Barbas
The Betrayer, Prince of Nessus, Ruler of the Nine Hells, Hell’s Wrath, Overlord of Hell, Lord of Vengeance
Barbas, the Lord of the Nine Hells is an evil devil god of the Nine Hells and represents mastery of tyranny and domination. He relishes in corrupting mortal souls with his honeyed words. He rules his domain with iron rule and punishment he inflicts for crossing him are legendary. Devils and other evil entities pay him tribute, while warlocks are drawn to his power.
The name Barbas remains infamous across creation, and with excellent reason. Once a powerful god and trusted adviser to the Overgod, Barbas fell under the influence of the Abyssal Heart. He became jealous, suspicious, and ambitious, and those powerful passions ignited an event known as the Great Betrayal. Barbas set into motion a series of catastrophes that resulted in the Overgod’s murder, the creation of the Nine Hells, and the transformation of his followers into creatures now known as devils. Few other gods have inflicted as much destruction and misery on creation as the Prince of Nessus and his servants.
Barbas remains imprisoned within the Nine Hells for eternity, a last act of vengeance delivered by the Overgod’s dying words. Despite his perpetual incarceration, however, Barbas has continued to influence events in the Astral Sea, the Elemental Chaos, and the various worlds in between. He and the devils of hell continuously strive for escape, while at the same time plotting the downfall of the gods and final dominion over all creation.
The Cult of Barbas includes relatively few followers and only a handful of large temples. The majority of the cult remains secretive, operating within the shadows and out of view of the wide population. The Cult of Barbas does not enjoy widespread popularity or acceptance; indeed, many towns and cities maintain laws and bans against any worship dedicated to the Overlord of Hell.
Despite its small size and lack of acceptance, the Cult of Barbas is far from weak or ineffectual. Indeed, the cult’s membership includes some of the most powerful, wealthy, and famous nobles, clerics, warriors, and politicians alive. In public, these individuals live ordinary, mundane lives, often viewed as pillars of the community. In secret, however, these same people worship Barbas, offer sacrifices to their god, and commit heinous crimes against nonbelievers.
The Cult of Barbas, and all worship dedicated to the Prince of Nessus, is unusual amongst all the faiths of Irion. In most religions, the worshippers never expect – and never receive – any tangible benefit (i.e., wealth, power, fame) for their worship. Within the cult, however, those who obey the will of Barbas and follow his demands are invariably blessed in many ways. As a result, the Cult of Barbas never lacks for followers or adherents, but different cells of the cult strive to keep their congregations small, focused, and secret. In short, the cult remains quite selective in whom they accept and whom they do not – the cult prefers members with something to bring to the table.
Barbas remains imprisoned within the Nine Hells for eternity, a last act of vengeance delivered by the Overgod’s dying words. Despite his perpetual incarceration, however, Barbas has continued to influence events in the Astral Sea, the Elemental Chaos, and the various worlds in between. He and the devils of hell continuously strive for escape, while at the same time plotting the downfall of the gods and final dominion over all creation.
The Cult of Barbas includes relatively few followers and only a handful of large temples. The majority of the cult remains secretive, operating within the shadows and out of view of the wide population. The Cult of Barbas does not enjoy widespread popularity or acceptance; indeed, many towns and cities maintain laws and bans against any worship dedicated to the Overlord of Hell.
Despite its small size and lack of acceptance, the Cult of Barbas is far from weak or ineffectual. Indeed, the cult’s membership includes some of the most powerful, wealthy, and famous nobles, clerics, warriors, and politicians alive. In public, these individuals live ordinary, mundane lives, often viewed as pillars of the community. In secret, however, these same people worship Barbas, offer sacrifices to their god, and commit heinous crimes against nonbelievers.
The Cult of Barbas, and all worship dedicated to the Prince of Nessus, is unusual amongst all the faiths of Irion. In most religions, the worshippers never expect – and never receive – any tangible benefit (i.e., wealth, power, fame) for their worship. Within the cult, however, those who obey the will of Barbas and follow his demands are invariably blessed in many ways. As a result, the Cult of Barbas never lacks for followers or adherents, but different cells of the cult strive to keep their congregations small, focused, and secret. In short, the cult remains quite selective in whom they accept and whom they do not – the cult prefers members with something to bring to the table.
Divine Domains
Power, dominion, tyranny, corruption of the innocent
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Triangular spearhead in three parts
Tenets of Faith
- Youth and innocence demand corruption.
- Ambition and greed are natural.
- Exploit every weakness.
- Destroy that which cannot be corrupted.
Divine Classification
Deity
Alignment
Lawful Evil[
Children
PRONOUNCIATION:
(bar-BAAS)
(bar-BAAS)