5: Soul Reclamation Subcommittee

Part 1: Subcommittee and Scrutiny

  Setup: The players are summoned by Bud-Loqur, who is overseeing the Soul Reclamation Subcommittee’s efforts to resolve the Tiamat case. The ICA is in damage-control mode after the celestials filed an official grievance, accusing the devils of gross mismanagement. With Tiamat’s contract invalidated, the celestials argue for her immediate release, claiming her imprisonment in Avernus was unlawful.
Key Events:
Subcommittee Hearings:
The players are tasked with assisting Bud-Loqur in defending the ICA’s position. They must help compile evidence proving that Tiamat’s imprisonment, while flawed, was necessary for the multiverse’s stability. The celestials argue that Margravine Zyxariel’s tampering reflects systemic issues within the ICA, weakening the devils’ case.
Investigating Tiamat's Role:
Players investigate the original contract’s terms, uncovering critical details about Tiamat’s destruction of mortal civilizations and her role in sowing chaos in the Material Plane. This investigation reveals ancient, hidden clauses within the Obsidian Archive that could bolster the ICA’s argument.
Celestial Meddling:
During their investigation, the players discover evidence that the celestials are not entirely altruistic. They find a secret celestial memorandum suggesting Tiamat’s release is a ploy to weaken Avernus, allowing celestial forces to gain greater influence in the Blood War. They must decide whether to reveal this to the tribunal later, knowing it could escalate hostilities between Heaven and Hell.

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Break: The players’ efforts culminate in preparing their case for the tribunal, with tensions rising as the celestials escalate their accusations. They are given time to strategize before the landmark trial begins.

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Part 2: The Trial of Tiamat

  Setup:
The Infernal Tribunal convenes in an opulent and terrifying courtroom in Avernus, filled with devils, celestials, and mortal observers. The players act as aides to Bud-Loqur, who leads the ICA’s prosecution. The celestial envoy argues for Tiamat’s release, claiming the ICA’s incompetence has invalidated any justification for her continued imprisonment. This trial is to be judged by the neutral Primordial Auravox 

Key Events:
Opening Arguments:
Bud-Loqur presents the ICA’s case, arguing that Tiamat’s release would destabilize the planes and that her imprisonment has served as a critical safeguard. The celestials counter, pointing to Margravine Zyxariel’s tampering as evidence of systemic mismanagement. They argue that Tiamat has served her time and should be released as a matter of cosmic justice.
Witness Testimonies:
The celestials call Bahamut, Tiamat’s eternal rival and the Dragon God of Good, as a surprise witness. Bahamut delivers a devastating critique of Tiamat’s actions and the ICA’s failures, but his testimony is conflicted. He expresses reluctance at the prospect of her freedom, fearing the havoc she may unleash. The players have the opportunity to cross-examine Bahamut, potentially revealing contradictions or biases in his testimony.
Closing Arguments:
The players present evidence of the celestials’ ulterior motives (if discovered in Part 1), undermining their claims of moral high ground. Bud-Loqur argues that Tiamat’s essence is integral to Avernus’s stability and that her release would embolden other imprisoned entities to challenge their contracts. The celestials appeal to the tribunal’s sense of fairness, highlighting the ICA’s flawed systems despite recent reforms.
Climactic Decision:
The tribunal’s verdict depends on the players’ performance during the trial:

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Victory for the ICA: Tiamat remains imprisoned in Avernus, with the players hailed as saviors of infernal order. They receive a powerful infernal boon, and Bud-Loqur promises them a place of prominence in future cases.
Celestial Victory: Tiamat is released into the Material Plane, with chaos erupting across the multiverse. The ICA’s reputation is tarnished, and Bud-Loqur warns the players that the repercussions will be dire.
Compromise: The tribunal rules that Tiamat’s essence must remain in Avernus, but her form is allowed limited freedom within specific constraints. This uneasy balance preserves stability but leaves both sides unsatisfied.

Adventure Notes:   This adventure emphasizes the players’ ability to navigate high-stakes diplomacy, uncover hidden truths, and influence cosmic events. The inclusion of Bahamut as a surprise witness adds dramatic weight, forcing the players to think on their feet as they confront an iconic figure in the multiverse. The outcome will shape the future of the ICA, Avernus, and the players’ standing within the infernal hierarchy.