On my way to a metaphorical fridge, I've remembered Tyrael's (short-overruled) decision at the end of Diablo III Vanilla, and I feel like it was kind of a dick move on his part, particularly towards Malthael. Angels live for a VERY LONG TIME, and what he basically said in his monologue was "look, I know our core group member was gone for only 20 years but I'm itching to take his position as my own and replace him, so I will". It's a rare Tyrael L, but a pretty significant one. Thoughts on that?
This is a rather headcanon specific answer for me.
I always thought the Archangels embodied their Aspects because the Crystal Arch bestowed that innate power and traits into them. For example, when Imperius was created, he was made to be concentrated courage and prowess, with the ability to stir those traits in any angel (or even human*) that came into his domain. He did not choose Valor; Valor chose him.
Therefore, when Tyrael takes up the mantle of Wisdom, it was because the Arch had called upon him to do so. He no longer embodied a need to do right and override wrong, but instead had to seek out the truth.
And while of course the angels wouldn't have known this, I figured that Wisdom was only available for Tyrael to uphold because Malthael had already stripped that mantle from himself in order to become Death.
The High Heavens was naturally balancing itself back out again, using what was available to it.
(It's also worth mentioning that for all anyone knows, Malthael got gutted in an alleyway and has been dead for who knows how long.)
Given that the other Councilors don't really respect or adhere to Tyrael's new position, it's all a little bit moot. On one hand they are being subtly influenced by the Black Soulstone. On the other, Tyrael taking Malthael's position would seem pretty ballsy, considering he banished himself and also broke like, half their laws. If he were still an angel it probably would have gone a little smoother. On the other other hand, Imperius doesn't punt him straight into the fist for doing any of this, so they must have accepted his actions in some capacity.
*It's been a minute since I've read Storm of Light, but there is a passage in there wherein the Necromancer Zayl accidentally makes his way into the Halls of Valor. He is vaguely aware that he becomes unnaturally brave and cocky, and eager to attack the angels. I believe Jacob experiences something similar in the Gardens of Hope, being buoyed to the point of carelessness on the feelings of safety and elation. I like to think that physical proximity to the Archangels has a similar effect on people. Hang around Malthael long enough, and suddenly that textbook looks so appealing. In the same room as Imperius? Maybe you can and should go punch that angel, it's a good idea.
tldr: I don't think it was really Tyrael's choice, but I do think his becoming Wisdom really grated on a sore spot in the Heavens. I also don't really like Human Tyrael in general, so it grates on a sore spot in the Fluff too lol
...Considering he stuck with the Horadrim post-RoS, who exactly is driving the plane up there now?
