OOC: During my brief absence, I have been pondering as to the exact angle from which I should approach this story. I have chosen to do something ressembling a Heaven's perspective on the whole matter, provided it is not objected to. I realise that we already have an important angelic character; to compensate, I will attempt to create something very different. I also understand that the Master of Life has been conspicuously absent; if convenient and acceptable, it is possible that I can fill the spot.
Prologue
IC: "The skirmish between Death and Darkness is troubling, at worst, but is none of our concern," declaimed Argerael, Archangel of Fate, "For the millenia that we have watched over the Lower World, the law as decreed by the Mantle has ever been to only intervene in the cases of gravest need. This small battle does not satisfy the ancient requirements."
"Even if it is clearly one of the largest battles of the Past Age to occur in the Lower World? Argerael, in times like these, none of us, even in Heaven, can proclaim with certainty as to whether an ambiguous mandate has been satisfied or not. Especially with the presence of the Elemental Masters, I would rather perceive this event to be significant enough to be worthy of our attention," replied Arcterael, Archangel of Hope.
"Arcterael, you are cleared biased towards intervention, and have displayed such subjective prejudices on many an occasion since the Elder Time," Argerael said patronisingly.
"You accuse me of bias, and yet you are a hypocrite. And in the case that we are both biased, mercy must take precedence over harshness."
"Such talk will not move us towards any form of progress," interceded Soliraelis, Archangel of Light, and
de facto chief Archangel of the Council and of the Upper Realm, "The question of intervention should be put to a vote before the Council."
"Then my vote is against it," said Argerael.
"My stance is in support of intervention," said Arcterael.
"I concur with Arcterael's position on this occasion. Non-action will only result in tragic and needless deaths. In fact, though you, Argerael, may feel legally justified in arguing against action, the Mantle lays upon us a moral obligation to intervene when we have the power to do so," pronounced Lumaeliel, Archangel of Mercy.
"However, I, for one, fail to understand why we are even having this discussion. If Darkness and Death, our traditional enemies, are feuding amongst themselves, it would definitely be in our strategic interest to allow them to bleed each other dry," said Emparael, Archangel of War, "Upon that basis, I vote against a clearly non-strategic intervention. However, I am curious as to the following: Soliraelis, what is your thought on the matter?"
"The happenings of the Lower World truly concern me not. I have long ceased to participate actively in that domain, and for 2000 years, have established precedents delegating responsibility in that province to the rest of you, a stance I have no intention to abandon now. Whether we intervene or not matters not to me in the slightest. I abstain."
"Fortunately, there are some of us upon this Council who hold more compassion and caring for the denizens of the realm below. I truly cannot understand those who would not support this peacekeeping operation; at the very least, their moral compasses seem questionable. I decidedly stand in support of intervention," said Sofirael, Archangel of Love.
"Sofirael, the matters of this Realm are enough to concern me without my having to become implicated with any of the earth beneath us. However, it would seem that the decisive vote now rests with Catyrael," said Soliraelis in reply.
Catyrael paused for many minutes before speaking. He could either pass the issue on intervention with a decisive four-to-two, or he could tie the issue, which would effectively suspend it for twenty-eight days until another round of discussion would be held. In the latter case, the intervention debate would probably have become completely irrelevant when discourse was to resume after twenty-eight days, but Catyrael knew that Argarael held enough influence to force his own way, and that somehow, mysteriously, tied issues have managed to disappear altogether from the Council's agenda long before the second round.
"It is my firm belief that when our purpose of safeguarding the inhabitants of the land below was conceived, we were meant to protect them, not only from Hell's Darkness, but from themselves. If they themselves are endangering each other, it is only just that we intervene to put an end to that. I am in favour," concluded the Archangel of Justice.
Silence reigned until Soliraelis spoke again.
"It is decided. Heaven will dispatch an expeditionary force to the realm below."
However, not all managed to maintain a calm composure regarding the outcome.
"This is outrageous. The very notion that you would want to do something to benefit our enemies is outrageous. So the Council decides to intervene. Fine, but it is something which I will not endorse; not a single angel of the Army will participate," said Emparael.
"Do not be so contrary; how can we intervene, or do anything without the Army?" asked Arcterael.
"No military participation is mandatory; you have your intervention, but I will see to it that you will literally not have an army to back it. I refuse to allow angelic soldiers to fight in a ridiculous little thing which will actually benefit Darkness and Death."
But Catyrael smiled. "We will not need the Army. If Heaven's military is not going, then the Sword of Justice shall suffice to provide the force of the intervention. Besides, the expeditionary force needs a commander; I am willing to lead this little adventure to Earth."
Another period of silence. Most of the Archangels were shocked by this bold, unprecedented statement, and by a leading Council member no less. Not since the Third Lower War has a Greater Archangel personally led a mission to Earth.
Emparael was the first to recover.
"Your little group is not much more than a civil police force. It certainly has no mandate for war and combat."
"Ah, but not much more than a civil police force is required, is that not so? After all, this is only a peacekeeping operation, a police action, as far as we are concerned."
"Are you completely certain about this, Catyrael?" asked Soliraelis.
"I am completely certain."
"So it is decided then. The Sword of Justice is to effect Heaven's intervention and to dispense her will as you see fit. You must attempt to minimise the number of innocent casualties incurred. If you should encounter any agents of evil, you are authorised to eliminate them immediately. In the name of High Heaven, go forth!"
***
Notes:
1) Yes, Heaven remains incredibly xenophobic against Darkness and Death affiliated beings. It is an antiquated attitude, but there are still only few reformists who see it that way.
2) Yes, Heaven is actually aware of fewer things than you might think. In fact, for many of the details, the Council actually relies on Messenger Angels, and that system of communication can require a long time for messeges to be conveyed from the Lower to the Upper World, which may explain their relative ignorance.
***
Now, a character profile:
Character Name: Catyrael
Element: 
Brief Description: Catyrael is a powerful Archangel of the Greater class with a seat on the Council itself. Among his own, he is relatively tall, and thus will appear even more so to most inhabitants of the Lower World. In his usual form, a white/golden light radiates from his body, which features two magnificent long white wings. However, on a voluntary basis, whether for concealment or for facilitating encounters with those who are less inclined to stare at a constant brilliance, he can dim this light.
However, it is also well known to the winged creatures of Heaven that crossing into the Lower World requires crossing a distinct frontier in space onto a different plane altogether. Doing so usually lessens angelic power substantially. While they remain very considerable, they cannot be "gods" on the Lower Plane and thus become much more vulnerable.(Brief) Story: Born in Heaven as one of the earlier generations of angels, Catyrael always showed an inclination to see that justice was effected wherever he went. He is no stranger to combat, and it is rumoured that he was among those who ventured with the legendary Chief Archangel Solraegiel, crafter of the original Morning Glory, on the daring intervention during the Second Infernal War deep into Darkness territory. His eventual promotion to Archangel of Justice is thus fitting.
Skills: 1) Mandate of Heaven (Catyrael provides a temporary boost in strength, defence and morale to himself and all allies)
2) Elbereth (The application of this skill can be seen by a sudden brilliant glow emanating from Catyrael's sword, greatly enhancing its potency as a weapon, especially against the unholy. It is useful to light the way in the darkness.)
3) Divine Intervention (Catyrael calls upon the truly divine to assist him in battle. A certain extent of protection is afforded him and surrounding allies.)
4) Light of Heaven (Catyrael has the ability to heal many ills with Heaven's pure Light. On rare occasions, the Light of Heaven may also be used offensively against the unholy, who cannot stand its presence.)
5) Wrath of Heaven (Temporarily restores Catyrael to something closer to his true heavenly form. In this state, he becomes near invincible for a few minutes. Unfortunately, this skill is so energy-consuming that even an Archangel must rest immediately after for a short time (hours) post-usage. Hence, this skill is usually reserved for the most dire of circumstances.
*Note: The application of any of these skills will require varying amounts of energy from Catyrael in his Lower World form, especially Wrath of Heaven.
