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{{ | {{Archfiend| | ||
image=| | image=[[Image:Dispater05.jpg]]| | ||
caption=| | caption=Dispater, Lord of the Second, as depicted in the ''Manual of the Planes'' (2008).| | ||
name=Dispater| | name=Dispater| | ||
title= Lord of the Second| | title= Archduke of Dis, Lord of the Second, Father of Strife| | ||
home=[[Baator#Dis|Nine Hells]]| | home=[[Baator#Dis|Nine Hells]]| | ||
power=[[Lords of the Nine Hells|Archdevil]]| | power=[[Lords of the Nine Hells|Archdevil]]| | ||
gender=Male| | gender=Male| | ||
class=| | class=Fighter 15, Wizard 20 (avatar)| | ||
alignment=Lawful evil| | alignment=Lawful evil| | ||
portfolio=| | portfolio=Unassailability, indestructability| | ||
domains=Destruction, Evil, War| | domains=Destruction, Evil, War| | ||
alias= The Iron Duke, The Father of Dis| | alias= The Iron Duke, The Father of Dis| | ||
| Line 18: | Line 18: | ||
'''Dispater''' is an [[Lords of the Nine Hells|Arch-Devil of Hell]] ([[Baator]] in later editions of the game), and the Lord of the Iron City of Dis. | '''Dispater''' is an [[Lords of the Nine Hells|Arch-Devil of Hell]] ([[Baator]] in later editions of the game), and the Lord of the Iron City of Dis. | ||
Dispater was one of the few arch-devils that retained his position after the [[Reckoning of Hell]]. | Dispater was one of the few arch-devils that retained his position after the [[Reckoning of Hell]]. Dispater is lord of Dis, the Second Layer of Hell. | ||
His symbol is a fortress embossed on a reinforced metal shield. | His symbol is a fortress embossed on a reinforced metal shield. | ||
| Line 28: | Line 28: | ||
==Relationships== | ==Relationships== | ||
Dispater is the sworn enemy of [[Baalzebul]] and is allied with [[Mephistopheles]] and as such most of his plans focus on the destruction of Baalzebul. His consort is [[Lilis]]. | Dispater is the sworn enemy of [[Baalzebul]] and is allied with [[Mephistopheles]] and as such most of his plans focus on the destruction of Baalzebul. His consort is [[Lilis]]. He has one known daughter, [[Malachlabra]], with the title Duchess of Hell. | ||
Somewhere in Dispater's Iron City is imprisoned the [[Chalice of Heironeous]]. | |||
===Vassals=== | ===Vassals=== | ||
The following beings are among the most notable subjects of Dispater. The forces at their disposal are listed, where appropriate: | The following beings are among the most notable subjects of Dispater. The forces at their disposal are listed, where appropriate: | ||
*[[Alocer]] | |||
*[[Arioch]] | *[[Alocer]]—36 companies of erinyes (DR75). | ||
*[[Biffant]] | *[[Arioch]]—Avenger (DR75). | ||
*[[Lilis]] | *[[Biffant]]—Provost (DR75). | ||
*[[Merodach]] | *[[Bitru]]—70 companies of erinyes (DR 75). | ||
*[[Talos]] the Triple Iron | *[[Kri'ik]]—Pit fiend (FoD). | ||
*[[Titivilus]] | *[[Lilis]]—Consort to Dispater (DR75). | ||
*[[Ustyhrin-Ja]] | *[[Malachlabra]]—Dispater's serpent-tailed daughter (''Elminster in Hell''). | ||
*[[Merodach]]—21 companies of hamatula (DR75). | |||
*[[Talos]] the Triple Iron Golem—Ancient iron golem who serves Lord Dispater. | |||
*[[Titivilus]]—Messenger of Dispater, Nuncio (MM2). | |||
*[[Ustyhrin-Ja]]—Pleasure devil disciple who serves her master with fervor and leads his warrior harem. | |||
*[[Zaggutch]]—Pit fiend lieutenant (FoD). | |||
===Former vassals=== | |||
The following beings once served in Dispater's court: | |||
*[[Baalzephon]]—Before the [[Reckoning of Hell]], this pit fiend served Dispater as Prime Minister. | |||
*[[Bel]]—Before entering the service of [[Zariel]] on [[Baator#Avernus|Avernus]], Bel commanded three companies of horned devils known as the Iron Guard. | |||
==Realm== | |||
Dispater rules Dis, the Second Layer of Hell, from the Iron City of Dis. | |||
==Dogma== | ==Dogma== | ||
Dispater is extremely conservative, representing evil in its most stagnant form. | Dispater is extremely conservative, representing evil in its most stagnant form. The doctrines of Dispater are about contingencies and options. | ||
==Worshippers== | ==Worshippers== | ||
Dispater's cult appeals to those who value stability as much as cruelty. They tend to build impregnable fortresses, carefully reviewing defensive protocol and possible escape plans. | Dispater's cult appeals to those who value stability as much as cruelty. They tend to build impregnable fortresses, carefully reviewing defensive protocol and possible escape plans. They include many [[hobgoblin]]s, [[goblin]]s, and similar humanoids. | ||
===Clergy=== | ===Clergy=== | ||
Clerics of Dispater wear gray clothing and conceal their faces behind iron masks. They wield heavy maces. | Clerics of Dispater wear gray clothing and conceal their faces behind iron masks. They wield heavy maces and are usually heavily armored. Disciples of Dispater verge on paranoia and are distrustful of all around them. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
According to ''Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells'', when [[Asmodeus]] created [[Baator]], he, Mephistopheles, and Dispater | According to ''Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells'', when [[Asmodeus]] created [[Baator]], he, Mephistopheles, and Dispater were the first of the [[baatezu]] to set foot on the plane. Dispater has controlled Dis ever since. | ||
Thousands of years ago, Dispater helped broker the pact between [[Tiamat]]'s [[red dragon]] consort Ephelomon and [[Gith]], first leader of the [[githyanki]]. In return, he claimed Gith's soul, which he has kept imprisoned in his iron city ever since. | |||
In the [[Reckoning of Hell|Reckoning]], Dispater's legendary tower was the first to be attacked and was laid siege to by [[Zariel]]. However, [[Mammon]] managed to help Dispater beat the | In the [[Reckoning of Hell|Reckoning]], Dispater's legendary tower was the first to be attacked and was laid siege to by [[Zariel]]. However, [[Mammon]] managed to help Dispater beat the besieging army back and then they both invaded Maladomini to attack Baalzebul. | ||
After the Reckoning, Dispater retained his position as ruler of Dis. He is still an ally of Mephistopheles and he, Mephistopheles, Baalzebul, and [[Belial]] form the only two real alliances in Hell. | After the Reckoning, Dispater retained his position as ruler of Dis. He is still an ally of Mephistopheles and he, Mephistopheles, Baalzebul, and [[Belial]] form the only two real alliances in Hell. | ||
Recently, in the adventure ''Fires of Dis'', Dispater was behind a plot to ruin a noble crusading paladin and prevent the ascension of the gate-town of [[Outlands#Gate-towns|Fortitude]]. | Recently, in the adventure ''Fires of Dis'', Dispater was behind a plot to ruin a noble crusading paladin and prevent the ascension of the gate-town of [[Outlands#Gate-towns|Fortitude]]. | ||
==Creative origins== | |||
Dispater was inspired by the Dis Pater of Roman myth, a name for Pluto, god of the underworld. | |||
==Publishing history== | |||
Being based on a pagan Roman god rather than a Christian demon, Dispater was one of the few archfiends not suppressed during TSR's crackdown on demons and devils. He was the only Lord of Baator mentioned in the ''Planescape Campaign Setting'' boxed set, and the only one of the Lords of the Nine not to undergo a change in name, appearance, or station in second edition ''AD&D''. As a result, he survived the Reckoning, which was how the various second edition changes were eventually explained in-game, more or less unscathed. In the ''Book of Vile Darkness'', [[Monte Cook]] described him having iron skin, a feature he had not possessed in previous sources. | |||
The fourth edition ''Monster Manual'' mentions that Dispater is still the lord of Dis. | |||
The | |||
== | ==Gallery== | ||
[[Image:Dispater01.jpg]] | |||
[[Image:Dispater02.jpg]] | |||
[[Image:Dispater03.jpg]] | |||
[[Image:Dispater04.jpg]] | |||
==See also== | |||
*[[Duke of Hell]] | |||
*[[Lords of the Nine Hells]] | |||
==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
*[[Cook, Monte]]. ''Book of Vile Darkness'' | *Richard Baker, Rob Heinsoo, and [[James Wyatt]]. ''Manual of the Planes''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2008. | ||
*[[Cook, Monte]]. ''[[Book of Vile Darkness]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2002. | |||
*[[Greenwood, Ed]]. ''Elminster in Hell.'' Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2001. | |||
:———. "The [[Nine Hells]] Part I." ''[[dragmag|Dragon]] #75. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983. | |||
*[[Gygax, Gary]]. ''Monster Manual''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1977. | |||
*Laws, Robin D., and [[Robert J. Schwalb]]. ''Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the [[Nine Hells]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2006. | |||
*McComb, Colin. ''Faces of Evil: The [[Fiend]]s''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1997. | |||
:———. "The [[Lords of the Nine]]." ''[[dragmag|Dragon]]'' #223. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR 1995. | |||
* | *[[Noonan, David]]. ''Player's Handbook II''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2006. Page 170. | ||
* | *Perrin, Steve, and Ray Vallese. ''Fires of Dis''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1995. | ||
* | *[[Chris Pramas|Pramas, Chris]]. ''Guide to [[Hell]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1999. | ||
* | *[[Robert J. Schwalb|Schwalb, Robert J]]." "Tu'narath, City of Death." ''[[dragmag|Dragon]]'' #377. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2009. | ||
:———. "A Tyranny of Souls." ''[[Dungeon]]'' #168. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2009. | |||
* | == External links == | ||
{{External link disclaimer}} | |||
*[http://www.greenronin.com/tree_of_life/index.php?x=churches_lordsofhell.htm#DISPATER Dispater on Green Ronin's website] | |||
[[Category:Archfiends]] | [[Category:Archfiends]]{{index}} | ||
Latest revision as of 14:20, 26 March 2025
| Dispater | |
 |
|
| Dispater, Lord of the Second, as depicted in the Manual of the Planes (2008). | |
| Title: | Archduke of Dis, Lord of the Second, Father of Strife |
|---|---|
| Alias(es): | The Iron Duke, The Father of Dis |
| Home plane: | Nine Hells |
| Power level: | Archdevil |
| Gender: | Male |
| Class: | Fighter 15, Wizard 20 (avatar) |
| Alignment: | Lawful evil |
| Portfolio: | Unassailability, indestructability |
| Domains: | Destruction, Evil, War |
| Superior: | Asmodeus |
Dispater is an Arch-Devil of Hell (Baator in later editions of the game), and the Lord of the Iron City of Dis.
Dispater was one of the few arch-devils that retained his position after the Reckoning of Hell. Dispater is lord of Dis, the Second Layer of Hell.
His symbol is a fortress embossed on a reinforced metal shield.
Description
Dispater stands at seven feet tall, is evilly handsome and looks human except for his small horns, tail, and cloven left hoof. He has a rod which acts as both a rod of rulership and a staff of striking that deals double normal damage.
Dispater is incredibly cautious to the point of paranoia. He always has at least nine different back up plans for any situation. He is also always polite and calm even in very troubling and stressful situations. Dispater's iron tower is itself a powerful magic item which makes Dispater almost impossible to kill as long as he remains inside it. Dispater never leaves his tower unless forced, most notably for the yearly council with Asmodeus which all the Archdevils are required to attend.
Relationships
Dispater is the sworn enemy of Baalzebul and is allied with Mephistopheles and as such most of his plans focus on the destruction of Baalzebul. His consort is Lilis. He has one known daughter, Malachlabra, with the title Duchess of Hell.
Somewhere in Dispater's Iron City is imprisoned the Chalice of Heironeous.
Vassals
The following beings are among the most notable subjects of Dispater. The forces at their disposal are listed, where appropriate:
- Alocer—36 companies of erinyes (DR75).
- Arioch—Avenger (DR75).
- Biffant—Provost (DR75).
- Bitru—70 companies of erinyes (DR 75).
- Kri'ik—Pit fiend (FoD).
- Lilis—Consort to Dispater (DR75).
- Malachlabra—Dispater's serpent-tailed daughter (Elminster in Hell).
- Merodach—21 companies of hamatula (DR75).
- Talos the Triple Iron Golem—Ancient iron golem who serves Lord Dispater.
- Titivilus—Messenger of Dispater, Nuncio (MM2).
- Ustyhrin-Ja—Pleasure devil disciple who serves her master with fervor and leads his warrior harem.
- Zaggutch—Pit fiend lieutenant (FoD).
Former vassals
The following beings once served in Dispater's court:
- Baalzephon—Before the Reckoning of Hell, this pit fiend served Dispater as Prime Minister.
- Bel—Before entering the service of Zariel on Avernus, Bel commanded three companies of horned devils known as the Iron Guard.
Realm
Dispater rules Dis, the Second Layer of Hell, from the Iron City of Dis.
Dogma
Dispater is extremely conservative, representing evil in its most stagnant form. The doctrines of Dispater are about contingencies and options.
Worshippers
Dispater's cult appeals to those who value stability as much as cruelty. They tend to build impregnable fortresses, carefully reviewing defensive protocol and possible escape plans. They include many hobgoblins, goblins, and similar humanoids.
Clergy
Clerics of Dispater wear gray clothing and conceal their faces behind iron masks. They wield heavy maces and are usually heavily armored. Disciples of Dispater verge on paranoia and are distrustful of all around them.
History
According to Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells, when Asmodeus created Baator, he, Mephistopheles, and Dispater were the first of the baatezu to set foot on the plane. Dispater has controlled Dis ever since.
Thousands of years ago, Dispater helped broker the pact between Tiamat's red dragon consort Ephelomon and Gith, first leader of the githyanki. In return, he claimed Gith's soul, which he has kept imprisoned in his iron city ever since.
In the Reckoning, Dispater's legendary tower was the first to be attacked and was laid siege to by Zariel. However, Mammon managed to help Dispater beat the besieging army back and then they both invaded Maladomini to attack Baalzebul.
After the Reckoning, Dispater retained his position as ruler of Dis. He is still an ally of Mephistopheles and he, Mephistopheles, Baalzebul, and Belial form the only two real alliances in Hell.
Recently, in the adventure Fires of Dis, Dispater was behind a plot to ruin a noble crusading paladin and prevent the ascension of the gate-town of Fortitude.
Creative origins
Dispater was inspired by the Dis Pater of Roman myth, a name for Pluto, god of the underworld.
Publishing history
Being based on a pagan Roman god rather than a Christian demon, Dispater was one of the few archfiends not suppressed during TSR's crackdown on demons and devils. He was the only Lord of Baator mentioned in the Planescape Campaign Setting boxed set, and the only one of the Lords of the Nine not to undergo a change in name, appearance, or station in second edition AD&D. As a result, he survived the Reckoning, which was how the various second edition changes were eventually explained in-game, more or less unscathed. In the Book of Vile Darkness, Monte Cook described him having iron skin, a feature he had not possessed in previous sources.
The fourth edition Monster Manual mentions that Dispater is still the lord of Dis.
Gallery
See also
Bibliography
- Richard Baker, Rob Heinsoo, and James Wyatt. Manual of the Planes. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2008.
- Cook, Monte. Book of Vile Darkness. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2002.
- Greenwood, Ed. Elminster in Hell. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2001.
- ———. "The Nine Hells Part I." Dragon #75. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983.
- Gygax, Gary. Monster Manual. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1977.
- Laws, Robin D., and Robert J. Schwalb. Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2006.
- McComb, Colin. Faces of Evil: The Fiends. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1997.
- ———. "The Lords of the Nine." Dragon #223. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR 1995.
- Noonan, David. Player's Handbook II. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2006. Page 170.
- Perrin, Steve, and Ray Vallese. Fires of Dis. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1995.
- Pramas, Chris. Guide to Hell. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1999.
- Schwalb, Robert J." "Tu'narath, City of Death." Dragon #377. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2009.
- ———. "A Tyranny of Souls." Dungeon #168. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2009.
External links
Disclaimer:Any lore presented through the following links does not necessarily adhere to established officially published content, and the views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the editors of this wiki.
- Dispater on Green Ronin's website
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dispater (Arch-devil) | Deity | Devil, Arch-Devil, Lord of Dis, Native of: Nine Hells, Astral, | Book of Vile Darkness, D&D 3.0 | 145-148 |
| Dispater (Arch-devil) | Deity | Devil, Arch-Devil, Lord of Dis, Native of: Nine Hells, Astral, | Deities & Demigods (1st & 2nd printing), AD&D 1e | 105, 133 |
| Dispater (Arch-devil) | Deity | Devil, Arch-Devil, Lord of Dis, Native of: Nine Hells, Astral, | Deities & Demigods (3rd+ printing), AD&D 1e | 90 |
| Dispater (Arch-devil) | Deity | Devil, Arch-Devil, Lord of Dis, Native of: Nine Hells, Astral, | Defenders of the Faith, D&D 3.0e | 96 |
| Dispater (Arch-devil) | Deity | Devil, Arch-Devil, Lord of Dis, Native of: Nine Hells, Astral, | Dragon magazine #075 | 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 21, 22, 24 |
| Dispater (Arch-devil) | Deity | Devil, Arch-Devil, Lord of Dis, Native of: Nine Hells, Astral, | Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells, D&D 3.5e | 5, 27, 38, 41, 42, 43, 45, 52, 65, 69, 81, 82, 84, 115, 143-145, 154, 158 |
| Dispater (Arch-devil) | Deity | Devil, Arch-Devil, Lord of Dis, Native of: Nine Hells, Astral, | Fiendish Codex II: Web Enhancement, D&D 3.5e | 6, 7, 8 |
| Dispater (Arch-devil) | Deity | Devil, Arch-Devil, Lord of Dis, Native of: Nine Hells, Astral, | I9 Day of Al'Akbar | 8 |
| Dispater (Arch-devil) | Deity | Devil, Arch-Devil, Lord of Dis, Native of: Nine Hells, Astral, | Legends & Lore, AD&D 1e | 90 |
| Dispater (Arch-devil) | Deity | Devil, Arch-Devil, Lord of Dis, Native of: Nine Hells, Astral, | Monster Manual 1, AD&D 1e | 21, 22 |
| Dispater (Arch-devil) | Deity | Devil, Arch-Devil, Lord of Dis, Native of: Nine Hells, Astral, | Monster Manual 1, D&D 5e | 68 |
| Dispater (Arch-devil) | Deity | Devil, Arch-Devil, Lord of Dis, Native of: Nine Hells, Astral, | Monster Manual 2, AD&D 1e | 44, 45, 47, 49 |
| Dispater (Arch-devil) | Deity | Devil, Arch-Devil, Lord of Dis, Native of: Nine Hells, Astral, | Manual of the Planes, AD&D 1e | 65, 109, 111 |
| Dispater (Arch-devil) | Deity | Devil, Arch-Devil, Lord of Dis, Native of: Nine Hells, Astral, | On Hallowed Ground | 50 |
| Dispater (Arch-devil) | Deity | Devil, Arch-Devil, Lord of Dis, Native of: Nine Hells, Astral, | Pathfinder Chronicles: Campaign Setting, Pathfinder 1e | 172, 186 |