Alright, so, correct me if I'm wrong on any of these:

-Wings, powerful enough to carry at least themselves (wing-strength probably varies among individuals; Archangels assumed to have very strong wings relative to the rest)

-Can fly relatively fast overland when unencumbered, encumbrance is based on wing-strength (regular periods of rest needed, of course; they couldn't fly across Tailteann in a day, or any such preposterous thing)

-Have their own magical traditions, rather like the Elves or Fae, and could have access to Cryptic magic that has been lost on the surface ever since they ascended to their islands (I would give them preference towards the "light" element and healing magic, but that's just me)

-Are somewhat physically stronger than humans, perhaps more on par with the physical races, like the Bangaa or Ronso (Archangels, by their nature, are stronger still, as they are the "cream of the crop")

-Are the longest-lived of the physical races, trumped only by Spirits; in addition, they have a strong immunity against most poisons, diseases and afflictions that originate on the surface (excepting artificial ailments meant specifically to harm them, and ailments unique [i]to[/i] them, such as the Gray Wings Curse)

EDIT: The only problem I have with Gabe's backstory isn't the character itself, really, but the portrayal of angel culture and government as exclusively arrogant and such. In my head, I'm thinking that is more the mind-set specifically of the angels who dwell in the Crystal City, not ALL of them (perhaps they are a specific enthicity, the "white wings", who are known for seeing themselves as divine and all that; other types of angels, perhaps with different-colored wings, could be more moderate)