Once a devout worshipper of the Sun Deity, the fiend now known as the Radiant Queen became obsessed with the perfection of her people, turning to excruciation and then execution for those who fell short of her ever-increasing standards. Her cruelty and preoccupation with excellence above all resulted in a reign that had thousands of deaths, enough to delight even the Devils which tormented her with visions of corruption. When she died, they harvested her soul directly and elevated her to become one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell.
Now, her infernal Court is one of bright light and unending mirrors, where each of her servants is compelled to acts of transparency, publicly confessing their failures and flagellating for the slightest deficiency. It is a cruel, stark place of unending pain and utter devotion. Flocks of devils 'modify' one another with silvered blades in the quest for physical perfection, questing forever to match their harsh Queen's exacting and ever-updating demands. The Quen herself is wrapped in shimmering silver armour at all times, lit by candles replaced periodically by fawning imps. Her robes are tattered remnants of her once-holy raiments, shredded by the painful bladed spikes which emanate from her flesh. Those who swear loyalty to her gain powers of compulsion and persuasion, but must observe rituals at her whim to prove their loyalty. Statistics: The Radiant Queen's statistics are roughly equivalent to those of a Pit Fiend, however she lacks wings and a tail. Her mere gaze when angered causes targets within a 30-foot cone to make a Charisma saving throw (DC 21) or take up to 4d6 slashing damage, which counts as silvered. In addition, her spell-like abilities are as below: At will: Detect Magic, Inflict Wounds (at 3rd level) 3/day: Flame Strike, Guardian of Faith. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 29 June 2021. In life, the Hollow Despot was fabled to be a brutal, if childish, tyrant. They were given to fits of melancholy and rage if they didn't get their way, whatever their desire was at the time. They once had all the jewelers of their lands executed for not being able to replicate a beautiful art pieve they saw another ruler with. On their death, a coven of devils gathered to greet them and accord them their proper rank in the afterlife- that of one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell. Now, they rule over a cruel and somewhat chaotic court of devils which caper and perform at their every whim, though no vice or performance every brings joy to them. Their heart is as hollow as their cavernous skull, only momentarily entranced by each new amusement.
Servants of the Hollow Despot Those who swear oaths to the Hollow Despot become as hungry for joy as their ruler, possessed of insatiable hunger for new experience, new amusement, and new trinkets. Their eyes become almost black in colour, and if someone gazes into them, they seem to have an infinite and empty void of depth. They are, however, rewarded with powers of farseeing and covetous grasping, so long as they bring back gifts for their ruler. Statistics The Hollow Despot's statistics are those of a Pit Fiend, with no tail or wing attacks. They can make four claw attacks with a Multiattack, and their bite attack inflicts double damage, as their cavernous skull expands, snakelike, to close on opponents. How you can use The Hollow Despot in your games: - As an opponent, the Hollow Despot and their many servants tend to be covetous of valuable or unique items, whether these have magical power or are just valuable in their own right- masterworks by a deceased painter, gems cut from the hide of a sapphire dragon, or artefacts beyond price. These servants might try to acquire these by purchase, or by outright theft. - For a warlock PC, the Hollow Despot is an unpredictable and odd patron, sometimes giving new orders in the middle of a mission when a new shiny desire crosses their path. They are among the more merciful and pleasant ones, if you can evade their notice long enough to avoid violent and horrible censure. - The Hollow Despot's desires often bring them into conflict with temporal authorities of the Material Plane, as well as Celestial lords and fiends, including the other Ten Thousand Kings of Hell. They may try to take objects, possessions, or even people to serve the Hollow Despot for momentary amusement. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 18 February 2021. As a mortal, the Rendered Regent held a throne for her younger brother, only newborn when her parents were slain. Although she burned under the restriction that only a boy-child could inherit the throne, she resolved with all her heart to leave it in good condition for the infant. Sadly, those who surrounded her did their best to make her regency short and brutal, besetting her with a revolt of both barons and peasants alike, an unpopular war based on an ancient tradition that neither kingdom cared much for, and eventually even an assassination attempt on the young boy. At every opportunity, she was forced into backroom deals, poor compromises, stripping of her power and dignity, and finally, even her success. As the young prince lay poisoned by one of their enemies, she raged and swore an oath that she would see it all burn before she failed in her one task... and was heard. A legion of Devils marched from the palace gates, brutally cut down her foes' troops, murdered her enemies in their beds with their families, and desecrated the temples of the church that forbade her to rule herself. With their last gesture, they restored a crooked life to the heir so that he could take the throne, and then they departed. The Regent's Rage, as it was known, is legend in that kingdom to this day, although its telling makes her the vilest villain, and forgets her court's treason, and her brother's madness. For her one day of unbridled bloodshed, the Regent was raised to be one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell itself, when life left her only five years later.
Now, she grimly oversees those who would do their work and are beset by enemies. She occasionally intervenes, spoiling an ambush, spilling words that should not be heard to those who those who need to overhear them, and ensuring that duty is done, no matter the cost. Those who swear oaths to her bear tattoo-like markings spiralling down a finger like a ring, expanding to cover their hands and wrists as they gain more powers. Her court, the Splinterspire, is a cold and spartan place where flocks of Erinyes serve her wish, constantly scheming against one another. Each of her pronunciations is absolute law for them, and they spend much of their time finding loopholes in her commands, which she then promptly makes more rules to cover. Statistics: The Rendered Regent is a powerful Devil with 21 Hit Dice. She possesses most of the powers of a Pit Fiend, with an Archdevil's ability to grant a Wish if a mortal strikes a deal with her. Her Erinyes legions carry Ropes of Entanglement made from scrolls of her pronunciations. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 3 December 2020. As a mortal, the Devil who is now known as the Blademartyr was a swordsman and poet, renowned as being a master of both arts. He wove songs with his weapons, cut down foes with his dark mockeries alone, and dazzled with his displays of swashbuckling. He indulged every nefarious vice, sated every desire, and sought out ever more challenging creatures with which to write his bloody story. Eventually, a cult sprang up around him, worshipping him as an immortal and powerful being, begging him to perform miracles for them.
When he met his ignominious end, hacked down by a mob of talentless and disappointed peasants with farming-tools, he cursed every being that had ever drawn breath, swearing an oath of such vileness that he came to the attention of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell, and was instantly acclaimed as one of their peers. His grand court consists of fawning sycophants who battle one another, scoring bloody introductions on one another's skin to momentarily win their master's attention. His decaying corpse glows with a scalding inner fire, and his head is constantly surrounded by a halo of spinning daggers, melting into slag and reforming. Those who swear loyalty to the Blademartyr find themselves gifted with an uncanny fascination with any bladed weapon, and find themselves absently tracing their passage through the air with a finger from a distance. They find that this fascination often becomes a preternatural awareness of how to avoid the blades of others. Statistics: The Blademartyr's statistics are about equivalent to a Pit Fiend, but with no bite, claw, or tail attacks. Instead, he can make six attacks with his sword every round, inflicting 17 (2d8+8) slashing damage, plus 21 (6d6) fire damage. Warlocks who swear loyalty to the Blademartyr favour use of longswords, and the Blade Ward and True Strike cantrips. How you can use the Blademartyr in your game: - A favoured opponent of both the Exarch of Blades and the Decapitate Captain, the Blademartyr is a philosopher-savant of sword use, and honoured as one of the finest blademasters who ever lived. Many go to him to learn at his vile court, and shed blood or viscera for a glimmer of his teaching. - The Blademartyr's servants are holy warlock-warrior-poets, disdainful of foes who would seek anything less than pure mastery of their chosen weapons. They are often sneering, swaggering elitists who wander the world seeking trouble, and are likely to pick fights with famed adventurers. - It is rumoured that each year, on the anniversary of his death, the servants of the Blademartyr pick one inhabitant of the village that killed him, and ritually torture him to death for the four days it tooks him to die in a plague-pit. Those who stand in defence of the village earn his ire, and perhaps his grudging respect. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 18 November 2020. The Sisters of the Sacred Razors were once a pair of twins, born to a barbarian tribe in the high mountain ranges. Given care and love, they survived and came to power as skilled warriors of their tribe, until they were separated by treachery. Their fury knew no bounds following this, and thousands were carved by their blades until they united, dying of their wounds. The evil they sowed in life caused them to be claimed by the Archdevils who admired their skills and offered them a position as one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell, with a caveat- they could only sit one throne. The Devils fully expected them to betray one another, but the sisters chose instead to share one body. Surprised and enchanted by their audacity, the Archdevils agreed to their terms and granted them generalship of a Hellish army.
The Sisters of the Sacred Razors are silent, murderous, and loyal, making them an ideal general for the armies of the Hells. They rule a nightmarish realm of shattered mirrors, billowing fog, and craggy cliffs, its denizens peerless warriors and killers. Those who serve them must sliver off a portion of their own soul and offer it up, unless they are a twin already. In return, they are granted skills with a blade, often becoming Hexblades in the Sisters' service. Statistics: The Sisters are Lawful Evil, and about equivalent to a Pit Fiend in statistics. They lack wing and tail attacks, but can attack twice with each of their four arms if they choose, often shredding opponents to pieces in moments. How you can use the Sisters of the Sacred Razors in your game: - The Sisters of the Sacred Razors and their servants serve as assassins and warriors for the Hells, often hunting down other servants who have gone rogue, or those who have become a danger to their plots. One of their servants might expose a whole plot by killing the wrong person. - A player character might serve the Sisters as a patron. Some even see the Sisters as 'good' devils, ones who police the others and keep them in line. It makes the - Certain Celestials have been known to bargain with them to remove an opponent, seeing them as the lesser evil. The sisters have no grand plans, happily serving the aims of their masters and those who have bought their services. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 8 October 2020. Tarthralloth, once a mortal mage-king, loved the worship of others. In death, he became one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell and is now worshipped in earnest as a fiendish patron. He is the Master of Malformation, given to whatever unstable mutations cross his mind at any moment, and able to change his form at only an idle thought.
Statistics: Tarthralloth is roughly equivalent to a Pit Fiend in power, able to use Shapechange every second round, with no concentration required. He shifts at every opportunity if possible, usually adopting the forms of bizarre and monstrous creatures. Those who swear pacts with Tarthralloth find that one of their fingers or toes becomes morphic, changing into a small and boneless tentacle-like appendage. They usually gain powers of shape-changing and disguise. How you can use Tarthralloth in your games: - The servants of Tarthralloth demand obedience as only their due, demonstrating their power at every possible opportunity. They are proud and powerful, and dangerous when threatened. They often try to sieze power in convoluted coups that dispose of all of their enemies at once, often becoming revealed if their plans are anything less than perfect. - Tarthralloth's realm is a place marinated in sorcery and as changeable as Tarthralloth himself. Those who journey into this realm find it a bizarre and confusing place, where the sky is filled with flying towers made of quicksilver one moment, and a howling blizzard of diamond rain the next. Those who would journey to beg a boon of the Devil King would be well-minded to ward themselves against any conceivable danger, and more. - Tarthralloth and his court war ceaselessly with the other Ten Thousand Kings of Hell- for each is nothing less than inferior to the might Master of Malformation. These plots often draw them into battles against one another, and his grandest plan is ever to eliminate them all. His infernal Lords smile at this plan, and merely pick new mortals to ascend to a throne on their death. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 9 September 2020. Those who commit grave sin in their mortal life are sometimes elevated to rulership as one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell. The Gelid Vojvodkyna (voy-vod-keen-a) is one of the most ancient of these Kings, a warrior who elected to choose her own shape, and selected that of an insectile, many-jointed, many-limbed horror, with her head formed of a translucent, veil-like blob, split by a bloody smile. As one of the Kings of Hell, the Gelid Vojvodkyna represents fierce and independent choice over one's own destiny, whatever the cost.
Those who serve Her Translucence swear oaths never to let another oppress them, and often choose to mutilate themselves if they must serve someone, proving ownership over their body and destiny. Her servants work to undermine those who force servitude on others. They are fine wariors and ruthless opponents. Statistics: The Gelid Vojvokyna is around equivalent to a Pit Fiend in power, with the ability to lash out with up to four segmented blade-limbs per round, each slashing opponents for 2d6+5 damage. She can Inflict Wounds as a 3rd-level spell slot at will, the wounds being horribly disfiguring (exposed muscle/bone, rotting skin, and so on). How you can use the Gelid Vojvodkyna in your games: - The servants of Her Translucence often foment chaos in freeing those unjustly imprisoned or enslaved, and overthrowing tyrants, which is unusual for servants of the Hells. However, their efforts are often capitalized on by servants of the other Ten Thousand Kings, and those freed by them rarely benefit for long. - The Gelid Vojvodkyna's court is an icy waste, flensed by razor winds blowing shards of crystalline ice. There, tyrants are frozen into walls of ice and eternally skinned, their howling propelling the winds only louder. Player Characters might have to visit Her Translucence in order to find out information that one of these tyrants recalls. But begging her mercy for even a moment may be costly. - The Gelid Vojvodkyna sometimes goes to war with the other Kings of Hell, sometimes to overthrow a tyrant, other times merely to stir up a fight. This kind of conflict may draw in some of the mortal realms and involve PCs even if they are not seeking trouble themselves. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 14 August 2020. Once a fabled Knight of the Stars, the Voidknight knows secrets which have been hidden for generations. Some secret which he learned condemned him eternally, and now he rules over a silent court of all-seeing monsters as one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell. His voice is a sepulchral whisper that runs chills down the back of every mortal creature who beholds it. He wears gleaming plate armour and bears a quicksilver-fast sword, but under his cloak lurks nothing, just a starry emptiness. It is said that those who have tried to gaze beneath his cowl have lost their minds in trying to understand the hidden things of the universe.
As a patron, the Voidknight favours Hexblade warlocks, but occasionally selects others to serve his dark wishes. His orders are often confusing, and sometimes even conflicting, but those who serve him maintain that there must be some secret agenda in serving his purposes. Those who serve him lose colour in one eye, the pupil expanding to fill one whole socket. Occasionally, scintillating starlike sparkles can be spied within the darkness. Statistics: The Voidknight's ability scores are approximate to a Planetar angel, but Neutral Evil. He has the ability to use Foresight once per day. How you can use The Voidknight in your game: - The Knights of the Stars are an order that still serves some mysterious purpose. They might serve Player Characters as allies or sometimes foils, acting according to secretive needs. This might bring them into conflict with the Voidknight, or perhaps even bring them into his eerie confidences, for some reason. - Servants of the Voidknight might discover that the PCs have learned one of their deep secrets, prompting them to bring them further into their inner circle- or to attempt to slay them, to preserve their secrets. - The court of the Voidknight is a dark and oppressingly silent place in the Hells, looking out into the deepest void of the Ethereal plane. His court is attended by fiendish Bodaks and a throng of raving Nothics, their eyes sparkling with utter madness. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 1 July 2020. The Carbuncle King was once a mortal with enormous financial power who hoarded wealth beyond even the capacity to spend it in his lifetime. In death, he was claimed by devils and became one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell. His form now is mighty and fearful, but lacks the ability to appreciate his wealth and power.
Those who give service to the Carbuncle King must obey his avaricious wishes, bringing him ever greater wealth. They are often set against one another in competitions to prove their fealty, and showered with gifts of power if they prove their ability. The Carbuncle King's demesne is a festering endless mountain riddled with holes, and with gold and fabulous riches crammed into every nook and cranny. The Carbuncle King's servants are similarly misshapen and beshelled, although they have grasping hands to move their master's wealth (and secret some away for themselves). Those who give oath to the Carbuncle King bear a hard shell-like growth somewhere on their body, which grows with their favour. Statistics: The Carbuncle King's physical might is equivalent to a Pit Fiend, although with no tail or wings. Instead, he has twelve great legs, of which he can use up to four to attack in any round (2d6+4 piercing damage), and an adamantine-hardness shell granting an additional +2 AC. How you can use the Carbuncle King in your game: - A Player Character might serve the Carbuncle King as a Warlock, gaining power to protect themselves and find trasures. Although the Carbuncle King is thoroughly wicked and greedy, he is somewhat caring, perhaps even avuncular, to those who serve him. He does often set them at odds with one another, asking them to compete in exchange for a reward. - The servants of the Carbuncle King might become adversaries who are not mortal enemies, who could be in turns comedic and troublesome but not avowedly evil. They might be behind any number of heists- the crown of a princess, the rosary of an archbishop, or the sunken treasure of an armada. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 30 April 2020. This post is harvesting copiously from a Reddit post I saw about five years ago, about the importance of making a Lawful Evil religion actually attractive to the people who follow it, instead of just being an excuse to be a jerk. The adage "no-one is a villain, in their own head" applies here.
In the original post, user u/almightyolive described Infernalism as below: [QUOTE] Infernalism first made it's appearance on the continent at the same time as the Fellborn pact (where humans allowed themselves to be transformed by the Devils in return for their and their future offspring's souls), but it is believed to be the dominant belief system among Devils. It emphasizes the importance of individual wealth and power, and while Infernalism advocates following the law it stresses that rules are meant to be bent. Infernalism is all about the individual and the present; it does not matter how the world was created because you are here now and you matter. Infernalism implores it's adherents to live in the moment, increase your personal power and not worry about silly things like the afterlife or reputation. It matches current scholarly thought on the nature of Devils, who are thought to be Fallen Angels who could no longer bear the responsibility of their duty and broke free of their bonds. The core of the religion is the Codex, or the set of codified rules that an adherent follows. There is evidence of a variety of conflicting rule sets in circulation (even among Devils) despite it's central importance, leading some scholars to speculate that some adherents view that even the Codex itself is inferior to one's power and can be changed at will. There are two existing forms of Infernalism worship; the Cult and the Induction.
Author's note: The following list is a selection of common rules that appear on most versions of the Codex. It is not an exhaustive list.
I've had this post saved for years, waiting for an opportunity to introduce it to my campaign, but it's never quite fit. That said, it might fit for some of you, wonderful readers. Here are some ideas and comments on how you could use such a concept: How you can use Infernalism in your game: - For Pathfinder players, this concept fits perfectly for a native of Cheliax and their practice of Diabolism. For players in other campaign settings, the Shadovar of Forgotten Realms, the Scarlet Brotherhood or the Empire of Iuz in Greyhawk, these kinds of beliefs might drive a Lawful Evil player character, without leading to them just disrupting the party and ruining everything. - For those who have played the updated versions of Doom, there's a religion similar to Infernalism going on, which the NPC Olivia Pierce follows and has led a cult in. This cult becomes an uprising that triggers off the main events of the game. This could be used as the basis for a new-age spiritualist belief system in a modern or sci-fi game with very little change. - Even if you (wisely) limit your player characters to not being evil, this kind of philosophy could be one that some of your Neutral or even Good characters might practice, eschewing the more manipulative or usurious commandments. Given that many of these commandments are to do with self-actualization and looking out for what's dear to you, it's not something that would necessarily "trigger off" someone's evil-detection senses. - The Ten Thousand Kings of Hell have become aware of the audacity practiced in seeding this religion among the mortal races, and even they are impressed with its success. They have elected one of their members, the Heresiarch, to orchestrate its growth. He is clad in darkened steel and cannot speak, only breathe words of fire that float upon the air, and yet his words are praised and listened to. The practices of concealment and deception are being discarded for honest semblance- and yet mortals still listen. Although this technically does not breach the Truce Celestial, the forces of the Heavens are mightily concerned by its growth, and would send word to their own agents to work against it. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 17 April 2020. As a mortal, the Marionette Maestro was a magical artist and a mime, a controller of minds, hearts, and bodies. Their evil extended into death, where they were offered a position as one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell. Now they rule a court of hideous monsters, immune to their charms and uncaring for their incessant humour.
In form, the Marionette Maestro is a horrid mimicry of humanoid form, the upper half of their skull missing and flared wide. They have no eyes, but can see using magical senses, allowing them to see the desperate hatred that all of their subjects have for their awful japes and overly-complicated pranks. Their movements are carefully posed and over-exaggerated. Those who can bring a smile to the Marionette Maestro's face, no matter how unplanned the pratfall or long-winded the shaggy dog story, earn the Maestro's favour, which may extend to safe passage, or even patronage. The Maestro's servants bear a mark, a caricaturish grin at all times. They are often commanded to sow chaos, to confuse the forces of order, or to humiliate those in power, those who cannot be mocked, those who take themselves far too seriously. Statistics: The Marionette Maestro is an advanced Bone Devil with 30 Hit Dice, and the abilities of a 15th-level Bard. In their court, they are served by a chorus of far-too-serious Bearded Devils who ignore or fail to understand any of the Maestro's entertainment, lovely as it may be. How you can use the Marionette Maestro in your game: - The Maestro's servants work tirelessly to tear down those in power who have no sense of the basurd or fanciful. Those who take themselves overly seriously sometimes find themselves the subject of relentless campaigns to humiliate them, writing and repeating catch tunes which undermine their authority. A ruler might well spend coin on investigators who can bring such a rebel to their justice. - The Maestro's servants also work against the servants of the other Kings of Hell, earning them many enemies. Any other servants might find themselves working against the Maestro's servants out of pride in their own service, or against a dedicated effort to destroy their own reputation. - As an option for player characters, the Maestro could be a patron for a warlock, or even an otherworldly patron for a bard. They may receive orders to circulate particular ditties in particular places, just to further grander plans. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 27 February 2020. The Patriarch of Nightmares was once a mortal who upheld himself as a hero, a saviour of the downtrodden, and one who would bring peace to the realms. He was a fraud and a failure, who played upon the hopes of others to gain advantage. On his death, he was seized by waiting Devils and exalted to a position as one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell. He is now an unimaginably vast creature of terrifying countenance, feeding from the loss of joy, of hope and wonder. His curse is that he feels that pain as well, in what carefully perpetuated remains of his soul still last, and knows how much grief he brings to the world by his existence.
His realm is morphic, and those with strong wills can shape some portions of it nearby to them. He is its undisputed master, however, and when he rages, the entire realm rages with him, forming terrifying quakes and monstrous volcanoes of spuming vehemence. In form, he towers hundreds of feet tall, and bears glowing red eyes from his half-disc shaped head and all over his body. Those who he sponsors become masters of manipulation and inspiration, and bear his mark, a red eye peering from somewhere on their skin, which hurts to cover. Statistics: Within his realm, the Patriarch of Nightmare has the power to grant Wish at will once per round, but his gifts are always twisted and horrifying on consideration. His statistics are roughly those of a Pit Fiend, as he is rarely drawn to permanent confrontation, preferring to retreat if endangered. How you can use the Patriarch of Nightmare in your game: - The Patriarch's servants sow fear and worry through populations, focusing on the old and the young. Many are bards who spread tales that end leaving their listeners discomforted and disturbed, sometimes with overly-graphic descriptions of violence. The servants can then harvest these nightmares through use of trinkets they distribute, similar in form to "dream-catchers". Building enough fear and worry in the population can lead these nightmares to manifest in reality, further terrifying mortals and feeding the Patriarch. Most of all, the Patriarch's favoured food is the loss of hope experienced when a hero falls and fails, and so his servants often work to undermine those who would be champions of their people. - The Patriarch's followers often war with those of the Apostle of False Faith, who feels that the Patriarch of Nightmare encroaches upon her domain. By their squalling, either or both of their plots may come into the open accidentally, tipping off heroic adventurers who might stop them. - A powerful mage might flee by dimensional portal into the Hellrealm of Nightmare. Journeying after them will require faith and courage, as well as strong weapons to combat the devils which inhabit it. It may even involve having to bargain with the Patriarch himself for passage through his realm. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 23 January 2020. Content warning: Some body horror.
In life, the Lady of Unquiet Flesh was an exceedingly beautiful mortal, given to finesse and talent in all their pursuits. It is rumoured that she was even one of the fabled Laurel Knights, such was her ability and unmarred beauty. However, her pursuit of bodily perfection went too far, and she was driven to madness, mutilating and sculpting the forms of her own servants to better gaze upon a semblance of her own sublime flesh. When she died, she was claimed by the Hells, and made one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell. Now, swathed in ever-shedding rolls of dermis, the Lady of Unquiet Flesh rules a court made up of grotesque ghouls, each a deliberately imperfect and horrific replica of her own appearance. Her own body rebels against her, peeling and shuddering apart to be fallen upon and consumed by her hungry courtiers. Each is an affront to her senses and sight, and she cannot avoid them. Her court is a lavish affair, constantly in a mess due to the state of her courtiers, who have no sensibilities or refinement. Those who serve the Lady of Unquiet Flesh often bear a lesion on their skin which cannot heal, and have a habit of picking at it when they aren't concentrating. They have powers of uncanny luck and prowess, often accomplishing deeds which seem impossible. They thrive on glory, and often work to ruin the good name of others, cutting down "tall poppies" and building their own renown. Statistics: The Lady of Unquiet Flesh is a 24-Hit Die Erinyes Devil. Instead of wings and a longbow, she has the ability to conjure up to six swords out of fiendish essence, and hurl each at a target within 100 feet as a ranged attack, causing longsword damage plus 3d8 necrotic damage, and the target must make a Constitution save or become poisoned. The poison lasts until it is removed by the lesser restoration spell or similar magic. How you can use the Lady of Unquiet Flesh in your game: - It is said that all ghouls serve the Lady, and occasionally a horrific shrine can be located in one of their nests, depicting her as an idealized and beautiful woman, often sculpted from discarded body parts which they have gnawed from corpses and patched together. - A Warlock serving the Lady might be tasked with destroying the reputation and beauty of a nobleman in town, scarring his face with acid or just marking his cheek in a duel. If an NPC discovers that they have become such a target, any wise person would seek assistance from local adventurers. - A PC servant of the Lady might have been damaged by a similar attack themselves, causing them to seek aid from her. She has a soft spot for those who seek to be perfect, knowing that they are not, and may even command them to take pity on one of her victims. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 4 December 2019. The Dark Warden is one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell, a former mortal who has ascended to rulership of a little part of the Hells. In life, he was a kingmaker, someone who manipulated the deaths of no less than four reigning monarchs and dozens of heirs, as well as masterminding countless law changes and executions. In the Hells, he is forced to watch as his plans spiral hopelessly out of control, held near-powerless by alien tentacles which burrow beneath his skin and writhe within his brain.
Those who serve the Dark Warden seek to control and manipulate others, their honeyed words and silver tongues able to keep them out of most trouble. They bear his mark- a small slug-size creature beneath their skin which can be seen to move from place to place occasionally. In person, the Warden is aloof and ruthless, given to shuddering unexpectedly when the tentacles surrounding him squirm under his skin. He wishes desperately to be able to escape his own shadowed realm, away from the tentacles constantly devouring his flesh. Statistics: The Dark Warden's statistics are approximate to a 16-Hit Die Chain Devil (Osyluth) where chain attacks are replaced by tentacles. He uses a +4 silver sickle in combat when forced to participate himself. He is surrounded constantly by a Black Tentacles spell. How you can use the Dark Warden in your game: - A Warlock Player Character might have made a pact with the Dark Warden, granting them supernatural powers of persuasion, luck and foresight. However, they may not have bargained for the body horror they will likely experience. - A servant of the Dark Warden may be up to their master's old tricks, and heroic adventurers might luck onto their plan, and decide to intervene. - Rival servants of the Dark Warden might even be in competition with one another, sending adventurers after their own foe and confusing any efforts at kingdom-saving. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 6 November 2019. As one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell, the Dhevaraja of Decay was once a mortal sovereign who attained great deeds of evil, and is punished for it within the Hells. The Dhevaraja was a scholar and aesthete, who valued lovely and valuable things, and was known for his proclivities of the flesh.
In his court in the Sands of Desolation, in the realm of Avernus, the Dhevaraja hungers eternally for the touch of tender young flesh. Alas, his desire cannot be satiated, for all he touches turns to dust in his grasp. He rages against the terms of his rule here, constantly seeking to 'cheat' the rules by having his servants bring him artifacts and slaves to caress. Statistics: The Dhevaraja of Decay is equivalent to a Gelugon devil in physical prowess, but has the unique and uncontrollable ability to Disintegrate any creature touched. This replaces the Gelugon's cold powers. Servants of the Dhevaraja find that fruit and vegetables they touch rot almost overnight, while they often leave skin they touch peeling, as if lightly burned. How you can use the Dhevaraja of Decay in your game: - Servants of the Dhevaraja are covetous and academic, always seeking advantage and interesting lore. If they can seize the chance to take something for their own, they will often take it regardless of the consequences. - Those who serve the Dhevaraja are mortal enemies of the servants of the Gorger Cardinal, due to some slight many centuries ago. Their followers war incessantly with one another, and meeting on unrelated business almost always causes blood to be spilled. - Thieves are often granted patronage by the Dhevarajah if they offer up trinkets and gewgaws in flame. The momentary touch of these objects as they reach their patron, only to be disintegrated, never pleases him, but only momentarily appeases his avarice. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 26 September 2019. The King of Clangour was once a mortal monarch who prized hearing wonderful things, hoarding and even kidnapping musicians and minstrels of all kind, and maiming those who missed a note. For his cruelty, he was raised to become one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell in death.
His court, a vast amphitheatre, is filled with clamouring devils, all howling hellishly in hopes of attracting his favour. His emaciated form bears an enormous helm blocking out almost all sound and distorting even what little noise makes it through, twisting all around into a nightmarish cacophony. Even the choir of Irreverends howling non-stop blasphemy cannot soothe his anguish. Statistics: The King of Clangour's statistics are roughly equivalent to a Pit Fiend. His helmet blocks all sound, as if he were constantly subject to a Silence effect. Although this does not interfere with his ability to use magical abilities, it causes problems in communicating with him. In combat, he wields a mighty heavy flail, which causes damage as if he were a gargantuan-sized creature. The servants of the King of Clangour experience tinnitus, a painful and never-ending ringing in their ears, giving them a -2 penalty on any sound-based perception checks. How you can use the King of Clangour in your game: - As a patron for Warlocks, the King of Clangour is relatively inoffensive, sponsoring reckless hedonism over any actual evil plans. He'll often send people to hear or see interesting things, often at the expense of the artist themselves, though he does favour rewarding those who astonish him. - The King of Clangour often wars with the other Kings of Hell, mostly just to satisfy his rage. This sometimes causes conflict of hideous intensity, unleashing choirs of Irreverends and flights of Erinyes wielding sonic weapons upon his foes. - Player Characters may run afoul of the King of Clangour if they accomplish some great feat of artistry, whether bardic or visual art. This may even cause them to be abducted themselves if the work was great enough. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 31 August 2019. The Decapitate Captain was once a famed and expert warrior, who betrayed his liege for lust, and was executed. Now one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell, the Decapitate Captain is a consummate warrior and general of the Hells, searching forever for his lost skull.
In life, the Captain was unbeatable with a sword in his hand, and beloved by all the people, a darling of the courts and a dashing womanizer. However, he forsook his oaths and forced himself on his Queen, and was caught in the despicable act. It cost fourteen other knights their lives to subdue him, and after a trial, he was neutered with a knife, and hanged until nearly dead. The Queen herself then wielded the sword that took his head, furious not only at his violation of her, but also his betrayal. The Decapitate Captain's demesne in the Hells is a moody and violent castle, its halls stalked by violent Devils and its courtyards the site of shocking and brutal executions, as well as horrific honour duels between fiendish creatures. The Decapitate Captain oversees all moodily, constantly angered and suspicious of others. His noose ties him to his throne at all times, never able to leave its vicinity. The Decapitate Captain's servants are Devils garbed in knightly apparel and trappings, with swords scabbarded at their waists. They often forget to use them, tearing at each other with terrible rending claws. Those who serve him manifest a puckered scar encircling their throats, the mark of their oath. Statistics: The Decapitate Captain should be roughly equal in ability to a Pit Fiend, though much more skilled in combat. He is served by violent Barbazu and Cornugons, as well as whole hosts of Erinyes who taunt him constantly at his impotent lust. How you can use the Decapitate Captain in your game: - The Decapitate Captain may be a patron of Warlocks, Hexblades, or others who swear fiendish oaths. He promises power and martial skill to those who serve him, as well as necromantic powers to function without body parts for a short time. - The Decapitate Captain is a general and warrior, and often makes war on his fellow Kings. Those who serve him may be swept up in such a conflict, being commanded to slay servants of the other Powers who make their service in the mortal planes. - Those who serve the Captain are commanded to search always for his head, unjustly stolen from him and kept from his grave. With this head, he believes, he could once again be whole and win his ceaseless war. His servants research historical records, keen for any sign of what was done with the last of his body. It is said that any who are able to return this to him would win his throne and rank in its entirety. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 3 July 2019 Those who commit themselves to the worship of Devils in life are simultaneously rewarded and punished in the Hells when they die. The Gorger Cardinal, a corrupt and wicked churchman of a righteous faith, had nothing in life but the best of all things- wine, sexual partners, and gratification of every desire, in private. No vice was off-limits, no sin was too great. In the moment of his church's need, he was not at his post, he was busy stuffing himself with illicit morsels. Thus, he died, and his church was doomed for lack of attention.
The Gorger Cardinal is now one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell, ruling a Court that slavishly worships him and serves his every need, but he cannot taste any pleasure, nor feel gratification of his constant need for release. He has grown so corpulent that he cannot leave, so he can only experience what is brought before him. He slobbers grossly, given over only to appetite and craving, and these desires have grown ever more exotic and dangerous over time. Statistics: The Gorger Cardinal possesses the powers of a Huge-size Pit Fiend, with his wing attacks replaced by tentacle slams. He has a Dexterity score of only 1, and a maximum Movement speed of 10 feet per round, although he also has the spellcasting abilities of a 20th-level evil Cleric. The Gorger Cardinal's servants bear a little more weight than usual, and their eyes linger a little too long on something they desire. How you can use the Gorger Cardinal in your game: - The Gorger Cardinal is often a patron for warlocks and clerics who act deliberately in false faith. Warlocks who serve him often keep secret closets or shrines with finery and lavish goods for themselves. They crave worship and power, and may come into conflict with player characters who would root out corruption. - Venturing into the Hells might cause player characters to come into contact with the Gorger Cardinal. Although he is not warlike, his servants might capture potentially useful assets in order to bring them before him. He might have use for them against his foes, and could even offer them some of his fabulous wealth... maybe not quite the thing they're desiring, but something useful. - PCs who serve another of the Kings of Hell might come into conflict with the Gorger Cardinal's forces, undermining and burrowing into other faiths. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 18 June 2019. The Sanguine Warden is one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell. In mortal life, he was a royal guardsman who betrayed his liege for the promise of power. Instead, he died betrayed and alone, his name cursed by all who loved him.
His domain in the Hells is one of constant paranoia, where nerves jangle at the slightest sound and every motion means danger in the dimness. The Sanguine Warden is a puissant warrior when disturbed, and keeps his forces marshaled constantly and at a fatiguing level of readiness. Statistics: The Sanguine Warden's statistics are equivalent to those of a Pit Fiend, lacking wing and tail attacks, but wearing +4 full plate armour and bearing a +5 Keen halberd. The Sanguine Warden's followers' eyes stay open during sleep, allowing them to remain unsurprised while they rest. How you can use The Sanguine Warden in your game: - As a patron for Warlocks, the Sanguine Warden favours physical might and powers over enchantment and subterfuge. - The followers of the Sanguine Warden are likely to be involved in a plot to overthrow power centres. They scheme constantly for power, but often fail before can attain it. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 5 June 2019. The Exarch of Blades, one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell, is a brutal and vicious warrior Devil. In life, he was once one of the finest swordsmen of history, who thrived on the challenge of taking on more and more challenging opponents. In his current state, he is trapped within his own realm, able to see the struggles of his followers and witness their efforts, but forever frustrated by their lack of perfection.
The Exarch appears as a towering warrior, clad in battered and rent Hellish plate. The helmet is missing some portions, and seems to have no body within its shell. His armour twists itself back into and out of shape constantly with tortured metal squeals. His hand is tightly gripped always on the hilt of his sword, unable to release its clenching. In demeanour, the Exarch of Blades is constantly desperate for conflict, hungering for personal battle. He often pushes his followers into battle, almost salivating at the opportunity to test themselves against an opponent which desires their death. The Hall of Blades, the Exarch's personal domain, is laid out like a dojo or sword school, the walls festooned with weapons from every culture known and unknown. It is haunted by violent and eager warrior-devils, policed by his Osyluth lieutenants. The Exarch grants his followers insight into others' thoughts and movements, a short-range form of prescience, and enhanced skill as a warrior. Those who have his favour bleed slightly from their eyes when excited. Statistics: The Exarch's statistics should be about equal to a Cornugon devil, with a +3 Vicious bastard sword. He possesses six bonus Fighter feats, and can re-select one per hour. How you can use the Exarch of Blades in your game: - As one of the Ten Thousand Kings of Hell, the Exarch makes an ideal patron for a Warlock or Hexblade type. He encourages and requires those who bear his favour to accept any personal challenge to combat, and rarely allows them to halt at first blood. - The Exarch's followers occasionally gather in numbers, and when a champion emerges among them who can bring them all to heel, they become disciplined and dangerous foes as a unit. If they choose to take umbrage, little can stand in their way. - Followers of the other Ten Thousand Kings of Hell alternately loathe and admire the Exarch's servants. They often seek to hire them as mercenaries or set up plots which set them at the throats of their own opponents. In such a way, these can be revealed as additional foes, but not the ultimate threat. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 5 May 2019. |
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