There are some mortals among the Worlds who have awareness of the Archangels. Most have only a popular knowledge of the legends, though some might adopt one as a patron, praying their aid in times of need. Then there are the scholars and mystics who make a deeper study, delving into the Divine Mysteries, sometimes even attempting contact with the Powers of the Light. And there are a few who desire to go further, to truly know the nature of the Light, to see with divine vision, to fly with the angels. And their way is the hardest of all mortals, for they must bear the Trial of Remiel.
Remiel is a terrible golden-red giant with scarlet and black wings, who wields the warhammer Judgement. He resides in the heart of the Elemental Flame. His Trial is no complex quest or lifelong striving. Those undertaking the trial must face Remiel, simply that.
But to face Remiel, to look into his burning eyes, is to bare one’s soul to the red heat of the refining fire. It is to be judged utterly, and all that is flawed and mortal to be burned away mercilessly. It is to lose all conception of self and of time. And in the end, if the seeker survives, and if there is anything left of the seeker, then that soul-spark may burst free from the fire and fly up to Heaven on fiery wings. And in the clean air of paradise those fires will burn out to reveal the pure wings of an angel.
