Tyrants
Amadeus, The Infernal Juggernaut
Amadeus, the unrelenting force of the Infernal Plane, resides within Sovereign’s Pyre, an enormous floating sphere suspended in the ever-burning sky. The sphere radiates an oppressive heat that intensifies as one approaches, its surface marked by colossal scars left by his destructive rampages. Unlike his counterparts, Amadeus requires no army or elaborate schemes to assert his dominance. His overwhelming strength is unmatched, and his power alone keeps both Bealelor and Xero from launching direct attacks. Sovereign’s Pyre is a barren land of molten rock and flowing rivers of lava, a direct reflection of his might and destructive nature. The terrain is constantly reshaped by Amadeus’s movements, with every step leaving behind fissures that spew volcanic fire. Amadeus rose to power during the chaos following the transformation of the Infernal Core. While demons scrambled to seize control of newly formed territories, Amadeus simply took what he wanted by force, crushing anyone who stood in his way. Over time, his reputation as an unstoppable force solidified his position as one of the Tyrants. His followers, while not integral to his rule, are zealous and seek to prove themselves by attempting feats of destruction or by offering tokens of power to gain his attention. Despite his disdain for politics, Amadeus's presence alone ensures that neither Bealelor nor Xero can act freely, as neither can afford to leave their domain vulnerable to him. Demons across the Infernal Plane fear Amadeus, and even other Tyrants tread cautiously around him. His encounters with Rhim are legendary; their clashes have reshaped entire spheres, leaving ruin in their wake. Unlike others who attempt to manipulate or avoid Rhim, Amadeus meets him head-on, viewing the black-clad destroyer as a worthy challenge. Despite his immense power, Amadeus has never decisively defeated Rhim. Their battles typically end with one of them being hurled into a different sphere or forced to retreat, creating a temporary stalemate. While Amadeus respects Rhim’s strength, he also loathes the interruption Rhim causes, as it limits his ability to act freely across the Infernal Plane.Bealelor, The Consuming Shadow
Bealelor, the master of manipulation and entropy, dwells within Shadewrath Citadel, a sprawling fortress of obsidian and shadow that dominates one of the larger spheres. The Citadel is a labyrinthine construct of endless halls, twisting stairways, and walls that seem to shift and breathe with malice. This sphere is cloaked in perpetual twilight, where whispers of fear and doubt fill the air. Bealelor’s power lies in his ability to sow chaos and discord, drawing strength from the despair and mistrust of those around him. His shadowy influence extends far beyond his sphere, infecting the minds of weaker demons and mortals who stray too close. Bealelor ascended to Tyrant status by outmaneuvering his rivals, exploiting their weaknesses, and turning them against one another. While his physical strength is not comparable to Amadeus’s, his cunning and mastery of manipulation make him equally dangerous. Bealelor commands an army of shadows and subservient demon generals, who carry out his schemes across the Infernal Plane. Many demons fear him not for his brute force but for his insidious ability to destroy them from within, eroding their will until they are little more than hollow shells under his control. Rhim is a persistent thorn in Bealelor’s side. Unlike other demons, Rhim is immune to Bealelor’s manipulations, and his presence disrupts the intricate web of schemes that Bealelor weaves. Bealelor avoids direct confrontation with Rhim, often retreating to the depths of his citadel to evade detection. However, he occasionally seeks to direct Rhim’s wrath toward his enemies, subtly planting false trails to guide the unstoppable force into the path of his rivals. Despite these efforts, Bealelor knows that Rhim’s unpredictability makes him a wild card, and he approaches every encounter with the utmost caution.Xero, The Architect of Ruin
Xero, the master tactician and artificer of destruction, resides within The Wailing Forge, a colossal industrialized sphere dominated by endless forges, foundries, and factories. The sphere itself is an infernal machine, powered by rivers of molten metal and the tortured screams of enslaved souls. Xero’s domain is the heart of the Infernal Plane’s weaponry and infrastructure, producing everything from cursed artifacts to war engines of incomprehensible scale. His creations are sought after by demon generals and warlords, making him both a powerful ally and a feared rival. Xero’s rise to power was methodical and calculated. While others vied for dominance through brute strength or manipulation, Xero focused on building a network of alliances and creating tools that could turn the tide of any conflict. His intellect and ingenuity earned him a seat among the Tyrants, and his sphere became a hub of infernal trade and warfare. Xero commands an army of mechanized demons and constructs, each designed to counter specific threats. His forces are highly disciplined, and his strategies are unparalleled, allowing him to hold his own against the raw power of Amadeus and the cunning of Bealelor. Rhim’s presence in the Infernal Plane poses a unique challenge to Xero. While Xero’s constructs and strategies are formidable, they often fail against the sheer, unrelenting force that Rhim embodies. Xero views Rhim as a catastrophic anomaly, one that cannot be predicted or controlled. To mitigate the threat, Xero has created elaborate traps and ambushes designed to slow Rhim’s advance, but none have succeeded in permanently stopping him. Xero also uses Rhim’s rampages as an opportunity to test his creations, sending experimental constructs into battle against the black-clad destroyer. Despite this, Rhim’s ability to destroy everything in his path—including Xero’s most prized creations—remains a constant source of frustration and fear for the Architect of Ruin.Qualifications
No formal qualifications are required to become a Tyrant. Instead, ascension to this rank demands unparalleled power, influence, and dominance. Each Tyrant must demonstrate their supremacy over rivals through strength, cunning, or the ability to inspire awe and fear. Historical precedent suggests that Tyrants must exhibit exceptional traits beyond mere physical might, such as mastery over manipulation (Bealelor), raw destruction (Amadeus), or strategic ingenuity (Xero). Simply surviving the chaos of the Infernal Plane while amassing influence and power over millennia serves as an informal "qualification."
Requirements
To become a Tyrant, a being must fulfill the following criteria:
- Survive and dominate the Infernal Plane's endless trials and conflicts.
- Amass enough power to command respect or fear across multiple spheres.
- Maintain autonomy from any single organization, such as the Demon Generals or Hell Knights, proving their independence.
- Exude infernal essence, embodying the chaos and suffering of the plane itself.
Appointment
Tyrants are not formally appointed; the position is claimed through force, manipulation, or inevitability. The ascension typically involves defeating or neutralizing rivals who might contest their supremacy. While there is no specific ceremony, their rise is marked by the widespread acknowledgment of their dominion. Their rule solidifies when no other entity can feasibly challenge their authority. The plane itself seems to "accept" a Tyrant, with the ambient energy of their spheres amplifying their powers.
Duties
Tyrants bear no moral obligations, but they are bound by the expectations of their position:
- Maintain control over their sphere or domain, ensuring that no rival can usurp their position.
- Influence the Infernal Plane’s politics and conflicts, whether through direct action or by shaping events.
- Serve as a focal point of fear and chaos, reinforcing the Infernal Plane's identity.
Responsibilities
Tyrants' responsibilities include:
- Defending their domains against external and internal threats, such as rival Tyrants, Rhim, or celestial interference.
- Maintaining their sphere's influence in the Infernal Plane's chaotic hierarchy.
- Enforcing their will on lesser beings, ensuring their presence is felt across the plane.
Benefits
Tyrants enjoy unparalleled benefits, including:
- Absolute authority within their sphere and beyond.
- Access to immense resources, such as souls, infernal energy, and artifacts.
- Near-immunity to lower-tier threats, as few beings in the Infernal Plane would dare oppose them.
- Intrinsic power amplification, as their dominion over their sphere strengthens their connection to the Infernal Core.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
Tyrants cannot be formally dismissed. They lose their title only through defeat or death:
- Overthrown by rivals who can challenge their power and claim their sphere.
- Destroyed by catastrophic events, such as Rhim’s intervention or the direct involvement of the Infernal Core.
- Falling victim to their own hubris, leaving them vulnerable to plots or rebellion.
Type
Informal
Equates to
The rank of Tyrant in the Infernal Plane equates to an absolute ruler, akin to a sovereign emperor or warlord in mortal terms. In the context of other infernal organizations, it is unparalleled, superseding even the highest-ranking Demon Generals. Among celestials, it might be compared to an Arc Celestial in terms of sheer authority and impact, though the two are ideologically opposed. Tyrants are not merely leaders—they are embodiments of the Infernal Core's power and chaos, existing as forces of nature rather than conventional rulers.
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