#layers of hell

Layers of Hell Breakdowns:

Tenth layer - Pandemonium

This layer is unlike all the rest, in that it is not full of the souls of mortals being eternally punished for their crimes. Instead, this is the prison of the original demons; the creators of all life in Hell, and the architects of pain. They are locked eternally in a chaotic and hellish (pun-intended) war that combines all the sins and torments of the previous layers. This layer is sealed, forever closed to both comings and goings, by the gods themselves. And besides, the demons here don’t want to leave. This is a hell of their own creation.

These demons are the definition of malicious, foul, hateful beings. They take all shapes and all forms, adapt all methods of torture and torment, and repeatedly destroy and remake eachother in a sick game of “Who can be the ‘King of All Evil’”. They are beyond solid description, and yet also entirely content to be sealed in their Prison/Paradise of pandemonium.

A few visualizers (Credit to artists):

Transcription of the "Layers of Hell" from Edwin's notebook:

Title: Layers of Hell

Illustration of descending levels, to be described with each level transcribed.

Right side of page divides "Upper Hell" and "Lower Hell" (both roughly 4-5 floors)

Left side of page labeling the levels:

Vestibule: Endless(?) Staircase [illustration: spiralling stairs as the top level]

I. Limbo [stick figures stuck in hotel lobby]

II. Lust [stick figures writhing together in a butchershop, hooks and blood dripping down walls shown]

III. Gluttony [stick figures binging and purging food]

IV. Avarice [stick figures seemingly pushing boulders back and forth] Notes to the right: "heavy [workers/laborers(?)], everyone in your way"

V. Wrath [stick figures swept up in what look like currents] Personal note of transcriber: I looked up notes on Dante's version to get a better idea of this, and I quote "Note how the two groups suffer different punishments appropriate to their type of anger--the wrathful ruthlessly attacking one another and the sullen stewing below the surface of the muddy swamp (Inf. 7.109-26)". Link to source.

VI. Heresy [stick figures that appear to be seated around office tables, or perhaps are laying on sacrificial tables? Possibly graves/tombs. I'm afraid this one seems unclear to me.] Personal note of transcriber: I looked up more notes from the same source website as before, and I quote "Dante opts for the most generic conception of heresy--the denial of the soul's immortality (Inf. 10.15)--perhaps in deference to spiritual and philosophical positions of specific characters he wishes to feature here, or perhaps for the opportunity to present an especially effective form of contrapasso: heretical souls eternally tormented in fiery tombs." Link to new source page.

VII. Violence (8-10 subsections are listed for this level, but they are small and illegible) [figures in a flood of blood or being impaled on the sides of the level illustration] Edwin's notes to the right: "trapped, impaled, submerged in blood"

VIII. Fraud [large level depicting giant snakes, dripping blood that reflects Lust's illustration, figures, and something else I can't make out (jutting outcroppings of stone, wings, hands? I am unsure.)] Edwin's notes to the right: "snake pit, gain human form by biting other humans"

IX. Treachery [figures submerged with only head above surface] Edwin's notes to the right: "frozen + stuck + chewed on"

Asmodeus rules over the First Layer of Hell. I could be quirky and name all the layers after sins (lol I say that like I haven’t already), but I think it’s easier to just call them Layers I-VII. Unless I’m wrong. Anyway,

Asmodeus is nicknamed “The Doorman,” as Layer I is where all new souls arrive. He’s also quite kind and offers his services to anyone and everyone, making him into a welcoming figure. He’s also been dubbed Hell’s Counselor because he’s willing to sit and talk with anyone ever about what they’re going through and gives his advice. He loves humans and is rather nice for a demon.

Belial and Astaroth rule the Second Layer as “The Punishers.” They run a coliseum where demon fights take place 24/7, offering bloody entertainment to all of Hell. Belial is a fallen Virtue and most definitely eats other demons. Astaroth was a part of Lucifer’s army in both Heaven and Hell and fought against the rebellion in Hell, which led him to gaining his unwilling companion. In human depictions he’s said to ride a dragon, but in reality the “riding” aspect is more of a twisted illusion. He fought a feral Throne and nearly died when it sliced through his body, rendering them both stuck. His body eventually healed and grew around the Throne, and now he moves around with it as his legs are paralyzed.

Malphas, Marbas, and Mammon rule over the Third Layer as “The Businessmen.” Malphas and Mammon are brother and sister, both taking on the imagery of plague doctors to symbolize bad business. Marbas is a fallen Dominon and burned the sandy parts of his body to shape them into tough glass legs and a torso. He and Malphas reside in a giant mansion in the Third Layer, with Marbas acting as a bodyguard and Malphas handling the business-end of things. Mammon isn’t too interested in business, but rather in thievery, as she is able to take just about anything that she wants. With so many valuables in her possession, she has little need to steal other than for fun, and will often carry out commissioned tasks for other people.

Adramelech and Leviathat are two of four demons nicknamed “The Politicians.” They rule over the Fourth Layer where Hell’s Castle resides. Adramelech manages Luce’s wardrobe, always making sure he looks his best for every occasion. Leviathan is the castle’s first line of defense, residing in a massive underwater system that leads up to the entrance of the castle in a mote. She can immediately recognize a stranger from a friend and won’t hesitate to chomp anyone who isn’t welcome in the castle.

The other two Politicians are Lucifer and Beata. Lucifer is the King of Hell, Mr. Devil himself, and Beata is his second-in-command. She’s been right by his side in leadership every since the days of the rebellion in Heaven.

look i have a character sheet done.

this is lucifer, yes.. the devil. He was created for a university me and my friends have where demons head down to earth to find a vessle to carry the antichrist.