Andromaalik (/ɑnˌdroʊˈmɑːlɪk/ /Ahnn-droh-Mah-lick/)
An Exegesis of an Exiled Angel's Journey
Andromaalik, born approximately 1,530 years ago as an angelic progeny of the archangel Zariel in the Upper Planes, exemplifies a complex interplay of duty, autonomy, and rebellion within Celestial and infernal hierarchies. His unwavering loyalty led him to follow Zariel into Hell during the Extinguishment of the Stars in 1 PE, marking the beginning of his exile. Raised in Malbolge under Invadiah and later serving in Avernus during the Blood War, Andromaalik honed his martial prowess and adhered strictly to personal codes of honor, reflecting his Lawful Neutral alignment. His defiance emerged in 790 PE when he publicly challenged Zariel, resulting in his soft exile to the Material Plane on a millennium-long soul acquisition mission.
Throughout his exile, Andromaalik’s actions consistently prioritized personal integrity and order over infernal mandates. His partnership with Elowyn and subsequent refusal to claim her soul highlighted his commitment to his own moral code. Additionally, his personal journey includes a profound assertion of identity and autonomy, challenging the rigid norms of Hell. In later years, his role as protector of Princess Emilia underlines his dedication to duty and structured agreements. By 1531 PE, Andromaalik remains a formidable figure navigating celestial and infernal tensions, embodying the principles of law through his steadfast adherence to personal honor, resistance to oppressive authority, and the pursuit of self-defined justice.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Andromaalik stands tall and imposing, his slender yet powerful frame concealed beneath a jet-black leather surcoat adorned with spikes and chains. His long, dark hair frames a stern, pale face with glowing red eyes, while his enormous fiery wings—stretching nearly 13 feet—add to his striking, otherworldly presence. Though he appears unarmored, his ability to summon basalt-and-gold arcane armor reveals his true strength and readiness for battle.
Body Features
Andromaalik, a trans-male former Erinyes, presents a striking and imposing figure. His physical form reflects both his infernal origins and his current identity, melding features of strength and a fiery presence. His jet-black armor, adorned with spikes and chains, exudes an air of danger and power. The armor, while fitted and functional, also appears ceremonial, with intricate detailing that hints at his status in the infernal hierarchy.
Facial Features
His facial features convey a sense of intensity, framed by long, dark hair that contrasts sharply against the vivid, burning red wings that stretch out behind him. The wings themselves are a signature feature of his erinyes past, though now reflecting a transformation—whether in form or identity—manifesting as fiery and ethereal, adding to the spectacle of his appearance.
Identifying Characteristics
Andromaalik’s most defining feature is his lack of a shadow or reflection, an eerie reminder of his Infernal origins. His sharp, white fangs flash whenever he smiles, and his bright red eyes, with their cat-like pupils shimmering with blue hellfire, betray his devilish nature, even when he’s in disguise. His fiery red wings, massive and razor-edged, are unmistakably Erinyes, though uniquely ethereal in appearance, and his tricot military hat, paired with a double-breasted surcoat that reeks of brimstone, mark him as both a creature of power and authority. Yet, his human-like features—a rarity among devils—create a jarring contrast, making him all the more unsettling.
Special abilities
Andromaalik’s powers are as much a product of his Infernal lineage as they are shaped by his shifting allegiances. His most notorious ability is his powerful charm Magic, which can compel mortals to obey his commands without hesitation, even to the point of sacrificing themselves for him. He can also inspire abject terror with just a glance, causing foes to flee in panic. His mastery of illusion allows him to disguise his true form, hiding his wings or appearing as entirely different beings—angelic or mortal—while his truesight grants him the ability to pierce through the magical veils of others.
Combat is where Andromaalik truly excels. His aerial prowess, combined with his legendary skill with fire magic, makes him a force to be reckoned with. He often uses teleportation to outmaneuver opponents, striking from unexpected angles before disappearing again. His signature weapon, Flamebringer, is a jagged greatsword of searing flame, feared by fiends and celestials alike. Though he wields immense destructive power, Andromaalik is also vulnerable when unleashing his most potent fire magic, as it bypasses his own resistance to flame, risking his life in the process.
Beyond raw power, Andromaalik carries enchanted items to aid him—his cane, which conceals Flamebringer, enhances his fire magic and weakens his enemies’ defenses, while his Four-Crosses of Bel allow him to cast disguises effortlessly. His crystals, hidden away in his pockets, help shield his magic from detection, allowing him to operate in secrecy.
Specialized Equipment
Andromaalik’s most iconic piece of equipment is Flamebringer, his jagged flaming greatsword gifted by Bel. In its dormant form, it appears as an ornate cane, aiding him in moments of frailty, but when revealed, the blade radiates intense heat and flame. Known for its effectiveness against both fiends and celestials, it has slain countless enemies, earning its fearsome reputation. The sword also amplifies Andromaalik’s fire Magic and weakens his foes' resistance to his spells.
Alongside Flamebringer, Andromaalik wears several enchanted Silver Four-Crosses of Bel, allowing him to alter his appearance without depleting his magical reserves. He carries enchanted crystals in his pocket that further obscure his magical presence, making it difficult for others to detect his spells or true power. These tools serve to maintain his air of mystery and give him a tactical advantage in both social and combat situations.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Andromaalik, a Celestial being of notable significance, was born approximately 1,530 years ago during the waning days of the Age of Wonders. As the angelic progeny of Zariel—a formidable archangel renowned for her martial prowess—Andromaalik's origins were rooted in the ethereal splendor of the Upper Planes. His early existence was emblematic of divine purpose and celestial harmony.
In the pivotal year marked as 1 PE (Post Extinguishment), a cosmic event known as the Extinguishment of the Stars transpired, resulting in the sealing of Magic on the Prime Material Plane. Concurrently, Zariel succumbed to Infernal Temptations, initiating her descent into the Nine Hells. Demonstrating unwavering filial devotion, Andromaalik chose to forsake the celestial realms, accompanying his mother into damnation. This decision irrevocably altered his trajectory, embedding him within the infernal hierarchies of Hell.
For a period of 666 years, Andromaalik resided in Malbolge, the sixth layer of Hell, under the tutelage of Invadiah. Here, he was integrated into the Pradixikai, an order of warriors distinguished by their ruthlessness and strategic acumen. His upbringing in this malevolent environment honed his combative abilities and acclimated him to the perpetual strife characteristic of the infernal domains.
At the age of maturity in 766 PE, Andromaalik returned to Avernus, the first layer of Hell, where he immersed himself in the protracted conflict known as the Blood War—a ceaseless battle between demons and devils. His motivations were dual: to prove his worth to Zariel and to ascend within the infernal ranks through acts of conspicuous valor. Under the mentorship of Bel, a prominent warlord and erstwhile ruler of Avernus, Andromaalik refined his martial skills, garnering a reputation as a formidable combatant.
The year 790 PE marked a significant schism between Andromaalik and Zariel. His increasing boldness and propensity to challenge her edicts culminated in a public confrontation, during which they briefly engaged in combat. In response, Zariel decreed a form of "soft exile," dispatching him to the Prime Material Plane on a millennium-long mission to acquire souls, ostensibly as a means to humble him and reaffirm his allegiance.
Approximately 439 years into his exile, in 1229 PE, Andromaalik encountered Elowyn, a mortal woman consumed by a desire for retribution against those who had wronged her family amidst a war between Tatharia Regnum and Stagmeadow. He entered into a pact with her, offering his aid in exchange for her soul. Over the ensuing years, they succeeded in rescuing her kin. However, Elowyn's choice to spare her adversaries induced a moral conflict within Andromaalik. Defying infernal protocol, he elected not to claim her soul, concealing this breach of contract from the authorities of Hell.
Continuing to traverse the mortal realm under a guise of humanity, Andromaalik and Elowyn developed a profound companionship. Together, they established a mercenary company distinguished by principles of honor and loyalty—a stark contrast to the treachery of the infernal realms. Their alliance deepened over 13 years, until 1244 PE, when Zariel unearthed the concealed pact. In retaliation, she dispatched seven high-ranking devils to eliminate Elowyn and confiscate the souls owed. Furthermore, Zariel severed Andromaalik's tether to Hell, rendering him an outcast and obstructing any possibility of return.
In the wake of his expulsion, Andromaalik was approached by Bel in 1245 PE. Sharing a common animosity toward Zariel—who had usurped Bel's dominion over Avernus—they forged a pact predicated on vengeance. Bel endowed Andromaalik with Flamebringer, a legendary blade of considerable power. United in purpose, they initiated a campaign against Zariel's loyalists, targeting the very fabric of her infernal power base.
In 1246 PE, Andromaalik succeeded in vanquishing one of the seven devils sent by Zariel: Zaarud, a Chain Devil (Kyton) and former Torture Specialist contracted by the Avernus Security Company. Another devil narrowly escaped, returning to Hell with warnings of their insurgency. Confronted with imminent capture by infernal forces, Bel invoked arcane measures to conceal their presence. He ensconced himself within Flamebringer, creating a demiplane beyond the reach of Hell's surveillance. This stratagem rendered both entities untraceable but necessitated a heightened degree of caution in their subsequent endeavors.
For over a century, culminating in 1354 PE, Andromaalik persisted in his clandestine operations against infernal agents on the Prime Material Plane. His exploits became the stuff of legend—simultaneously feared by his enemies and revered by those who perceived him as a bulwark against diabolical incursions.
In 1506 PE, the ruling Empress Naram-Sin and her husband Orlin of Aermond faced despair as they struggled to conceive an heir. Miraculously, they succeeded, attributing this blessing to the heavens. Unbeknownst to them, Bravillion—a Bone Devil and Assistant Manager of the 72nd Enforcement Division at Brimstone Security Services (contracted by the Avernus Security Company)—orchestrated a sinister plot. He interfered with the birth of their child, causing a stillbirth. Disguised as a celestial, Bravillion manipulated the grieving parents into unknowingly making a pact on the child's soul: he would restore their daughter to life but would return on her 21st birthday to claim what was owed.
Andromaalik, having tracked Bravillion's activities, realized that the devil was involved in a scheme targeting the royal family of Tatharia. Recognizing the potential ramifications of such a pact on the mortal realm and the balance of power, he began monitoring the situation closely, preparing for the inevitable confrontation.
The unsealing of magic on the Prime Material Plane in 1522 PE marked a paradigm shift, amplifying Andromaalik's capacities and the threats he faced. As magical energies surged back into the world, both celestial and infernal beings found greater access and influence within the mortal realm.
After the death of the Lugal of Tatharia, Icaghor, in 1526 PE, the political stage of what was then called Tatharia Regnum teetered on uncertainty. Andromaalik's responsibilities shifted into sharper focus, his influence at court becoming a crucial factor in navigating the delicate webs of intrigue and external threats. His position as Emilia's protector, both officially and personally, had long afforded him a subtle power—one that he wielded quietly but effectively to keep dangers at bay. Mortal threats he could confront. Infernal schemes he understood. But when word finally arrived that a suitor had been chosen for Emilia, one endorsed by her superiors, Andromaalik found himself facing something new. This time, no quiet persuasion or strategic misdirection would make the problem disappear.
In 1527 PE, as Princess Emilia reached her 21st birthday, Bravillion returned to the Antediluvian Palace to claim her soul, fulfilling the dark pact made two decades prior. Anticipating this, Andromaalik confronted Bravillion in a fierce battle within the palace walls. Both combatants were grievously wounded; however, Bravillion managed to escape back to Hell, intent on warning Zariel of Bel's involvement with Andromaalik.
Realizing the imminent threat and the potential exposure of their activities, Bel and Andromaalik took drastic measures. To avoid detection by infernal forces, they sealed their powers within Flamebringer, creating a demiplane and rendering themselves untraceable. This act severely weakened Andromaalik, leaving him vulnerable.
In his debilitated state, Andromaalik was captured by Tatharian forces, unaware of his true identity and intentions. Facing execution, he revealed the truth about the infernal plot against Princess Emilia. In a bid to save both his life and the princess's soul, he proposed forming a pact with her. By binding her soul to his, Bravillion—and by extension, any infernal entity—would be unable to claim her without first overcoming Andromaalik himself.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation and the protection he could offer, the Tatharian authorities agreed. Thus, in 1527 PE, Andromaalik assumed the role of Emilia's protector, becoming the head of the Royal Guard. His commitment to safeguarding the princess became paramount, intertwining his fate with that of the royal family.
The name Iskander Al-Essan was one that brought with it a particular sting. A prince knight from the neighboring Caliphate of Al-Zaluma, Iskander had been a thorn in Andromaalik's side during his earlier years of devil-hunting on the Prime Material Plane. Their swords had crossed more than once, but now, with Iskander proposed as Emilia’s intended, the clash would not be one of steel. Andromaalik, whose loyalty ran deeper than even he cared to admit, felt a sudden fire flicker in his chest.
By 1531 PE, the present era, Andromaalik remains a vigilant sentinel—his past replete with exile, rebellion, and clandestine warfare. His current endeavors involve confronting residual infernal adversaries like Bravillion, unraveling courtly intrigues, and fulfilling his oath to safeguard Empress Emilia against the ever-present machinations of Hell. His narrative epitomizes the complexities of loyalty, redemption, and the enduring struggle between celestial and infernal forces.
Gender Identity
Andromaalik's self-identification as male, despite being born an erinyes—a class of devils exclusively female by the immutable laws of the Nine Hells—constitutes a radical defiance of infernal orthodoxy. In the rigid hierarchy of Hell, gender is not a mere biological attribute but a predetermined role that dictates one's function, status, and destiny within the diabolical order. By rejecting his assigned female identity, Andromaalik challenges the foundational doctrines of infernal society, undermining the cosmic determinism that the Hells impose upon their denizens. His assertion of a male identity disrupts the established archetypes and hierarchies, signaling a profound act of personal autonomy in a realm where individuality is subsumed by authoritarian decree.
This deliberate redefinition carries significant philosophical and metaphysical ramifications. It exemplifies a rare assertion of self-will against the overarching dominion of infernal law. Andromaalik's gender identity becomes a tangible manifestation of his broader rebellion against oppressive authority, mirroring his open defiance of Zariel and his alliance with Bel to subvert the established order. His stance is not merely a personal choice but a symbolic challenge to the very nature of predestination and conformity in Hell. By embracing a male identity, he embodies the potential for self-determination within even the most controlled and hierarchically rigid environments. Thus, Andromaalik's gender identity is both a personal truth and a subversive act, highlighting the capacity for individual agency and resistance within the metaphysical constraints of the infernal realms.
Employment
Andromaalik's vocational journey is marked by a transition from Celestial origins to roles deeply embedded in both infernal and mortal realms. Initially born as an angel in the Upper Planes, he served under Zariel, engaging in duties typical of celestial beings aimed at maintaining cosmic order. His allegiance shifted dramatically when he accompanied Zariel into Hell following her fall, where he integrated into the infernal military hierarchy of Malbolge and later Avernus. In these roles, he participated actively in the Blood War, honing his combat prowess and strategic capabilities under mentors like Invadiah and Bel.
In 790 PE, Andromaalik was exiled to the Prime Material Plane as a Soul Acquisition Agent, tasked with forging pacts to claim souls for Hell. During this period, he diverged from his infernal duties when he allied with Elowyn, leading to the formation of an honorable mercenary company. His defiance of infernal protocols by protecting Elowyn resulted in his severance from Hell and subsequent alliance with Bel to rebel against Zariel's dominion.
In 1527 PE, Andromaalik's fate changed when he tracked down Bravillion—a Bone Devil plotting to claim Princess Emilia's soul due to a pact made at her birth. During Emilia's 21st birthday, Andromaalik confronted Bravillion at the Antediluvian Palace. After a fierce battle that left both parties grievously wounded, Bravillion escaped back to Hell to warn Zariel. Weakened, Andromaalik was captured by Tatharian forces.
Facing execution, he revealed the infernal plot against Princess Emilia. In an attempt to save her, he proposed forming a pact with her, binding her soul to his and protecting her from Bravillion and other infernal forces. Recognizing his unique ability to safeguard the princess, the Tatharian authorities spared his life. Embracing this role, he became the head of the Royal Guard in Tatharia, utilizing his extensive combat experience and knowledge of infernal threats to protect the princess and the kingdom.
As of 1531 PE, Andromaalik continues to fulfill his duties as Princess Emilia's protector and the leader of the Royal Guard, blending his celestial heritage, infernal training, and mortal alliances to maintain security and uphold his personal code of honor.
Intellectual Characteristics
Andromaalik’s intellect is both honed and sharpened by centuries of experience, making him a formidable strategist and tactician. His intelligence is multifaceted—rooted in an understanding of Human nature, the complexities of war, and the subtleties of political maneuvering. His mind works with a precision that reflects his military background, analyzing every situation from multiple angles and devising detailed plans that account for even the smallest variables. Deception, misdirection, and manipulation are as much his tools as sword or shield, and he wields them with a surgeon's skill.
Though often cynical and prone to disillusionment, his keen insight into the desires, weaknesses, and motivations of others makes him a master at reading people. His memory is as sharp as his wit, and he recalls every betrayal, every mistake—both his and others’. This level of insight allows him to maintain a calm demeanor even in the face of chaos, as he constantly anticipates the next move, carefully constructing scenarios where he holds the upper hand. His ability to stay composed, even amused, in the midst of mortal tempers and trivial squabbles speaks to a deep-seated boredom, but also a chilling sense of control.
Andromaalik’s intelligence does not rest solely in cold logic, however. His capacity for charm and his ability to slip into the role of confidant or diplomat reveals an understanding of softer skills—he knows when to be disarming, when to feign vulnerability, and when to apply just the right amount of pressure to get what he wants. Yet, this charm is often weaponized rather than born of true empathy, and though he can be charismatic, his trust is a rare and dangerous gift, often given more out of calculated interest than genuine connection.
Morality & Philosophy
Andromaalik's extensive history offers a rich foundation for analyzing his moral and philosophical orientation. His actions and decisions consistently reflect a Lawful Neutral alignment, a categorization within moral philosophy that emphasizes order, structure, and adherence to a personal code over the dichotomies of good and evil.
Adherence to Personal Codes and Lawfulness
At the core of Andromaalik's character is a steadfast commitment to personal loyalty and honor. His initial decision to accompany his mother, Zariel, into Hell—despite the inherent fall from grace it entailed—demonstrates a profound dedication to familial bonds and personal duty. This act was not motivated by a desire to embrace evil but was a fulfillment of his own code of loyalty. It underscores a fundamental aspect of Lawful Neutrality: the prioritization of one's own principles and obligations over external moral judgments. During his upbringing in Hell, Andromaalik integrated into the existing hierarchical and militaristic structures without apparent moral conflict. His participation in the Blood War and training under Bel were in alignment with the laws and expectations of his infernal environment. This compliance indicates a respect for established order, even within a malevolent context, further highlighting his lawful disposition.Questioning Authority and Personal Justice
However, Andromaalik's alignment does not equate to blind obedience. His eventual confrontation with Zariel illustrates a critical aspect of his philosophy: the willingness to challenge authority when it conflicts with his personal sense of justice and order. His public questioning of Zariel's decisions and subsequent duel signify a commitment to his own understanding of lawfulness, rather than an unquestioning adherence to external commands. This act led to his exile, reinforcing the notion that his loyalty to his personal code surpasses his allegiance to any particular ruler or system.Complex Neutrality in Moral Choices
The episode with Elowyn further exemplifies Andromaalik's Lawful Neutral alignment. Entering into a pact to aid her quest for vengeance aligns with his role as an agent of Hell tasked with soul acquisition. Yet, when confronted with Elowyn's mercy towards her adversaries and the bond they develop, he chooses to violate infernal law by not claiming her soul. This decision is not necessarily an act of goodness but a complex choice rooted in personal honor and loyalty to an individual he has come to respect and care for. By concealing the broken pact from Hell, Andromaalik places his personal code above both infernal law and the moral expectations of good or evil. His neutrality is evident in that he does not act to further benevolent causes broadly but remains focused on his own principles and the immediate commitments he has made.Formation of an Honorable Mercenary Company
The establishment of a mercenary company known for honor and loyalty is another manifestation of his lawful nature. Mercenaries operate in a morally gray area, often engaging in conflicts for compensation rather than ideological reasons. By instilling a code of honor within this company, Andromaalik creates a structured environment governed by clear rules and expectations. This reflects his preference for order and discipline over chaos, irrespective of the moral implications of their work.Alliance with Bel and Rebellion Against Hell
After being severed from Hell by Zariel, Andromaalik allies with Bel, not out of a desire to overthrow evil with good, but to restore a sense of balance and address personal grievances. Their pact is one of mutual benefit, aiming to challenge Zariel's authority. This rebellion is conducted within the framework of their own agreed-upon terms, again emphasizing a lawful approach centered on personal codes rather than moral righteousness.Protection of Princess Emilia and Fulfillment of Duty
When Andromaalik is spared execution by Lugal Icaghor in exchange for protecting Princess Emilia, he accepts the role with the same sense of duty that has characterized his actions throughout his life. His commitment to safeguarding the princess is grounded in an agreement—a pact—that he honors diligently. His protection of Emilia is not necessarily an altruistic endeavor but a fulfillment of his obligations under the pact. This further solidifies his alignment, as he operates within the confines of an accepted duty, maintaining order and structure.Philosophical Underpinnings of Lawful Neutrality
Andromaalik's philosophy centers on the belief that order and personal honor are paramount. He navigates the complexities of the world by adhering to his own code, which sometimes aligns with societal laws and at other times stands in opposition to them. His neutrality arises from his focus on these principles over broader moral considerations. He does not seek to promote good or evil but to maintain the integrity of his commitments and the structures he values. His actions demonstrate a consistent pattern: loyalty to those he deems worthy, adherence to agreements made, and a preference for order over chaos. He resists arbitrary authority when it conflicts with his personal code, yet he does not rebel against the concept of authority itself. Instead, he seeks to align authority with his understanding of lawfulness and justice.Relationships
History
The relationship between Princess Emilia and Andromaalik began with necessity and evolved into a complex bond of mutual respect and protection. In 1527 PE, after a fierce battle with the Devil Bravillion, Andromaalik, an exiled angel with a deep knowledge of infernal plots, offered a pact to save Emilia from being claimed by the Hells. By binding her soul to his own, he shielded her from infernal forces, positioning himself as her guardian. Initially, their relationship was rooted in duty—Andromaalik was charged with protecting Emilia from the dangers tied to her infernal origins, while she, unaware of the true nature of her birth, accepted his mentorship and guidance.
Over Time, this protective role deepened. Andromaalik became not only Emilia’s shield but also her mentor, educating her in the complexities of both courtly life and the dangers lurking beyond it. Emilia, in turn, grew to trust his counsel, despite his cold and calculating nature. Though his loyalties began with obligation, Andromaalik’s unwavering protection of Emilia developed into something more personal, as he recognized her as more than just a pawn in the Celestial and infernal struggle. Their bond, though often unspoken, is built on a shared understanding of the weight each carries—Emilia with her imperial and celestial destinies, and Andromaalik with his own burden of exile and redemption.
Current Location
Species
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Year of Birth
1 AW
1531 Years old
Spouses
Siblings
Children
Pronouns
He/Him
Sex
Female (assigned at birth)
Gender
Man (Transgender Man)
Presentation
Masculine
Eyes
Blue
Hair
Black
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Pallid
Height
6'6"
Weight
190 lbs
Aligned Organization
Comments