Overlord

**Overlords** are recurring major antagonists in the *Divine Comedy.*

They are a class of exceptionally powerful demons and sinners who reign over sections, mediums, and subcultures of Hell Circles. They represent the upper-middle class of Hell's hierarchy, and are basically the "super mafia" of the Inferno.

## Overview

Overlords are sinners who accumulated immense demonic power. They achieve such power through Faustian bargains or spreading the influence of a certain genre of entertainment which they represent and rule over. They are essentially Hell's version of the criminal corporate syndicates that manage the entertainment industry. In addition, as they are called the "super mafia", they also operate as the governing bodies of the criminal underworld and oversee several operations run by their top associates.

Overlords spread their power based on what they represent. For example, Vox's power and image is centered around the television industry and lesser demons or sinners that purchase his products are subjected to his whims whereby his influence and demonic power increases. In other cases, Overlords can commit Faustian bargains where they basically have a lesser demon be bound to them via contract.

## Description

Despite having the same social status and somewhat similar hierarchy, most Overlords tend to not associate with each other, though some will show begrudging respect if they cross paths. In most cases, Overlords are willing to consolidate their power and territory with one another similar to how families in the mafia would operate when it comes to exchanging valuable products between two families and receive interest in turn. One such example is Wilfred, who rules over the movie industry, would enter a partnership with Vox that would allow the Movie Demon's films be shown through Vox's television screens. However, Overlords are not above double-crossing each other or outright developing fiercely antagonistic relationships. Vox and Alastor are good examples of Overlords who downright hate each other mainly due to their views on technology and the means of exerting their power through said technology. It basically mirrors Earth's corporations who are in fierce competitions with one another.

Even though most Overlords are enemies they can still gather together to discuss important matters concerning threats to their territories and businesses. This gathering of Overlords is unofficially called the Commission and are akin to a board of directors that oversee criminal activities. The Commission is usually summoned to settle disputes between Overlords whose activities disrupted the operations of another and so on.

Most of the Overlords serve under the Emperors of Hell. Overlords that work under an Emperor are often referred to as lieutenants whereby it is even suggested that they are more competent than some of the members of the Ars Goetia who work for the Emperors. This is mainly due to the fact that the Overlords have quite the intimate experiencing in how to deal and spread their products. In addition, Overlords that are under an Emperor are said to have limited "special privileges". An example is Valentino who works directly under Asmodeus. When being part of Asmodeus' court, Valentino cannot be killed by other Overlords or demons that are not part of the Lust King's court. Asmodeus would provide the necessary resources for Valentino to continue his business which in turn would expand and strengthen both of their empires respectively. However, there's a reason why their privileges are limited as Overlords are not exempt from punishment themselves. This is seen when Asmodeus brutally maimed Valentino for injuring Charlie during the Vees's raid on Hotel Purgatory, especially when it was prohibited from attacking the hotel grounds.

## Known Overlords

### Major

* Alastor - Radio
* Mephisto - Jazz
* Wilfred - Film
* Rosie - Musical Theatre
* Acrylic - Cartoons
* Arcade - Video Games
* Webster - Internet
* Colt - Firearms
* Vox - Television
* Valentino - Pornography
* Velvette - Social Media
* Carmilla - Ballet
* Sock and Buskin - Drama
* Zestial - Poetry
* Juke - Rock
* Missi Zilla - Hip-Hop

### Other

* Cognac and Brandy - Alcohol
* Julia - Opera
* Cameron - Photography
* Toney - Telephones
* Skinamarink - Toys
* Mike - Game Shows

## Trivia

* The Overlords hold an annual soirée every Halloween night called Devil's Night in which they come together to celebrate their crimes and misdeeds.
* Alastor is a unique kind of Overlord in that he has no actual interest in power, since he primarily seeks entertainment.
* Some Overlords formed triads of their own. Examples include the Rat Pack (Alastor, Wilfred, and Mephisto), the Vees (Vox, Valentino, and Velvette), the Three Tenors (Sock and Buskin, Zestiel, and Julia), and the Nitro Circus (Mike, Juke, and Missi Zilla).
	+ It is also shown that these triads have figureheads such as Rosie being called the "den mother" of the Rat Pack or Carmilla being the "conductor" of the Three Tenors.