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Archives of Nethys
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Viro Ahala

Viro Ahala was born in Egorian to a successful, but not ridiculously wealthy, merchant family. He was afforded quite a few advantages growing up: good schooling, delicious food, and copious free time for athletic or academic hobbies. He lived as the epitome of Chelaxian privilege, studying under very good (but not the best) tutors and lacking nothing. When Viro was nine, he saw Her Infernal Majestrix Abrogail Thrune II in person for the first time. His family was attending the public execution of several impudent halfling servants who'd dared protest against their masters. Abrogail Thrune also made an appearance, from the safety of a high balcony overlooking the square. Even from a distance, Viro could sense her imperious power; all those in attendance fell silent when she raised her hand to pronounce judgment on the criminals… until the protesters began to shout.

A small group of Egorian citizens were incensed at this execution, yelling that it was “unfair” and “barbaric.” The halflings' crimes were minor—just a little civil disobedience—and they didn't deserve death, according to the protesters. Their demonstration lasted less than five minutes, as a pair of heavily armored Hellknights pushed their way through the crowd and quickly beat the protesters into unconsciousness. With a nod from Abrogail, they were unceremoniously dragged onto the square's dais and summarily executed alongside the halflings. Right then, Viro Ahala knew what he wanted to do with his life.

He knew he would never rise to the same heights of power as Her Infernal Majestrix—his family's station and lineage saw to that—but being the ironclad fist wielded by such a person appealed to his young mind. He spent the next decade training his mind and his body. He read every book he could get his hands on about the history of the Hellknights and the ordered structure of Hell they sought to emulate. He found a lot to admire in those tomes and scrolls. “This is the way the world should be,” he soon thought. “The smartest and strongest should rule, and the rest should be grateful for such oversight.” When not studying, Viro exercised and practiced his martial prowess. He knew he would have to grow strong enough to wear the massive plate armor that's iconic to the Hellknight orders. His family fully supported this endeavor, as they too were ardent Thrune loyalists.

Eventually, Viro passed the trial to become a Hellknight armiger with the Order of the Rack. It was the proudest day of his life, even if it meant moving to Citadel Rivad near Westcrown. After another year of training, he began to impress his superiors and was stationed with other members of the order in Egorian, ready to crush any dissidence at might arise in the nation's capital. Now, Viro could be just like those Hellknights he witnessed in action over a decade ago.

All was well for months until the Godsrain and Abrogail Thrune's quest to claim any fallen pieces of Gorum's body, known as warshards. The Godsrain did little to affect the Hellknights at first. When rumors arose that a faction of rebels in Isger were gathering these very artifacts near the town of Breachill, the Order of Rack was assigned to occupy the area and root out those warshards. Viro was assigned to that company and worked ruthlessly to crush the spirits of Breachill's residents. He had no qualms about using violence against civilians or threatening their livelihoods; they were, after all, simple citizens, while he was someone above them. As he continued to distinguish himself, he knew he would soon become a full Hellknight.

Viro was present at the execution of Reginald Cormoth, though a veteran Hellknight had the honor of wielding the blade. At this point, Viro was certain that the spirit of any resistance was crushed and was surprised as any when Eagle Knights marched on the town, igniting the Battle of Hellknight Hill. Viro fought fervently alongside his comrades and was outside Citadel Altaerein when it was captured. To his chagrin, his regiment was routed by a troop of plucky soldiers allied with the Hellbreakers League, the very group his order was sent to Isger to eliminate. He and a few other Hellknights fled the area but were pursued by League rangers. Viro survived by cowering within an abandoned badger den.

When he emerged, Viro discovered the body of one of his superiors face down in a nearby stream. His mind afire with thoughts of vengeance, Viro stripped the corpse of its armor, taking it for himself. It didn't fit perfectly, too large and unyielding to his form, and it scratched at his neck as if telling him he wasn't yet worthy of it. He told himself he would earn the right to wear it by crushing the Hellbreakers League, but for now, he would use its authority to enact a devious plan.

Campaign Role

Working with the Sisterhood of the Golden Erinys, Viro Ahala serves as the main antagonist for Chapters 2 and 3. The sting of losing at the Battle of Hellknight Hill remains with him, and he blames the Hellbreakers League. Their impudence must be punished. And what better way to do so than to summon a devil to help him enact his revenge? Thanks to a tome he finds with the help of the sisters, Viro has access to a ritual that can summon a powerful devil to empower him to finally put an end to the Hellbreakers. His plans have him moving deep into the Chitterwood, where a source of primal magic in the Stagfall Caves makes the perfect setting for a magic ritual.

The PCs learn of his involvement by the end of Chapter 2 and must track him through the Chitterwood in Chapter 3. By the end of their exploration of Stagfall Caves, the PCs have likely slain Viro, who's too much of a zealot to surrender in a fight, especially with his plan so close to fruition.

However, that doesn't have to be the last the PCs see of Viro. Once his soul has been judged, he returns as a diabolic antagonist granted to Caeto Vulaunex in the later chapters of the adventure. At this point, his thirst for vengeance has only intensified, but now the PCs are the main focus of his ire!

Elite | Normal | Weak
Proficiency without Level

Print Stat Block

Elite Viro AhalaCreature 6

Unique Medium Human Humanoid 
Source Pathfinder #222: Hellbreakers pg. 247
Elite Changes are marked. The +2 damage bonus to non-strike offensive abilities (+4 if the ability is limited, such as spells) is NOT factored in.
Recall Knowledge DC 22 (32 if Unique applies) • Humanoid (Society)
Perception +14
Languages Common, Diabolic
Skills Athletics +15, Hell Lore +12, Intimidation +14, Society +12, Survival +14
Str +5, Dex +0, Con +4, Int +0, Wis +2, Cha +2
Items minor sturdy shield (Hardness 8, Hit Points 64, BT 32), crossbow (10 bolts), hellknight plate (full plate), longsword
AC 23 (25 with shield raised); Fort +17, Ref +11 (+12 vs. area effects), Will +14
HP 95; Resistances mental 4, piercing 4
Shield Block [reaction] Trigger Viro has his shield raised and takes damage from a physical attack; Effect Viro snaps his shield into place to deflect a blow. The shield prevents Viro from taking 8 damage. Viro and the shield each take any remaining damage, possibly breaking or destroying the shield.
Speed 20 feet
Melee [one-action] longsword +17 [+12/+7] (versatile P), Damage 1d8+2+7 slashingMelee [one-action] gauntlet +17 [+13/+9] (agile, free-hand), Damage 1d4+2+7 bludgeoningRanged [one-action] crossbow +13 [+8/+3] (range increment 120 feet), Damage 1d8+2+2 piercingPunishing Cut [two-actions] Viro makes a longsword Strike. This counts as two attacks for his multiple attack penalty. If the Strike hits, it deals an additional die of weapon damage and 1d4 persistent bleed damage.Shielded Charge [two-actions] Requirements Viro is wielding a shield; Effect Viro Raises his Shield and then Strides twice. If he ends his movement adjacent to a foe, that foe is off-guard to Viro's Strikes until the end of Viro's current turn.
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