The Underworld

"The thing about hell, or the Underworld, is that it’s not as evil as westerners, or at least Christians, have made it. It’s not all brimstone and torture. If anything, it’s closer to the Greek understanding. It just serves as another end destination for the dead." - Bradley

The Underworld is a dimensional spirit plane that goes by many names like: Hell, the Inferno, Tartarus, Helheim, Tophet, the Pit, and the Netherworld. It is described as being similar to Elysium in the fact that it is simply another place for those who have died to inhabit after death. It is the destination for those who have lived their lives based on sin or have died with regret or have heavy hearts. Less is known about those souls who are sent to the Underworld than those who are sent to Elysium, besides the requirement of living life based on sin.
It is ruled by the Seven Deadly Sins, more commonly referred to as the Princes.

Geography

There are three levels or layers to the Underworld's geography. The outermost layer is known as limbo. This area is reserved for those who were sent to the Underworld but chose not to enter one of the seven kingdoms as well as for those who don't exactly fit any of the domains that belong to the Princes. Instead of being forced to enter, the limbo region is filled with spirits who reside there. This area, unlike of the Underworld, is not manipulated by the Princes but is still under their management. This area is mostly self-governing and its residents cannot be touched by Nightmares or demons.
The next layer is the largest and contains the six kingdoms belonging to the Prince's: Lust, Greed, Gluttony, Wrath, Sloth, and Envy. When a soul goes through limbo, their life is brought into question and whichever sin they lived their life by is where they are sent. If a soul has lived their life on many sins (for example, a business tycoon equaling gluttony, greed, and lust) then they are able to choose which kingdom they visit. Each kingdom is governed by its respective Prince and they are in charge of making the laws as well as fueling it. A wide river known as the River of Styx separates all of the kingdoms and will only part to let those who can pass between kingdoms.
There is also another way into this layer of the Underworld which is through a backdoor. Every kingdom holds one and allows others, mostly those not allowed into the Underworld, access. Though this allows many to slip in and out undetected, it is the dangerous area known as the Dark Lands (anything outside the Underworld walls) to many. This area is ever-shifting and filled with monsters and creatures that feed on the emotions of lost souls. They are known as Nightmares.
The last circle belongs to the biggest kingdom of all, Pride. This kingdom is called many things including: The King's Circle, The Fallen Domain, and The Pit. As well as being the largest, it is the most dangerous and typical souls are not allowed in. Those who do fit Pride's requirements are escorted by the few demons belonging to Pride. The only ones known to come and go as they please are the other Prince's. Unlike the kingdoms that are posed to resemble city architectures from the mortal world, Pride's domain is in ruins. It is said that it only will be rebuilt when he is freed from his prison.

The Underworld

Alternative Name(s)

Hell, the Inferno, Tartarus, Helheim, Tophet, the Pit, the Netherworld

Type

Dimensional plane

Owner/Ruler

Princes of Hell

Characters in Location

• Asmodeus

Inhabiting Species

• Nightmares

Trivia

• Save for Pride's domain, all the other kingdoms resemble mortal architecture: Lust resembles that of the Las Vegas strip, Sloth is earthen architecture, Greed with modern Saudi Arabia architecture, Envy as contemporary and art deco, Wrath as Roman architecture, and Gluttony having an antebellum edge.