Ashmadia

## Ashmadia(*Demon Prince*)

Icon of the Collector

Ashmadia in the Well

Ashmadia as Lassatu with Croeson

**Ashmadia**, also known as the Sovereign of the Gate of Nerakon, Demon Princess of Greed, Empress of Avarice, is a Demon Prince of the Shedim and ruler of Nerakon, the Eighth Gate of Ashtar.

## Description

Ashmadia's true form is that of a colossal red dragon. Due to her power and prominence, she possesses the ability to take an alternate form. Her most common form is that of a red-haired woman, usually dressed in finery. In this form, she will sometimes use the monicker "Lassatu" if she is attempting to move about incognito. After her conflict with Iveriu, her draconic form possesses a deep wound on her chest that is stitched together with ichor and the demon Molog can be seen bound within her.

### Worshippers

Many dragon cults exist that worship Ashmadia as their patron. These cults blend aspects of draconic and demonic worship, but ultimately are cults of greed that focus on taking all treasure from any they come to cross.

### Ashmadia's Pact

The Collector's Fiendish pact is taken on by warlocks who either seek great wealth and fortune or who already possess such treasure and wish to have a sense of meaning instead.

## History

### Early Life

Ashmadia was one of the small number of True Dragons formed by the mysterious divine power known as Saland during the earliest era of Urz. She was the matriarch of red dragons,

### War of Sword and Serpent

At the end of the War of Sword and Serpent, this great red wyrm's heart was lanced out by the Ayaten hero named Iveriu who went on to sainthood with his great sacrifice and victory. In death, the dragon bound the demon prince of greed Molog Veskavnu to her physical body, replacing her heart with the demon prince and usurping his throne. She now rules in her hell behind her gate, which she has manipulated to eclipse a part of the positive energy plane known as the Well of the Unborn, which is responsible with the creation of new mortal souls.

## Hierarchy

Below are the many important players who have served Ashmadia throughout the history of Urz.

### Kalareth, the Dark Scion

Kalareth was an ancient priest who came to serve the demon princess of greed in hopes of using her power to resurrect his true master, Nau'nefandis. He granted Ashmadia access to the bastion of unborn souls for his own ends. He infiltrated the Great Church of Ocyria and served as its Heirophant until his plans and plots were ultimately stopped by the Retinue of the Hand.

#### Draydon, King of Mount Helsmoth

An old Ocyrian noble who took a castle high up on Mount Helsmoth where he built his power base and invited others to come fight in gladiatorial-style combat for his pleasure. He swore fealty to Kalareth, but only because the Dark Scion threated him with assured destruction by making him out to be a villain. When Draydon stepped against Kalareth, an agent of the Ocyrian Great Church was commanded to dispatch him.

#### Freemas, The Blizzard Bringer

One of a number of great dragons that called the Mutus Region their home. He was loyal to Kalareth and engaged in attacks on the peoples of the area at his behest. When he came against the Retinue of the Hand at Berrod, he was defeated. Due to his poor tactics and lack of intellect, he was referred to as "Smooth Brain" by the Retinue.

## Appendix

### Background

Ashmadia started as an in-setting variant of Ashardalon, a primary villain in the *Dungeons & Dragons* Third Edition Generic Setting linked modules which were used during the *Ashmadia Chronicles* story arc. This origin was altered for the character's story, drifting it further away from the initial inspiration.