azriel deems worthy, they are given clearance to move to the next circle. Celestials that live here all act to bridge the gap between mortals and heavenly creatures, with most of them serving as messengers or collecting souls from the Fugue Plane. While technically a part of the Heavens, most celestials consider Purgatory its own separate territory.

• Mercury: The second circle of heaven, this sphere is where mortals who did good out of the desire for fame or earthly possessions will end up. If the soul did not worship a god, but was still good, this is likely where they will be found. Many Devas live in Mercury, ready to move through limbo and into the material plane to carry out the will of their deity. This circle is ruled by the archangel Gabriel, who demands riches or a valuable magic item be sacrificed to move to the next circle.

• Venus: The third circle of heaven is where mortals who had lived a life of genuine compassion and love, but still chased unjust desires will end up. This circle is ruled by the archangel Raphael. The archangel wields a horn that when blown, will strike fear in the hearts of unworthy creatures. Those who are not stricken with terror are able to move to the next circle.

• Sun: The fourth circle of heaven is where the wisest of mortals end up. Many who worship one of the four constants alone with true understanding and devotion will be found here. With their wisdom, they offered guidance to others in the name of goodness based on their knowledge. This circle is ruled by the archangel Uriel, who wields the Book of Divine Knowledge. In order to pass, one must reject the offer of keeping one of the pages, which grants the creature incredible power.

• Mars: The fifth circle of heaven is where fallen mortal warriors end up after giving their lives in the name of their deity, or true goodness. They either are allowed to rest eternally in this circle, or become Planetars in service to their deity. This circle is ruled by the archangel Michael, the strongest physical fighter among all the archangels. In order to pass, one must be deemed worthy in a trial by combat.

• Jupiter: The sixth circle of heaven is where the just and fair leaders end up. Kings who ruled with grace and kindness, priests that preached the true teachings of their deity, and other mortals with power who used it for true good. This circle is ruled by the archangel Sandalphon. The archangel demands an offering of servitude in order to let creatures pass. If the creature is not a good aligned paladin or cleric (or a character with a similar ordeal), they must offer three years equivalent of their lifespan to Sandalphon.

• Saturn: The seventh circle is the final circle that mortals will ever be able to reach post mortem. It is here where the ultimate heroes, leaders, and saviors will end up. They are not only able to be the closest to the greater deities, but they even get the chance to have a say in their decisions. This circle is ruled by the archangel Metatron, the most powerful archangel. There are only three ways to pass into the next layer. Slay Metatron, be invited by a god, or obtain the powers of a god to pass.

• Stars: The eighth circle of heaven is where all of the good aligned lesser deities and their servants reside. Solars originate from this circle, being some of the only creatures to lay their eyes on gods in their true forms. Only mortals with the powers/protection of gods can enter without being petrified with divine energy.

• Primum Mobile: The ninth and final circle of heaven is where all of the good aligned greater deities reside. No mortal can even possibly enter this circle, as the sheer divine energy within is enough to erase them, body and soul. The Primum Mobile is one of the only places where The Creator can be directly heard.