Baator is called the nine hells because it is split into nine layers. Essentially, I see him as treating people that go to him in 2 ways. [12], Bel: Bel was a military genius widely regarded as one of the greatest success stories in the Hells, his most legendary claim to fame being a deceptive maneuver known as the Four-Cross where he appeared to betray Asmodeus for the Abyss twice only so he could cripple the demons for a decade. Since Asmodeus is the ruler of the nine hells, he will often be little more than a threat in the background pulling the strings, which means DMs will set up plots centered around other devil lords, cults, or any sort of Lawful Evil lesser villain. He has formed a great many contracts in his time that have allowed him to claim trillions of souls for the nine hells. Interestingly, this transformation can mean a change in mental fortitude as well as abilities and physical attributes. You could be enlisted in his services, which gives the DM a lot of wiggle room to create a god and their motivations. Devils Handshake. [173] Rejecting his heritage and status, he made his conquests his own kingdom of Azzagrat. However, Elder Evils later made the original ruler Zargon instead. #4. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. From small contracts for individual souls of great value to huge contracts that have landed him the souls of any true atheist, his commitment to law isnt just a flavor of evil; its his fuel for more evil deeds. [239], After the Spellplague, Asmodeus re-instituted Belial as an archdevil, which presumably meant that he'd demoted Fierna from that position. [32][43], Although one of the ultimate powers of law, Asmodeus did not uphold the rules out of respect. [209], There were many gods who saw Asmodeus as one who had cunningly rid them of a failing leader, and thus willing to secretly bargain with him for aid in the war, and evil gods who were grateful of the removal of He Who Was. Surprisingly for a Lord of Hell he desired no such authority, disliking the burdens of leaership, although he came to enjoy intrigue and maintained a stable if unremarkable reign up until the Reckoning. After a time, the demon threat subsided enough for Asmodeuss angels to be mostly unnecessary. . [195], After the Spellplague, Asmodeus and a coven of warlocks known as the Toril Thirteen performed a ritual where the Lord of the Nine marked all tieflings in the world as his descendents. This was a private army Asmodeus formed with devils born from his own blood. The Slayer resembled a male, humanoid corpse with a feral face and ivory skin inset with . Regardless of their true heritage, he cursed them to bear his "blood" thus changing them to better resemble him. As usual, no flaw could be found in Asmodeus's logic and indeed one godling's recognition and pronouncement of this instantly transformed him into a greater deity. Bhaal had three avatar forms: the Slayer, the Ravager, and Kazgoroth. He would provide cleric spells (for example by having other gods grant spells on his behalf in exchange for aid) to new cults his agents created on the Material Plane. Likewise, a group of mortal adventurers isnt going to be a big threat to a greater deity, so we should be introducing plenty of ways for our characters to stand a chance against, or even indirectly conquer, the lord of the nine hells. Eventually she found her moment to strike and steal a great portion of Bane's divine power, passing any she didn't need to heal her enslaved form and link it with her other body to Asmodeus. [68] Much of this work was outsourced, including by Asmodeus himself, to the city of Jangling Hiter in Minauros[69] for later distribution, and Asmodeus used what divine power he could spare to heal from his wounds. The young multiverse would be defined by the conflict between these ancient groups of Chaos and Law, and among them were the Twin Cosmic Serpents, representations of the duality of Law: the feathered, goodly Jazirian and forked-tongued, evil Ahriman. When Dweomerheart collapsed in the wake of the Spellplague of 1385 DR, Azuth fell into the Hells where Asmodeus, sensing his opportunity, devoured the lesser deity and became a god himself. [211] Yet he was also suggested to have his share of negative qualities. [111], Tiamat willingly offered to become Asmodeus's champion on Avernus and slay all who she knew plotted against him, suggesting Bel would prove a superior lord and one not to be spurned and made a foe. Add an ability, action, legendary action, mythic action, or whatever you want to call it. This distinction keeps him wholly separate from beings like Orcus or Yeenoghu. Depending on which origin you choose to accept, this could be devils origin as angels, or it could be an interaction further down the line. Then, to their horror, did the gods discover that mortals immediately set to subverting these barriers, allowing the demon host back inside to destroy their paradises. [205] Late into the ancient war between law and chaos, the Dawn War, after the fall of the Queen of Chaos and the removal of demons from play, Asmodeus was among the deific exemplars of chastity and virtue appointed to guard the prison of Tharizdun. [83] In fact, Asmodeus may very well have planned out Bel's rebellion, informally replacing Zariel through the Dark Eight and raising up Bel as a puppet ruler beholden to their will. Asmodeus summons a devil in an unoccupied space within range (60 ft.). [176], Dispater was seemingly invulnerable within his Iron Tower[177][178] and had crafted an impenetrable suit of armor, the full features of which were known only to himself. Bhaal (pronounced: /bl/ BAWL or: /bl/ BAHL or: /bhl/ beh-HAHL listen), known as Niynjushigampo among his Gugari worshipers, was the widely feared Lord of Murder, the Faernian god of violence and ritualistic killing. In this version too, arguably before the beginning of all things, there was chaos, and from it came its living manifestations in demonkind. Asmodeus is the leader of the devil race. If it would be strategically beneficial for him to increase his size category, do so. Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. [45] Through the merciless exploitation of loopholes, the pact granted devils the right to punish lawful evil souls. They gradually came to suspect however that demonkind was infinite and became weary of the conflict, seeking to move on to other projects like the creation of worlds and intelligent beings. [36] His faith was still considered a form of devil worship,[46] for he was known to humans and demihumans alike as Lord of the Nine Hells,[192] but while his priests, called the mordai, were known to conduct vile rituals in his name, doing so was no longer actually necessary to channel his divinity, unlike with other lesser lords of Hell. From the yugoloth homeland of Hades, they were driven away to Baator where they then developed into the baatezu, the Lords of the Nine being the yugoloth shepherds empowered by their awe. The first origin story actually does claim that Asmodeus has been around since the dawn of time. [195], Contrary to some beliefs, Asmodeus's great ritual granted him no special control over the agency of his so-called children. [180], It was believed that Asmodeus, at some point, financed a project to create the yugoloths. 5e also changes it up with Druids and Paladins, now, who aren't as intrinsically linked to a deity as they once were. [225] Even so, Asmodeus had unquestionably supplanted them and continually imposed their own order onto the race eons after the conquest. He plunged through the nascent layers he had alreay begun shaping (in some versions causing the plane to break and reform into nine layers) and continued to spiral violently even as the earth of Baator itself protested. Infernal Legacy: 1st level It also served as the avatar's main weapon[29] and allowed attacks with elemental forces, forced enemies to cower in fear, or provided the holder with a field of healing and protection. 1e Other infernal bloodlines had also reemerged, though those bearing Asmodeus's mark were still by far the most numerous. [60], Following this aspect, all Asmodeus's clerics aspired to wealth, prestige, and most of all, power,[60] and most cultists used his organization as a stepping stone to these goals. [32], Asmodeus argued that he'd never done anything wrong for he consistently acted as a lawful creature in accordance with infernal tradition in service to the cause of law and the continued existence of the multiverse. over say a Cleric and their Deity. [85], Why Asmodeus deposed Geryon was a mystery. Hit points lost to necrotic damage from this weapon can only be regained through a short or long rest rather than by regeneration, magic, or any other means. He is the most powerful of the nine archdevils that inhabit Hell, and the only one of Hell's rulers to claim full divinity. The magic Asmodeus receives from these souls is what he uses to fuel his divine power, to maintain the whole of Baator, and to heal his body slowly and gather his strength. Asmodeus targets a lawful or evil creature and tempts them with their innermost desires. Asmodeus knew the laws though and won every case brought against him. Asmodeus himself confronted Laduguer after the temptations and attacks of his minions prove fruitless, yet he remained unfazed in the face of even Asmodeus's charm. Now, as an adult, I aspire to remind people that sometimes a little bit of fantasy is all you need when life gets to be too much. Delighted by the gift, Asmodeus extended the offer of leadership to her once more, whereupon even he was surprised when Tiamat refused on the basis that she neither desired nor would suit such a position. At least three possible explanations were accepted by scholars. Knowledge, Torment, Tyranny, Civilization So your character could tempt those who seem troubled into "becoming the master of their own fate", or tell sinners that the gods have nothing for them now and that Asmodeus is their only hope for some semblance of salvation. Some made secret pacts, akin to the Pact Primeval, which led to Asmodeus channeling divine energy from the torture of mortal souls. Secretly enraged, Tiamat believed Asmodeus and the others saw her as a "mere monster" to be duped and exploited, and became determined to obtain some level of freedom from the King of Hell. Consisting of pit fiends and less commonly cornugons, the ranks of this ever-expanding, truly loyal force were kept in reserve in Malsheem. [86] It was also thought that the spirits of unbelievers, lacking the will to go on, might simply cease to exist upon the death of their body. [32] The forces of the Abyss were loathsome opposition, their very existence a threat to his mastery of evil and their armies a direct threat to his supremacy. In yet another war, Asmodeus and his allies massacred their progenitors and enslaving those who remained. [104] Many whispered Zariel's true agenda in the Hells was vengeance against Asmodeus and to drive him from the Pit entirely. He was successful at it and over the years observed the coming and going of many archdevils. Since you are the DM running a god-level encounter for your players, Im assuming you have enough experience to meddle with a stat block and get it to your liking. When the position of an archduke needed to be filled, it was his right to choose who would do so, always selecting one of the unique devils in Hell's ranks. Third, to provide her with a good staff, he allowed her to recruit competent devils even to the detriment of her fellow archdevilsa privilege Glasya made full use of, much to the chagrin of her fellows. Baator [133], Another archdevil who either fled or left Baator was Gargauth. [158], Asmodeus would then replace Bel with the fallen angel Zariel. [71][72], That war had long faded into ancient history, the greater conflict deescalating into an uneasy truce between opposing philosophies, but peace was not in the nature of all planar beings. [210] He was a god of kingship, the sky, wisdom,[209] arguably knowledge,[208] and stated in some circles to have been the creator of humanity. A Web Enhancement for the Book of Vile Darkness, The Demonomicon of Iggwilv: Graz'zt, the Dark Prince, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. [28][206][207] From this disgraced and generally poorly understood position however he had begin to rise again, advancing plans uncountable eons in the making. [121], It was unclear how exactly the relationship started, whether Asmodeus was using the unsavory Mammon to punish his daughter or if Glasya was using him to annoy her father (or even if there was some degree of twisted, genuine passion and romance), but at one point Glasya was the consort of Mammon. The Nine Hells How Temporary Hit Points Work in D&D 5e (With Examples), Torm: the True and Loyal Fury - DnD 5e Deity Guide, Tyr: Lawful Good God of Law and Justice - 5e Deity Guide, Water Weird 5e: Stats & Guide for Players & DMs, Back From the Dead! Portfolio [148][note 2] But it was Mephistopheles who was perhaps the one archdevil Asmodeus feared on his own,[175] whose magical might was whispered to be great enough that even his master was deterred from interfering with him. [32], The horn of Zargon Asmodeus abandoned landed where the city of Cynidicea eventually arose. The question boils down to asking which side holds the definitive stance on evil, and who will reign supreme. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Hit: 22 (2d10 +11) psychic damage. Gargauth left either because he tried and failed to oust Asmodeus and had to flee or because Asmodeus killed Beherit, Gargauth's closest ally, which prompted the Outcast to leave. A campaign centered on one of these cults could see the partys favorite NPCs being secretly part of the cult the whole time. Even when wracked by constant pain, he managed to appear blithely unbothered, and seemed almost chillingly reasonable. Nessus [122][140] Eventually he made her archduchess, although how much this was meant as a punishment, reward, and a pragmatic matter of keeping her ambitions in check was in question. [91], Those deities who called Hell home gave him a great deal of respect[5] for even though their domains were fully outside Asmodeus's control, it was incredibly clear who was in charge of the Hells. Bel agreed and so much of his time was consumed by the Blood War that he didn't have sufficient time to plot against his superiors. A creature can repeat this saving throw at the end of their turn to end the effect. Youll need the most powerful artifacts you can come across, godly boons, and some way to substantially weaken Asmodeus before you even come close to standing a chance. After throwing a fit, Glasya agreed and was tasked with organizing the erinyes' work. Asmodeuss true form is a wingless scaled serpent whose body stretches out for hundreds of miles. Some things happen which causes Asmodeus to have to intervene and while saving the character's life. [210][209][215] The traitor angels were not spared Hell's power; where they encamped while he was slain was where the curse was focused, submerging the traitors in intolerable flame. He was well aware that if not kept occupied by the Blood War, demons would eventually overrun reality and kill all its occupants before finally self-terminating as a race. [187], Since attaining his divinity during the Spellplague, Asmodeus's mortal follower base had been ever-expanding. Those who rejected their original patrons could then be steered toward the Athar or some other cult of his design. So, who is Asmodeus? In the 4th-edition Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide, Asmodeus is established as an ancient deity who was relegated to the position of archdevil and toiled for untold millenia to regain his divinity. In order to use Asmodeus in a campaign, one shot, or anything of the sort, you have to understand that which he rules over. [70] In truth, the Blood War was merely the continuation of an ancient conflict that perhaps predated even Asmodeus's own fall, a war of law and chaos that defined and nearly destroyed the young multiverse in an Age Before Ages. Souls who died in this state did not become normal petitioners, instead reforming in Nessus regardless of alignment to be excruciatingly consumed by Asmodeus until, fully aware the whole time, every bit of their true essence was obliterated. Even so, Gargauth viewed himself as above everyone in the Nine Hells,[168] and his own followers believed he ultimately planned to turn Faerun into his own 10th Hell. Cleric, Fighting man, and Magic-User were your options, so of the classes were reliant upon gods! He is, however, the chief of all things Lawful Evil. More than likely, there will be some elaborate fetch quest for an artifact, something more powerful than the Holy Avenger. [135], For Asmodeus's part, Levistus was in poor standing with him. However, after looking him up a bit it says that he actually promotes atheism. Upon being told it was not meant to encourage sin, he merely pointed to the letter of the law with a smile. [87], A more active example of Asmodeus's influence was his propagation of false religions. [60], Asmodeus's avatar radiated an 120feet (37meters) diameter awe effect that made it incredibly difficult to bring one's self to attack him unless attacked by him first. 32 This incredible difference in power is why Asmodeus rules with unquestionable authority. This is, whether it may seem that way or not, an Asmodeus campaign. Unlike most deities, Asmodeus has no need for mortal worshippers. How to Roleplay as a Tiefling Cleric. People pray to him if they've transgressed against another god so that when they die they can skip the queue for the various afterlives and go straight to one where they can basically do what they wish, in exchange for becoming a lesser devil in death. [217] Finally, the curse left Asmodeus and his company trapped in Baator and unable to claim the full divine power of his murdered god. [66] None who shared knowledge of its existence, both of the form itself and where it allegedly came from, lived for more than a day, although it was still recorded in ancient and difficult to reach libraries, such as Demogorgon's citadel of Abysm. [164][110][30][54], Gargauth: Gargauth was once an archduke of Hell[167] and the second-most powerful figure next to Asmodeus himself before being exiled from Baator for reasons unknown. She escaped punishment through the legal loophole that no law in existence regulated the state of coins after leaving the mint, only the composition of the raw material out of which the coins were minted. This is why his serpentine body lies bleeding in the Serpents Coil. [102][164][165], In the aftermath of the Reckoning, Moloch stood defiant against Asmodeus, convinced Lord of the Ninth would respect his strength as the others begged. He pursued his malevolent agenda on three primary fronts, his true motivations in each obscured to all and glimpsed by a very small few.[3]. [219], Contrary to its presentation in the popular "Pact Primeval" myth, Baator was not uninhabited when Asmodeus and his fallen company arrived. Promotion. Served By Depictions of Asmodeus's avatar in his regalia. In fact, even those who worship other evil entities end up worshiping Asmodeus in some fashion, almost like a sort of cult pyramid scheme. Creatures frightened in this way have disadvantage on saving throws forced by Asmodeus. [222][223], Considering that not even Zargon remembered his past, it was possible this origin was untrue, but the Ancient Baatorians were real all the same. Join with me and mine, for I would welcome such power and such hatred. Asmodeuss deeds further corrupted him, and he began to hear the shards of evil. On the plus side, while a . 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