Abaturro

Appearance

• Pompous Bearing: A short, devilish figure with a perpetually haughty posture. His every movement and stance radiates an exaggerated sense of self-importance, as if he expects the very ground to honour his steps.
• Reedy Voice of Authority: When he speaks, it’s in a thin, nasal, reedy voice. Despite the weak timbre, every word is delivered with overwhelming confidence and authority, demanding attention.
• Ornate Infernal Attire: Abaturro is clad in rich, ornate infernal robes emblazoned with hellish sigils. The elaborate dress clearly marks his diplomatic rank under Bel, and he wears it like a badge of office.

Roleplaying

• Condescending Superiority: Abaturro is highly intelligent and knows it. He looks down on nearly everyone he meets. In conversation, he patronizes others, slowly enunciating as if explaining to a child, and dismisses ideas from “lesser minds” with a wave of his hand.
• Authority Over Charm: Rather than warmth or humour, Abaturro’s presence commands through power and authority. He projects absolute confidence in his status as Bel’s envoy. Any “charisma” he has comes from the intimidating certainty with which he speaks, not from friendliness or charm.
• Formal & Demanding: He adheres strictly to infernal etiquette and formality. Abaturro expects to be addressed with reverence (titles, honorifics, bowing, etc.), and he will sharply correct anyone who fails to show proper respect. He often issues requests as if they were commands, assuming others will obey due to his rank.
• Emotionally Detached: Abaturro maintains a cool, calculating demeanour at all times. He rarely shows any genuine emotion – no anger outbursts or excited gloating. Even when menacing, it’s done with a controlled tone and a thin smile. This detachment makes it hard to read his true feelings; insults and threats roll off him as if inconsequential.
• Calculated Menace: Every word from Abaturro carries a subtle undercurrent of menace. He never overtly threatens the party – there are no shouted threats or drawn weapons – but the implication of danger is clear. He might casually note how “many who wander Avernus uninvited meet unfortunate ends” while smiling thinly. The message is implicit: Bel is watching, so do not cross him. The party should walk away uneasy that this cordial devil could become a deadly enemy if they make the wrong move.

Background

• Bel’s Trusted Envoy: Abaturro has long served Archduke Bel with unswerving loyalty. He earned Bel’s trust through centuries of competent service and scheming on Bel’s behalf. Now he operates as one of Bel’s diplomatic envoys and intelligence gatherers in Avernus, carrying the authority of his master wherever he goes.
• Curiosity-Driven Mission: Bel has dispatched Abaturro to shadow the adventuring party out of curiosity rather than crisis. The archduke views the mortal adventurers as a potential (if minor) piece in his grand designs. There is no urgent matter at hand; instead, Bel simply wants to know more about these interlopers in Avernus and what they’re up to. Abaturro’s presence is a sign that Bel is watching – not yet intervening, but interested.
• Infernal Obligation (Bound but Cunning): As a devil bound by contract, Abaturro is legally and magically obliged to represent Bel’s interests at all times. He cannot betray Bel or act contrary to Bel’s commands. However, within those constraints he is extremely cunning. He will manoeuvre conversations and situations to extract maximum information from others. He might use coercion, manipulation, or feigned politeness to get what he wants, all while technically staying within the letter of his orders. (For example, he won’t lie about Bel’s stance, but he might* omit truths or imply promises** that serve his mission.*)

Key Information

• Evaluating the Party: Abaturro’s primary directive is to observe and assess. He intends to measure the party’s competence, resourcefulness, and influence in the hellish landscape. This means noting their goals, their progress and setbacks, and identifying any notable allies or enemies they’ve made. Essentially, he’s compiling a report on whether the party might aid, disrupt, or be irrelevant to Bel’s plans.
• No Immediate Aid (Information Only): While he questions the party, Abaturro pointedly withholds any useful aid or information of his own. If asked for help, he responds with courteous deflection: “I’m afraid I am but an observer at present – my Lord Bel has not authorized any… direct assistance.” He offers no substantial guidance, no resources, and certainly no promise of safety. His role is strictly to observe and report, not to solve the party’s problems.
• Hints of Future Alliance: Though he won’t help now, Abaturro will dangle the possibility of future engagement if the party proves themselves interesting or useful. He might remark, “Continue to distinguish yourselves, and perhaps Bel may see fit to acknowledge your efforts… in time.” This is meant to motivate the group to strive on (and keep showing their capabilities), dangling Bel’s potential favour as a carrot.