Abriymoch

Abriymoch: The Mount of Leaping Flames

Layer: 487, Phlegethos Ruler: Belial and Fierna
Abriymoch, also known as the Mount of Leaping Flames, is the sole known city in Phlegethos, the fourth layer of the Nine Hells. The city is built within the heart of the layer's largest active volcano, making it both a strategic fortress and a dramatic seat of infernal power.

Description

The city of Abriymoch is constructed from hardened magma, obsidian, and other crystalline rocks, giving it a sinister and jagged appearance. Its molten rivers and barely cooled walls cascade with lava, creating the effect of an enormous, infernal fountain. The city's interior consists of numerous tiers connected by spiraling pathways, tunnels, and shafts, with chambers opening into balconies that overlook the volcano's molten heart.
The central caldera of the volcano is filled with lava, from which buildings and city blocks protrude like islands. Navigating this terrain often requires the use of gondolas crafted from scorched metal and piloted by barbazus.

Geography

Abriymoch's volcano is one of the few stable areas in the ever-shifting landscape of Phlegethos. Surrounded by a lake of lava and volcanic plains, the city serves as a bastion amidst the hostile terrain. Beyond the lava fields lie territories governed by vassals of Belial.

Government

The city is governed by the Pit Fiend Gazra, who acts as an administrator under the archdevils Belial and Fierna. While Gazra is responsible for enforcing order in the city, he answers directly to the Lords of the Fourth. Abriymoch's dual nature is reflected in its laws—while it houses the infamous Diabolical Courts, the city's daily governance allows for greater freedom, functioning as a hub for indulgence and dark desires.

Economy and Trade

Abriymoch is an economic powerhouse, overseen by Duke Chamo. Known as the pleasure palace of the Nine Hells, the city offers infernal casinos, taverns, and other entertainment venues. It is also a center for weapon and armor production, including the crafting of Baatorian green steel. Torture devices like Shrivers are manufactured here, used across all layers of Hell except Nessus.

Defenses

Abriymoch is one of the most fortified cities in the Nine Hells. Gazra commands an elite police force of five thousand hamatulas, with additional support from osyluths and other infernal creatures. These forces patrol not only Abriymoch but also the upper four layers of the Nine Hells, ensuring security against intrusions and maintaining order.
The city's defenses include hell hounds guarding key locations and gondolas equipped with trapdoors that can drop passengers into the lava below. Gazra’s forces are also prepared to defend against demonic invasions that might breach the lower layers.

Notable Locations

Diabolical Courts: These courts handle disputes across the Nine Hells, often concerning contracts and infernal laws. The process is notoriously intricate and time-consuming.

Gazra’s Manor: The governor’s residence, located within the caldera, houses prisons and torture chambers.

Greth's Shop: A hidden magic shop within the city, marked only by a sign reading "Greth," selling powerful magical items.

Portal to Stonemire: A heavily guarded portal connects Abriymoch to the Elemental Plane of Earth, specifically Ogrémoch’s fortress.

Inhabitants

The city is populated primarily by barbazus and spinagons, along with a contingent of merregons, hamatulas, and osyluths. Its towers house elite guards and messengers, including erinyes under the command of various infernal lieutenants. Notable inhabitants include:

Belial and Fierna: The rulers of Phlegethos, who reside in a basalt and obsidian palace within the city.

Gazra: The Pit Fiend governor responsible for the city’s administration and defense.

Duke Chamo: The official overseeing the city’s economy and trade.

Rumors and Legends

Abriymoch’s dramatic design and its placement within a lake of lava have led to rumors that it was built atop the remains of a slain god. Some claim that the city itself is the hollow husk of this deity, killed by Asmodeus. Gazra has encouraged such tales, claiming them as truth to enhance the city’s fearsome reputation.