Special Agent

In the shadowy recesses of the FBI's arcane training facility, Azoch stood with an air of trepidation before a projection screen imbued with eldritch Magic. The chamber was awash in the acrid scent of sulfur, punctuated by the distant wails of souls in eternal torment. Supervisory Special Agent Zelkirian paced before the recruits, her cloven hooves echoing ominously on the chamber's obsidian floor.
"Pay close attention, neophytes," Zelkirian's voice dripped with disdain, her eyes glowing like molten lava. "You may believe that your path to becoming a Special Agent can be bought. In the infernal realms, you're not entirely mistaken."
Azoch's eyes were fixed on the screen as it displayed a menu of training modules, each with an attached soul cost. "Elementary Torture Techniques: 10 Souls. Advanced Infernal Legislation: 20 Souls. Soul Reaping Mastery: 50 Souls."
Zelkirian's voice cut through the tension, "You have two options. Earn these souls through the time-honored methods of deception, contractual manipulation, and treachery. Or, for those of you with deeper pockets, purchase them from our Soul Bank. The current rate is one Soul Coin for a quintet of souls."
Azoch felt the Soul Coin he had hoarded for eons weigh heavy in his pocket. With a mere flick, he transferred the coin to the Soul Bank and selected the "Advanced Infernal Legislation" and "Soul Reaping Mastery" modules.
The chamber shifted in response. A torrent of hellfire descended, each ember inscribed with a question about infernal legal intricacies. Azoch dodged and responded, his mind a whirlwind of activity. Another shift, and he was transported to a simulated mortal plane, a vulnerable soul awaiting his dark arts.
Within mere hours, Azoch had conquered the modules. His soul tally updated in real-time on the magical screen. Zelkirian nodded, a rare gesture of approval, "Impressive, Azoch. You've made a wise investment in your diabolical career. But heed this—Hell's true cost is seldom upfront."
As Azoch exited the chamber, a sense of achievement washed over him, tinged with the bleak reality of Hell's cutthroat capitalism. He was one step closer to becoming a Special Agent, but the cost was yet to be fully reckoned.
Supervisory Special Agent in Charge Elvis, who had been observing from the shadows, stepped forward. "Welcome to the next level of Hell, Azoch. Your training has just begun."

Qualifications

In the labyrinthine depths of the Nine Hells, where the currency of souls is traded with the same fervor as mortal kingdoms trade Gold and spices, exists the Fiendish Brokerage of Investigators (FBI). This elite division within the Research and Arcane Investigation (RAI) corporation is not for the uninitiated or faint-hearted. The path to becoming a Special Agent is fraught with trials both diabolical and arcane, designed to sift the wheat from the chaff, the cunning from the foolish. This entry delineates the rigorous qualifications required to attain the title of Special Agent, a role that demands not just skill but an innate mastery of the darker arts.

The Bacchanal Degree

Foundation of Infernal Arts

Before one can ascend to the esteemed ranks of the FBI, a Devil must first earn a Bacchanal Degree. This foundational education is no mere dalliance; it is a crucible that molds the raw, infernal clay into a vessel capable of containing the complexities of Hell's intricate systems. Courses such as "Intro to Soul Harvesting 101" and "Advanced Torture Techniques: A Hands-On Approach" are not electives but prerequisites. The Bacchanal Degree ensures that the devil has a well-rounded understanding of the basic tenets of infernal existence, from the art of temptation to the subtleties of soul-bound contracts.

Doctorate of Diabolical Detective-Work

Specialization in the Arcane

Upon successful completion of the Bacchanal Degree, the next academic milestone is the Doctorate of Diabolical Detective-Work. This advanced degree is where specialization occurs, where the devil hones their skills in arcane investigation and infernal jurisprudence. The dissertation phase is particularly grueling, requiring original research in topics as varied as "The Economics of Soul Coins: A Quantitative Analysis" to "The Ethics of Eternal Damnation: A Contradiction in Terms?" It is a scholarly endeavor that separates the dilettantes from the dedicated.

Basic Training

The Crucible of Practical Skills

Before a devil can apply for the role of Special Agent, they must undergo Basic Training—a term that belies the complexity of the ordeal. This is not a mere physical test but a comprehensive evaluation of a devil's ability to navigate the multifaceted landscape of Hell. From mastering the labyrinthine bureaucracy to understanding the nuanced etiquette of demonic diplomacy, Basic Training serves as the final filter, eliminating those who lack the fortitude or cunning to serve as a Special Agent.

The Entrance Exam

The Final Ordeal

The culmination of this arduous journey is the Entrance Exam, a trial by fire in the most literal sense. Candidates are subjected to a series of tests designed to measure not just their knowledge but their resilience. From swimming the acidic currents of the River Styx to negotiating contracts under a barrage of hellfire, the Entrance Exam is the crucible in which true Special Agents are forged.

Requirements

1. Species Eligibility

   
   The first and foremost requirement is that the candidate must belong to the Fiendish lineage. Only Devils or Lesser Yugoloths are considered for this esteemed position. This ensures that the agent possesses the innate infernal qualities and magical abilities necessary for the complex and often morally ambiguous tasks they will undertake.



2. Soul Corruption Quota

   
   A pivotal criterion for eligibility is the corruption of souls. The candidate must have successfully corrupted at least 250 souls, steering them towards evil and thereby ensuring their eternal damnation. This serves as both a testament to the candidate's skill in manipulation and as a guarantee of their commitment to the infernal cause.



3. Ancestral Lineage

   
   There is no requirement for the candidate to have had an ancestor of the same rank. However, familial ties to influential figures within the F.B.I. or the broader Baator Conglomerate may be considered advantageous, though not obligatory.



4. Legal and Contractual Compliance

   
   Candidates must be well-versed in infernal law and be capable of drafting and understanding complex contracts. This is crucial, as the F.B.I. operates under the jurisdiction of the RAI and, by extension, the Baator Conglomerate. A thorough understanding of contractual clauses, traps, and loopholes is essential for navigating the perilous landscape of infernal legality.



5. Ethical and Moral Flexibility

   
   Given the morally ambiguous nature of the tasks undertaken by Special Agents, candidates must demonstrate a high degree of ethical and moral flexibility. This is not to say that they are devoid of principles, but rather that their principles are aligned with the goals and methods of the F.B.I.

Appointment

The appointment to the rank of Special Agent within the Fiendish Brokerage of Investigators is a complex and highly ritualized process, steeped in infernal bureaucracy and arcane rites. The FBI, founded by the enigmatic and cunning Mephistopheles, operates under the watchful eye of Asmodeus, ensuring that the organization serves not just as an investigative body but also as a tool for greater diabolical schemes.

Standard Procedure

Supervisory Special Agents

The most common pathway to becoming a Special Agent involves a promotion from within the ranks, typically conferred by a Supervisory Special Agent. This promotion is not merely a matter of filling out the proper paperwork, although that is a crucial component. It involves a ritualistic ceremony known as the "Rite of Infernal Ascendancy."

Rite of Infernal Ascendancy

This rite is a carefully orchestrated ceremony that takes place in a sanctified chamber within the FBI's headquarters. The aspiring agent is led into the chamber where a circle of power is drawn. The Supervisory Special Agent, acting as the ritual conductor, invokes the names of the Nine Hells, each name imbuing the circle with a different form of infernal energy. Once the circle is activated, the candidate steps into it, and the Supervisory Special Agent recites an incantation that binds the candidate's essence to the FBI's infernal mandate. This rite not only elevates the Devil to the rank of Special Agent but also imbues them with specialized magical abilities tailored to their new role.

Fast-Tracking

Mephistopheles' Prerogative

Mephistopheles, the founder of the FBI, retains the unique ability to fast-track any devil to the rank of Special Agent. This is often reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional skill or loyalty. The ceremony in this case is a private affair, shrouded in secrecy and known only to Mephistopheles and the appointee. It is rumored that this fast-tracking involves a direct infusion of power from Mephistopheles himself, making these Special Agents particularly potent and loyal to their founder.

Asmodeus' Hidden Hand

Unbeknownst to most, Asmodeus has imbued the rank of Special Agent with a unique ability: the power to enlist the aid of temptable mortals. This is a strategic move, allowing Asmodeus to extend his influence into the mortal realms through these agents. Special Agents often discover this ability shortly after their appointment, although the exact mechanics are a closely guarded secret.

Documentation

Regardless of the method of appointment, all promotions to the rank of Special Agent require the filing of specific infernal paperwork. These documents are stored in the "Vault of Ascendancy," a magically warded chamber accessible only to high-ranking members of the FBI. The paperwork serves both as a record of the agent's promotion and as a binding magical contract that reinforces their loyalty to the FBI.

Table of Contents

Type

Magical, Professional

Source of Authority

Mephistopheles

Current Holders

• Azabdjedet

Reports directly to

Supervisory Special Agent

Related Locations

• Nine Hells

Related Organizations

• Fiendish Brokerage of Investigators