The Heavens Stand Divided

The Hosts of Heaven are not some monolithic group of beings that are universally united to the same ideals and principles. Indeed, some have chosen to adjust their outlooks, or emphasize certain beliefs or philosophies that reflect their own view of the cosmos. Some have adopted a particular outlook based on their own experiences, dislike or like for humanity, views on God, and other similar points of view. There are several primary factions among the angels, but there may be smaller conspiracies with fewer angels.

The Shepherds

The Shepherds are the faction of angels which remain fully dedicated to their original mission: protecting, loving, and guarding humanity, protecting the universe and the world that their Father created, and destroying that which is evil so that which is good may flourish. The shepherds are likely to be the most involved and focused angels that humanity encounters, their obedience to the Father's commandments firm and unyielding. They are most likely to be the angels that are willing to clash with other angels over matters of priority and policy.

The Apocrypha

The angels of the Apocrypha faction are tired of endless conflict, of seeing the worst of mankind, and are desirous of bringing an end to the interminable conflict that has raged since Edenic times. Accordingly, they seek the means and the ways to bring about the Apocalypse, knowing that Michael will triumph over his younger brother, Lucifer, in the Apocalypse. They seek to hasten this conflict, to bring about the end of days, in order to cleanse the Earth and restore it to paradise under the Prince Michael.

The Lightbringers

The Lightbringer faction is concerned that Lucifer was right all along. Humans may mean well, but they are crude, unthinking, selfish beasts by nature and that by and large, time after time, have disappointed the angels in their actions. Even the ones that intend to do good seem to be incapable of dedication to that principle, slipping into darkness, rising once more into the light only to fall back down. They believe that Michael is deluded and that God has no intention of ever ruling again, and seek a means to free Lucifer and help him in cleansing the Earth of humanity. They believe that when Lucifer is free, they will side with him against Michael's angels, and that Lucifer will triumph with their help.

The Seekers

The Seekers are determined to find God, and beg him to return to Heaven and assume his mantle as God once again. They look around at the factions among the angels, over the war of ideals, and see the inevitable coming: another angel war, fought on Heaven and on Earth. Regardless of who wins, the Earth and Humanity loses. They believe only the return of God to heaven can prevent this and are willing to do anything they must to find God and bring him back home.

The Segregationists

Almost entirely populated by the Custos angels, the Segregationists believe that they should follow God’s example, and leave the mortal world to the mortals. Their concern should be guarding righteous souls and maintaining Heaven, not interfering with human causes or going after the denizens of Hell. The troubles of Earth are not troubles for Heaven, and until God makes a new mandate, they should remain in Heaven and separate.