The Hells of Infernus

## Background

Infernus also known as the hells, is a plane of absolute order and institutional cruelty, where everything is organized into a strict caste system that has a very rigid chain of command. Unlike the demons of the Dread Abyss, the devils are highly organized in all their endeavours and unlike common misconceptions, they truly believe that what they are doing is for the good of all creation.

The hells are divided into nine layers, with different layers being under the rule of a specific infernal house. Each house has a specific role to play in the Blood War, and all of them plot and scheme amongst themselves in order to achieve the favour of the current sovereign, Asmodeus. In truth, politics play an essential part in day-to-day life in the hells, for reasons that are entirely unknown, for all their talk of being righteous paragons of order; negative emotions such as fear, hatred and self-loathing are inescapable in this realm.

There are many legends that speak of how the hells came to be, how the archdevils came to rule, and what drives their infernal war machines. Many scholars have devoted their lives to chronicling the history of this realm and its rulers, and many have delved too deeply for such knowledge, but no account is as detailed and as harrowing as the writings of Gaspar, The Insane, recorded within his tome, the Liber Infernum. Gaspar was a renowned ducal scholar, who is said to have delved into the hells where he dined with Asmodeus and was allowed to safely travel through them. What he gave in return for this opportunity is unknown, but the experience changed the scholar. It is said that when he returned, he came bearing the unholy tome and spoke only mad ravings for the rest of his life.

The Liber Infernum disappeared soon after, with only a few copies being made, none know however, where the original copy is, with the book occasionally appearing throughout key points in history only to disappear soon after. The history of Asmodeus is still unknown but the tome describes how the other archdevils were once holy angels, an order of solari forged within the realm of light in order to vanquish the darkness during the Astral War. After the Astral Fracture, they lost their link to the realm of light, and left with no purpose these beings of pure order began a harrowing descent into insanity. Desperate as they were, they were approached by Asmodeus who offered them a place in his new pantheon where they would be allowed to serve a higher purpose in his infernal legions. Asmodeus explained that the Astral War was over, but that creation would soon fall under threat from the chaos of the dread abyss. Those solari that accepted his offer would become archdevils, undergoing a process known as the Unmaking, forever transforming them into the archdevils that are known today. In time other celestials would undergo the unmaking, and become greater devils working directly under the archdevils, continuing to bolster the forces of Infernus. Each archdevil was granted rulership over an infernal house and tasked with overseeing the infernal legions.

Many theorize that the negative emotions that are so prevalent within Infernus are a side-effect of the unmaking with many of those that have fallen and lost their holy light hold a deep loathing for themselves and everything around them. This is due to their own nature, they truly believe that what they’re doing is the right thing, but their own being rejects that which they have become. It is this dissociation in their existence that leads to them possessing such strong negative emotions. Negative emotions that are present throughout the hells that they rule.

Traditionally, devils were depicted as wholly evil beings, with many drawing a false comparison to demons, even though in reality their goals and motivations are diametrically opposed. Understanding this, is key to actually understanding the cosmic struggle that is taking place.

Demons are akin to forces of nature, they are extreme emotions made manifest, they are driven solely by chaos and seek to plunge all realms into chaos and madness. Demon Lords are the most powerful of these beings, with many of them possessing powers that are close to those of higher deities. Lesser demons are aspects of these demon lords, with many of them possessing some similarities to the lord that spawned them. Whilst some greater demons do feed on souls, in reality, they do not need souls to replenish their numbers as they are sustained by the raw emotions that fuel them, making them an endless tide.

Devils on the other hand are far different, they are beings of pure order who believe that they alone are tasked with maintaining this order throughout the realms. Many of them believe that it is their divine duty to punish those that disrupt the balance and ensuring that evil does not spread. They don’t seek destruction without reason, instead preferring to rule and usher in a society where order reigns. The reason why I keep repeating the importance of order isn’t because devils respect order but rather to ensure that one understands that order is in their very being, to devils the idea of allowing anarchy and chaos to rule is inconceivable and something that they can’t allow. It is against their very nature to allow chaos to exist, in any form which brings in an inherent conflict with the idea of freedom. In the eyes of the archdevils, all mortals are just sheep that require guidance towards what they believe to be a perfect existence.

However, unlike demons their numbers are not endless, devils require souls to bolster their legions. Devils collect souls through various ways; from gathering the wayward souls of those that have led an evil life, or by enticing mortals into selling their souls through infernal contracts. These methods are what have led to the common depiction of devils tempting mortals throughout their lives, that being said however, it is important to note that a devil can’t lie in a contract, nor can they force someone to sign an infernal contract. The signature must be informed, and both parties must consent. When it comes to infernal contracts, the limits of what a devil can offer are determined by its status in the infernal hierarchy, but they most commonly tempt mortals with treasure and magic items.

A devil’s hatred for demons cannot be overstated, however, their most hated foes amongst the demonic hordes are the Demon Princes. The unmaking is a harrowing process for all angels, most lose their angelic glow and become devils, others however, descend into complete madness falling further into chaos and becoming demons. Demon Princes possess aspects of both demons and devils, they are not bound to any demon lord and are capable of higher thinking when compared to other lesser demons. They are also unafflicted by the negative emotions that plague other devils but are still capable of drafting their own twisted version of infernal contracts. Little is truly known about these contracts, but it is speculated that those transcendental laws that bind normal infernal contracts might not apply to these contracts, although this is unconfirmed.

Historically, devils have had strong ties with the tieflings of the easterlands, devils are considered to be their ancestors and work hand in hand with the magisters of the eastern alliance. In many cases, the devils reward these magisters with magical abilities so long as the magisters continue to provide them with a constant supply of souls to fuel their infernal war. Traditionally this was done through the sacrificing of slaves and offering of their souls, however, with the abolishment of slavery throughout most of the eastern alliance, this trade has begun to decline. It is important to note that the infernal presence amongst the eastern alliance is just a commonly accepted occurrence within that nation, although it is a point of contention amongst other nations.  Regardless, it is a known fact that the infernal houses, have a presence within the old Ta’Ventrian cities, with representatives from each house taking part in magisterial courts.

## Hierarchy in the Hells

The infernal hierarchy is an essential aspect of the hells, as it defines much of what drives infernal politics. Devils can increase in rank within the hierarchy either through the accumulation of soul coins or through their deeds and whilst there may be slight variations in the internal hierarchy between the individual layers, the central chain of command remains constant throughout.

At the lowest level of the infernal hierarchy lie the lemures and nupperibos, in fact one might easily say that they are not even part of the hierarchy at all, as they are not even considered to be devils. These are the souls of vile sinners who are still undergoing the process of reforging, the souls broken down and given a physical form that represents the ugliness within. Their only use within the hells is that of labourers and slaves, until such a time when they can be reforged into actual devils. The following table outlines the infernal hierarchy from lowest to highest, providing the role of each devil:

## The Lords of the Hells

The Hells are divided into various circular layers, with each one ruled by a particular archdevil, and each layer is moulded to fit the desires of that archdevil. Archdevils whilst powerful beings, are not deities, only one being possesses the power to be considered a deity, and that is the undisputed ruler of the hells, Asmodeus.

### Asmodeus, Lord of the Hells

Depictions of Asmodeus vary, some depict him as a being of pure light whose very presence fills those around him with a feeling of warmth and joy, seeing within his form a perfect being who many would strive to emulate. Other depictions describe a massive bestial figure with deep red skin and massive curled horns, whose very presence fills those around him with a need to supplicate themselves before him and see to his every whim. These are but two of the most common depictions, of which there are hundreds.

This is a common theme with Asmodeus, as none truly know who or what the lord of the hells is, all archdevils owe fealty to him, whether out of loyalty, or fear, they serve him tirelessly and yet none have seen his true form. He rules over the three bottom layers of the hells, where none are allowed entry, even other archdevils. There is scant little information on the first devil, and even the Liber Infernum held no information regarding the archdevil and his domain. His divine domains tend to centre around law, judgment and order.

### Qonhar, Lady of War

Depicted as a female humanoid with pale skin, that seems almost scorched, her wings bear only the faintest hints of their angelic origins, now ruined by flame they have taken a leatherier appearance. She is typically depicted as being clad in blackened plate that is bound by chains and a halo of fire burns atop her head. Her eyes glow with a white-hot rage, and her gaze ignites the rage of all mortals that catch it.

Qonhar is the archdevil that rules over the first layer of the hells and is in command of the House of War that directs the infernal legions in their war efforts against the demonic hordes. The House of War divides the legions along the planes, stamping out demonic incursions wherever they may occur, due to the fact that demonic incursions in the hells most commonly occur in the first layer, their base, the Brass Citadel has been constructed here and it within its walls that Qonhar marshals the legions. The wastelands are ruled by various warlords that owe fealty to Qonhar and work alongside her to lead the infernal legions in the blood war.

The first layer of the hells is a massive battlefield where demonic hordes clash against infernal legions, the volcanic landscape is dotted with massive obsidian bastions, each one housing contingents of devils that are ready to repulse demonic incursions at a moment’s notice. It is an inhospitable wasteland, where the sound of battle can be heard all around, from the clashing of legions to the dying screams of lost souls. Those that have visited this realm have described an overwhelming rage begin to fester inside them, overtaking them and eventually driving them to join the fray and face down the demonic hordes.

### Valzar, Lord of the Forge

Depicted as a humanoid figure clad in a suit of jagged plate that is bound in chains that seem to flail and thrash of their own volition. Not much can be seen of Valzar’s physical features, except for deep red eyes that peer through the slits of his obsidian helmet.

Valzar is the archdevil that rules over the second layer of the hells and is in command of the House of the Forge that oversees the armament of the infernal legions. From his seat within the Brimstone Forge, Valzar’s servants oversee the construction of countless suits of blackened plate; and hellforged weapons. In addition, the forgemaster also oversees the construction of various infernal war machines that patrol the wastelands of the first layer and provide the legions with a much-needed edge against the abyssal hordes.

The second layer of the hells is made up of various mountains that have been hollowed out and filled with massive forges that belch out endless plumes of smoke and ash that cover the sky. The largest settlement in this ring of hell is the Brimstone Forge, which is an endless maze of foundries and forges, the air is thick with the choking smell of smoke, and the streets are lined with a thick layer of ash.

### Diolohr, Lady of Shadows

Depicted as a humanoid figure with pale white skin that seems to glimmer with an alabaster sheen. She is garbed in a black cloak with chains digging into her shoulders and swirling down along her arms. Jagged horns sprout out of her head, like a blackened crown and two leathery wings sprout of her back, trailing shadow in their wake.

Diolohr is the archdevil that rules over the third layer of the hells and is in command of the House of Shadows that oversees the subtler aspects of the infernal legions. The House of Shadows produces the various assassins and spies that support the infernal legions during their assaults. Either through providing information regarding demonic movements or removing key figures (mortal or otherwise) that may be consorting with the forces of chaos and working against the interest of the hells.

The third layer of the hells is a massive desert of ground obsidian with basalt spires jutting out of the sands. Hovering above it is the Blackstone Tower, held tightly by massive chains that anchor it into the ground below. Its perimeter is constantly overseen by horned devils that circle along its exterior keeping an ever-vigilant eye for trespassers.

### Thamluhn, Lord of Chains

Thamluhn is depicted as a massive pit fiend with bright brown skin and jagged interlocking teeth. He has massive triangular wings and a long, spiked tail. His eyes glow a bright red as if fuelled by infernal balefire.

Thamluhn is the archdevil that rules over the fourth layer of the hells and is in command of the House of Chains. The House of Chains, oversees the flow of souls into the hells and then divides them between the other houses, with the House of War typically getting the lion’s share. The souls are divided depending on their value, with some souls being moulded and shaped to serve a new purpose. Those souls that are considered to be of little martial value are sent to the House of Commerce or House of the Forge, where they are used to create soul coins or fuel infernal war machines, respectively. The souls of those that have worked in favour of furthering anarchy and chaos, are forced to undergo atonement, and subjected to immense pain and suffering where their souls are given new forms to serve the legion.

The fourth layer of the hells is made up of rocky crags and jagged hills, a cold wind blows throughout the realm carrying with it the sorrowful cries of chained souls, corralled, and imprisoned within the various infernal slave camps that dot the ruined landscape.

### Qaibun, Lord of Commerce

Depicted as a humanoid figure with a form that seems to be everchanging, half of his body is a shining portrayal of his angelic heritage, the last vestige of his lost light, whilst the other half is as scarred, misshapen, and grotesque as the most hideous devil.

Qaibun rules over the House of Commerce, which oversees the manufacture and distribution of soul coins which are the main form of currency within the hells. Soul coins are also an indication of status used by various devils, with higher ranking devils amassing larger hordes of soul coins. That being said, the majority of soul coins are used to pay the various yugoloths that prowl the outer edges of the hells. These beings serve as mercenaries that bolster the infernal legions in their endless battles against the abyss.

Of all the archdevils, Qaibun is the one who has suffered the most from his unmaking, which has almost shattered his psyche, leading him to have two distinct personalities. One half of his being is a wretched creature, filled with self-loathing that has fully embraced his fall, whilst the other still tries to maintain some semblance of who he once was. The two constantly war for control of their being, leaving much of the House’s affairs under the control of Qaibun’s dukes.

The fifth layer of the hells is made up of a singular city that is divided down the middle between two contrasting architectural designs. One half is almost constantly illuminated with a radiant light, its buildings are akin to spiralling marble towers that shine with holy radiance. Its inhabitants bear angelic appearances with glistening alabaster skin and garbed in radiant raiment. The other half is covered in a shroud of ash-filled clouds that deny the entry of any light, its buildings are made up of obsidian castles with jagged edges that constantly belch out smoke that adds to the cloud cover above. Its inhabitants fully embrace their dreary existence, with infernal cohorts patrolling the streets alongside chained slaves that are forced to work the infernal mints and ensure the constant production of soul coins.

### Shaxzahl, Lord of Scribes

Depicted as a humanoid figure with dark hair and ashen skin that is cold and hard as iron. He has glowing, red eyes, small horns, pointed tail, and cloven feet. He is dressed only in the finest attire with velvet gloves and a golden robe, with chains bound into his clothes that drag behind him.

Shaxzahl rules over the House of Scribes, which oversees the contracts that are made throughout the planes. They keep track of all contracts and offers made, ensuring that no devil steps out of their bounds and that no contracts are broken. The House of Scribes also keeps track of devils that void contracts, an act which many devils condemn and may lead to the demotion of the devil involved.

The sixth layer is described as being a frozen wasteland with massive glaciers and frozen lakes, a layer of unimaginable cold with the souls of the damned wandering through the permafrost forced to suffer the cold until they atone for their sins and are drafted into the infernal legions.