Hellfire Compact question (contains spoilers)

[LucyG92]

My group is on part 2 of The Hellfire Compact and have just been asked to swear allegiance. They have questions. Firstly, can they 'quit' their new job at any time, and if they do, can their contract be considered void? Secondly, can the PC who is a Thrune Informant have Fex inform their employer of everything they're asked to do, so they don't end up doing stuff that he just wants them to do personally? Thirdly, can they add something like 'until my employment by the archbaron ceases' in the verbal agreement?

I think they're not trying to avoid swearing loyalty to the crown so much as Fex, who they think could betray the crown or be acting purely in his own interests.

I don't really know how flexible this is or how the archbaron should be reacting to this. I'm not the best GM.

[KujakuDM]

So the hellfire compact is swearing allegiance to Cheliax and the Queen more than anything else.

The Book wrote:

He explains that the vow is legally binding, but has no spiritual ramifications, despite the name, no clergy, deity, or devil is involved. The archbaron insists that the vow is little more than a formality, but one that the queen has commanded must be observed. Indeed, Fex himself has sworn the Hellfire Compact to reaffirm his own loyalty.

When they are ready, Fex instructs them, one at a time, to lay their hands upon the stone and recite the following: “I swear my absolute allegiance to Archbaron Darellus Fex, Her Infernal Majestrix Queen
Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and the Empire of Cheliax.”

In my opinion, the Oath is not fexes creation. It is for and from the government of Cheliax. They don't alter oaths without due cause or ability to get over on another. As such Fex wouldn't allow the PC's to just change it for no reason.

[KujakuDM]

My personal responses:
1. Can They "Quit": If they do so without proof that they were betrayed first, not without legal ramifications.
2. Informant: I'm not sure what is being asked here. Nothing in the oath says they cant pass information down the line if they want to.
3. Alter the oath: I doubt Fex would allow this. He needs them to be legally bound to him.

[Alni]

KujakuDM wrote:

My personal responses:

1. Can They "Quit": If they do so without proof that they were betrayed first, not without legal ramifications.
2. Informant: I'm not sure what is being asked here. Nothing in the oath says they cant pass information down the line if they want to.
3. Alter the oath: I doubt Fex would allow this. He needs them to be legally bound to him.

I agree with his. The oath is to House Thrune not Fex. If they think Fex is against the Thrunes they're free to hang him in the square. Also need to say...

YOUR PLAYERS ASKED QUESTIONS??? WoW! Wish mine had. :P