Belial

Belial, one of the most formidable fallen angels and a high-ranking general in the demonic hierarchy, is known for his mastery of deceit and corruption. Unlike Lucifer, who embodies pride and rebellion, and Satan, who personifies chaos and malevolence, Belial's essence is rooted in the corruption of souls and the perversion of truth. His insidious influence is felt through his ability to manipulate, deceive, and lead beings into moral and spiritual decay.

The Origins of Deceit

High Rank and Authority

• Exalted Position: Before his fall, Belial held a significant position among the heavenly hosts. He was revered for his wisdom and his ability to discern truth from falsehood.
• Role in Heaven: Belial's duties in Heaven included guiding souls towards righteousness and ensuring the purity of truth. His fall from grace marked a perverse twist of these responsibilities, turning his talents towards the spread of lies and corruption.

The Rebellion

• Joining Lucifer and Satan: Motivated by a desire for power and a deep-seated envy of humanity, Belial joined Lucifer's rebellion against God. His role in the rebellion was characterized by his cunning strategies and his ability to sow discord among the angels.
• The Fall: After the rebellion was crushed, Belial, along with Lucifer, Satan, and the other fallen angels, was cast out of Heaven. His fall transformed him into a master of deceit and corruption, committed to undermining God's creation.

Characteristics

Master of Deceit

• Deceptive Appearance: Belial can present himself in many forms, often appearing as a being of great beauty and wisdom to lure his victims into a false sense of security. His true form, however, is marked by a sinister and malevolent presence.
• Silver Tongue: Known for his persuasive abilities, Belial can twist words and manipulate truths to serve his purposes. His silver tongue is his greatest weapon, capable of leading even the most virtuous beings into temptation and sin.

Corruption and Perversion

• Corrupting Influence: Belial's primary goal is the corruption of souls. He thrives on leading beings away from righteousness and into the depths of moral and spiritual decay.
• Master Manipulator: Belial is a master manipulator, using lies, half-truths, and deceit to achieve his ends. He delights in creating complex webs of deception that ensnare his victims, leading them to their downfall.

Role in the Rebellion

Strategist and Schemer

• Cunning Tactician: During the rebellion, Belial played a crucial role as a strategist and schemer. His cunning plans and deceitful tactics sowed discord among the loyal angels and contributed to the initial success of the rebellion.
• Spread of Corruption: Post-fall, Belial's influence spread far and wide. He focused on corrupting leaders, sowing discord among nations, and leading humanity further away from God.

Influence on Earth

Spreading Deceit and Corruption

• Political Manipulation: Throughout history, Belial has influenced political leaders, causing them to make decisions that lead to war, suffering, and moral decay. His manipulations have been behind many of the world's greatest betrayals and treacheries.
• Religious Corruption: Belial's influence extends to religious institutions, where he sows seeds of doubt, hypocrisy, and corruption. He delights in perverting the teachings of prophets and leading the faithful astray.

Role in the Godfall Event

• Breaking the Firmament: Alongside Lucifer, Satan, and the Leviathan, Belial played a crucial role in the Godfall event. His deceitful tactics and manipulative strategies were instrumental in cracking the firmament, allowing the highest demons to re-enter Earth.
• Reign of Corruption: With the firmament broken, Belial unleashed a reign of corruption upon the world. His presence marked the beginning of an era of unrelenting deceit and moral decay, plunging humanity into spiritual darkness.

Legacy of Deceit

Eternal Villainy

• Irredeemable Evil: In this universe, Belial is irredeemably evil. There is no remorse or longing for redemption—only a burning desire to corrupt and pervert.
• Ultimate Antagonist: Belial stands as one of the ultimate antagonists in the narrative of Hora Lucerna. His actions are driven by a relentless commitment to undermining and corrupting all that is good and just.

Lasting Impact

• Mark on Humanity: Belial's influence has left an indelible mark on humanity. The chaos and corruption that followed the Godfall event were the culmination of his long-term plan to bring about the ultimate moral and spiritual decay of human civilization.
• The Final Test: As the forces of darkness took control, humanity faced its ultimate test. The struggle between good and evil reached its devastating climax, with Belial at the forefront, embodying the relentless and unyielding force of corruption.

Conclusion

In the world of Hora Lucerna, Belial is not a misunderstood or relatable figure but a true embodiment of deceit and corruption. His presence and actions drive the narrative of moral and spiritual decay, making him a central figure in the apocalyptic landscape. His hatred for God's creation and his relentless pursuit of corruption define him as one of the most formidable and feared antagonists in this universe.

2

In the post Lost-Light world of Hora Lucerna, Belial, also known as Without a Master, is a formidable Lesser God. Belial embodies independence, self-sufficiency, and the primal force of the earth. He is a symbol of autonomy and rebellion against subjugation, appealing to those who seek power and freedom from all forms of control. His influence is deeply rooted in the Arcana, the Possessed, and the mortal realm.

Belial as a Lesser God

Domain and Abilities

• Domain: Earth, independence, self-sufficiency, and strength.
• Powers: Belial grants his followers unparalleled strength, resilience, and the power to manipulate the earth. His gifts come at the cost of isolation and a growing detachment from society.

Gifts and Pacts

• Control over Earth: Followers gain the ability to manipulate and control the earth, using it to create barriers, weapons, and even tremors.
• Physical Resilience: Belial’s followers are granted immense physical resilience and strength, making them nearly impervious to harm.
• Independence and Isolation: His influence fosters a deep sense of independence, which often leads to isolation and detachment from others.

Influence on the Possessed

Partially Possessed by Belial

• Earthshapers: Partially possessed individuals who channel Belial’s control over the earth. They can manipulate soil, rock, and metal, but their growing detachment often makes them solitary figures.
• Titans: Those who gain immense physical resilience and strength, becoming almost invincible in battle. However, their independence can lead to a lack of coordination with others.

Fully Possessed by Belial

• Stone Guardians: Fully possessed followers who act as Belial’s agents, embodying his strength and independence. They are powerful, nearly indestructible, and often serve as protectors of sacred sites or leaders of isolated communities.
• Earth Lords/Ladies: Elite followers who have fully embraced Belial’s gifts, becoming his most trusted and powerful servants. They wield near-absolute control over the earth and lead groups of lesser possessed or followers who value self-sufficiency.

Belial’s Role in the World

Master of Independence Belial’s presence in Hora Lucerna symbolizes the ultimate form of independence and self-sufficiency. His followers, often isolated and self-reliant, conduct rituals and build strongholds in his honor, seeking to harness his power to live free from all forms of control.

Catalyst for Rebellion Belial acts as a catalyst for rebellion against all forms of authority in the post-Godfall world. His influence leads to the formation of independent enclaves and communities that reject centralized power, valuing personal freedom above all else.

Opposition to Subjugation Belial stands in direct opposition to any form of subjugation or control, making him a natural adversary to the Crusades and other factions that seek to impose order. His followers often clash with those who attempt to establish or enforce societal structures.

Belial’s Impact

Cultural Influence Belial’s legend and influence permeate the culture of Hora Lucerna. Stories of his strength and independence are told with admiration and respect. Many are drawn to his promise of power and autonomy, despite the risks of isolation and detachment. He represents the ultimate challenge to subjugation, embodying the spirit of self-sufficiency and rebellion.

Strategic Alliances Belial forms strategic alliances with other Arcana and powerful entities to further his goals. These alliances are often based on mutual respect for strength and independence but are also marked by a lack of long-term commitment. Despite this, they significantly impact the power dynamics in the world.