Hag Countess
Encyclopedia
In the Dungeons & Dragons
role-playing game
, the Hag Countess, also known as Malagard, is the former ruler of Malbolge, the Sixth Layer of the Nine Hells of Baator
. Her name is spelled Malagarde in Fiendish Codex II and Lamagard in Defenders of the Faith.
was detailed in Guide to Hell (1999).
In third edition, The Hag Countess appeared along with the other lords of the Nine Hells in the Book of Vile Darkness
(2002). The death of the Hag Countess was revealed in the Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells
(2006).
. Her bruise-coloured skin, covered in pimples and varicose veins
, constantly seeped with foul blood. Her horrid, gaunt face sported a nearly toothless mouth that smelled of carrion. She also has two large black feathery wings. Despite her decrepit form, the Hag Countess was actually very powerful.
, the neutral evil plane of the Dungeons & Dragons cosmogony. Thus, her original alignment was also different from any other devil residing in Hell.
Later, Malagard became the leman
of Moloch
, Baalzebul
's former viceroy who ruled Malbolge at that time. She wasn't his actual consort (Lilith
bore that title) but she was highly regarded as his personal adviser and lover.
occurred thousands of years ago. This was a rebellion against Asmodeus
by the other Lords of the Nine Hells. The Hag Countess encouraged her lover Moloch to join Baalzebul
's alliance, telling him he could become the new King of Hell. Unbenownst to him, Malagard was secretly in communication with Geryon
, and she arranged for Moloch's armies to betray him at the war's climax. Malagard betrayed Moloch again at the war's communication by advising Moloch to remain defiant in the face of utter defeat; for this, Moloch was punished with exile, and Malagard was given his throne. Once in charge, the Hag let in annises
, night hags
, green hags
, and other neutral evil creatures into the Nine Hells, much to the other arch-lords' annoyance.
After thousands of years of rule, the Hag Countess was deposed by Glasya, Asmodeus's daughter. As of Fiendish Codex II, in a process whose exact genesis is unclear (but seems to have been empowered by the slain essence of Geryon) the Hag Countess's body swelled enormously and split open to radically change the nature of the entire layer of Malbolge. Thus, the sixth plane of Baator is in fact nothing else than the Hag Countess's innards and bones. The Countess is technically dead, though her life essence still remains on Malbolge, and night hags, paeliryon devils, kalabon devils, and hell lice continually spawn from the enormous tumors in her changed flesh.
The reason why Asmodeus placed her in control of Malbolge is said to be because he wanted to stop bickering with his daughter and finally grant her the place she deserved: being an arch-Duchess. However, in order to do so, they had to come to an understanding. The Hag Countess was the perfect decoy, as the other arch-lords focused on her and her dubious ascension while Asmodeus and Glasya were able to parley in peace. Once both had a deal, Malagard was no use to them anymore and they quickly disposed of her.
are one and the same, a unique being who has changed her name through the ages.
In The Unholy Warrior's Handbook by Robert J. Schwalb
, "Lilith" is also known as the Hag. Her servants are listed as Lel, Marquise of the Night, a tribune, and a few generals.
The Book of the Righteous by Aaron Loeb provides a creation myth for this version of the Hag. In this version, she was created from one of the div, beings born of fire at the beginning of time. The text calls her "mother of beasts" and states that countless monstrous races, including giants, trolls, and goblins, sprang from her womb.
, criticized the inclusion of game statistics for characters of the Hag Countess's power level. "Madpoet," at 3rdedition.org, said that chapter was "the most useless section." Ricardo Lopez, Creator of the Empyrean
d20 setting stated, "The Hag Countess was one of my favorite Arch-Lords, but unfortunately, the power design of her character was inaccurate to the character bio and background of such an esteemed NPC."
Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy role-playing game originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, and first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. . The game has been published by Wizards of the Coast since 1997...
role-playing game
Role-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
, the Hag Countess, also known as Malagard, is the former ruler of Malbolge, the Sixth Layer of the Nine Hells of Baator
Baator
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Baator, also known as the Nine Hells of Baator or the Nine Hells, is a lawful evil-aligned plane of existence...
. Her name is spelled Malagarde in Fiendish Codex II and Lamagard in Defenders of the Faith.
Publication history
The Hag Countess was first identified as the ruler of Malbolge in Dragon #223 (November 1995). Her history as part of the Reckoning of HellReckoning of Hell
In the cosmology of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, the Reckoning of Hell was a civil war that shaped the political landscape of the Nine Hells into its current form...
was detailed in Guide to Hell (1999).
In third edition, The Hag Countess appeared along with the other lords of the Nine Hells in the Book of Vile Darkness
Book of Vile Darkness
Book of Vile Darkness is an optional supplemental sourcebook for the 3rd edition of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. The book was written by Monte Cook and published by Wizards of the Coast in October 2002. Described as a "detailed look at the nature of evil," it was the first Dungeons &...
(2002). The death of the Hag Countess was revealed in the Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells
Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells
Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells is an optional supplemental source book for the 3.5 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game.-Contents:...
(2006).
Description
The Hag Countess was a gruesome night hagNight hag (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, the night hag is an outsider that comes from the Gray Waste of Hades. The night hag's relationship to other types of hags is unclear...
. Her bruise-coloured skin, covered in pimples and varicose veins
Varicose veins
Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and tortuous. The term commonly refers to the veins on the leg, although varicose veins can occur elsewhere. Veins have leaflet valves to prevent blood from flowing backwards . Leg muscles pump the veins to return blood to the heart, against the...
, constantly seeped with foul blood. Her horrid, gaunt face sported a nearly toothless mouth that smelled of carrion. She also has two large black feathery wings. Despite her decrepit form, the Hag Countess was actually very powerful.
Ascent in Hell
The Hag Countess was an exception among the Dukes of Hell. She was no devil but an unusually powerful night hag from HadesGray Waste
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, the Gray Waste is a strongly evil aligned plane of existence...
, the neutral evil plane of the Dungeons & Dragons cosmogony. Thus, her original alignment was also different from any other devil residing in Hell.
Later, Malagard became the leman
Leman
Leman may refer to:People:*Albert Leman , Russian composer*Bob Leman , American science fiction and horror author*Daniel Leman , World class martial artist*Cory Leman , American football linebacker...
of Moloch
Moloch (Dungeons & Dragons)
In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Moloch is an arch-devil of Hell , and once served as the viceroy of Baalzebul.-Creative origins:...
, Baalzebul
Baalzebul (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, Baalzebul is a fictional character, described as an Arch-Devil of Hell , also called the "Lord of the Flies."Baalzebul is lord of Maladomini, the Seventh Plane of Hell...
's former viceroy who ruled Malbolge at that time. She wasn't his actual consort (Lilith
Lilith (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Lilith is the current consort of Baalzebul, the arch-lord currently ruling the Seventh Layer of the Nine Hells of Baator, Maladomini. She shares the title with the subservient and rather spineless Baftis, another she-devil who wields little...
bore that title) but she was highly regarded as his personal adviser and lover.
The Reckoning
The Reckoning of HellReckoning of Hell
In the cosmology of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, the Reckoning of Hell was a civil war that shaped the political landscape of the Nine Hells into its current form...
occurred thousands of years ago. This was a rebellion against Asmodeus
Asmodeus (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, Asmodeus is an Arch-Devil: a lord of the game's version of Hell . There he is the Overlord of the Dukes of Hell...
by the other Lords of the Nine Hells. The Hag Countess encouraged her lover Moloch to join Baalzebul
Baalzebul (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, Baalzebul is a fictional character, described as an Arch-Devil of Hell , also called the "Lord of the Flies."Baalzebul is lord of Maladomini, the Seventh Plane of Hell...
's alliance, telling him he could become the new King of Hell. Unbenownst to him, Malagard was secretly in communication with Geryon
Geryon (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Geryon was an Arch-Devil of Hell , also known as the "Wild Beast."-Creative origins:...
, and she arranged for Moloch's armies to betray him at the war's climax. Malagard betrayed Moloch again at the war's communication by advising Moloch to remain defiant in the face of utter defeat; for this, Moloch was punished with exile, and Malagard was given his throne. Once in charge, the Hag let in annises
Hag (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, hags are witchlike beings that use magic to spread havoc and destruction, and slay all whom they encounter.-Dungeons & Dragons :...
, night hags
Night hag (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, the night hag is an outsider that comes from the Gray Waste of Hades. The night hag's relationship to other types of hags is unclear...
, green hags
Hag (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, hags are witchlike beings that use magic to spread havoc and destruction, and slay all whom they encounter.-Dungeons & Dragons :...
, and other neutral evil creatures into the Nine Hells, much to the other arch-lords' annoyance.
After thousands of years of rule, the Hag Countess was deposed by Glasya, Asmodeus's daughter. As of Fiendish Codex II, in a process whose exact genesis is unclear (but seems to have been empowered by the slain essence of Geryon) the Hag Countess's body swelled enormously and split open to radically change the nature of the entire layer of Malbolge. Thus, the sixth plane of Baator is in fact nothing else than the Hag Countess's innards and bones. The Countess is technically dead, though her life essence still remains on Malbolge, and night hags, paeliryon devils, kalabon devils, and hell lice continually spawn from the enormous tumors in her changed flesh.
The reason why Asmodeus placed her in control of Malbolge is said to be because he wanted to stop bickering with his daughter and finally grant her the place she deserved: being an arch-Duchess. However, in order to do so, they had to come to an understanding. The Hag Countess was the perfect decoy, as the other arch-lords focused on her and her dubious ascension while Asmodeus and Glasya were able to parley in peace. Once both had a deal, Malagard was no use to them anymore and they quickly disposed of her.
Vassals
Before being deposed, the following beings served the Hag Countess, some of them being former servants to Moloch:- Axacrusis, a paeliryon devilDevil (Dungeons & Dragons)In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, devils are a powerful group of monsters used as a high-level challenge for players of the game. Devils are Lawful Evil in alignment and originate from the Nine Hells of Baator. True to their Lawful Evil alignment, devils are locked in a strict and brutal...
, her chancellor. For angrily questioning Glasya's claim to Malbolge, Glaysa punished him by commanding it to disembowel itself, then tortured it by commanding her retinue of imps to eternally feast on its entrails. - Beleth, Prince of Imps.
- Bloodcurdle - A powerful cauchemar nightmareNightmare (Dungeons & Dragons)In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, the nightmare is an outsider that comes from the Gray Waste of Hades.-Publication history:The nightmare was introduced to the D&D game in the first edition of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons....
who serves as his mistress' steed and personal confidante. Is also being tortured at Glaysa's command for having thrown her into a lake of acid. - Coven of night hags of maximum power.
Apocrypha
According to 3rd party material produced by Green Ronin, the Hag Countess and LilithLilith (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Lilith is the current consort of Baalzebul, the arch-lord currently ruling the Seventh Layer of the Nine Hells of Baator, Maladomini. She shares the title with the subservient and rather spineless Baftis, another she-devil who wields little...
are one and the same, a unique being who has changed her name through the ages.
In The Unholy Warrior's Handbook by Robert J. Schwalb
Robert J. Schwalb
-Career:His works for Dungeons & Dragons include: Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells , Drow of the Underdark -Career:His works for Dungeons & Dragons include: Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells (2006, with Robin Laws), Drow of the Underdark -Career:His works for Dungeons &...
, "Lilith" is also known as the Hag. Her servants are listed as Lel, Marquise of the Night, a tribune, and a few generals.
The Book of the Righteous by Aaron Loeb provides a creation myth for this version of the Hag. In this version, she was created from one of the div, beings born of fire at the beginning of time. The text calls her "mother of beasts" and states that countless monstrous races, including giants, trolls, and goblins, sprang from her womb.
Critical reception
"Wyrdmaster," in a review for the Book of Vile DarknessBook of Vile Darkness
Book of Vile Darkness is an optional supplemental sourcebook for the 3rd edition of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. The book was written by Monte Cook and published by Wizards of the Coast in October 2002. Described as a "detailed look at the nature of evil," it was the first Dungeons &...
, criticized the inclusion of game statistics for characters of the Hag Countess's power level. "Madpoet," at 3rdedition.org, said that chapter was "the most useless section." Ricardo Lopez, Creator of the Empyrean
Empyrean
Empyrean, from the Medieval Latin empyreus, an adaptation of the Ancient Greek ἔμπυρος empyrus "in or on the fire ", properly Empyrean Heaven, is the place in the highest heaven, which in ancient cosmologies was supposed to be occupied by the element of fire .-Use in literature:The Empyrean was...
d20 setting stated, "The Hag Countess was one of my favorite Arch-Lords, but unfortunately, the power design of her character was inaccurate to the character bio and background of such an esteemed NPC."