D&D: Adventurer’s Guide to Zariel, Archdevil of Avernus
Zariel, Archduke of Avernus, wields a surprising amount of influence in Baldur’s Gate 3. But who is she, and whence did she come?
Zariel looms over Baldur’s Gate, an infernal shadow. Whether that’s in Baldur’s Gate 3, or its sort-of prequel, Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus, Zariel’s influence can be felt along the Sword Coast. Surprising, considering that she is the Archduke of Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, both Wyll Ravenguard and Karlach have surprising ties to the fiend. You may well have encountered the Erinyes known as Mizora, or fought with Commander Zhaik, who demands that you be slain in Zariel’s name.
But who is the Archdevil? Why does she command an army in need of soldiers and mercenaries? How is it that in Zariel’s service, Karlach came to be incredible at killing demons?
The answer to all of these questions lies in the Blood War.
Zariel: Fallen Angel of the Blood War
The ever-raging Blood War is the cosmic battle between Demons and Devils sometimes called Tanar’ri and Baatezu. These two evil forces battle it out for dominion of the lower planes, claiming evil souls as their own. And amidst this cosmic conflict, mercenary demons, devils, cambions, tieflings, and many a hapless adventurer find profit, destiny, and doom.
And it is in this fiery, neverending battle that Zariel fell from the celestial heavens. Because before she was an Archdevil, she was once an Archangel. A beautiful, radiant Solar serving in the hosts of Lathander, the Morning Lord.
But as they say, pride goeth before the fall. And before Zariel became a fallen angel, she was a stalwart warrior on behalf of the Seven Mounting Heavens of Celestia. She believed that the forces of good could defeat evil wherever it reared its head. And that a mass assault from the celestial hosts could wipe out the fiendish beings who plague mortals.
And though she was forbidden from participating in the Blood War, Zariel fought demons and devils wherever she could, frustrated by her superiors’ refusal to take what she saw as necessary action. Then, when the demon lord of gnolls, Yeenoghu slaughtered a village under her protection, she responded by leading the Hellriders of Elturel, soldiers specially trained to fight devils, into Avernus.
What happened next, was an incredible fall.
The Ride and the Fall
Zariel defied her orders and led mortals into the Nine Hells. The battle that followed was legendary, though it ended in defeat for the mortal Hellriders. Zariel herself was left beaten and unconscious underneath a mountain of the dead—mortal and devil alike.
Servants of Asmodeus, Lord of the Nine, retrieved her body. And the Archduke of Hell allowed her to recover, impressed by her ferocity and ardor and lust for battle. Qualities that would make an excellent devil. Confronted with her own nature, and exposed to the corruption of the Nine Hells, Zariel fell from grace and became an Archdevil under Asmodeus.
Ruler of Avernus
Zariel was made lord of Avernus. But ruling the first layer of hell was not without its difficulties. For one, the River Styx bordered the Nine Hells on Avernus’ shores. Which meant that the Blood War was at her doorstep.
For two, Zariel had to contend with the former ruler of Avernus, the archdevil Bel, who did not relinquish power without a fight. Bel manipulated and maneuvered against Zariel, allowing her to spread her forces too thin, encouraging her to personally answer perceived slights in the Blood War, and eventually had his servants siphon Zariel’s power.
But though Bel was cunning and could outmaneuver Zariel with his treacherous schemes, he could not match her military ability. And under Bel’s rule, the demons invaded Avernus, gaining significant ground in the Blood War. Thus was Bel demoted by his own incompetence, and Zariel once more stepped up to prove that she, and she alone, was fit to lord over the First of the Nine Hells.
Happy adventuring!
