The Abyss (A-Be-ss)
Few places can inspire a shiver of concern or dread like the Abyss. The Abyss, in short, is where Demons and Devils live. Demons live to cause pain, the only species postulated that - in all of Creation and the Universe - to be considered evil to their core. Devils, on the other hand, are more nuanced and - in both theory and practice - capable of good and evil, depending on their environment.
However, the Abyss itself is a harsh and unforgiving place, designed and controlled by Demon Princes of the Abyss, each one controlling one of the circles down the ever descending layers that ring the gaping maw of empty space that is in the center of the Abyss.
Woe be to all mortals who find themselves in this hostile Realm, for only agony, suffering, and loss of their very Soul is all that awaits.
There is, of course, several circles that are not as hostile in small sections, these sections ones controlled by the Devils. However, such places are few and far between, and even then, being at the mercy of an abyssal Devil is a small mercy indeed.
Geography
The Abyss is one of the largest - in theory - Realms in the Universe. It has a six hundred sixty six thousand meter (about 413 miles) hole in the center that allows access to lower circles. Each circle of the Abyss is home to at least a dozen Demon Lords, and one Demon Prince. The power of the Demon Prince alters the geography of that circle, changing it to match their own inner desires. For example, a Demon Prince who prefers blood may have their realm populated by sharp rocks and grass that is like razor blades.
As one descends into the Abyss more and more, each Demon Prince (and those under them) are more powerful, up to the ninth circle. It is not known how many circle of the Abyss there is, but the prevailing theory is that they are grouped in sets of nine, one set for each mortal Realm, with the rumored Beast of the Abyss residing in the final circle at the bottom. However, the hole in the center of the Abyss seems to extend for forever, and all attempts to find a bottom have been unsuccessful.
All Abyssal circles have several things in common, however. The first is that there is always some sort of mimicry of plant and animal life from the Realms they are assigned. However, each plant or animal is a twisted, distorted version of the natural one, farther altered by whatever the Demon Prince's Sin Aspect is.
Demon Metal, a near living metal that is nigh indestructible and a conduit for demonic magic, grows on every circle, though the specific amount depends on how it is cultivated and the power of the Demon Prince of that circle.
While it is certainly possible that there is some circles that are beautiful, most circles are harsh and unforgiving, constantly bathed under a red sun that never sets. Weather, though determined by the Demon Prince's unconscious power, is never gentle.
Ecosystem
Each circle of the Abyss has it's own unique ecosystem, but there is several distinct differences between each Sin Aspect (and thus the Demon Prince who controls the circle). As a general rule, each Sin Aspect has it's own characteristics, but how those specifically manifest can change depending on the Demon Prince. A Demon Prince cannot directly control the ecosystem of their circle, but rather, it is an extension and an unconscious expression of the Demon Prince themselves. Generally speaking however, the ecosystem is hostile, and anyone - Mortal, Demon, or Devil - caught by it has to survive or die. Some Circles have a more civilized veneer, but that is only surface deep.
Lust: The environment tends to involve more scented and harmless on the surface, but contain drug-like substances that will compromise the senses, bringing to the forefront hidden thoughts and desires. While in this altered state, prey is easy to hunt or be convinced to commit the Sin, whatever form of Lust it takes in them.
Gluttony: The environment is barren, almost lifeless. However, there is pockets of intense Fauna and Flora, and they are easy to catch or pick. Once eaten, however, they are cursed with a unending hunger that only grows with each additional bite.
Sloth: Unlike the others, circles of Sloth tend to be peaceful, at least on the surface. The air is pleasant, and the weather calm and wishful. Rolling hills of grass or other pleasant things abound, and bubbling brooks scatter the landscape. Peaceful animals, though seemingly skittish, teem the areas. However, should one rest in such a place, they will find themselves fighting the urge to sleep deeply. Once they have given in, the animals will reveal their horrifying true nature, sharp and pointed teeth extending from drooling mouths. Then, once the victims is fast asleep, they are devoured.
Greed: The environment is a strange mix of plentiful and non-plentiful. It teems with dangerous wildlife, yet has almost enough resources to sustain someone. It is easy to justify taking a bit from another, and once it starts, the environment seems to change slightly, granting a bit more resources for the act. And so it increases, allowing for ever more justification. It is often said that most dangerous thing about circles of Greed is not the landscape, but others who wish to take what is yours.
Wrath: The circles of Wrath are more openly hostile, teeming with raging monsters. The air is thick, and almost filled with bloodlust. An ever present murmur seems to drone in the background, never ceasing, always watching. Animals seek and hunt, probing and culling the fearful while almost taunting those who resist. If one gives into anger though, they will feel stronger, more powerful. And for a time they will be, but soon this power boost will feel insufficient, the emotion drawing in even more powerful creatures. Thus a cycle of rage is born, until the person themselves becomes another raging monster, constantly searching for things to slake their rage on, even for a moment.
Envy: A circle of Envy is subtle, the air and landscape always seeking to subvert and cause images of how little one has compared to others. The more one has, the more that feeling grows. Do not trust your eyes in a circle of Envy, for they will show you how perfect, clean, shiny, or similar things others have, while your own is imperfect, dirty, dulled. The longer one stays, the more hold the circle will have, until it takes all of the senses, making one ripe for the Demons and creatures that inhabit the Circle.
Pride: A circle of Pride is different than the others by the sole factor that it appears to be more civilized, and has a functioning economy. However, everything in the Circle is geared towards increasing the idea of pride in oneself, and as one does so, a small area seems to accept the person. Soon, tiny, micro kingdoms arise, and quickly start a cycle of war, suffering, and in the end, the person is no different than the Demons in the circle.
Fauna & Flora
There is always some sort of mimicry of plant and animal life from the Realms they are assigned. However, each plant or animal is a twisted, distorted version of the natural one, farther altered by whatever the Demon Prince's Sin Aspect is.
The plant life and animal life will become more and more twisted; more distorted the closer one gets to the Demon Prince. Still, their bodies and fruit are filled with demonic energies, making them both a powerful boost to keep one going as they look to escape, but also to pull the person in, encouraging them to commit and justify. That being said, even the most helpless of creatures are still dangerous, and nothing survives in a circle as mere prey.
Natural Resources
There is only two valuable resources in the Abyss: Demonic Metal and Fruit/Meat from the creatures within it.
Demonic Metal increases in growth whenever a circle has strife or war, the more strife, the more it grows. Thus, smart Demon Princes always have some sort of conflict surging. Demonic metal is practically indestructible, and can be used as weapons or other sort of hellish magic. It, unlike other metals or materials, can withstand demonic magic without breaking down overtime, making it valuable for both mortals and demons who have successfully infiltrated that Realm.
Fruit and Meat from circles have powerful alchemical - though not very good - effects, and can be distilled into drugs or other similar substances.
History
The Abyss has existed since the dawn of Creation, alongside Heaven, Hell, and the Primordials. It will exist until the end of the Universe, until the last Realm either overcomes it's End Of All Things or is destroyed by it. As such, the Abyss is very much invested in keeping the status quo, doing it's best to make sure that the Realm does not unite enough to overcome the EOAT, but at the same time making sure that it is not started prematurely. After all, should the End Of All Things succeed, there will be no more Souls to be had on that Realm.
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