Zariel’s Legion is a militaristic force with the singular goal of preventing the demons from winning the Blood War. Most of the faction consists of devils in their many shapes, from imps to pit fiends, led by Zariel, the angel who fell from Mount Celestia to become an archdevil in Avernus.
When the Underdark was claimed by the demon hordes, the Blood War became a war on two fronts: Avernus and the Material Plane.
Zariel vacated her role as Archduke, taking her entire basalt citadel to hover over the crater where Baldur’s Gate once stood. The crater’s depths peeled back the first layers of the Underdark, making it yet another front line akin to the River Styx, a multiplanar river that connects the Abyss to the Nine Hells.
In turn, Zariel’s rival Bel reclaimed the title of Archduke, much to his delight, while maintaining the ongoing stalemate between devils and demons in Avernus. Now Zariel’s Legion receives reinforcements from the Nine Hells, perpetually clashing wherever the demons may emerge.
Vecna and Zariel have never spoken about their apparent truce, but as long as Zariel’s Legion remains singularly focused on the Blood War, Vecna doesn’t interfere. Gutting the dwarfholds and filling them with his loyal orcs as he did, he’s certain he could defend against demonkind on his own.
Conversely, Zariel’s Legion occasionally provides assistance to the Cult of the Dragon, though the factions have a complicated relationship. Originally, Zariel aided in freeing Tiamat from Avernus, mostly for her own selfish reasons, and now they happen to share the same plane of existence yet again. For as long as they keep clear of one another, the hatchet can remain buried.
Goals & Ambitions
- Prevent the demonic horde from consuming the multiverse.
- Monitor both Vecna and Tiamat’s activities and report to Asmodeus.
- Gather more souls to further populate their legion of fiends.
Leader: Zariel
Joining the Faction
The easiest way to join Zariel’s Legion is to first be a downright rotten individual, promptly die, then as your soul is condemned to the torments of the Nine Hells, be “lucky” enough to be returned to the Material Plane as a lemure. At Helldoor’s Gate, you’ll have the pleasure of dying repeatedly at the hands of demons, and as you prove your worth, you can gradually climb the chain of command, defining yourself by the demons you slay and devils you lead.
Rarely, living souls choose to freely join Zariel’s Legion, as they believe keeping the demons contained within the Underdark is the only thing stopping Faerûn from falling entirely into chaos. Some consider it a holy honor, a selfless act that rarely exists in these lands. The world is far from a delight while under Vecna’s reign, but when compared to the demon princes, many consider him the lesser evil.
Joining Zariel’s Legion comes with a cost, however; if you haven’t already died, you must first sign a contract that forfeits your soul. In exchange, when your inevitable death arrives, you carry your rank with you to your new fiendish form in the Nine Hells. After this, you return to the warfront invigorated and stronger than before, ready to repeat the cycle of death ad infinitum, for there is no end to the Blood War.
Renown
As a faction solely dedicated to war, acts of heroism and victory in battle are the quickest way to become noticed in Zariel’s Legion. Unfortunately, nearly every devil has aspirations of climbing the ranks, and they’ll jump at any opportunity to prevent your promotion— or better yet, ensure your demotion.
Though victorious warriors are held in high esteem, the war effort also requires a steady supply of resources. As such, you can gain recognition through more practical means like providing fresh souls, revealing schemes to slow the demonic onslaught, or exposing doubters within the ranks.
With each successful rank, you’ll take more responsibility on your shoulders, but this is merely the price of keeping the multiverse safe.
Characters that choose to align themselves with Zariel’s Legion are tortured souls or those who truly believe this is a holy cause worth dying for. Aside from the endless war that joining brings, there are a few perks for ascending the ranks.
Ranks
- Legionary: As the newest recruits in Zariel’s Legion, Legionaries are incapable of giving orders and expected to follow them without question.
- Optio: Optios typically serve as squad leaders of a lance—the Legion’s smallest unit. However, Optios need not lead a band of devils to be afforded respect; they can also serve beyond the battlefield in a role such as a spy.
- Signifier: Further up the chain of command, the Signifier oversees ten Optios and their lances. From the warfront, they survey the lines of assault and defense to make suitable adjustments. The violence of war ensures the rank is frequently vacated, making Signifier the highest most devils can aspire to.
- Legate: Legates command an entire legion, where upwards of a thousand devils await to obey their orders without question. Most legates avoid the battlefront, leading from behind; however, only those who thrive in wading into battle are rewarded with Zariel’s attention.
- Dux: Zariel’s trusted advisors, the Dux, provide tactical advice and shape the outcome of the Blood War. However, these responsibilities often place you in the presence of Zariel and her vengeful acts, making it a dangerous rank to hold.
Benefits
Zariel’s Legion support comes in these ways:
- Zariel’s Legion can provide and repair war machines—engines of destruction powered by soul coins.
- Cultists can assist in summoning devils who can strike bargains. Since most members have already forfeited their soul, favors are a common bargaining currency.
- Occasionally, if the adventurers are overwhelmed, an Optio leading a lance of 6 (1d10) spined devils or bearded devils may come to their rescue.