Avernus is the gateway to Baator, is a treacherous and dangerous place. Devil armies gather in its stony wasteland, and the River Styx, its primary waterway, strips away the identities of intelligent beings exposed to it. Pools and rivers are tainted with the blood of countless battles, ready to claim the lives of any who venture near. Fireballs streak through the sky, randomly incinerating those not immune. Formidable mountains and sharp crystalline rocks pose deadly obstacles. Blood and viscera cover the entire surface of Avernus, with remnants of devil and demon bodies scattered throughout.
Bel, the Lord of Avernus, ascended from a mindless lemure to a powerful pit fiend. He led the diabolical armies against demons, gaining fame through cunning and bloodshed. Asmodeus promoted him to Lord of the First, replacing the archduke Zariel. Bel's rise serves as an inspiration to all devils, who aspire to follow his path and ultimately overthrow him.
Bel primarily focuses on his role as commander of the diabolical armies in the Blood War, paying little attention to devilish politics. As part of an arrangement dictated by Asmodeus, the other archdukes provide soldiers, equipment, and souls to support Bel's martial efforts. While they view Bel as a pretender, they appreciate his successes and are relieved to be spared leading troops into battle themselves.
Bel's position is relatively secure due to the loyalty and admiration of the Dark Eight, the pit fiend generals commanding the diabolical armies. As long as Bel continues achieving victories, they offer steadfast support. His objective is to effectively manage the devil's involvement in the Blood War.
Bel is a strategic military genius and calculating plotter, but his composure can be shattered by frustration. Realistic in his outlook, he understands that containing the endless hordes of demons is the best achievable outcome. Bel is willing to accept help, even from mortals, if they offer credible assistance in fighting the demon horde. Respectful treatment may earn rewards such as safe passage, treasure, or information.
The Dark Eight are a group of powerful pit fiends who lead the devil armies in the Blood War against the demons. However, it is revealed that their claim of leading for eons is a deception. Members of the Dark Eight frequently die in battle or due to internal conflicts, but this is concealed by quickly replacing them with new pit fiends who assume the name and appearance of their predecessors. This ruse maintains the illusion of a cohesive and immortal command structure united in the fight against demons.
Among the current members of the Dark Eight, only Baalzephon remains from the original group. The newest addition is a restless pit fiend who has taken on the name of Furcas. The other generals include Zimimar, known for thunderous tactics, the cold-hearted Zaebos, the haughty and contemptuous Dagos, and the fawning Zapan, disliked for his subservient behavior towards archdukes and deities. Corin, another general, is always anxious and paces endlessly while analyzing intelligence reports. Pearza, who commands the armies of Archduchess Fierna, has shown an interest in Mephistopheles due to the latter's research in a new type of fire magic, appealing to Pearza's obsession with magic.
In Avernus, there are two unique devils, Amduscias and Malphas, who are servitors of Tiamat. They stand out from the hierarchy of the Nine Hells and have made their home in this layer.
Avernus is also home to the outcasts of Baator, known as "the rabble of devilkin." This group consists mostly of unique devils who are considered equals to any duke. Notable outcasts in Avernus include Amon, Armaros, Azazel, Bist, Cahor, Caim, Dagon, Duskur, Herodias, Kochbiel, Malarea, Moloch, Nergal, Nisroch, and Rumjal. Some outcast devils have had their original names stripped to reduce the chance of being summoned to the Material Plane. Outcast devils are treacherous and constantly seek ways to reclaim their former positions or disrupt the current order. They manipulate mortals and other devils to further their plans and can be formidable enemies or valuable allies, serving as pawns in the power struggles of archdukes and dukes.
Avernus is also filled with warrior devils, ranging from expendable lemure foot soldiers to powerful pit fiends, due to its role as the staging area for the Blood War. Legions of abishai, who have a connection with Tiamat, reside in Avernus as well. Additionally, as the entry point to Baator for damned souls, Avernus is inhabited by devils serving all the archdukes, including Bel. These devils fulfill various roles, such as soul handlers, messengers, and functionaries.
Bel
Bel, the Lord of Avernus, ascended from a mindless lemure to a powerful pit fiend. He led the diabolical armies against demons, gaining fame through cunning and bloodshed. Asmodeus promoted him to Lord of the First, replacing the archduke Zariel. Bel's rise serves as an inspiration to all devils, who aspire to follow his path and ultimately overthrow him.Bel primarily focuses on his role as commander of the diabolical armies in the Blood War, paying little attention to devilish politics. As part of an arrangement dictated by Asmodeus, the other archdukes provide soldiers, equipment, and souls to support Bel's martial efforts. While they view Bel as a pretender, they appreciate his successes and are relieved to be spared leading troops into battle themselves.
Bel's position is relatively secure due to the loyalty and admiration of the Dark Eight, the pit fiend generals commanding the diabolical armies. As long as Bel continues achieving victories, they offer steadfast support. His objective is to effectively manage the devil's involvement in the Blood War.
Bel is a strategic military genius and calculating plotter, but his composure can be shattered by frustration. Realistic in his outlook, he understands that containing the endless hordes of demons is the best achievable outcome. Bel is willing to accept help, even from mortals, if they offer credible assistance in fighting the demon horde. Respectful treatment may earn rewards such as safe passage, treasure, or information.
The Dark Eight
The Dark Eight are a group of powerful pit fiends who lead the devil armies in the Blood War against the demons. However, it is revealed that their claim of leading for eons is a deception. Members of the Dark Eight frequently die in battle or due to internal conflicts, but this is concealed by quickly replacing them with new pit fiends who assume the name and appearance of their predecessors. This ruse maintains the illusion of a cohesive and immortal command structure united in the fight against demons.
Among the current members of the Dark Eight, only Baalzephon remains from the original group. The newest addition is a restless pit fiend who has taken on the name of Furcas. The other generals include Zimimar, known for thunderous tactics, the cold-hearted Zaebos, the haughty and contemptuous Dagos, and the fawning Zapan, disliked for his subservient behavior towards archdukes and deities. Corin, another general, is always anxious and paces endlessly while analyzing intelligence reports. Pearza, who commands the armies of Archduchess Fierna, has shown an interest in Mephistopheles due to the latter's research in a new type of fire magic, appealing to Pearza's obsession with magic.
Other Devils
In Avernus, there are two unique devils, Amduscias and Malphas, who are servitors of Tiamat. They stand out from the hierarchy of the Nine Hells and have made their home in this layer.
Avernus is also home to the outcasts of Baator, known as "the rabble of devilkin." This group consists mostly of unique devils who are considered equals to any duke. Notable outcasts in Avernus include Amon, Armaros, Azazel, Bist, Cahor, Caim, Dagon, Duskur, Herodias, Kochbiel, Malarea, Moloch, Nergal, Nisroch, and Rumjal. Some outcast devils have had their original names stripped to reduce the chance of being summoned to the Material Plane. Outcast devils are treacherous and constantly seek ways to reclaim their former positions or disrupt the current order. They manipulate mortals and other devils to further their plans and can be formidable enemies or valuable allies, serving as pawns in the power struggles of archdukes and dukes.
Avernus is also filled with warrior devils, ranging from expendable lemure foot soldiers to powerful pit fiends, due to its role as the staging area for the Blood War. Legions of abishai, who have a connection with Tiamat, reside in Avernus as well. Additionally, as the entry point to Baator for damned souls, Avernus is inhabited by devils serving all the archdukes, including Bel. These devils fulfill various roles, such as soul handlers, messengers, and functionaries.