I’ve been thinking a bit more about the demons that appeared in the Netflix adaptation of The Sandman.
Having a collection of demons can, in many ways, make it easier to convert them into In Nomine characters, because we can compare them against each other. I discussed them briefly last week, but here they are again. This will involve some spoilers, so if you are planning to watch The Sandman and haven’t done so yet, I’d suggest you do so before continuing.
In the grand scheme, the last 25 years have probably passed in what seems like 10 minutes to the Prince of Lust. Anyone who has been mounting him continuously for all that time might be up for a Word or noble elevation, but otherwise their deeds will need to have been noteworthy enough to have distracted him from (but not interrupted) his conquests for at least a quarter.
Jahi is a powerful Shedite of Lust who corrupts the minds and bodies of pure girls, filling them with lascivious thoughts, and making them fertile as grown women. She is the herald for Saleos, Duke of Fecundity, and welcome in most of the courts of Lust. Though only a Baron, she has the favor of at least three Dukes aside from her own, and can treat with the Angels of Creation, Dreams, and Animals without getting burned.
CW: this post deals with the sexuality and sexualization of minors.
Sabruss is Knight in service to the Demon of Anal Sex. Whether or not xe is actually responsible, Sabruss likes to take credit for the fact that anal sex is almost four times as common among teens and young adults who have taken chastity pledges as it is among the general populace.
During last month’s post on foods that outpriced gold I mentioned that I was considering a deep dive post on cattle as part of my project to pick out new Dukes of Gluttony. What I hadn’t fully realized is how much of a “grab bag” the post would be. Breeds, cuts, and preparations renown for their popularity, price, or flavor are all going to get at least a mention.
First Thing First
Cattle
“Cattle” itself is an interesting Word. At the moment it means “domesticated bovines,” but previously it was used interchangeably with livestock. This implies a Demon who was once much more powerful than they are today. Assuming this demon was old enough to have fought in the rebellion, my choir suggestions for animals would suggest that they are a fallen cherub.
However, that’s only relevant to this Word. Those that follow came into use or popularity after The Fall, so there isn’t a similar need to match band to choir.
In feudal England, an Esquire of the Body was equal parts valet, courtier, and bodyguard. They also had access to their lord’s private chambers, assisted in privy tasks, and acted as confidant. Many would go on to become notable lords in their own right, but some chose to pass up elevations to higher rank because they had greater influence, privilege, and luxury by living on as their lord’s personal squire. Techically Knights of the Body also existed (though it appears that they may just have been Esquires of the Soul who had been knighted), but since In Nomine‘s Distinctions are already complex to track, I think “Esquire of the Body” or rather “Esquire of the Soul” can be used no matter the rank.
Last month I decided to delve into the 42 Duchies of Shal-Mari. Because the Province is one big infernal city, I ended up styling the Duchies as Wards, Marches as major roads, Counties as city blocks, and Baronies as houses and storefronts. It’s not a perfect division, but for the sake of metaphor it works.
I have done my best to locate each destination from today’s post either in one of the 42 Wards, on their borders, or along the River Acheron (which flows through Shal-Mari by canon).
If you’re looking to change up your infernal politics, it might be worth considering whether any of the Principalities have changed over to parliamentary systems in their millennia of existence, and why.
As an aside, I’m shocked this is the first time I’ve mentioned Chris on this blog. Not only was he SJ Games’ Managing Editor, but his bookshop was practically my second home when I lived in Northampon.
Most Princes would clearly view the existence of a parliament as a sign of weakness. After all, a parliament can theoretically oppose, constrain, or even remove their monarch. Therefore the only Princes likely to let a parliament develop are those whose words are enhanced by its existence, those who prioritize their personal liberty to do as they please, and those who truly are (or were) weak and faced worse consequences if they did not accept a parliament.
Of course, if you’ve ever compared parliaments to strict monarchies the decision making process is much, much messier. If you’re looking for advice on how to run parliamentary politics in a role playing game, I would suggest Dynasties & Demagogues by Chris Aylott. It was designed for D&D 3rd ed, but many of the principles can be ported to other systems, including In Nomine.
Shal-Mari is a massive red-light district in the heart of hell. It is shared by no less than 7 Princes and has a population greater than several small countries. The idea of effective governance is ludicrous, and yet the region continues to grow and thrive.
Here are some of my thoughts on one way to make this happen.
Book of the Neglected 