![[Raziel.png|400]] **Also Known as:** The Crusader, The Firestar, Ruler of the Platinum Heaven **Alignment:** Lawful Good **Classification:** Tome Archon, Celestial Paragon **Symbol:** Bear **Realm:** Empyrea, the City of Tempered Souls, Mertion, Mount Celestia Mertion is the fifth layer of Mount Celestia, also known as the Platinum Heaven. --- ### Overview **Raziel**, known as **the Crusader** and **the Firestar**, is one of the seven mighty **tome archons** who comprise the **Celestial Hebdomad**, the ruling council of the Seven Mounting Heavens of Celestia. These celestial paragons stand at the summit of the archon hierarchy, governing the seven layers of Mount Celestia and directing their inhabitants in the service of law and goodness. Raziel presides over **Mertion**, the fifth heaven, and is recognised as the celestial patron of paladins and holy warriors who dedicate their lives to confronting evil and defending the innocent. Among the members of the Hebdomad, Raziel is distinguished by his fierce opposition to tyranny, oppression, and the deliberate persecution of the defenceless. His title of Firestar refers to the righteous wrath for which he is renowned among his celestial peers. Unlike those who seek merely to contain evil or protect goodness from its influence, Raziel encourages his followers to confront wickedness wherever it is found. His devotion to justice is uncompromising, yet his anger is neither uncontrolled nor driven by personal hatred. It is the deliberate wrath of a celestial champion whose power is directed against cruelty and oppression. Despite his formidable reputation as a crusader, Raziel's character is not defined by warfare alone. He devotes considerable attention to the suffering of others, particularly those who are wounded, helpless, or in need of spiritual guidance. Rather than maintaining a great fortress or commanding his realm from a magnificent throne, he is frequently found within the hospitals and infirmaries of **Empyrea**, the City of Tempered Souls. There, he offers protection and counsel to clerics and patients, demonstrating that his commitment to defending the innocent extends beyond the battlefield. Raziel is especially revered by paladins who seek to reconcile martial strength with compassion and moral responsibility. His example teaches that the struggle against evil requires both the courage to confront powerful enemies and the determination to protect those unable to defend themselves. Through the **Fists of Raziel**, a knightly order dedicated to holy warfare, his influence extends into the Material Plane, where his champions undertake dangerous missions against fiends, tyrants, and other forces of wickedness. Although Raziel possesses immense supernatural power, he is not a deity and does not seek divine worship. His authority derives from his position within the Celestial Hebdomad, while his devotion to law and goodness establishes him among the foremost defenders of the Upper Planes. --- ### Domain and Influence Raziel rules **Mertion**, the fifth of the Seven Mounting Heavens of Celestia. Known as the **Platinum Heaven**, Mertion is a realm of broad plains, gentle slopes, and immense celestial fortifications. Unlike the towering mountains and steep ascents that characterise several of the lower heavens, much of Mertion opens into vast expanses of comparatively level terrain, interrupted by magnificent citadels and enormous domes. These great fortresses serve as mustering grounds for the armies of goodness. Paladins, archons, and other lawful good warriors assemble upon the plains, preparing for the eternal struggle against the forces of the Lower Planes. The immense citadels of Mertion are therefore associated with celestial military readiness and the disciplined organisation of those who have dedicated themselves to righteous warfare. Yet the Platinum Heaven is not solely a realm of military preparation. It is also home to **Empyrea**, the City of Tempered Souls, one of the most remarkable sanctuaries of healing found throughout the Upper Planes. The city stands beside a cold, clear mountain lake and is renowned for its extraordinary fountains and curative waters. These waters possess the power to restore injuries and afflictions that would defy ordinary medicine, including withered limbs, lost speech, mental disturbances, and injuries to the life force itself. Pilgrims travel from distant planes to seek the healing offered within Empyrea. Its hospitals and infirmaries are attended by skilled clerics and healers, whose work provides relief to those suffering from physical, mental, and spiritual afflictions. The city's reputation as a place of restoration is inseparable from the character of Mertion, where the strength required to oppose evil exists alongside the compassion necessary to repair the suffering it causes. **Raziel maintains no permanent stronghold within Mertion.** Instead, he spends much of his time among Empyrea's hospitals, providing spiritual guidance and protection to those who administer healing and those who seek it. His presence within these institutions is especially significant given his reputation for divine wrath. The same celestial ruler who inspires crusades against tyranny also devotes himself to the welfare of the wounded and defenceless. Near the city lies **Empyrea Mere**, a mountain lake whose waters are closely associated with the healing powers of the city. Those who look into its depths are said to perceive the truth of their own nature, recognising both their virtues and their failings. Immersion in its waters can relieve curses and spiritual injuries, making the lake a place of considerable significance to pilgrims seeking restoration. Other settlements within Mertion reflect its martial and celestial traditions. Among them is **Soqed Hezi**, the City of Swords, where the sword archon **Bahram**, known as the Conquering and Triumphant Fire, exercises authority. Bahram answers directly to Raziel, while the city is also associated with **Al'Akbar**, the demigod revered within the religious traditions of Oerth. The varied communities of Mertion demonstrate the relationship between righteous warfare, celestial discipline, and the protection of life. Although Raziel is chiefly remembered as a crusader, his realm provides sanctuary for the wounded as readily as it prepares champions to confront evil. --- ### Symbols and Icons The recognised symbol of **Raziel is the bear**, an emblem associated with his identity as one of the seven celestial paragons. The symbol identifies him within the hierarchy of Mount Celestia, although the surviving accounts do not establish a particular religious interpretation of its meaning. Raziel himself possesses an imposing and magnificent appearance. He stands approximately nine feet tall, resembling a muscular humanoid with masculine characteristics. His skin is platinum-white, his eyes shine with the brilliant red colour of rubies, and his hair burns with supernatural flame. From his broad shoulders extend great wings covered in reddish-gold and white feathers, giving him a presence that combines celestial splendour with the formidable bearing of a warrior. He wears an ornate **mithral breastplate** of exceptional craftsmanship and carries a heavy mithral shield. His principal weapon is an enormous longsword, a **holy avenger** possessing powerful sacred enchantments. The weapon reflects his position as the patron of paladins and his commitment to the destruction of evil, while its formidable size and supernatural properties make it a deadly instrument in his hands. The flames that form Raziel's hair and the brilliance of his ruby-coloured eyes contribute to the image of the Firestar, a celestial champion whose righteous anger is as remarkable as his martial strength. His appearance differs considerably from that of the more contemplative rulers of Celestia, reflecting the distinctly martial nature of his responsibilities. When riding into battle, Raziel is accompanied by **Temperion**, a celestial unicorn of extraordinary strength and endurance. Together, the Firestar and his charger present a formidable sight, embodying the martial splendour associated with the armies of the Seven Heavens. --- ### Worship and Tributes Raziel does not encourage mortals to worship him as a god. Like the other members of the **Celestial Hebdomad**, he considers the advancement of goodness and the guidance of mortals toward worthy deities to be more important than receiving personal religious devotion. The celestial paragons neither tolerate cults organised in their names nor possess the ability to grant divine spells directly to mortal worshippers. Their extraordinary supernatural power does not confer the status of divinity, and their authority remains distinct from that of the gods who maintain realms throughout the Upper Planes. Nevertheless, Raziel serves as the patron of paladins and holy warriors drawn from numerous religious traditions. The **Fists of Raziel** include individuals who honour different good-aligned deities, among them **Heironeous, Pelor, Moradin, Yondalla, and Bahamut**. Some members do not worship any deity, instead dedicating themselves to the principles of lawful goodness and the celestial ideals represented by their patron. The Celestial Hebdomad may petition good-aligned gods to grant divine assistance to worthy servants. Through such arrangements, mortals who dedicate themselves to a celestial paragon may receive divine magic without treating that paragon as the source of their spells. Raziel is associated with the divine domains of **Good, Law, and War**, reflecting his position as a celestial ruler and the patron of holy warfare. These associations are particularly appropriate to clerics and paladins whose duties involve the defence of goodness and the destruction of evil. His recognised following is therefore defined not by sacrifices or material offerings, but by righteous conduct and active opposition to oppression. Those who serve his cause demonstrate their commitment through the protection of others and their willingness to confront dangers that threaten innocent lives. No independent religious festivals, sacrificial traditions, or formal systems of temple worship are specifically attributed to Raziel. His mortal servants instead maintain their established religious obligations while pursuing the martial ideals of their celestial patron. --- ### Clergy and Cults Although Raziel possesses no conventional priesthood devoted to his worship as a deity, he is the patron of a recognised knightly order known as the **Fists of Raziel**. This organisation is dedicated to holy warfare against evil, bringing together disciplined champions who seek to confront wickedness wherever it threatens the innocent. The order is distinguished by its willingness to carry the struggle against evil into hostile territory. While the **Defenders of Sealtiel** concentrate upon protecting good communities against attack, the Fists of Raziel take a more aggressive approach, seeking out dangerous enemies rather than waiting for them to strike. Their mission is founded upon the conviction that the defence of goodness sometimes requires direct action against those who spread suffering and corruption. Most members of the order are paladins or clerics who already possess some measure of divine spellcasting ability. Fighters, rangers, and other warriors may also enter the tradition after acquiring the necessary religious and martial training. Some of its members were once barbarians who subsequently adopted a more disciplined spiritual path, combining their formidable combat experience with the principles of lawful goodness. The Fists of Raziel are an **elite and highly disciplined martial organisation**, although their members do not ordinarily operate as a single assembled army. Their powers are often most effective when employed alongside individuals of differing abilities, and they commonly serve as leaders or advisers to adventuring companies, military strike forces, and the armies of good-aligned kingdoms. This approach allows the order to extend its influence across many regions rather than concentrating its strength within a single fortress or settlement. Individual members may accompany expeditions against fiendish strongholds, assist armies resisting tyrannical rulers, or undertake dangerous missions against particularly powerful creatures of evil. The supernatural abilities of the Fists of Raziel are closely associated with the sacred act of **smiting evil**. Their training strengthens the divine power of their attacks, allowing their weapons to overcome supernatural defences and inflict particularly devastating injuries upon fiends, undead, and other wicked opponents. As their mastery advances, their attacks become increasingly formidable. A skilled Fist of Raziel can channel holy power through a weapon, strike evil creatures with extraordinary precision, and shatter objects corrupted by wicked magic. The most accomplished members can unleash divine energy that spreads from a smitten enemy to nearby evil creatures, while their weapons remain imbued with sacred power even outside the moment of a smiting attack. Members of the order are also surrounded by supernatural protection against evil, reflecting their continuing dedication to the principles of their patron. This protection reinforces their ability to confront dangerous enemies without surrendering to the corrupting influence of those they oppose. Despite their martial purpose, the Fists of Raziel remain bound to the moral expectations of lawful goodness. Their crusades are not intended to legitimise cruelty, personal vengeance, or warfare for its own sake. Their powers are directed toward the destruction of genuine evil, and their discipline distinguishes them from warriors who employ religious language to justify selfish violence. The order therefore embodies Raziel's conviction that the struggle against wickedness requires courage, discipline, and a willingness to act. Its members are not merely guardians of peaceful settlements, but champions who carry the principles of Celestia into places where evil has established its power. --- ### Powers and Abilities As one of the seven celestial paragons of Mount Celestia, Raziel possesses immense supernatural power, exceeding that of nearly all ordinary archons. His abilities combine extraordinary physical strength, divine spellcasting, sacred martial techniques, and the protective qualities associated with the highest-ranking celestial beings. Raziel is an exceptionally accomplished warrior, wielding his enormous **holy avenger** with tremendous strength and precision. Any weapon he carries possesses the supernatural qualities of both law and goodness, allowing his attacks to overcome the defences of creatures resistant to ordinary armaments. His enchanted mithral armour and shield provide formidable protection, while his wings allow him to manoeuvre through the air with extraordinary speed. His most distinctive martial power is his ability to **smite chaos and evil**. Through this supernatural attack, Raziel channels divine force into a weapon strike directed against a chaotic or evil creature. The power of the blow is especially devastating against enemies who embody both chaos and evil, making him a particularly dangerous opponent to demons and other creatures of similar nature. Raziel's divine spellcasting rivals that of the most accomplished mortal clerics. He possesses magic associated with the domains of Good, Law, and War, as well as spells ordinarily available to paladins. His powers allow him to strengthen allies, remove harmful enchantments, restore the wounded, banish extraplanar enemies, and unleash tremendous supernatural destruction against hostile creatures. Among his most formidable recorded spells are _mass heal_, _true resurrection_, _storm of vengeance_, _implosion_, and _power word kill_. He can also invoke _righteous smite_ and _bastion of good_, strengthening his ability to confront evil and protect those fighting beside him. His protective and restorative magic is equally significant. Through powers such as _heal_, _greater restoration_, _atonement_, and _shield other_, Raziel can preserve lives, relieve suffering, and assist those harmed by supernatural influences. These abilities reflect his continuing concern for the wounded and defenceless, particularly those receiving treatment within Empyrea's hospitals. Raziel possesses extensive supernatural abilities independent of his divine spellcasting. He can perceive the presence of evil or chaos, recognise creatures concealed by illusion or transformation, and invoke sacred protections against hostile magic. He can also consecrate and hallow locations, communicate across vast distances, and surround himself or others with powerful celestial defences. His command of _holy word_ allows him to overwhelm evil creatures with divine power, while _sword of conscience_ can afflict wicked beings with supernatural remorse. Through _last judgment_, he may invoke a devastating expression of divine judgement against those who have embraced evil. Raziel also possesses exceptional authority over the undead. His supernatural power to **turn undead** greatly exceeds that of ordinary clerics, allowing him to confront large numbers of such creatures through the force of his celestial presence. Among his protective qualities is an extraordinary **aura of courage**. Raziel is himself immune to fear, while those who stand near him gain greater resistance to supernatural terror and intimidation. His presence therefore strengthens the resolve of allies, allowing them to confront enemies whose appearance or powers might otherwise overwhelm their courage. He also possesses **divine grace**, through which the strength of his celestial personality reinforces his resistance against harmful magic and other supernatural dangers. This ability complements the formidable endurance and defensive powers inherent to his nature. Like the other members of the Celestial Hebdomad, Raziel is surrounded by an **aura of menace** that weakens hostile creatures. He maintains continual protection against evil, possesses extraordinary resistance to magic, and is immune to electricity and petrification. He can teleport, communicate across language barriers, and summon other archons to assist him when circumstances require additional celestial力量. Raziel shares the Hebdomad's extraordinary **indelible imprint**. Should one of the seven celestial rulers be slain, the supernatural power released at its death may mark those responsible with a permanent rune. Such a mark identifies its bearer to lawful good outsiders as one who participated in the destruction of a celestial paragon and can be removed only through exceptionally powerful magic. In battle, Raziel rides **Temperion**, his celestial unicorn, whose exceptional endurance makes him a worthy companion to the Firestar. Mounted upon Temperion and wielding his great holy sword, Raziel possesses the strength to confront some of the most dangerous servants of evil found throughout the planes. Despite his martial abilities and devastating divine magic, Raziel's powers are not employed solely for destruction. His ability to heal, protect, and inspire courage is inseparable from his purpose as a celestial defender, ensuring that those who suffer under evil may find sanctuary as well as vengeance. --- ### Treatment of the Faithful Raziel's relationship with mortals is distinguished by his patronage of paladins and warriors who dedicate themselves to the protection of the innocent. He does not demand worship and does not require his servants to abandon their established religious traditions. Instead, he offers guidance to individuals who share his commitment to confronting tyranny and oppression. His influence is particularly strong among those whose duties bring them into direct conflict with evil. The **Fists of Raziel** represent the foremost expression of this patronage, undertaking dangerous missions that require both martial skill and unwavering moral conviction. Their discipline reflects the belief that strength carries a responsibility to oppose cruelty rather than merely defend one's own interests. Raziel's concern for the defenceless extends beyond those capable of bearing arms. His presence within the hospitals and infirmaries of Empyrea demonstrates a direct interest in those who have been wounded, weakened, or rendered helpless by misfortune and violence. He offers spiritual guidance and protection to the clerics who tend such patients, recognising the importance of healing in a realm otherwise associated with the preparation of celestial armies. This devotion to restoration distinguishes Raziel from beings whose martial responsibilities are defined solely by the destruction of enemies. His righteous wrath is directed against those who inflict suffering, while his compassion is expressed through the protection and assistance of those who endure it. The Firestar's relationship with paladins is also personal. Legendary champions are known to seek him within Empyrea, hoping to receive guidance from a celestial ruler whose understanding of holy warfare far exceeds that of mortal commanders. His counsel is therefore associated not only with battlefield strategy but also with the moral responsibilities of those who wield power in the service of goodness. Although Raziel possesses extraordinary restorative magic, no established account describes a formal system of personal rewards, punishments, or compulsory ceremonies imposed upon his mortal followers. His recognised influence is exercised through spiritual guidance, celestial patronage, and the knightly order that advances his ideals. --- ### Myths and Legends The origins of Raziel's celestial office reach back to the ancient history of the **Celestial Hebdomad**. According to celestial tradition, seven blessed martyrs who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of law and goodness appeared upon the newly formed Mount Celestia as beings of extraordinary supernatural power. These became the first tome archons, entrusted with governing the Seven Heavens and guiding the celestial hosts in their service to righteousness. The seven rulers established an order whose unity stands in marked contrast to the rivalries of the Lower Planes. Unlike the archdevils of the Nine Hells, whose ambitions frequently lead to betrayal and conflict, the members of the Celestial Hebdomad govern without jealousy or competition for personal supremacy. Their armies have never been turned against one another, and their responsibilities are fulfilled through cooperation rather than rivalry. Over the ages, six of the original seven paragons perished and were succeeded by worthy archons who assumed their positions, appearances, and powers. Only **Zaphkiel**, the Watcher and supreme ruler of the Hebdomad, remains from the original martyrs. Raziel occupies one of these ancient offices, although the circumstances surrounding his own ascension and his existence before becoming ruler of Mertion are not established in the surviving accounts. Among the most significant recorded champions associated with Raziel is **Evansheer**, an astral deva who serves as a member of the Fists of Raziel. Her service reflects the aggressive and uncompromising character of the Firestar's crusading order, particularly its commitment to hunting the fiends of the Lower Planes. Evansheer pursues fiends with exceptional determination, viewing each enemy she destroys as an act of vengeance for a celestial ally who has fallen in the eternal struggle against evil. Her campaigns are driven by this personal commitment, and she measures her victories against the losses suffered by the heavenly hosts. Her methods are unusual even among celestial warriors. After destroying a fiend, Evansheer may collect valuable portions of its remains, including teeth, claws, hides, and hearts, selling them to interested buyers. The proceeds are then distributed among the poor, the underprivileged, and the homeless. Although some of those who purchase such materials are of questionable character, Evansheer employs the wealth obtained from her victories to alleviate suffering among those in need. Her favoured weapon is **Zaethwar**, an intelligent holy spiked chain forged from adamantine and endowed with powerful enchantments. The weapon accompanies her during her campaigns against fiends, allowing her to strike with the supernatural force expected of one of Raziel's exalted champions. Evansheer may be called to the Material Plane through powerful summoning magic, including _greater planar ally_ and _greater planar binding_. Her willingness to answer such calls provides a means through which mortals engaged in righteous struggles may receive assistance from a recognised champion of the Firestar. Her example demonstrates the particular character of Raziel's service. Although the Fists of Raziel are bound to lawful goodness, their methods may be fierce and unconventional, especially when confronting fiends and other enemies whose destruction is considered essential to the protection of the innocent. The account of Evansheer also reflects the dual responsibilities associated with Raziel himself. Her relentless pursuit of evil is accompanied by the redistribution of wealth to those suffering in poverty, bringing together the destruction of wickedness and the protection of the vulnerable. Beyond the accounts of his celestial champions and the continuing activities of his knightly order, little is established concerning Raziel's individual history. His reputation rests principally upon his responsibilities as ruler of Mertion, his righteous opposition to tyranny, and his patronage of paladins and holy warriors throughout the planes. --- ### Encounters with Raziel Travellers journeying through **Mertion** may encounter Raziel within **Empyrea**, the City of Tempered Souls, where he spends considerable time visiting hospitals and infirmaries. Unlike other members of the Celestial Hebdomad who maintain elaborate fortresses or secluded residences, Raziel possesses no permanent stronghold. Those seeking an audience with the Firestar must therefore look among the city's institutions of healing rather than within a royal court. The presence of Raziel within Empyrea is particularly significant to paladins and other champions who seek his guidance. Legendary warriors are known to journey to the city in the hope of consulting him, and his counsel may concern the moral responsibilities of holy warfare, the protection of the defenceless, or the struggle against tyranny and oppression. Those who meet Raziel behold a magnificent celestial warrior with platinum-white skin, ruby-red eyes, and hair formed of living flame. His great reddish-gold and white wings rise above ornate mithral armour, while his enormous holy sword and heavy shield reflect his formidable martial strength. His appearance leaves little doubt that he is a being of exceptional power, even when encountered far from the battlefield. Despite this martial splendour, Raziel's conduct is not defined by severity alone. His attention to the wounded and his willingness to provide spiritual guidance reveal a celestial ruler concerned with the consequences of violence as well as the necessity of confronting evil. Those who seek his assistance in protecting innocent lives may find a powerful ally, while individuals who employ their strength to oppress others stand in direct opposition to his established ideals. Mortals may also encounter his influence through the **Fists of Raziel**, whose members travel throughout the Material Plane and beyond in pursuit of dangerous enemies. These knights frequently operate alongside adventurers or military forces, bringing supernatural martial power to struggles against fiends, undead, and tyrannical rulers. A particularly formidable celestial ally associated with Raziel is **Evansheer**, the astral deva whose relentless campaigns against fiends have earned her a reputation among the servants of the Upper Planes. Her presence upon the Material Plane may signify that a dangerous fiendish enemy has attracted the attention of one of Raziel's champions. Should circumstances require Raziel himself to enter battle, he may ride upon **Temperion**, his celestial unicorn, wielding his holy avenger against enemies of Celestia. His ability to smite chaos and evil, command powerful divine magic, and inspire courage in nearby allies makes him an exceptionally formidable opponent. An encounter with Raziel is therefore most naturally associated with the struggle against tyranny, the protection of the defenceless, the recovery of those wounded by evil, or the spiritual responsibilities of holy warriors. His presence demonstrates that righteous strength is measured not merely by the enemies it destroys, but also by those it preserves. --- ### Conclusion **Raziel, the Crusader**, is one of the seven tome archons of the Celestial Hebdomad and the ruler of **Mertion**, the Platinum Heaven of Mount Celestia. Renowned as the **Firestar** for his righteous wrath, he stands among the foremost celestial champions of holy warfare, opposing tyranny and oppression with extraordinary determination. His authority extends beyond the celestial armies of Mertion through his patronage of paladins and the **Fists of Raziel**, whose members actively pursue evil wherever it threatens the innocent. Their martial discipline and sacred powers reflect their patron's belief that the protection of goodness sometimes requires confronting wickedness upon its own ground. Yet Raziel's devotion to warfare is balanced by his concern for those who suffer. His presence among the hospitals and infirmaries of **Empyrea**, where he offers spiritual guidance and protection to healers and patients, reveals the compassionate purpose underlying his formidable power. Although he neither seeks divine worship nor possesses the status of a god, Raziel's immense supernatural abilities, martial authority, and unwavering commitment to lawful goodness establish him among the greatest celestial beings of the Upper Planes. Raziel embodies the union of righteous wrath and compassionate guardianship, standing as a champion whose strength is devoted not to conquest or personal glory, but to the destruction of oppression and the defence of those who cannot defend themselves.