Baatetzu

Baatetzu are the natives of Baator . They obey a rigid hierarchy, base much of their dealings with others on strict contracts, and are always looking to gain an advantage. It is common for devils to provide mortals with great power in exchange for an eternity of torment and punishment at that devil's hands in the pits of Hell.
Masters of corruption and architects of conquest, devils seek both to tempt mortal life to join in their pursuit of all things profane and to spread tyranny throughout all worlds. The temptations they offer mortals range from great powers granted by the signing of an infernal contract to twisted favors following a whispered pledge to a diabolic patron, or any number of even subtler exchanges. Those who succumb to these temptations find themselves consigned to an afterlife of endless torment in the pits of Hell, wherein the only hope of escape lies in the chance of being promoted to become a devil in the infernal ranks. Every devil has a specific role to play in the upkeep of the remorseless bureaucratic machine that is Hell, from soldiers and scholars to inquisitors, lawyers, judges, and executioners. Lowly lemures and imps perform subservient labor to more powerful and specialized devils, such as contract devils and erinyes, while the greatest pit fiends command entire infernal armies.

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

Diabolic Locations

The nine layers of Baator are the planar home of all devils, and they much prefer its tyrannically ordered environs to anywhere else in the multiverse. Yet devils can be encountered anywhere mortals can be tempted by infernal bargains or seek diabolic aid. On Gradus , the nation of Saol is particularly aligned with Hell. Its government is based upon Hellʼs organization, and the state church is that of the Dark Prince.

The Hierarchy of Hell

Hell is a harsh plane of law with little use for compassion or empathy. As such, it exists entirely within a strict hierarchy, and this order extends to its denizens. While different types of demons correspond to various sins and daemons are associated with modes of mortal death, the different types of devils exist solely to fulfill particular roles in the infernal machine. On occasion, a particular devil can transcend the role for which they were literally shaped, but this often transforms the devil physically into the type suitable for their new role.

Average technological level

Hellfire

Stinking, sulfurous hellfire is infused with evil. Hellfire always deals a combination of fire damage and evil damage, though the specific ratio depends on the hellfire's origin. Certain types of hellfire can impose other effects on creatures as well, such as sapping their strength or memories.

Hellmouth

While travel to and from Hell is possible with plane shift, another way to reach and traverse the infernal realms is via hellmouths, strange living portals connecting different layers or even different planes. A hellmouth takes the form of a grimacing face, distended maw, or other distressingly organic aperture, and no two share the same appearance. Most are carefully guarded, but some new or well-hidden hellmouths have yet to be discovered.

Common Myths and Legends

Fiendish Relations

Devils view daemonsʼ constant hunt for souls as a short-sighted waste of potential, and demonsʼ chaotic destruction of society and flesh as uncivilized and obnoxious, but they do not loathe their fiendish counterparts. Indeed, most devils are more than willing to take advantage of daemons and demons as they can to further their own machinations.

Historical figures

Archdevils

At any one time, eight archdevils rule the eight upper layers of Hell, while the deepest layer is ruled by Asmodeus. Each archdevil is a unique demigod with a dedicated role in guiding the infernal machine forward. Bearded Lord is the doorwarden of Hellʼs uppermost layer, while Iron Lord rules Hellʼs largest city. Argent Prince guards Hellʼs treasuries, and Pale Kiss  designs new weapons for Hellʼs legions. Serpent is the oldest archdevil and keeper of many secrets, while Ashen Bull leads Hellʼs armies. Lord of Flies is a brooding archdevil who has fallen from Dark Princeʼs favor, while mighty Crimson Son was formed from the plane of Hell itself.

Queens of the Night

The four queens of the night wield great power in the Pit. End of Innocence is a plotter and manipulator with ambitions of ruling the heavens, while Lady of Pain revels in suffering. Most distant is Dowager of Illusions, watching over fate and death. Mightiest among them is Erinyes Queen.

Diabolic Divinities

Many unique and powerful devils hold positions of power in Hell. The most numerous of these are the infernal dukes, many of whom were promoted to this position from already impressive statures as pit fiends. The supreme ruler of Hell itself is the Dark Prince .

Encompassed species

• Obyrim

Ancestry Feats

First Level

• Diabolic Healing
  Diabolic Healing - Ancestry Feat 1

  SINGLE ACTION
  
  

  Requirements Baatetzu Heritage

  
  Applications

  • Frequency once per round. 
  • Effect The Baatetzu regains 1d6 Hit Points.
• Infernal Temptation
  Infernal Temptation - Ancestry Feat 1

  SINGLE ACTION
  
  

  Requirements Baatetzu Heritage

  
  Applications

  • Frequency once per day.
  • Effect The imp offers a non‑fiend within 15 feet a bargain, granting a boon of good luck if the creature accepts. The boon lasts for 1 hour once accepted. If the creature dies while the boon is in place, its soul travels to Hell, where it is bound for eternity and unable to be raised or resurrected except by wish or similar magic. Once during the hour, the creature can roll an attack roll or saving throw twice and use the higher result.

Baatetzu - Heritage

TRIPLE ACTION

Requirements Obyrim Ancestry, First round of Combat

Description The would-be lords of hell grant those that cooperate with them advantages in combat
Applications You survey the terrain and the combatants, and issue orders to your allies. All allies within 20 feet of you gain a +1 circumstance bonus to attack rolls and damage rolls for their next round only.