Role

Chapter 5

I could not remain in Hamsah Mu'tazz. I did not realise quite the extent of
the damage to my new body; I suppose my attack had put it into shock, but
the pain soon came. Seeing my reflection in the fountain was unpleasant,
and also infuriating. Though it pains me to admit it, this new body may
have been even more fair of feature than my last one - thank goodness I had
not ended up in one of the lesser races - but now it was both marred, and
worse: it was still recognisable. I had to depart swiftly to avoid any
unfortunate questions.

I chose to head west. Galadon is a city under Tribunal protection, and I
know well the benefits of living in such a place. My other option was to
head east to Arkham, and what fool would wish to live there? No, the heart
of the Tribunal's power was the logical destination, and knowing the city
well as I did, crafting myself a new identity was simple enough. The
mysterious Harlsreen Phlegethon hails from the dread lands of Corte, an
aspiring Diabolist with grand ambitions and a ruthlessness befitting that
most dire of crucibles. An implication there. A suggestion here. Let them
draw their own conclusions.

Perhaps a less brilliant man in my place would pick something more
nondescript. A minor merchant. Some lesser noble from Teth Azeleth. But,
dear reader, all of these things can be investigated, and with relatively
little fuss. Corte though? Noone will wish to dig too deeply into that hive
of madness and brutality, and such an origin is befitting of the dread
legend which I shall weave.

With the lie being so ominous, noone will seek the truth. Am I not a genius?

With my false backstory complete, all that remained was applying to a guild
to begin my quest for salvation.

Diabolism is the only choice, of course. The denizens of the Inferno are
both my adversaries and my greatest chance at salvation. If I may
ingratiate myself to them then perhaps it will make the difference when the
time comes whether in part or in the whole.

If not, then the knowing of them can only serve me well for the conflict
that must arise, and it is for that conflict that I will prepare.

You may judge me once again, dear reader, for yes, to damn as many to the
fate I fear so deeply is my design, an army vast and with loyalty to he who
wears the crown. Obedience so great that it will transcend the touch of
death itself, and they will march with me upon Hell in spectral ranks. If a
conquerer of the damned I must become, then a thousand times and more it
will be done.

This is my plan, and less the burning river take me: I must succeed.

I will be Emperor, and all of Thera will kneel to spare my soul its
scourging.