Avernus

Avernus is the first layer of the Outer Plane of The Nine Hells. It is the most likely beachhead for any demonic incursion into the lands of the devils

Geography

The layer is a charred wasteland of vast ashen plains covered in rubble and the occasional line of foothills and basalt mountains heaped with broken rocks of obsidian and quartz. The ubiquitous presence of rocks and boulders, some of which seemed to resemble tormented faces and shapes of creatures, renders the terrain extremely treacherous and difficult to cross at any pace quicker than a fast walk. A blood-red light suffuses the very air and huge fireballs fly at random through the sky, occasionally impacting and exploding wherever they hit. There is no sun or stars in the Avernus sky. Travelers must quickly move from shelter to shelter, like a building or cave, lest they inevitably be struck. As with all the lower planes, the River Styx runs through Avernus, with a number of offshoots and falls. Rivulets, lakes, and streams flow across Avernus's plains and feed the Styx. The source of this blood is unknown; devils claim it probably comes from all who have died on Avernus. The layer's territory is also in a constant state of expansion by military conquest. The Styx, which at one point flowed at the edge of the layer, is now located at its center thanks to a relentless baatezu campaigning and conquering of gate-towns along the layer's edges.

Government

The ruler of Avernus is titled the Lord of the First. This position is held by the archdevil Zariel. She resides in a soaring basalt fortress called The Bronze Citadel.

Notable Locations

The Bronze Citadel - A huge fortress-city dozens of square miles in extent and ringed by twelve heavily defended walls. It houses hundreds of thousands of lesser devil troops and war machines. It is constantly being added to in the form of new fortifications against attacks. The Lord of the First, Zariel, reigns from here.
The Great Avernus Road - A massive road leading from The Bronze Citadel for the purpose of transporting large armies of devils swiftly to battle.
The Pillar of Skulls - A hideous landmark of trophy-skulls of those killed in the war with the demons. It reaches a height of more than 1 mile, and is located very close to the entrance to the second layer, Dis.
Tiamat's Lair - Also known as The Cave of Greed, the Queen of Evil Dragons makes her lair in the mountains of Avernus, standing guard over her massive treasure hoard.

Alternative Name(s)

The First Hell

Type

Planar Sphere/Grouping