Archon (Dungeons & Dragons)

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For other uses, see Archon (disambiguation).
Dungeons & Dragons creature
Archon
Alignment
Type Outsider
Source books
First appearance
Image Wizards.com image
Stats OGL stats

Archons are a type of lawful good celestial from the Dungeons & Dragons role playing game. These creatures are sent by higher powers striving for good to aid in battle against the forces of evil.

Archons are all extraplanar outsiders.

Archons share a number of magical powers:

  • They possess Darkvision, the ability to see in the dark.
  • They are immune to electricity and petrification.
  • They are resistant to poison.
  • They can teleport at will.
  • They can speak with any creature that has a language.
  • They have righteous aura that menaces nearby enemies and reduces some of their abilities.
  • They have a protective field that wards them against evil creatures and effects.

Archons live on the Outer Plane of the Seven Mounting Heavens of Celestia.

[edit] Types of Archons

(Click on the numbers following the names for images. Note that the Hound Archon, Lantern Archon and Trumpet Archon feature in the image from the infobox.)

  • Hammer Archon [1] - Hammer archons strive to root evil out of its hiding places within the earth.
  • Hound Archon - Canine-headed defenders of the innocent and the helpless against evil.
  • Justice Archon [2] - Menacing angels resembling radiant warriors clad in bright full plate, wielding glowing greatswords. They consider themselves the purest champions of justice in Celestia. While they do not attack without provocation, they are easily incensed by the mere sight or suspicion of evil.
  • Lantern Archon - Floating balls of light that give what assistance they can.
  • Owl Archon [3] - Airborne scouts, messengers, spies, infantry, and protectors of lesser celestial creatures.
  • Sword Archon [4] - Enforcers of the heavenly laws, its forearms can transform into holy flaming longswords.
  • Throne Archon [5] - Commanders of the cities of Celestia and the judges of the Heavens, occasionally tasking themselves with meting out justice to the particularly vile or corrupt.
  • Tome Archon - Prior to changes in the 3.5 BoED these appeared as humanoids with arms and feathered wings protruding from their back. They have very hawk-like heads. They are aloof and dignified creatures who possess powerful intellect, magic, and physical might. There are only seven of these beings, one residing on each of Celestia's layers. They record all things that happen in the Heavens with passionless accuracy and total indifference. As of the 'Book of Exalted Deeds' the nomenclature of Tome Archons was ignored and their descriptions changed.
  • Trumpet Archon - Celestial messengers and heralds with considerable martial skills.
  • Warden Archon [6] - Guardians of the gates of the Seven Heavens, and observers of the affairs of the Material Plane.
  • Word Archon [7] - Using the power of truenames, they ensure such words inspire the good-hearted everywhere.

[edit] The Celestial Hebdomad

(Click on the numbers following the names for images)

The celestial paragons of the archons are collectively known as The Celestial Hebdomad (and sometimes "tome archons"). The members include:

  • Barachiel, the Messenger [8] - Ruler of Lunia, the bottom layer of Celestia, also known as the Silver Heaven.
  • Domiel, the Mercy-Bringer [9] - Ruler of the Golden Heaven of Mercuria, the second layer of Celestia.
  • Erathaol, the Seer [10] - Ruler of Venya, the Pearly Heaven, the third layer of Celestia.
  • Pistis Sophia, the Ascetic [11] - Ruler of Solania, the Crystal Heaven, the fourth layer of Celestia.
  • Raziel, the Crusader [12] - Ruler of Mertion, the Platinum Heaven, the fifth layer of Celestia.
  • Sealtiel, the Defender [13] - Ruler of Jovar, the Glittering Heaven, the sixth layer of Celestia.
  • Zaphkiel, the Watcher [14] - Ruler of the Illuminated Heaven of Chronias, the seventh layer of Celestia.

[edit] References



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