#he's an archdevil and she's literally just a cambion

[sapphicwizards]

I've been thinking a lot about Wyll and how his character arc is a tragedy no matter what choices you make because he's a Hero who must always Do The Right Thing.

How could he put his own self-determination over the lives of everyone in the city he loves so much? It's a painful decision, but not a difficult one. Not for him.

He knows the consequences of letting Karlach live, but how could he not? He can't put his looks above her life. That's not what a hero should do.

Then when he's only months away from being free from Mizora, she puts another ultimatum in front of him. And this time, the decision isn't clear cut. Yes it's his father's life, but in exchange for his own soul? What parent wouldn't give their life for their child's soul? But the choice is Wyll's. Maybe he signs the contract, giving one of the few things he has left for the greater good. Or maybe he says no. No more. His father wouldn't want this if he knew all the details. Does his choice finally take him off the path?

If you're playing as him, the choice to turn into a mindflayer gains several dimensions. On one hand, let Orpheus do it and he never fulfills his destiny to bring peace to his people. Let Karlach do it and what was the initial sacrifice worth? She deserves to live all the life she has left.

But Wyll... he has sacrificed parts of himself over and over again. There's so little of him left that he wouldn't be giving as much as the others... maybe. And maybe as a soulless mindflayer, he's out of Mizora's reach.

[tyran-the-tyranical]

I’m currently writing a fic and writing for Raphael is a little infuriating if I’m being honest.

Mostly because he has such a way about him, and unlike the other characters where there’s some room for deviation, he’s quite rigid in his mannerisms. So I’ve literally been scraping through his dialogue and ‘analysing’ his behaviour, and this is what I’ve ‘boggled’ it down to.

EDIT: This is actually really long, and in fact not boggled down at all, Keep Reading at your own peril...

(OK, So I've completely reorganized this post to be more readable) 

Raphael is a complex and multifaceted character, but here are some main character traits of his that I'll delve more into as we go on;  

-Manipulative and Deceptive 

-Arrogant and Condescending 

-Sadistic and Enjoys Suffering 

-Cunning and Strategic 

-Relishes Power and Control 

-Patient and Calculative 

-Dark Humor  

-Alluring and Subtly Flirtatious  

-Dual Nature and Contradictory  

-Hedonistic and Indulgent tendencies

-Ambition

Though Raphael wants to paint himself as an honest person, that still doesn’t mean he isn't Manipulative with us, he uses many tactics to gain our trust, from crafting this honest and helpful persona to literally threatening us and building pressure to make a deal to escape ceremorphosis. 

"I'm here to help, not harm” 

"I am master here. A prince of bargains cloaked like scarlet satin. All that hidden under sublimely obvious truths that cannot be discounted." (From Chapter 3 of his Diaries) 

“Come now, why playing hard to get when you're in deep over your tadpole head all those pretty little symptoms sundering skin dissolving guts they haven't manifested yet have they?" 

"I'll be around watching you squirm like a tadpole through a nice juicy brain" 

As we progress his threats go from subtle to outright fear-mongering, but this also goes into somewhat of his dual nature as when he moves past his honest persona to just pressuring you, he still wants to paint himself as some sort of Saviour. Of course, this is also just another tactic of his, painting himself as a friend or helper, as though he doesn't have his own ulterior motives, which sure he admits outright but in the ending where you do give him the crown he drops this façade and tells you he's planning on taking over more than the hells and will eventually come for you next. I also think this bleeds into his own needs to be adored, you can see this further in his little plaques he has around his house. 

"Am I a friend? Potentially, an adversary? Conceivably, but a savior? that's for certain. Try to cure yourself. Shop around - beg, borrow, and steal. Exhaust every possibility until none are left.  And when hope has been whittled down to the very marrow of despair that's when you'll come knocking on my door. Take all the time you need but make up your mind before you're counting down with tentacles"  

Additionally, this all just feeds into his performative nature - to the extent that he sometimes borders on narrator territory. He has his little monologues as he talks about us as though we’re characters in a story and he’s just recounting our actions to some unseen audience.  

[His speech before the Yurgir encounter is a good example of this]

 

"Through the dark, she went creeping and awoke what was sleeping" 

"The Shadows grow long and the hour is late" - also wherever this quote is from works well too 

There are even more subtle moments where he's still being performative, even when he's not physically present, which goes into his desire and constant longing to be seen as something akin to a True or Full Devil (or archdevil). Since he is a cambion he is restricted a lot by his mortal half. He is held back by his human needs like sleep and presumably food too. I think he tries to cover for this through excess, as if you go to the HoH in Act 3, you can see the food on the table is just filled to the brim of just rotten food, basically all of it wasted. Also, there are loads of scattered areas that have fruit or wine throughout his house. I believe he does this on purpose to try to come across as though food is nothing but a pleasurable activity he indulges in now and again rather than a necessity and he doesn't care if he wastes it (Also just saying he's rich, let them eat cake, L + Ratio). 

However his façade isn't perfect since he is still fallible, and he can fail/die. We can see this because, at every opportunity he possibly can, he attempts to convey this front of being omnipotent and powerful - as close as he can to an archdevil. To be fair, he manages to do this pretty really well, At times he can even come across as this truly unbeatable force, that we can’t ever truly defeat. This is exemplified by the fact that, even if we kill him, if we look in his logbook of previous visitors, it hints at him trying to find a way to cheat death by transferring his soul into a clone or something adjacent. 

Now whether he ever managed to accomplish this by the time we attack him is uncertain, (though there is a non-canon / cut content line where he begs for his father's help as we fight him, kinda of insinuating he never fully realized his backup plan in time and he’s actually afraid he’ll die, but that’s also not in the game so who can say for sure) 

“I cannot lose to you. Not here. Not in my home. I cannot die! Mephistopheles, hear your son! I am at your mercy - save me!” - NOT CANON BTW, but omg do I love this line 

Another slight hint that Raphael might not be as indestructible as he'd like us to believe is when he is playing lance board with Mol. 

"My, the double counter Gambit. Vicious. Exactly what I would have done" 

Now for all intents and purposes Raphael does not need to win against Mol, that wasn't the purpose of their game, either way he already had his eyes set on her to make a deal anyway. Yet it demonstrates that whether you cheat or actually manage to outwit him, he can be beaten, since he can't hide behind a persona when playing (Mostly). 

Furthermore, Raphael is like an English teacher, he loves his little similes and metaphors, and just talking in a verbose manner, and it’s not just word vomit, no no no, he makes it sound interesting, he is performing for us after all. For me personally tho, it’s difficult to replicate, unlike other characters or companions where you can deviate their dialogue, like hearing Astarion say ‘fuck you’ to Cazador, I don’t think you could get away with that for Raphael.  

"The mouse smiled brightly it outfoxed, then down came the claw and that love was that"  

"Perfect, one more rhyme for Old Time's sake; The master was slain within his own house, they dined on him both, the cat and the mouse."  

"Like a mosquito nibbling at a dragon, be gone"  

I also think it's so interesting that the man who does nothing but spout rhymes and poetry will say this if you call his poetry out for being dirt; 

"I admit it isn't my primary interest not, by any stretch" 

Excuse me, sir?  I do think he genuinely likes poetry/writing in general, he supposedly even wrote a play before sooo, also I just think that all these contradictory things he says are on purpose, he's trying to be mysterious to some extent, and he doesn't want you to be able to gauge or understand him, he just wants you to believe in his persona he's crafted for you and that's all. Though like I've said before, his mask can slip off, especially in private or when he's enraged. An example is when he's referring to his employees who have failed him.  

"[A record of various associates of Raphael's, listing their duties, and their respective performance.] 

Korrilla Hearthflame - field work - so far I've barely 

had to singe the tips of her fingers. This one shows promise. 

Archivist - naughty boy, supposed to be looking after the collection, 

but has a tendency to drift. May have to start breaking his neck to 

give his spine a chance to recover. 

Nubaldin - little shit let Gortash get away. Not letting 

him near the prisons ever again. Chamber of Egress will 

do fine until I find a replacement for him." 

Moreover, he’s also very condescending/patronizing. (I think even in one of his dialogues, the devs noted he should even come across that way). I think that’s just a part of his little superiority complex, he’s the chess player and we’re all just his little pawns (that is until we kill him ourselves, it almost makes me think that Tav/Durge is actually the other player in the game and to some extent Raphael knows this and tries to play accordingly). He constantly wants to portray this cool and confident personality, that he’s accounted for every possible outcome (and in a lot of ways he has) and that even if he doesn’t get what he wants, it doesn’t faze him, and in fact, he’ll try to make it seem like either way it benefits him, and sure in some ways it might, but I do believe he’s just saying that to mask his failure to achieve his goal. 

"I should snuff you out and make coin of your soul, but it will be more amusing to let you see the consequences of your actions. Do you really think that the crown is safer in the hands of a goddess than in the claws of a devil?" (Look, I don't like Mystra, but do I think the crown is safer with her? UH yea)  

"Such an eager little pup."  

"You really do think highly of yourself. My sights are set on something much more valuable than your soul, succulent though it would be."  

He's Definitely pissed at us for being a little shithead and giving the crown to Mystra (even tho in the game if you complete Gale's quests you rlly have no choice lol) But he still tries to play it off as this will be terrible for you but great for him, since if shit hits the fan, he's just gonna get more souls - Though I'm sure this is him just trying to save face, or at least to some extent. We can see him actually lose his composure if we ascend Gale. 

"Do not toy with me, Wizard!" - R 

"I thought you liked playing games? You can have the crown Raphael, but you'll need to come and collect it from my realm" - G 

"You can't do this!" - R 

"I hit him where he's most vulnerable, pricked his pride, and sent him back to the hells to lick his wounds. He'll be back, the question is will he find us side by side?" - G 

This is really fun to see since even Gale knows Raphael has no power over him and can just mess with him, and initially, Raphael tries to gain control by saying like 'Oh no, I'm not going to take the crown Gale's going to give me it, like we agreed' and then when Gale fucks with him and it utterly infuriates him because there's not much else he can do really since Gale, though he might not be as powerful as Mystra, is definitely more powerful than Raphael. I also think it's very interesting that, even though we've basically gone against Raphael and screwed him over, he doesn't plan on taking it out on us, and I know he says he wants us to see the consequences of our actions but I think there's a different reason to why he doesn't take action against us. I think he's genuinely afraid of us, let me explain. He was clearly already afraid of our potential before any of the endings, shown in his dream he wrote about in his diary, and when we manage to survive everything that the game throw at us and defeat the nether brain, we've basically become undefeatable (Not really but you get what I mean) The only time he even suggests he'll take one of our souls is if Gale explodes while trying to ascend and well, there's not going to be much resistance since he's already blown up. 

"There was one among them who spoke for the rest. They gestured to the melting hooks, suddenly glanced my way, and in their face I saw they had the best of me. 

In waking, my courage has firmed. I progress my plans for

the tadpoled even now. 

I am Raphael. I am not easily bested." 

Raphael is not only fueled by his ambition but his fear (I'll talk more about that later too) and so he acts accordingly, he plans and schemes for hundreds of years trying to account for every possibility, and at times he can even come across as a total control freak lol. He has Korilla literally stalk us throughout the game, he also knows personal facts about our companions (he’s done his homework), and he’s literally planned and orchestrated events in the plot to help lean towards us giving him the crown in the end (it’s implied he helped vlaakith chain Orpheus or idk some other devil did with infernal chains, and he’s the one who helps wipe Ketherics lil army to just one justiciar) he’s had a lot of time to plan and plan he has. He’s constantly aware of your movements since he picks very specific points to appear to you.  

"[Laughter] The good thing is though there's only one little voice you really should listen to, Mine" - Total control freak behavior  

"you'll be back, it's something of great importance to your master is it a love letter a warning or a deed of ownership I can give you all the Gory details"  

"Carved into that Ivory skin of yours is one part of an infernal contract between the archdevil Mephistopheles and your former master" 

"Karlach, why does that name ring a bell? hmm, perhaps I read it in a book somewhere." 

An interesting thing to note is that I think his controlling and performative tactics are the ultimate reason to why he inevitably fails (If you decide to kill him I mean) Since he's spent so much time controlling the narrative literally and figuratively, he's literally altered events leading up to our arrival so that we can give him what he wants and he even talks about us as if we are just a character in his story he's created, he's been doing this so long he truly believes he can control the narrative, that he's predicted every outcome and he really doesn't think we'd go against that we could go against him. He's been so out of the narrative himself, an observer who might nudge things to go his way now and then but never be in the action himself that he truly believed he was untouchable, that he could just float above it all like he did with Karsus’s folly happened. 

Now onto an aspect of Raphael I find very interesting – His relationship's with those around him. As I said before he’s a total control freak, and that’s clearly fueled (if not caused) by his narcissism and we can see that even outside of our protags. Look at Haarlep for instance, (there’s so much to dissect with these two) but Raphael strictly has Haarlep made to look like himself, and is the only form he’ll sleep with. There isn’t just one answer to why he’d do that, firstly, it just boils down to him being a narcissist sure, but on the other hand a point can be made that he’s doing it strategically. 

Haarlep was sent to distract him, and presumably to spy and report back as well (Hypothetically, it's not confirmed) and presumably, Raphael is clever enough to realize that. So why would he reveal anything about himself in such a vulnerable way, so why not just make the incubus be in one form and one form only? It also serves as a lil bit of a punishment I suppose, since Haarlep can be 1000 different people but is forced to stay as one. There’s also another angle to this, that narcissists generally find intimacy difficult, and being vulnerable with other people. So why be vulnerable when you can stick to the devil you know? 

Party member: How did you end up here? 

Haarlep: Sent by Mephistopheles... distract naughty son. 

He knows himself better than anyone, so why would he bother with anyone else? It’s a bit of a defense mechanism, he’s not willing to be vulnerable or let his guard down (and to be fair, for good reason) so it’d be better for him to stick to what he knows, what he’s comfortable with. I’m just going to throw this out here but he comes across as a total hedgehog dilemma sorta of guy, gives off real Shinji Ikari vibes tbh. (NOT REALLY, He's more Gman than anything but just without the charisma 💅) 

Party member: Did you ever turn into forms besides Raphael's? 

Haarlep: Raphael... loves... only... Raphael. 

Now, this is just supposed to be a Raphael analysis but I find it impossible not to mention Haarlep and their motivations as well, since they are arguably the closest person (Literally) to Raphael. Haarlep comes across as a complete gossip type since they seem to just love to air out Raphael's little secrets, they even say how Raphael can Deny them nothing so either Raphael does trust them to some extent to make them his confidant or well, Haarlep just Wittles it out of him during their��sessions. Either way, they hold some closeness to Raphael, yet I find it revealing that they immediately will expose him and actually help you (for a price ofc) and intentionally try to help you kill Raphael. Now whether they believed we could actually kill him or not is up for debate, but after you give them your form they do say that they'll enjoy misusing you and they do tell you what will happen when they use your form, so if they believed you were going to die why bother? 

Haarlep doesn't seem to be the only one as in their letter to you in the epilogue it's revealed that even the devils in Mephistopheles's court seemed to hate Raphael. 

"Since the timely end of Raphael's reign, I've gone back to Mephistopheles' Palace in Cania. Many of his Father's court are celebrating the demise of my little brat - behind closed doors. And I'm making a fortune selling evenings in his form now there is no contract binding me to secrecy. Rather tasteless to desire a dead man like that, even amongst devilkind, isn't it?" 

Haarlep even calls Raphael their little brat, though perhaps it was out of endearment as even Haarlep remarks how low it is to desire a dead man when they use Raphael's form. This could possibly show some sort of remorse towards Raphael's death, but it's pretty unclear, yet that's also to be expected since Haarlep is a full devil and they even state they're a crueler master than Raphael so perhaps that was true as well. It genuinely seems that no one actually cares for Raphael, besides perhaps Korilla, and I mean that's fair in all honestly, considering how he treats most of his employees (Hope too) but it's also funny that the people he wants to impress or become most, the devils, also hate him or want to well.. Have some fun times with his form after he's already dead.  I also think it's interesting that Haarlep refers to Raphael as a dead man rather than a devil, they don't even say 'amongst his own kind', It's interesting because Raphael himself is so adamant on calling himself a Devil rather than cambion or whatever (tbf he's not the only one, Mizora does the same or at least out characters don't care to make the distinction) Yet Haarlep doesn't care to make that distinction. Now, of course, man doesn't necessarily mean a mortal man or whatever, but it's still intriguing to note.

An interesting thing to note about Devil society is that, unlike Demons who usually just outcast or kill their cambions, Devils at least allow Cambions to intergrade into their Hierarchy, but at the same time it's a system that wasn't built for them to succeed in since cambions can't physically be promoted, they aren't guaranteed anything form their work, so everything they have, they've had to work hard for. Unlike those around him, Raphael has had to work extra for his position (though I'm sure his title of Son of Mephistopheles did help somewhat) he seems to have it quite good, and tbh I even initially thought he was his own free agent, and didn’t even have to serve under Zariel (but he does) he just has it really good, or at least better than most cambions from what it seems. At the same time, I find it intriguing that he sparsely even mentions who he is in relation to his father. Through subtle hints throughout that game, it's clear that Raphael actually probably hates his father or is perhaps extremely jealous of him, since at the same time he mirrors him in some aspects.  

I think the Dungeoncast said it best when examining the devil's mindset that I also think apply to Raphael quite well too;

"Their dogma essentially revolves around seeking power over others, always adhering to an eye-for-an-eye principle. They exploit any kindness shown to them and show no compassion for the weak, exhibiting traits of a sociopath. Winning at any cost is their mantra, often cloaked in the guise of promoting personal excellence and independence. When they harm others, they rationalize it as providing motivation to succeed."

Even though his society basically looks down on him, whether he's successful or not, Raphael still believes in their mindset, mostly since that's probably how he's survived and thrived in the Hells. This mantra that the devils have has warped who he is as a person entirely and also his ambitions, he doesn't want any other than control, he sees no point in forming meaningful relationships or other interests, and he only sees domination and power as his goal since that's all his society has told him is important.

Another thing I’ve read about cambions is their sense of entitlement, especially over mortals, and well Raphael certainly fits the bill. Which might contribute to why he wants what he wants. I mean, why does Raphael want to take over the hells? To end the blood war? Sure, almost all devils want to rise the ranks but Raphael’s goals are a lot more lofty than that, and why is that? Is it solely his ego? To be seen as something kin to a god-like Asmodeus, or is it to best and humiliate his father? Perhaps both, or perhaps neither, it’s somewhat unclear, but perhaps he just feels entitled to something greater or maybe he wants out of the rat race that is the Devil's Hierarchy.  

"It's the Fatal flaw of mortal kind take away their free will and they call you a tyrant, allow them to indulge it and they become tyrants" 

 

A final point is since he’s a narcissist, he’s obsessed with his image, yea I know, very obvious. And it’s been mentioned a few times that this is probably why he and Haarlep look so different, it’s either insecurity or wanting to come across as something more mature, why he’d look older than Haarlep when they should be an exact copy. It’s the whole reason he’s been performing, curating this image to us, one that he barely even allows himself to break at home unless he’s enraged. If you look at it for what it is, it’s just insecurity and almost desperation. A desperate desire to be seen as something greater, something akin to his father (daddy issues are making their appearance) and it honestly comes across as erratic, and extreme. 

 

He’s so obsessed with his image that perhaps when Haarlep said they’re a perfect copy of Raphael they didn’t mean as an exact copy, they meant they’re are literally a perfect version of Raphael, a better version (most likely a result of insecurities of how he's perceived). Who can say for sure what the reason is why they look so different if they’re supposed to be mirrors of each other. His whole obsession with is image really matches his father, since Mephistopheles is known to change his appearance and curates it for mortals as well (It's why he's confused with Asmodeus a lot since he just goes for a basic generic devil look). 

One more thing, considering all the characters we meet throughout the game, Raphael is or is one of the oldest characters in-game, seeing as he's possibly 1000+ years old. Considering this, it makes sense that on top of him being a devil anyway, he finds himself detached from mortals as well as his own mortal half. Though he is quite proactive in his contract seeking seeing as he not only seeks us out but characters like Mol and Lyrthindor (Tho that was more towards orchestrating his own goals) Otherwise he can just sit up in his Ivory tower devoid of mortal's strive, I mean he even says multiple times that his house is a safe haven for the tired/sick/restless/etc. On top of him already trying to detach himself from his mortal half, he also has the benefit of being so old that he probably has already become numb to it, to mortal thoughts and feelings. He wouldn't be able to emphasize or understand it (tho him being a devil wouldn't have helped either) all he would understand is how to use their suffering to his own benefit. Any possibility for humanity within Raphael is either so faint it's practically not there or there is none left entirely.  

"Never have I been so attracted to mortals as I am to those infested by the tadpole." 

He even says this himself. Mortals have never had any impact on him, physically or emotionally. Yet in saying that, they've never really been given the chance to. The closest a mortal besides us the player to have ever gotten 'close' to Raphael or have impacted him is Hope. Raphael is not only a complex character but he has so many complex relationships with the few people he lets around him. As I said before Raphael is completely blinded to humanity, he's definitely a person who believes the ends justify the means and that has never been more evident than in what he does with Hope. He doesn't care what It takes just as long as it gets him what he wants, that's why he helps orchestrate the plot to lean in his favor, why he basically tricks Yurgir, and why he has no problem torturing Hope even though she's basically no one to him, she isn't even a debtor.  

Though Raphael is almost completely removed from being anything close to a human being, even after all this time, whether he likes it or not, he still does have some human traits. His interests for one help humanize him (Which tbh he is probably aware of and uses to his advantage) Sure he likes poetry and literature, but he's also just obsessed with everything surrounding Karsus and Hope (or at least the concept) He even names his house The House of Hope and whether he renamed it that after Hope or whether that was it's original name isn't clear but either way he really likes the idea of hope in hell. You can see this throughout his house on the little plaques he has scattered throughout, he definitely wants to be people's last hope or perhaps just hope in general, it would make sense as well since he wants to literally break hope and bend her under his will. 

"Karsus's folly the Bard and Scholars call it. I call it hope, the hope of creating a better world, and The Perils of unchecked hubris"  

(Karsus and Hope are basically his only two special interests that he starts to literally combine them) 

Another very human trait of Raphael’s is that Raphael has a fear of failure. He even has dreams about us destroying everything he's worked for and killing him.  

"There was one among them who spoke for the rest. They gestured to the melting hooks, suddenly glanced my way, and in their face I saw they had the best of me. 

In waking, my courage has firmed. I progress my plans for the tadpoled even now. 

I am Raphael. I am not easily bested." 

Even though he reassures himself that he is Raphael and cannot be easily bested it's clear he's still very desperate. The only variable in his plan that he can't truly control is Us and he definitely knows this. Even other characters like Gale can tell how desperate he is. His facade of Invincibility is one of the tactics he uses against us to keep us in check against him. To be honest, all these things lend to humanizing him far greater than any poetry or quote he could ever spout because it shows his vulnerability, it shows he's not as invincible as he'd like us to believe, that he does have weaknesses and can in fact fail. A very mortal trait to have in all fairness. 

Also on another quick note, he totally has a special interest (obsession) in Karsus, like him seeing Karsus accidentally kill thousands of people in the netherese cities became a core memory for him, one that he’s never let go, even now.  

"The archdevil Mephistopheles snatched up the crown and squirreled it away in one of his vaults. He is not more than a frigid archivist"  

"I want the crown that dominates the Elder brain and then we all Gather in the House of Hope me dressed in my finest silks, you skinless, hanging from a hook to watch as your world dies"  

"you would have been Heroes if you only dealt fairly with me, instead you're not so different to doomed Karsus, overreaching your limits and burning your world to Ash"  

"The screams oh the screams hundreds of thousands of people watching in horror as the ground came up to meet them" 

His ambitions seem to be fueled a lot by his narcissism and this belief that he can achieve all he's set out for and actually do a good job in implementing order, etc. Whether this is a founded belief or not is debatable, since we don't really know what he achieves past supposedly Avernus. 

"Though with the crown, I would impose perfect order, Unity, efficiency, control, my kingdom would control its borders and stay within them" (Sure pal) 

OK, onto the kicker here; Raphael is a very alluring character, he can even come across as flirtatious at times (Also through his body language and I obvs can't demonstrate that here but u get it) Throughout the game he's saying how he'll wine and dine us if we give him what he wants, yet In the ending where we actually give him the crown, I think it's so telling that after all his promises of dining with him and getting to see him again if we deliver it, he literally doesn't follow through at all (There's a debate for this since we don't know if he might've once his plans were done) and this just proves what we were to him; that we were in fact just pawns to him. Even if he does invite us to dine with him, it'll most likely be with a purpose, that he wants something from us or for us to do something for him because otherwise he's gotten all we wanted from us, the facade has been lifted and he doesn't need to try charm or threaten us, he's effectively done with us (literally, since it is an ending). It's all just another aspect of his manipulation and Persona he uses against us (And I mean, It worked) We're all just a means to an end for him. 

ALSO, A little side thing I should note is the silly lil Dark humor Raphael has. Raphael, being a devil and all, definitely has a dark humor. You can defo gather that from his dialogue but also the way he comes up with creative punishments for his debtors. Now some of it is just basic evil shit like the guy who does the Self-flagellation stuff and the one who's forced to act like a dog, but some of it is more than that, like the guy who worships his chamber pot which just so happens to be under the statue of Mephistopheles or the debtor who's forced to dance (which I think is a reference to The Red Shoes story/movie where the character is literally forced to keep dancing) or the chick who just voyeuristically watches what goes down in the boudoir, like yea it's horrible but sometimes it just cartoonishly ridiculous and you can't help but find it somewhat amusing. 

"Hope [Laughter] such a tease" like when he says this, unbeknownst to us, he's referring to the real-life Hope, more of an inside joke to himself really. 

On top of all that - this specific paragraph isn't really poignant to Raphael's character necessarily, it's more of a personal observation but - I think if there were to ever be a romance with Raphael the best option is to not give him the crown (tho I do kinda wanna see him with his lil crown being the prince of hell). It's similar to Gortash, in that if you want to be his equal you shouldn't grovel and just give him the netherese shards, you need to challenge him and show your mettle basically. Now I'm not saying Raphael would be pleased with this, but if you wanted to be an equal, this is the best route, otherwise, there's always going to be that power imbalance like with ascended Astarion. (AKA, kill him, Do It) 

My final point that I wanna make is, that all the characters in Bg3 are designed with a fatal disbelief. Y'know Gale believes if he becomes a god he can prove himself to Mystra, Lae'zeel believes that  Vlaakith is righteous and will allow her to ascend, Shadowheart believes she can find herself/ her purpose in Shar, and Astarion believes he'll finally be safe if he becomes the vampire ascendant, yet we that these believes are all unfounded and end up being untrue wif they achieve them, and the same goes for Raphael. Now, if Raphael achieves his goal of getting the crown, he most likely will still end up not getting what he wants, for two reasons; Asmodeus literally cannot be defeated - Let me explain; So there are a few origins for Asmodeus and to most popularized one (and the one I prefer) is the one where he and some of the other archdevils were actually previously angels that got corrupted while fighting demons. 

Yet, in earlier editions, it's stated that all of that is just speculation and mythos surrounding Asmodeus and his real origin is that he is literally a cosmic force that was there at the beginning of time. OK. Now personally I don't care for this origin but either way, whichever one you believe I think my next point still stands the same. Whether Asmodeus is just a being that has achieved something as close to godhood as he can or a literal cosmic force of lawful evil, Raphael probably would still be unable to defeat him even with the Crown and scepter and any other of Karsus's little items, he most likely if anything could only get to the eighth layer. Now in saying this, this is still not his disbelief, because his personal belief is also one that all devils share, which is a complete lie, that being the entire hierarchy they abide by. Every devil abides by this meritocracy hierarchy, and the belief that if they become more powerful, and ascend - that they can reach Asmodeus status, but this is a complete an utter lie. Asmodeus keeps this facade that he could be defeated, but in truth, he's kinda way too powerful for any of the devils in hell, and he knows this and uses it as a tactic to keep them in his control.  

Now Raphael to some extent knows that he has to basically cheat to be even able to ascend, since he's a cambion and the hells system wasn't exactly designed for him to be promoted. Yet even if he manages to conquer every layer up to Cania, he's still going to lose since he's basically destroying the hierarchy and therefore he won't have control over the devils beneath him. Now the crown can be used to literally dominate people but that's not what Raphael necessarily wants - He wants to be adored and willingly followed, and of course, he'll use the crown when he has to, but to wholly subjugate everyone in hell to mindlessly obey doesn't seem to be his goal. There are more practical reasons as well why there are certain devils that have control over the layers, and Raphael, no matter what power he can possess, is still just one individual, and inevitably it seems as though there would be a lot of chaos rather the perfect order he believes he can achieve. 

I know that the crown can basically make you a god, and if Asmodeus has powers akin to a god and Raphael can theoretically do the same, then why can't he just defeat Asmodeus? well, it goes into Raphael's fatal flaw, his arrogance. If we look at Gale, for example, he made himself a literal god and still wasn't powerful enough to defeat Mystra, and yes, Raphael 'Is no mortal' but this is what I mean, he believes is above Karsus and Gale, that he'll succeed where they failed but that's just not the case. Like I've said before, Raphael desperately wants to be seen as more, his ego won't let him accept anything less but that still doesn't change the fact that he is fallible, and we don't have to look any further than when we managed to defeat him. Now in saying all this, this is all theoretical and kind of bleeds more into an opinion, since we don't know what plays out after he gets Avernus, perhaps the other archdevils managed to kill him before he achieved anything, or perhaps he really did manage to conquer Baator and the other realms, Who knows. (I might be cooked for saying this, especially since I do wanna see him be a lil prince of hell, but arguably giving him the crown, besides being our bad ending, is also his bad ending - No further explanation) 

Like I know I said, this is what I’ve boggled it down to and well, it’s not very boggled, but that’s what I mean! There’s so much going on with this little guy, it’s almost hard to keep up with, you gotta write him as suave and mysterious but also somewhat threatening and intimidating, he has to be articulate and persuasive as well as theatrical, while also keeping in mind his manipulative and narcissistic/egotistical tendencies, which doesn’t come easy to write for. 

This isn’t a slight by any means either, he’s a complicated character and that’s why I like him, but my sorry ass struggles to replicate it 🥲 though I hope this post will be a good reference to circle back to when writing for him. 

[rielzero]

Auvandeor

So, I made that one oc I was working on a while ago in bg3.. Wizard cambion who has an archdevil daddy. Like, The archdevil.

Auvan is Asmodeus' son and prince of hell because why the fuck not lol. In an alternative universe, where he's tadpoled somehow, things go a little different. Because this guy never leaves his father's castle otherwise.

He's heavily protected cuz uh, endless wars and Asmodeus is all powerful and he might not be.

So, in the circumstance, Zariels soldiers manage to kidnap him, he ends up on the nautiloid and gets tadpoled.

Baby boi is pissed. However, unlike most of our companions, he's too noble to give a fuck about keeping secrets like the haughty person he is.

He can hide his horns and wings, so he doesn't show those off until Lae'zel decides they're gonna fight imps together.

To which in response, he flies to a save distance before casting spells.

I do think the gith would be naturally wary of cambions, but they're not strict enemies. The only reason cambions are on the nautiloid is because it teleported into Avernus, but Auvan makes it clear he is not a fan of Zariel's men.

Hnhnhg

Some interesting things about his interactions.

-has a "You didn't ask so I didn't tell you" Attitude about most things.

-immediately outs Astarion as a vampire on their first meeting and academicly deducts that he's either a dhampir or the tadpole is giving him sunlight immunity. Insists he joins him because he wants revenge on whoevers behind the mindflayers.

-When Gale tries to one up him with the arch mage stuff he flaunts his status as the prince of hell and says he could obliterate him with a thought.

-He does not like Wyll because Wyll is heroic and unnerved by his presence since he's a cambion.

-Same for Karlach, I think she'd try to fight him on sight, they're reluctant allies.

-Neutral on Lae'zel and Shadowheart but finds their squabbles mildly entertaining and irritating. Insists they fight it out in a longwinded rant about birth right which makes both women decide it's not worth the blood.

-Auvandeor doesn't like Gale at first because he smells like divine entanglement, but is interested as soon as he hears of the orb.

-He doesn't really play by their standards of normalcy and walks around naked in camp often. (Normally this would annoy people but Auvan is nice to look at.)

-He's gay but not bothered by women seeing him naked as long as they don't see nudity as an invitation, he's just comfortable being nude casually.

-Very casual about sex, suggests a threesome to Gale and Astarion at some point, says he'll blow their minds quite literally if they're feeling up to it.

-Wizard, of course he's a bit high on himself.

-if asked why he doesn't use the daddy card, he pretty much states that he's not going to bring shame on papa's name and he can solve his own problems.

-Hates Raphael, they know each other. (They have also hatefucked in the past) Raphael is very amused by his predicament, but Auvan states if he could remove the tadpoles, he would've done it himself. Therefore there's no way Raphael can do it.

- Superiority complex. He's annoying about it sometimes.

-Clearly hasn't gotten out much. Very unfamiliar with faerun outside of books.

-Gale would be entertained by teaching him basic things like cooking.. Auvan is spoiled.

-Does not Like Mizora, does not care about Mizora. When she appears she seems to know him, but he doesn't know her. It becomes a ''who dis?'' Kind of back and forth.

-Of course, very good at demon stuff, so he could help Wyll with his contract problems easily.

-Lets Shadowheart kill Aylin purely because she is an Aasimar and he gets a yikes ew feeling when they meet her.

-Doesn't sign a deal with Raphael, just tricks him into giving him the Hammer with an IOU kinda deal. Y'know, cuz this wizard has connections.. Called nepotism.

-No Gale god, suggests Gale use the orb to become a devil instead cuz it's kind of the same just better with more freedom, Asmodeus would probably enjoy a new archdevil entering the field. Gale decides maybe godhood isn't for him.

-I don't think he romances anyone, just becomes friends with benefits with Astarion/Gale. Auvan is on the demiromantic spectrum of sorts.

-Only does ''good'' things when the party convinces him to after lots of complaining.

-To his dismay, turns into a Human or Tiefling form whenever they have to interact with crowds of people. He gets twink sized. When asked why, his cambion form is basically ''short and petite'' to the average cambion and devil.

-Helps Wyll / Karlach out when they're going back into hell because at this point he respects them. I wouldn't call them close friends, but they can get along.

Yeah. Let's be happy he's not my canon Tav. He'd be so chaotic.

If you have any questions for him, let me know.

[mediterraneanmenace]

[I send you a pestilence such as the world has never seen. Your rivers will turn into blood and plague will seep into your sleep, into your dreams...] [... And when hope has been whittled down to the very marrow of despair, that's when you'll come knocking on our door]

It's done, finally. The "cover art" for my BG3 prequel. (Also fun fact: Raksha is 7'1". I just like drawing Cambion!Raphael big)

A Holy Inquisitor and a Devil. Sacred and Profane. AKA how these two will start as a loving couple only to end up in a spiral of mutual destruction.

Buckle up, we go into a lengthy character analysis below.

The reason he got attracted to her in the first place is pure, unfiltered narcissism: he saw himself in her ego, her ambition and personality. Said attraction turned into affection and eventually love when she told him about her past - mirrors of each other. Raphael also becomes very protective with Raksha - to a fault.

(This will be explained further in the story itself) Raksha herself was happy to find someone who wouldn't look at her with fear (reverential or not) and that would enjoy watching the operas/theatre plays she loves.

They're similar but opposites: one being the literal son of one of Hell's Archdevils and the other a messianic archetype who unknowingly has Archdevil blood (Baalzebul's) herself - close enough to be relevant but NOT enough for her to be a Cambion.

Raksha was adopted and raised by a strict archdeacon in a cathedral as proof that he could "turn a devil into a saint", so you can already guess her views on things like sexuality (she and her companions have a literal vow of chastity going on).

She demonizes sexuality and doesn't live her attraction to Raphael well (let alone when she finds out he's a Cambion. Girl was ready to break her vow for him). But he does help her to get a more healthy view on intimate stuff. :)

Raksha "sends the plagues" (spells like Contagion and Insect Plague) to villages that - according to her or the religious institutions that call for her help - need the divine help of Ilmater to purify themselves from their sins. Her idea is that, if you survive, you have successfully repented. Of course, some people would rather make a deal with someone like Raphael to live than trust the divine forces that put them through such torment.

In the piece you can see how it's Raphael sneaking a hand under her shirt and holding her tail with his - she's *trying* to appear as the virtuous one resisting temptation but is actually smiling complicit. The uncensored piece is a bit more... Explicit about it. [ You can find it on my 18+ Twitter @/paprikadust :) ]

Raksha is young (she's 23, 24 when they marry) and never had a relationship before, so she mistakes his possessiveness for love until she finally snaps (a big factor for this is finding out about Hope), escapes and goes into hiding after 6 years together. Raphael being himself of course becomes absolutely obsessed to find his wife. (I mean, before actually even talking to her, he stalked Raksha for 4 years. From 19 to 23)

Also I'm not a fan of people forgetting about what he did to Hope. I think he's actually quite dominant with Raksha in bed and does have servants checking on her whenever he can't be close enough to control what she does.

The prequel ends as the events of Baldur's Gate 3 take place.

Also closeup. :D

[bonesandquills]

Little Star

Chapter Three: Blade and Bane of Avernus

The heat of Avernus was nearly unbearable as you stepped through the portal as you stepped through the portal, which closed up behind you. 

        No turning back now. 

        Astarion wrinkled his nose at the smell of sulfur and brimstone, brushing ash off his embroidered leather armor. "Gods. what a mess. Let's make this quick." 

        Wyll laughed slightly, appreciating the chance to lighten the mood. He knew Karlach's metaphorical heart was breaking all over again, having to come back to this place she'd fought so hard to escape. This time, though, with a few friends, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. 

        "'Fast' may be a tad hopeful, my friend," he said, grinning over at the pouting vampire. "But I agree with the sentiment. Let's get moving." 

        Shadowheart sighed and brushed away the beads of sweat that had already started to form on her forehead. You'd managed to convince her to join you on your little adventure, reasoning that a cleric would be helpful in the literal Hells. She hadn't quite agreed with you, but she'd decided to tag along anyway. You knew she cared about Karlach as much as you did, and this chance to help the one-horned tiefling was worth whatever discomfort, or downright agony, Avernus was going to inflict on you all. 

         Karlach hadn't been exaggerating about the sheer number of forces Zariel sent her way. It seemed almost endless... waves of imps and abishai and other devils sent to kill you and bring Karlach back to the Archdevil. 

        "On your left!" You shouted to Wyll, who quickly rolled to the side and out of the way of a ball of fire hurled by one of the imps. The waves had finally lessened, somewhat, and you hoped that if you managed to live through this last one, maybe you'd get a chance to rest and make camp. 

        Hopefully. 

        You threw every last bit of energy you had into your weapon and magic, watching as the ground became progressively more covered with sticky black ichor as more and more devils fell.

        Shadowheart darted through the battlefield, sending healing spells and guiding rays as fast as she could mutter the incantations as she struggled to keep you all alive. It seemed just as soon as the healing touched you, sparked life back into your body, another imp would slash at you and open the wounds over again. 

        After what seemed like hours, maybe days, of the endless, stalemated fight, it finally seemed like things were turning in your favor. Less and less imps were flying in, and most of the cambions lay still on the ground, their ember-red eyes now blank and empty as the last vestiges of lifeblood left them. 

        Finally, with a deft upward slash of his simple black daggers, Astarion stepped back to let the final devil crumple to the ground and gasp weakly for air before stilling entirely. His nose was wrinkled in disgust, and some of the demon's black blood had gotten into his hair, dripping from the silvery curls onto his embroidered armor. 

        "Oh for Gods' sakes... I'm never going to get this out." 

        You wanted to laugh, but you were too tired. Karlach slowly lowered her battleax to the ground, though she kept her eyes on the fiery red horizon, making sure that was truly the last of them. 

        "I think that's it for this wave, soldiers," she said, glancing over at you. "It'll take a while for her to get another wave gathered. I think it's time to make camp." 

        None of you protested. Every one of your muscles ached, and you were struggling to keep yourself on your own two feet. Wyll, Astarion, and Shadowheart didn't look much better.

        As you all followed Karlach to what she deemed a safe place to rest, you couldn't help but admit that it felt nice for someone else to be in charge, for once. You'd spent the entirety of the journey to remove the tadpoles as the unofficial appointed leader, and most of the decisions and actions regarding your quest had fallen to you. Not that you had really minded, but it did feel nice for you to not bear the responsibility of the party. 

        Wyll looked over at you with a thoughtful glance. "When do you think we'll bump into Mizora?" 

        "Hmm," you hummed thoughtfully. "I'm not sure. Probably not for as long as she can get away with. I don't think she's too happy with us." 

        "Good," Wyll remarked with a furrowed brow and venom in his tone. "I hope she's shaking in her boots." 

        "I don't know if that's something Mizora does," I said with a slight smile. "But I'll agree with you." 

        There was no lost love between Wyll and his former patron. Though Wyll no longer had his warlock powers due to his shattered contract with the cambion, he'd much rather take the loss of most of his magic over being bound to her for the rest of his life. You'd even helped him save his father, despite what the agreement with her had been, and for that he was eternally grateful. Being able to explain to the Duke why he'd made a deal with the devil, why he'd been eventually become one, did more to heal his soul than anything ever had. 

        He'd sworn his loyalty to you then, both as a friend and the Blade of Avernus, though he knew that it could never truly repay all that you'd done for him. 

        Finally, you came to a secluded spot, a cave set deep in the recess of some of the jagged cliffs and hills of volcanic rock that made up Avernus' landscape. It offered a good view of the skies, which would be helpful when you were inevitably attacked again. 

        The walk along the charred and hellish ground was tedious, at best. Sharp obsidian and crystal jutted up from the ground, nearly slicing through your boots as you walked. Fire seemed to rain from the sky, crashing into the ground with grand, wanton destruction. Still, the cave would hopefully keep you safe from the most unsavory parts of Avernus' unique weather, though you couldn't help but wonder the whole time you were setting up your bedroll if the entire place was about to collapse down onto you. 

        Finally, you managed to settle into a companionable silence as the others finished setting up their own bedrolls. If not for the obvious lack of Lae'zel and Gale... You might have felt you were still back on your old adventure, this ragtag band of outcasts and unlikely companions that had been brought together by a common goal. 

        It was nice... Not that you missed the tadpole that squirmed ceaselessly in your brain, of course, but the thought that, if things had gone differently, you might not have met any of them... 

        Might not have met Astarion. 

        You glanced over at the roguish elf, thinking about what might have been. Would he have managed to kill Cazador on his own, or would he have been recaptured, sacrificed in the profane ritual that would have ascended his cruel master to something nigh unstoppable? 

        ... What if you hadn't managed to talk him out of going through the ritual himself? What if he had sacrificed those thousands of spawn, become something so similar to Cazador that you would've never been sure if it was the same man you'd fallen in love with? 

        You tried to shake the thought away and rummaged in your traveling pack, finding the book you were looking for and pulling it out onto your lap. The title was embossed in elvish and the cover was a dull leather brown, rather unassuming and plain. Yet it was the most valuable thing you had as far as researching possible cures to Astarion's condition. 

        Wish spells were a solid option, but the scarcity of their scrolls or wizards who were powerful enough to cast them made it very unlikely the two of you would ever stumble across one. So you'd turned to other options, leading you to find the book while browsing in the city. 

        It held a history of Elven High Magic, ancient rituals and rites that held some of the most powerful spells in all of history, considered nearly a myth now among commonfolk. One of them, found in an extensive list titled the "Rituals of Complement," was one that caught your eye. Suyoll, the Revival. 

        High Mages were said  to be nearly extinct now, with only a few remaining scattered about the realms. Finding them and convincing them to perform the ritual might be more difficult than finding a Wish Spell, you mused as you turned the pages of the book, but the idea had its appeal and intrigue.

        You glanced at Astarion, curious. He had told you one night that he had been turned very young, when he was only about thirty. For a high elf, who could live to about 750, he'd barely begun his life when it had been taken from him. Not even old enough to gain his adult name, he'd admitted bitterly. What other parts of his culture had he missed out on, you wondered, and did it matter to him that he had? 

        He must have felt your eyes on him, because he suddenly straightened and turned to you, a questioning expression on his face. You paused for a moment before looking back down at the book, not sure you could put your thoughts into words should he ask. 

         Not one to be ignored, however, he came over to you anyway. 

        "Tell me, are you regretting your choice now?" he said with a slight smile, sitting next to you on your bedroll and leaning back slightly. "Or is that insufferable moral compass of yours still pointing steadfastly on the straight and narrow?"  

        "My moral compass is fine, thank you," you murmured, not looking back up from the book. "How's yours?" 

        "You don't want to know," he replied, leaning over to see the book you were reading. "What's this?" 

        "Something on Elven High Magic," you said, sighing slightly. "Something that might help us." 

        "The Revival," he read the title of the chapter, and gave a bitter laugh. "Good luck. High Mages are a pretentious and stubborn lot, not likely to help an outsider. That's even if we could even find a group that still practices."

       You raised an eyebrow and looked at him. "Pretentious and stubborn. Sounds like an elf I know." 

        He gave you a look. "I am charming and witty. Not to mention beautiful." 

        "You can be all those things and still be pretentious and stubborn." 

        He huffed but didn't have a good answer, so he settled for a pained, dramatic sigh. 

        "Anyway, I know it's a long shot, but so are most of the other things we've come across. It's just something worth considering." You closed the book and set it aside, turning your gaze instead to the fiery sky outside. 

        His expression softened and he looked at you for a moment. "Thank you, anyway. I... appreciate it." 

        "You'd better," you teased him. "I paid way too much for that book." 

        "If only you knew a dashingly clever and skilled rogue who could have helped steal it for you," he said dryly. "All you had to do was ask." 

        "I wasn't going to steal it, Astarion." 

        He pouted slightly. "Well that's no fun now, is it?" 

        You laughed slightly and looked back at him, and though his tone was slightly patronizing you could see he was looking at you fondly, a smile playing at his mouth. Typical Astarion. 

        "Was there something you needed, or did you just come to disturb my peace?" 

        "Well, darling, you know I can't stay away from you for long," he replied with a subtle lilt in his voice. "I thought perhaps you might want to join me tonight." 

        You usually didn't automatically join Astarion for bed unless he asked, which was most of the time. There were nights, however, where the lingering self-revulsion at what Cazador had made of him was too strong, the tainted feel of being so close to someone too painful, and he didn't feel quite comfortable sharing a bed with you. You didn't mind. 

        "Everyone heals in different ways," you had said to him the first night he had asked you to stay alone. "I'm always here if you need me." 

        And that had been it. No persuading, no bargaining, no guilt-tripping. 

        He had appreciated it more than you knew. He had struggled that night to muster the courage to ask you if he could be left alone for a while, worried you might take it the wrong way. That you might have thought he didn't love you, or that he was just using you again. 

        To his immense surprise and relief, you hadn't done any of that. You had nodded, not pressed, and asked if there was anything else he needed. He had paused, not sure where to go from that point. 

        "It's not you, my sweet, I promise," He told you, gently taking your hands and holding them to his chest. "I... just would rather be alone tonight."

        "I know, Astarion," You had comforted him, smiling quietly at his worried expression. "I'll be right here when you feel ready to come back." 

        He perhaps hadn't shown you enough how much that little gesture made to him. That you hadn't prodded him with questions, hadn't tried to convince him to join you for bed, hadn't been offended. 

        He loved you for that. 

        He snapped out of his thoughts as you gently nudged your shoulder against his. "Hey, you still there?" 

        He shook his head slightly and looked at you with an easy smile. "Sorry, darling, what did you say?" 

        "I said I would love to," you said, rolling your eyes. "But if you can't be bothered to listen to the answer..." 

        He grinned and shook his head. "We both know you couldn't resist an offer like that. I'm too alluring." 

        "Sure," you said, laughing. "But it might be too hot for cuddling." 

        He looked at you incredulously. He was, by nature, devoid of body heat and warmth. You often found yourself shivering while you lay curled up next to him, often to his dismay and distress. He wanted desperately to keep you warm and comfortable in his embrace, like any other living lover could, but that one thing was beyond his abilities.  The best he could do was pull the blankets closer around you, and hope that your body heat would eventually warm up his cold body enough that you wouldn't feel so uncomfortable. 

        And yet, when he was comfortable with it, you still clung to him every night, braving the chill and shivering, simply for the sake of loving him. 

        He got to his feet and held out his hand to you. "Come on," he said with a charming smile. "I can't tell if it's day or night in this gods-forsaken place, and who knows how much time we have left to sleep." 

        You nodded and took his hand, grabbing one end of your bedroll and dragging it over to lay next to his. He glanced over at the others, but they paid you no attention as you settled into the soft leather and fur of the bedroll. He spared you one last loving look before he laid down himself, closing his eyes and preparing to enter his trance. Before he slipped into the meditation, he felt your arm reach over and entwine one hand with his, your way of keeping close to him even as the two of you rested. 

        He didn't have any trouble focusing on his trance after that. 

        Karlach roused you all after what felt like only a few hours rest. You wearily sat up and started gathering your pack, and she gave you an apologetic look. 

        "Sorry, soldier, but we can't stay in one place for too long, or they'll find us," Karlach said as she hoisted her own pack and battleax onto her shoulder. 

        "Somehow," you sighed, looking over at Astarion, who was, rather reluctantly, packing away his bedroll. You sighed and looked back at Karlach, who lacked her usual upbeat energy. You didn't blame her... being back in this place when you'd had just a breath of fresh air, a small bit of home, was likely to drive anyone mad. You gently placed your hand on her shoulder, feeling the heat radiating off her skin even in a place as hot as Avernus. It wasn't intolerable, though, so you kept it there.

        "Hey," you said with a small smile. "We're getting closer." 

        "That's right," Shadowheart quipped as she finished gathering her things. "We have the blueprint, the map, and Mizora on our side, even if she's a bit... unwilling. This is the closest we've ever been to getting your engine fixed." 

        Karlach seemed to brighten a little at that. "Thanks... that helps. I'm just so damned tired of this place." 

        "I know," you said, trying to instill as much comfort as you could. "But we're going to get you out of here. We’ve done harder things than just breaking into a forge." You gave her a half smile. "Remember Raphael?" 

        She grinned widely at you. "Nothing like killing a devil in their own house, huh? The bastard didn't see it coming." 

        “That’s right. It’s just another fiend… and we don’t even have to kill this one.” 

        Karlach smiled but sighed. “Good, because I don’t think we could if we had to.”

        “Hey, don’t sell us short,” you said with a tired smile. “We took out a godsdamned Netherbrain. That wasn’t easy.”

        The tiefling shook her head and lightly bumped her shoulder against yours. “Yes, but this is Zariel. And Archduke. If we killed her, the Blood War could take some scary turns.” 

        The Blood War. And ancient and long-living war that raged between the devils of the Hells and the demons of the Abyss, one that often dragged mortal innocents like Karlach or Zevlor into its bloody butchery. The killing of someone so deeply involved, like Zariel, could turn the tides in unimaginable ways, ones that might not be so favorable for the mortals of Faerûn. There were enough souls being lost as it was with the use of Soul Coins to power the infernal machines of the Hells, you didn’t need to be responsible for any more of that. You’d heard stories of a group of travelers that had descended into the Hells, gone after Zariel’s Sword, but nothing after that. 

        You knew only from Zevlor that Elturel had just managed to release itself from the Hells, but you hadn’t pressed him much further. The details didn‘t really matter, anyhow. The only goal you had now was to get into the forge, and get Karlach an engine that wasn’t so keen to blow itself up. 

         Karlach seemed a little more cheerful after your little chat, as you traveled along. The burning hot air of Avernus and the fires that poured off smoke and sulfur made it hard to talk and walk at the same time, so you remained mostly in companionable silence. That is, you were silent until you were met with a sudden form materializing in front of you. Whether welcome or not remained to be seen. 

        There was no need for flashy, fiery portals when you were already in the Hells, but Mizora seemed to enjoy making a grand entrance anyway. She appeared in front of your group with a flash of red light, unfurling her wings and stretching out with a sigh. 

        “Ah, my dear friends,” she said with a devilish smile. “I’m so glad that I ran into you.” 

        Karlach scowled and moved a little closer to Wyll, who took her hand reassuringly. Astarion wrinkled his nose and moved a little closer, putting himself between you and the cambion. You couldn’t help but smile and shake your head slightly. He knew you could take care of yourself, but it felt nice sometimes to be a little protective. Shadowheart, not very discretely, summoned a glowing white flame in her hands and held it, ready to launch at Mizora should she try something unexpected. 

        “Tsk tsk,” Mizora clicked her tongue. “Not exactly the warm welcome I’d expect from such… renown heroes.” 

        “I’d hope you’re here to help,” you said sternly. “And not just here to worm your way out of things.”

        ”Such little faith!” She said with mock indignation. “I made a deal and I intend to keep it.”

        You doubted that, but she was your best bet right now, so you nodded and stepped away from Astarion’s protective presence. “Fine. Tell us what we need to do.”

        “First,” Mizora said aridly. “We have to get you a new look. You’d never even get through the doors looking like that.”

        Astarion looked a tad offended, and Shadowheart narrowed her eyes. “What exactly does she mean by that…?” 

        “Of course, Wyll, you can stay the delightful fiend you are, but your friends will need a little help,” she said with a grand gesture to all of you. “They look oh so painfully mortal.

        You stared at the cambion for a moment before it clicked. “You really don’t mean-“ 

        “Devils, dear,” Mizora said with a gleam in her eye. “And you’ll blend right in.” 

        “You can’t seriously expect me to let you turn us into devils,” you said incredulously. “We all saw what you did to Wyll!”

        ”Wyll broke a term of his contract, naughty thing,” Mizora pouted, flipping her hair back over her shoulder. “This will only be temporary.” 

        You looked off thoughtfully, glancing at the others to see what they thought. Astarion gave a pained sigh and looked at you. 

        “I’ll do it, but if I end up looking like a bloody infernal forever, I swear to the Gods I’ll hunt down the harlot myself. I’m far too gorgeous to end up looking like Wyll.”

        ”Hey!” 

        Astarion ignored the warlock’s indignation. You looked at Shadowheart and Karlach, both who nodded. 

        “Thank you, soldier,” Karlach nodded slightly. “Let’s do it.”

To be continued…

[mediterraneanmenace]

I have talked about how Raphael’s initial attraction to Raksha was due to him projecting and seeing himself in her (for multiple reasons) BUT After she finds out he’s a Cambion she also does some degree of projecting, she literally goes “I can fix him” mode

(For context: she has Archdevil blood herself but not as direct as Raphael; Baalzebul is like her 3x grandpa. Distant enough to be barely relevant, she just appears as a particularly huge tiefling. She was found as an infant by an archdeacon who adopted her as proof he could “make even a devil repent”)

Raksha wants to give Raphael the same “occasion” she had, just like how he projects in her and wants her to have the love he so rarely felt in centuries of life. They bond over very similar experiences too and their relatives being rivals/enemies will probably end up causing troubles later on… ;)