Legions of the Dawn War
F
' ourth Edition World Axis cosmology introduced
the Dawn War: an epic struggle at the dawn of
time between the gods and the primordials over
the fate of the world. While traditional celestials
and elementals participated in this way, the rank-
and-file soldiers were a new kind of creature not
seen in earlier editions of D&D.
The Angels of Dominion and Elemental Legionnaires
presented here are designed to be simple to run and serve
two purposes: as allies and cohorts of player characters at
lower tiers, and as minions to engage en masse at higher
levels. In contrast, Archangels and Legion Elementalists lead
their lesser kin and challenge powerful heroes by defending
or invading other planes, fighting in the service of dragons, or
summoned by priests and sorcerers.
Credits
Art credit: Wizards of the Coast, 2008-2009
5th Edition conversion by Peter Oliver, 2017
Angel of Dominion
Angels of Dominion are the soldiers of the gods, serving in
vast armies and following the commands of exalted priests or
more powerful angels. Though courageous and fierce, they
are the weakest and the most numerous of angels called to
serve a given deity. Archangels lead regiments of angels, from
a handful to hundreds.
Domain Manifestations. Each type of Angel of Dominion
is a direct incarnation of a divine portfolio, not tied to any
particular deity; for example, if the gods of war Heironeous
and Hextor go to battle, Angels of War might serve on both
sides of the conflict.
Divine Messengers. When a devout worshiper of a
particular god does something to delight that god, such as
exemplary service to a domain in the gods name, an Angel of
Dominion might be dispatched to reward the worshiper. An
appropriate reward might include a powerful spell, a magic
item, or even the service of the angel for 10 days.
Angelic Demise. Angels of Dominion are fragments of a
deity's will, and do not truly have souls of their own. When
one dies, its spark of life returns to its deity's domain, leaving
behind only equipment the angel was wearing or carrying.
Angel of Arcana
Medium celestial, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (breastplate, shield)
Hit Points 60 (8d8 + 24)
Speed 30 ft., fly 45 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 17 (+3) 21 (+5) 13 (+1)
Skills Arcana +6, Religion +6
Damage Resistances radiant; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Celestial, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Angelic Weapons. The angel's weapon attacks are
magical. When the angel hits with any weapon, the
weapon deals an extra 2d8 radiant damage
(included in the attack).
Actions
Quarterstaff. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning
damage plus 9 (2d8) radiant damage.
Magic Missile. One target the angel can see within
120 feet takes 18 (5d4 + 5) force damage.
Domains not in the Players'
Handbook
The Arcana domain is published in the Sword Coast
Adventurer's Guide, and the Death domain is in the
Dungeon Master's Guide. The Unearthed Arcana
web articles include the Forge and Grave domains,
not included here.
Archangel of Arcana
Large celestial, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (breastplate, shield)
Hit Points 124 (13d10 + 52)
Speed 30 ft., fly 45 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 19 (+4) 23 (+6) 15 (+2)
Skills Arcana +7, Religion +7
Damage Resistances radiant; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 16
Languages Celestial, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Angelic Weapons. The angel's weapon attacks are
magical. When the angel hits with any weapon, the
weapon deals an extra 2d8 radiant damage
(included in the attack).
Spellcasting. The angel is a 10th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 17, +9
to hit with spell attacks). The angel has the
following cleric spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): mage hand, sacred flame,
thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): detect magic, magic missile
2nd level (3 slots): magic weapon, Nystul's magic
aura
3rd level (3 slots): dispel magic, magic circle
4th level (3 slots): arcane eye, Leomund's secret
chest
5th level (2 slots): planar binding, teleportation
circle
Actions
Multiattack. The angel makes two melee attacks. It
can replace one of these attacks with a cantrip.
Quarterstaff. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach
10 ft., one target. Hit 12 (2d6 + 5) bludgeoning
damage plus 9 (2d8) radiant damage.
Arcane Abjuration (2/Day). One celestial, elemental,
fey, or fiend of the angel's choice that is within 30
feet of it and can see or hear the angel must
succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw, or be
turned for 1 minute or until it takes any damage. A
turned creature that is able to move must take the
Dash action and move away from the angel by the
safest available route on each of its turns, or try to
escape from an effect that prevents it from moving,
or use the Dodge action if there is nowhere to
move. A creature with a CR of 1 or lower is instead
banished for 1 minute (as the banishment spell, no
concentration required) if it isn't on its home plane.
Angel of Death
Medium celestial, any alignment
Armor Class 16 (breastplate)
Hit Points 60 (8d8 + 24)
Speed 30 ft., fly 45 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
21 (+5) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 13 (+1) 18 (+4) 17 (+3)
Skills Intimidate +6, Religion +4
Damage Resistances radiant, necrotic; bludgeoning,
piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Celestial, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Angelic Weapons. The angel's weapon attacks are
magical. When the angel hits with any weapon, the
weapon deals an extra 2d8 necrotic damage
(included in the attack).
Actions
Scythe. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10
ft., one target. Hit 18 (2d12 + 5) slashing damage
plus 9 (2d8) necrotic damage.
Inflict Wounds. Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range
60 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (3d10) necrotic damage.
Deities Without Angels
Some deities have fallen so far from grace that
their angels have been transformed into fiends.
These include Asmodeus and Tiamat served by
devils, and Lolth and Tharizdun attended by
demons. Consider using the Cambion (Monster
Manual pg 36) to represent fallen angels for these
deities.
Archangel of Death
Large celestial, any alignment
Armor Class 16 (breastplate)
Hit Points 124 (13d10 + 52)
Speed 30 ft., fly 45 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
23 (+6) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 15 (+2) 20 (+5) 19 (+4)
Skills Intimidate +7, Religion +5
Damage Resistances radiant, necrotic; bludgeoning,
piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 18
Languages Celestial, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Angelic Weapons. The angel's weapon attacks are
magical. When the angel hits with any weapon, the
weapon deals an extra 2d8 necrotic damage
(included in the attack).
Spellcasting. The angel is a 10th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 16, +8
to hit with spell attacks). The angel has the
following cleric spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): chill touch, spare the dying,
thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): false life, ray of sickness
2nd level (3 slots): blindness/deafness, ray of
enfeeblement
3rd level (3 slots): animate dead, vampiric touch
4th level (3 slots): blight, death ward
5th level (2 slots): antilife shell, cloudkill
Touch of Death (2/Day). Once per round, when the
angel hits a creature with a melee attack, the angel
can use this ability to deal an extra 25 necrotic
damage to the target.
Actions
Multiattack. The angel makes two melee attacks.
Scythe. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 15
ft., one target. Hit 19 (2d12 + 6) slashing damage
plus 9 (2d8) necrotic damage.
Angel of Knowledge
Medium celestial, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (breastplate, shield)
Hit Points 60 (8d8 + 24)
Speed 30 ft., fly 45 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 17 (+3) 21 (+5) 13 (+1)
Skills Arcana +6, History +6, Nature +6, Religion +6
Damage Resistances radiant; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Celestial, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Angelic Weapons. The angel's weapon attacks are
magical. When the angel hits with any weapon, the
weapon deals an extra 2d8 radiant damage
(included in the attack).
Actions
Mace. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage
plus 9 (2d8) radiant damage.
Lance of Faith. Ranged Spell Attack: +8 to hit, range
120 ft., one target. Hit: 27 (6d8) radiant damage.
Archangel of
Knowledge
Large celestial, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (breastplate, shield)
Hit Points 124 (13d10 + 52)
Speed 30 ft., fly 45 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 19 (+4) 23 (+6) 15 (+2)
Skills Arcana +7, History +7, Nature +7, Religion +7
Damage Resistances radiant; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 16
Languages Celestial, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Angelic Weapons. The angel's weapon attacks are
magical. When the angel hits with any weapon, the
weapon deals an extra 2d8 radiant damage
(included in the attack).
Spellcasting. The angel is a 10th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 17, +9
to hit with spell attacks). The angel has the
following cleric spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): guidance, sacred flame,
thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): command, identify
2nd level (3 slots): augury, suggestion
3rd level (3 slots): nondetection, speak with dead
4th level (3 slots): arcane eye, confusion
5th level (2 slots): legend lore, scrying
Actions
Multiattack. The angel makes two melee attacks.
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach
10 ft., one target. Hit 14 (2d8 + 5) bludgeoning
damage plus 9 (2d8) radiant damage.
Knowledge of the Ages (2/Day). For 10 minutes, the
angel has proficiency with one skill or tool of its
choice.
Angel of Life
Medium celestial, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (plate)
Hit Points 60 (8d8 + 24)
Speed 30 ft., fly 45 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
21 (+5) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 13 (+1) 18 (+4) 17 (+3)
Skills Medicine +7, Religion +4
Damage Resistances radiant; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Celestial, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Angelic Weapons. The angel's weapon attacks are
magical. When the angel hits with any weapon, the
weapon deals an extra 2d8 radiant damage
(included in the attack).
Actions
Spear. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft.,
one target. Hit 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage plus
9 (2d8) radiant damage.
Lance of Faith. Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range
120 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (4d8) radiant damage.
Sacrifice. The angel touches one willing creature,
granting it 25 temporary hit points. The angel then
dies.
Angels as NPCs
The Monster Manual and Volo's Guide to Monsters
have plenty of options for arcane NPCs but not
many divine options. You can use any angel's
statistics for a powerful cleric by granting them the
spell list of an archangel, and assuming they have
access to any other cleric spell of 5th level or
below with 24 hours notice.
Archangel of Life
Large celestial, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (plate)
Hit Points 124 (13d10 + 52)
Speed 30 ft., fly 45 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
23 (+6) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 15 (+2) 20 (+5) 19 (+4)
Skills Medicine +8, Religion +5
Damage Resistances radiant; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Celestial, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Angelic Weapons. The angel's weapon attacks are
magical. When the angel hits with any weapon, the
weapon deals an extra 2d8 radiant damage
(included in the attack).
Spellcasting. The angel is a 10th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 16, +8
to hit with spell attacks). The angel has the
following cleric spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): sacred flame, spare the dying,
thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): bless, cure wounds
2nd level (3 slots): lesser restoration, spiritual
weapon
3rd level (3 slots): beacon of hope, revivify
4th level (3 slots): death ward, guardian of faith
5th level (2 slots): mass cure wounds, raise dead
Actions
Multiattack. The angel makes two melee attacks.
Spear. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 15 ft.,
one target. Hit 15 (2d8 + 6) piercing damage plus
9 (2d8) radiant damage.
Preserve Life (2/day). The angel restores 50 hit
points, divided among any number of creatures
within 30 feet of it, restoring each creature to no
more than half of its hit point maximum. This has
no effect on undead or constructs.

Angel of Light
Medium celestial, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (breastplate, shield)
Hit Points 60 (8d8 + 24)
Speed 30 ft., fly 45 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 13 (+1) 21 (+5) 17 (+3)
Skills Perception +8, Religion +4
Damage Resistances fire, radiant; bludgeoning,
piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., truesight 60 ft., passive
Perception 18
Languages Celestial, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Angelic Weapons. The angel's weapon attacks are
magical. When the angel hits with any weapon, the
weapon deals an extra 2d8 fire damage (included in
the attack).
Illumination. The angel sheds bright light in a 30-
foot radius and dim light in an additional 30 feet.
Actions
Mace. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage
plus 9 (2d8) fire damage.
Lance of Faith. Ranged Spell Attack: +8 to hit, range
120 ft., one target. Hit: 27 (6d8) radiant damage.
Archangel of Light
Large celestial, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (breastplate, shield)
Hit Points 152 (16d10 + 64)
Speed 30 ft., fly 45 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 15 (+2) 23 (+6) 19 (+4)
Skills Perception +9, Religion +5
Damage Resistances fire, radiant; bludgeoning,
piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., truesight 60 ft., passive
Perception 19
Languages Celestial, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Angelic Weapons. The angel's weapon attacks are
magical. When the angel hits with any weapon, the
weapon deals an extra 2d8 fire damage (included in
the attack).
Illumination. The angel sheds bright light in a 30-
foot radius and dim light in an additional 30 feet.
Spellcasting. The angel is a 10th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 17, +9
to hit with spell attacks). The angel has the
following cleric spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): sacred flame, light, thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): burning hands, faerie fire
2nd level (3 slots): flaming sphere, scorching ray
3rd level (3 slots): daylight, fireball
4th level (3 slots): guardian of faith, wall of fire
5th level (2 slots): flame strike, scrying
Actions
Multiattack. The angel makes two melee attacks. It
can replace one of these attacks with a cantrip.
Longswords. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach
10 ft., one target. Hit 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage
plus 9 (2d8) fire damage.
Radiance of the Dawn (2/Day). Any magical darkness
within 30 feet of the angel is dispelled.
Additionally, each hostile creature within 30 feet of
the angel must make a DC 17 Constitution saving
throw, taking 21 (2d10 + 10) radiant damage on a
failed saving throw, or half as much damage on a
successful one. A creature that has total cover from
the angel is not affected.
Angel of Nature
Medium celestial, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (plate)
Hit Points 60 (8d8 + 24)
Speed 30 ft., fly 45 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
21 (+5) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 13 (+1) 18 (+4) 17 (+3)
Skills Animal Handling +7, Nature +4, Religion +4
Damage Resistances radiant; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Celestial, Druidic, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Angelic Weapons. The angel's weapon attacks are
magical. When the angel hits with any weapon, the
weapon deals an extra 2d8 radiant damage
(included in the attack).
Actions
Spear. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft.,
one target. Hit 16 (2d10 + 5) piercing damage plus
9 (2d8) radiant damage.
Produce Flame. Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range
30 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (4d8) fire damage.
Other Domains
Angels of Dominion can be created from other
divine domains, either published or homebrew, by
choosing an angel of a domain with the same
proficiencies (heavy armor, martial weapons, and
either divine strike or potent spellcasting) and
adjusting skills and damage types as appropriate.
For an archangel, also replace the spell list and
Channel Divinity with those of the new domain.
Archangel of Nature
Large celestial, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (plate)
Hit Points 124 (13d10 + 52)
Speed 30 ft., fly 45 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 15 (+2) 23 (+6) 19 (+4)
Skills Animal Handling +8, Nature +5, Religion +5
Damage Resistances radiant; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Celestial, Druidic, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Angelic Weapons. The angel's weapon attacks are
magical. When the angel hits with any weapon, the
weapon deals an extra 2d8 radiant damage
(included in the attack).
Spellcasting. The angel is a 10th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 17, +9
to hit with spell attacks). The angel has the
following cleric spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): druidcraft, produce flame,
thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): animal friendship, speak with
animals
2nd level (3 slots): barkskin, spike growth
3rd level (3 slots): plant growth, wind wall
4th level (3 slots): dominate beast, grasping vine
5th level (2 slots): insect plague, tree stride
Actions
Multiattack. The angel makes two melee attacks.
Shillelagh. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach
10 ft., one target. Hit 15 (2d8 + 6) bludgeoning
damage plus 9 (2d8) radiant damage.
Charm Animals and Plants (2/Day). Each beast or
plant creature within 30 feet of the angel that can
see it must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving
throw or be charmed by the angel for 1 minute or
until it takes damage. Charmed creatures are
friendly to the angel and other creatures of the
angel's choice.
 Archangel of Tempest
Large celestial, any alignment

Armor Class 18 (plate)

Hit Points 124 (13d10 + 52)
Speed 30 ft., fly 45 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

23 (+6) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 15 (+2) 20 (+5) 19 (+4)

Skills Intimidate +7, Religion +5

Damage Resistances radiant; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Celestial, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)

Angelic Weapons. The angel's weapon attacks are

magical. When the angel hits with any weapon, the
weapon deals an extra 2d8 thunder damage
(included in the attack).
Destructive Wrath (2/day). When the angel rolls
lightning or thunder damage, it can use this ability
to deal maximum damage, instead of rolling.
Angel of Tempest Spellcasting. The angel is a 10th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 16, +8
Medium celestial, any alignment
to hit with spell attacks). The angel has the
Armor Class 18 (plate) following cleric spells prepared:
Hit Points 60 (8d8 + 24) Cantrips (at will): resistance, sacred flame,
Speed 30 ft., fly 45 ft. thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): fog cloud, thunderwave
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 2nd level (3 slots): gust of wind, shatter
21 (+5) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 13 (+1) 18 (+4) 17 (+3) 3rd level (3 slots): call lightning, sleet storm
4th level (3 slots): control water, ice storm
Skills Intimidate +6, Religion +4
Damage Resistances radiant; bludgeoning, piercing, 5th level (2 slots): destructive wave, insect plague
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, Actions
frightened Multiattack. The angel makes two melee attacks.
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Celestial, telepathy 60 ft. Longswords. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP) 10 ft., one target. Hit 20 (4d6 + 6) slashing damage
plus 9 (2d8) thunder damage.
Angelic Weapons. The angel's weapon attacks are
magical. When the angel hits with any weapon, the
weapon deals an extra 2d8 thunder damage
(included in the attack).

Actions
Maul. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit 19 (4d6 + 5) bludgeoning damage
plus 9 (2d8) thunder damage.
Thunderbolt. Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range
120 ft., one target. Hit: 27 (6d8) lightning damage.
Angel of Trickery
Medium celestial, any alignment
Armor Class 16 (breastplate)
Hit Points 124 (13d10 + 52)
Speed 30 ft., fly 45 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
13 (+1) 21 (+5) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 17 (+3)
Skills Deception +6, Religion +5, Sleight of Hand
+8, Stealth +8
Damage Resistances radiant; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Celestial, Thieves' cant, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Angelic Weapons. The angel's weapon attacks are
magical. When the angel hits with any weapon, the
weapon deals an extra 9 (2d8) poison damage
(included in the attack).
Sneak Attack (1/Turn). The angel deals an extra 7
(2d6) damage when it hits a target with a weapon
attack and has advantage on the attack roll, or when
the target is within 5 feet of an ally of the angel that
isn't incapacitated and the angel doesn't have
disadvantage on the attack roll.
Actions
Short Sword. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit 13 (2d6 + 6) slashing damage
plus 9 (2d8) poison damage.
Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range
80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) piercing
damage plus 9 (2d8) poison damage.
Archangel of Trickery
Large celestial, any alignment
Armor Class 16 (breastplate)
Hit Points 124 (13d10 + 52)
Speed 30 ft., fly 45 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
15 (+2) 23 (+6) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 20 (+5) 19 (+4)
Skills Deception +7, Religion +5, Sleight of Hand
+9, Stealth +9
Damage Resistances radiant; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Celestial, Thieves' cant, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Angelic Weapons. The angel's weapon attacks are
magical. When the angel hits with any weapon, the
weapon deals an extra 9 (2d8) poison damage
(included in the attack).
Sneak Attack (1/Turn). The angel deals an extra 14
(4d6) damage when it hits a target with a weapon
attack and has advantage on the attack roll, or when
the target is within 5 feet of an ally of the angel that
isn't incapacitated and the angel doesn't have
disadvantage on the attack roll.
Spellcasting. The angel is a 10th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 16, +8
to hit with spell attacks). The angel has the
following cleric spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): minor illusion, sacred flame,
thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): charm person, disguise self
2nd level (3 slots): mirror image, pass without trace
3rd level (3 slots): blink, dispel magic
4th level (3 slots): dimension door, polymorph
5th level (2 slots): dominate person, modify
memory
Actions
Multiattack. The angel makes two weapon attacks.
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach
10 ft., one target. Hit 15 (2d8 + 6) slashing damage
plus 9 (2d8) poison damage.
Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, range
80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) piercing
damage plus 9 (2d8) poison damage.
Cloak of Shadows (2/Day). The angel becomes
invisible until the end of its next turn, or until it
attacks or casts a spell.

Angel of War
Medium celestial, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (plate)
Hit Points 60 (8d8 + 24)
Speed 30 ft., fly 45 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
21 (+5) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 15 (+2) 18 (+4) 15 (+2)
Skills Insight +5, Persuasion +5, Religion +5
Damage Resistances radiant; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Celestial, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Angelic Weapons. The angel's weapon attacks are
magical. When the angel hits with any weapon, the
weapon deals an extra 2d8 radiant damage
(included in the attack).
Actions
Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit 19 (4d6 + 5) slashing damage
plus 9 (2d8) radiant damage.
Lance of Faith. Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range
120 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (4d8) radiant damage.
Archangel of War
Large celestial, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (plate)
Hit Points 124 (13d10 + 52)
Speed 30 ft., fly 45 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
23 (+6) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 17 (+3) 20 (+5) 17 (+3)
Skills Insight +6, Persuasion +6, Religion +6
Damage Resistances radiant; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion,
frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Celestial, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Angelic Weapons. The angel's weapon attacks are
magical. When the angel hits with any weapon, the
weapon deals an extra 2d8 radiant damage
(included in the attack).
Spellcasting. The angel is a 10th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 16, +8
to hit with spell attacks). The angel has the
following cleric spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): blade ward, sacred flame,
thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): divine favor, shield of faith
2nd level (3 slots): magic weapon, spiritual weapon
3rd level (3 slots): crusaders mantle, spirit
guardians
4th level (3 slots): freedom of movement,
stoneskin
5th level (2 slots): flame strike, hold monster
Actions
Multiattack. The angel makes two melee attacks.
Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit,
reach 10 ft., one target. Hit 20 (4d6 + 6) slashing
damage plus 9 (2d8) radiant damage.
Reactions
War God's Blessing (2/Day). When a creature within
30 feet of the angel makes an attack roll, the angel
can use its reaction to grant that creature a +10
bonus to the roll. The angel can make this choice
after the roll is made, but before the DM says
whether the attack hits or misses.

Elemental Legionnaire
Elemental Legionnaires are native to the Elemental Chaos,
but they have more in common with the constructs known as
Helmed Horrors than with their bestial bretheren. If
elementals are the animals of the inner planes, the
Legionnaires are the common people. Vaguely humanoid in
form, they serve powerful primordial entities as well as
various elemental lords and princelings.
Primordial Heritage. Legionnaires trace back to an
ancient time when the world had hardly been formed, when
primordial beings battled the gods for control of creation. In
this cataclysmic conflict, the deities marshaled armies of
angels and cadres of exarchs, and though the primordials
could call forth titanic beasts and giants, they could not
muster a true military to face their enemies until they found
the means by which elemental creatures could be reshaped
and hammered into soldiers. The warriors formed through
this process were the first Legionnaires.
Varied Forms. Air, Earth, Fire, and Water Legionnaires are
commonplace, but one doesnt have to travel far in the
Elemental Chaos to find quasielemental or paraelemental
Legionnaires formed of crystal, slime, and smoke.
Legionnaires of different elements freely associate with one
another to achieve their common goal of returning the world
to the rule and whim of the primordials, but bereft of strong
leadership they are prone to infighting. A typical legion in
service to a primordial prince or demon lord is a jumble of
many different kinds of Legionnaires, just as the Elemental
Chaos is a jumble of many different elements and energy
types.
Soldiers for Hire. Most Legionnaires adrift on the planes do
not have a powerful master to serve, and roam in small
mercenary bands for any destructive purpose. It is not
unheard of for groups of Legionnaires sworn to different
masters to come into conflict with each other--for example,
Fire Legionnaires defending a red dragon's stronghold from
Earth Legionnaires allied with hill giants.
Legionnaires come from the Elemental Chaos and speak
the Primordial language, of which the languages of the
elemental planes (Auran, Aquan, Ignan, and Terran) are
dialects. They can be summoned and bound by mortals just
as other elementals, but are more likely to bargain for their
service if it doesn't obviously further their goal of returning
the world to a primeval state of chaos.
Elemental Demise. When an Elemental Legionnaire dies,
all that remains is its armor, and sometimes its weapons.
Some Legionnaires, such as Ice Legionnaires, wield weapons
that melt away when the elemental dies.
Archons
Fifth Edition is returning to the Great Wheel
cosmology and, presumably, will also restore the
title of Archon to Lawful Good celestials. Therefore
Fourth Edition's archons are presented here
renamed to Elemental Legionnaires.
The elementalists here have access to spells
found in the free Elemental Evil Player's
Companion supplement.
Air Legionnaire
Medium elemental, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (scale, shield)
Hit Points 76 (8d8 + 40)
Speed 30 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 22 (+6) 21 (+5) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 14 (+2)
Damage Resistances lightning, thunder
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities exhaustion, petrified,
poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages Primordial
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
Elemental Weapons. The legionnaire's weapon
attacks are magical. When the legionnaire hits with
any weapon, the weapon deals an extra 2d8
thunder damage (included in the attack).
Actions
Flail. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 11 (1d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage
plus 9 (2d8) thunder damage.
Sonic Boom. Ranged Spell Attack: +5 to hit, range
60 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (4d8) thunder damage.
Whirlwind Escape. The legionnaire teleports up to
30 feet to an unoccupied space that it can see, and
ends any grappled, restrained, or paralyzed
conditions on it.
Legion Aeromancer
Medium elemental, any alignment
Armor Class 16
Hit Points 105 (10d8 + 60)
Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 22 (+6) 23 (+6) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 22 (+6)
Skills Arcana +3
Damage Resistances lightning, thunder
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities exhaustion, petrified,
poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages Primordial
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Innate Spellcasting. The aeromancer's innate
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 17,
+9 to hit with spell attacks). It can innately cast the
following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: gust
1/day each: control winds, gust of wind, wind wall
Wind Ward. Ranged weapon attacks against the
aeromancer have disadvantage.
Actions
Staff of Winds. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) thunder
damage, and the target is pushed 5 feet away from
the aeromancer.
Create Whirlwind. The aeromancer creates a 15-foot
cube of swirling wind centered on itself. Each
creature in that area other than the aeromancer
must make a DC 17 Constitution saving throw,
taking 11 (2d10) bludgeoning damage on a failed
save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
If a Large or smaller creature fails the save, that
creature is also pushed up to 10 feet away from the
center of the cube.
Elemental Treasure
Defeating a group of Legionnaires may yield a
magic item such as a Fire Legionnaire's flame
tongue or a Legion Cryomancer's staff of frost. You
can use these items as templates for treasure
dropped by other elementals, such as a hammer
that deals an extra 2d6 thunder damage on a hit, or
a staff that can cast tidal wave and wall of water.
Earth Legionnaire
Medium elemental, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (plate)
Hit Points 76 (8d8 + 40)
Speed 25 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
22 (+6) 10 (+0) 21 (+5) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 14 (+2)
Damage Vulnerabilities thunder
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, slashing, piercing
from nonmagical weapons
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities exhaustion, petrified,
poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages Primordial
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
Burrow. The legionnaire can move across difficult
terrain made of earth or stone without spending
extra movement. It can burrow through soft earth
or sand at full speed, or through solid stone at half
speed, choosing whether or not to leave a tunnel
behind it.
Elemental Weapons. The legionnaire's weapon
attacks are magical. When the legionnaire hits with
any weapon, the weapon deals an extra 2d8 force
damage (included in the attack).
Actions
Warhammer. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (1d10 + 6) bludgeoning
damage plus 9 (2d8) force damage.
Grasping Earth. Melee Spell Attack: +8 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d6) bludgeoning damage,
and the target is restrained (escape DC 19).
Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range
30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d8 + 6)
bludgeoning damage plus 9 (2d8) force damage.
Legion Geomancer
Medium elemental, any alignment
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 105 (10d8 + 60)
Speed 25 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
22 (+6) 10 (+0) 23 (+6) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 22 (+6)
Skills Arcana +3
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, slashing, piercing
from nonmagical weapons
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities exhaustion, petrified,
poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages Primordial
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Merge With Stone. The geomancer can move across
difficult terrain made of earth or stone without
spending extra movement. It can move through
solid earth or stone as if it was air and without
destabilizing it, but takes 10 force damage each
turn it ends its movement there.
Innate Spellcasting. The geomancer's innate
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 17,
+9 to hit with spell attacks). It can innately cast the
following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: mold earth
1/day each: maximilian's earthen grasp, wall of
sand, wall of stone
Actions
Staff of Stone. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) force
damage, and the target is knocked prone.
Earth Tremor. Each creature other than the
geomancer on the ground in a 10-foot radius must
make a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw, or take 4
(1d6) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone.
If the ground in that area is loose earth or stone, it
becomes difficult terrain until cleared.
 Legion Pyromancer
Medium elemental, any alignment

Armor Class 16
Hit Points 105 (10d8 + 60)
Speed 50 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

18 (+4) 22 (+6) 23 (+6) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 22 (+6)

Damage Resistances cold

Damage Immunities fire, poison
Condition Immunities exhaustion, petrified,
poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages Primordial
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)

Flame Body. Any creature that moves within 5 feet

of the pyromancer for the first time on a turn or
ends its turn there takes 5 fire damage.
Innate Spellcasting. The pyromancer's innate
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 17,
+9 to hit with spell attacks). It can innately cast the
following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: control flames
1/day each: flaming sphere, melf's minute meteors,
wall of fire

Actions
Staff of Fire. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (3d6) fire damage.
Scorch. Each creature in a line 15 feet long and 5
feet wide must make a DC 17 Dexterity saving
throw, taking 18 (4d8) fire damage on a failed save,
or half as much damage on a successful one.

Fire Legionnaire Elemental Weapons. The legionnaire's weapon attacks

Medium elemental, any alignment are magical. When the legionnaire hits with any
weapon, the weapon deals an extra 2d8 fire damage
Armor Class 18 (scale, shield) (included in the attack).
Hit Points 76 (8d8 + 40)
Speed 50 ft. Actions
Battleaxe. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA one target. Hit: 11 (1d8 + 6) slashing damage plus 9
(2d8) fire damage.
18 (+4) 22 (+6) 21 (+5) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 14 (+2)
Firebolt. Ranged Spell Attack: +8 to hit, range 120 ft.,
Damage Immunities fire, poison one target. Hit: 22 (4d10) fire damage.
Condition Immunities exhaustion, petrified, poisoned Flickering Step. The legionnaire moves up to its speed.
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11 Each creature that makes an attack against the
Languages Primordial legionnaire during this movement takes 9 (2d8) fire
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP) damage.
Ice Legionnaire Actions
Medium elemental, any alignment
Warhammer. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach
Armor Class 18 (scale, shield) 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d8 + 6) bludgeoning
Hit Points 76 (8d8 + 40) damage plus 9 (2d8) cold damage.
Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft. Ice Shard. Ranged Spell Attack: +8 to hit, range 60
ft., one target. Hit: 22 (4d10) cold damage.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
22 (+6) 18 (+4) 21 (+5) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 14 (+2)

Damage Vulnerabilities fire

Damage Immunities cold, poison Legion Cryomancer
Condition Immunities exhaustion, petrified, Medium elemental, any alignment
poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 Armor Class 16 (shield)
Languages Primordial Hit Points 105 (10d8 + 60)
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP) Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft.

Elemental Weapons. The legionnaire's weapon

attacks are magical. When the legionnaire hits with STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
any weapon, the weapon deals an extra 2d8 cold 22 (+6) 18 (+4) 23 (+6) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 22 (+6)
damage (included in the attack).
Frozen Rebuke. A creature hit by the legionnaire's Skills Arcana +3
opportunity attack has its speed reduced to 0 until Damage Immunities cold, poison
the start of its next turn. Condition Immunities exhaustion, petrified,
poisoned
Ice Walk. The cryomancer can move across difficult Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
terrain created by ice or snow without spending Languages Primordial
extra movement. Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)

Aura of Ice. The ground in a 10-foot radius around

the cryomancer is icy and difficult terrain. Water in
this radius freezes solid enough for Large or smaller
creatures to walk on. The radius moves with the
cryomancer.
Ice Walk. The cryomancer can move across difficult
terrain created by ice or snow without spending
extra movement.
Innate Spellcasting. The cryomancer's innate
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 17,
+9 to hit with spell attacks). It can innately cast the
following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: shape water
1/day each: fog cloud, sleet storm, wall of ice

Actions
Staff of Frost. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) cold
damage, and the target has disadvantage on its next
attack roll before the start of the cryomancer's next
turn.
Freeze. Each creature in a 15-foot cone must make
a DC 17 Constitution saving throw, taking 11 (3d6)
cold damage on a failed save, or half as much
damage on a successful one. A creature that fails its
save against this effect has its speed halved until
the start of the cryomancer's next turn.

Storm Legionnaire
Medium elemental, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (scale, shield)
Hit Points 76 (8d8 + 40)
Speed 30 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 22 (+6) 21 (+5) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 14 (+2)
Damage Immunities lightning, poison
Condition Immunities exhaustion, petrified,
poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages Primordial
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
Elemental Weapons. The legionnaire's weapon
attacks are magical. When the legionnaire hits with
any weapon, the weapon deals an extra 2d8 lighting
damage (included in the attack).
Shocking Rebuke. A creature hit by the legionnaire's
opportunity attack is incapacitated until the start of
its next turn.
Actions
Spear. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft.,
one target. Hit: 11 (1d8 + 6) piercing damage plus
9 (2d8) lightning damage.
Javelin. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range
30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d6 + 6) piercing
damage plus 9 (2d8) lightning damage.
Legion Electromancer
Medium elemental, any alignment
Armor Class 16
Hit Points 105 (10d8 + 60)
Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 22 (+6) 23 (+6) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 22 (+6)
Skills Arcana +3
Damage Resistances thunder
Damage Immunities lightning, poison
Condition Immunities exhaustion, petrified,
poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages Primordial
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Innate Spellcasting. The electromancer's innate
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 17,
+9 to hit with spell attacks). It can innately cast the
following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: gust
1/day each: call lightning, sleet storm, storm sphere
Actions
Staff of Thunder and Lightning. Melee Weapon
Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13
(2d6 + 6) lightning damage, and the target can't
take reactions until the start of its next turn.
Storm Step. Each creature within 5 feet of the
electromancer must make a DC 17 Dexterity saving
throw, taking 7 (2d6) lightning damage on a failed
save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
The electromancer then teleports up to 30 feet to
an unoccupied space it can see.
Water Legionnaire Legion Hydromancer
Medium elemental, any alignment Medium elemental, any alignment

Armor Class 18 (plate) Armor Class 16 (shield)

Hit Points 76 (8d8 + 40) Hit Points 105 (10d8 + 60)
Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft. Speed 30 ft., swim 60 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
22 (+6) 18 (+4) 21 (+5) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 22 (+6) 18 (+4) 23 (+6) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 22 (+6)

Damage Vunlerabilities cold Skills Arcana +3

Damage Resistances acid Damage Resistances acid, bludgeoning
Damage Immunities poison Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities exhaustion, petrified, Condition Immunities exhaustion, petrified,
poisoned poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11 Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages Primordial Languages Primordial
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP) Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)

Elemental Weapons. The legionnaire's weapon
attacks are magical. When the legionnaire hits with
any weapon, the weapon deals an extra 2d8 acid
damage (included in the attack).
Actions
Trident. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 11 (1d8 + 6) piercing damage plus
9 (2d8) acid damage.
Crashing Wave. Melee Spell Attack: +8 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d8) bludgeoning damage
and the target is knocked prone.
Harpoon. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range
20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d8 + 6) piercing
damage plus 9 (2d8) acid damage.
Innate Spellcasting. The hydromancer's innate
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 17,
+9 to hit with spell attacks). It can innately cast the
following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: shape water
1/day each: maelstrom, wall of water, watery sphere
Actions
Staff of Waves. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6)
bludgeoning damage, and the target cannot
breathe, speak, or cast spells with verbal
components until the end of its next turn.
Dehydrate. Each creature in a 15 foot cone must
make a DC 17 Constitution saving throw, taking 18
(4d8) necrotic damage on a failed saving throw or
half as much damage on a successful one.
Constructs and undead arent affected, and plants
and water elementals make this saving throw with
disadvantage.
Further Reading
Wizards R&D's Jennifer Clarke Wilkes and Dave Noonan
discuss how 4th Edition angels and archons are different
from any ever seen before--in both appearance and backstory:
Celestial Angels
When was the last time your party took on an angel? For
most players, the answer is probably never. Even the least
of them, the astral deva, is a very powerful opponentand, of
course, theres that sticky problem of their being good-with-a-
capital-G creatures. D&D characters are supposed to be
heroes, and heroes dont fight the good guys, right?
Not only angels, but a variety of other good divine servants
populated the Great Wheel of earlier editions. An urge
toward symmetry produced an Outer Plane for every shade of
alignment, and that meant planar denizens of matching
alignment. Thus, archons were lawful good, guardinals were
neutral good, and eladrins were chaotic good. (In fact, until
the 3.5 version of the Monster Manual, the word angel did
not appear in the game.)
Meanwhile, evil gods were served by... nobody. Sure, there
were demons and devils, but they had their own agendas and
paid little attention to what the gods were up towhether
good or evil. This left the evil gods with assorted minions and
cultists, unless they made alliances with fiends. What would
stand against adventurers who dared Hextor or Vecna on his
home turf? Evil creatures might live in Pandemonium, but
they had nothing to do with Erythnul. In a strange way, this
arrangement meant that a demon lord such as Orcus or an
archdevil such as Asmodeus could muster an army of
servants and actually present a greater challenge to high-level
characters than gods. Something was wrong with that
picture.
Reconcepting some of the iconic monsters of the D&D
game went hand in glove with our intent to revamp the
setting, in addition to the game mechanics, so as to maximize
playability and fun. One of the goals of monster development
for the new edition was to better distinguish monster groups.
All those shades of niceness didnt do much to clearly identify
the various servants of good, nor did those creatures embody
specific principles in the way that different sorts of fiends
often did. We decided that every god needed to have servants,
and making angels those servants seemed the logical step.
(Demons and devils might still work with evil gods, but they
do not serve them.)
Removing alignment restrictions from angels also meant
that they could embody new ideas. The word angel means
messengerwhy couldnt one bring a message of war, or their way to the world, where they roam free or are bound to
pain, or vengeance, as well as those of hope or protection?
(And, of course, snuggles.) A god of generally good alignment
might still have need of an angel to bring death to enemies;
an evil god could require an envoy to inspire loyalty and
bravery. Now an angel can lead any deitys armies, whether of
lesser angels, immortal creatures or powerful mortal
champions, and can project its divine will into other realms.
The weaker angels are heroic-tier monsters, suitable as
temple guardians and mortal commanders. The more
powerful are effective challenges at the paragon and epic
tiers, standing by the side of their deities. (Along the way,
some things that were once angel-like changed their natures,
most notably the eladrin, who now are the lords of the
Feywild.)
The change in angels nature paved the way to a change in
appearance as well. Angels became less humanoid in
appearance, more like impartial embodiments of immortal
power. They are faceless, sometimes metallic or stonelike in
form, trailing into Astral essence. No halos herethese are
beings created by the gods for a purpose, rather than
anthropomorphic images of comfort and purity. They are
uncaring and relentless, and their new look reinforces that
aspect.
Most deities have angel servants. Although their
appearances can vary, all angels are vaguely humanoid in
form, with masculine or feminine features and lower bodies
that trail off into flowing energy.
Angels exist as expressions of the Astral Sea, sentient
energy in humanoid form. They most often serve the gods, so
some believe that the gods created them. In reality, angels are
powerful astral beings who appeared during the first
moments of the creation of the Astral Sea. Different types of
angels have different callings; they are literally manifestations
of celestial vocations. Perhaps it was the needs of the gods
that caused the astral stuff to spew them forth, but it was not
a conscious act of creation. During the great war between the
gods and the primordials, angels offered themselves as
warriors to the gods that best encompassed their callings,
and today they continue to act as mercenary forces for
anyone willing to meet their pricebe it wealth, or power, or
a cause worthy of their attention.
Angels are more involved in the world and other planes
than deities and exarchs. They act both openly and secretly,
often acting as emissaries, generals, and even assassins.
Elemental Archons
We designed archons to serve a parallel function to the
angels: smart, organized extraplanar monsters that work for
the movers and shakers beyond the world. In the case of the
archons, they work for the primordials. Their backstory
describes them as an important step at the dawn of time in
the arms race between the deities and the primordials. When
the primordials saw armies of angels, they developed an army
of their own: elementals-turned-soldiers called archons, each
invested with the power of a specific element.
The battle between the primordials and the deities is over
at least for the time being. But the archons remain in the
service of great powers that reside within the Elemental
Chaos: Efreeti pashas, primordial nagas, salamander lords,
and not a few demon princes. Theyre also used as guardians
at larger githzerai monasteries. Most remain amid the
Elemental Chaos, but over the centuries many have found
primordial cults, powerful spellcasters, liches, and other
individuals and groups that typically bind elementals to
service.
Archons are useful because of their single-mindedness.
Theyre intelligent, but they have no culture or society of their
own. Theyre intentionally disconnected from their roots so
that every big bad evil guy can have archons in his employ
probably acquired in some dark ritual or bargain with the
sinister forces from the Abyss or wider Elemental Chaos.
Likewise, every soon-to-be-disturbed tomb or secret fortress
can have archon guardians; they dont age and they dont
mind waiting centuries for interlopers (read: the PCs) to
come along.