The 9 Hells

The Infernal Plane of Chaos also referred to as The 9 Hells is the home of all Infernal Creatures such as; Demons, Daemons, Imps, Devils, and All Other Infernal Creatures. The Infernal Plane is divided into 9 areas/layers, those being The 7 Rings of Hell, Tarturus, and The Abyss. Most Infernal beings you will see and encounter are from one of The Rings of Hell, as most Infernals in Tartarus never see the other Planes, and almost nothing that falls into the The Abyss ever escapes it. Additionally Infernals all have a natural disdain for all other Extra-Planar beings, especially Celestials.

Daemons

Demons and Daemons are two different types of Infernal beings and not just an alternate spelling of the word Demon. Demons are natural born or created Infernals who originate from The Infernal Plane. Daemons are creatures or people who have lost their soul in an Infernal Deal and/or been corrupted into an Infernal. Demons are natural born Infernals while Daemons were something and/or someone turned into an Infernal by secondary means.

Infernals: Demons

Demons are born of Chaos and as such their nature is of constant shift and pure manifestation. Many often believe this to mean that they are emotionless monsters and naturally evil beings. However, Infernals are neither inherently evil nor emotionless. They instead live everything to the extremes including their emotions; Anger burns like the blazing pits of hell, Pain cuts like the deepest of blades, and Love shines brighter than even the eternal sun. Everything is done to the extreme in their nature and the Sin which they are assigned and live by often most accurately manifests their absolute nature.

The 7 Sins

Every Infernal that lives in a Ring of Hell is a Demon of that Ring's Sin, for example if an Infernal lives in the Ring of Pride then they are Pride Demon. A Demon's nature is often defined by this Sin and the title directly affects their power and personality. Demons without a Sin who do not live in 1 of the 7 Rings are Demons of Tartarus, and are unable to travel through the Rings or outside of the Infernal Plane due to their status being "banished"

The Economy of The Hells

The 9 Hells have a very unique economic environment compared to most places and planes. While Souls are considered to be the only universal currency, with the Souls quality determining its value, all other transactions are trades made with a Demonic Contract. Similarly to the times of old before currency and gold existed, The Infernal economy is based on the trade of a wide variety of things with one another. This can be anything from artifacts to knowledge or even raw power. Every transaction that is made is done so with a Demonic Contract, also referred to as a Devil's Deal, that is to ensure both parties uphold their side of the deal. Most weaker and chaotic Demons do not partake in Demonic Contracts and are treated as brutish simpletons. However, more powerful and lawful Demons are more than willing to bargain for their own personal gain. It should be known that making deals with Demons and Devils is very dangerous as they will almost always try to rig or sway the deal in their favor. However once the Demonic Contract has been signed and/or Hand Shaken, you can be more than sure the Infernal will hold up their end of the deal completely.

Demonic Contracts & Devil Deals

Demonic Contracts are the backbone of The 9 Hell's entire economy and hierarchy, as besides the pure power of the ArchDemons, they are the only thing keeping all Infernals chaotic nature in check. Demonic Contracts is the official term for the agreement of trade or exchange with a Demon and what it is called by most Infernals. However many Non-Infernal or Extra-Planer beings refer to these as Devil Deals due to the many folktales and legends of "Deals with the Devil". If an Infernal violates or breaks a Demonic Contract with another Infernal then 1 of 3 things will happen as the agreed upon punishment: Their soul will be owned by that Infernal, they are killed, or they are banished to Tartarus. If an Infernal breaks a contract with a Non-Infernal, or vice versa, the punishment for each party respectively must be decided by and agreed upon by both parties and included in the Devil Deal. If a punishment is determined for one party but not the other, then there is no consequence for that party breaking the contract.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A DM PRESENT AND OUT OF CHARACTER CONSENT WITH ALL INVOLVED PLAYERS BEFORE MAKING A DEMONIC CONTRACT OF ANY KIND

Infernal Hierarchy

The Infernal Plane has a hierarchy in place for all Infernal Beings which is used to signify the status quo of The 7 Rings of Hell.

These ranks do not always correlate to power as some Demon Lords are far stronger than others, and this sentiment applies to all ranks of the hierarchy.

For example a Demonic Knight of Pride could be more powerful than a Demonic Lord of Sloth, despite technically being a lower rank in the Infernal Hierarchy.

1. ArchDemon of [Sin]
2. Demonic Lord of [Sin]
3. Demonic Prince of [Sin]
4. Demonic Duke of [Sin]
5. Demonic Knight of [Sin]
6. Greater Demon
7. Demon/Daemon
8. Lesser Demon

ArchDemons

ArchDemons are the Demonic Rulers of The 7 Rings of Hell, and serve as the epitome of their Deadly Sin. It is an ArchDemons job to oversee their Ring of Hell and to keep the balance of the Infernal Plane. ArchDemons have been in their stations since ancient times and are immeasurably powerful, being some of the most powerful beings in all the realms. They rarely leave their Ring of Hell as if they did Chaos would be quick to break out in their absence.

Tartarus

Tartarus is known as the Wildlands of The Infernal Plane as it is the massive space that exists between all of The Rings of Hell, and must be traversed to travel from one Ring to the next. It is a nearly endless hellscape that is almost completely undeveloped and void of any form of demonic civilization or order. This is where Infernals who have been banished from The Rings must reside and is home to the most chaotic and monstrous Infernal creatures. Infernals who have been banished to or born in Tartarus will most likely live their eternal lives there until they are killed. Unlike most who reside in The Rings, it is impossible for any in Tartarus to escape The Infernal Plane or travel to other Planes of existence. The ArchDemons have made it so the only means of traveling from The Infernal Plane to The Material Plane is under restricted access inside their Rings of Hell. This is because of an agreement made by The ArchDemons with the ArchAngles as a result of The War of Demons and Gods known as The Breach of Tarturus.

Tartarus is one of the largest and most dangerous places in The 9 Hells and even demons are careful when roaming through it.

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The Rings of Hell

The Ring of Pride

The Ring of Pride is the 1st and highest of The 7 Rings of Hell, making it the home to some of the most powerful Demons and Devils in all of Hell. The Ring of Pride is ruled over by the ArchDemon of Pride Lucifer, who is considered to be the strongest of the 7 ArchDemons of The Infernal Plane. It is the smallest of the Rings, but this is because it has the least amount of inhabitants. The entire realm has the appearance of a beautiful and prosperous kingdom, with every building having a unique and intricate design. Everything, everywhere in this place whether big or small is made intricately, passionately, and to most perfection. The Infernals who have the privilege of living in the inspiring kingdom are of the most noble infernal lineage, being masters of their crafts or passions nearly unrivaled in all the Rings. Despite being a Ring of Hell, it is most likely one of the most beautiful places you'll ever see should you end up there. However, perfection comes at a cost and you will have to pay it as the ArchDemon is very strict with who he lets in and what is allowed. Should they feel you are disrespecting themself or are a hindrance to their kingdom in any way, shape, or form then death is but an inevitability for any that would dare to do so.

The Ring of Wrath

The Ring of Wrath is the 2nd highest of The 7 Rings of Hell, a place of absolute law, where all rules are adhered to under the threat of absolute wrath. Ruled by ArchDemon Aldari, The Ring of Wrath is also on the smaller side of the Rings of Hell because not many Demons or Infernals can survive existing in it. Under Aldari no dissent is tolerated, no straying from the rules, nor insults will be allowed to stand. Due to the fury that can be invoked upon this plane for even the smallest of slights, most of the demons of wrath are extremely strong. All the most successful Infernals living in this realm keep their wrath in check to be used only in the proper circumstance. Here the denizens operate in a tense state of respectful service, none daring to offend or violate the vast array of laws that this plane demands. Everyone is kind, respectful and considerate, knowing that there is no degree of law, merely absolute punishment for even the smallest of offences. Because of this, the plane itself appears from the outside much like a utopia, peaceful and orderly. Wrath is not something wild and rampant, it is something to be incurred.

The Ring of Greed

The Ring of Greed is the 3rd highest of The 7 Rings of Hell, The sounds of cackling laughter and uproarious jingles ring out of many Infernal creatures striving for what's there. Ruled by ArchDemon Lusterith of Avarice, The Ring of Greed is also one of the bigger Rings of Hell because of not only how many demons live in and visit it but because of how many buildings and establishments it holds. Great vaults of souls and deals are kept in the higher districts of this place, but only for those who covet keeping anything for themselves. The Lusterith sits with a great deal of many contracts and owns large swaths of "Business" in the ring, because then all the wealth goes one way. In the ring itself you can see grand halls of greedy indulgence, such as gambling, market fairs and many more businesses, shops, and trades. That's not to say this place is safe, quite the opposite, it's a place of grandeur and lies to lure in and betray the innocent or naive with deals and vices. If there is something you want to buy, it can most likely be found somewhere in the Ring of Greed for a hefty price. This has the Ring the center of Hell's economical environment, and a vital piece in maintaining order in the Infernal Plane.

The Ring of Lust

"To crave is to burn, and in that fire, we find our prison."

The Ring of Lust is the 4th highest of The 7 Rings of Hell and is Ruled by Velariel, the Mourning Flame. She is a fallen angel who longed to be needed. With blackened wings and a soft voice, she offers false memories and quiet lies, nurturing the damned's illusions as they unravel. The 4th of The Seven Rings of Hell, Lust is not of flesh, but of longing, obsession disguised as love. Souls here are those who demanded affection without offering care, who clung or consumed others to fill their own emptiness. The Realm is a ceaseless storm of wind and whispers, filled with phantoms of what could have been. Damned souls are tossed through illusions of lost love and unfulfilled desires, always reaching, never grasping. The landscape weeps with symbols of absence: empty rooms, fading faces, dying lights. Hope is the torment. The damned are shown what they crave, only for it to vanish. They suffer not for pleasure, but for trying to possess love, to turn connection into control. This ring reveals how love can rot when twisted by selfish desire. A few may learn to let go—but most remain trapped in the storm, chasing ghosts forever.

The Ring of Envy

The Ring of Envy is the 3rd lowest of The 7 Rings of Hell, Ruled by ArchDemon Leviathan, The place of sickening jealousy and desire this can be considered one of the most ever changing layers of The 9 Hells as those who reside here always covet what those above them have and seek to depose them and take what which should be there, this causes an ever repeating cycle growth and decay in the power structures on this level. There is only one known city for the Ring of Envy. The City of Envy also known to the common demons and those on the Mundus plain is called Lestranin it is an ever changing city of desire and change where great towers and monuments rise and fall like the changing of the tide as new demons rise and fall to power the only building that does not change is the main palace of the Archdemon itself which only continues to grow. It is also known to those mages and knowledge seekers as the City of Secrets and Demons of Envy covet all things, especially knowledge that mortals want. Outside of the city the Ring of Envy can be considered one of the more dangerous places in the hells as those demons who seek and scheme gather here to use the chaotic energies of the ring to empower their own plans.

The Ring of Sloth

The Ring of Sloth is the 2nd lowest of The 7 Rings of Hell, a realm where ambition withers, willpower crumbles, and even the act of existing feels like a burden. Unlike the agony and chaos of other layers, this one is defined by a suffocating emptiness; Cold, mechanical, and devoid of anything beyond what is strictly necessary. There is no passion, no excess, no purpose beyond the bare minimum. The demons here do not toil; they rely on spells and deceit to move the world in their stead, mirroring their Archdemon, Belphegor. Belphegor lingers in his fortress, a dull and lifeless structure conjured through magic, built without care or artistry. He does not move unless absolutely required, and in his domain, there is only one law: do not disturb his peace. Those who break this rule do not suffer; they simply cease. The magic woven through this realm snuffs out disruptions before they can even be acknowledged. For those who manage to wade through the weight of stagnation and despair, there lies Lethemoor; As bleak as the rest of the realm, its buildings stand without inspiration, mere shapes fulfilling functions and nothing more. At its core runs the River of Thought, a sluggish current that slides over the Edge of the Plane, plummeting into the Abyss below.

The Ring of Gluttony

The Ring of Gluttony is the Lowest of The 7 Rings of Hell, and it is the most chaotic and largest of all the rings. Here overindulgence is found aplenty, and the inability to restrain or moderate oneself, is all there is. Excess in all things is found here: food, drink, knowledge, war, etc. The ring is split into five cities:

• Laute, the Lavish City, where only price and appearance matters.
• Studiose, The Ethereal City, where only quality, and taste matters.
• Nimis, the City of Plenty, where quantity, and mass is all that matters.
• Praepropere, The Warring City, where patience has no place.
• Ardenter, the City of Night, where eagerness to consume reigns supreme.

Here within The Ring of Gluttony, ArchDemon Beelzebub The Unending rules, and he does so lightly. Though many demons have tried to destroy him, he has remained, always, the lord of excess, the lord of intemperance. One who seeks to consume all demons, and with them, their power. As excess and intemperance can be found here, the waste, refuse, and excess of all other rings washes up here. Its ruler, self-proclaimed prince of all demons, too, is full of the waste of all other rings.

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The Abyss

The Abyss is one of the most dangerous places in all the Planes, as well as The 9 Hells themselves. If The Rings of Hell can be thought of as layers that exist in the bubble that is Tartarus, then The Abyss is the endless void that exists outside of that bubble. If you were to reach the edge of the seemingly endless Tartarus then you would find yourself on the verge of an infinite nothingness. Infernals are most times either straight out killed or banished from The Rings into Tartarus as punishment. However if someone or something were to commit a grievous enough act, they would be sentenced to exile into The Abyss. Not much is known about The Abyss besides the most ancient of Infernals and Celestials, but it is well recognized that almost nothing can escape it. Anything that gets lost in The Abyss if it is ever able to find its way out, is forever changed into an Abyssal Monstrosity. It is an impossibly rare occurrence, but even if it were to happen it is very unlikely the Abyssal ever escapes The Infernal Plane…

The Angra-Mainyu

The Angra-Mainyu are the highest order of Chaos Beings holding almost complete dominion over their respective realms within the Infernal Planes and Hells. Many refer to such beings as Dark Gods or Malevolent Spirits and each one typically holds a selection of aspects that they best represent. While they are considered all-powerful in most regards, they are limited in the same way as their Celestial Brothers and are unable to exert power outside of their respective plane. Therefore, The Angra-Mainyu must act through an ArchDemon and their Infernal Avatars when attempting to exert influence upon other planes or realms. Unlike Paladin Orders or Religious Organizations, most groups that follow The Angra-Mainyu are the likes of Cults and Dark Orders led by these Infernal Avatars.

For more information on Deities and The Celestial Plane refer to: The Divine Order

The Breach of Tarturus

The Breach of Tarturus was a war between The Gods and The Demons of Tartarus that took place in the Material Plane. Celestials and Infernals have been at odds with each other since forever, however unless direct confrontation occurred they mostly kept to their own Planes. One day an Angel would be banished from The Celestial Plane and fall into the pits of Tartarus. This Fallen Angel would travel the endless hellscape of Tartarus killing Demons and gaining not just power but influence as well. They were doing something that no Infernal had ever even thought of nor attempted before, and unifying The Demons of Tartarus. After enough time having amassed an immeasurable army the Fallen Angel would use the last of their divinity to open The Gates of Hell to allow The Demons of Tartarus to flood the Material Plane and wreak unimaginable havoc. The Deities would come to an agreement with The Angra-Mainyu resulting in calling on the ArchDemons to help push the Demons back and seal The Gates of Hell. Afterwards, an agreement was made that neither could affect the Material Plane directly and now The Divine Order ensures this pact is upheld between the all powerful Celestials and Infernals…

Important People and Contact Info

Head of Hell Lore: Akihiko (akihikohishimoto) — You Can Ask Me Any Question!!!!!

Ring of Hells Lore Owners

• ArchDemon of Pride: Akihiko (akihikohishimoto)
• ArchDemon of Wrath: Feylorn (jaroesrs)
• ArchDemon of Greed: Derdly (derdlysherdow)
• ArchDemon of Lust: Paws (notpaws)
• ArchDemon of Envy: ???
• ArchDemon of Sloth: Vlad (mr.vlad)
• ArchDemon of Gluttony: Cthulhu (cthulhu_3mpir3)