The Forest of Shadow, The Bleak Realm before the Gates

In truth, little is understood of this place, but more have gone there and back and were sane enough to talk about it. This realm, or whatever it is, is a vast dark and foggy forest that seemingly resides before a bleak wall of vast and incomprehensible size that seperates it from the gateway to hell. Curiously enough, most souls do not come here, instead going directly to the infernal tower, but those that stumble or attempt to enter hell while still living their lives begin here. Those adventuerers that travel here willingly are demented and utterly insane, but they still exist, however most souls found here somehow "stumble" upon this place accidentally. 
Some theories exist that perhaps it is a realm made of the dead remains of a forgotten realm (the phrase "Umbra cadere" has been thrown around). Regardless, this place is seemingly infinite, and full of its own monsters and resources. The wood from the trees of this land can sometimes be harvested for highly rare and magical wood, and the scarce rivers found in this forest are said to be the tears of celestials. However this realm does not abide visitors, and beasts stalk the land. Some talk of 3 great beasts above all: being a Panther, a Lion, and a Wolf that seem to be the forest keepers. These 3 beasts guard a plain stone archway, that seems to be the gateway to the tower and the hells, and they are there to keep vistors out. However they also ask questions and interogate the souls that approach as much as they simply eat and devour them. Some stories exist of them even making deals with travelers, but this is doubtful. They are fiendish but seemingly....not? They are something else entirely, and it is entirely unkown what they are.
As stated above, lost wandering souls, insane adventuerers, and other such curious folk can be found here. However perhaps the most elusive and near mythical ones who wander these dark trees are the Indiffrent Angels. These angels are seemingly celestials who chose not to fight admist the heavens and the hells, and so either wilingly or forcefully were sent into a bleak forest. Their wings are burdened with golden rings and chains, and they also wear golden braces upon their wrists. They stand from 7-10 feet tall, and their faces are obscured by worn hoods, veils, or masks. THis is bealieved to be because they are denied the privellage of seeing their own beauty in this place without hope. Curiously, these angels possess bodies of flesh, similar to what mortals like look like, unlike their fully angelic kin. They are mocked by both clestials and fiends, and reside in this forest wandering aimlessly in senseless marches, empty prayers, vacuous gestures, and useless acts. They long for power and recognition, and just to find something to give meaning to their existance. They typiclaly are arrogant and/or paranoid and flighty. They are even told to be indecisive, being unable to choose for themselves on important tasks. However, some are intrigued by mortals who pursue true ideals or have something that the forest is built to rip apart: Hope. They realize this may be their means to either redemption, or to find new purpose beyond the forest, and so can be persuaded to guide or even join travelers in their journey. Some have even been rumored to escape into the mortal realm, though this is unlikely.
Regardless, this forest is made to strip hope slowly and insidously. Hope is what can help a soul when journeying through the Hells, and so hope is something the fiends hate and detest. Hope is what keeps a soul grounded, rather than descending into chaos. The forest strips those of hope to keep them out from breaching into the Hells, and it is a realm that one could get lost forever in. However, there lies one myth, that its basest chance of reality can keep a kindle of hope alight. When one enters hell, it is hard to get out, even if one enters delibertly they face a great trial to escape. There is however, a secret way out in this forest, unkown to all but the most ancient of souls that reside and skulk in the hells and the forest. This exit is said to even be able to help those sent to the Tower of Bālal can find an escape into the Realms of Death or even back to Life. One must simply escape the city of the Infernal Damned, but that is far easier said than done. No matter the circumstance, if one must travel into this realm, keep heart and faith. Keep thy candle burning even if it is but a tiny blip of light in a crushing darkness. The Devils prey on those who have lost hope, and it is hope that shall be thy weapon and guide.

Alternative Name(s)

The Dark Forest, The Forest Beyond our World, The Forest of the Lost, Where Hope Dies

Type

Dimensional plane