The Nine Hells

The Nine Hells is an outer plane of absolute domination, tyranny, and strict, malevolent order. It is the infernal domain ruled by Asmodeus, the Lord of the Nine Hells, a powerful Betrayer God who commands the loyalty of devils and seeks to impose absolute control over the cosmos.

Sovereignty and Nature

The Nine Hells exists as a dark mirror to the celestial planes, defined by absolute hierarchy and cruel subjugation. Its ruler, Asmodeus, represents the peak of infernal authority. In mortal divination, particularly within the tarot decks of the Sword Coast, the realm and its master are symbolized by The Devil card. This card represents:

Artistic depictions of the ruler of this plane often show a two-faced figure, styled as half-angel and half-devil, seated upon a grand infernal throne, representing his deceptive and fallen nature.

Historical Role: The Calamity

During the prehistoric era known as the Age of Arcanum, the mortal races pushed the boundaries of magic to unchecked heights, culminating in a devastating war known as The Calamity. As the conflict escalated, a severe schism split the pantheon. Asmodeus aligned himself with the Betrayer Gods, a faction that believed mortals could not be trusted with free will or arcane power, advocating instead for their complete enslavement or destruction.

During this catastrophic war, the legions of the Nine Hells marched upon the Material Plane. It was an era where “agents fought against devils, and great wizards against legendary warriors.” The war only ended when the Prime Deities created the Divine Gate, a barrier that sealed both themselves and the Betrayer Gods—including Asmodeus—behind an impenetrable shield, preventing them from physically manifesting on the Material Plane.

Internal Rivalries and Conspiracies

Though the Divine Gate keeps the lords of the Nine Hells at bay, their influence persists through cultists, compacts, and infernal magic. However, the Nine Hells is not without rivals. Other dark entities continually plot to undermine the power of Asmodeus.

The Dragon Queen’s Followers

The Cult of the Dragon, followers of Tiamat, the Scaled Tyrant and Queen of the chromatic dragons, have hatched dark schemes in recent centuries. Their plans have involved plotting to raise the slain green dragon, Virethas, the Jade Queen, as a powerful Dracolich, hoping to gather enough power to crown the dragons anew as lords of the North.

The Spider Queen’s Plots

In the deep recesses of the Underdark, servants of Lolth, the Spider Queen—such as Nezznar the Spider, a prominent member of the Zhentarim—have actively conspired to weaken the Lord of the Nine Hells. By seeking ancient secrets like the Forge of Spells in Wave Echo Cave, Lolth’s followers hoped to secure immense magical power.

Nezznar even allied with agents of the Cult of the Dragon (the “scaled ones”), believing that the Cult’s plans would weaken Asmodeus enough to leave the Underdark completely up for grabs. Through this bargain, Lolth’s servants planned to let their dragon allies take the surface world while they seized absolute control of the Underdark, plotting behind Asmodeus’s back while he remained unaware that a “great treasure” was being stolen from under his gaze. Similarly, factions within the Zhentarim and other dark coalitions watch the shifting balances of power, looking for any opportunity to exploit the endless cold war between the Abyss, the Underdark, and the Nine Hells.