Non-devils and the Infernal Hierarchy: Can a non-devil become an infernal duke?

[Xuldarinar]

As the title really. Could a non-devil rise up in Hell's Hierarchy, and if so.. how far? Could a non-devil become an infernal duke?

What gave me the idea:

While not an individual reflected in Pathfinder, I was thinking about Arioch. He is clearly a Chaotic Evil entity, being a Lord of Chaos, yet he is also described as a Duke of Hell. That much got me thinking.

[Slithery D]

Mahathallah was a psychopomp usher (N psychopomp version of a Duke of Hell or Empyreal Lord) who became a Whore Queen (female subset of Dukes of Hell) by sweating allegiance to Asmodeus, so I'd say yes.

Also note that Barbatus is an "archdevil" and ruler of a layer of Hell but isn't (or wasn't orginally) actually a devil.

[Xuldarinar]

Slithery D wrote:

Mahathallah was a psychopomp usher (N psychopomp version of a Duke of Hell or Empyreal Lord) who became a Whore Queen (female subset of Dukes of Hell) by sweating allegiance to Asmodeus, so I'd say yes.

Also note that Barbatus is an "archdevil" and ruler of a layer of Hell but isn't (or wasn't orginally) actually a devil.

Thats good to know. Its arguable they become one, but being a devil isn't a prerequisite.

Barbatos.. I'd wager he was an entitu of Chaos before signing on with Asmodeus. A Qlippoth? A Demon? A creature of the tapestry? Who knows?

[GM Rednal]

Judging by the hood and the tentacles, I'm leaning Dark Tapestry. XD

[Xuldarinar]

GM Rednal wrote:

Judging by the hood and the tentacles, I'm leaning Dark Tapestry. XD

I would too.. And that possibly gives more credence to the idea that Asmodeus and Nyarlathotep are... associated.

[GM Rednal]

...Well, Barbatos is specifically described as having three red eyes, I think. That's a VERY Nyarl-y motif. XD And I believe Mephistopheles (who apparently IS Hell, or at least a part of it) distrusts him...

[Xuldarinar]

GM Rednal wrote:

...Well, Barbatos is specifically described as having three red eyes, I think. That's a VERY Nyarl-y motif. XD And I believe Mephistopheles (who apparently IS Hell, or at least a part of it) distrusts him...

As one fond of everything in the Dark Tapestry, suddenly I see an opportunity for a very interesting Hell Knight.

[Mavrickindigo]

My personal thought is that Barbatos is a Mind Flayer

[Ianesta]

Barbatos is a Baernaloth.

[Davia D]

A number of them were fallen celestials from back in the day as well.

Though a new joiner may have trouble getting as much sway as someone who came over in the early days- the hierarchy may have solidified more. Still, if you're *already* at that level, getting a high spot shouldn't be hard.

GM Rednal wrote:

Judging by the hood and the tentacles, I'm leaning Dark Tapestry. XD

Qlippoth'd fit pretty well too....

[MMCJawa]

Probably off base but I always like to consider him an ascended Dorvae, which he kind of resembles.

[W E Ray]

Yes, plenty of precedent, even on the Arch Devil list,....

Tiamat was the original D&D-published ruler of the First Circle of Hell, nicknamed the "dumb beast" pet of Asmodeus (by the other Arch Devils).

Monte Cook made a Night Hag the ruler of the Sixth Circle of Hell named Malagarde.