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{{Greyhawk Deity|fgcolor=#fff|
{{Archfiend|
image=[[Image:Dispater05.jpg]]|
image=[[Image:Dispater05.jpg]]|
caption=Dispater, Lord of the Second, as depicted in the ''Manual of the Planes'' (2008).|
caption=Dispater, Lord of the Second, as depicted in the ''Manual of the Planes'' (2008).|
bgcolor=#000|
 
fgcolor=#fff|
 
name=Dispater|
name=Dispater|
title= Archduke of Dis, Lord of the Second, Father of Strife|
title= Archduke of Dis, Lord of the Second, Father of Strife|
Line 35: Line 35:
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]] - 36 companies of erinyes  (DR75).
*[[Alocer]]—36 companies of erinyes  (DR75).
*[[Arioch]] - Avenger (DR75).
*[[Arioch]]—Avenger (DR75).
*[[Biffant]] - Provost (DR75).
*[[Biffant]]—Provost (DR75).
*[[Bitru]] - 70 companies of erinyes (DR 75).
*[[Bitru]]—70 companies of erinyes (DR 75).
*[[Kri'ik]] - Pit fiend (FoD).
*[[Kri'ik]]—Pit fiend (FoD).
*[[Lilis]] - Consort to Dispater  (DR75).
*[[Lilis]]—Consort to Dispater  (DR75).
*[[Malachlabra]] - Dispater's serpent-tailed daughter (''Elminster in Hell'').
*[[Malachlabra]]—Dispater's serpent-tailed daughter (''Elminster in Hell'').
*[[Merodach]] - 21 companies of hamatula  (DR75).
*[[Merodach]]—21 companies of hamatula  (DR75).
*[[Talos]] the Triple Iron Golem - Ancient iron golem who serves Lord Dispater.
*[[Talos]] the Triple Iron Golem—Ancient iron golem who serves Lord Dispater.
*[[Titivilus]] - Messenger of Dispater, Nuncio  (MM2).
*[[Titivilus]]—Messenger of Dispater, Nuncio  (MM2).
*[[Ustyhrin-Ja]] - Pleasure devil disciple who serves her master with fervor and leads his warrior harem.
*[[Ustyhrin-Ja]]—Pleasure devil disciple who serves her master with fervor and leads his warrior harem.
*[[Zaggutch]] - Pit fiend lieutenant (FoD).
*[[Zaggutch]]—Pit fiend lieutenant (FoD).


===Former vassals===
===Former vassals===
The following beings once served in Dispater's court:
The following beings once served in Dispater's court:


*[[Baalzephon]] - Before the [[Reckoning of Hell]], this pit fiend served Dispater as Prime Minister.
*[[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.
*[[Bel]]—Before entering the service of [[Zariel]] on [[Baator#Avernus|Avernus]], Bel commanded three companies of horned devils known as the Iron Guard.


==Realm==
==Realm==
Line 83: Line 83:
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.
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 4th edition ''Monster Manual'' mentions that Dispater is still the lord of Dis.
The fourth edition ''Monster Manual'' mentions that Dispater is still the lord of Dis.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 101: Line 101:


*[[Greenwood, Ed]]. ''Elminster in Hell.'' Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2001.  
*[[Greenwood, Ed]]. ''Elminster in Hell.'' Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2001.  
*-----. "The [[Nine Hells]] Part I." ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]] #75. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983.
:———. "The [[Nine Hells]] Part I." ''[[dragmag|Dragon]] #75. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983.


*[[Gygax, Gary]]. ''Monster Manual''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1977.
*[[Gygax, Gary]]. ''Monster Manual''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1977.
Line 108: Line 108:


*McComb, Colin. ''Faces of Evil: The [[Fiend]]s''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1997.
*McComb, Colin. ''Faces of Evil: The [[Fiend]]s''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1997.
*-----. "The [[Lords of the Nine]]." ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' #223. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR 1995.
:———. "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.
*[[Noonan, David]]. ''Player's Handbook II''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2006. Page 170.
Line 116: Line 116:
*[[Chris Pramas|Pramas, Chris]]. ''Guide to [[Hell]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1999.
*[[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." ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' #377. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2009.
*[[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.
:———. "A Tyranny of Souls." ''[[Dungeon]]'' #168. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2009.


==External links==
== 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]
*[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

Archfiend
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.

See also

Bibliography

  • Richard Baker, Rob Heinsoo, and James Wyatt. Manual of the Planes. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2008.
  • 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.
  • 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.
———. "A Tyranny of Souls." Dungeon #168. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2009.

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.

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
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