Amriel

Amriel (Occasionally Saint Amriel), oft referred to as “The Purifier” and “The Just” is the Archangel of Justice and the Lord of Flame. Saint Amriel is a controversial member of the Six. In early texts he was the Judge of Heaven, a figure who held the Law above all else. He was often depicted as a knightly figure holding scales in one hand and a flaming sword in the other, his symbol a closed fist encased in flame. It was because of this that he was given the moniker “The Purifier”, as he would cleanse people of Sin and return them to Order.

During the Succession Wars (1096-1102), which began with the death of King Alberic II of Ivarne, Amriel took on a new persona. As the Plague raged across the Eastweald, there was a plot to open the gates to perdition and release a host of demons into the world with the dead bodies as their hosts. Heaven elected to leave Man to his fate in accordance with the Fifth Command. Amriel, who had long been softened by the love of Ophiel, was enraged at their decision and chose to come to Man’s aid, defying the Laws of High Heaven in the ultimate act of sacrilege, ripping off his wings, and falling to earth. Supposedly, Amriel appeared to Man in the form of a prophet and empowered them, creating the first of the Paladins in a bid to combat the Demons and cast them back to perdition. Onto each of these a black ring was burned into the palm, a symbol of Amriel’s power and anathema to the minions of Hell. These Paladins were instrumental in the sealing of the Gate and the ending of the planned invasion. Today, they are referred to as the Order of the Iron Hand, their symbol being an open hand with a black ring on the palm, but have, for the most part, passed into legend as the paladins are seldom seen anymore. The Order is not viewed favorably by The Church, as they consider the Order’s interpretation of Amriel to be tantamount to blasphemy, but there are many private citizens across Aernia who prefer this interpretation, as he has taken on a “Protector of Man” persona, and harbor a great deal of respect for The Order and its Paladins.