Re: what is it about angels?

psychohist wrote:
> I agree with your analysis of the purpose of angels within the context
> of the D&D rules.
> 
> I'm not so certain about the CR and fairness arguments.
> 
> It is true that the party is less likely to defeat the angel and get
> experience points out of it.  However, it also seems to be true that
> party members are less likely to die from the encounter.  In the
> present case, had the paladin fought a demon, she might have been more
> likely to win - but if she had lost, she would likely have died,
> right?
> 
> I don't know what the letter of the CR rules are, but in principle, I
> think a risk and reward rating could legitimately rate at the same
> level a creature which is more powerful but more constrained not to
> hurt the party and a creature which is less powerful but less so
> constrained.

There is no such game mechanical constraint on the creature, however. 
Sure, it's good-aligned, but I can think of a dozen reasons why it might 
serve the Greater Good for a good angel to attack a nominally 
good-aligned party - and if you've got a party with non-good members, 
then it's much easier.

And let's not forget how Lawful Good in D&D has often been ****trayed as 
the "self-righteous asshole" alignment...