Baeliel, The Tempting Lie

Baeliel, The Tempting Lie (also referred to as The Worldshield by his followers) is one of the chief adversaries of the Eternal Court and the god of tyranny and control. Often called the Devil King, he sits atop the vicious hierarchy of devils that rule over the Inferno, defending the rest of the universe from the demons that lie in the chaos beyond. He is charismatic and manipulative, promising greatness, but always taking more than he gives.
Once Arond the Originate of Law's second-in-command, Baeliel was the kindest and most beautiful of the archangels. But as the demon lords of the Inferno grew more powerful, Baeliel became concerned that the chaos and destruction of their realm would spill out into the other planes, destroying the carefully constructed order of Parendia and the burgeoning civilizations of Aorna. He deemed himself the Worldshield and constructed an army to strike first, before the demons could invade, starting a war to tame the untamable.
After aeons of fighting, most of the other angels retreated, understanding that order imposed by force only causes more destruction. But Baeliel doubled-down, the Inferno twisting him into an ugly, corrupt, manipulative beast - a devil. Absolute control became his obsession. He stayed behind with his followers, building a realm of oppressive perfection - often called Hell - to carry out his endless war.
Unfortunately, the angels who fell with him were few in number and not enough to sustain a long term conflict with the demons. Baeliel needed a means to recruit for his army. He would accomplish this by tempting the souls of mortals with their heart's desires. Those who accepted this trade would receive a bounty in life, but their soul would be condemned to Baeliel's control for the rest of eternity. The ranks of the devils expanded with each selfish heart that committed themselves to his cause. He continues his reign to this day, pitting his inferiors against each other before they can ever threaten his throne.
Baeliel is brutal and ambitious, always with an eye towards the rest of the universe, but especially Aorna - which he views as a broken paradise. He is patient and willing to play the long game. This makes him especially dangerous, as he is a necessary evil to keep the demon hordes at bay, to keep the cosmic peace. He cannot be imprisoned like Tattarus, Xashand or Nezer Damos. He is free to act on his whims and will occasionally attend meetings of the Eternal Court. But should he ever win his war, he could dominate the gods and the rest of the universe under his cold fist. 
Until that day, Baeliel resides in the Citadel Pyre, reigning over the Inferno and his army of corrupted souls.

Divine Domains

Tyranny and Control

Holy Books & Codes

• The Law: A book of nearly endless laws, regulations and moral systems that Baeliel has instituted to "divine order from the chaos of existence". It also contains the punishments for breaking these laws. The language is written in such a way that it is almost indecipherable. It constantly changes, but laws often contradict one another or seem to target problems that do not exist. In truth, the only law is that Baeliel's word is bonding. He is an absolute control. 
• Angelfall: The story of Baeliel's origins as the right-hand of Arond, the embodiment of law in the early universe. It describes the angelic war against the demons of the Inferno and how Baeliel's mind was poisoned, transforming him into the Devil King, a relentless tyrant aiming to destroy the demons and then claim the rest of the universe as his own. 
• Angelrise: A rare counter-point to Angelfall, it tells the story through Baeliel's point of view, depicting him as a hero, sacrificing his life at the side of Arond to take on the great responsibility of defending the rest of the universe from the demon hordes below his citadel. Most view the text as propaganda, but those who read it are often captured by its spell. 

Divine Symbols & Sigils

• The Wing of a Bat and the Wing of a Dove
• A Red Fist Clutching Thorns, Blood Dripping from the Stem
• A Black Shield In Front of a Green Circle
• A Lion With A Black Mane
• A Lion With A White Mane
• A Downward-Pointing Triangle With Three Small Triangles On Each Tip

Tenets of Faith

1. There is only the law. Anything outside the law is an aberration and should be destroyed. 
2. Do not question the law. It is infallible.  
3. Order is divined through strength and mastery.
4. Submit to your greater. Learn from them. And when the time comes, take their place.

Divine Goals & Aspirations

1. To annihilate the demons from beyond the gates of the citadel. To drive them from the Inferno and wrench control out of chaos. 
2. To bring order to the rest of the universe, under the fist of Baeliel, the true ruler of all. 

Physical Description

Body Features

Baeliel is described more often than he is depicted as his image is often considered cursed. He is a tall, slender human-like being with short-cropped hair, crystal blue eyes and a kind smile. He wears fine clothes that give off the impression of a statesman or diplomat and often carries wine that he offers to his followers. On his back rests a broad shield, visible from behind his shoulders. But this is merely an illusion.
In truth, the Tempting Lie is an enormous beast with two enormous bat-like wings protruding from his back, dwarfing two smaller dove-like wings bursting from his sides. His head is that of a lion with a black mane, his thick arms ending in seven long, sharp, spindles of fingers on each hand. He wears a flowing black robe that collects at his feet.
Statues of the Tempting Lie often feature the blood of sacrifices in his goblet of wine. He carries a mighty glaive, often extended in front of him in glory.

Divine Classification

God

Religions

• Church of the Eternal Court

Church/Cult

Church of the Eternal Court