Tome Archon

Description

(From the Book of Exalted Deeds - 2003):

In the days of creation, when the multiverse still quaked with the aftershocks of birth, the Seven Mounting Heavens of Celestia awaited the mortal souls who would protect and guide the plane as the first archons. Seven blessed martyrs who had sacrificed themselves to the cause of law and goodness emerged upon the young plane with powerful and unique forms—a mandate from Celestia itself that these beings would serve the Seven Heavens as their immortal rulers.

The seven martyrs, or their successors, together form the Celestial Hebdomad, the ruling council of Heaven. Similar to the strict hierarchy that rules the Nine Hells, the Hebdomad governs the affairs of their home plane, supervising the archons beneath them, marshalling the celestial armies when necessary, and leading troops to war against the forces of evil when Zaphkiel, their head, so commands.

In stark contrast to the archdevils of Hell, the seven paragons of Celestia (sometimes referred to as “tome archons” by scholars from the Material Plane) are utterly without jealousy, envy, or pride. Plotting and infighting are unimaginable within their ranks, and never have the armies of one celestial paragon marched upon the fortresses of another.

Like Asmodeus in the deepest Hell, Zaphkiel is an ancient ruler shrouded in mystery. He is wrapped in radiant light and bathed in holy power, as though a living extension of the heaven he rules. He is the only one of the original seven martyrs who remains in his position in Celestia—his original six fellows have all perished in the eons since their establishment. As one of the Hebdomad falls, however, another archon somewhere in Celestia rises to take its place, instantly assuming the form, rank, and power of the fallen one. Most scholars believe that Zaphkiel alone can promote another archon to the Hebdomad, which may account, along with the exalted nature of the archons, for the complete peace and harmony that prevails among the ruling council.

When one of the Celestial Hebdomad is slain, the dying paragon releases holy energy to brand its murderer for all time. The instant the paragon dies, all creatures within 100 feet who have dealt damage to the paragon within the past day must make a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 the paragon’s Hit Dice + its Cha modifier). Those that succeed suffer no ill effects. Creatures that fail receive an unsightly rune upon their faces that instantly identifies them to any lawful good outsider as a murderer of a member of the Hebdomad. The mark may be removed with a wish or miracle spell.

A righteous aura surrounds the paragon when it fights or gets angry. Any hostile creature within a 20- foot radius of the paragon must make a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 the paragon’s Hit Dice + its Cha modifier) to resist its effects. Those who fail take a –4 morale penalty on attacks, AC, and saves for one day. If an affected creature makes a successful hit against the paragon, that creature (only) can attempt a new saving throw. A creature that makes a successful saving throw against the effect cannot be affected again by that paragon’s aura for one day.

(From Planes of Law - Monstrous Supplement - 1995):

Tome archons, the rulers of the seven layers, look like winged humans with hawk heads. Their bodies are covered with armor – a point to remember, for their primary duty is to defend. If necessary, however, they will take the initiative and attack first in an effort to prevent further warfare.

The seven tome archons are each responsible for a single layer of Mount Celestia. These archons oversee the layers with near-omniscience, though they’re unaware of what transpires in the realms of the powers. It’s said that the tomes meet to discuss the affairs of the plane, but of course lesser creatures aren’t allowed in or near these meetings, so perhaps that’s conjecture.

Combat: Like the throne archons, tome archons despise fighting personally, though with the tomes its also a matter of global prudence, as opposed to purely personal. Since there are only seven known tomes, their deaths would spell disaster for the archon hierarchy. Therefore, whenever needed, a tome archon can summon 1,000 lanterns, 500 hounds, 250 wardens, or 125 swords to its defense. If necessary, the tome can defend itself by firing rays of light from its hands, twice per round, for 1d10 points of damage each. A tome can also cast spells from any priest sphere as if it were a 20th-level priest.