Stygian Council

The **Stygian Council**, also known as the **Infernal Council**, is a colossal gathering of demons in the Inferno.

## Overview

The Stygian Council consists of not only fallen angels assembling but also alongside many other demons of different hierarchical ranks such as dukes, princes, kings, and the emperor himself. The council was formed almost immediately after Lucifer and his army of fallen angels were cast out of Heaven for rebelling against God. While the demons of high ranks can freely debate, lesser demons like fallen angels simply sit aside and would hear out the words of their lords and masters, allowing them to freely debate to each other on whether to agree or disagree with their words.

The conversations within the Stygian Council can also have demon lords calling Hell a "den of shame", and that it would be deeply shameful for Satan and his lieutenants to simply accept their fate and remain there. The council can even question matters on a more personal or spiritual basis such as Asmodeus being uncertain if the fallen angels are immortal. If they are not, and the forces of Heaven defeat and kill them in battle, they will be "far happier than miserable to have eternal being" as outcasts in Hell.

## Description

Lucifer and Satan are depicted enthroned at the heart of the hall of their Palace of Pandemonium, at the centre of a rotunda filled with onlooking throngs of fallen angels, illuminated by the new technology of gaslight. Their thrones are placed atop a black hemisphere. Satan himself being behind him sat an inch lower on the throne, signifying his authority as the one true king of Hell. The Stygian Council is made up of millions of fallen angels and high ranking demons as well. The Seven Princes of Hell are also said to be sat by Lucifer and Satan, although they are positioned at a much lower section of the globe construct and placed in a circular manner around the globe itself.

Whenever the council is called to gather, it acts as more of an office where the demons can debate to one another upon what to do concerning matters that are occurring in Hell, the human world, and so forth. However, the council will only be called if these matters will affect them, their status along with their operations in Hell. Two advocate another attack on Heaven, albeit by very different methods, while two advise against it. The whole exchange can be read as a parody of the democratic process, as the fallen angels decide in the most nonviolent, "civilized" of manners to bring destruction down upon all mankind.

## Notable Members of the Stygian Council

* Lucifer - Potentate of Hell, Prince of Pride
* Satan - Co-Potentate of Hell, Prince of Wrath
* Beelzebub - Co-Potentate of Hell, Prince of Gluttony
* Lilith - Empress of Hell
* Asmodeus - Prince of Lust
* Livyatan - Prince of Envy
* Belphegor - Prince of Sloth
* Mammon - Prince of Greed
* Iblis - Lord of the Jinn
* Gothmog - Lord of the Balrogs
* Baal - Vassal King of Hell
* Paimon - Vassal King of Hell
* Beleth - Vassal King of Hell
* Purson - Vassal King of Hell
* Asmoday - Vassal King of Hell
* Vine - Vassal King of Hell
* Balam - Vassal King of Hell
* Zagan - Vassal King of Hell
* Belial - Vassal King of Hell,
* Berith - Secretary of Hell
* Astaroth - Duke of Infernal Matters
* Moloch - Lord of oaths and Shame
* Nergal - Pagan Deity turned Head of Secret Police
* Mulciber - Hell's Architect, Mammon's aide
* Barbatos - Duke of Hell, Astaroth's aide
* Aamon - Marquis of Hell, Astaroth's aide
* Rashaverak - Astaroth's aide
* Pruflas - Astaroth's aide
* Chemosh
* Orias
* Sargatanas
* Arioch
* Nisroch - Hell's master of cuisine
* Azazel
* Legion
* Dagan
* Aciel - Elector of Hell
* The rest of the Ars Goetia
* Lesser Demon Lords and Officials.