Bogmire's Resignation

Historical Details

Background

Bogmire’s resignation marked the beginning of Minauros’ downfall. Though the transfer of power between Bogmire and Mammon was said to be peaceful, the effects were not. Minauros once had a landscape as grand as its bustling soul market. Under the rulership of Mammon, however, it quickly deteriorated due to the Viscount’s unparalleled greed. After several millennia of neglect, Minauros became dismal and inhospitable, only good for its market that embodied Mammon’s pride.
Though most have forgotten what Minauros once was, there are those who fondly recall its beauty and patiently await Bogmire’s return.

History

"Mammon is... himself. And for the majority of Minauros, that was a problem."

- Dr. Leviticus Morgan, Esq.

Turmoil in the Nine Hells was all but inevitable following Bogmire’s leave. Most complaints were due to the City of Minauros sinking into the bog that surrounded it, a bog that was once carefully maintained and managed by specialized devils. The more Mammon remained stubborn, the worse the unrest became, eventually culminating in a century-long civil war that divided Minauros for a time. Even today, the effects of said civil war can be felt on the Prime Material, where once faithful subordinates of Bogmire have built settlements in the hopes of attracting the former archduke.

Public Reaction

To say that Bogmire’s subordinates were confused by his resignation is a delicate term. But as transparent as he was, Bogmire was still a devil and enjoyed the shocked faces he left behind in Baator. When asked to explain the reasons behind his resignation, Bogmire would often say that the letter spoke for itself. Whether Asmodeus wanted to release it to the public was his decision. 
It was not until the Civil War of the Sinking City occurred that Asmodeus was asked to release Bogmire’s resignation notice to the public. Asmodeus followed through, of course, but confusion only worsened when Dr. Leviticus Morgan, Esquire informed those of Minauros that there was a second part to the letter that remains unseen.

- Dr. Leviticus Morgan, Esq.

Legacy

Since Bogmire’s resignation, there have been settlements of devils that coexist with natives to the Prime Material. Known as the Marshfolk by Aohirians, their societies were founded on the belief that one day they may serve under Bogmire in the heart of Minauros once more. Because of the divide that took place after Minauros’ civil war, Mammon has sent occasional fleets of devils to reduce these settlements to rubble. But just as the stubbornness of Mammon caused the civil war, his attempts to erase Bogmire’s followers has only emboldened them further.

Read the Document

Bogmire's Resignation

Dear Asmodeus,
You impress me, though that is to be expected given your history and tact. These past few years have been some of the most successful in Baator aside from the occasional meddlings of your daughter. The soul markets are booming, mortal deals are practically dropping themselves in our laps, and the Blood War has remained, fortunately, absolutely unproductive and uneventful. Nobody more fit for the latter task than Zariel—I must commend your foresight!
I must also, humbly, resign.
I have suffered no genuine grievances during my partnership with you, and I certainly do not believe you have slighted me. My resignation is not an act of scorn but exhaustion. It is a wonder that Baator manages to survive despite every devil in existence working to overthrow you. Every droning day of my stay here has been plagued by pettiness that your subordinates love to foster and weaponize against each other.
And yet, somehow, despite years of failing to do a single thing—failing to remove you from power—it has not sunken into their deformed skulls that they are following a pipe dream. I suppose their stubbornness is a virtue when it comes to Baatorian politics; it is the only way they manage to get anything done! Were I to give each of your archdukes a silver coin, they would argue over which of theirs is the shiniest! At least Glasya—practically a child—has an excuse to play games.
But, I respect you, Asmodeus. That is why I so readily served my purpose in Minauros. That is why I spoke firsthand with the angels of Mount Celestia. That is why I ruled despite my annoyment at my own peers. The ones that work under me do their jobs diligently. I would not work with them if they spat in my face like those of the other layers to do you. Apologies, that made them sound far too bold. It is not so much spitting as it is babbling like an infant.
As I write this letter, I realize that the worst part about my resignation is that I am unable to blame you for it. I suppose that is the crux of my issues with Baator. We represent a portion of the worst of mankind. Their selfish ideologies become reflected in our physical forms and ambitions. Take Baalzebul, whose domain was once beautiful until he singlehandedly destroyed any trace of awe. Take Zariel, whose aggression engulfed her and twisted her once angelic beauty.
I often see what I could have become when I look at my peers. Have you ever looked someone you hate in the eyes and realize that you are, on the surface, just like them? Though you may have different motives, beliefs, or ambitions, all people will see is what’s on the surface. And in Baator, the surface is all that matters unless one goes digging. I have spent my entire life leaving nothing to the imagination, and yet as I write this letter, I find that I still clutch one secret close to my core. It is what I fear above all else. It is what compels me to wander the Prime Material. It is what humanizes humans. It is why I am leaving.
Can you guess what it is, Asmodeus?

Your faithful, former subordinate,

Bogmire

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Type

Text, Letter

Medium

Paper

Authors

• Bogmire, the Jaded Duke