Infernal Plane
Geography
The Infernal Plane is a vast, chaotic expanse that defies conventional logic and perception, characterized by its fiery, ever-shifting "sky" of floating spheres. These spheres, massive in scale, are celestial-sized domains controlled by powerful demons, each reflecting the unique horrors and nature of its ruler. The "sky" itself resembles an endless void ablaze with unrelenting fire, casting the entire plane in an eerie, hellish glow. Instead of a traditional sense of time, inhabitants mark the passage of Tormants, a term reflecting the suffering and cyclical nature of existence within the plane. While there are countless smaller spheres, seven immense ones dominate the Infernal Plane’s skyline, looming as beacons of power and dread.
The ground of the Infernal Plane is an amalgamation of grotesque, alien landscapes, constantly shaped and reshaped by the will of the Infernal Core. Jagged mountains of blackened stone erupt from lakes of molten lava, forming treacherous peaks and canyons filled with sulfuric mists. Rivers of acid carve through barren wastelands, their noxious vapors creating a suffocating haze. Occasionally, pulsating flesh-like terrain appears, thought to be remnants of forgotten demon lords or the plane itself manifesting its twisted life. Pockets of geysers spewing bile and blood erupt sporadically, feeding into the grotesque ecosystems that thrive within these regions.
The Lava Oceans stretch across vast portions of the plane, glowing with an intense, blinding heat. These seas of molten rock are dotted with volcanic islands, which serve as the seats of power for many Demon Generals. The Lava Oceans are also the hunting grounds for massive monstrosities such as the Ash Wyrms, creatures capable of devouring entire fleets of infernal vessels. Below the surface of these fiery seas are hidden caverns filled with ancient, cursed relics, said to be fragments of the Infernal Core's original creation. These locations are highly sought after but almost impossible to reach, as even the toughest demons risk annihilation in the searing depths.
Beneath some of the plane’s more stable regions lie vast networks of Flesh Warrens, labyrinthine tunnels formed from living tissue. These warrens are home to Spawnmothers and lesser demon broods, where countless new demons are birthed in grotesque rituals. They serve as breeding grounds, fortresses, and traps for those foolish enough to venture into their pulsating depths. These areas are also known for their unique flora and fauna, including carnivorous plants and creatures that live off the constant flow of demonic energy coursing through the plane.
In stark contrast to the volatile surface and sky, the Acid Undercity of Nuzlgrand lies submerged beneath a vast acid sea. The glowing, inverted metropolis descends miles into the corrosive depths, lit by bioluminescent demonic structures. This city teems with aquatic demons, spiritual entities, and the ever-present threat of the Depthmaw, a leviathan capable of devouring entire districts. Despite the constant danger, the Acid Undercity sustains a unique ecosystem, thriving on the acidic currents and glowing fungal colonies that cling to its twisted architecture.
Finally, the "sky" of the Infernal Plane remains its most striking feature, with the Seven Great Spheres dominating the fiery expanse. These spheres float ominously above the plane, their surfaces visible only as shifting silhouettes within the flaming void. Each sphere is a world unto itself, ruled by a powerful demon lord or general, and serves as a center for their personal ambitions. The smaller, countless spheres surrounding them act as satellites, often used as battlegrounds or prisons for weaker beings. The constant movement and collision of these spheres, paired with the infernal flames that encase them, create an ever-changing celestial hellscape that ensures no part of the Infernal Plane is ever truly stable.
Ecosystem
The ecosystem of the Infernal Plane is a self-sustaining, grotesque amalgamation of infernal energies, carnivorous organisms, and resilient beings that thrive on chaos and decay. The plane itself is alive in a sense, shaping its landscapes and inhabitants to perpetuate suffering and conflict. Demonic flora and fauna dominate the environment, ranging from sentient, predatory plants to monstrous creatures capable of consuming entire cities. Rivers of acid and lakes of molten lava provide sustenance for specialized aquatic demons and monstrous entities like the Depthmaw, which preys on both the denizens of the Acid Undercity and surface dwellers alike. Instead of sunlight, the ever-burning flames of the sky provide a distorted form of illumination, feeding the warped life forms that populate the plane.
Predator-prey dynamics are brutal and often circular, with demons themselves acting as both apex predators and prey. Creatures such as Ash Wyrms and Flesh Titans terrorize vast regions, feeding on weaker demons and spawning new monstrosities in their wake. Smaller creatures, like acid-dwelling Infernal Eels and flame-borne Cinder Hawks, serve as both predators and food sources for larger entities. Infernal flora, such as Soulthorn Vines, trap and consume unsuspecting demons, while simultaneously producing demonic spores that infest the land, spreading corruption and furthering the ecosystem’s cycle of torment.
Energy sustains the Infernal Plane’s ecosystem far more than traditional food chains. Infernal creatures draw nourishment from the plane’s ambient energy, souls, and each other. Souls, in particular, are a prized resource; their consumption fuels not only physical sustenance but also growth and power for demons. This creates a constant struggle for dominance, as weaker entities scavenge for scraps while stronger demons hunt for fresh souls to maintain their might. Even the plane’s geography contributes, with regions like the Flesh Warrens acting as breeding grounds and reservoirs for new life, and the Lava Oceans providing a volatile yet vital habitat for heat-resistant life forms. This brutal, self-perpetuating ecosystem ensures that no aspect of the Infernal Plane is ever stagnant, constantly evolving to reflect the chaos and suffering that define its existence.
Ecosystem Cycles
The ecosystem cycles of the Infernal Plane revolve around a continuous loop of destruction, consumption, and regeneration, driven by the plane's chaotic nature and the Infernal Core's sustaining influence. Unlike natural ecosystems that rely on balance and coexistence, the Infernal Plane thrives on relentless conflict and predation. Souls serve as the primary resource in this system, fueling the growth and power of demons while sustaining the plane itself. When a demon consumes a soul, it temporarily gains strength, but this act perpetuates the cycle by creating more demonic entities. Even in death, demons are not removed from this cycle; their essence is respawned randomly across the plane, ensuring that the system remains ever-active and saturated with lifeforms.
The land, flora, and fauna of the Infernal Plane adapt to these cycles, reflecting its brutal and self-perpetuating nature. Carnivorous plants like Soulthorn Vines and grotesque creatures such as Flesh Titans feed on the ambient energy or lesser beings, maintaining a brutal hierarchy of survival. Acid rivers and lava oceans, though hostile to most life, are home to specialized demons and monstrosities like the Infernal Eels or the Depthmaw, whose predations fuel further ecological shifts. Even the geography participates in these cycles, as regions like the Flesh Warrens act as breeding grounds for new demonic entities, while the Ash Wastes burn with firestorms that cleanse and reshape the land. This ceaseless cycle of decay and renewal ensures that the Infernal Plane remains an ever-churning crucible of chaos, feeding the relentless hunger of its denizens and perpetuating the torment that defines its existence.
Localized Phenomena
Localized phenomena in the Infernal Plane are manifestations of its chaotic and volatile nature, often tied to the region’s demonic energy or the influence of powerful entities. One such phenomenon is the Lava Storms, common across the plane’s surface. These storms hurl molten rock, flaming ash, and shards of jagged obsidian, capable of reshaping entire regions in their wake. They are often accompanied by deafening roars, believed to be the cries of the Infernal Core itself. Demons caught in these storms face obliteration or grievous injuries, but the most resilient survive and absorb the raw energy of the storm, becoming stronger as a result. The unpredictable nature of these storms keeps even the most powerful beings wary, as no safe haven truly exists.
Another notable phenomenon is the Whispering Veil, a supernatural mist that envelops regions seemingly at random. Within the veil, sound and vision are distorted, and demons often report hearing voices from their past—taunts, regrets, and the cries of those they’ve tormented. The veil is thought to be a manifestation of the plane’s collective torment, a psychic residue that occasionally breaches into the physical world. Those who linger too long in the mist risk being drawn into the Pale Labyrinth, an ethereal maze that traps souls and slowly erases their identities. Some Demon Generals harness this phenomenon to fortify their domains, using the veil as a natural defense against intruders.
Beneath the Acid Undercity of Nuzlgrand, the Sapphire Current is a rare but dangerous occurrence in the acid oceans. This glowing blue flow is a surge of concentrated infernal energy that causes the surrounding acid to crystallize temporarily into razor-sharp formations. The current attracts aquatic demons and monstrosities, which flock to it to feed on its potent energy. However, the current is unstable and often collapses into a violent explosion, scattering crystal shrapnel and unleashing a shockwave that devastates the area. The Sapphire Current is both a boon and a curse to the denizens of the undercity, as it provides a rare source of power but at an unpredictable and catastrophic cost. These phenomena ensure that the Infernal Plane remains a dynamic and treacherous environment, constantly reshaping itself and challenging its inhabitants' survival.
Climate
The climate of the Infernal Plane is a manifestation of its volatile and malevolent nature, defined by extremes that push the limits of survival. The "air" is thick with noxious fumes, a toxic blend of sulfur, ash, and miasma that suffocates weaker beings and corrodes even the hardiest materials over time. Temperatures range from unbearably hot near the Lava Oceans and volcanic regions to freezing cold in areas dominated by shadow and void. These contrasts create a constant state of discomfort and danger, with firestorms and acid rains being common occurrences. The Lava Rains, in particular, are infamous for scalding the ground and everything on it, leaving behind molten pools that reshape the terrain with each storm.
The "sky," or lack thereof, radiates an oppressive glow from the infernal flames that engulf the plane's floating spheres. This fiery illumination casts an eternal twilight across the land, where shadows writhe and twist unnaturally. Winds are unpredictable, carrying embers, shards of obsidian, or even whispers of demonic curses. In some regions, the atmosphere pulses with infernal energy, creating localized pressure zones that crush or fling beings without warning. Unlike natural climates driven by seasons or ecosystems, the Infernal Plane's weather is dictated by chaos and suffering, ensuring that no place is ever truly hospitable or stable. This unrelenting harshness is not just a feature but a cornerstone of the plane’s design, perpetuating its eternal torment.
Fauna & Flora
The flora and fauna of the Infernal Plane are grotesque reflections of its chaotic and barren nature, a mockery of the lush ecosystems found in other realms. There are no naturally occurring plants or animals; instead, the environment is dominated by twisted remnants of corpses, parasitic growths, and grotesque symbioses that mimic life. One of the most infamous examples is the Rot Fields, the decaying remains of the Prime Demon Charoum, whose massive corpse has become the center of a sprawling ecosystem. Here, parasitic fungi and fleshy growths feed on the endless decomposition, creating a perverse forest of rotting, pulsing structures. Creatures resembling scavengers, such as Bone Grubs and Flesh Leeches, thrive in this environment, devouring the decaying matter and spreading its infectious essence to surrounding areas.
In regions like the Flesh Warrens, the "flora" consists of tissue-like growths that stretch and pulsate like living veins. These structures are semi-sentient, reacting to the presence of living beings by constricting, emitting noxious gases, or even spawning grotesque parasitic creatures. These areas are breeding grounds for new demons and monstrosities, with Spawnmothers acting as the central hub for propagation. The "fauna" of these regions are equally horrifying, with Womb Wyrms slithering through the fleshy tunnels and feeding on the energy of freshly birthed demons. These environments are not static; they evolve and adapt, with growths expanding or dying off based on the energy they can siphon from their surroundings.
Artificial sanctuaries created by Wardens, who use powerful nature magic to maintain small patches of living flora, are rare and fragile anomalies in the Infernal Plane. These areas, often shielded by magical wards, contain plants imported from other planes, kept alive only through the continuous application of magical energy. When a Warden dies or their magic falters, these sanctuaries rapidly wither, leaving behind barren land and often becoming the site of a new parasitic infestation. These places are both coveted and reviled, as they offer a fleeting sense of respite but also attract the attention of demons and monstrosities who see them as sources of untapped energy.
The fauna of the Infernal Plane consists entirely of demons, spirits, mutants, and monstrosities, each adapted to the plane's unrelenting hostility. From Cinder Hawks that hunt in firestorms to massive creatures like the Depthmaw in the Acid Undercity, these beings are both predators and prey in a constant cycle of survival. Smaller entities like Ash Vermin scavenge the remains of battles, while larger predators such as Blister Beasts roam the wastelands, hunting anything that moves. This ecosystem is sustained not by natural cycles but by the plane’s inherent chaos and the regenerative properties of its demonic energy. It is a landscape of constant torment, where every creature, plant, and parasite exists to perpetuate the suffering and decay that define the Infernal Plane.
Natural Resources
The natural resources of the Infernal Plane are as twisted and malevolent as the realm itself, offering power at great cost. Souls are the most coveted resource, fueling the growth and strength of demons while serving as currency, sustenance, and magical energy. These souls are harvested through conquest, bargains, and rituals, and their consumption perpetuates the cycle of demonic life. Beyond souls, the very landscape of the plane offers unique materials: Hellbone, derived from the petrified remains of ancient demon lords, is an unbreakable substance used in crafting infernal weapons and structures. Pools of Infernal Bile and rivers of acid provide raw materials for alchemy, curses, and weapon enhancements, while Cindershard, a crystalline formation found near Lava Oceans, channels destructive magical energies.
The corpses of monumental beings like Charoum provide another grim resource. The Rot Fields yield necrotic flesh, parasitic growths, and ichor with potent magical properties, often used in rituals or to fuel demonic constructs. In the Acid Undercity, glowing bioluminescent fungi cling to the inverted buildings, harvested by aquatic demons for their ability to store energy and light. Even the firestorms that rage across the plane leave behind Ashsteel, a rare, heat-resistant metal used in the forging of infernal armor. These resources, while abundant, are jealously guarded and fraught with peril to extract, making their acquisition a testament to the brutality and cunning of those who seek to harness the Infernal Plane’s inherent chaos.
History
The history of the Infernal Plane begins with Elysor, a realm of boundless life and unyielding protection. It was a place of unimaginable beauty, formed and sustained by two cores: the Core of Life, who delighted in creation, and the Core of Protection, who cherished safeguarding their works. Together, they crafted an endless array of harmless yet mindless beings that they loved like children, filling their realm with joy and purpose. Elysor was their playground and sanctuary, a world where pain and death did not exist. However, the sheer volume and permanence of their creations began to destabilize the multiverse. The Divine Order, a coalition of deities dedicated to maintaining balance among the planes, grew increasingly concerned.
The Divine Order, recognizing the threat posed by Elysor's unchecked proliferation, sent emissaries to the cores. Among these emissaries was Michael, a celestial warrior of great renown and unyielding resolve. He was tasked with persuading the cores to cease their endless creation, not through force but by appealing to their wisdom and compassion. Michael visited Elysor thirteen times over the course of thirteen centuries, each visit a century apart. During these visits, the cores welcomed him as a friend, showing him wonders that expanded his understanding of existence. They introduced him to the simple joys of creation: the laughter of their childlike beings, the harmony of their undying world, and the profound peace that came from knowing nothing in Elysor could be harmed.
These visits deeply transformed Michael, giving him a sense of individuality and purpose beyond his role as a celestial soldier. He came to love the cores, seeing them not merely as entities but as creators of beauty and joy. Yet, despite his growing bond with them, Michael remained bound by his duty. Each visit, he implored them to slow their creations, warning of the danger their actions posed to the multiverse. But the Core of Life, always smiling, dismissed his pleas, while the Core of Protection steadfastly supported their partner. Their love for Michael was genuine, but they could not see the gravity of the situation he described.
On the thirteenth and final sanctioned visit, Michael made one last desperate attempt to reach them. He confessed his deep affection, telling them they felt more like his creators than his true maker ever had. He admitted that he loved them, not as a duty-bound emissary but as a being who had found meaning in their presence. They reciprocated his love, embracing him with the warmth that defined Elysor. Yet, even then, the Core of Life refused to relent, and the Core of Protection stood by their partner's choice. With a heavy heart, Michael returned to the Divine Order, knowing that the next visit would not be one of peace.
The Divine Order, seeing no other option, convened an emergency decree. Michael, their chosen emissary, was dispatched ahead of schedule for a fourteenth visit. This time, he bore a weapon—the divine spear, an instrument of judgment. Upon arriving in Elysor, he approached the Core of Life, embraced them one final time, and apologized. He called them his "found creators" and vowed never to forget them. Then, with tears in his unblinking eyes, he killed the Core of Life. The act shattered him, leaving scars that would never heal. The Core of Protection, witnessing this act, unleashed a scream of anguish that echoed across the multiverse, a sound that marked the birth of pain and death in Elysor.
The death of Life was the catalyst for Elysor’s transformation. The Core of Protection, consumed by grief and rage, erupted in a cataclysmic surge of malice that engulfed the plane. The once-beautiful realm became a hellscape of fire and torment, its childlike inhabitants twisted into the first demons. Rivers of acid replaced Elysor’s clear streams, and the sky ignited into an endless inferno. The Core of Protection, now driven mad, declared war on the Celestial Plane and the Divine Order, vowing vengeance for their loss. This war, known as the War of Sky and Fire, became one of the most destructive conflicts in multiversal history.
The demons, fueled by the Core of Protection’s malice, launched relentless assaults on the Celestial Plane, seeking to breach the realm of Nirvana and exact revenge. The Celestial Plane, a sanctuary of radiant beauty, became a battleground. The celestial forces, led by Michael and other Arc Celestials, struggled to contain the infernal tide. After years of brutal conflict, the Divine Order created the Divine Gate, a barrier designed to confine the demons within their plane. With their path to Nirvana cut off, the demons were forced to retreat, and the Celestials regained control of their domain.
Over time, the Core of Protection degenerated into the Infernal Core, a being of pure rage and hatred. It became the Infernal Plane itself, its essence permeating every corner of the realm. The once-loving protector was now a twisted force of destruction, blaming all deities, even those uninvolved, for the loss of Life. The number thirteen became sacred in the Infernal Plane, symbolizing the thirteen centuries of failed pleas and the final act of betrayal.
The Hell Knights, forged from the corpse of the Core of Life, became some of the most feared beings in the Infernal Plane. Their power was unmatched, and three of them ascended to the realm of Nirvana, becoming deities themselves. This ascension sowed distrust among the remaining deities, who viewed the Profanities as a threat to their order. Meanwhile, the Infernal Core cared little for the shifting politics of Nirvana; its hatred remained fixed on all who bore the mark of divinity.
As the Infernal Plane adapted to its new reality, factions like the Black Labels emerged, policing rogue elements within the plane and preventing celestial interference. The creation of infernal cities, like Nuzlgrand and Thalassaris, brought a semblance of order to the chaos, though these cities were no refuge from the plane’s inherent torment. Monstrosities roamed the lands, and the ecosystem of suffering flourished, perpetuating the cycle of despair that defined the realm.
To this day, the Infernal Plane remains as a tragedy of Elysor. It is a realm of endless torment, where the echoes of the Core of Protection’s grief resound eternally. The celestials and deities who once sought to bring balance now face the consequences of their actions, as the Infernal Core’s creations continue to threaten the multiverse. The history of the Infernal Plane serves as a grim reminder of the cost of hubris and the fragile balance that holds the planes together.
Tourism
The Infernal Plane, for all its torment and chaos, draws a unique array of visitors, often driven by dark ambitions, curiosity, or desperation. Occultists and witches venture here seeking forbidden knowledge or demonic pacts, enticed by the promise of power at the cost of their morality or even their souls. Thrill-seekers and religious zealots enter to test their mettle against the horrors of the plane, whether for fame, enlightenment, or to prove their divine worth. Witch hunters arrive to pursue rogue practitioners of dark magic who have fled to the Infernal Plane for sanctuary. Meanwhile, slave traders and traffickers exploit the plane’s currency of souls, smuggling mortals into its cities to sell as chattel or offerings. The dark allure of this realm lies in its extremes, where mortal desires and fears clash with the raw essence of suffering and power, making it a macabre yet irresistible destination for those who dare to enter.
Alternative Name(s)
The Hellscar Expanse
Type
Plane of Existence
Included Organizations
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
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