HELL INFERNO (1369)
The Nine Circles of Hell (also known as the Inferno) comprise the planes of the
Underworld that serve as eternal punishment for the evil souls that pass from
the Material Realms at the time of their death. Beyond the River Acheron, the
Hells are structured in concentric circles spiraling downward much like an
inverted cone, the lowest point being Cocytus.
Each circle is ruled by an Arch-devil of great power. The Arch-devils command
the legions of devils that inhabit the Hells, serving as tormentors for the
damned, guardians against the living, and tormented prisoners themselves. The
Prince of Darkness rules over the Arch-devils, served by a host of Pit Fiends in
the frozen depths of Cocytus.
Among the Outer Planes, the Nine Hells serve as the center of power for the
other-worldly rulers of Order and Evil. The order of the devils is made visibly
manifest in the power structure among the devils and the regimented taxonomy of
the damned. This is contrasted with, perhaps, the Chaos and Evil of the Abyss,
where demonic powers run amok.
See also: ABYSS, ALIGNMENT