Letters from Baator 14: Chains of Chaos

Department of Humanities

Psychology/Sociology Section

For: Chief Engineer

Subject: Hidden troopers

 The Baatezu don't like to talk about it. They prefer that it wasn't known at all. However there is an element in the Baatezu structure that's a blight to their perfection. The strain placed upon some of the Baatezu Blood War troops has seemed to fatigue them beyond any reasonable levels.

 In order to deal with the hardships of the war, these veterans are hidden from the eyes of the majority of the Baatezu race. The Dark Eight doesn't want it known that there are members of the race that have nearly gone over the edge from the imposing forces of chaos. Officially, these veterans are given a leave of absence.

 However, it's rumored that these Baatezu are taken to Nessus to be deprogrammed. No one knows what happens to these individuals, but when they are returned to the front lines, they are filled with a renewed vigor that gives their comrades a moral boost. These Baatezu are well known amongst the armies of Baator and are treated like celebrities.

 Even still, there are those Baatezu who don't survive the reprogramming or fully learn to overcome the taint of chaos. These mad individuals are hunted down if possible. However, there are a few that seem to slip through the cracks. Hunted by both Tanar'ri and Baatezu alike, they try to keep hidden, much like the risen fiends.

 The chains of chaos that bind these Baatezu rack their minds as much as it does their dark souls. One moment they may be in control, in others, they can be given over to fits or rage befitting of a Tanar'ri. These lost individuals work to free their mind if possible. Most commit suicide or attempt solo missions against the Tanar'ri fortresses. A few have given in to the chaos and joined the ranks of the Tanar'ri. In defecting, they take with them the secrets of Baator that they possess.

Xavierra Tempeste, Shaper 2