Chamada

Chamada is defined by an eternal cascade of molten rock and metal flowing downward, creating a searingly beautiful yet lethally hostile landscape. Lakes and rivers of lava crisscross the land, giving rise to immense volcanic islands upon which citadels and fortresses are erected. Clouds of toxic gases and pyroclastic ash choke the air, while geysers of flame regularly burst forth from the ground.   Among Gehenna’s four infernal tiers, Chamada is the most volatile and inhospitable. Here, the slopes are nearly submerged in unending torrents of lava. Eruptions are constant, reshaping the mountainscape by the hour. Rivers of molten rock twist down the incline in chaotic spirals—sometimes cooling into brittle crusts, only to detonate moments later with catastrophic force. Some flows carve new channels or give birth to secondary volcanoes, while others collapse into obsidian pits filled with noxious fire.   Solid ground is a rarity. Most terrain is too unstable to stand on for long, and even the illusion of safety is temporary. The few plateaus or cooled ridges that do exist are often just dormant phases of the layer’s geological fury.  

Burning Seas

Expansive oceans of fire and magma form the primary landscape of Chamada, with black basalt islands floating atop these fiery seas. Waves of molten stone lash against the shores, constantly reshaping the landscape and offering precarious stability at best.  

Brass Cliffs and Obsidian Isles

The rare stable grounds are formed from obsidian, brass, and basalt, sculpted by daemonic laborers and infernal architects. These islands serve as fortresses and domains of Mezzofiend warlords, each isolated by rivers of molten rock.  

Notable Locations

Obsidian Throne of Vhaalshar

One of Chamada’s greatest fortresses, this vast city is carved from gleaming obsidian and burnished brass, suspended above a boiling sea of fire. Ruled by the feared Mezzofiend Lord Vhaalshar, this citadel is infamous for its brutal soul markets, infernal forges, and endless intrigue. Daemons and devils converge here to trade souls, forge dark alliances, and plot treacheries against their rivals.  

The Molten Labyrinth

A network of interconnected brass tunnels and chambers beneath the lava flows, the Labyrinth houses infernal forges and daemonic smiths who craft weapons, armor, and artifacts of devastating power. Mortals and outsiders alike brave these tunnels to commission arms or trade forbidden knowledge, though many who enter never emerge.  

The Cascading Pyre

A massive waterfall of liquid fire cascading endlessly from Khalas down into Chamada, forming a barrier between the two layers. Fiercely guarded by infernal legions, this location serves as both gateway and battleground, where wars for control rage eternally.  

Governance

Chamada is dominated by powerful Mezzofiends warlords who constantly vie for dominance, territory, and souls. Their brutal rule is enforced by disciplined devils, who manage day-to-day governance, trade, and enforcement. Alliances shift swiftly, built on mutual fear and ambition rather than trust or loyalty.  

Inhabitants

Chamada's harsh environment breeds resilience and cruelty. The dominant daemons (Mezzofiends) relish the relentless heat and violence, their cruelty reflected in the burning landscape itself. Beneath them serve disciplined legions of devils, overseeing the operation of infernal markets and forges with ruthless efficiency.   Mortals are either valued artisans capable of withstanding Chamada's flames, enslaved laborers in infernal workshops, or desperate petitioners bargaining their souls for protection or power.

Unlike Khalas, where heat radiates from localized vents and fumaroles, Chamada burns universally. The entire layer emits a brilliant red radiance, as if the surface itself were a forge. Shadows stretch upward, cast by the molten earth, and the brightness makes it visible even from the far edges of the upper layer.   The air is choked with ash and smoke, thick enough to obscure vision entirely in many regions. In places where the fumes concentrate, visibility drops to mere feet. Breathing the foul, sulfuric atmosphere unprotected is agonizing and often fatal. It is akin to enduring a permanent stinking cloud effect. The scent of scorched bone, burnt flesh, and seared metal hangs heavy on every breath.

Soulforges

Unique to Chamada, soulforges use captured souls as fuel to empower weapons, armor, and artifacts. These soul-infused creations are coveted across the planes, known for their potency and the sinister whispers of imprisoned spirits.  

Ashen Ascension

Occasionally, great volcanic eruptions send molten rock and souls skyward into Khalas, shifting the balance of power. These eruptions are seen as omens—portending the rise or fall of a daemonic lord.  

Travel and Interplaner Connections

River Styx

Navigated by marraenoloths, the Styx flows through Chamada, serving as a critical artery for soul trafficking and planar commerce.  

Searing Descent

The heavily guarded valley linking Khalas and Chamada, controlled by powerful daemonic sentries.  

Portals

The layer’s surface trembles constantly, and planar instability is common. Portals buried in magma vents or tucked within volcanic cones can shift or collapse without warning. Fire-aligned extraplanar magic is heightened, while planar travel effects require anchoring or risk displacing the caster into molten chasms or underground hollows.