I had not traveled all the way to the tortured lands at the northeastern extent of the Anauroch desert for nothing, on my arrival at last at the rocky shores of the Moonshae isles, I was reminded of the words of Elminster when he said, "These isles, so placid and pastoral on the surface, proved to be nests of tension and conflict", most of my experience of this was through frequent letters and sometimes more urgent magical means of communication with my peers in the city of Caer Callidryrr who, like me, practice a more adventurous scholarly lifestyle and perhaps love their reputations a little too much.
Much of the Moonshaes landscape is occupied by moorland, a rolling grassland dotted with many lakes, ponds and I must warn you to steer very clear of the swamps there, let your nose be your guide.. what did the old mage say? 'if ye smell sulfur hanging heavy in the air, get thee gone from there', the swamps of the Moonshaes are some of the most dangerous in all of Faerun, particularly the Fens of Fallon on the island of Gwynneth, but, I had arrived at the island of Alaron, a much more hospitable place fairly bustling with the first bulk of the spring trade fleet arriving and offloading goods from all across the Realms.
Caer Callidyrr, the Alabaster City at the head of Whitefish Bay has a sprawling port with an impressive capacity and thousands of people working there at all hours of the day and night, hauling rolls of cloth, barrels of oil and wine, stout and heavily guarded cases of spices and rare woods, a lot of horses, lots of furs, ingots of metal. However, I saw a lot of high-quality steel being loaded onto heavy galleons destined for Waterdeep, a particularly formidable-looking war wizard watching the loading with an eagle eye for any trouble. The people of the island are an interesting mix of the tall, fair-skinned, and pale-eyed northern sea folk who are called the Illuskans or simply Northlanders, and the darker-skinned and dark-haired Ffolk who are a mix of Tethyrian and Talfir cultures, I'd like to say the different cultures make a happy blend that enriches all but to be honest, the place can get pretty rowdy at times, the Northlanders don't give enough respect to the rich druidic traditions of the Ffolk people, and I think the Ffolk on their part are a little too slow to thank the Northlanders for their more militant skills and knack for hunting down dangerous monsters. If they don't end up killing each other, I am sure that a powerful culture blessed with the best of both will eventually emerge, but for now, things can be a little tense.
As was usual, it was raining heavily, which cut down the coal-tainted mists a fair bit, but still, the Moonshaes are not known for their pleasant weather; it's the main reason I don't often visit, much like the city of doors, only the locals seem not to mind the constant cold and damp, I quite dislike it. My precious cargo was nothing like the goods being loaded off the other sailing vessels; the little caravel was to stop overnight and set sail again with the tide. I'd paid very well, so perhaps the captain would purchase something to take home and sell in Baldur's Gate; that was his business; mine was further around the north side of the bay in a little mining town called White Rock where I was to meet with some Northlander clerics from the bordering kingdom of Gnarhelm.
I can't reveal what occured next, but the end result was that we managed to free a trapped Agathinon, an angel of Celestia, who had been imprisoned by very powerful magic for something like three thousand years. I can also say that the famous white marble stone found in the Fairheight mountain range is thanks to this celestial being trapped there for so long.
He was tall, close to seven feet, lean, muscular, physically perfect really, with skin like finely colored opal and eyes that glowed with warm golden light; he wore a spotlessly white, finely made kilt of pleated cloth and fine jewelry, sandals on his feet, a well-made belt, but carried no weapons or other things, he didn't need them. Most who deal with the Agathinons never see them in their true celestial form; they look quite elvish and have fine features and pointed ears. When on missions to the prime material plane, they always take on a disguise and can appear as almost anything, from a gemstone to a traveling half-orc monk, a magical sword to a goldfish; you would never know if it were not for the magical aura they always radiate.
Although he had just been freed from thousands of years of captivity, he regarded me with a stoic and calm expression, he appeared utterly without fear and if the tremendous ordeal had caused him torturous mental anguish, he showed no sign of it at all, like he was just... ready for duty. It was astounding.
While the Agathinon's name means familiar, they are not like summoned imps and quasits of course, they can be found at home in the upper planes, particularly the sixth layer of Mount Celestia, called Jovar, and the celestial ziggurat city, The Heavenly city, the seventh layer of Celestia, called Yesteria, so pure and bright an ordinary human is nearly blinded by it, like a Drow elf who has never seen the sun before.
As the rain continued to fall in a steady drizzle, I stood before Karchell, the agathinon angel, his radiant form a stark contrast to the dreary surroundings of the Moonshae Isles. He looked at me with those warm, golden eyes, and I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of awe and respect.
"Karchell," I began, my voice carrying a mix of curiosity and reverence, "I am Picaroon the Lorekeeper, Sage of Candlekeep and master of the Highhand Spire. Your presence here is a testament to the ancient magics that bind this land."
He inclined his head slightly, acknowledging my introduction. "I am Karchell," he replied, his voice like a melody that resonated through the very air. "Once a servant of Mystryl, the goddess of magic."
His mention of Mystryl brought a flicker of nostalgia to his eyes, and his expression softened. "She was a beacon of magic and wisdom, and it was an honor to serve in her battalion of agathia. Our natures, so intertwined with her own, made our service a joy, a constant pleasure to be in her presence and to carry out her will."
As he spoke, the shadows around us seemed to deepen, and a palpable wave of sorrow crossed his face. His shimmering skin dimmed, and his eyes closed for a brief moment. "I can feel it," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "The fall of Netheril... the death of Mystryl."
I could see the weight of millennia pressing upon him, yet his resolve remained steadfast. "But I remain committed to the cause of good," he continued, his voice regaining its strength. "Her memory, her teachings, and her magic will live on through my actions."
Straightening, Karchell's opalescent skin brightened once more, and his golden eyes met mine with unwavering determination. "Though she is gone, her light endures. I will continue to serve the good, to fight against evil, and to honor her legacy in every way I can."
As Karchell’s words echoed through the air, I felt a surge of purpose within me. I had freed a being of immense power and purity, yet my inquisitive nature as the Lorekeeper compelled me to delve deeper. The rain, now a mere backdrop to this extraordinary moment, seemed to fade into insignificance.
“Karchell,” I said, my curiosity burning brighter than the celestial light before me, “your dedication to Mystryl and the cause of good is beyond commendable. But as a Sage of Candlekeep, I am driven by an insatiable quest for knowledge. There are questions I must ask, for the sake of history and the understanding of our world.”
Karchell’s golden eyes remained fixed on mine, unwavering and patient. “Speak, Picaroon the Lorekeeper. I shall answer as best as I can.”
I nodded, choosing my words carefully. “The fall of Netheril and the death of Mystryl are events shrouded in mystery and sorrow. As one who served her so closely, can you shed light on the circumstances leading to her demise? What was the true nature of her power, and how did it resonate with the magic of Netheril?”
A hint of sadness touched Karchell’s features, but he did not flinch from the inquiry. “Mystryl’s power was the very essence of magic itself, a wellspring of arcane energy that sustained the Weave. Her fall was precipitated by the hubris of the Netherese archwizards, who sought to harness power beyond their understanding. Karsus, in his folly, attempted to usurp her mantle, casting a spell that disrupted the Weave and led to Mystryl’s sacrifice to save it.”
He paused, his gaze distant as if seeing the events unfold once more. “Her death was not in vain, for from her sacrifice rose Mystra, her successor, who mended the Weave and restored balance. Yet the echoes of that cataclysm still reverberate through time, a cautionary tale of the perils of unchecked ambition.”
I absorbed his words; these were events I knew about from only the most rare sources, so hearing it firsthand from an angel who was there settled the matter for me at last. “And what of you, Karchell? How did you come to be imprisoned here, in the Moonshae Isles? What forces conspired to trap a celestial being of your stature?”
His expression darkened, his opalescent skin dimming slightly. “I was bound by dark magic, cast by those who feared the light I represented. My mission to the Material Plane was to aid in the defense against an incursion of fiendish forces, but betrayal led to my captivity. For millennia, I languished in stasis, unable to fulfill my purpose, until you and your companions freed me.”
A spark of determination flickered in his eyes. “Now, I am free once more to continue my service to the cause of good. But the scars of my imprisonment remain, a reminder of the constant battle between light and darkness.”
I marveled at his resilience, the strength that radiated from him even after such an ordeal. “Your story is a testament to the enduring nature of true goodness, Karchell. But tell me, in your long existence, what have you learned about the nature of the multiverse? What secrets have you uncovered that might aid us in our own struggles against the encroaching darkness?”
Karchell considered my question, his golden eyes gleaming with ancient wisdom. “The multiverse is a vast and intricate tapestry, Picaroon. Every thread, every action, and every choice contributes to the greater whole. The balance of good and evil is ever in flux, shaped by the deeds of mortals and immortals alike.”
He stepped closer, the rain shimmering around him like a halo. “One of the greatest secrets I have learned is the power of unity. When beings of different natures and realms come together with a common purpose, they can achieve wonders beyond their individual capabilities. The celestial realms, the Feywild, the Shadowfell—all are interconnected, and understanding these connections is key to wielding true power.”
I felt a profound sense of enlightenment as his words sank in. “Thank you, Karchell. Your insights are invaluable, and I shall carry them with me in my quest for knowledge and understanding.”
Karchell smiled a serene and radiant expression. “Go forth with my blessing, Picaroon the Lorekeeper. Continue to seek the truth, to unravel the mysteries of our existence. And remember, the light of goodness is always with you, guiding your path.”
With that, Karchell began to fade, his form dissolving into the ethereal light that had brought him forth. The rain resumed its steady fall, but now it seemed to carry a hint of warmth, a reminder of the celestial presence that had graced the Moonshae Isles. No doubt, for miles around, people slept more peacefully that night, their dreams of love, friendship, family, and shared comforts; the forest creatures were settled, the wind eased, and the light of Selune, seen now and then through the clouds, was cold but sweet to my eyes. My face was a little warm and my eyes slightly red, as though I had been walking the desert sands of Anuaroch again in the bright and unrelenting sunlight, but I felt good, refreshed somehow, a thirst for something I did not know I needed so badly, had finally been satisfied.
As I made my way back to Caer Callidyrr, my mind buzzed, it was then that I decided to compose a new Journal, a grand tour of the realms, so finally go to as many places as I could and give a first hand accounting, a survey and guide with newfound knowledge and purpose. The encounter with Karchell had not only enriched my understanding of the past but also strengthened my resolve to continue my journey. The secrets of the Forgotten Realms awaited, and I was determined to uncover them, guided by the light of goodness that now seemed a little brighter.
Agathia are good-natured spiritual messengers and also warriors of the Upper Planes, when in the prime material plane they always assume another form and as an inanimate object, they can grant any good person the ability to cast clerical magic and the ability to turn the undead. Evil beings of all kinds are harmed by touching an Agathinon, like touching a live wire; it is painful and repulsive to them.
OK, where do the Agathia fit into the angelic ranks? Well, they sit above the Deva angels, and bellow the Planatar angels.
In 5th edition, the agathinon is a stellar example of a celestial warrior, embodying the might and benevolence of the Upper Planes. These celestial beings are fascinating, both in their abilities and their unwavering dedication to the cause of good. Imagine them as the elite troops of the celestial armies, constantly on the front lines in the eternal battle against evil.
Now, these creatures are medium celestials with a lawful good alignment, making them steadfast allies in any fight against darkness. Their Armor Class stands at 19, thanks to their natural armor, so they are quite tough to hit, reflecting their divine resilience. With 170 hit points, they can endure a lot in battle, taking on hordes of enemies without flinching.
When it comes to movement, the agathinon isn’t the fastest flyer out there with a speed of 60 feet, but it’s definitely enough to get them into the thick of things quickly and efficiently. They are quite strong, with a Strength score of 20, so they hit hard. Their Dexterity and Constitution are also impressive at 18 and 22 respectively, making them nimble and resilient. They boast a high Wisdom and Charisma, both at 20, showcasing their divine insight and presence. Their Intelligence is 18, so don’t expect to outsmart these celestial beings easily.
They excel in saving throws for Constitution, Wisdom, and Charisma, all with a +10 bonus, so good luck trying to land a debilitating spell on them. They also have excellent Insight and Perception skills, each with a +10 bonus, making them incredibly perceptive and hard to deceive.
Agathinon are resistant to radiant damage and the typical bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks. They are immune to being charmed, exhaustion, and frightened, which makes sense given their divine nature. With darkvision extending out to 120 feet and a passive Perception of 20, not much escapes their notice.
These celestials speak all languages and have telepathy out to 120 feet, making communication seamless, no matter who—or what—they are dealing with.
Their attacks are enhanced with angelic might, making all their weapon strikes magical and adding an extra 4d8 radiant damage. They also possess divine awareness, meaning they can instantly detect lies, a handy ability when dealing with deceitful mortals and cunning fiends.
The agathinon’s spellcasting is innate, powered by their Charisma with a spell save DC of 18. They can cast detect evil and good and cure wounds (at 5th level) at will. This means they can heal significant injuries on the fly. They can also cast dispel evil and good and flame strike three times per day each, bringing both protective and offensive magic to bear in battle. Additionally, they can cast commune and raise dead once per day each, allowing them to communicate with higher powers and bring fallen allies back to life.
Magic resistance gives them advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects, making them particularly tough to bring down with magical assaults.
One of their most versatile abilities is their shape-shifting. The agathinon can polymorph into a humanoid, beast, or even an object, as long as the new form's challenge rating is equal to or less than their own. This makes them incredibly adaptable, able to blend in or surprise their enemies with unexpected forms. When they shape-shift, they retain their mental stats and abilities, but their physical attributes and AC change to match their new form.
In battle, they can turn undead as an action, which involves using their Channel Divinity to present their holy symbol and send undead creatures fleeing. If you're running an undead-heavy campaign, this ability can turn the tide in your players' favor.
They can also become ethereal at will, allowing them to slip through the Ethereal Plane, which can be a game-changer in the right scenario. Imagine them slipping through walls or avoiding attacks entirely by phasing out of reality.
When it comes to direct combat, the agathinon makes two melee attacks per turn. Their preferred weapon is a mace, striking with a +10 to hit and dealing 1d6 + 5 bludgeoning damage, plus an additional 4d8 radiant damage. This combination of physical and radiant damage makes them deadly to a wide range of foes.
They also have a healing touch, usable three times per day, which allows them to restore 30 hit points to a creature and cure any curse, disease, poison, blindness, or deafness. This makes them invaluable as healers and support in the heat of battle.
The agathinon is a celestial powerhouse, blending the roles of a frontline fighter, healer, and divine emissary. They are resilient, versatile, and their very presence inspires hope and courage in those they aid. If you’re looking to introduce a celestial ally or adversary in your campaign, the agathinon is a superb choice, embodying the might and mercy of the celestial realms.
So, next time you're planning an encounter and want to throw something truly divine at your players, consider the agathinon. Meanwhile, my name is AJ Pickett, thank you for listening and as always, I will be back with more for you, very soon.
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