Arael (Ar-rye-el)
The Gentle Death
For more information on all deities, see: Deities
In the quiet moments between life and death, when the world holds its breath and spirits linger, Arael watches. Born from the mist that rises from the eternal waters of Cocytus, Arael is its tender echo, a fragment of its infinite presence given form to listen for the quiet suffering of each soul. Known as the Gentle Death, his existence bridges the divide between the living and the departed, ensuring that no soul is forgotten, neglected, or twisted by the ambitions of the living. Unlike Cocytus and his “sister”, Halmyra, Arael views necromancy as a tool of balance rather than corruption. He teaches that, when wielded with reverence and care, “white” necromancy can heal wounds both physical and spiritual, calm restless spirits, and mend rifts between the planes. Despite this, most cultures outlaw Arael’s worship, unable to view necromancy as anything but evil in all its forms.
Physical Description
Among his followers, Arael is often depicted as a veiled figure cloaked in mist and pale light, his form incorporeal like that of a specter. His eyes are shrouded, but always shown to have tears running down his cheeks. It is said in his presence, the grieving find solace, the restless find peace, and the dying find courage. Many other faiths that are staunchly against necromancy portray Arael as a manipulative spirit who uses sorrow to mask his sinister motives. He is reimagined in the form of a ghastly wraith whose suffocating fog clouds judgment and morality.
Divine Realm
Within the Still Waters, where lost souls drift aimlessly, lies the Refuge for the Departed—Arael's hidden sanctuary for those seeking light in the darkness. Unlike the silence of the Still Waters, the Refuge is a place of hushed whispers, soft light, and gentle tides that cradle weary spirits. To the lost, it appears as a distant glow cutting through the gray void. Those who follow it find a vast, shallow lake, its shores lined with pale wisps guiding them forward. At its heart stands the House of Passing, a temple of woven mist, neither solid nor intangible, offering rest before the journey beyond. Within the House of Passing, spirits rest, reflect, and move on when ready. Some linger, while others, burdened by unfinished duty, find guidance from Arael’s faithful. Not only lost souls find solace here; devout followers who died unjustly—burned as heretics, slain as necromancers, or driven to despair by persecution—may awaken in the Refuge, granted time to heal before being called to the next life. Many become wayfarers, guiding spirits through the Refuge's halls and offering comfort to the grieving. Arael himself rarely manifests fully here, yet his presence lingers in every wisp of mist and ripple upon the water. To those who call for his aid, he appears as a veiled figure upon the lake, walking upon its surface. His words are few, but his guidance is comforting—he offers no commands, only the choice to move forward or to rest a while longer.
Tenets of Faith
- Respect the will of the deceased; never raise the dead against their will, and allow spirits to find rest once their purpose is complete.
- Necromancy is not evil, intentions are. Practice the necromantic arts in service of both the living and the departed.
- Shield the living from harmful undead, and bring peace to the restless.
Worshipers
Arael's faithful, while few, dedcate their lives to guiding souls to rest, comforting the bereaved, and ensuring the boundaries of life and death remain inviolate. All of this, they do in secrecy, as their clergy is persecuted outright by most governments. They are healers, protectors, and guardians of sacred places, wielding necromantic power not to conquer death, but to honor and protect the cycle of existence. The art of necromancy, when practiced with respect and intent, becomes a sacred act: calming restless spirits, mending the veil between worlds, and protecting the living. Arael's followers oppose those who exploit the dead, raising them in defiance of their will, and his wrath falls swiftly on those who twist necromancy for power or malice.
Paladins of Arael
Paladins of Arael dedicate themselves to causes similar to those of Cocytus' champions, but their methods set them apart. Rather than focusing solely on enforcing the boundary between life and death, Arael's paladins focus on healing, guidance, and understanding. They act as mediators between the living and the dead, helping mortals find closure and guiding restless spirits to their final rest with compassion over condemnation. Central to their mission is the use of necromancy—not as a tool of domination, but as a means of collaboration. These paladins summon the aid of willing undead to uncover the roots of paranormal disturbances and address unresolved grievances. In doing so, they not only resolve conflicts but also aid spirits in finding closure and rest. Paladins of Arael are known for their calm demeanor and deep empathy, viewing violence as a last resort. However, their path is fraught with difficulty, as their reliance on necromancy forces them to operate in secrecy. Misunderstood and condemned by other orders, they are frequently hunted by those who view their practices as heretical. These paladins are expected to embody a profound respect for all aspects of life and death. Guided by Arael's teachings, they strive to lead by example, showing that death is not the enemy—it is fear and ignorance that must be confronted. The tenets of Arael's oath reflect balance and understanding:- Honor the Departed: I will treat the dead with dignity and compassion. I will aid those who linger to find peace.
- Heal the Grieving: I will provide comfort and guidance to the grieving when possible, and shield the living from harm.
- Use Power With Reverence: Necromancy is not a weapon, but a favor. I will never force the unwilling to return.
- Confront Fear and Ignorance: I must challenge the stigmas surrounding death. I will teach others that acceptance of mortality brings strength and clarity.
Holy Books & Codes
The Covenant in White
The sacred text of Arael's faithful is a tome designed as much for secrecy as for scripture. Knowing that open worship of Arael is condemned in many places, his followers crafted a holy book that can be hidden in plain sight. The Covenant in White appears as an unassuming book of poetry, philosophy, or even a medical text, its outer cover and title changing depending on a variety of factors. The text inside is written in two layers: mundane writings that serve as a disguise and the true scripture written between the lines in hidden ink, only visible under specific conditions. The contents of the text are writings on Arael's philosophy, lessons on communing with the dead, and other rituals described at length. Various key teachings are encoded into mnemonic verses of poetry or song, allowing worshipers to more easily carry the scripture in memory should the book be lost or destroyed.Contacts & Relations
Cocytus
Cocytus is a cosmic force that ensures the flow of souls remains uninterrupted. It neither judges nor comforts; it simply fulfills its purpose as the ferry of souls to their proper afterlife. Arael, in contrast, takes a more intimate and compassionate approach. He ensures that souls are treated with care, provides solace to the grieving, and guides spirits that might otherwise become lost. Where Cocytus ensures the process happens, Arael ensures it happens with grace and dignity. Despite their shared goals, Cocytus regards Arael's involvement in mortal affairs—such as his endorsement of white necromancy and direct interventions in the journey of souls—as unnecessary interference. Officially, the Cocyan clergy condemns Arael and his flock, fundamentally opposing his use of necromancy as a means to achieve his ideals, even if some acknowledge the nobility of his intentions. Privately, however, some Cocyan adherents have been known to offer discreet aid, choosing to act against religious doctrine when their personal convictions conflict with the impartiality of Cocytus' teachings.Halmyra
Though technically related, no sibling kinship exists between the Lady of Salt and the Keeper of the Veil. Halmyra's doctrine of eternal preservation is utterly abhorrent to Arael, while she dismisses his beliefs as feeble and deluded. Arael devotes himself to freeing the souls ensnared by Halmyra's grasp, while she tirelessly seeks to undermine his efforts. Adding to her advantage, mortal perceptions of Arael often paint him as a deceitful god who promotes necromancy—an image likely fueled, in no small part, by the machinations of Halmyra's own followers. They remain forever locked in a war of ideologies: the acceptance of impermanence versus the desperate clinging to life at any cost.Divine Traits
General Information
Alternative Name(s)
The Gentle Death
God of White Necromancy
God of Lost Souls
Keeper of the Veil
The Mournful Deceiver
Alignment
NG
Follower Alignment(s)
LG, LN, NG, CG
Tier of Divinity
TEXT
Pantheon(s)
The Dead Three
Area(s) of Concern
Healing, last rites, protection of spirits, white necromancy
Favored Weapon(s)
Lantern staff
Sacred Animal(s)
Swan
Sacred Color(s)
White
Symbol
Extended skeletal hand
Worshipers
White necromancers
Worshipers' Adjective(s)
Araelian
Divine Realm
Refuge for the Departed - The Still Waters
Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Domain(s)
Grave, Life
Pathfinder 1e
Domain(s)
Death, Good, Healing, Protection, Repose
Subdomain(s)
Purity, Restoration, Souls, Undead
Pathfinder 2e
Domain(s)
Healing, Protection, Repose, Undeath
Alternative Domain(s)
Death, Soul
Divine Ability
Dexterity or Wisdom
Divine Font
Heal
Sanctification
Must choose holy
Divine Skill
Diplomacy
Cleric Spells
1st: Summon Undead (willing only)
2nd: Peaceful Rest
4th: Ghostly Tragedy
Children
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