Personalities of Hell

Being a compendium of fiendish characters from fiction and myth to populate the deeper reaches of the Lower Planes, incorporating a roll of names of baatezu nobles. See also the Dark Powers.

Azazel (fallen archon - type unknown), Bearer of the Eye Standard of Baator

Azazel (or Asael) is a prominent member of the Baatoran hierarchy, equal in status to the lesser Baatoran nobles such as Mulciber. He has been in Baator for as long as anyone can remember, yet still retains his status as a fallen archon. His appearance is much like that of a deva, save for the defiant and angry expression he always wears. Nevertheless, his mood is so proud and arrogant that he is instantly distinguishable from any celestial. He carries at all times the Eye Standard, a large white banner bearing in steel green depiction of the three-armed eye symbol for Baator. He is often seen with the leaders of the plane on balconies at military rallies, and his standard is a potent symbol of dedication for aspiring baatezu. Azazel can never truly be killed, because he is made of a little of the proud, defiant spirit of the plane. If ever his physical form is destroyed, he returns unchanged within days. He is presently commander of the Company of the Eye Standard, a regiment of myriad baatezu named for his own fabled flag. Before that, he was involved with the Baatoran Science Ministry, a job which he passed on to his ancient ally Shemihazah (q.v.).

Belzecue/Malacoda (cornugon), The Petty Tyrant of Malbolge

Belzecue (aka Malacoda) is a cornugon captain who leads a dedicated patrol in Malbolge, Baator. He and his nine cornugons are responsible for diverting intruders away from sensitive military sites in the layer, and toward, for example, the bottom of the tar pits that collect in the hollows there. Numbered amongst his squad are Barbiger, Rubicant, and Libbicock, all of them respected cornugons in their own right. Many wonder what Belzecue think's he's playing at: he's refused promotion several times to maintain his present job. Perhaps he knows something about the ancient Baatoran race buried beneath Malbolge's rubble.

Shemihazah (baatezu noble), Minister for Technological Progress

Shemihazah has been involved in the planning side of baatezu scientific research and activity since he was a cornugon under Azazel. In those days, they travelled to the prime to pass on their latest discoveries in weaponry and magic to mortals; Azazel was successful, and got promoted for his trouble. Shemihazah was more concerned with fathering tieflings, and encouraged his troops to do the same. As a result, giants and tieflings were born for the first time in that area, causing havoc. It was only when his superiors saw how Shemihazah and his troops' children were spreading their own way of thinking that he was recognised as a wily leader. He rose swiftly in the Science Ministry, and now holds a high rank indeed, recently vacated by Azazel. Although not quite at the top of his department, Shemihazah is nevertheless responsible for much weapons research in Baator, a job he especially relishes.

Names of Baatezu Nobles:

Collectively, the Nobles are called Baalim (masculine) and Ashtaroth (feminine), and are unfairly associated with certain Sumerian, Babylonian and Canaanite powers. It is said that Set of the Heliopolitans was once one such as well.