Abyss (plane)

A misunderstood plane of existence, one of the lower planes associated with malevolence and evil, incorrectly judged to possess 666 layers (the number of layers is infinite). The structure of the abyss is chaotic and beyond the perception of intellect, often described as twisted cliffs overlooking a plunging chasm without bottom. It is, effectively, the downward drain of the multi-universe; the surging water-deep of Judaistic mythology. It is that part of the universe whose creation was unfinished ~ and that is why the number of layers are infinite.

The upper levels are best known and are described in various mythologies. Often Earthly scholars will claim that some part of the abyss is ruled by prince-gods or that parts of the abyss exist as “realms.” In truth, the abyss is truly chaotic, without logic or arrangement. It is populated by cruel demons that move remorselessly and arbitrarily through the layers, and souls who have drifted from other lower planes into the Abyss, or who have been discarded in the abyss after their souls have been burned clean in Hell. Geographically the entrance to the Abyss is found beneath Tartarus, behind a gate that is held by Apollyon, the Keyholder.

Common souls of mortals exist as manes, but more powerful demons include vrock, hezrou, glabrezu, nalfeshnee, marilith and balrog, the names of which serve both as singular and plural when described. The number of demons is Legion, which means "infinite," as described in Christian mythology.

Demon lords and princes move freely through all the planes, occupying themselves with pure hedonistic pleasures, never tiring of causing agony, unhappiness, the crushing of hope and the making of fear among the lesser demons who inhabit the Abyss.

See Mythology