Angiris Council

The Angiris Council is the ruling body of the High Heavens and leader of all Elder Angels. It initially consisted of five archangels, each of a particular aspect said to represent the chief virtues of Anu, or God of the Bible. Over time, however, the Council's unity and members has diminished, including the absence of Archangel Malthael. Currently, Imperius is the de facto leader of the council.

History
As the Seven Evils were of the great dragon Tathamet, the Angiris Council was of the primordial god Anu, and both sets of leaders led their forces in the Eternal Conflict, and both sets of leaders led their forces on the battlefield. When united, the Council could be unstoppable. Initially, the Council was led by Malthael.

However, the Council was not without dissonance, a case in point when Imperius slew Diablo on an impulsive decision, despite the suggestions of Tyrael and Auriel that it would serve their cause better if the demon was taken prisoner instead. On his final breath, Diablo mocked the Angiris Council's so-called unity after being slain.

The Sin War
The Angiris Council became aware of the existence of Sanctuary and its nephalem denizens, both world and beings the product of unions between angels and demons. It was the Council's initial edict that the world and its people be destroyed, viewed as "abominations." However, Uldyssian's sacrifice gave the Council pause and it convened to discuss the fate of the world. Imperius opted for eradication. Auriel and Itherael voted for the world's continued existence. Malthael abstained. Tyrael, who had been expected to side with Imperius and thus doom Sanctuary to destruction (a tie would mean the original edict would be carried out), sided with humanity, moved by Uldyssian's sacrifice. Sanctuary and its people would be left to choose between light or dark, and after a pact with Mephisto, both Heaven and Hell agreed to respect its neutrality.

Seeds of Discord
The events of the Sin War had ensured that the Great Conflict would take on a new paradigm, one that boded ill for the Angiris Council as much as the Prime Evils. The ceasefire did not sit well with Imperius—robbed of an enemy to fight, he became something of a "legalistic tyrant." That Tyrael had not sided with him at the conclusion of the Sin War was another thorn in his side. Furthermore, Tyrael would continue to act on his own, aiding humanity despite the edicts of the Council. Auriel continued to act as a bridge between the two angels but Malthael was another story. It is said his mood darkened after the creation of Sanctuary. After the destruction of the Worldstone, he simply vanished. In light of his absence, Imperius took over leadership of the Council, where division continued to exist between him and Tyrael. During this period, the Council eventually relented to the pleas of Urzael to let him take leave to find his master.

By the time of the main series, the Prime Evils were threatening Sanctuary with their return, and Tyrael and Imperius came to blows over the issue. Ultimately, Tyrael forsook his immortality, becoming mortal and descending to the world to guide humanity and the Three Factions against the forces threatening their world.

Members
Imperius, Archangel of Valor


 * Current leader of the Council and the Heavenly Host. A mighty warrior, but also prideful and rash. Formerly close with Tyrael, but their relationship became strained after Tyrael's advocation for humanity at the end of the Sin War. Wielded Solarion, the Spear of Valor. Corresponding domain is the Halls of Valor.

Tyrael, Archangel of Justice (Formerly)


 * The "maverick" of the Council. Formerly an impartial dispenser of justice, his disposition changed at the end of the Sin War, which put him at odds with Imperius. Aided humanity secretly through the Horadrim, chose to become mortal when called to answer for his actions. Wields El'druin, the Sword of Justice. Corresponding domain was the Courts of Justice.

Auriel, Archangel of Hope


 * The voice of reason and pillar of diplomacy in the Council and its only female member. She is also closest to Itherael. Compassionate, but nonetheless willing to fight when it's necessary. Wields Al'maiesh, the Cord of Hope. Corresponding domain is the Gardens of Hope.

Itherael, Archangel of Fate


 * Neither male nor female. Mostly aloof, though is closest with Auriel. Reads Talus'ar, the Scroll of Fate, which allows them to see future events. Corresponding domain is the Library of Fate.

Malthael, Archangel of Wisdom (Formerly)


 * Former leader of the council. Was once a noble being said to cherish all life. Malthael's persona darkened after the disappearance of the Worldstone. After its destruction, he abandoned the High Heavens and supposedly wandered the halls of Pandemonium, seeking answers to the unknowable mysteries of life and death. Was eventually found in Pandemonium, having since become the Angel of Death and having been the one to kill God at the end of the Great War. Once carried Chalad'ar, the Chalice of Wisdom. Corresponding domain was the Pools of Wisdom.