Nessus
- Ruler: Asmodeus
- Focus: Tyranny & Domination
Nessus forms the last and ninth layer of hell and is the seat of Asmodeus, the king and ruler of the Nine Hells. It is the manifestation of absolute tyranny and unassailable power. It is not a place of specific sin or temptation, but the center of the ultimate power of evil, from which the fate of the entire multiverse is manipulated with calculated precision.
Asmodeus rules with almost godlike power and is also known as the Lord of Lies. He almost became a god by absorbing the divine essence of the wizard god Azuth. He is an unmatched master of manipulation, whose plans often extend over millennia and influence the history of the multiverse.
His known appearance as a charismatic, red-skinned humanoid is merely a facade. His true form is that of a hundreds-of-miles-long, heavily wounded serpent that rests and heals in the deepest chasm of Nessus.
Nessus itself is a barren wasteland, crisscrossed by deep cracks and gorges, constantly plagued by violent storms, riven by unfathomably deep trenches. They form a labyrinth of caverns and tunnels that houses Asmodeus’ fortresses, cities, and countless legions.
The Nine Hells provide enough material to come up with suitable villains for your own adventure. If that’s not enough, we also have a few other specimens handy in our list of the most powerful villains: Dungeons & Dragons: 10 powerful villains you should know
