Allow me to begin with an apology for the long opening post, but it was kinda required, and I ask you to give me a chance because I believe this has potential.

The positions of Baron/Countess have been filled, if you wish to apply please choose a class that is weaker, thank you.

Description: So, I got bored and the RP I am currently in isn't moving, so I figured I would try and start a new one. I hope this gets going, and I will devote as much time to it as I can, but whatever. Join at your own risk. If you do decide to join, then PM me your opening post first, don't just post in the thread, I will ask the mods to delete all such posts.

Story: Basically, all of your characters died and, consequently, went to Hell, only, it's not how they descibed it in the bible. The people who arrive in hell have physical form, and free will, and while their are a lot of demons who like to torture people, they are not all under the control of Satan (Which is actually just a title for the Head-honcho king-of-Hell guy), just most of them (Thus his position as Satan). More desciptions of the lands and rules of Hell are following.

More or less, Hell is like Earth, only with different rules of physics. Over 70% of the land mass is land, not water, and clean water collections (Like lakes) are very, very valuable, though there are other ways to get water. It is divided into a number of different provinces, all under more or less direct control of Satan, but I'll describe those in more detail if and when our characters reach them, for sake of space in this here opening post.

Demons are the main source of power in Hell, and while a number of them are wild, most of them are summoned and under the direct control of humans. A man/womans ability to summon and control certain numbers of demons derives what position they hold in hell. Satan, the Lord Ruler, controls the most, obviously, with his Barons and Countesses directly below him. Using his own strength, plus theirs, he/she is able to hold power over Hell, and has for the last thousand years. Demons are also a source of longevity, for each demon they control increases the age of their physical bodies (Thus if a man had lived for 300 hundred years, and then lost all his demons, he would have to find a way to get them back quickly before he aged and died, which would happen in a matter of weeks. Demon summoning, consequently, is a lengthy proccess, the more powerful the the demon, the longer the process, taking sometimes as much as a month to summon just one) The amount of demons a man/woman can control at once is derived by their birth(Arrival) into Hell (Just for sake of simplicity, your character arrives as the age he died, and more or less apears randomly in the world, having to make his way toward civilization), some people think how one lived on Earth has a direct precedent on how much power a person holds, but no proof to this has been found. People with no ability to summon demons are automatically selected as the dredges, usually ending up as slaves or some such (though keep in mind, the ability to summon even one demon can usually save a person from this fate)

Technology is in the medieval range, technology being useless when you have demons and magic to fight for you. Swords and crossbows and flails. Siege weapons such as catapults are also unused, since none of them can match the power of a well placed fireball blast, or a twelve foot demon with a tree in it's arms.

Any demon summoner can use magic to some extent, since magic power comes from the demons themselves, so the more demons, the more power. Mostly it's conventional, fireballs, control over nature, enchantments (Be careful here, no super-swords or giant army-crushing fireballs, be reasonable). Oh, and demons that are summoned in-story are random, you cannot control what demon you summon, though they generaly are demons you can control, nothing too powerful unless you have the power of a Baron or some such. So while obviously you get to describe them, keep in mind that the majority of them are human-like, and you can only have behemoths with my permission.

Your characters can be anything from a lower class warrior who can only control a few demons, or one of the Barons/Countesses, with an army of hundreds. But depending on what character you choose, you have to be reasonable, no sending your armies to destroy cities unless I give you permission first (Permission can be gained from either PMing me and asking or simply waiting untill I think it could fit into the story somewhere. Any RP story should be flexable, so don't be afraid in asking if you want to do questionable things, even if I probably will say no if it's too outragous) I'll give a few guidelines below on what the different classes are, but you can have a character with anything in-between.
You also should be conservative with your demons. No huge-super-demons that no one can kill, unless your a baron or something and ask me first. Most demons are human in size, with similiar abilities, although most have other abilities like being able to manipulate fire or water or some such. Be creative, but reasonable, nothing as powerful as a human can control, usually only a single thing, but I leave it to you to think things up.

Classes

Warrior/underclass: Basically these are the guys with little power, only having a few moderately powerful demons under their control. Lords and Barons often hire these footsoldiers and their demons to fight in their armies. Many also become merchants, though only small ones. Most become artisans of some kind, like carpenters or carvers (those without any power are the ones who work the farms/mines/etc)

Mercenary/under-middleclass: these guys can control more demons, anywhere from twenty to thirty, numbers varying depending on how powerful the different demons are. These are usually recruited as lesser-officers, controling both their demons and having a select number of under-classmen under their command. They also become bandits and successful merchants, sometimes owning small establishments like animal farms.

Warlord/middle-upperclass: These are the people with political power in Hell, controlling anything from fifty to a hundred demons, and are the higher officers or generals in armies, or sometimes even owning very small and poor provinces.

And they keep rising from there, with Barons/countesses controlling like, 300-400 demons plus people under them.

And so, thats about that. As you can see this is going to be sort of an epic roleplay, with players controlling lots of demons and some players having other players under their payroll (be careful here, if you don't think you know how to act in such a situation, then avoid it). I want only decent to good roleplayers here who are not afraid to make long posts and be patient between posts since this will likely not be super-fast. I expect good grammar and sensibility, I control the world and the story, and while you all get to control your own NPC demons, and for some perhaps even entire towns, in the end I own all but direct control of your characters and their demons, understand? I want your opening posts to have not only descriptions of your characters but also history and position, class, and perhaps even how you came to hell (Your characters retain their memories from their past-lives).

Lets get started!

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Province one, the Royal Lands, home the Satan and his capital city. The last Satan to rise to power set his capital up here because of the great Lake Denar that resides in the center, one of the greatest fresh-water sources known to man. It's shores are patrolled by his demon guards, and he keeps strict control of the population to make sure it does not become polluted, even if it was a foolish man indeed who did not take very good care of water in Hell. It is also home to four of Satans most powerful Barons and Countesses, each controling a minor town to the North, East, South and West. (((OOC: After we get a good number of players, I'll identify NPC control over the remaining Barons. Keep in mind, not everyone can be a Baron, so if you want the position grab it before someone else does.))) The capital (((Where all underclass players will start, exceptions can be made if your a traveler or a bandit or some such))) was quite a large town, with the people under direct control of Satan's most trusted servants, who use their demons to police the city and enforce whatever laws they deem fitting. Water is distributed by government licenced Water-Dealers, and is the most sought after, if not the most expensive, commodity in the city. (((I'm going to leave off there, so you can use your imaginations a little to describe the certain sections of the city, I'll tell you if you go overboard))).

(((From here on I will be dungeon master of sorts, untill later when I deem it fitting to introduce my character. Aslo, I apologise for the shortness of the desciption, but I think this post is long enough already, so my others will be better.)))

(( First, my character: ))

Singer
Rank: Baron
Singer lived and died by his own mind. Studying for a PhD, he was tragically killed on a mis-timed trip to a war zone. Taken captive by terrorists, and executed as a demonstration, all his life came to nought at that point.

Upon arriving in Hell, Singer fell afoul of the Demons guarding Lake Denar. While awaiting his fate, he managed to summon his first demon and escape. Building his strength, he launched a coup on one of the Barons, taking a town for his own. Satan, upon learning of this, and remembering the old maxim "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer", moved a disgraced Countess from the northern town in the Royal Province, and setting up Singer where he could be watched and taken out if he became too much of a problem.

(( Now on to location etc. ))

The Northern Fortress, as it is called by the denizens of the Royal Lands, is the northern-most part of the Lands. Situated in a deep canyon, it controls all access between the Royal Lands and the Great Northern Desert, domain of bandits and nomads, where Demons run wild and water sources are few and far between. To facilitate passage for the foolhardy who wish to travel into the Desert, or the favoured who wish to travel out, a tunnel runs through the center of the Fortress, sealed at each end by two mighty doors of solid steel. The fortress itself rises to the top of the canyon, and links both sides by a series of stone bridges. Demons guard these bridges, extracting a toll of water from all who wish to pass. A Pipe runs in the canyon wall to Lake Denar, supplying the Fortress with all its water needs, provided the bills are paid.

Singer himself controls a mere 326 Demons, of which his prize pair, veritable giants even among Demonkind, each taking 4 months to summon, stand as silent sentinals beside his throne. Singer realises the importance of good impressions, particularly when you are where you are only because someone wants to keep an eye on you. 50-odd Demons work as servants in the Fortress, serving guests, and making sure it continues to run smoothly. Another 50 do their bit guarding Lake Denar, ensuring the continued supply of water to the Fortress. 150 grunts make up Singer's army, and are currently occupied in service to Satan Himself, keeping peace in the North Canyon and in Satan's City. A Core of 25 Demons, summoned for speed and resiliance, patrol the Desert, securing what water there is for honest travellers, provided they can pay. Several other Demons are held specifically for defense of the Fortress, and several others are engaged in business that only Singer and Satan Himself know of.

Just south of the Fortress is the North Canyon, a small city under direct control of the Baron. The citizens pay their taxes, and in turn are protected by the Baron's army from a horrible fate. Water is, while not easy to come by, is more plentiful than in other areas, mainly due to the Pipe, allowing the Baron to sell water directly to the people, and thus regulate the price somewhat. Most people who have business in the Desert, such as artisans and traders who deal with the Bandits, live in North Canyon, as do many powerful people who like access to water but don't like the bustle around the Royal Palace. As such, the buildings range from simple brick-and-mortar structures to more extravagant items, some even as large and grandiose as that of a backcountry Baron or Countess. At the end of the valley is a moat that isolates North Canyon from the rest of the Royal Lands. This moat is not filled with water, which would be ludicrous, but molten brimstone, kept hot by five Demons who also serve as border guards and advance warning in case of an invasion attempt by a rival Baron. On the other side of the Moat is a small town, which serves as accomodation for those Demons not permitted in the Canyon, each person being permitted a specified number and no more, to thwart an invasion from inside. This town is also a stopover for trade caravans carrying raw materials to the artisans that choose to make thier home in the Canyon, and is well-supplied and operated by two of Singer's underlings, each minor beings with only 7 or 8 demons apeice.

(( How many others do we have? ))

(((At the moment, we have two (You and someone else), not including me. I'll give it about a week, and if we don't have at least one or two more people joining, we'll start and hope people will get more interested once it gets going. I'm going to take this chance to make another post, detailing a few things I didn't have room for in the first one.)))

As ever, it was hot in Hell, and as the red sun beat down on the earth, the rocks and gravel seemed to work in unison with it, throwing the heat back up at the dwellers of Demara, capital city of the Royal lands and home to Satan's Palace. Most of the buildings were made of the redstone quaried from ever region of Hell, giving it a psycological effect on people, making it seem hotter still. For those without demons, it truely was as the preists described it, a land of fire and death. But for those whom commanded the black-skinned beings called demons, apparitions, and a hundred other names, magic was a cool relief, making the heat quite bearable, if not pleasant at all. For every human, there were at least two demons walking the avenues and sidestreets, the people dressed in mostly white clothing to fend off the sun, the demons wearing little more then needed, armor or loincloths. hawkers, un-gifted who have so far managed to avoid the slavers, shouted there wares from the sidestreets, meats and tarts and fake jewelry, and on every block there was a great wooden barrel, a man and his four or five demons selling water to nearly everyone who passed, two coppers a jug.

((Slight note on currency, I'm using the typical copper, silver, gold coin system and to keep it mostly simple, it's twelve copper pennies to a silver penny, twenty two silver pennies to a silver mark, and around a hundred silver marks to a gold crown, the crown being a very high currency indeed - think a thousand USD)))

You could tell the demons of the wealthy, for they usually wore uniforms of a sort. Satan for instance required all of his demons to wear a shoulderplate of black metal, with two bars of solid gold, like a military rank. Death awaited all whose demons wore anything near the same. The police force, or Guardians, as they were formally called, wore blue and white sashes crossing their chest, the bright contrast to a demons dark skin unmistakable. It was common to see a demon in the white and blur sashes off to the side, taking their pleasure on a poor wretch by the side of the street. Bloodstains were a common sight in Demara. Law of a sort existed, but for Satans chosen few, it was however they wished it.

Outside the city walls, the landscape was not as barren as one might expect. By some strange law of nature, tree's required little water to grow in the Royal Lands, and thus trees dotted the country side everywhere except the northern deserts. Lumber was cheap and plentiful, a paradox as it was needed little with the year-round natural heat. Even after dark it was warm, except in the Crystal Frost months, when it got unnaturally cold at night, falling below zero, no matter how hot it was during the day. Travelers without well-armed demons were unheard-of. You needed protection in the wilds, because if the hell-hound packs did not find you, the wraiths certainly will, and without some magic, or at least demonic protection, you would be surely doomed. Charms against evil were a common commodity throughout Hell.

And high up in a secluded tower, Satan looked out at his land, and decided the priests had no idea what they were talking about in the other life.

Baek Revilgaz
A shrewd Baron, one you would want on your side of the table incase something goes astray. For most parts, he is usually the invisible hand directing the "wet" work of Hell. Of his large number of demon cohorts, he has handpicked a few of the physical and mental skill exceptional to deal with heretics, rebel leaders, blacklisted bandit kings, the footnotes of Hell really.

If you get to know him, hes a fairly interesting man. A joker, a clever thinker, and an excellent gambler. Also, get close enough to him, and you have a valuable ally. Of course one that will always have some suspicion of you, as he does of everyone else, but a good friend nonetheless.

His semi-long hair is combed back a bit, with a few strands left astray up front for style. He has a small goatee, and a smile that screams.

"I gamble, and I win."

Back in his mortal days, he was an entrepreneur, and a damn successful one. He had multiple business complexes, money, and a brand of computer hardware that silenced all other competitors. And to best his nearly impossible to defeat luck, he stepped on the wrong competitor. So one day, Columbian cigars were smoked over a private conversation, hands were shaken, black leather gloves were worn, a button was pressed, and Baek Revilgaz, age 34, died in a company dinner, as a chandelier happened to give out with a bang, right when he was under it.

(Since Jabor whipped up his location, I might as well. If there is, tell me if I'm doing something wrong. :D)

The Eastern Fortress: The Gray Towers, some call it. The complex altogether is less Spartan than many would want in a fortress, but it has strategic advantage. It's an impressive structure, comprised of three sections. The first two are minor towers, still impressively tall in size, and are used as barracks for the Baron's military personnel. The middle tower, the largest out of the two, is near taller than both minor towers combined. The two minor towers have bridges connecting their tops into the middle of the tower. The lower levels are open to all of the less scruffy public, being that it is quite possibly the largest gambling hall in all of known Hell. He tells his demons and servants, most of the time receiving a confused nod, that his gambling hall is his "American dream. People give you money, and most of the time you don't give it back." The middle levels, now more heavily guarded (As it is the higher you are in the tower), is comprised of quarters for the more "important" guests, and a kitchen for them and the Baron himself. In the highest floor of the middle level, there is a conference room, most of the time sealed off, and is where Baron Revilgaz discusses his specialty in "wet" work. A door in the conference room leads to the higher levels, left exclusively for the Baron, his servants, and his select few of special demons. These floors consist of the apothecarium, where a few demons create concoctions to put people's lights out, a few rooms of vices and pastimes for the baron, and his own quarters. The halls appear unguarded, but are never safe for people Baron Revilgaz doesn't invite. His select few of demons keep hidden, shadowing every nook and cranny in the place.

Baron Revilgaz has a bulk of 380 thug soldiers, doing grunt work and patrolling his property and township. He keeps the before mentioned "special" demons to himself. 30 altogether, 20 comprised of assassins, and 10 comprised of apothecary's. His special cohort takes around 3 months per demon to summon, though he rarely loses the demons of that status. The assassin and apothecary demons are picked out for a naturally slim build, nimble feet, and a high level of intelligence the majority of demons lack.

His township is named Red Venice, and covers the shadow of the three towers. The town is strewn with shady inns, bungalows, brothels, and a good amount of scary, dark corners for the population Revilgaz takes pride to rule over. Even though the town is the nadir of an honest life, the people respect Revilgaz’s rule, and see him as one of their own, just unimaginably richer.

Farther east from the towers and town, beyond the garrison, lie the Ghost Lands. An assault situated from the Ghost Lands is folly, being it one of the most dangerous and moral plummeting areas of Hell. Revilgaz ordered a line of guard posts built and barricaded in defense at the border, each with a large torch at the top ignited by charms to keep the horrors of the Ghost Lands from crossing. The soil of hell, though regularly red, is ash black there. Wraiths roam free in the abandoned land; their ectoplasmic skin and spell melting flesh both demon and human at the touch. Their screams echo through the night, and they take pleasure in ambushing travelers, disarming them, and ending their lives in horrifically creative ways. Travelers seldom attempt passage through here, and fewer make it to see the charm torches or the other side.

Sagat Eiry
Rank: Baron

Awarded with a Nobel Prize of Literature in life, he was considered by many an extremely wise person with a deep general culture.
In his last years of life he became obsessed with the supernatural and with the dark arts. He got his hands in every book he could about such matters and absorbed every little bit of it.
In his last year of life he came in touch with a dark cult that worshiped the Devil. Terrible things he did, even human sacrifices stained his hands with blood.
A thirst for power started to glow in his cursed eyes and tried to take over leadership of the cult. The result was his own death by the dagger of the psychotic leader, at age 46.

His birth location was no farther than a couple of meters from the west gate of Demara. He roamed lost within the city for what seemed a week until he was confronted by a Demon and his summoner. Apparently he wanted to turn him into a slave to work on a gold mine. Sagat in a surge to save his life and freedom summoned his own demon to fight, and a strong one at that. He had to ability to control fire and didn’t take long to torch his opponent.
Sagat found a little shack to live and worked as a cartographer and notary for a living for some time. He tried to learn everything he could about this world and the secrets of magic and summoning. He became very capable of controlling magic and his demons.

Time came for the Ash Tournament. An event created by one of the past Satan’s where every one with the ability to summon could participate for the prize of two Crowns.
It was basically a brutal death match between the summoners and their demons (Limited to the use of 5 demons and no more). It was organized in various groups, the amount depending on the number of participants. The top summoners were then put through an elimination phase until there were only two.
Sagat couldn’t stand to be a simple peasant in this wretched world, so he obviously decided to participate.
He was new and little known, but his studies made him better and his demons were powerful and eventually made it to the top of his group.
The elimination phase was ruthless and he hardly made it alive, more times than he would like.
The great final was ahead and his opponent was no less than a Baron.
All of Sagat’s demons were banished but one. A dwarf sized demon with an ancient book in his hands stood before the Baron’s ruthless minions.
Sagat knew he would not survive if he couldn’t unleash all his power, so he focused and ordered his demon to dodge and run from the Baron. The Baron laughed and made fun of him, but he was too deeply focused on what he had read from a book. An ancient spell, Rain of Fire, which was not used for Eons, was lost in the worn out old book he found in his damp home.
Sagat knew it could drain all of his energies to the point of killing him, but he would die anyway. Minutes passed while he muttered the words that were written in the book. His demon could barely dodge the attacks thrown by his enemy.
The sky darkened and clouds gathered with a red lining around them.
He could feel his energy slipping through his fingers while a rain of fiery rocks fell upon the Baron and his demons. He was destroyed and Sagat fainted.

Weeks later he woke up in what seemed a royal room. Felt a presence and stood up. Satan himself came to talk to him. Something tremendously good or terribly bad was about to happen.
Satan was not dumb, and knew that Sagat was powerful and due to his victory in the Ash Tournament, rich.
By his lord words he came to know the Baron he killed was the ruler of the Western Fortress and the western lands and due to that a new ruler was needed. Sagat was “invited” to fill the position, and immediately said yes.

((And that is how he became a Baron. And now the location.))

Western Fortress lies on top of the imponent Barren Mountain, permanently fustigated by razor sharp winds and the scorching sun.
Through the middle of the Fortress stand two large arches and a tower in the middle that were built with other purposes than aesthetics. They support two large elevators that go deep into the ground. That is where the city of Stonebowl rests.

Stonebowl was constructed thinking about the huge mines inside the mountain. They are so huge that the required amount of slave labour kept increasing, which originated the construction of two other sub-levels below the original structure. The first level of the structure or The Lair, as it is known, holds the quarters to the more important guests, first class inns and shops, Glowing Stone being the most acquainted for its rare jewels and jewelry.
The second level is known as the Common Floor. Both the poor and wealthy may wander in this floor, as well as the slaves but only when given certain permission. Most habitations are in this floor. Inns, bars and common shops are here. The market is organized here as well.
The third level is known as The Basement. The putrid quarters for the mine slaves are in this floor. Mine slaves spend most of their lives between this place and the mines.

Sagat quarters are in the huge tower between the arches. No one has access to the tower without his consent.
The western territories are patrolled and kept by his demons and people at his command.
Sagat grew stronger over time and kept studying the magic arts and is now called the Wise Baron. He controls 360 demons and a variable amount of others at his service. He keeps the elite of his demons with him at all times. 10 elemental demons serve as his personal guard. 50 others patrol the tower at all times. 100 keep control of the Western Fortress and Stonebowl at all times together with other siblings and their demons. 40 are stationed at Lake Denar and are meant to ensure water supply to the western region. 10 keep the order in Sucli and one or two of those are always available as reliable guides to the Western Fortress. 30 others keep guard of the western side of the Barren Mountain. The last twenty are specialized demons that were given an extremely important and confidential mission. They are currently scattered throughout the various island in the Sulfur Archipelago.

The Barren Mountain is pretty much inaccessible except the path through the Fortress. Between the mountain and Demara stands the western tundra fields, where lies the town of Sucli.

Sucli works as a stopping point between Demara and the Western Fortress, and eventually became a trade point. Many locals work as guides to foreigners to want to reach the Western Fortress, because even if the path is evident, it is not safe. Ghosts and other apparitions roam the tundra fields and enjoy feasting on travelers.

To the west of the Western Fortress stands the Ocean of Sulfur. What once was water is now a tremendously big, uncharted area of a sulfuric acid sea.
There are rumors of habited islands in the middle of the ocean, but fearful creatures and the orders of Sagat and Satan are clear. The Ocean of Sulfur is forbidden to anyone who wishes to live.

(((All right, I think it's about time we got this boat moving (Though I will still leave applications open), we don't have as many people as I had hoped to start with, but I'm getting impatient and i think we generaly have plenty to start off since you all decided to become Barons. Also, since we don't have so many people, I've decided to bring in my character straight from the start, instead of waiting untill later (This is mostly because, without so many people I should have plenty of time to write both responses to your posts as well as write my own)))

Political Situation: In the last hundred years or so, Hell has not been as it used to be. Satan no longer has an iron fist rule over everything beyond his own province, smaller rulers and ones that are located farther off to the south getting away with things that Satan would never aprove of. Most of these he is not even aware of, and for those he aware of, he can do little about. he no longer has as many followers he can trust implicitly, and the ones he can are weaker, useful only for keeping the population of the Capital in line. Most of his demons are busy protecting and Lake Denar and the others are all busy imposing his many taxes decrees. But sadly, he is not worried, for he is convinced of his superiority, safe in the assumption that no one would dare challenge his authority and his many thousands of demons he had under direct control. So arrogant was he that he couldn't believe the assasins blade that found it's way into his back.

Now, with the death of their master and no clear indicator of who was responsible, the late Satan's demons ravage the capital and other cities where they happened to be located at the time of his death, killing and raping and destroying. Those publically loyal to Satan wisely went into hiding, and Demara is in chaos, along with the Royal land's chief source of water. Barons and countesses, along with other weaker rulers, move with unholy speed out of their fortresses, braving the deserts and wastelands of Hell in all directions, for now there was an important decision to be made. A new Satan, ruler of all Hell and it's provinces, had to be appointed. Everyone with political power a had say, big or small, and those who desired the position for themselves had a long and cruel battle ahead of them, not only in gaining the title but also in securing their position among the others. Assasins and mercenaries flock to the rishest, weaker lords flock to those who they view most likely for the position, and four distinct rulers look likely for the position.

(((Now, I will name these four later, when they arive in the Royal Lands, for now I'm going to give everyone a chance to detail how they are reacting to all these events. And now, my post.)))

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Sarrisan walked among the lonely, strange white trees of Hell, in the equally strange green and blue forest of Renar, southeast of Demara. He had been here for five months now, ever since his death. Or at least he thought he had died, for this certainly did not look like hell, nor did it look like any rendition of heaven he knew of, either. The ground was sandy and dry, yet the tree's grew as if they had plenty of water, and the bluish green leaves seemed to flourish year-round in this seasonless land. familiar fruits grew on these trees, as they did on other plants he found. He also found unfamiliar fruits, ones he was reluctant to even touch without knowing what they were. He built himself a shelter next a small pond he found - the only indication of water he had been able to find - using logs and vines from the trees to lash together poles with a roof, and then over time walls and a door. He still had his clothes from his past life, as he was beginning to refer to his time on Earth, sturdy black jeans and a grey T-shirt, all covered by a knee-length leather coat that he found less and less need to use in this world's excessive heat, though his strong leather boots he found most usefull.

Before his death, Sarrisan had been a warrior in every sense of word. As a kid and teenager, he had practiced a number of martial arts and even made a name for himself as a Boxer in his later years. When he reached adulthood, he'd become a soldier and served for eight years, fighting in a number of small, nameless wars that were no less fierce for their size. After he left he joined a government-funded citizen counter-terrorist organization, working there for five years until he finally met his end at the hands of a bomb he was trying to defuse. He was a fervant believing in physical fitness and an expert in hand-hand combat, as well as an expert marksman with a number of rifles and pistols.

He discovered his first demon a month after his arrival. He woke to find it sitting beside him staring off into trees. He leapt back against the wall of his little house with a shout, but the demon calmly rose and and stared at him. It was almost as tall as Sarrisan, about six feet, and had thicker limbs of similar leaness but thicker, stronger. He'd stared into it's eyes, and finally approached it, standing only three feet away from it. It looked back at him without expression, it's naked, jet-black skin revealing a body that was almost human, except it had no reproductive organs, and it stood stiller then any human body could manage. Sarrisan extended his hand and the demon took it in his own, and it was settled. Since then Sarrisan had summoned over thirty other demons, most like his first, but some different. One, he was even able to converse with, though it knew little and Sarrisan had to teach it how to do most of the tasks he wanted it to do. The demons seemed to quickly pick up on his language and understand basic tasks once he showed them how to do it, though if he tried to tell them too much they would get confused. With the discovery of his magic abilities, he decided the small forest was too small for him, and he would find out more of the world around him.

Singer was not surprised by the news of Satan's death. Why should he be? He was well known as one that Satan was wary of, and many thought that he probably had a hand in the killings. Those that knew him well, of course, never thought that for a second. Singer would have planned everything out, there would be have been no struggle for power, and Singer would have stepped right into the role of Hell's Head Honcho. No, what had Singer worried was that the assassin had managed to do the deed without his network of spies picking up on it. That, and what to do about water. Lake Denar was in chaos, and while the Pipe entrance was still secure, it was only a matter of time before someone got it into their heads to tap into it somewhere and start siphoning it off, leaving the Northern Fortress high and dry.

That was what Singer was doing in the alley behind the Grinning Demon, a well known establishment that provided all sorts of intoxicating beverages. The proprieter had a reputation for excellent service, backed up by his small army of Demons. Singer was here to hire that army to defend the Pipe, in return for a share in the water that flowed through it.

Sagat was profusely upset. Never in his reign over the western territories, had chaos and mayhem rise. Satan demons stationed at Stonebowl enraged by his master’s death attacked the every citizen in their sight. They even compromised a mine before Sagat could respond to the threat.
His informant in Demara quickly came to give him the news, nor good nor bad, but definitely concerning. His first priority was to establish a safe route from Lake Denar into the western territories.
He sent half his demons from Stonebowlto Lake Denar for that matter, together with some of the strongest siblings at his disposal.
A worried face was presented by Sagat. If an assassin had came close to Satan so easily, nothing would stop one to reach him. He quickly ordered his strongest demons to enclose a protection circle around him.
Who could have possibly murdered Satan? There were various obvious candidates, perhaps Baek? Singer would never do it without taking obvious advantage over the situation, unless of course something was hidden from him.
Fierce times ahead. A time for blood and death.

In the top-most floor of the Western Fortress tower stood Sagat. Wearing his battle robe and carrying a magic book created by himself with the aid of his elemental demons. Ten demons, different from each other, stood around him. His elementals were sentient of any sign of danger to them or their master. It was no time for him to assume he is safe.

“Ok, time to move.” - Said Sagat while walking towards the stairs.
His next stop was Sucli, where he would wait for the arrival of one of his demons from the Sulfur Archipelago. Only Satan and him knew what was there, and this is the time to use every card up his sleeve.

Baek paced around his makeshift pool table, crafted from whatever materials hell had to offer. The stick pelted the white ball, and it brought his targets into the holes. He stood up, and brought his eyes to a figure in the corner.

"So the deed is done?"
"Not exactly lordship."
"Hm? You didn't kill him?"
"No, by the time I made it to his quarters, someone else had already slain him."

Baek rested his pool stick, thinking. Though it saved time, only more trouble was brought to him. The assassin was to spike a drink or meal of Satan, dispatching him thoroughly after an hour of consumption without any real evidence against him. But his current death from stabbing was too obvious, too rash. If anybody was under suspicion, it was him.

"Also..," The demon continued ,"the Royal Lands are anything but contained right now Baron. Satan's troop has gone beserk. The population is being massacred near Lake Denar."

"Good, some luck left for me. Red Venice is safe for the moment" He snapped his finger, another demon approached. "Bring 5 more of you, do whatever it takes to minimize casualties. Organize the thug troops, have my people barricaded or evacuated to my lower floors." They nodded, and sped off into the dark hallway. Baek sorted priorities into his head. First, he needed to keep safe his vicinity. Second, he needed to do his best to bring political safety and alliance with the other Barons and Countesses, who were obviously jittery with the idea he was the one who killed Satan, although it really was his intention. Baek honestly didn't want to rule as Satan. He valued what he had now, and planned to keep it. But Satan was a tumor to hell. He was pompous, desperate, having the higher powers clenching teeth every time he extended his hand to give order. Sooner or later, rebellion would have come. Though a few berserking demons are one thing, he certainly didn't want all of hell under flames from a rebellion. He sighed, and picked up his pool stick.

Back in the Fortress, Singer was worried. The Pipe was secure for now, but the manner of Satan's death was . . . discomforting. The assassination had happened without Singer's spy network getting so much as a whiff of what was going on. Of course, Singer had known about Baek's plan, and had been prepared to take power peacefully after Satan died from apparently natural causes. But this . . . the first thing that Singer thought was that Baek had played him for a fool, and had tricked his spy network altogether. But Baek wouldn't go to such great lengths without a plan for taking power. The second thing that leaped into Singer's head was alltogether much worse. He would have to get help to deal with it. Strong help.

Confident that the assassination was not Baek's doing, Singer sat down at his desk, he began to plan a gambling trip to the Grey Towers.

Victoria Fletching, the first of four powerful men and women who were publically contending for the position of the late Satan, was probably the hardest woman in Hell. While gender roles played much less importance in the warped feudal era that Hell enjoyed, Victoria was one of the few women that men were not ashamed to take seriously. At four hundred years old, she had an army of twelve hundred demons in her fortress city of Ameria in the far northern province of Sance, along with twice that under the control of hired hands and sworn men. Since she set out for the Royal Lands, her combined strength has nearly quadrupled in size, the local provincial rulers realizing a good investment when they saw one. But for all her military strength and skill, she was a true witch at heart, having innate talents and a creative mind when it came to using magic. Few could decide which side of her was worse, for while she was considered fair, she had foul mood-swings and was just as likely to kiss you as to order you raped by her demons.

Kale Varing was a strange man, and few could could decide with any conviction what he was truely like. He let few in his presence besindes his own personal demons, and was lucky enough to have a small number of very intelligent elemental demons, which he kept around him at all times and used to command both his armies and his subjects, letting them use his voice. In the east, he had built his army of a thousand demons to size over the years, and his reclusive but unafraid actions have drawn many men under his command, mainly mercenaries who like his silver, but a goodly number of those looking for security as well. Carved into a cliff over the city of Evandeen, Kale's fortress watched over the far-eastern province of Bast, and was only accessible by climbing a long and narrow stairway, or else through the magical elevator that Kale keeps powered with his strongest demons. When word of Satan's end came to him, it seemed he was taking his time, for even though he was in the far-east, he was closer then his opponents, but in truth he had sent a number of spies abroad the moment it came to his attention. The eastern lords gather at his feet, fully ecxpecting him to win.

Joseph Smith was what many would call the typical brute, using his demons to subjugate the lands around him into obeisance. Many had thoughts of banding together to dispose of him once and for all, but his strength gathered many under his banner, some of common mind but less power, others simply smelling an opportunity. He had an army of around thirteen hundred, half of those patrolling among the neighboring privinces in normal times. Lord of the south, beyond vast forests that border the Royal Lands, Joseph is king, feared more then Satan, for he was not afraid to reach beyond his borders and choke you into submission. His fortress was located near the Sea of the South, the only salt-water body in Hell worthy of the name, and his walls cover the entire city of Grenda. His palace in in the center, surrounded by another wall, and cutting through the middle of the city is a great river tributary flowing into the southern sea. His palace is built over this river, and from it he distributes clean water to his people. Whenever someone attacks, he is not afraid to sacrifice everyone in the city to save himself. He had set forth to the Royal Lands in forth a day before the death of Satan, loyal followers behind him.

The western lord, though it was expected that he would compete as well, is happy to sit in his fortress far away from trouble, no interest in who becomes Satan whatsoever.

The lords of the Royal Lands must choose what path they wish to take... or pave their own.

(((Just for content purposes, these lords will arrive shortly after this post, so you can react accordingly. For the north and east, they will probably be passing through your towns on the way to the capital.)))

Moving swiftly through the road, quickly Sagat and his elementals reached Sucli. Only a couple of people could be seen in the main street while a handfull of his demons were keeping eye over the town, sitting on the rooftops.

Without a single hesitation Sagat moved between wooden houses and dwelled in little alleys until he reached his destination. A sturdy wooden door and a sign where a horse could be seen, if it hadn't degraded with time, were the only things in the old front of the inn.
The Rampant was the most infamous place in Sucli and it was where he ordered one of his special demons to meet him. The owner of the bar fled inside his kitchen right when Sagat entered, leaving only a winged demon in the corner, Sagat and his escort.

Sulfur Archipelago was inacessible, unless you could fly over the Sulfur Ocean. That was why this demon was so special, it could fly. Winged demons were rare and Sagat had some under his power.

Nearing the Winged Demon, Sagat spoke in a low tone of voice - "Is everything in order and everyone ready to move?"

"Yes master. If master keeps promise, they shall keep theirs."

"Good. I need their part of the deal now. I'll fulfill mine later. Now go and tell them."

The winged demon immediatly left, slamming the door hard. Sagat sat down at the table and shouted - "Give me a damn drink, I'm having an headache."

The plan was in motion, but will it be fast enough? Sagat could only wait in Hell.

Baron Revilgaz slouched on his seat, smiling and staring at his card hand. In front of him was a small regal table, with a pile of cards face down to the center. Around the cards were two of the apothecary demons, and one of the assassin order. The three of them also held their own card hands. The assassin placed two cards down.

"Two countesses."

The apothecary to his left fiddled with his cards, placing 3 down.

"Three barons."

"BS." Revilgaz called.

The demon grunted and gathered the pile to add to his hand, the other two chuckled.

"Baron Revilgaz," One of the earlier 7 dispatch team appeared at the door," There's something you should see, the Ghost Lands."

He set his cards down and went to the top of the tower, followed by the other 3 demons. In a few minutes, he was at the height of his vision, staring down at the shadow of his towers, at Red Venice. The comforting sound of glass breaking, profanity, and two by fours breaking was zeroed out. He stared with and eyebrow raised at the large escort passing the Ghost Lands. It was Kale, marching in a hurry through the Ghost Lands. His men showed signs of fatique and nausea, as does everyone if they survive a full trip through the Ghost Lands. But Kale was a clever man, if not undoubtebly weird, and they seemed to be in one piece.

"Give order to the grunts, let them pass, calm the citizens if you will."

"But Baro-"

"If anybody, Kale would know not to launch an attack situated at the Ghost Lands, much less piss off my people while they're still rowdy from Satan's death. Go, trust my judgement as you do your blade."

The four demons smiled and nodded from that remark, for Baron Revilgaz rarely said anything that cheesey.

His spies keeping him informed as always, Singer decided to postpone his gambling trip. He had some familiarity with Victoria, in fact she had supported him from the shadows in his coup. Upon his relocation to the Royal Lands, he had largely dropped out of contact with his old supporter. Whether she was still supportive of "her" Baron would remain to be seen, but he would have to test the waters to see how far he could push her, and how easy it would be to eliminate her if she became a problem. Singer was guessing "almost impossible", though it always payed to make sure. Calling his servants to hand, he began to make arrangements for her arrival. Baek would have to wait, and he would no doubt have his own issues to work through with Varing.

(( Bumpity bump bump bump, is anyone still playing? ))

(( It started out so well, too. Oh well. ))