Lady of Pain

The Lady of Pain is the mysterious ruler of Sigil. Very little is known of her, including her true appearance; she wears a long robe that conceals her entire body, and either a silver or golden mask depicting a feminine face with blade-like hair radiating out from it. Even her voice is unknown, as she only speaks through her servants. Though many have speculated that she is a deity, those who worship her are inevitably found dead with their skin flayed off. Though it is not uncommon for her to float through the city, usually with her attendants but sometimes alone, she ignores most attempts to communicate with her. Those foolish enough to press the issue and draw her gaze are afflicted with terrible wounds opening across their flesh; those who survive the experience describe it as like being slashed at by dozens of invisible blades.

Though her attendants readily accept petitions for an audience with her, such requests are rarely granted. The lucky few who have been granted an audience have described her as being polite and respectful, but also stern and unyielding in her decisions: once she has given her answer to a petitioner's request, she expects it to be honored wholeheartedly and without question. She has never been heard to speak herself; she seems to communicate telepathically with her attendants, who then convey her messages for her.

Though many theories abound as to her origins, the only thing that seems certain is that she is as old as Sigil itself, or very nearly so. While it is known that it is by her will that gods are forbidden to ever set foot in Sigil, there is some debate over whether they avoid the city willingly, or if there is some sort of magical effect actively preventing them from entering.