Random Angel Generator – The Qabalah of Saint Gygax

Part 1 – The Planetary/magical Angels

In creating a Milieu Neutral presentation of Angelic Planetary Correspondences, the first and most obvious obstacle is that I have no actual planets to base the tables on. I can use the ideas represented by our own astrological symbols, of course, but, what I really wanted was something representative of the Metaphysics, explicit and implicit, of the D&D Multiverse itself. Therefore, I’m going with the most obvious such example, magic, and will herein base the Planetary Energies on the Types of magic.

In the Hermetic literature, the Angels are associated with the elements, planets, and zodiac. All of these are mapped onto the Qabalistic Tree of life, which provides another level of Angelic Correspondences. Those wishing a traditional example, may reference Tom Moldvay’s article The Seven Magical Planets in The Dragon # 38. Also, Aleister Crowley’s Liber 777, which contains the information in the article mentioned above but takes things much, much further, may be found here. Otherwise…

The Types of magic are here considered as a manifestation of the metaphysics of whatever fantasy universe is being used. The Types could be associated with other symbols or sources of divine energy; astrological, religious, or what have you. I decided to associate them with planets, because the numbering works fairly well. I’ve also thought of another approach for Zodiacal Energies. They actually fit fairly well with our own ideas about Planetary Energies, which is no real surprise as they are all drawn from our magical and religious heritage. I hope I’m not guilty of shoe-horning the symbols too much. I’ve taken a few liberties, combining those Types usually found together, thus, treating Summoning as a particular application of Conjuration, for example. There are arguments for and against that idea. Teasing out Mr. Gygax’s thoughts on this aspect of the game has produced questions as well as answers, which I will probably address in a later post. Also, I have completely ignored Possession. It’s strong associations with demons and extreme rarity of use suggest to me that it may be treated as a perversion of other magics.

Roll to Determine Type of Angel

d8	These are attributed to the Type of Magic Column Below.
1	Angels of Divine Power.
2	Angels of the Mind of the Gods.
3	Angels of the Words of Creation.
4	Angels of the Living Gods.
5	Angels of Desire.
6	Phantasmagoric Angels.
7	Angels of Divine Mercy.
8	Angels of Transmutation.

Correspondences

	Type of Magic.	Universal Principles.	Apparel .
1	Evocation	War, Aggression, Dominance, Force.	Armor. Shield. Flames. Red.
2	Divination	Knowledge, Teaching, Secrets.	Robes. Darkness. Light.
3	Conjuration	Creation, Command, Invitation. Art.	Noble Finery. Rich or dashing clothing. Purple. Blue.
4	Necromancy	Life Energy. Growth. Life. Death.	Robes. Light. Darkness. Organic materials. Green.
5	Enchantment	Love, Lust, Submission.	Nude, clothing designed to entice. Green. Purple.
6	Illusion	Dream, Guile, Trickery, Laughter.	Gaudy Robes, Motley, multi-colors, dark colors.
7	Abjuration	Fortification, Protection, Negation.	Armor. Shield. Clothing designed to deflect. Blue.
8	Alteration	Change, Transmutation. Metamorphosis.	Bright Finery, Nude. Yellows. Radiant clothing.

 

	Weapon Suggestions.	Other Accouterments.
1	Sword, Axe, Halbred. Weapons of Magical Energy.	Warhorse. Gauntlet. Flames.
2	Staff.	Book, Crystal Ball.
3	Rod, Staff, Scepter.	Crown. Orb. Throne.
4	Caduceus. Scythe.	Serpents. Skulls. Growing things.
5	Wand. Whip.	Flowers. Mirrors.
6	Sickle. Club. Silver Weapons.	Hooka, Smoke. Mirrors. Bells.
7	Staff, Sword.	Shields. Walls. Globes of Force.
8	Flaming weapons.	Gold, Alchemical Equipment. Potions.

Monster Dice and base powers: Roll 1d8 and add 4 to determine. Defense is that of the base creature, increased by 1 for each monster level ( so the most powerful is at –2, or 22 depending upon what system you’re using.) Resistance to Spells starts at 20% for a lvl 5 angel, and increases by 5% at each level. Move as base creature. If winged, flight is at double the base movement. A magical weapon is needed to hit; the DM may adjust this as he sees fit. Also, the Arcane spells listed below, may be treated as Divine Magic, at the DM’s Discretion.

Roll to determine the Level of the Angel.

d8	Powers.
5	May cast any 1st and 2nd level cleric spell, as well as any 1st & 2nd level Arcane spells which are of the Type corresponding to the angel, 1/day each.
6	As above, but 2/day each.
7	As above, but, 3rd level as well, all 2/day each.
8	As above, but all 3/day each.
9	As above, but 4th level spells as well, all 3/day each.
10	As above.
11	As above, but, 5th level as well, all 3/day each.
12	As above, all 4/day each.

The Planetary Angels are considered to appear as a Human or Demi-Human like creature. The table may be expanded, or, further configurations may be reserved for other Angelic beings.

Base Appearance

d6	Appearance.
1 - 4	Human.
5	Elf.
6	Dwarf.

Sex

d8	Sex.
1 - 3	Male.
4 - 5	Female.
6 - 7	Androgynous.
8	Neuter.

Head

d 100	The Head Appears to be A:
1 - 70	Match for the Base Appearance.
71 - 75	Bear.
76 - 80	Serpent.
81 - 85	Nimbus of Light.
86 - 90	Hawk.
91 - 93	Wolf.
94 - 98	Dragon.
99 - 00	Covered.

The head (as well as much of what follows) may be determined by the generated Type instead, but, I wanted some general diversity in the table.

Other Noteworthy Physical Characteristics

d 100	Roll Twice on this table.
1 - 30	Winged.
31 - 45	Horned.
46 - 48	Extra Pair of Arms.
49 - 51	Extra Pair of Eyes.
52 - 55	Extra Pair of Wings (add a first pair as well, if not already rolled.)
56 - 65	Odd Skin Color.
66 - 68	Covered in Fur.
69 - 72	Appears as a Pair of Identical Beings.
73 - 75	Smaller than usual for Base Appearance.
76 - 77	Larger than usual for Base Appearance.
78 - 79	Hairless.
80 - 81	Mechanical.
82 - 85	Incredible Beauty (35 + Com.)
86 - 87	Hideous.
88 - 90	Made of Light.
91 - 95	Metallic.
96 - 00	Roll Two-More Times.

The “Extra” entries may be selected multiple times; otherwise, re-roll duplicates.