Why Brennan Chose Asmodeus For Calamity 

What other betrayer gods would you have wanted to see?

The twist of Vespin not even wanting to be the right hand of Asmodeus, with his original intentions being to usurp his godhood is genius.

That's a very practical explanation, but what's wild is that Brennan took this little unexplained tidbit in the lore and completely ran with it, his Asmodeus has so much nuance and relevance to the broader themes of ExU: Calamity -- the vanity of humans of the age thinking they could rival gods, the smoldering resentment his Asmodeus has for those he considers "beneath" him, etc. He folded Asmodeus' themes so well into this broader narrative that you would've sworn he picked the character for thematic reasons, but it seems it was the other way around.

Well, now I want a story of the betrayer gods being an adventuring group

Went and checked the guide.. Yep, Brennan made THE choice

This is why Asmodeus was the only already-existing deity who could accomplish this feat. Granted, this is Forgotten Realms lore, but Matt's pantheon is heavily influenced by both FR and Paizo's Golarion, after all. The Trial of Asmodeus, from Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes: Asmodeus is an unmatched strategist and orator. The most epic of all his achievements is chronicled in The Trial of Asmodeus, a play based on purportedly true events as researched by the aasimar bard Anodius. In ancient times, as the Blood War raged, the angels of law and good that dwell on Mount Celestia issued a decree accusing Asmodeus of terrible crimes. Outraged by such claims, the Lord of the Nine Hells petitioned for the right to answer the charges before his accusers. The angels, although shocked at his impudence, accepted his petition and agreed to hear the bargain he proposed. Both sides, he suggested, would present their case to Primus, leader of the modrons. As a creature of absolute law, Primus could be trusted to issue a fair and impartial verdict. Asmodeus drafted a contract to seal the deal, and the angels- after carefully scrutinizing the terms-agreed to the trial. When he testified before Primus, Asmodeus attributed his actions to the dictates of law and the survival of the cosmos. He admitted that he swayed mortals to evil, but he and his minions never breached a contract and explained the terms clearly. Had they not obeyed the rule of law in doing so? Was it not mortal ambition, rather than infernal deception, that led so many souls astray? Asmodeus also pointed out that the souls harvested from the Material Plane went on to serve in the infernal legions that repel the endless tide of the Abyss. Were not such souls put to good use against the demonic hordes, a power that if unchecked would scour the universe of all lawfulness and goodness? He further asserted that he was bound to the rules and traditions of the Nine Hells, compelled to adhere to law and to maintain the devils' trafficking in souls. If he violated those laws, he would be no better than the demons he fought. Mortals who refused a devil's offer were left alone, in accordance with the law. Those who struck deals with his followers and then somehow turned the contracts against the devils were freed from their debts. A contract is the law, and the law is a contract. Primus weighed Asmodeus's words and listened patiently as angel after angel testified to his crimes. Hours turned to days and days into weeks as more and more of his sins entered the court record. Even Primus's patience has its limits, and in time, the remaining angels who were eager to testify were told that only a few more would be allowed to speak. A brawl broke out when one angel, Zariel, pushed her way to the front and demanded to be heard. As the scuffle turned into a battle, Asmodeus looked on with a smirk. In the end, Primus declined to issue a definitive judgment. He rebuked the angels for their descent into infighting, but didn't punish Asmodeus for his evil ways. He did, however, order Asmodeus to forever carry a mighty artifact, the Ruby Rod, that would guarantee his adherence to law. The artifact, which has remained at Asmodeus's side ever since, grants him and his underlings the right to enter into contracts with mortals for their souls but unleashes an inescapable punishment upon any devil that breaches such a contract.

So Vespin became Hell Jesus, that's metal.

I'm so glad Brennan decided to go this route, at first I thought he was going to jump on the 'Morally Grey' train and make Asmodeus a relatable bad guy, I was very wary and lightly disappointed. Glad he was an evil bamboozler instead.

His Asmodeus voice is just so legendary. I get chills every time. I’m not scared easily but Brennan could easily trigger my flight or fight reflex

Love the answer to this!! It gives so much lore without spoilers to the world :) Great question

Both pronunciations of Asmodeus are correct

Glad he leaned into the lore instead of doing some wacky modern subversion. Calamity was a blast.

I don't know. I'm heading to TV Tropes on their discussion that led to Asmodeus getting the Magnificent Bastard award.

once Brennan comes in with the pronunciation, all I heard was "Amadeus Amadeus!"

Engagement for the engagement god! Subs for the sub throne!

Left hand I think actually. Oddly enough

I always forget that Asmodeus was made into a god in 5e. I still just see him as an impossibly powerful Devil that rivals the gods power.

quite interesting

Clearly the correct pronunciation of asmodeus is 'as-moose' :p

now i want to see a one shot where the party plays as the betrayer gods...

Welp, now that plot point has been spoiled before I started watching. Nice.

Na it lord of the hells is better do say it another way