The Abyss

Somewhat similarly to the Nine Layers of Hell, the Abyss is divided into many different layers that individually express their own terrain, weather and even gravity. Where the two differ, however, is that the Abyss has at least hundreds of layers; some have theorised it descends infinitely, however around 700 have been documented. The River Styx flows through the Abyss, and provides a direct connection to both Pandemonium and the Nine Hells.   War Layers   Many layers are ravaged by combat. They can range from ashy and dry to freezing wastelands, but they each play host to individual battles of the infinite Blood War raging between the devils and demons. For this reason, these layers occur closest to the Styx, as it is the closest contact between the Abyss and Nine Hells.   Afterlife Layers   Some layers are populated by manes, a lesser kind of demon used as fodder and food by their overlords. These are remnants of chaotic evil souls that have been cast there after their death and time in the Fugue Plane. Some have the opportunity to gain power through consuming other manes and rising through the infernal ranks, though most suffer through a torturous afterlife.   Ruling Layers   The Abyss itself is a place of chaos, so has no specific leadership. However, there are many powerful Archfiends known as Demon Princes who rule over substantial armies in the Abyss. These include:   -The Queen of Chaos- the eldest and most powerful, appearing humanoid with a swirling mass of tentacles   -Pazuzu- a relatively human looking demon, with talons, wings and a beak-like face   -Pale Night- a woman cloaked in white, theorised to be the mother of many demons   -Fraz-Urb'luu- the prince of lies, who appears as a winged gargoyle   -Baphomet- the prince of beasts, similar to a gargantuan minotaur     There are many other demon lords in existence, though it is impossible to know how many based on the seeming infinity of the Abyss. The only thing uniting the Princes are their hatred of devils, and there are plenty of struggles and conflict between individual demons.   Demonweb Pits One of the most notable and well-known layers of the Abyss. This is home to Lolth, the drow spider deity. It is a jagged, rocky outcrop filled with her webs. The souls that she claims exist within this plane. Those that she favoured exist as her servants or handmaidens, though the fates of those who wronged her are not quite as pleasant. Their souls can be found wrapped in the webs, in varying stages of digestion and decay.     As previously mentioned, many other layers of the Abyss exist, each unique from each other. Their only unifying feature is their hostility, with each being inhospitable and lethal to any mortals who venture there.