On gathering souls: The Guide

Excerpts from infernal scrolls, edited by Piu:

"In the Nine Hells, souls (particularly when refined into soul coins) are the primary currency and power source, sustaining infernal operations and serving as the bedrock of infernal status and trade. Soul coins are integral to Hell's economy and are the only true measure of wealth and influence across its layers. For lesser devils, such as imps, collecting valuable souls is often the sole path to promotion within Hell's rigid hierarchy.

Gathering souls, particularly for fueling the Endless War,must follow strict guidelines to ensure both legal and infernal compliance. The quality and value of a soul are paramount, with greater worth attributed to pure or powerful souls. The following principles outline the ideal methods for acquiring souls:

Valuable Souls: Souls of high purity (e.g., paladins, clerics) are highly prized, as are those of influential mortals (warriors, rulers, or renowned leaders). These souls bolster infernal power and status significantly in the Endless War.

Consent and Willingness: The soul must be offered freely, without coercion, duress, or threat. Contracts drawn under duress or manipulation are subject to severe legal disputes in Malbolge, often stalling infernal use for ages.

Contract Terms: Ideally, the mortal willingly requests the infernal boon, clearly specifying terms. The soul can be claimed immediately or after the mortal's death, with contracts binding on both sides.

Contract Format: While verbal soul contracts are permitted, they are highly susceptible to disputes and loopholes. Written contracts are therefore strongly preferred, as they provide clear terms and are much easier to enforce in the Nine Hells' courts."