#arqueros

In the setting of Pathfinder, the realm of law and good, Heaven, is a fortress as much as it is a paradise, with the border edge of that celestial mountain being guarded by walls and fortresses and of course the watchful eyes and mighty weapons of those paragons of righteous authority, the archons.

But even among the celestials that specifically guard the realm from invasion and destruction, there are paragons, and today we are looking at one!

That’s right, it’s time for another special on deities, and we’re looking at another empyreal lord, specifically Arqueros, the Golden Bulwark and Lord of the Wall!

Arguably the greatest among the shield archons that serve under him, there are none in Heaven that do not respect Arqueros for the efforts he takes in keeping others safe.

Indeed, his focus on providing a vigilant watch in addition to being a mighty guardian makes him a fine choice of deity for guardians of all sorts. He doesn’t just defend, though, and he is legendary as a good judge of character, another fine trait in those who must judge who is a threat and who is a friend.

The Golden Bulwark lives up to his name, being a 12 foot figure in shining golden armor wielding a spear with diamond blades forming the sharpened head.

While he doesn’t truly have a realm per se, he rules over all of the defenses of Threshold, the bottommost layer of Heaven and it’s first line of defense.

Naturally, Arqueros is worshipped by guards of all descriptions, parents that wish to have a firm but fair hand with their children, and even food tasters that risk a painful death with every bite so that others may live. Any and all that put their lives on the line to keep others safe might call upon his blessing when needed.

It is unknown what relationships he has with other deities, but it can be assumed that all those that dwell in heaven respect and admire his dedication to his task and the role he plays in keeping the entire plane safe. He might also have a special relationship with Ragathiel, whom he seems to have seen the good in and offered to keep safe during the trial period while the divine forces sought to decide what was to be done with the son of Dispater. Meanwhile, Arqueros is naturally subservient to true deities of good and law, but would not hesitate to step into battle even with the true gods of evil if the need came to put in one last stand against such horrors.

Naturally, all archons that serve on the wall, particularly tower archons, serve the Golden Bulwark loyally, but he also counts many guardian nagas among his servants, as well as mighty celestial aurumvoraxes.

The Lord of the Wall holds sway over the domains of Good, Law, Protection and War, with the subdomains of Archon (by way of Good or Law), Cooperation, Defense, Fortifications, and Tactics, all reflecting his role as an archon soldier that defends the very gates of Heaven itself and serves as an inspiration for others to emulate.

His Second Edition domains are meanwhile duty, might, protection, and zeal, with the alternate option of family, reflecting much the same but with the additional aspect of defending a more personal matter.

Those that invoke his power as mystery cultists also gain an obedience, praying to them for an hour while holding a heavy shield over their head (a feat of endurance) allows them to gain some of his physical might for a time. Over time, they gain more abilities as well. First, they gain various magics to ward themselves and others from harm. Next, they become immovable against those that would push them and gain the instincts to strike at those that attempt to rush or charge them as they get within reach. Finally, they can emulate Arqueros’s form by turning into living celestial metal, gaining all the benefits of turning into animate metal, but also being highly resistant to evil magic.

Arqueros also has a paladin code, though it varies little from what a good paladin should be doing anyway. Don’t abandon innocents to their fate, don’t shirk your duties, and maintain the working order of your equipment, that sort of thing.

I don’t believe Arqueros has been mentioned in Starfinder yet, but it would make sense for him to still be around. With a galaxy that sees plenty of war and other conflict, one might find the sign of a gauntlet and briar marked in secret within many fortifications on stellar bodies, space stations, and even battleships meant to hold the line against planetary invasion, and so on. Anywhere that innocents need defending and righteousness is considered worth protecting.