![[ZarielPic.png]] # Zariel _Devil Archduchess | [[Nine Hells]] | [[Avernus]]_ ## Summary The iron-fisted Archduchess of [[Avernus]] and one of the most feared military commanders in the [[Nine Hells]]. Scholars believe she was once an angel who fell during an ill-fated crusade against the Abyss—making her one of the oldest and most dangerous devils in existence. Rose through the [[Dark Eight]] under Archduke [[Bel]], and when the Rift War threatened Avernus, her brilliant campaign saved the layer where his failed. [[Asmodeus]] rewarded her with Bel's throne. Now she commands the front lines of the [[Blood War]], seeking ever more souls for her endless war against demonkind. %% ## At a Glance Towering figure with pale, gaunt features and burning red eyes that hint at former divinity. Massive black wings stretch from her back—feathered but edged with infernal darkness. Her right hand has been replaced with a mechanical prosthesis lost in battle. Battle-worn armor, predatory grace, chains that seem to anchor her to her infernal role. Commands with military precision and expects instant obedience. Never shows weakness or doubt in front of subordinates. Burns with righteous fury at perceived injustices—convinced her brutal methods serve the greater good against chaos. ## Personality Zealous and wrathful. Fanatically devoted to order through strength. Genuinely believes every soul she claims is a victory against the writhing chaos of the Abyss. The original spark of angelic goodness still exists somewhere within her, buried under centuries of infernal corruption and the weight of countless atrocities she's convinced herself were necessary. ## Quote _"Every soul I claim is a victory against the Abyss! You call me cruel—I am salvation incarnate. Without my armies, all reality would burn in demonic fire!"_ ## Background **The Angel:** Served in celestial legions under [[Ashmedai]] (later [[Asmodeus]]) during the dawn of the cosmos. Unlike many of her fellow angels, Zariel remained loyal to [[Mount Celestia]] and escaped the Fall of Avernus. Grew increasingly frustrated with Celestia's passive approach to the [[Blood War]]. **The Crusade:** After witnessing [[Yeenoghu]]'s atrocities on the Material Plane, she befriended the hollyphant [[Lulu]] and raised a mortal army to open a second front against the Abyss. Recruited three mortal generals: [[Yael]] of Idyllglen, [[Olanthius]] of Elturel, and [[Haruman]] of the Far Hills. **The Fall:** Yeenoghu lured her army into a trap in Avernus. Half her forces abandoned her (later mythologized as the heroic [[Hellriders]]). Zariel fought valiantly but was captured. [[Asmodeus]] appeared on the battlefield and offered a choice: destruction or service. She chose service—whether through conviction, pragmatism, or simple exhaustion, none can say. **The Companions:** Haruman willingly followed her into Hell. Olanthius chose suicide but was raised as a death knight. Yael died protecting the [[Sword of Zariel]]—which contains a shard of Zariel's angelic essence and may be the key to her redemption. **The Rise:** Proved exceptionally capable as a devil general but clashed constantly with superiors. Allied with [[Tiamat]] during the Reckoning—failed, was imprisoned. The Rift War gave her a chance to prove herself again. Her defense against the baatorian invasion earned her elevation to Archduchess. **The Sword:** Hidden in an alabaster fortress somewhere in Avernus. Contains the key to her potential redemption. She's forgotten its location and believes it was destroyed. Reunion with [[Lulu]]—whom she believes died centuries ago—could trigger memories of her former self. ## Stats **Zariel** (MTF 180 / DiA 243) %%