Golden Flock of Roiniel

When disaster is imminent, ill-fated souls might glimpse a soaring vulture with gilded wings. Their reputation is widely known and feared. Beneath their flightpath, panic spreads like wildfire as the condemned desperately rush to escape their fate, or seek to atone for their sins. Few who have seen such a regal bird have lived to see the next dawn. These fell omens are all part of the Golden Flock of Roiniel, the Archangel of the Tempest.

Heresy on an individual level can be eradicated with great subtlety, but when a whole region begins to champion ungodly notions, more drastic measures must be employed. In such an event, the Gods of Baelonmor turn to Roiniel. He is the reprimanding hand of the Pantheon, seeking to enact heavenly vengeance on all who would stand against his masters. Courtesy of his innate connection to Primal Magic, he can rouse great calamities to assail vast tracts of land, and lay low blasphemers and apostates en masse. Although he is most famed for conjuring monstrous storms, he can also shake the earth, unleash ravenous fires, and sow tumult through the oceans.

Shortly before the Archangel lets loose divine retribution, he will command his Golden Flock to survey the land. These holy birds provide reconnaissance that Roiniel will use to determine what form the region's downfall shall take. Doomed settlements surrounded by dry woodlands will be enwreathed in the flames of wildfire, whereas those besides great rivers will be swept away by a ravenous torrent. As reward for their invaluable assistance, the Golden Flock will be permitted to feast on the dead. By doing so, the Golden Flock prevents the fallen from rising anew as foul undead.

Although these vultures are understandably seen as portents of ruin, their likeness is often inscribed upon the cradles and beds of young children. It is said that, when Roiniel arrives, only the truly innocent will survive his wrath. Even pious and righteous folk will be engulfed by his tempestuous rage; they are unfairly held responsible for not turning their heretical neighbours away from their blasphemous convictions. The Archangel's mercy is reserved exclusively for those too young to commit heresy with intent. As a result of said mercy, the Golden Flock offers a path to salvation for the children within their warpath. Despite the horror of such a calamity, the blessed children recount very little of the events. They awaken unharmed, albeit soaked in floodwater or marred by ashes, as if they had slept through the whole disaster. All that they recall is a hazy memory of a bird with golden wings leading them to a safe place to rest.