"Is the problem with bringing in unapproved people something that could be fixed by me swearing an oath?" Is it just that they aren't used to dealing with Lawful people who can keep secrets, so Felicia didn't think of that, or is it a religious issue of not having the right mindset... "In any case, joining an independant party from your church might also be useful!

It's too bad you don't have better data. Our methods also involve pushing people to do difficult things. Real danger is not required, but real desperation is.

We sell wands, scrolls, castings, and copies, with prices by circle as listed. I don't know why anyone would buy a single casting of Fireball, but they could if they wanted! Maybe they need to test some armor? You can hire me for combat, although no one ever has, for the cost of all my spells for the day and additional money for the danger, to be negotiated case-by-case.

Our law is that if we save or spare someone's life, they belong to us. Even if they don't cooperate in life, we want to be able to send their soul to Marra, if they're Lawful Evil, which requires a mostly-intact body. This is especially useful if we acquire a devout Asmodean whose soul Marra can trade to Asmodeus for the soul of a lost Marran. So far this has only happened in isolated incidents, since Asmodeans do not currently have a systematic campaign against us, but it's only a matter of time before Marra becomes popular enough among Lawful Evil people that they realize we're a threat, and when that happens, they will be limited to fighting us with clerics, soulsold, or people they don't mind exposing to our 'heresy'.

Also, in some cities, a fight where no one dies breaks fewer laws.

Marra gives Her clerics the specialized spell for summoning cantors, and a first-circle version of Detect Thoughts limited to touch. If She has other spells, they're secret. In life, she focused on using ordinary mindreading and pain to train people to think properly and grow their skills."

"Yes. You would simply be told not to talk about anything you observed about our headquarters. However, even if you were a Lawful outsider, it would take a massive change on our part to let you into our inner fastness just like that. We respect oaths – we still consider breaking your word to be bad – but we only swear to time-bounded oaths, or oaths with exit clauses and conditions. We would never swear to or expect someone to swear to an unbounded oath that could last even after death, such as this secrecy oath.

It's possible that you could adventure with me in the future. After I'm done with my mission here, I've been planning on staying away from the church for a while and perhaps living here. It's so warm and pleasant. I've lived my whole life in cold countries. You're permitted to work for the church and leave as you please once you're soulsold or ordained, but only in between missions.

Fascinating! I did not know that Marra traded with Asmodeus for souls like that. Is it a one-to-one ratio, or are some souls valued more than others? I wish you the best in your campaign against Asmodeus. If our churches make a deal to become allies, we would likely sell you magic arms and armor at very favorable prices."

Eagle's Splendor wears off. She should probably leave soon so she doesn't say something untoward without its enhancement.

"I don't know the exact terms of Marra and Asmodeus's deal. When She ascended She sent a vision to Her first cleric confirming that Her plan to work something out with Him had succeeded, and describing our funeral rites, that's all.

What is your church's stance on Asmodeus?"

She looks back to steal a glance at the outside.

"Sadly, I must be going soon. But I'll answer your question before I go.

We are taught a lot about Asmodeus and Asmodean theology in seminary because it plays a key role in the development of Damian and Conrad. They were born and raised in Infernal Cheliax, and trained and fought as their wizards at the Worldwound. We find Asmodeus's policies appalling, although we are not in direct conflict with them. Like with you, we expect that as our churches expand, we would conflict with them because we would want to 'rescue' worthy people from their grasp and let them try living like us.

It's important to us that initiates be given a clear and unvarnished view of what life is like in the church before joining us, but Asmodeus deceives His own followers. Further, Asmodeus approves of torture to reform and correct behavior, but we prefer to use milder methods. Asmodeus also expects people to just tolerate pain and pay no attention to it, but Damian wants His followers to have a comfortable life. There are more issues, but those are the main ones. The Conradians have a similar but slightly different set of complaints. Their chief complaint is that Asmodeus is interested in keeping His followers weak, so that they can be controlled, whereas Conrad wishes for all His followers to grow to their fullest strength."

She bows deeply again, but for a shorter while.

"It has been nice talking to you. I look forward to seeing you again soon."

She takes the items she bought, which had been left on the table, with her.

Aww, they were just about to have a fun conversation about the uses of negative reinforcement!

Tos said the other guy left the conversation abruptly, too, huh.