The Lord of the Hells
Name- Asmodeus
Patronage- Lord of devils and Ambition
Symbol- a vertically bisected circle, the upper half a deep crimson and the lower half an inky black. Within the circle, a stylized diadem of nine interlocking facets emerges, each facet representing one of the Nine Hells. The design is intricate and hypnotic, a testament to Asmodeus's power and complexity.
Description- a figure of imposing authority, his form a blend of infernal majesty and enigmatic allure. Standing at an impressive height, his aura commands attention, radiating an unsettling charisma that is simultaneously enticing and foreboding. His ebony skin exudes an otherworldly glow, emanating a subtle flicker of crimson light from beneath the surface.
Cascading down his shoulders and back is a regal mantle of shadowy tendrils, giving the illusion of a living cloak that shifts and undulates in response to his emotions. The embodiment of Asmodeus's infernal dominion is manifest in his eyes, orbs of molten gold encircled by a corona of flickering flames.
History-
Rise to Power and Alliance with Tiamat:
- Asmodeus's ascent to the title of the Lord of Devils was marked by ruthless ambition and cunning. As Tiamat's most powerful lieutenant, he led her forces of devils with brutal efficiency, laying waste to any opposition that dared to challenge their might. His loyalty to Tiamat's cause seemed unwavering, his mastery over the infernal legions unmatched.
Epiphany and Betrayal:
- The devastation of the Planar Wars, the very conflict he contributed to, prompted a profound realization within Asmodeus. Gazing upon the impending destruction that would consume all existence, he chose to break his ties with Tiamat and pledge himself to the Dragon of Diamonds. Recognizing the imminent calamity, Asmodeus closed the doors of the Abyss and severed the flow of demonic forces, effectively ending the conflict and preventing the annihilation he once helped orchestrate.
Guardian of Cosmic Balance:
- In the aftermath of the Planar Wars, Asmodeus took on a new mantle, becoming a guardian of cosmic balance. Leading the denizens of the Nine Hells, he waged an eternal war against the relentless tide of the Abyss and its demons. His true motivations remained veiled, known only to himself and those he trusted implicitly. He navigated the political intrigues of the Hells, ensuring that the infernal hierarchy maintained its structure and power, while also ensuring none of his own lieutenants ever gain enough power to threaten his lordship.
Challenges to Leadership:
- Twice in history, Asmodeus's leadership faced formidable challenges. The rogue devil lord Levistus, driven by insatiable ambition, initiated the first demonic invasion, resulting in widespread devastation and the near-obliteration of the elven race. It was only through the united efforts of heroic metallic dragons led by the legendary Golden Dragon known as the Sleeping Serpent that Levistus was defeated and imprisoned in ice.
The Second Demonic Invasion and Defenders of Balance:
- The resurgence of Levistus and the onset of the second demonic invasion heralded a new chapter in Asmodeus's role as a defender of cosmic equilibrium. The heroine Sol, guided by the Platinum Dragon, and Asmodus's loyal agent, Valorine, stood as formidable bulwarks against the demonic onslaught. Together, they thwarted the invasion and safeguarded the mortal world from untold destruction.
Veiled Influence and Unseen Protection:
- Throughout the ages, Asmodeus's true purpose remained obscured from his underlings. The denizens of the Nine Hells perceived only their Lord's insatiable thirst for power and expansion, unaware of his covert role as a secret protector of the mortal realm. Asmodeus's influence reached far and wide, ensuring that the forces of evil remained in check, even as he advanced his own dark agenda.
A Labyrinth of Schemes and Secrets:
- Asmodeus's labyrinthine machinations and enigmatic motives cast a shadow over the realms, hinting at a complexity that few could fathom. Behind the scenes, he orchestrates a delicate dance of power, ensuring that cosmic balance endures. His infernal domain serves as both a bastion against the Abyss and a breeding ground for his far-reaching influence.
- In the annals of history, Asmodeus stands as a paradoxical figure, a Lord of Devils who found redemption through betrayal and who silently safeguards the cosmic tapestry while weaving his own intricate designs. His story is a testament to the enigmatic interplay of power and purpose, darkness and redemption, as he navigates the eternal struggle between chaos and order, all the while preserving the delicate balance that sustains existence.
Relic of Asmodeus: The Diadem of Nine Truths
"To rule the Hells, you must first master yourself. Each Truth is a facet of dominion—over others, and over the will."
Wondrous Item (Crown or Circlet), Legendary → Artifact
Requires attunement by a Warlock, Sorcerer, Bard, or a creature who has knowingly pursued power beyond law or morality.
Initial Form: The Diadem of Nine Truths (Level 10–13)
This crown of obsidian and smoldering crimson gems is composed of eight interlocking facets, with an empty ninth at its peak. It pulses when near temptation, and whispers faintly in languages known only to devils and those bound by oaths.
Stat Bonuses:
- +2 to Charisma (max 22)
- Resistance to fire and psychic damage
- Advantage on Insight checks and saving throws against charm
Feature: Layered Influence
Once per long rest, you may activate one of the Eight Truths, invoking the essence of a layer of the Nine Hells. Each lasts for 1 minute unless otherwise noted.
| Layer (Truth) | Effect (Name) | Power |
|---|---|---|
| Avernus (Wrath) | Bel's Fury | Your weapon attacks deal +1d6 fire damage. You gain resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from non-magical weapons. |
| Dis (Pride) | Iron Tower Will | You may choose to succeed at a failed saving throw once per day. Until the end of your next turn, you are immune to forced movement and being knocked prone. |
| Minauros (Greed) | Endless Bargain | You gain temporary HP equal to your Charisma modifier each time you successfully use Persuasion or Deception. This effect stacks until you take a long rest. |
| Phlegethos (Indulgence) | Infernal Seduction | You may cast Charm Person at will a number of times per day equal to your proficiency modifier. You have advantage on Charisma-based skill checks. |
| Stygia (Revenge) | Levistus’s Memory | You may mark one creature as a bonus action. The next time they deal damage to you, you may use your reaction to deal 3d10 cold damage to them. You can use this ability once per short rest. |
| Malbolge (Pain) | Tormentor’s Smile | When you take damage, you can use a reaction to deal physic damage to them equal to your charisma modifier. |
| Maladomini (Control) | Architect's Gaze | For 1 minute, you know the location of every invisible or hidden creature within 60 feet. |
| Cania (Order) | Mephistopheles’s Logic | You gain advantage on Concentration checks. Once per day, you can also use your reaction to not loose your concentration if the damage would cause you to do so. |
Each truth may be used once per long rest. You may only have one truth active at a time in this form.
Awakened Form: Crown of the Ninth Gate (Level 17–20)
When awakened, the Diadem reveals its ninth facet, a black diamond that burns with inner flame. The empty space becomes whole, and the bearer becomes a vessel for the full philosophy of infernal ambition—not chaos, but total will.
Stat Bonuses:
- +3 to Charisma (max 24)
- Immunity to fire damage and charm effects
- You and allies within 30 feet cannot be frightened
Daily Spells (1/day each):
- Dominate Person
- Wall of Force
- Mass Suggestion
- Geas
- Plane Shift (Nine Hells only)
Upgraded Features:
- Master of Schemes:
You may activate two different Truths at once. Once per long rest, you may use a bonus action to switch active truths. - Truth of Nessus – Will of Asmodeus (The Ninth Truth):
For 1 minute, you become a paragon of infernal authority. Enemies within 30 feet who are below half HP must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 18) or become frightened of you. You may issue one command (as Command) to all frightened creatures as a single bonus action once during this effect. - Devil’s Bargain:
You may offer a creature a pact. If they accept (willingly or under compulsion), they gain a temporary boon (e.g., healing, spell slot, advantage). Within 7 days, you may call in the bargain to compel a service (as Geas, no save). If they refuse, they take 8d10 psychic damage and gain vulnerability to radiant damage for 24 hours. - you can do this a number of times in your life equal to your character level.
Awakening Trigger:
The Diadem awakens when the bearer secures a victory not by force, but through strategy, manipulation, or ambition fulfilled—especially if it protects a greater cause while advancing their own. Alternatively, the crown may awaken if the bearer resists a temptation of power that would cost their soul or principles, proving they are worthy of the Ninth Truth.
