Asmodeus, God of Hell
Holy Symbol:
Alignment: LE
Domain: Hell
Favored Weapon: mace
Favored Race: Human
Favored Class: cleric
Background Story:
Asmodeus is depicted as the strongest, most cunning, and most handsome of all devils. He is typically described as appearing as a giant human, over 13 feet tall, with dark skin and hair, red eyes, handsome features, and small horns on his forehead. He dresses in regal finery of unimaginable expense (the cost is the same a country used on food in a year). Beneath his clothing, Asmodeus’ body is covered in bloody wounds which he sustained when he fell from the Upper Planes. His wounds ooze blood daily, and the drops of his blood which touch the ground grow into powerful devils, normally Pit Fiends that are mad with rage and the desire to kill. Blood from these Pit Fiends that hits the ground grows into lesser devils.
It is stated that while Asmodeus is the oldest devil in the Nine Hells, he may not be the original ruler. However, the origin myth which appears in Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells contradicts this. Some myths even state that he is the original source of evil in all of the multiverse. Though it is important to remember the books specifically states this story is a myth and its accuracy is unverified, as such from an in-game point-of-view different regions and kingdoms could have different stories in relation to Asmodeus.
According to the Codex, Asmodeus began as a servant of the lawful gods. Asmodeus is described in some versions of the myth as an “angel” (though this is self-contradictory given the time period this would have occurred during). He was “the bravest, toughest, fiercest and most beautiful of angels.” He and the other angels were created to fight the demons of the Abyss, so that the gods could concern themselves with creating worlds and sentient beings.
After eons of fighting the creatures from the abyss, Asmodeus and some of his fellows began to change. They grew similar in appearance and methods to the demons which they fought. Afraid of his power and of the changes he had undergone, the gods put Asmodeus on trial and demanded that he be cast out of the Upper Planes. However, he argued effectively (and correctly) that he and his fellows had not violated the law. Asmodeus and his followers successfully sued for access to the Upper Planes and the honors to which they were entitled.
Once the gods created worlds and sentient beings, the demons attacked these, too. The gods created mountains, oceans, and wastelands to seal up the gates to the Abyss, but their creations defied their orders and explored their worlds, accidentally unsealing the gates. The gods could not understand why their creations did not follow their instructions, until Asmodeus explained to them that their system did not work because it relied solely upon voluntary compliance. Asmodeus explained that the only way to ensure obedience was to threaten mortals with a disincentive; hence, Asmodeus invented the concept of punishment.
Asmodeus convinced the gods to sign a contract called the Pact Primeval. This contract allowed Asmodeus and his fellow devils to take up residence in the abandoned realm of Baator, to punish the souls of wicked mortals, and to extract magical energy from the souls under their care in order to fuel their powers. Otherwise, Asmodeus reasoned, they would have to be granted the powers of godhood in order to do their job, which the current gods would surely find unacceptable.
In the myth that Asmodeus created Baator (from the Codex) it states that Asmodeus tortured souls in a far off section of the upper planes and that when their screams filled heaven the gods once again tried to remove Asmodeus from the upper planes, but by the Pact Primeval Asmodeus was allowed to torture the souls in heaven. Asmodeus offered the gods an alternative; give him the power to create his own plane of existence from which to torture the souls that broke heavenly law. The gods agreed and Asmodeus and his devils left and created the Nine Layers of Hell.
In both myths, the gods found the arrangement agreeable, at first. However, they eventually realized that fewer and fewer mortal souls were ascending to the Upper Planes, and Asmodeus was deliberately tempting mortals to damnation. When they arrived in Baator, the gods found that Asmodeus had turned it into a nightmarish world of endless suffering, filled with countless new devils. When called to account for his actions, Asmodeus uttered the famous words, “Read the fine print.”
This story is presented as mythology, and the Codex itself admits that it does not tell the whole truth. For example, it is known that Asmodeus did not depart from the Upper Planes under amicable circumstances: He was cast out, and literally fell into the Lower Planes, sustaining serious wounds which have never healed. Part of Asmodeus’ long-term plans includes using the magical energy harvested from souls in order to heal his wounds, and ultimately, the complete destruction of the Upper Planes, as well as to one day achieve godhood.
The names of the “gods” involved seem to change depending on what world and source the myth is told on, and some aspects and versions of the origin myth contradict others. For example, the version told in the Fiendish Codex II states that Cosmas became a distinct deity when he agreed with Asmodeus that “Retribution is the basis of all law,” while the Deities & Demigods sourcebook states that he is a mortal who ascended to godhood.
The Manual of the Planes suggests a similar but different story. According to the section about the Nine Hells, Asmodeus’ true form is that of a giant serpent. He was cast out of the Upper Planes before the creation of the current gods, and his fall created the 8th and 9th planes of Hell. He is currently still recovering from his wounds in the pits of the 9th level, and his devil form is just an avatar of the real Asmodeus. No one who tells the story of the true form of Asmodeus survives more than 24 hours after the telling.
In Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells, Asmodeus is described as one of the primal forces of evil in the D&D universe, and had a hand in creating Baator in order to punish sinners for their crimes. After being granted the power to do so, Asmodeus and his followers began consuming souls for power. Despite the horror of the good gods who’d established the Hells as a punishment, they didn’t also expect its existence to help fuel evil in the world. As the devils consumed the essences of souls, they began to mutate into the devils that now populate the universe.
Elder Evils names the original ruler of Hell as Zargon.
Worshipping: Asmodeus is devoted to oppression and might through subversive action. He imposes strict rules and harsh punishments on his followers. The cult of Asmodeus urges its adherents to seek power over others, to repay evil with further evil (an eye for an eye), to exploit kindness for personal gain, and to show no compassion for the weak and downtrodden. All done in the most legal possible manner of course, and never overtly.
Typical rhetoric from worshippers of Asmodeus will discuss “promoting personal excellence and independence,” “taking care of one’s own affairs” and “ridding oneself of weakness”. Sometimes one will hear of “ascending to godhood”, or “no gods, no masters”. When harming innocents, their actions are discussed as “providing motivation to succeed”. Most often, ritual practices are deeply secretive and not publicly discussed. Most followers will not publicly admit their worship of Asmodeus, as that would compromise their potential bargaining position for greater power over non-followers.
Though Asmodeus’s faith is by far the largest of the diabolic cults, few of Asmodeus’ followers are known by name. A notable exception is Christophe Jean Markosian, “The Devil Behind Thrones,” a hierarch of the Horned Society. Most of Asmodeus’s worshippers are based in the towns and cities of humans and demihumans, though Asmodeus has some monstrous followers as well. His cultists use his faith as a stepping stone to wealth and power. They form secret alliances, using their wealth and connections to bring status and power to other members of the society.
Omens and Signs:
The overwelming smell of burning Sulfar
Artifacts:
Amulet of Ordered Malevolence
Baator’s Embrace
Bastion of the Fallen Lord
Crest of Vile Darkness
Rampart of the Pact Primeval
Reaching for Damnation
Ruby Rod of Asmodeus
Signet of the Nine
Styxwalkers
The Serpent’s Coil
To Reign in Hell
Ceremonies/Holidays:
Holidays
A truly ancient being, old even among the gods, Asmodeus’s concept of time is boggling to mortals, and he couldn’t care less about marking a specific day of the week, month, or year as more important than any other—they all belong to him, and mortals should bow to him every day. However, the church does recognize a few holidays based on mortal traditions, often set in counterpart to the holy days of opposing good faiths. Most temples also celebrate Leap Day seeing it as an extra day to serve their god, giving him additional prayers to make up for the lack by nonbelievers. They celebrate the solstices and equinoxes as the Days of Wrath, holding bloodsport tournaments. Even-Tongued Day, a remembrance of bringing the planes of Hell under his control.
Sects: Military Orders & Paladins As a whole, Asmodeus’s church has few organized groups of soldiers, mainly because in most lands their religion is forbidden and a large, open group attracts too much attention. Even in many evil countries, where worship of the Prince of Darkness is openly allowed, tyrannical militaries and despotic laws reduce the need or impetus to create special groups in Asmodeus’s name. However, monastic orders aligned with Hell are not that unusual; the rigid discipline and isolated community of such an organization are complementary to the lawful-minded and often-persecuted Asmodean faith. Paladins also have a strange relationship with the Archfiend. Though the idea of a lawful good paladin serving a lawful evil deity seems ridiculous, it can happen. Asmodeus is primarily a deity of law, with evil being incidental to his concept of law. Very rarely, Asmodeus allows a true paladin to serve him, using him as a tool in lands where a more traditional priest would be hunted. The paladin’s duties are always very carefully explained and restricted to avoid conflicts that result in evil thoughts or actions; in effect, the paladin is a champion of contracts and law, who happens to be good. This is possible for three reasons: One, Asmodeus can have clerics who are lawful neutral rather than lawful evil; these clerics walk a fine line that avoids outright evil while still promoting order, and therefore in theory a paladin can do the same. Two, the nature of evil does not require one to always be evil; an evil person who doesn’t rob, murder, or torture at every opportunity is not at risk of becoming less evil—in fact, an evil person can perform good acts every day, making it entirely possible (though exceedingly rare) for a servant of Asmodeus to be good, having never done an evil act. Three, the deceptions of Asmodeus are subtle and deft, and it’s potentially possible for a paladin to believe his efforts and the orderly god’s will serve a greater good, though ultimately he serves nothing more than the god of tyranny’s cruel agendas. Such paladins sometimes see themselves as reformers of their church, trying to convince others that it is possible to serve the ultimate law and still be a good person. Religious scholars speculate that these paladins are actually granted powers by another deity through some complex arrangement with the Prince of Darkness. However, it is possible that having a good paladin in his service benefits his plans in the long run, and that these enigmatic individuals really are serving Asmodeus. Their path is much more difficult than other paladins, and only those lucky enough to die young avoid falling from grace—though what fate their souls face in the afterlife remains a matter of great theological debate.
Perverviants of the Law: Priests of Asmodeus: The Punishers: Aphorisms and Words of Wisdom:
There are countless blessings and exclamations in use by Asmodeus-worshipers, born of superstitions, ancient books of forbidden magic, spontaneous cults, and (occasionally) references in the Asmodean Monograph. Yet most are merely variants of three themes.
Great is Asmodeus: A simple yet widely used exultation declaring that Asmodeus is the supreme deity and no other is worthy of veneration. “Hail, Asmodeus!” and “Power and glory to Asmodeus!” are also common.
Lend Me Your Might: Asmodeus’s power is great, but it is not freely given—there is always a price. Such an appellation is never spoken by a worshiper of Asmodeus without the willingness and readiness to offer something of great personal value in return, should their cry cause a devil to appear in a blast of smoke and brimstone.
The Kingdom Shall Be His: Just as Asmodeus claims to have once held power over all of creation, his faith envisions an hour when all the multiverse shall come under his dominion once again. This exclamation serves as a validation among the faithful, a call to arms for infernal warriors, and a threat to all who would dare oppose his zealots.
Noteable Minions or NPCs:
The following beings are among the most notable subjects of Asmodeus on Nessus. The forces at their disposal are listed, where appropriate:
Adramalech — Chancellor of Hell, Keeper of Records (DR76).
Alastor the Grim, pit fiend — Executioner.
Baalberith (/ˈbeɪlbərɪθ/ BAYL-bər-ith12), pit fiend — Major domo.
Bensozia — Consort of Asmodeus, Queen of Hell (Deceased) (DR76).
Buer — 15 companies of pit fiends (DR76).
Bune — 30 companies of cornugons (DR76).
Glasya – Daughter of Asmodeus and Bensozia, former Mistress of the Erinyes, now Lord of the Sixth (DR76).
Martinet, pit fiend — Constable.
Morax — 9 companies of pit fiends (DR76).
Phongor — Inquisitor of Hell (DR76).
Rimmon — 5 companies of gelugons (DR76).
The Spark Hunters – Lord Asmodeus’s personal guard of 13 hamatula rangers/mortal hunters who capture and/or slay mortals who draw their master’s ire.
Zagum — 30 companies of hamatula (DR76).
Domain: Hell
Favored Weapon: mace
Favored Race: Human
Favored Class: cleric
Background Story:
Asmodeus is depicted as the strongest, most cunning, and most handsome of all devils. He is typically described as appearing as a giant human, over 13 feet tall, with dark skin and hair, red eyes, handsome features, and small horns on his forehead. He dresses in regal finery of unimaginable expense (the cost is the same a country used on food in a year). Beneath his clothing, Asmodeus’ body is covered in bloody wounds which he sustained when he fell from the Upper Planes. His wounds ooze blood daily, and the drops of his blood which touch the ground grow into powerful devils, normally Pit Fiends that are mad with rage and the desire to kill. Blood from these Pit Fiends that hits the ground grows into lesser devils.
It is stated that while Asmodeus is the oldest devil in the Nine Hells, he may not be the original ruler. However, the origin myth which appears in Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells contradicts this. Some myths even state that he is the original source of evil in all of the multiverse. Though it is important to remember the books specifically states this story is a myth and its accuracy is unverified, as such from an in-game point-of-view different regions and kingdoms could have different stories in relation to Asmodeus.
According to the Codex, Asmodeus began as a servant of the lawful gods. Asmodeus is described in some versions of the myth as an “angel” (though this is self-contradictory given the time period this would have occurred during). He was “the bravest, toughest, fiercest and most beautiful of angels.” He and the other angels were created to fight the demons of the Abyss, so that the gods could concern themselves with creating worlds and sentient beings.
After eons of fighting the creatures from the abyss, Asmodeus and some of his fellows began to change. They grew similar in appearance and methods to the demons which they fought. Afraid of his power and of the changes he had undergone, the gods put Asmodeus on trial and demanded that he be cast out of the Upper Planes. However, he argued effectively (and correctly) that he and his fellows had not violated the law. Asmodeus and his followers successfully sued for access to the Upper Planes and the honors to which they were entitled.
Once the gods created worlds and sentient beings, the demons attacked these, too. The gods created mountains, oceans, and wastelands to seal up the gates to the Abyss, but their creations defied their orders and explored their worlds, accidentally unsealing the gates. The gods could not understand why their creations did not follow their instructions, until Asmodeus explained to them that their system did not work because it relied solely upon voluntary compliance. Asmodeus explained that the only way to ensure obedience was to threaten mortals with a disincentive; hence, Asmodeus invented the concept of punishment.
Asmodeus convinced the gods to sign a contract called the Pact Primeval. This contract allowed Asmodeus and his fellow devils to take up residence in the abandoned realm of Baator, to punish the souls of wicked mortals, and to extract magical energy from the souls under their care in order to fuel their powers. Otherwise, Asmodeus reasoned, they would have to be granted the powers of godhood in order to do their job, which the current gods would surely find unacceptable.
In the myth that Asmodeus created Baator (from the Codex) it states that Asmodeus tortured souls in a far off section of the upper planes and that when their screams filled heaven the gods once again tried to remove Asmodeus from the upper planes, but by the Pact Primeval Asmodeus was allowed to torture the souls in heaven. Asmodeus offered the gods an alternative; give him the power to create his own plane of existence from which to torture the souls that broke heavenly law. The gods agreed and Asmodeus and his devils left and created the Nine Layers of Hell.
In both myths, the gods found the arrangement agreeable, at first. However, they eventually realized that fewer and fewer mortal souls were ascending to the Upper Planes, and Asmodeus was deliberately tempting mortals to damnation. When they arrived in Baator, the gods found that Asmodeus had turned it into a nightmarish world of endless suffering, filled with countless new devils. When called to account for his actions, Asmodeus uttered the famous words, “Read the fine print.”
This story is presented as mythology, and the Codex itself admits that it does not tell the whole truth. For example, it is known that Asmodeus did not depart from the Upper Planes under amicable circumstances: He was cast out, and literally fell into the Lower Planes, sustaining serious wounds which have never healed. Part of Asmodeus’ long-term plans includes using the magical energy harvested from souls in order to heal his wounds, and ultimately, the complete destruction of the Upper Planes, as well as to one day achieve godhood.
The names of the “gods” involved seem to change depending on what world and source the myth is told on, and some aspects and versions of the origin myth contradict others. For example, the version told in the Fiendish Codex II states that Cosmas became a distinct deity when he agreed with Asmodeus that “Retribution is the basis of all law,” while the Deities & Demigods sourcebook states that he is a mortal who ascended to godhood.
The Manual of the Planes suggests a similar but different story. According to the section about the Nine Hells, Asmodeus’ true form is that of a giant serpent. He was cast out of the Upper Planes before the creation of the current gods, and his fall created the 8th and 9th planes of Hell. He is currently still recovering from his wounds in the pits of the 9th level, and his devil form is just an avatar of the real Asmodeus. No one who tells the story of the true form of Asmodeus survives more than 24 hours after the telling.
In Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells, Asmodeus is described as one of the primal forces of evil in the D&D universe, and had a hand in creating Baator in order to punish sinners for their crimes. After being granted the power to do so, Asmodeus and his followers began consuming souls for power. Despite the horror of the good gods who’d established the Hells as a punishment, they didn’t also expect its existence to help fuel evil in the world. As the devils consumed the essences of souls, they began to mutate into the devils that now populate the universe.
Elder Evils names the original ruler of Hell as Zargon.
Worshipping: Asmodeus is devoted to oppression and might through subversive action. He imposes strict rules and harsh punishments on his followers. The cult of Asmodeus urges its adherents to seek power over others, to repay evil with further evil (an eye for an eye), to exploit kindness for personal gain, and to show no compassion for the weak and downtrodden. All done in the most legal possible manner of course, and never overtly.
Typical rhetoric from worshippers of Asmodeus will discuss “promoting personal excellence and independence,” “taking care of one’s own affairs” and “ridding oneself of weakness”. Sometimes one will hear of “ascending to godhood”, or “no gods, no masters”. When harming innocents, their actions are discussed as “providing motivation to succeed”. Most often, ritual practices are deeply secretive and not publicly discussed. Most followers will not publicly admit their worship of Asmodeus, as that would compromise their potential bargaining position for greater power over non-followers.
Though Asmodeus’s faith is by far the largest of the diabolic cults, few of Asmodeus’ followers are known by name. A notable exception is Christophe Jean Markosian, “The Devil Behind Thrones,” a hierarch of the Horned Society. Most of Asmodeus’s worshippers are based in the towns and cities of humans and demihumans, though Asmodeus has some monstrous followers as well. His cultists use his faith as a stepping stone to wealth and power. They form secret alliances, using their wealth and connections to bring status and power to other members of the society.
Omens and Signs:
The overwelming smell of burning Sulfar
Artifacts:
Amulet of Ordered Malevolence
Baator’s Embrace
Bastion of the Fallen Lord
Crest of Vile Darkness
Rampart of the Pact Primeval
Reaching for Damnation
Ruby Rod of Asmodeus
Signet of the Nine
Styxwalkers
The Serpent’s Coil
To Reign in Hell
Ceremonies/Holidays:
Holidays
A truly ancient being, old even among the gods, Asmodeus’s concept of time is boggling to mortals, and he couldn’t care less about marking a specific day of the week, month, or year as more important than any other—they all belong to him, and mortals should bow to him every day. However, the church does recognize a few holidays based on mortal traditions, often set in counterpart to the holy days of opposing good faiths. Most temples also celebrate Leap Day seeing it as an extra day to serve their god, giving him additional prayers to make up for the lack by nonbelievers. They celebrate the solstices and equinoxes as the Days of Wrath, holding bloodsport tournaments. Even-Tongued Day, a remembrance of bringing the planes of Hell under his control.
Sects: Military Orders & Paladins As a whole, Asmodeus’s church has few organized groups of soldiers, mainly because in most lands their religion is forbidden and a large, open group attracts too much attention. Even in many evil countries, where worship of the Prince of Darkness is openly allowed, tyrannical militaries and despotic laws reduce the need or impetus to create special groups in Asmodeus’s name. However, monastic orders aligned with Hell are not that unusual; the rigid discipline and isolated community of such an organization are complementary to the lawful-minded and often-persecuted Asmodean faith. Paladins also have a strange relationship with the Archfiend. Though the idea of a lawful good paladin serving a lawful evil deity seems ridiculous, it can happen. Asmodeus is primarily a deity of law, with evil being incidental to his concept of law. Very rarely, Asmodeus allows a true paladin to serve him, using him as a tool in lands where a more traditional priest would be hunted. The paladin’s duties are always very carefully explained and restricted to avoid conflicts that result in evil thoughts or actions; in effect, the paladin is a champion of contracts and law, who happens to be good. This is possible for three reasons: One, Asmodeus can have clerics who are lawful neutral rather than lawful evil; these clerics walk a fine line that avoids outright evil while still promoting order, and therefore in theory a paladin can do the same. Two, the nature of evil does not require one to always be evil; an evil person who doesn’t rob, murder, or torture at every opportunity is not at risk of becoming less evil—in fact, an evil person can perform good acts every day, making it entirely possible (though exceedingly rare) for a servant of Asmodeus to be good, having never done an evil act. Three, the deceptions of Asmodeus are subtle and deft, and it’s potentially possible for a paladin to believe his efforts and the orderly god’s will serve a greater good, though ultimately he serves nothing more than the god of tyranny’s cruel agendas. Such paladins sometimes see themselves as reformers of their church, trying to convince others that it is possible to serve the ultimate law and still be a good person. Religious scholars speculate that these paladins are actually granted powers by another deity through some complex arrangement with the Prince of Darkness. However, it is possible that having a good paladin in his service benefits his plans in the long run, and that these enigmatic individuals really are serving Asmodeus. Their path is much more difficult than other paladins, and only those lucky enough to die young avoid falling from grace—though what fate their souls face in the afterlife remains a matter of great theological debate.
Perverviants of the Law: Priests of Asmodeus: The Punishers: Aphorisms and Words of Wisdom:
There are countless blessings and exclamations in use by Asmodeus-worshipers, born of superstitions, ancient books of forbidden magic, spontaneous cults, and (occasionally) references in the Asmodean Monograph. Yet most are merely variants of three themes.
Great is Asmodeus: A simple yet widely used exultation declaring that Asmodeus is the supreme deity and no other is worthy of veneration. “Hail, Asmodeus!” and “Power and glory to Asmodeus!” are also common.
Lend Me Your Might: Asmodeus’s power is great, but it is not freely given—there is always a price. Such an appellation is never spoken by a worshiper of Asmodeus without the willingness and readiness to offer something of great personal value in return, should their cry cause a devil to appear in a blast of smoke and brimstone.
The Kingdom Shall Be His: Just as Asmodeus claims to have once held power over all of creation, his faith envisions an hour when all the multiverse shall come under his dominion once again. This exclamation serves as a validation among the faithful, a call to arms for infernal warriors, and a threat to all who would dare oppose his zealots.
Noteable Minions or NPCs:
The following beings are among the most notable subjects of Asmodeus on Nessus. The forces at their disposal are listed, where appropriate:
Adramalech — Chancellor of Hell, Keeper of Records (DR76).
Alastor the Grim, pit fiend — Executioner.
Baalberith (/ˈbeɪlbərɪθ/ BAYL-bər-ith12), pit fiend — Major domo.
Bensozia — Consort of Asmodeus, Queen of Hell (Deceased) (DR76).
Buer — 15 companies of pit fiends (DR76).
Bune — 30 companies of cornugons (DR76).
Glasya – Daughter of Asmodeus and Bensozia, former Mistress of the Erinyes, now Lord of the Sixth (DR76).
Martinet, pit fiend — Constable.
Morax — 9 companies of pit fiends (DR76).
Phongor — Inquisitor of Hell (DR76).
Rimmon — 5 companies of gelugons (DR76).
The Spark Hunters – Lord Asmodeus’s personal guard of 13 hamatula rangers/mortal hunters who capture and/or slay mortals who draw their master’s ire.
Zagum — 30 companies of hamatula (DR76).
Type
Religious, Pantheon
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