Devils

Devils are the native denizens of the Plane of the Nine Hells, and servants of Asmodeus. They are sometimes called Infernals or Hellions. Devils are one of two species of Fiends, the other being their rivals, the Demons.   Devils are ambitious creatures, cunning schemers, and masterful liars, but they are bound by complex laws, contracts and their hierarchical caste system.   Language: Devils speak their own language of Infernal, which is almost exclusively spoken by Devils.

Infernal Contracts

Devils are famed for their deal making, they are known to approach desperate and vulnerable mortals, and offer them infernal contracts. These contracts are divinely binding and are capable of offering almost anything a mortal can desire. The cost is almost exclusively the mortal's soul, which they claim upon death. But Devils have been known to make deals for a wide array of things, from service to gold.   A Devil can not trick a creature into making a deal, they must be consenting participants, but that doesn’t mean they have to fully understand the contract. This means Devil contracts are commonly filled with complex language or secret appendices. A higher a Devil is positioned within the Hierarchy of the Hells, the more powerful of a contract they can offer.   Once a Devil is bound by a contract, they can not break it. While Devils are known for their cunning trickery, and masterful lies, once a deal is made, a devil can not go against it, they are physically incapable, it is against their very nature. Because of this Devils are very cautious with what they agree too, as even verbal agreements can be binding.   While this may make Devils sound trustworthy, even if a contract is made, if the wording leaves any margin of error, the Devil will use it for their benefit, and your misfortune. You can never trust a Devil to do anything but act in their own self interest.   Infernal Contracts can not even be broken by death, only under extremely rare circumstances will Asmodeus themself terminate a contract.   Within the ninth layer of the Hells, Nessus, it is said that there lies a record of every Infernal Contract, and every deal ever made. Even those made by the Gods themselves. All impeccably managed and catalogued under the purview of Asmodeus.

Souls

Souls are the primary currency of the Nine Hells, it is an extremely valuable resource and is heavily coveted. Souls are almost exclusively acquired through bargains and contracts made with mortals. A Devil can not steal a soul, it must be given “willingly”.   Souls have two major uses within the Nine Hells, the first is power. Souls hold within them a power that Devils can draw on, and the more souls a Devil has in their possession, the more powerful they become.   The second use of Souls is reproduction. Devils can not naturally create more Devils, and instead, mortal souls are twisted and tortured over years, eventually transforming them into new Devils, ready to serve their maker.   A Devil can not simply horde souls to empower themselves, as that would put a target on their back. Devils must be careful with how many souls they keep for themselves, and how many they offer back to the Hells in the bolstering of the Infernal Legions.

The Blood War

New Devils are always needed to bolster the Infernal ranks, as the Devils are at the front lines of the Blood War. A never ending war fought on the plains of Avernus. A violent and brutal war against the never ending scourge of Demons that scurry forth from the Abyss.   The Hells are the first line of defence, protecting the rest of the Universe from being overwhelmed by the spawn of the Abyss. The Devils have been striking down the infinite waves of Demons since the early years of creation.   They do not do this out of any duty or goodness, but because Devils despise Demons more than anything else in creation. A Devil will attack a Demon on sight, with no compromise. There is nothing that will get you killed faster than confusing a Devil for a Demon

Ancient Origin

How the first Devil came to be is largely unknown, but there are many theories across ancient literature. Ancient texts, particularly the Theogany, suggest that the Devils were originally created by the Gods during the early years of creation to fight off the Demons of the The Abyss. They were the first army of the heavens, with Asmodeus created as their General. But the Devils were corrupted by the Abyss, and Asmodeus betrayed the Gods, claiming dominion over the Nine Hells and their Devil allies.   This supports other claims that the first Devils were fallen Angels, corrupted and transformed by dark magic, ambition, and hubris.   Some scholars have speculated that Devils were designed off of Demons, or at least share some genealogy, explaining why they share some similar characteristics. But suggesting such a thing is a dangerous line of questioning and a possible death sentence.

Appearance

  Devils tend to be humanoid in appearance, often reflecting a monstrous version of the former mortal, twisted by the Hells.   While Devils come in many shapes and sizes, there are certain characteristics that appear often, such as curved and pointed goat-like horns, leathery, bat-like wings, long spiked tails, and leathery skin of a reddish hue.

Biology

  Devils do not need to eat, drink, sleep and they do not age. Most Devils are incapable of reproduction, with only Archdevils capable of creating offspring, though that is not a common occurrence.   Devils are sexless creatures, with no notion of Gender within their society. But most Devils are capable of changing their appearance to become masculine, feminine or androgynous at will. Though most will stick to their favoured form.   Unlike mortals, Devils do not possess souls or free will. They have a set and strict identity and are incapable of real change.   If a Devil dies outside of the Nine Hells, they return back to the Hells, beginning a long and tortuous process or reforming until they return to full strength with their memories intact. Devils only die permanently if they are killed within the Nine Hells.

Hierarchy

  Devils are beings of law and order, which is reflected in their complex and strict caste system.   Devils are forced to obey any order from their superiors, even if they dislike them. A Devil can be "promoted" or "demoted" by their superiors, and the punishment for failure or disobedience is demotion. Because of this Devils have a distinct hatred of defeat and humiliation, and they will often develop a vengeful grudge at those who wronged them.   As a rule, Devils can not be promoted until another is demoted, meaning Devil's relish in the failure of their peers. This also means the Hells are filled with intrigue, doctoring reports and backstabbing.   The Hellish hierarchy system is exceptionally complicated, with many levels. Every Devil desires to become an Archdevil of one of the nine layers of Hell and to even overthrow Asmodeus.The Hierarchy can be simplified to the following:

Lesser Devils

Are usually the footsoldiers of the Hells, they are ordered around by their superiors and are tasked with the worst jobs. All Devils begin their “lives” here.   Lesser Devils tend to be quite weak, like Imps, and are unable to form contracts or make pacts.

Greater Devils

Are the commanders of the Hells, they are responsible for ordering around Lesser Devils and leading small operations. Greater Devils have a lot more freedom than Lesser Devils and a lot more chances to fail.   Greater Devils are usually a lot more powerful than your average mortal, like Pit Fiends, and can form contracts for mortal souls, but can not make pacts.

Dukes

Are the generals of the Hells, they are responsible for ordering around Greater Devils and scheming against the Archdukes. Only twenty three Devils can hold the title of Duke at a time, and a death or demotion must occur for another Devil to claim the title.   Dukes usually serve an Archduke, commonly one they are trying to usurp, leading large operations on their behalf. Dukes have a lot of political power in the Hells, they are capable of forming contracts for mortal souls and can be found making pacts with mortals, offering power in exchange for service.   Three of these Dukes are known as the Arbiters. These Dukes are incredibly illusive and mysterious, loyal to only Asmodeus. They reside deep within the layer of Nessus and are said to oversee every Infernal Contract and deal ever made.

Archdukes

The Archdukes, sometimes called Archdevils, are the most powerful of all Devils, and lie at the top of the Hierarchy of the Nine Hells. Archdukes are Quasi-Deities, a vicious and backbiting group made up of the Hells’ elite Devils. Archdevils are the most efficient at forming contracts for mortal souls and can be found making pacts with mortals, power in exchange for service.   Each Archduke is a leader of one of the Nine Layers of the Hells, with Asmodeus themselves ruling the final layer of Nessus. The Archdukes only take orders from Asmodeus themself, and they can commonly be found scheming against Asmodeus and each other.   There are currently nine Archdukes in total, originally they each represented one of the seven sins of Celestia: Gluttony, Lust, Greed, Envy, Wrath, Sloth and Pride. Direct counterparts to the Archangels of Celestia. But in addition to the seven sins, there are two additional Archdevils introduced by Asmodeus, a second Archduke of Lust, and an Archdevil of Apathy.