![[Belial&Fierna.png|400]] ### **Belial** **Also Known as:** Lord of the Fourth, Lord of Pain and Suffering **Alignment**: Lawful Evil ### **Fierna** **Also Known as:** Lady of the Fourth, Archduchess of Phlegethos **Alignment**: Lawful Evil **Phlegethos is the 4th Layer** --- ### Overview Belial and Fierna are the joint rulers of Phlegethos, the fourth layer of the Nine Hells of Baator. Their unusual arrangement is among the most remarkable features of the infernal hierarchy, for the Nine Hells ordinarily recognise only one supreme ruler for each layer. Nevertheless, Asmodeus permits both archdevils to exercise authority over Phlegethos, allowing their rivalry and mutual dependence to preserve a balance of power. Belial is an ancient and politically accomplished archdevil, renowned for his intelligence, calculating nature, and mastery of infernal law. He possesses the appearance of a handsome, powerfully built humanoid devil, conducting himself with a degree of civility that conceals his cruelty and ruthlessness. His interests lie in domination, secrets, manipulation, and the administration of the infernal hierarchy. Although he is capable of direct violence, his greatest advantage comes from careful preparation, calculated deception, and an exceptional understanding of the weaknesses of others. Fierna, traditionally identified as Belial's daughter, is a beautiful and extraordinarily charismatic archdevil whose influence is closely associated with fire, pleasure, temptation, and emotional manipulation. Her ability to provoke and control the desires of others is considered exceptional even among the Lords of the Nine. Where Belial relies upon planning, experience, and administrative authority, Fierna uses charm and persuasion to secure the obedience of mortals and devils alike. The precise nature of their relationship has been the subject of conflicting accounts. Some traditions describe them as father and daughter, while others suggest a more complicated association that cannot be adequately explained by ordinary familial or political titles. What remains certain is that both exercise authority over Phlegethos, sometimes cooperating and sometimes competing for greater influence. Belial oversees much of the administration of their realm, particularly its judicial institutions, while Fierna concentrates upon the acquisition of mortal souls and the manipulation of those who seek infernal assistance. Their rivalry has produced numerous conspiracies, but neither has succeeded in permanently displacing the other. When an external threat challenges their shared dominion, they have repeatedly set aside their differences to preserve their position. --- ### Domain and Influence Belial and Fierna rule Phlegethos, a volcanic wasteland dominated by immense mountains, rivers of molten rock, and seas of magma. The air is filled with choking smoke, burning ash, and powerful winds produced by the layer's constant volcanic activity. Its landscape is hostile to mortal life, with enormous calderas and extensive fields of molten stone stretching across the realm. The flames of Phlegethos possess unusual supernatural properties. They appear almost sentient, leaping towards intruders and consuming objects and creatures with an apparent eagerness. Yet the same fires do not harm the native inhabitants of the Nine Hells, even those devils that might otherwise be vulnerable to extreme heat. At the centre of the layer stands **Abriymoch**, the great fortress-city that serves as the seat of Belial and Fierna. Constructed from obsidian and dark glass, the city rises within the immense caldera of Phlegethos's largest volcano. Rivers of molten lava cascade down its walls, surrounding its structures with an elaborate display of infernal fire. Abriymoch is renowned as a place of indulgence and entertainment for devilkind. Its streets contain establishments devoted to gambling, performance, feasting, and other forms of pleasure. Compared with the rigid discipline maintained throughout much of the Nine Hells, the city permits a remarkable degree of personal indulgence, allowing devils to satisfy desires that might be restricted elsewhere. Despite its reputation for excess, Phlegethos is also one of the most important administrative centres in Baator. The layer houses the **Diabolical Court**, the principal judicial institution of the Nine Hells, which operates under the authority of Asmodeus and is overseen by Belial. Within this court, disputes concerning infernal contracts, accusations of misconduct, failures of military duty, and violations of infernal law are examined and judged. The laws governing these proceedings are extraordinarily complicated, containing innumerable provisions, exceptions, and opportunities for manipulation. Legal proceedings may continue for years as advocates exploit the precise wording of infernal agreements. Belial's responsibilities also extend to the promotion and demotion of devils within the infernal hierarchy. Those selected for advancement or punishment undergo a special ritual in which they become vulnerable to the supernatural fires of Phlegethos. The flames transform them into higher or lower forms of devil according to the judgment passed upon them. Fierna exercises considerable influence over the acquisition of mortal souls. Like the other rulers of the Nine Hells, she and Belial are expected to secure souls for the infernal hierarchy. Belial has largely entrusted this responsibility to Fierna, whose extraordinary powers of persuasion make her particularly effective at tempting mortals into infernal bargains. Through these responsibilities, Phlegethos serves simultaneously as a centre of infernal justice, a place of punishment and transformation, and a realm of indulgence and temptation. --- ### Symbols and Icons Belial possesses established infernal symbols associated with his authority, religious following, and reputation for domination. His traditional symbols include a two-pronged ranseur and the face of a handsome, dark-featured male devil with small horns. A more elaborate emblem depicts two glowing red eyes above a horizontally positioned ranseur, enclosed by a red devil's tail ending in a wicked barb. The ranseur is particularly significant because it is also Belial's favoured weapon. Its distinctive two-pronged blade appears in representations of his authority and among the religious objects used by his followers. Fierna's cults have traditionally employed the same infernal emblem as Belial rather than maintaining an entirely separate recognised symbol. Her association with fire is also reflected in the weaponry and magical practices of her servants, particularly the scimitar, which is favoured by her clerics. Although images of fire, beauty, and temptation are frequently associated with Fierna, these should not be confused with an independently established holy symbol. --- ### Worship and Tributes The worship of Belial centres upon domination, secrecy, deception, and seduction. His mortal followers seek personal power through the manipulation of others, frequently exploiting weaknesses that allow them to establish control over individuals or institutions. Unlike cults devoted primarily to political conquest, the followers of Belial often pursue personal corruption and private influence. Their activities may involve manipulating relationships, acquiring compromising secrets, or encouraging others to surrender their independence in exchange for pleasure or advantage. Rituals dedicated to Belial have been conducted within elegant temples and private sanctuaries, frequently employing circular altars surrounded by black and red candles. Some accounts describe these altars as bloodstained, reflecting the cruelty concealed beneath the outward refinement of his religious traditions. Fierna's worship developed separately from that of her father. Earlier accounts describe her as possessing no independent mortal following, but her growing political ambitions eventually led her to establish cults devoted specifically to her interests. Her followers are attracted by promises of pleasure, influence, affection, and control over the emotions of others. Fierna offers mortals the ability to become objects of admiration, desire, loyalty, or fear, using these ambitions to draw them into agreements that benefit the Nine Hells. The nature of her worship reflects her particular mastery of emotional manipulation. Those who seek love, influence, popularity, or devotion may be especially vulnerable to her promises, particularly when they desire the power to compel feelings that others would not freely offer. The precise forms of tribute demanded by Fierna's cults vary. Her earlier religious organisations lacked the established ceremonies and traditions found among older infernal faiths, and no universal system of offerings is known. Both archdevils benefit from the acquisition of mortal souls, and their servants seek to secure infernal agreements through which those souls may eventually be claimed by the Nine Hells. --- ### Clergy and Cults Belial maintains a small but established mortal priesthood. His clerics and worshippers are associated with secrecy, manipulation, domination, and the corruption of others through temptation. His priests have traditionally worn red and black garments, often adopting an appearance of elegance and refinement. Male clerics frequently maintain thin, carefully groomed beards, while the ranseur serves as their favoured ceremonial and martial weapon. The powers granted to Belial's clerics have been associated with evil, knowledge, and trickery, reflecting his mastery of secrets and manipulation. Temples dedicated to Belial are commonly housed within elegant towers or marble halls. Their interiors emphasise order, refinement, and apparent respectability, concealing the cruelty of their rituals and the ambitions of those who serve him. Fierna's independent cults are comparatively recent developments in the history of Phlegethos. Their earliest followers were drawn from outcasts, malcontents, and exiles, while their temples were frequently improvised from whatever buildings and materials were available. Her clerics favour the scimitar and have traditionally been associated with the powers of evil, fire, and trickery. Their practices reflect Fierna's supernatural affinity for flame and her ability to manipulate the desires and emotions of others. As Fierna's influence has grown, her cults have become increasingly concerned with controlling the emotions and loyalties of mortals. Her worshippers include individuals seeking influence within noble courts, religious institutions, and other organisations where persuasion and personal loyalty can provide considerable power. Among her followers, some acquire supernatural abilities that strengthen their loyalty to a chosen leader or enable that leader to preserve the lives of devoted servants. Such gifts reinforce the dependence of the cult upon its infernal patron and those who represent her authority. Within Phlegethos, both archdevils maintain infernal servants who carry out their commands. Their followers include powerful devils skilled in administration, manipulation, combat, and the supervision of infernal institutions. --- ### Powers and Abilities Belial and Fierna possess immense supernatural power, although their abilities reflect their different personalities and methods of exercising authority. **Belial** Belial is a formidable archdevil whose strength lies in domination, magical coercion, and calculated violence. He possesses extraordinary physical abilities, powerful supernatural defences, and considerable resistance to harmful magical effects. His preferred weapon is a magical ranseur capable of inflicting excruciating pain upon those it strikes. The weapon has been described as possessing the ability to weaken its victims and impair their effectiveness in combat, making it particularly dangerous even to powerful opponents. Belial also commands potent magical abilities, including enchantments capable of dominating the minds of other creatures. He can employ destructive fire magic, summon powerful infernal servants, and use supernatural powers to weaken or incapacitate his enemies. In battle, Belial generally favours preparation and control over immediate aggression. He may summon powerful devils to occupy his opponents while employing enchantments and other magical effects to turn enemies against one another. Once his adversaries have been weakened, he is capable of engaging them directly with his ranseur. His responsibilities within the Diabolical Court further demonstrate his understanding of infernal law and the supernatural processes governing promotion and punishment among devils. **Fierna** Fierna possesses extraordinary supernatural charisma and an exceptional ability to influence the emotions of others. Her powers allow her to provoke affection, desire, admiration, fear, and other feelings that can be exploited to establish influence over mortals and immortals alike. Her mastery of emotional manipulation is so considerable that only Asmodeus is commonly regarded as possessing comparable persuasive abilities among the rulers of the Nine Hells. Fierna also commands devastating infernal fire. Her magical abilities include the creation and manipulation of flames, the summoning of infernal servants, and the unleashing of destructive firestorms upon her enemies. She can conjure a blade of supernatural fire and is a dangerous combatant when forced into direct confrontation. Unlike Belial, who prefers to weaken opponents through manipulation before attacking, Fierna is more inclined to employ overwhelming fire magic and aggressive action. Both archdevils possess the resilience and magical power expected of the rulers of the Nine Hells. Their abilities make them exceptionally dangerous opponents, whether encountered individually or acting together. --- ### Treatment of the Faithful Belial rewards followers who demonstrate competence in manipulation, secrecy, and the domination of others. His favour is particularly valuable to individuals who seek influence through private agreements, compromising information, or the exploitation of another's weaknesses. Those who serve him may obtain supernatural assistance, forbidden knowledge, or opportunities to increase their personal authority. Such rewards are conditional upon continued usefulness and obedience, and Belial is capable of employing the same methods of manipulation against his followers that they use against others. His preference for control makes him an exacting master. Servants who become difficult to manage or who threaten his interests risk losing the privileges they have obtained. Fierna rewards followers who demonstrate the ability to inspire and control powerful emotions. Her servants may receive supernatural gifts that enhance their persuasive abilities, enabling them to influence others through charm, suggestion, and the manipulation of personal loyalties. These powers are particularly valuable to those seeking social or political authority. A mortal who wishes to command admiration, inspire devotion, or become the leader of an influential following may find Fierna's promises especially attractive. The loyalty she encourages is not necessarily founded upon genuine affection. Her gifts can establish relationships in which the emotions of others are manipulated for the benefit of the recipient, gradually making the recipient dependent upon her continued favour. Both Belial and Fierna regard mortal souls as valuable resources, and the obligations accepted by their followers may ultimately place those souls under the authority of the Nine Hells. --- ### Myths and Legends **The Reckoning of Hell** Belial was among the archdevils involved in the great infernal upheaval remembered as the Reckoning of Hell, a period of conspiracy and rebellion against the authority of Asmodeus. The conflict brought widespread changes to the hierarchy of Baator, resulting in the removal or replacement of several powerful archdevils. Belial survived the political consequences of the rebellion, although his authority over Phlegethos was altered. Following the Reckoning, Fierna assumed the recognised position of ruler of the fourth layer, while Belial continued to exercise considerable influence behind her authority. This arrangement allowed Belial to preserve much of his power without openly challenging the decision of Asmodeus. Fierna, meanwhile, enjoyed the privileges of rulership while leaving many administrative responsibilities to her father. **The Alliance of Belial and Baalzebul** Belial has maintained a longstanding political relationship with Baalzebul, the Lord of Maladomini. The two archdevils were associated during the Reckoning of Hell, and their alliance continued despite the dangers posed by the shifting politics of Baator. Their relationship has not always been openly acknowledged, for alliances between powerful archdevils attract the suspicion of their rivals and the attention of Asmodeus. Belial has also maintained rivalries with several other infernal rulers, including Mammon and Levistus. His ambitions have extended beyond Phlegethos, and accounts of his political schemes describe attempts to increase his influence over neighbouring layers. The alliance with Baalzebul remains an example of the political arrangements through which Belial seeks to preserve his authority and strengthen his position within the infernal hierarchy. **The Growing Ambition of Fierna** For a considerable period, Fierna appeared content to enjoy the privileges of her title while Belial managed the responsibilities of ruling Phlegethos. This arrangement began to change following her growing friendship with Glasya, the daughter of Asmodeus and ruler of Malbolge. Glasya encouraged Fierna to exercise greater independence and take a more active role in the governance of her domain. Under this influence, Fierna began establishing her own cults, cultivating infernal alliances, and developing ambitions that extended beyond the enjoyment of her position. Belial became increasingly concerned by these changes. Having long exercised effective control over Phlegethos, he recognised that Fierna's growing confidence and political influence might eventually threaten his authority. His concerns were intensified by Glasya's involvement, for openly opposing the daughter of Asmodeus carried risks that even Belial could not safely ignore. **The Rivalry of the Fourth** The relationship between Belial and Fierna has developed into an unusual combination of rivalry, dependence, and cooperation. Belial employs carefully constructed plans and contingencies to protect his position, while Fierna relies upon her charisma and persuasive abilities to escape the consequences of his schemes. Fierna has encouraged insurrections against Belial, only for his preparations to frustrate her efforts. Belial, in turn, has repeatedly attempted to outmanoeuvre her, discovering that her ability to influence others makes her exceptionally difficult to control. Despite this competition, neither has permitted an external rival to exploit their disagreements sufficiently to seize Phlegethos. When their shared authority faces a genuine threat, Belial and Fierna cooperate to eliminate the danger. Their partnership remains an exception to the ordinary hierarchy of the Nine Hells, sustained by the permission of Asmodeus and by the recognition that neither can safely disregard the power of the other. **The Fires of Judgment** Among the most important traditions associated with Phlegethos is the use of its supernatural flames to determine the transformation of devils within the infernal hierarchy. Under the supervision of Belial and his servants, devils selected for promotion or demotion are subjected to a ritual that renders them vulnerable to the fires of the fourth layer. The flames transform those undergoing the ceremony according to the judgment imposed upon them. Those who are promoted experience an overwhelming sensation of pleasure as they assume a more powerful form, while those condemned to demotion endure terrible suffering as they are reduced to lesser devils. This procedure demonstrates the importance of Phlegethos to the administration of infernal law and the maintenance of the hierarchy established by Asmodeus. --- ### Encounters with Belial and Fierna Encounters with Belial and Fierna most commonly occur within Abriymoch, the great volcanic city that serves as the political and administrative centre of Phlegethos. Visitors entering the city encounter an environment unlike much of the Nine Hells. Its streets are filled with entertainments, gambling establishments, theatres, and other institutions devoted to infernal pleasure, while the surrounding rivers of molten lava and immense volcanic structures serve as constant reminders of the realm's dangers. Those seeking legal judgments, the enforcement of infernal agreements, or the resolution of disputes may be drawn into the jurisdiction of the Diabolical Court. Such proceedings expose visitors to the complex laws of Baator, where even seemingly minor contractual provisions can carry severe consequences. An audience with Belial requires dealing with a calculating ruler who possesses an exceptional understanding of infernal administration and the weaknesses of those who seek his assistance. He is capable of maintaining a courteous manner while examining every opportunity to manipulate an agreement in his favour. Belial's familiarity with infernal law makes him particularly dangerous in matters involving contracts, authority, and obligations. Those who underestimate him may discover that his apparent cooperation serves objectives that were never openly disclosed. Fierna is more likely to approach mortals through temptation and persuasion. Her extraordinary charisma allows her to identify the emotional desires of those she encounters and present offers tailored to those weaknesses. She may promise admiration, love, loyalty, popularity, or political influence to individuals who lack these advantages. Her ability to manipulate emotions makes such promises especially dangerous, for the power she offers can undermine the independence of those affected. Those who encounter both rulers must contend with their mutual rivalry as well as their shared interests. Although Belial and Fierna may appear to undermine one another, neither should be assumed willing to sacrifice their authority merely to secure an advantage over the other. Their cooperation against external threats has repeatedly preserved their position, making any attempt to exploit their disagreements a dangerous undertaking. --- ### Conclusion Belial and Fierna rule Phlegethos through an unusual arrangement that combines political calculation, supernatural charisma, infernal law, and the manipulation of mortal desires. Belial remains one of the most experienced administrators and strategists among the Lords of the Nine, exercising considerable authority over the judicial institutions of Baator and the processes governing advancement within the infernal hierarchy. Fierna has established herself as an exceptionally influential archdevil through her mastery of emotional manipulation and her success in acquiring mortal souls. Her growing independence has altered the balance of power within Phlegethos, but it has not destroyed the partnership upon which their shared dominion depends. Their realm reflects both aspects of their authority. Abriymoch offers extraordinary indulgence and pleasure, while the Diabolical Court administers the strict and often merciless laws of the Nine Hells. Despite their rivalries, Belial and Fierna continue to exercise joint authority over the fourth layer of Baator, maintaining a relationship in which competition and cooperation remain inseparable.