Rising From the Fall

Affirmed of Iaozrael

Illustration by Luis Perez

In the strict hierarchy of Hell the Infernal Dukes serve under the Archdevils. Their respect for the authority of their betters, however, doesn’t mean that they stop trying to move up the ranks themselves. Iaozrael is the Infernal Duke of authority, hubris, and lies. Little is known about him or his followers, but today we are going to explore three possible sects.

As always, let us imagine we are sitting at our theoretical gaming table. Our imaginary GM sets out the rules for the game that we will play. In this game, we are to make a follower of Iaozrael. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of The Untarnished Angel. What character do you make?

For more information on Iaozrael

Iaozrael’s Pathfinder Wiki Page

Iaozrael’s Archives of Nethys Page

Marred Beauty

This sect of Iaozrael worshipers have taken to the Infernal Duke’s teaching as one who has survived and made himself stronger after disfigurement. Every member of this sect has been scarred or maimed in some way. Each was considered beautiful before whatever accident occurred to disfigure them. They come together to rebuild their lives and use The Untarnished Angel as a role model.

The members of this sect all come from a place of social status. Nobles, aristocrats, and merchant princes make up a majority of the faithful. Although few were adventures beforehand, almost all have taken up some form of magic as a means to hide their deformities. Alchemists using strange concoctions to alter their shape, transmuters doing the same, and illusionists both of the wizard and bardic variety are some of the many paths the membership follows to regain their lost beauty.

The Unbound

To the followers of Iaozrael the truth is like a pair of shackles. Being bound by what is slows the process of getting what one wants. It is therefore much easier to resort to making one’s own truth. To many of the Infernal Dukes followers the proper use of a lie is an art form; but to The Unbound it is a game.

Members of the Unbound tell lies – beyond their normal use of personal gain – as a grand competition. Who can tell the biggest lie and have the most people believe it? Who can have their falsehood spread as truth so much so as it muddies the reality of things? The Unbound is full of silver-tongued con artists from all walks of life, but for them the only truth is the competition. 

Company of the Burning Wings

This sect is more a band of mercenaries who follow the teachings of The Untarnished Angel. Each man is a proud man of action. Many have served time in one military or another either by enlistment or conscription. They each understand their own place in the hierarchy and respect the authority of the man above them, as they also try and maneuver themselves into a more advantageous position.

Currently the Company is working alongside the Imperial Molthune Army. None of these men have had a place they can call home and a few years of services will make them citizens of the expansionist nation. They have managed to install a few key agents within the military structure itself as they continue to work as independent contractors.   

The authority of Hell is all that the followers of this Infernal Duke need. Who is your disciple of Iaozrael? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to The Untarnished Angel? Where does their devotion come from? Let me know in the comments.

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The opening illustration was created by the fine artist Luis Perez. You can find him on Twitter, Tumblr, and on Instagram at luisperezart.