Heaven | |
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Located In | |
Controlled By |
Mother Gaia (absent) |
Racial Occupants | |
Image Gallery |
Heaven is the home and domain of the Angels within the Afterlife. It is also the place where Medians go if they are considered 'good' by Death.
Geography[]
Heaven takes the form of a large city, set high above the River Styx and a small island that serves as the entrance for Medians brought there by Death. Passing through what may be the gate guarded by Drazil, and ascending a spiraling stairway of glass steps, they would arrive at a large building structure at the very center of the city. This lower level is intended for the Medians to stay in, where it is safest. Above this is a large tower with an intricate design, where Mother Gaia stays in. At the top of the tower is a spire which has a large ball of light radiating off it.
Surrounding the central island are smaller islands where the Angels themselves live. They are spaced out in a way that requires flight to reach them. Some are connected with glass stairways, depending on their proximity with each other. There is noticeable damage to some of the buildings, possibly as a result of the Great War, however possible it was. At least one of the smaller towers has lost its base, while another has a large crack around the upper layer that almost seems to be tipping. One set of islands behind the central island appears to have been damaged as one appears tipped over while still floating.
The light atop the central tower is said to be Gaia's light, which is Heaven's only celestial body.[1] Heaven does not possess nighttime, at least not one as dark as on Medius.
Architecture[]
Most about what Heaven looks like have been shown through flashbacks from Kieri Suizahn. Everything, from the buildings, to even the plant-life, are all colored white; while pathways that act as walking ground for the denizens of Heaven appear blue while the rest of the ground is white.
It's shown that the people of Heaven live in like a civilized fashion, unlike the people of Hell who lack any kind of any real housing constructs (at least any yet to be shown). There are indications of individual homes for the many Angels and their families (and possibly any Medians who live there), educational facilities and even a library. Given the appearance of their library, the coliseum and the many houses that are seen, they may be based off Roman architecture. They also appear to live in close quarters, inspired by Japanese Capsule Hotels.
Buildings and constructions look richly decorated, bearing engraved patterns and symbols, the most common of which being the flower-like symbol that resembles Mother Gaia's crown: it can be seen over doors, including on the Gate to Heaven, as well as inside courthouses. Some areas are decorated with elemental symbols: the training field where Kieri and Kazai practice bears banners of the Water symbol, possibly indicating that this area is for the exclusive use of Water Angels. There are fountains and decorative columns, and the coliseum is flanked by giant statues depicting Warrior Angels. Almost all the islands bear trees or some form of vegetation.
Despite its ancient-looking architecture, it seems that Heaven possesses some level of magic-based technology beyond that of Medius; such as floating stairways, magic lights and hovering practice courses.[2]
Culture[]
Angels start out as eggs, which are traditionally watched by their parents for several weeks on dedicated nesting grounds. They have white hair at hatching, and are raised among their community. They are named at birth, and inherit their father's surname. Angel children are without gender, and referred to with neutral terms. They attend a school for Cherubs, where they learn among other things to read, and speak basic Lingo. They also have access to a great library with an extensive selection of books.
At the age of ten, they start learning to fly with a Sun Emblem, which is an essential skill for moving around Heaven. Upon passing the exam and earning their emblem, they are considered come of age: they get to wear an adult's uniform and bear wings. They can choose their gender and dye their hair accordingly; they also get tattooed with their elemental symbol on their left arm. They leave the school for Cherubs, and begin learning a trade: Caretaker Angels start apprenticeships, Warrior Angels start combat training. They also pursue their studies further, learning subjects such as Advanced Lingo.
Warrior Angels train under the instruction of veteran Warriors, sometimes in groups. This involves physical training such as running laps, as well as practice with different weapons; they also learn to use magic, be it for offensive or healing purposes. Kieri described it as endless and difficult: her family trained almost every day from dawn to dusk. They might choose to pursue academic studies at the same time.
Music is important in Angel culture. Many learn to play music instruments, except Warriors who are only trained in weapons combat.[3] However, every Angel is encouraged to sing, even Warriors. People with good singing voices are considered very attractive.
Worship takes an important place in Heaven, as shown by the existence of mandatory prayers.[4] Kazai refers to Kieri's relationship with a Demon as "sacrilegious", with Kieri replying that she wants to share her love for her friends with Mother Gaia, believing she would understand. She describes the many rules of Heaven that Angels must obey as necessary in order "to uphold Mother Gaia's Order".
Relationships between Angels of different elements, especially opposite elements, are frowned upon in their society. Warrior Angels have a (misguided) superstition that children born from parents of matching elements are innately better at that element’s magic, which would be important for war.[5] In reality, Angels inherit the element of either of their parents, which would then determine which clan they belong to.
It's unclear how exactly Medians are treated while in Heaven. Because Demons are given the duty to torture the souls of the damned, it's likely the Angels are to reward Medians deemed worthy of being here with whatever Angels have to offer. Kieri describes Heaven as a "peaceful, comfortable place" where Medians spend their afterlives. Due to the hazardous geography of Heaven, which requires flight to access, Medians stay within the designated area of the central tower, which is a "resort" meant to keep them comfortable.[6]
Social Classes[]
Angel society is divided in two castes: Caretakers and Warriors. Caretakers do all sorts of jobs around Heaven: they can be healers, artisans, scribes or taking care of Median souls. Warriors have the task of slaying Demons, and are the only ones allowed to carry weapons. As such, Warriors are considered more important than Caretakers: even if they have the same pendants, Warriors will always take precedence. A Caretaker can become a Warrior, although it is said to be very hard for them to climb the ranks[7]; it is unknown whether a Warrior can become a Caretaker. Heaven has drafted Caretaker Angels in the army to fight in the war before[8], in which case they were given training and the right to carry a weapon; however, this is considered a "desperate" measure.
Warrior Angels are seen as frightening by other Angels, with the stereotype that they are violent and uncultured brutes. Warriors from the four Great Clans especially suffer from this reputation, with the Suizahn and Sanjulo clans being described as "ruffians".[9] In return, Warriors tend to look down upon Caretakers as well as Medians, with whom they rarely interact.
Ranks[]
All Angels, regardless of age, are defined by ranks. They can increase their rank by gaining Emblems, usually by passing an exam. Emblems being in limited supply, only a few people can hope to obtain all three and reach the highest rank.
All children start out as Cherubs, which is a rank exclusive to them. At the age of 10, they start learning how to fly using a Sun Emblem; if they pass the exam, they are officially considered adults, and move on to the next rank depending on their caste.
Warriors[]
- Archangel: The first rank that a Warrior Angel receives upon obtaining their Sun Emblem and starting their training.
- Sun Angel: Kieri referred to herself as one while half-asleep. It may reflect another rank for those with only the Sun Emblem in their possession.
- Warriors that receive a Star Emblem command authority over those lower ranked. The name of their rank is currently unknown.
- Seraph: The highest rank a Warrior Angel receives after getting their Moon Emblem. They command authority over those lower ranked. Unlike lower Warrior ranks, Seraphs/Seraphim wear armor, and are as such easily recognizable.
Caretakers[]
- Principality: The first rank a Caretaker Angel receives upon obtaining their Sun Emblem and starting their training. They work toward a trade or profession that can be applied for the benefit of Heaven.
- Dominion: The second rank a Caretaker Angel receives after getting their Star Emblem. It can be assumed that they command authority over those lower ranked.
- Authority: The highest rank a Caretaker Angel receives after getting their Moon Emblem. It can be assumed they command authority over those lower ranked. One role they can perform involves passing judgment or laws within their own system. It is implied that Caretaker Angels that earn all three pendants can be drafted in the war and be trained to fight.[8]
Thrones[]
Khalav Suizahn is described by Kieri as the current Throne of the Water clan, and by Kazai as the "patriarch", so it can be assumed Thrones hold a position of authority over their entire elemental clan. It can be assumed there is a Throne for each of the four elements, possibly chosen among the members of the four great Warrior Clans. This title seemingly doesn't extend to the Throne's spouse, and is inherited from parent to child; Kieri states that she and Kazai are meant to eventually inherit their father's title, meaning that there could be more than one Throne in a clan at the same time.
Great Warrior Clans[]
Within Heaven exist four great Warrior Clans, one for each natural element. They live in the upper island areas of the city, in family estates. However, because of the constant fighting between Heaven and Hell, and the constant disappearances of Angel families, these clans have dwindled to the point that they are on the verge of disappearing.
- Denevol Clan (extinct, one member alive)
- Sanjulo Clan (unknown)
- Suizahn Clan (active)
- Verammi Clan (unknown)
Verammi mentioned the existence of an Angel elite taking decisions (and supposedly "corrupting Heaven") in Mother Gaia's name[10], and Arla Suizahn referred to their clan as the "elite Suizahn Clan".[11] As such, it is possible the great Warrior Clans form the ruling class of Heaven, as they hold a lot of influence over other Warriors (and perhaps Angels in general) of their respective elements. It is unknown whether Caretaker Angels have their own equivalent of the Warrior Clans, or are part of the elite at all.
Locations[]
- The River of Lost Souls
- Grand Library
- Suizahn Estate
- Cherub School
- Gate to Heaven
Trivia[]
- It is unknown whether Heaven has its own equivalent of the Ring of the Slightly Damned.
References[]
- ↑ https://twitter.com/sdamned/status/1713278844218789907
- ↑ Slightly Damned #1107 [TS]
- ↑ https://hyenafu.tumblr.com/post/125383082864/kieri-are-there-any-special-musical-instruments
- ↑ https://hyenafu.tumblr.com/post/95225482109/what-possibilities-did-you-have-in-heaven-to-have
- ↑ https://twitter.com/sdamned/status/1726686772225257979
- ↑ https://hyenafu.tumblr.com/post/740091860845019136/how-does-one-move-around-heaven-without-wings
- ↑ Slightly Damned #374 [HQ, TS]
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Slightly Damned #212 [HQ, TS]
- ↑ Slightly Damned #479 [HQ, TS]
- ↑ Slightly Damned #762 [TS]
- ↑ Slightly Damned #609 [TS]
[]
Gods | Death • Mother Gaia • Father Syndel |
Servants | Cerberus (Blue) • Drazil • Darius Elexion |
Domains | Purgatory (Death's Castle) • Heaven • Hell (Ring of the Slightly Damned) |
Other | Angel • Demon • Soul |
Countries | Dragon Island Archipelago • Fragaria • Nirveus • The Forgotten Lands |
Cities and Towns | Ambai Village • Farun • Ghardin City • Hakarl • Port Dorade • Rathmus • Riverside City • St. Curtis (Tree of Peace) • Weyville |
Residences | Jake's House • Rhea and Ramirez's House • Sinclair Wagon |
Businesses | Chipper Mudskipper Inn • Coiled Cobra Bar • Sleazy Bum Emporium • Snow Drop Inn • Southeast St. Curtis Public Stables • Trader Moe's • Trouble Center |
Forests | Friendly Forest of Doom • Fuzen'ro Forest (Rhea's Village) • Southern Woods |
Mountains | Griffin Pass • Hilla Hill • Shadow Peak • Mt. Sentinel |
Rivers and Lakes | Lake Phinn • Sunset Lake • Taske Lake • The Strait Edge • Zolle River (The Eye of Zolle) |
Hell | Gate to Hell • Ring of the Slightly Damned |
Heaven | Gate to Heaven • Grand Library • Suizahn Residence |
Purgatory | Death's Castle • Judgment Chamber |
Rivers | The River of Lost Souls |