Diaboliad

The Diaboliad is an ancient Volcan epic poem written by Xarxus. Written is diactylic hexameter, it follows the story of the Stygian War fought between the Infernal and Abysmal planes over the devil goddess Fierna of Styx.

Demon lords housed Fierna deep in the layers of the Abyss and after a long-fought battle, the raiding army devised a plan to infiltrate using a Stygian Beast that hid soldiers inside.

The Diaboliad is a key work in the history of diabology because it contains a systematic explanation of the nine circles of Hell, their dukes, the political machinations and workings of each circle, and it also contains elements of demonology in its recounting of demon lords of the Abyss and their nature.

Despite its literary merit, the Diaboliad is considered a banned book in Triadic nations.

## Synopsis

Devil armies crossed the treacherous Rift of Ichor, a kind of immaterial canyon of bloody darkness and insanity that kept the two planes separate. Invasions between the planes had always been conducted through other means before, portals usually. But the Rift was a theoretically crossable border.

## Structure of Hell and the Abyss

Xarxus recounts the strict structure and rigid caste system of the Nine Hells.

* Avernus, ruled by Archduchess Zariel
* Gehenna, ruled by Archduke Levistus, soul ticker on a building
* Minauros, ruled by Archduke Mammon
* Phlegethos, ruled by Archduke Rakdos, sort of Law and Order style judicial system
* Sadisto, ruled by Archduchess Fierna
* Malbolge, ruled by Archduchess Lucina
* Maladomini, ruled by Archduke Baalzebul
* Cania, ruled by Archduke Mephistopheles, it is the essence of emo
* Nessus, ruled by Asmodeus, Lord of the Nine

Pentacles are the currency of the Nine Hells, minted in Minauros from soulstuff

## Legions of the Damned

Xarxus describes the structure and culture of the devil army

## Traverse of Souls

Xarxus describes how souls traverse the Nine Hells.

Lemures are fished from the River Styx in a state of confusion. Roving bands of soulmongers patrol the riverbanks to harvest the newly created devils. On arrival, souls are processed in Minauros and recorded on the Soul Market before being distributed to whoever should claim them.

Nupperibos are next in line.

Imp

Spinagon (spined devils)

Merregon/barbazu, foot soldiers and shock troops

Hamatula (barbed devil)

Kyton (chain devil)

Osyluth (bone devil)

Cornugon (horned devil)/orthon

Erinyes

Narzugon/gelugon (ice devil)

Amnizu/pit fiend

Duke/duchess

Lords of the Nine

Rank-and-file devils have three ways of ascending through the ranks. There is a complex system of rules to quantify and recognize a devil's deeds.

Souls—Each time a devil signs a contract that pledges a mortal's soul to the Nine Hells, that devil receives a credit. Stronger souls are worth more than simple peasants.

Glory—All devils are required to fight in the Blood War. A devil receives credit for each foe it slays, based on the worthiness of the opponent and whether the devil scored the kill alone or with the help of others.

Treachery—Just as the law has complex rules for the promotion of devils under normal circumstances, it also includes contingencies for how to fill a sudden vacancy in the upper ranks. Vaulting into the position formerly occupied by one's superior is the fastest means of advancement

Mammon is high trader of the Soul Market