Lord of Excess
Dominus Raglen
"Times are tough, and with coin being so hard to come by these days it gets you thinking: how much is your soul really worth?"
Dominus Raglen (pronounced RAG-lehn) is the oldest and most widely worshiped devil in the planes. He is responsible for the creation of Diabolic currency known as residuum and serves as Treasurer of Diabolis. Raglen is the god of greed and rules within the House of Gilded Coffers.
History
Antediluvian
Long before the Thousand Year Flood and the conception of lower planes, Raglen served a long dead pantheon as a god of wealth, community, economy, and industry. When Zallax revolted against Rovius' rise to power, Raglen joined Zallax' rebellion solely because Spiras sided with Rovius. This first divine war led to Raglen’s transformation into an archdevil. After Zallax crafted the lower planes, Raglen began serving as the god of contracts, greed, materialism, and wealth.
When the Thousand Year Flood sparked another divine war, Raglen allied himself with the gods of order alongside Zallax. Raglen spent a majority of the war working alongside Ildora and Anaemis instead of his fellow fiends. This decision— surprising as it was— turned out to be a wise one as Raglen was the only archdevil to survive the Thousand Year Flood.
The Birth of Diabolis
When the Thousand Year Flood raged across the planes of existence, it completely unwound the original lower planes. Many archfiends that survived the war discovered that their homes were destroyed, but Raglen kept a fraction of his original realm intact thanks to a contingency plan he drafted in the event of Zallax' betrayal. A fraction; however, is not a whole realm and Raglen would not be satisfied with something so trivial. In addition, Raglen being the last living archdevil meant that the remaining devils would look to him for guidance and a solution.
The solution came rather unexpectedly in the form of Archdominus Serallus, a mysterious fiend who claimed he constructed an entirely new plane of existence to fill the role of the lower planes. Serallus offered residency to any fiend who was displaced from the Thousand Year Flood at the cost of their obedience and loyalty. Raglen was skeptical of this offer, but the opportunity of a new plane of existence was too good of an opportunity to pass up.
The Diabolic Contract
Raglen drafted a contract regarding the terms of his partnership with Serallus. Hidden within the lengthy contract's many terms and conditions was a clause that would force Serallus to surrender the new plane, Diabolis, over to Raglen. This clause would mean that Raglen would rule over he new plane himself, no need to swear fealty to anyone.
Serallus was an unexpectedly sharp reader and pointed out the clause the moment he found it, as well as several other terms he did not agree with. Serallus demanded that Raglen draft a new contract with more agreeable terms, or Raglen could seek residence elsewhere.
Serallus' attention to detail impressed Raglen and he agreed to create something more beneficial for both parties. Due to this contract, Raglen has more freedom and authority than his fellow Dominion members. A freedom that he uses to his full advantage.
Dogma
Raglen and his cultists believe that the ultimate power in all the planes is currency. Greed has the ability to bend wills, twist morals, and lead even the smartest of gods astray in the pursuit of material gain. Greed can also lead to incredible power beyond mortal imagination. Everything and everyone has a price, you just need to know what form currency means the most to your mark, whether that currency be a stack of coins or the life of a loved one.
Relationships
Raglen believes that all friendships should gain him an additional benefit outside of companionship. If there is something to gain, Raglen will offer flattery, kindness, and small gifts of his own in order to secure an alliance. Once a relationship is no longer beneficial to him, Raglen will drop all contact and deny any association with the individual in question regardless of how close they were.
Friends
Despite the rocky beginning to their alliance, Raglen and Serallus have a mutually beneficial business relationship. Raglen's contract earned him more responsibilities within Diabolis, but maintaining the Diabolic economy and crafting Diabolic constructs is a breeze the House of Gilded Coffers. Serallus and Raglen hold a meeting every century to discuss the renewal of Raglen's contract to ensure that both parties are still satisfied with each other's ends of the bargain.
Dominus Utaba and her followers frequently work alongside Raglen's forces. Raglen cozies up to Utaba because he believes that her selfish and jealous nature makes her an easy mark. Raglen knows exactly what to say to her to ensure they maintain an alliance. Utaba's daemons are valuable assets and can be utilized for their powers over the destruction of life. Bribes are a great way to ensure compliance, but threats work just as well.
The Vampire Queens, Shali and Magdalena, will regularly collaborate with Raglen on a variety of endeavors. The queens usually offer the souls of the mortals they have consumed as payment for the House of Gilded Coffers' services.
Neutral Relationships
The infamous pair of Ascended, Raimara and Aradal, are frequently associated with Raglen due to how similar their domains are. Raglen and Raimara get along swimmingly, but Raglen prefers to keep both of them at arm's length due to Aradal's infamy for stealing from anyone other than Raimara.
During the Thousand Year Flood, Raglen gained a respect for Overseer Anaemis and Overseer Ildora. As a means of honoring that respect, Raglen and his followers will never make direct attacks against Anaemis or Ildora's followers. Tension remains; however, as even indirect attacks may cause the goddess of vengeance and god of assassins to seek retribution.
According to antediluvian history, Overseer Dalgan and Raglen used to be close friends before Raglen's departure from their home plane. More traditionalist sects of Dalgan's church still associate the two deities despite their differences. Some Dalganic clerics believe that Dalgan has spent several millennia reaching out to Raglen in hopes of rekindling their friendship. This hope has so far fallen onto deaf ears.
Enemies
Dominus Khal and Raglen have never seen eye to eye. Before Khal was elevated to dominus, Raglen only needed to share his rule over the devils with Serallus. Khal's promotion meant that Raglen would be forced to share that power with a former imp. Raglen has made several attempts to rectify this issue within his contract with Serallus, but Serallus routinely refuses to change Khal's domain.
Raglen's animosity towards Dominus Vrikdarok is well recorded. Raglen believes that Vrikdarok has nothing to contribute to the Dominion. According to Raglen, there are dozens of gods with similar domains and the capability to perform Vrikdarok's duties more effectively. Their rivalry is believed to be the origin of the animosity between demons and devils.
Raglen holds a distaste for many of the Imperators, but he directly opposes Imperator Shenfu. Raglen thinks Shenfu's generous nature is a mistake and he is begging for someone to take advantage of him. Raglen regularly orders his followers to teach this lesson to the Shenfuan church, leading to countless conflicts between the two religions.
Of all Raglen's rivalries and disputes, there is no deity that he hates more than Spiras. Raglen has historically betrayed his principles and those closest to him for the opportunity to oppose Spiras and possibly end his life. Whenever their followers encounter one another, the interactions always come to blows. It is believed that this animosity comes from the opposition of their respective domains.
Appearance
Like most gods, Raglen can take the form of whatever he chooses. There are two forms that he favors above others.
His first form is a massive dragon with a long, serpentine neck and thick, black scales. Each of Raglen's scales are rimmed with shiny copper, silver, or gold. Raglen's body is decorated head to toe in all manner of finery: jeweled chains are woven along the spines on his back, his horns are adorned with crowns, and his wings are lined with medals and broaches that rattle as he moves.
His second form is a handsome devil with pitch black skin, dark hair, and golden, serpentine eyes. Raglen favors the fashion typically worn by wealthy Wastelanders: wide brimmed hats, belts with jeweled buckles, and snake skin boots.
Providence
The phrase "Raglen's after my wallet" refers to the desire to impulsively spend money after being paid. Another phrase, "Raglen wants me to have it," refers to the strong need to purchase something that you know you do not need.
According to Phoenixian folklore, losing money in the laundry or in furniture is believed to be Raglen's doing.
When a precious item— such as a wallet or piece of jewelry— is lost or dropped somewhere inaccessible, Phoenixians believe that the item landed somewhere within the House of Gilded Coffers.
Home
The House of Gilded Coffers is a densely populated city filled with mills, factories, forges, and other titans of industry. The city is layered from dangerous slums choked with smog at the bottom to glistening, gold lined sky scrapers at the top. No matter where you stand in the House, the mechanical Aurum Manor always stands tall in the distance, watching your every move.
Teachings
The Raglenite cult teaches each member to be efficient with their money above all else. Rumors of even the lowest of dreadknight squires being swindled would be detrimental to the cause.
Raglenite devotees encourage others to learn and understand the laws of any location they plan on visiting for the sake of exploiting them and getting away with a variety of economic crimes.
Learning methods of negotiation and how to read people comes with the territory of devoting oneself to Raglen. Greedy business owners or salesmen might consider taking lessons from the Raglenite cult to better sell their products and learn their customers.
Servants
Raglen is primarily served by legions of devils and Diabolic constructs. Raglen's devils are typically very well dressed regardless of their ranking and are some of the best salesmen in the planes.
Praetors
G'lerra
First Praetor, they are a devil with large wings that can project multiple illusory scenes at once, this skill to typically used for advertising Diabolic products.
Zarron
No one knows exactly what Zarron is, he always mirrors the species and ancestry of whomever he is talking to at the time in order to better gain their trust.
Ranaca
A devil tasked with tormenting the souls of the gluttonous and greedy, forcing them to live in squalor within the slums of the House of Gilded Coffers.
Azarith
A devil with an ever changing appearance and wardrobe for the sake of encouraging others to upgrade their belongings and let what they have go to waste.
Vexium
A devil with serpentine characteristics who is skilled in the art of tempting mortals to rely on the darker aspects of their personalities.
Religion
Raglen is one of the most popular deities on Phoenix. His devotees can be found all over the Material Plane wherever there is coin to be earned and marks that want to spend it.
Worshipers
Raglenites come from all walks of life, from the highest of kings to the lowest of peasants. Anyone aspiring to build upon their fortune without fear of breaking a few backs is welcome within the Raglenite cult.
The threat of the draconic curse has led many greedy mortals to make deals with Raglen in order to avoid transforming into a dragon. Raglen is one of the few Phoenixian deities willing to make such a deal.
Clergy
Raglenite clerics dress in the finest clothes they can get their hands on. They will usually wear some of their most valuable pieces out on display to flaunt their wealth and dare their lessors to try to steal from them.
Raglenite clerics are very skilled negotiators, they are determined to sell their services to anyone willing to listen. Raglenites typically keep their faith secret in order to gain influence within outsider communities and spread the will of their god from the shadows under protection of power. Clerics will typically take up roles as lawyers, landlords, business operators, or judges.
If a settlement is suddenly struck with a grand economic depression, chances are a Raglenite cleric was behind the crash. By the time the economy is in shambles, the community has already been overrun by the Raglenite cult.
Temples & Shrines
Raglenite temples are grand buildings designed to evoke a feeling of power. They feature sleek geometric shapes, symmetry, and highly stylized figures of mortals, animals, or rays of light. Temples are typically constructed with alabaster, ivory, obsidian, jade, gold, crystal, or silver. No two temples look the same, each one is an entirely unique piece of architecture.
Shrines to Raglen are meant to be housed in an office, study, or any space where the financial planning in the building is completed. Raglen expects gifts of fine liquors, coins, jewelry, gold, or rare gemstones. The more valuable the gift, the better. He accepts sacrifices of serpents, lizards, badgers, wolverines, or any animal that is rare and valuable in the shrine's location.
Holy Sites
Dead Summit
The Wasteland city of Dead Summit is the heart of the Raglenite faith on the Material Plane.
Holy Texts
The Aureate
A book that contains grand tales about Raglen, his teachings, and his expectations for his followers. No two copies look the same and each edition is bound and penned by the hands of experts, making all copies of the Aureate beautiful works of art.
Holidays
Diamonda
Celebrated on the thirteenth day of Lanuon, Raglenites take this day to honor Phoenix' precious gemstones and metals. Many Raglenites celebrate the holiday by acquiring a new piece of jewelry, more devout members of the faith will craft a piece themselves.
The Grand Bribe
Celebrated on the twenty-eighth day of Baronos, all organized branches of the Raglenite faith prepare a ritual that involves launching an attack on a settlement within the Material Plane. Settlements can only avoid the attack if they give the Raglenites a satisfying bribe to stop them.
Cycle of Wealth
Celebrated in the first week of Serallon, Raglenites are expected to gather one piece of currency from each region on Phoenix and offer them to their deity. More experienced worshipers will extend this task to beyond the Material Plane. If they successfully complete the task, they are granted a boon from Raglen.
The Collection
Celebrated on the first day of Aasi, Raglenites will collect any debts owed to them on this day by any means necessary. Anyone who has made a deal with a Raglenite dreads the arrival of this holiday.
Favored Animals
Raglen is partial to most serpents, lizards, and mustelids; however, he is most heavily associated with rattlesnakes and wolverines.
Organizations
Order of Gilded Coffers
A dreadknight order that specializes in creating cover organizations and collecting debts.
Shadoworks
A mercantile company known for occult inspired weaponry, typically firearms.
Dead Summit Oligarchy
The entire city of Dead Summit is operated by Raglenites, everyone that works within the city has their souls bound to Raglen in some way.
Deity
Category
Devil
Dominion
Titles
The Devil in the Details
Dominus of Gilded Coffers
The Opulent Emperor
Lord of Excess
Master of the Mint
Follower Demonym
Raglenite
Realm
House of Gilded Coffers, Diabolis
Areas of Concern
Contracts
Greed
Materialism
Wealth
Edicts
Gain financial control over others
Gather new wealth
Secure your riches
Anathema
Willingly give more than you take
Grant mercy to thieves
Willingly break a contract
Sacred Colors
Black
Copper
Gold
Silver
Sacred Animal
Rattlesnake
Wolverine
Clergy
Sanctification
Unholy
Domains
Glyph
Metal
Trickery
Tyranny
Wealth
Divine Font
Heal
Favored Weapon
Dagger
Whip
Skill
Thievery
Ability
Dexterity
Charisma
Spells
Rank 1 - Invisible Item
Rank 2 - Heat Metal
Rank 3 - Nothing Up My Sleeve
Rank 4 - Snake Fangs
Rank 5 - Mantle of the Melting Heart
Rank 6 - Vitrifying Blast
Rank 7 - Contingency
Rank 8 - Ferrous Form (appears as gold instead of iron)
Rank 9 - Resplendent Mansion
Affiliations
Organizations
Dead Summit Oligarchy
Dominion
Order of Gilded Coffers
Shadoworks
Associated Entities
Anaemis
Aradal
Dalgan
Ildora
Magdalena
Raimara
Serallus
Shali
Opposed Entities
Khal
Shenfu
Spiras
Vrikdarok
Physical Form
Ancestry
Devil
Pronouns
He/Him
Eye Color
Gold
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