Nessus

Nessus is the ninth and deepest layer of the Outer Plane of The Nine Hells.

Geography

The layer is a featureless plain with jagged edges that extend 2,500 miles from east to west and 1,100 miles from north to south, floating in an endless red void. The plains are scarred by chasms and ravines several thousand miles deep, and are frequently ravaged by fiery storm winds. The River Styx trickles down into Nessus through a little-known, small offshoot. It is heavily guarded by devils, who slew any unauthorized visitors on sight. The river drains into a shallow pool known as the Forgotten Lake, then continues at the bottom of some of the crevasses before percolating through the earth and continuing its course into Gehenna.

Government

The layer is ruled directly by Asmodeus, who presents himself as an illusion of a tall, red-skinned, slender man. He is assisted by a court of archdevils that include the Chancellor of Hell Adramalech, Inquisitor Phongor, and several commanders. His pit fiend generals include Executioner Alastor, Asmodeus's majordomo Baalberith, and Constable Martinet.

Notable Locations

Malshee -, the largest city in all of the Outer Planes and home to Asmodeus. Located at the bottom of an enormous trench directly below the portal from the Pit in Cania, it is inhabited by millions of devils held in reserve for an unknown cataclysmic battle. Asmodeus's citadel, Fortress Nessus, rises far above the plain from the bottom of the rift. The Serpent's Coil - the deepest rift of the layer, said to have been blasted as a result of Asmodeus's fall into the Hells. It is home to his true form as he heals from the wounds sustained by his fall. The blood shed by Asmodeus's wounds constantly sprouts new devils, perfect specimens of pit fiends and cornugons. Tabjari - a citadel made of copper that stands along the walls of Reaper's Canyon.

Alternative Name(s)

The Ninth Hell

Type

Planar Sphere/Grouping

Location under

The Nine Hells