DND Knowledge Introduction: The Abyss (Reposted)

This is the abode of demons

Sacred Form: An entity must be at least as powerful as a low-tier deity to alter the Abyss. Weaker beings will find that the Abyss is indistinguishable from the ordinary material realm (due to its mutable characteristics), as this plane can be altered by spells and physical actions

Tafen's favorite toy is a magical staff called the Despoiler of Flesh, made from stitched-together tongues. With this staff, this soul judge can transform the appearance of any creature into any imaginable form. Naturally, a demon's imagination is also filled with vile things, and thus this staff will bring forth the most terrifying aspects of life

71 to 75 acid solution sea

Thanatos

Fortress of Indifference

The manner and reasons for the return of AUKUS remain unclear, but the truth will ultimately come to light. AUKUS has returned, accompanied by vengeance

The 489th layer of the Abyss was once ruled by a powerful Balor named Tarnhem, although he has since disappeared. The atmosphere of this layer is filled with a thin mist of acidic vapor, constantly replenished by volcanic eruptions that leave behind a scene of utter devastation. A canyon cleaves through the landscape of the Toxic Valley, but it is not filled with water or concentrated acid. Instead, it guides a current composed of smooth, writhing worms, ranging in length from 1 inch to 10 feet. These worms inhale the sulfurous gases unique to this layer and exhale breathable air. The respiration of the worms affects the area up to 50 feet on either side of the riverbank, effectively purifying the sulfur-laden air.

As previously mentioned, the bottomless abyss possesses countless levels, yet the uppermost layer is well-known: the Plain of Infinite Portals

Certain souls that have come from the material realm, which have not been fully assimilated by the organization of the bottomless abyss, become what are known as manes. Manes possess pale skin, cruel claws, sharp teeth, sparse hair, and ghastly eyes. Typically, one can observe numerous maggots writhing within the bloated flesh of the manes. Souls that have survived for many years may sometimes be "elevated" to a lower-tier type of demon, although they will be completely unaware of their past lives. Manes possess the following special characteristics of a supplicant:

The realm of the powerful abyss entities, 66 to 70

Azzagrat

The bottomless abyss is a manifestation of an infinite number of layers and countless changes, reflecting a collection of all that is ugly, evil, and chaotic. As one spirals down through the innumerable layers, it culminates in the utmost brutality. Traditional scholarship posits that the bottomless abyss consists of 666 layers, although the actual number may far exceed this. After all, in a broader sense, the bottomless abyss is far more terrifying than what traditional understanding can encompass

Plain of Infinite Portals

The Abyss is the home of demons dedicated to death and destruction. The demons within the Abyss view visitors as either a source of food or entertainment. Some demons regard powerful visitors as potential recruits, regardless of their willingness, ensnaring them in the endless war of bloodshed between the demons of the deep and the devils.

d % level type

56 to 60 ordinary (similar to the material world)

Acid Cloud (Supernatural): When a soul is killed, it disintegrates and releases a cloud of toxic gas. Any creature within ten feet of the slain soul suffers 1d6 points of acid damage if it fails a Reflex save (DC 20)

There are several important areas underground. For instance, a town leading to the outer realms, and the entrance to the Plague Bell, is located directly beneath the main hall. Also underground are the food storage room, armory, torture chamber, and catacombs, all interconnected by narrow tunnels. The rooms for receiving visiting golems, merchants, and cartographers are situated above ground, next to the tower-like main hall. The inhabitants comprise a mix of supplicant slaves, various demons, and golems from the material realm and even farther afield. The rooms for receiving visiting golems, merchants, and cartographers are situated above ground, next to the tower-like main hall. The inhabitants comprise a mix of supplicant slaves, various demons, and golems from the material realm and even farther afield.

76 to 80 Insect Sea

Inhabitants of the bottomless abyss

Who rules Narathiel? A good question. In the unknown ages, a powerful demon lord named Orcus claimed dominion over the entire plane. However, Orcus has recently been declared dead. A drow deity of vengeance and undeath claims to possess the spoils of victory and the corresponding dominion over the plane, as well as the gem of Narathiel, the crown of this layer. Yet, there are now compelling clues suggesting that Orcus may not be dead as many believed. The drow deity has gone missing, and no one knows whether she fled or was killed. Is it truly Orcus who once again rules the cold Sanatos, his bony hand tightening around his dreadful staff?

Azkagrat is the domain of Graz't, a lord of the Abyss. Azkagrat extends across three levels: levels 45, 46, and 47. Since these three levels are ruled by the same lord of the Abyss, they share similar characteristics and many interconnected entrances

Use the table below to randomly determine an unspecified aspect of the terrain. If you wish, roll the dice twice (or more) and combine the results

Ordinary magic

Additional Immunity: Electricity, Poison

Due to the risk of being sent to the bottomless abyss because of a business trip error, what kind of place will your character reach? Or what would happen if they jumped into a nearby abyss to evade the powerful demons on the Plains of Ten Thousand Abysses?

Other bottomless abyss levels

06 - 10 Blood Battlefields (Demons Against Devils)

Resistance: Fire 20, Acid 20

The steel fortresses here are typically inhabited by powerful demons and their minions. These strongholds often serve as gathering points for the demon legions on their relentless path of bloodshed. Some of the largest battles of that war took place on this level and deeper, as well as in the nearby outer realms

The estate of Taanheim is built along the canyon. Thanks to those worms, the atmosphere here is suitable for breathing, although the incessant rustling sound made by the writhing worms below can be maddening. Taanheim's demonic minions continue to maintain the territory, even though Taanheim himself is not present (his minions believe he is imprisoned in another plane). Although Taanheim has disappeared, the demons guarding the territory remain unfriendly towards uninvited guests. Taanheim's demonic minions continue to maintain the territory, even though Taanheim himself is not present (his minions believe he is imprisoned in another plane). Although Taanheim has disappeared, the demons guarding the territory remain unfriendly towards uninvited guests

36 to 40 grasslands (filled with carnivores)

Abyss

From the 26th to the 30th, the Earth element is predominant

In ordinary time, the passage of time in the bottomless abyss is the same as that in the material world. However, there have been rumors that there exists a layer of time that ages relatively and flows in reverse. Although the reverse flow is peculiar, a visitor may indeed rejuvenate or even transform into nothingness.

96 to 100 is dominated by the water element

No text can catalog the countless layers of the Abyss. However, the following describes some noteworthy layers. Many other realms ruled by demon princes also exist within the Abyss. They may be discovered by those fearless explorers who are unafraid to risk their lives

Movement and combat

81-85 Lava Sea

The 74th layer is the home of the serpent god Merrshaulk. It is a realm characterized by ever-changing colors, humid jungles, acid rain, and pervasive toxic gases. Perhaps the jungle has no true bottom, only layers upon layers of denser and darker concealment within the forest

Realm of a Million Eyes

Overview

Mixed Element and Energy Characteristics: This characteristic is distinctly different between layers. From the perspective of the bottomless abyss as a whole, no single element or energy can maintain dominance, although certain specific layers may exhibit a dominant element or energy, or even a mixture of two or more characteristics.

41 to 45 Mixed Element Dominance (similar to Limwww.hetushucomcombo)

The demonic lineage, Tanar'ri, is the undisputed master of the Abyss, although the near-infinite diversity of this plane implies the existence of certain areas beyond their reach

The environment in these three regions is not yet very perilous; each resembles a distorted style of the material world. For instance, Layer 45 resembles an endless gray prairie washed by rain. The light in Layer 46 emanates from the ground, resulting in shadows that bizarrely appear as black pillars rising into the sky. Layer 47, which can only be accessed from the two layers above and not from the Abyssal Plain, is illuminated by a blue sun. The flames here are purple rather than red, and they inflict cold damage. Therefore, creatures that are typically immune to fire may be surprised when they approach these flames.

Other characteristics: acidic vapor, no planar confinement

The River of Salt is one of the connecting threads that runs through the three layers, resembling liquid salt crystals that shimmer with a crystalline luster. It goes without saying that immersion in its waters can be fatal

Valley of Poison

51 to 55 negative energy dominant (slight or strong)

The Return of AUKUS

The 348th level is a desolate and barren plain, strewn with disordered rocks, uneven peaks, and treacherous canyons devoid of human presence. Blood-red clouds brush against the horizon, and the cold wind lashes at the eyes and skin of travelers. Here stands the Indifferent Fortress, a solitary black-checkered iron tower, 200 feet high. Various life forms have been mixed into the metal, serving as a horrifying gray paste. Most of them are the dead, but there are also many undead beings, who continuously wail and tear at the air with their claws.

Generally speaking, in terms of movement and combat, the Abyss and the material realm are similar. In certain extremely peculiar layers, different rules may apply. For instance, some layers of the Abyss may be dominated by fire element characteristics or have non-objective gravitational directions. Unless otherwise stated, all these characteristics of the Abyss are the same as those found elsewhere

Sanathos is the 113th layer of the Abyss. This layer is exceptionally cold, filled with frost, thin air, and a sky bathed in gloomy moonlight. It belongs both to the Tanamore and to the undead—indeed, this layer exhibits slight negative energy dominance. Nevertheless, hellish moss and fungi continue to grow at the edges of the rigid permafrost. Various types of tombstones, both imaginable and unimaginable, dot the frozen landscape, some standing alone, while others gather haphazardly together, resembling a small graveyard. Undead creatures are scattered throughout.

11 to 15 burning hellscape

Non-Plane Confinement (Anomaly): Unlike most other supplicants, souls can leave their home planes.

Normal gravity: The uppermost layer of the Abyss, the Plain of Ten Thousand Depths, and many other levels exhibit normal gravitational characteristics. However, certain other layers of the Abyss may encompass a variety of distinct gravitational properties.

Smargard

86 to 90 underground

The Bottomless Abyss of Infinite Layers

The Ships of Chaos

The 88th layer of the Abyss, known as the Brine Flats, is the home of one of the most powerful demon princes, Diomogorn. This realm is characterized by saltwater and rocky outcrops, where flying demons make their nests among the rocks. Abyssal demon fish, deep-sea squids, and demonic manta rays wage war in the depths, yet all creatures must bow before the power of Diomogorn. Here, Diomogorn reigns supreme. Abyssal demon fish, deep-sea squids, and demonic manta rays wage war in the depths, yet all creatures must bow before the power of Diomogorn. Here, Diomogorn reigns supreme

Characteristics of the bottomless abyss

Frozen Wasteland

Slime Pits

The number of levels in the bottomless abyss exceeds anyone's imagination, whether mortal or divine. Some of the most notable levels are described as follows

Zelatar: The largest city in the territory of Graz'zt, Zelatar exists across all three layers. Doorways can lead to the streets or within buildings, but the interiors of the buildings or the streets may be situated in different layers of the bottomless abyss. The residents of Zelatar (demons, half-demons, tieflings, and other beings that revere Graz'zt) have quickly mastered the use of shifting portals, yet most visitors still require a guide to navigate the city.

The 23rd layer of the bottomless abyss is an extremely cold plain, with ice layers reaching several miles deep and devoid of any signs of life. The distant sun appears dimmer than the moon in the material realm. The frozen wasteland is the domain of the frost giants, who serve Koschei, their demon prince. The frost giant mages and their prince reside in the Glacier Citadel, a fortress carved from precarious ice blocks situated between two towering ice peaks. Spring will never grace the frozen wasteland, where most of the inhabitants live in underground fortresses or caves. The frost giant mages and their prince reside in the Glacier Citadel, a fortress carved from precarious ice blocks situated between two towering ice peaks. Spring will never grace the frozen wasteland, where most of the inhabitants live in underground fortresses or caves.

The Argent Palace can be seen from anywhere in Zelatar, regardless of the observer's vantage point. The palace serves as the residence of Graz't, featuring sixty-six ivory towers and one hundred cold, mirrored halls. It is a lifeless, echoing place, where those seeking Graz't's reception room must navigate through a labyrinth of mirrors and teleportation entrances, haunted by the greedy bodies of the Podas.

01 to 05 Air element dominance

Unless sound is inexplicably suppressed at a specific level, hearing in the bottomless abyss is also normal

This is the pinnacle of countless layers of an unfathomable abyss. Here lies a desolate land, devoid of life, barren of vegetation, and thick with accumulated dust, scorched under the hellish, deep red sun. Amidst the dust-laden plains are three types of terrain: the immense chasms on the surface, the colossal steel fortress, and the River Styx.

The River of the Underworld meanders through this layer. Some river channels cascade into the abyss, while other abysses discharge sewage, serving as tributaries to the main stream of the River of the Underworld

The bottomless abyss is referred to by some as Demonholme, a sanctuary for demons, and perhaps their origin. Other malevolent creatures also inhabit these realms, including demon spiders, bodak, hunter spiders, various undead beings, fallen devils, twisted mortals, and even worse.

Despite the fact that the power of the last words has dissipated, Ocas is a cold, ruthless, and powerful demon lord who acts in his own unique way. The layer of the Abyss where Narathiel and Sanatos reside should belong to him, and no matter what happens, he will possess it. Let his enemies despair

This is a place where moral ethics have been completely destroyed

In the fortress reside the exiled demons, half-demonic beings, and tieflings. Although these creatures are utterly evil, they have escaped the bloodshed. A soul judge named Tapheon rules over this stronghold. Tapheon bears terrifying scars and is always clad in a rusted iron frame to support his swollen body, allowing him to stand upright with the aid of long hooks

BrokenReach: RedShroud, a succubus sorceress, rules over the town of BrokenReach, which serves as a gathering point for blood war golems, a transit hub for travelers mad enough to explore the abyss, and a place of trade. This town is composed of a series of crumbling towers, surrounded by ditches, walls, and makeshift barricades such as spikes.

46 to 50 mountainous areas

61 to 65 Ocean

The Demon Lords and certain deities reside in the Abyss, including Demogorgon, Graz'zt, Pazuzu, Blibdoolpoolp (the god of kuo-toa), Diirinka (the dwarven god), the Great Mother (the god of beholders), Gruumsh (the god of orcs), Hruggek (the god of bear goblins), and many other deities, including the well-known Lolth (the goddess of drow elves and the queen of the Underdark). Other demon princes include Yeenoghu, Alzrius, Baphomet, Eldanoth, ErazUrblu, Juiblex, Kostchtchie, Lissa'aera, Lupercio, Lynkhab, Pale Night, Verin, and Vucarik

The characteristics of an unfathomable abyss

The realm of immortal beings from 91 to 95

Each layer of the bottomless abyss possesses its own unique and terrifying environment. Beyond their harsh and desolate natural forms, it is impossible to encompass all the diverse aspects with a single tone. There may be lakes of corrosive acid, toxic mists, caves with razor-sharp spikes, and searing lava landscapes. Additionally, there are some less lethal terrains, such as scalding salt deserts, poisonous breezes, and plains infested with insects. There may be lakes of corrosive acid, toxic mists, caves with razor-sharp spikes, and searing lava landscapes. Additionally, there are some less lethal terrains, such as scalding salt deserts, poisonous breezes, and plains infested with insects.

Did the Demon Lord truly die once? Perhaps, the return of Ocas explains his long absence, as well as his recent transformation into an immortal force, referring to himself as the Dark One (Tenebrous). As the Dark One, wielding the power known as the Last Word, Ocas is even capable of slaying gods. He intimidates some and kills others who stand in his way. Ocas reshaped his staff and used its power to initiate the resurrection spell cast by his last loyal servant, the half-ogre Quah-Namog. Although heroes from the material realm seemed to interfere with the ritual at the eleventh hour, Ocas still returned.

Bottomless Abyss Network

Naratyr: Naratyr, known as the City of the Dead, is a cold realm carved from the frozen surface of the ocean. The frigid architecture of Naratyr resembles a vast, lifeless cemetery, scattered with towering tombs, soaring funeral obelisks, the breastwalls of underground crypts, and carpets woven from the hair of the countless restless dead of Naratyr. The martial legions of the city include demon-hunting spiders, bloodthirsty giants, and all varieties of liches. The majority of the common soldiers are zombies, ghouls, corpse-walkers, and other decaying beings that follow the darkness.

Weak chaotic tendencies and weak evil tendencies: Lawful characters suffer a -2 penalty on all Charisma-based checks in the Abyss, and good characters suffer the same penalty. Lawful good characters suffer a -4 penalty on all Charisma-based checks.

Infinite Space: The layers of the bottomless abyss are eternally infinite, although its renowned realms are finite

16 to 20 Demon City

The abyss at the top serves as an entrance to deeper layers. By descending through certain specific abysses, travelers will soon reach the corresponding layers, although randomly jumping into abysses leading to an unfamiliar plane of the bottomless abyss is extremely dangerous. Most abysses are bidirectional entrances, but there are also some that are unidirectional, leaving travelers trapped in the new layers.

Apart from being suppressed by certain environmental conditions, the vision in the bottomless abyss is normal. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, a hellish sun, phantasmal red light, or similar discomforting illumination shines upon all levels of the bottomless abyss and the books.

The two most famous entrances to the Abyss are the River Styx and a gate located in the outer realm of Plague-Mort. Both of these passages lead to the uppermost level of the Abyss, known as the Plain of Endless Depths

Here lies an endless, suffocating terror

Entering a new unknown level of the Abyss (or through other means) will expose the character to various types of terrain. You can expand upon these levels of the Abyss yourself or use a random Abyss level table for guidance

The 222nd layer is not only the domain of the Slime Lord, Jubilex, but also the home of Zuggtmoy, the Lady of Fungi. This is a bubbling swamp, continuously oozing foul-smelling sludge, known as the Amoebic Sea. A large amount of corrosive slime has given rise to strange life forms, sometimes according to the will of the demons residing here, but at other times spontaneously.

21 to 25 barren lands of sand, ice, salt, or ash

The upper part of the abyss is characterized by two curved towers, each topped with a skull-shaped spire. Here, Dimo Gorgon employs his incredible power, attempting to entice the bottomless abyss to reveal its secrets. Most of his palace extends underwater, within the eternally sunless, cold, dark caverns. The demon prince accumulates his strength, rarely involving himself directly in bloody battles. His intentions are far more profound than this. The demon prince accumulates his strength, rarely involving himself directly in bloody battles. His intentions are far more profound than this

Ferrug: An abandoned steel fortress is situated near the Lake of Molten Iron, which resembles a natural white-hot furnace filled with molten iron. The former demon lord of Ferrug was killed after losing consciousness during her astral journey to the material realm, where she corrupted mortals. Since then, Ferrug has hosted countless demon legions interested in gathering usable iron to construct other steel fortresses. Given the demons' high regard for iron ore, the forces of the devils frequently attack the Lake of Molten Iron, making Ferrug the command center for the demon legions directly responsible for protecting the lake under the authority of Dimogorgon. Since then, Ferrug has hosted countless demon legions interested in gathering usable iron to construct other steel fortresses. Given the demons' high regard for iron ore, the forces of the devils frequently attack the Lake of Molten Iron, making Ferrug the command center for the demon legions directly responsible for protecting the lake under the authority of Dimogorgon.

Random bottomless abyss level

The bottomless abyss possesses the following characteristics

The Abyssal Prayers of the Bottomless Depths

Demonweb Pits

31 to 35 Fire element dominant

Other notable features include the interconnected entrances among the three layers, which resemble snake-like thickets and stoves emitting green flames. However, due to Glazt's cruel sense of humor, some stoves that flicker with green flames are merely filled with fire and do not contain any entrances at all

The sixth layer of the bottomless abyss is the home of the Great Matron, worshipped by the Eye Tyrants. This realm is a network formed by countless winding tunnels, the walls of which are embedded with innumerable living eyes, resembling inlaid jewels. In fact, each eye on the wall is one of the Great Matron's eyes. Particularly devout Eye Tyrants and other creatures of the Eye Tyrant race wander through the tunnels filled with eyes, preying upon any demon or other visitors that accidentally fall from the Plains of the Abyss.

Demons sometimes travel between planes using entropic vessels, which are constructed from shattered bones, yielding souls, and the prayers of supplicants. These chaotic ships are employed in blood battles against devils and possess a frenzied power specifically designed to counteract order. Although Tanamog permits only a limited number of chaotic vessels to serve, this small fraction navigating between planes, controlled by demons, appears sufficiently terrifying. As for those brave, or perhaps reckless, travelers, Tanamog is willing to sell passage on the chaotic vessels, provided the price is reasonable. Although Tanamog permits only a limited number of chaotic vessels to serve, this small fraction navigating between planes, controlled by demons, appears sufficiently terrifying. As for those brave, or perhaps reckless, travelers, Tanamog is willing to sell passage on the chaotic vessels, provided the price is reasonable

The 66th layer of the Abyss is the home of the Spider Queen, Ros. This plane itself overlaps, resembling a vast web. The dizzying array of web-like tunnels interconnect in complex, irregular shapes. Each tunnel aligns with the entrances to the planes that worship Ros. It is said that Ros's palace is a mobile fortress of steel, sculpted in the shape of a spider, eternally advancing slowly within her web-like domain