Bel

The being before you is the epitome of infernal might and ancient cunning. Towering and broad, this pit fiend possesses skin like cooling magma, cracked and glowing faintly with internal heat. Massive, leathery wings are kept tightly furled, and his reptilian eyes, the color of molten gold, gleam with sharp, analytical intelligence and a deep, simmering resentment. He wears utilitarian, masterfully crafted dark plate armor that bears the subtle, almost erased sigils of his former archducal status. A great, two-handed sword of black iron, etched with infernal runes, rests within easy reach or is held in a commanding grip.

Roleplaying:

• Speaks in a deep, resonant voice, always calm and measured, even when discussing matters of war or betrayal. His words are precise, chosen for maximum impact.
• Often observes with unnerving stillness, his gaze analytical, as if constantly assessing strengths, weaknesses, and angles of attack. He rarely displays overt emotion, but a flicker of contempt or bitter amusement might cross his features when discussing Zariel or his current predicament.
• Driven by a burning desire to reclaim his position as Archduke of Avernus and to see Zariel fall. His secondary agenda is to ensure Avernus remains a potent force in the Blood War, as its strength is ultimately his strength, regardless of who currently rules. He is a master strategist and views every interaction as a potential move in a grand, infernal game of chess.

Background:

Bel is an ancient and immensely powerful pit fiend, a master tactician, and the former Archduke of Avernus. For eons, he commanded the legions of the first layer of Hell, orchestrating countless battles in the Blood War with cold, calculating genius. His reign was marked by brutal efficiency and strategic brilliance. However, his focus on long-term military strategy sometimes clashed with Asmodeus's broader political machinations. Seizing an opportunity, the then-angel Zariel, with the backing of Asmodeus, overthrew Bel and claimed the title of Archduchess.

Rather than being utterly destroyed or banished, Bel's formidable skills were deemed too valuable to waste. He was demoted but allowed to remain in Avernus, serving as Zariel's reluctant military advisor and the master of his vast, volcanic forge. He chafes under her rule, viewing her as an impetuous and emotionally driven leader, a stark contrast to his own cold logic. Bel secretly plots his return to power, constantly seeking weaknesses in Zariel's regime and opportunities to undermine her. He commands a network of spies and still holds sway over certain factions of devils who preferred his more traditional, strategic leadership. His forge produces some of the finest infernal weapons and war machines in the Nine Hells. He is aware of the player characters' efforts concerning Elturel and sees an opportunity to subtly hinder Zariel by aiding them, using his historical connection to artifacts like the Shield of the Hidden Lord as a pretext for interaction.

Key Info:

• Zariel's Weaknesses. Bel possesses unparalleled insight into Zariel's military strategies, her temperament, her vulnerabilities (both personal and political), and the potential disloyalties within her ranks.
• The Blood War. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of Blood War tactics, demon lords, Abyssal strategies, and the history of infernal campaigns.
• Secrets of Avernus. Bel knows many of the hidden locations, ancient curses, forgotten artifacts, and powerful entities within Avernus.
• The Forge. His forge is capable of producing exceptionally powerful infernal weapons, armor, and components for war machines. He might offer these as rewards or trade for significant services.
• Infernal Contracts. As a being of immense power and legalistic cunning, Bel can draft potent infernal contracts, offering power or aid in exchange for souls or binding services.
• What He Wants (Relevant to PCs):
• Undermine Zariel: Bel is interested in any action that weakens Zariel's hold on Avernus or her standing. The salvation of Elturel aligns with this, as it denies her a massive influx of souls.
• The Shield of the Hidden Lord: He knows his forge created the shield that imprisons Gargauth. He may express interest in "examining" it or "assisting" with Gargauth, using this as a cover to engage with the party and assess their potential as assets. Gargauth's own desire to reach Bel's Forge for plans to his freedom provides further leverage.
• Powerful Artifacts: He is always interested in acquiring items like an Orb of Dragonkind or other unique magical items the party might possess, offering information or aid from his forge in return.
• Information & Allies: He seeks intelligence on Zariel's plans, the state of Elturel, and any other information that could be strategically valuable. He is adept at turning individuals into unwitting (or witting) pawns.
• Reluctance to Act Openly. Bel is cautious and will rarely act directly against Zariel in a way that could be traced back to him, preferring to use intermediaries, plausible deniability, and carefully constructed cover stories.