The Corruption of Devils and the Protection of the Soul By Brother Thelonious First Draft, 22nd Hammer 152

The Devil Lords of this place surround us with danger. Their goal is to corrupt our souls and drag us into the deeper layers of Hell to be used as soldiers in their Blood war. Their power is present but limited here, and we have a chance for survival. Their minions take many forms; many of these are not immediately obvious. Know that it is impossible to rid this place of the Devils or their influence. Any attempt to do so only distracts us from our true mission: to seek Eternal Paradise. To fight the Devils or their minions will often play directly into the plans of the Devils themselves--by weakening one Devil, we aid its rivals. Instead, we must focus on protecting ourselves and only fight the devils and their minions who threaten our survival directly.

There are four known ways the Devils corrupt our souls: 1. Through hazards of the environment. There are many pitfalls and other hazards in the terrain that may hurt us, incapacitate us, or attract the attention of their minions to us. 2. By assaulting us physically. This is the most overt method of corruption and also the easiest to defend against. 3. By assaulting us mentally. These attacks are more devious than the previous because the Devils can often do this without touching us. Magic-using minions of the Devils often use mind assaults. 4. By using trickery and deceit to manipulate us. These attacks are the hardest to defend against as the Devils may often appear as friends, but make their true intentions known only when they strike at us.

To protect ourselves, we must do the following: 1. Step carefully and always be mindful of nearby hazards, so that we may avoid them. 2. Train physically to withstand or avoid physical attacks. Equip defenses that are represented here most commonly as armor, shields, and less commonly by potions that toughen the skin or help to avoid these attacks. Exercise regularly to develop the reflexes and increase fortitude. 3. Supplement our physical defense with mental conditioning. There are many magical spells and potions available that will also ward our minds. 4. Remain vigilant against those who would trick us. See and understand the world for what it is. Do not be fooled by the illusions your spirit or the Devils create.