Hell's Archdukes and Archduchesses Manipulate Soul Trade to Meet Quotas
In the infernal realms of D&D's 5th edition, the Archdukes and Archduchesses of Hell's nine layers engage in complex power plays and soul manipulations. Asmodeus, the ruler of all, has imposed a quota on the soul trade, driving the other leaders to employ various tactics to meet their targets.
Zariel, Archduchess of Avernus, raises souls as devils to serve on the front lines of the Blood War, a strategic move to bolster her forces. Meanwhile, Levistus, the imprisoned prince of Stygia, struggles to meet his quota due to his limited portfolio of potential souls. He finds himself unable to pay his debts, putting him in a precarious position.
Dispater, Archduke of Dis, uses the souls he collects to gain secrets and manipulate mortals. He blackmails them into performing evil acts, furthering his own agenda. In contrast, Asmodeus has withdrawn from the soul trade but maintains control through his imposed quotas.
Fierna and Belial, rulers of Phelegethos, employ servitor souls to cater to the perverse desires of Hell's inhabitants. They oversee the pleasure places, ensuring the souls they collect are put to good use.
Mephistopheles, the Philosopher King of Cania, focuses on acquiring souls of arcanists. He maintains vast storehouses of lore, valuing the knowledge these souls can provide. Mammon, Archduke of Minauros, profits from the trade of souls, selling them or forging them into soul coins for his own gain.
Glasya, Archduchess of Malbolge, serves as the warden of Hell's prisons. She operates the Coin Legions, the thieves' guilds of Hell, ensuring order and control within the infernal realms. Baalzebul, Archduke of Maladomini, oversees Hell's courts and records the contracts forged between fiends and mortals.
In a recent shift, Bel, the archduke introduced in the 5th edition, has taken over the role of financier of Hell after Mammon's elimination. This change in power dynamics is sure to have significant implications for the soul trade and the Blood War.
The soul trade in Hell is a complex web of power and manipulation. Each Archduke and Archduchess employs different tactics to meet Asmodeus' quotas, from raising souls as devils to using them for knowledge or profit. With Bel's ascension, the financial landscape of Hell is set to change, adding another layer of intrigue to the eternal struggle.
