Abyss (Dungeons & Dragons)
Encyclopedia
In the Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy role-playing game originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, and first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. . The game has been published by Wizards of the Coast since 1997...

fantasy
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...

 role-playing game
Role-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...

, the Abyss or more fully, the Infinite Layers of the Abyss, is a chaotic evil-aligned plane
Plane (Dungeons & Dragons)
The planes of the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game constitutes the multiverse in which the game takes place.In the earliest versions of Dungeons & Dragons, the concept of the Inner, Ethereal, Prime Material, Astral and Outer Planes was introduced; at the time there were only four Inner Planes...

 of existence. It is one of a number of alignment
Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, alignment is a categorization of the ethical and moral perspective of people, creatures and societies....

-based Outer Plane
Outer Plane
In the fantasy role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, an Outer Plane is one of a number of general types of planes of existence. They can also be referred to as godly planes, spiritual planes or divine planes. The Outer Planes are home to beings such as deities and otherworldly creatures such as...

s that form part of the standard Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) cosmology, used in the Planescape
Planescape
Planescape is a campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, originally designed by Zeb Cook. The Planescape setting was published in 1994...

and Greyhawk
Greyhawk
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game...

campaign setting
Campaign setting
A campaign setting is usually a fictional world which serves as a setting for a role-playing game or wargame campaign. A campaign is a series of individual adventures, and a campaign setting is the world in which such adventures and campaigns take place...

s. The Abyss is also the name of one of the faith-based outer planes that form part of the Forgotten Realms
Forgotten Realms
The Forgotten Realms is a campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Commonly referred to by players and game designers alike as "The Realms", it was created by game designer Ed Greenwood around 1967 as a setting for his childhood stories...

cosmology. While the published 3rd-Edition source books indicate that the Abyss of the standard D&D cosmology is not the same plane as the Abyss of the Forgotten Realms cosmology, they are for all practical purposes identical.

Description

The description of the Abyss varies between different editions, campaign settings and even individual accessories. This can be viewed as the canonical status of the Abyss changing, or as an in-character explanation that the conflicting information is the result of misinformation spread by the demons themselves, and of misunderstandings by those who study them.

One description of the Abyss presents it as a region of intense, extreme, and unforgiving climates, with layers consisting of overwhelmingly fierce desert
Desert
A desert is a landscape or region that receives an extremely low amount of precipitation, less than enough to support growth of most plants. Most deserts have an average annual precipitation of less than...

 sandstorm
Dust storm
A dust / sand storm is a meteorological phenomenon common in arid and semi-arid regions. Dust storms arise when a gust front or other strong wind blows loose sand and dirt from a dry surface. Particles are transported by saltation and suspension, causing soil to move from one place and deposition...

s; explosively unstable volcanic activity, boiling lava
Lava
Lava refers both to molten rock expelled by a volcano during an eruption and the resulting rock after solidification and cooling. This molten rock is formed in the interior of some planets, including Earth, and some of their satellites. When first erupted from a volcanic vent, lava is a liquid at...

, and molten rock; blinding, sub-zero Arctic glacier
Glacier
A glacier is a large persistent body of ice that forms where the accumulation of snow exceeds its ablation over many years, often centuries. At least 0.1 km² in area and 50 m thick, but often much larger, a glacier slowly deforms and flows due to stresses induced by its weight...

s; bottomless oceans filled with enormous leviathan
Leviathan
Leviathan , is a sea monster referred to in the Bible. In Demonology, Leviathan is one of the seven princes of Hell and its gatekeeper . The word has become synonymous with any large sea monster or creature...

s; nauseatingly putrid environments saturated with disease-causing fungi; and the endless, existential void of infinite space.

The Fiendish Codex I: Hordes of the Abyss sourcebook suggests that the Abyss may be alive, and that it spawns demons out of its urge to spread chaos and destruction.

In a critical review of Planes of Chaos
Planes of Chaos
Planes of Chaos was a boxed set for the Planescape campaign setting of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.-Contents:Planes of Chaos is an expansion set for the Planescape campaign setting which details the five chaotic Outer Planes: Arborea, Ysgard, Limbo, Pandemonium, and the Abyss...

for White Wolf Inphobia magazine, Keith H. Eisenbeis described the danger of adventuring in planes such as the Abyss, especially for low- and mid-level characters: "Sure, it's possible to design a situation in which first-level characters can accomplish something important and survive in the Abyss, but the immensity and power of the planes is undermined. In addition, on planes such as the Abyss, negotiating with evil creatures is frequently necessary, possibly making these planes useful to only neutral and evil characters."

Inhabitants

The main race that inhabits the Abyss are the demons
Demon (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demons are the most widespread race of fiends. The demons are chaotic evil by nature, and are native to the Abyss...

, chaotic evil beings. There are four kinds of demon: the classical, religion-inspired demons of evil and sin the Tanar'ri; the ancient, Lovecraftian Obyrith
Obyrith
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, an obyrith is a member of an ancient race of demons that predate the tanar'ri. All obyriths have monstrous forms which can drive mad anyone who dares look at them.-Publication history:...

s; the recently appeared Loumaras; and the other demons, which are simply demons that are not specified as belonging to any of the other three categories. Each of these categories contains numerous different species of demon. Of the four categories, the Tanar'ri are the most numerous and most influential and the true rulers of the plane.

The petitioners
Petitioner (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, a petitioner is the soul of a deceased mortal.-Publication history:The concept of the petitioner first appeared in second edition for the Planescape setting in the original Planescape Campaign Setting boxed set , and appeared throughout the...

 (souls of the dead who have been sent to the layer for the afterlife) of the Abyss are called manes, and they are the lowest caste of the Tanar'ri. They have pale white skin, sharp teeth and claws, and maggots are reported to crawl through their flesh. Manes that survive for many years may be promoted to greater forms of demon. Extremely clever, lucky ones that survive for millennia may even eventually become Demon Lords
Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

. The Demon Lord Orcus
Orcus (Dungeons & Dragons)
Orcus is the fictional demon prince, and lord of the undead in many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. He is named after Orcus of Roman mythology. His symbol is a mace with a human skull as the head...

 is one such demon lord who began as a mane.

The Demon Lords, also known as demon princes, are extremely powerful demons, mostly of the Tanar'ri category though a few Obyrith lords exist as well, who through sheer power and influence have came to rule over one of the layers of the Abyss. They are near god-like in power, each have unique forms, many have cult-followings upon the material plane
Prime Material Plane
The Prime Material Plane is the central plane of existence in the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game...

, and they command scores of lesser demons. Known demon lords include Orcus, as well as Demogorgon
Demogorgon (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Demogorgon is a powerful demon prince. He is known as the Prince of Demons, a self-proclaimed title he holds by virtue of his power and influence; which in turn, is a title acknowledged by both mortals and his fellow demons...

, Graz'zt
Graz'zt
Graz'zt is a demon lord in the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, and one of the most powerful demons in the Abyss. Graz'zt, one of the earliest and most famous demons created for Dungeons and Dragons, was named as one of the greatest villains in D&D history by the final print issue of...

, Fraz-Urb'luu
Fraz-Urb'luu
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Fraz-Urb'luu is a demon lord, sometimes known as the "Prince of Deception." In Gary Gygax's Gord novels, Fraz-Urb'luu is alternately called Var-Az-Hloo.-Publication history:...

, Baphomet
Baphomet (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, Baphomet is a demon lord who rules a layer of the Abyss called the Endless Maze. He is the Prince of Beasts and the Demon Lord of Minotaurs.-Publication history:...

, Yeenoghu
Yeenoghu
In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, Yeenoghu is a Demon Prince, the Demon Lord of Gnolls, and the bestial embodiment of savage butchery. His personal weapon is his dreaded triple flail, created from the bones and skin of a slain god. Yeenoghu commands the obedience of ghouls and ghasts...

, Juiblex
Juiblex
In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Juiblex, also called The Faceless Lord, is the demon lord of Slimes and Oozes. Juiblex's lair is on the 222nd layer of the Abyss, which he shares with Zuggtmoy, the Demoness Lady of Fungi. In Gary Gygax's Gord novels, Juiblex is alternately called Szhublox...

, Malcanthet
Malcanthet
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Malcanthet is a demon lord. She is also called Queen of Succubi.-Creative origins:...

, Pazuzu
Pazuzu (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, Pazuzu is a powerful demon prince, called the Prince of the Lower Aerial Kingdoms. He rules the skies above all layers of the Abyss. He is sometimes known as Pazrael or Pazuzeus....

, Kostchtchie
Kostchtchie
Kostchtchie is a demon lord from the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game.-Publication history:Kostchtchie made his first appearance in the first edition module The Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth...

, Dagon
Dagon (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Dagon is a obyrith demon lord, also called Prince of the Depths. His realm is the 89th layer of the Abyss, and is known as Shadowsea...

, Pale Night
Pale Night
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, Pale Night, the so-called "Mother of Demons," is an Abyssal Lord, both enigmatic and unbelievably ancient...

, Obox-ob
Obox-ob
In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Obox-ob is a demon lord, also called the Prince of Vermin...

, Zuggtmoy
Zuggtmoy
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Zuggtmoy is the Demon Queen of Fungi. Her symbol is a jawless human skull with fungi blooming from within, though some of her false cults use other symbols...

, Sess'Innek
Sess'innek
In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Sess'Innek is a tanar'ri lord that is worshipped by the lizard kings as a deity of Civilization and Dominion...

, and numerous others.

Chaotic evil deities also inhabit the Abyss, including Vaprak
Vaprak
In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Vaprak is the deity worshiped by ogres and trolls. Vaprak is also known as "The Destroyer." His symbol is a taloned hand.-Publication history:...

, the god of ogres
Ogre (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, ogres are a lesser race of giants, rather being simply large brutes with clubs. An aquatic subrace of ogres is known as "merrow." D&D ogres are also closely related to the race of ogre magi, a smarter race with blue skin and great magical abilities...

 and trolls
Troll (Dungeons & Dragons)
Trolls are fictional monsters in the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game. Dungeon Masters can use them as enemies or allies of the player characters.-Publication history:...

; Lolth
Lolth
Lolth is a fictional goddess in the Dungeons and Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Lolth , the Demon Queen of Spiders, is the chief goddess of drow elves...

, the demon queen of spiders and drow; and Great Mother
Great Mother (Dungeons & Dragons)
In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, The Great Mother is the creator and primary racial deity of beholders, gibbering orbs, and the various races of beholder-kin. The Great Mother is the beholder deity of magic, fertility, and tyranny...

, the goddess of beholder
Beholder
The beholder is a fictional monster in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. It resembles a floating orb of flesh with a large mouth, single central eye, and lots of smaller eyestalks on top with deadly magical powers....

s. These deities could also be considered demon lords however. The term "Demon Lord" is really more of a title than a category of beings, and deities such as those mentioned meet the criteria for bearing such a title of ruling over one of the Abyss' layers. Many of the formerly mentioned demon lords themselves have god-like traits; they sway the worship of entire races, have cult-followings, and sometimes even have portfolios attributed to them. Therefore they might be gods. The exact distinction between "demon lord" and "deity" is rather unclear.

Structure

Like other outer planes, the Abyss is spatially infinite.

In the standard third edition D&D cosmology, the first layer shares its borders with the neighboring planes of the Windswept Depths of Pandemonium and the Tarterian Depths of Carceri; travel is possible between the Abyss and these planes at certain locations. The River Styx flows through the Abyss to many other lower planes, and as such can be used to gain access to those planes.

In the Forgotten Realms cosmology the Abyss links via the Astral Plane, to Toril
Toril
Toril, meaning bullpen in Spanish, can refer to:* Toril - a District in Metro Davao in The Philippines* Toril - a Barangay in Island Garden City of Samal, Metro Davao, The Philippines* Toril y Masegoso, a town in the province of Teruel, Aragón, Spain...

, the Material Plane
Prime Material Plane
The Prime Material Plane is the central plane of existence in the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game...

. A number of portals directly connect it with the Barrens of Doom and Despair, Clangor, and on occasion, with, Deep Caverns and The Fated Depths. The River of Blood originates in the Abyss and flows through the lower planes, allowing travellers access to those planes by navigating the river.

In fourth edition D&D, the Abyss lies at the bottom of the Elemental Chaos.

Layers

The Abyss is said to consist of an infinite number of layers, though the total number is also quoted as 666
Number of the Beast
The Number of the Beast is a term in the Book of Revelation, of the New Testament, that is associated with the first Beast of Revelation chapter 13, the Beast of the sea. In most manuscripts of the New Testament and in English translations of the Bible, the number of the Beast is...

 (with an in-game explanation of the number having general numerological import). Layers are numbered based upon order of discovery by various personalities in the background details of the game, sometimes considered documented by the Fraternity of Order faction of the Planescape
Planescape
Planescape is a campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, originally designed by Zeb Cook. The Planescape setting was published in 1994...

 setting. Discrepancies in layer numbers between supplements and sources can be explained as catalogues that have been compiled by different sources.

It is impossible to know with any certainty whether layers are actually arranged in this precise order, in contrast to the known ordering of layers within all the other planes of the D&D cosmology. A useful metaphor is a deck of playing cards shuffled and then tossed down so they are piled together loosely, randomly, and sometimes not at all.

A list of layers named so far in D&D supplements includes:
  • 1 - Pazunia (also known as The Plane of Infinite Portals or The Palace of 1001 Closets) has been described as an infinite plane with only three types of distinct features:
    • The river Styx
      Styx (mythology)
      The Styx is a river in Greek mythology that formed the boundary between Earth and the Underworld . It circles the Underworld nine times...

       flowing through it (as it does through the top layers of other evil planes).
    • Large sinkholes which connect to other layers of the Abyss, some were drilled intentionally by ancient demons during the Abyss' original exploration. The largest of these holes is the Grand Abyss.
    • Iron Fortresses
      Fortification
      Fortifications are military constructions and buildings designed for defence in warfare and military bases. Humans have constructed defensive works for many thousands of years, in a variety of increasingly complex designs...

       which guard the physical bodies of Demon Princes when they leave the Abyss to travel astrally
      Astral projection
      Astral projection is an interpretation of out-of-body experience that assumes the existence of an "astral body" separate from the physical body and capable of traveling outside it...

      .

  • 2 - Driller's Hives, realm of Tharzax the Chattering Prince.

  • 3 - The Forgotten Land, realm of Zzyczesiya the Ungrasped.

  • 4 - The Grand Abyss, a bottomless, nigh-infinite canyon that contains portals to virtually every other layer in the Abyss.

  • 5 - Wormblood

  • 6 - Realm of a Million Eyes, home to the Great Mother
    Great Mother (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, The Great Mother is the creator and primary racial deity of beholders, gibbering orbs, and the various races of beholder-kin. The Great Mother is the beholder deity of magic, fertility, and tyranny...

    , Princess of Beholders.

  • 7 - Phantom Plane, realm of the demon lord
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     of the lizard kings, Sess'Innek
    Sess'innek
    In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Sess'Innek is a tanar'ri lord that is worshipped by the lizard kings as a deity of Civilization and Dominion...

    .

  • 8 – The Skin-shedder, realm of Volisupula the Flensed Marquesse
    Volisupula
    Volisupula is a demon lord, in the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game.-Publication history:Volisupula was first mentioned in the adventure "Wicked, Wicked Ways" in the "Chaos Adventures" booklet in Planes of Chaos ....

    .

  • 9 - Burningwater

  • 10 - "That Hellhole"

  • 11 - Molrat

  • 12 - Twelvetrees

  • 13 - Blood Tor, realm of the goddesses Beshaba
    Beshaba
    Beshaba, also called The Maid of the Misfortune, is a fictional deity of the Forgotten Realms campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...

     and Umberlee from the Forgotten Realms
    Forgotten Realms
    The Forgotten Realms is a campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Commonly referred to by players and game designers alike as "The Realms", it was created by game designer Ed Greenwood around 1967 as a setting for his childhood stories...

     setting. (2nd edition AD&D)

  • 14 - The Steaming Fen, realm of the Queen of Chaos
    Queen of Chaos
    In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, the Queen of Chaos is a demon lord of obyrith origins.- Publishing history :The Queen of Chaos was first mentioned briefly in the second edition Dungeon Master's Guide under the description for the Rod of Seven Parts artifact...

    .

  • 17 - Death's Reward, realm of Abraxas the Unfathomable.

  • 21 - The Sixth Pyre, realm of Kardum, Lord of Balors.

  • 23 - Iron Wastes, home to Kostchtchie
    Kostchtchie
    Kostchtchie is a demon lord from the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game.-Publication history:Kostchtchie made his first appearance in the first edition module The Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth...

    , demon Prince
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     of frost giants.

  • 27 - Malignebula, realm of the Abyssal lord
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     Lissa'aere the Noxious.

  • 32 - Sholo-Tovoth: The Fields of Consumption, realm of Turaglas
    Turaglas
    Turgalas, in the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, is a demon lord. He is known as the "Ebon Maw" and the "Hunger Eternal."-Publication history:...

     the Ebon Maw.

  • 45 to 47 - these three layers make up Azzagrat, the realm of the demon prince
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     Graz'zt
    Graz'zt
    Graz'zt is a demon lord in the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, and one of the most powerful demons in the Abyss. Graz'zt, one of the earliest and most famous demons created for Dungeons and Dragons, was named as one of the greatest villains in D&D history by the final print issue of...

    , the rival of Demogorgon
    Demogorgon (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Demogorgon is a powerful demon prince. He is known as the Prince of Demons, a self-proclaimed title he holds by virtue of his power and influence; which in turn, is a title acknowledged by both mortals and his fellow demons...

    . Other sources list these as layers 42 to 44. In First Edition D&D, Graz'zt's layer is an infinite palace which filled his entire layer.

  • 49 - Shaddonon, realm of the demon lord
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     Rhyxali
    Rhyxali
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, Rhyxali is a demon lord. She claims rulership over the shadow demons, and may be related to the demon prince Graz'zt.-Dungeons & Dragons 3.0 edition :...

    , Princess of Shadow.

  • 52 - Vorganund

  • 57 - Torturous Truth, realm of the Abyssal lord
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     Alvarez
    Alvarez (Dungeons & Dragons)
    Alvarez, known as the Purging Duke, is the demon lord of Torture and Inquisition, in the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game.-Publication history:Alvarez was first mentioned in Faces of Evil: The Fiends ....

     the Purging Duke.

  • 66 - The Demonweb Pits
    Demonweb Pits
    Demonweb Pits, in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, is the 66th layer of the chaotic evil-aligned plane of existence known as the Infinite Layers of the Abyss...

    , home of Lolth
    Lolth
    Lolth is a fictional goddess in the Dungeons and Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Lolth , the Demon Queen of Spiders, is the chief goddess of drow elves...

    , queen of spiders and principal deity of evil drow, particularly in Menzoberranzan
    Menzoberranzan
    Menzoberranzan, the City of Spiders, is a fictional city-state in the world of the Forgotten Realms, a Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting. It is located in the Upper Northdark, about two miles below the Surbrin Vale, between the Moonwood and the Frost Hills...

    . In the Third Edition D&D Forgotten Realms
    Forgotten Realms
    The Forgotten Realms is a campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Commonly referred to by players and game designers alike as "The Realms", it was created by game designer Ed Greenwood around 1967 as a setting for his childhood stories...

    cosmology, the Demonweb Pits is a separate plane. In First Edition D&D, Lolth's Demonweb is located on the 65th layer, from there access is possible to the 66th layer, where her realm and spider-ship is located.

  • 67 - The Heaving Hills (Verrangoin Realm)

  • 68 - The Swallowed Void

  • 69 - The Crushing Plain

  • 70 - The Ice Floe

  • 71 - Spirac, hunting grounds of the demon lords.

  • 72 – Darklight, realm of Nocticula the Undeniable.

  • 73 - The Wells of Darkness, currently serve as the prison of several demon lords such as Shami-Amorae, Ansitif and Ebulon.

  • 74 - Smargard, home to Merrshaulk
    Merrshaulk
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, Merrshaulk is the yuan-ti deity of poison and somnolence. "Merrshaulk" is likely a dwarven rendering of his name; the yuan-ti pronounce the name more like "Mi-Shao-Shur," although they view it as too holy to pronounce around outsiders...

     the yuan-ti
    Yuan-ti
    The yuan-ti are a fictional species of evil snakemen in the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. The species comprises a number of castes. In some campaign settings, the yuan-ti are descended from evil human cultists who mixed their bloodlines with those of serpents...

     deity and Ramenos
    Ramenos
    In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Ramenos is the bullywug deity of somnolence, intoxication, and decay.-Publication history:...

     the bullywug
    Bullywug
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, the bullywug is a type of fictional monster for player characters to encounter. The bullywugs are portrayed as a violent race of marsh-dwelling frog-like humanoids. The bullywug was introduced in the first edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons...

     deity. Also contains The Viper Pit (Sseth's realm; Powers & Pantheons), and the Silent Temple (Planar Handbook).

  • 77 - The Gates of Heaven, realm of Munkir
    Munkir (Dungeons & Dragons)
    Munkir the White Guardian is a demon lord, in the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game.-Publication history:Munkir was one of many demon lords that was mentioned only by name in a list in the original Monster Manual II ....

     and Nekir
    Nekir (Dungeons & Dragons)
    Nekir the Black Guardian is a demon lord, in the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game.-Publication history:Nekir was one of many demon lords that was mentioned only by name in a list in the original Monster Manual II ....

    .

  • 79 - The Emessu Tunnels, realm of Anarazel the Daring Darkness.

  • 81 - The Blood Shallows, one of Obox-ob's former realms.

  • 88 - The Gaping Maw (or Brine Flats or Abysm), home to Demogorgon
    Demogorgon (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Demogorgon is a powerful demon prince. He is known as the Prince of Demons, a self-proclaimed title he holds by virtue of his power and influence; which in turn, is a title acknowledged by both mortals and his fellow demons...

    , Prince of Demons
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

    , one of the highest-ranking demons in the abyss.

  • 89 - Shadowsea, oceanic realm of the demon lord
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     Dagon
    Dagon (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Dagon is a obyrith demon lord, also called Prince of the Depths. His realm is the 89th layer of the Abyss, and is known as Shadowsea...

    , Prince of the Depths.

  • 90 - The Guttering Cove, realm of Ilsidahur
    Ilsidahur
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Ilsidahur is a demon lord. Called the Howling King, he claims rulership over the simian demons known as bar-lguras, and is served by nalfeshnees as well.- Publishing history :...

     the Howling King.

  • 92 - Ulgurshek
    Draeden
    In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, draedens are massive, ancient beings that predate the multiverse.-Publication history:The draeden first appeared in the Dungeons & Dragons Immortal Rules set...


  • 99 - Unnamed contested layer consisting of several distinctive realms (from First edition D&D module Tales of the Outer Planes); one is where demons are spawned, another is a lightning realm, in another can be found portals leading to Juiblex and Kali's layers.

  • 111 - The Mind of Evil, realm of Sch’theraqpasstt the Serpent Reborn.

  • 113- Thanatos, the realm of Orcus
    Orcus (Dungeons & Dragons)
    Orcus is the fictional demon prince, and lord of the undead in many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. He is named after Orcus of Roman mythology. His symbol is a mace with a human skull as the head...

    , demon prince
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     of the Undead
    Undead (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, undead is a classification of monsters that can be encountered by player characters. Undead creatures are most often once-living creatures, which have been animated by spiritual or supernatural forces....

    . Some sources quote this as layer #333 or #133.

  • 128 - Slugbed, realm of the Abyssal lord
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     Lupercio the Baron of Sloth.

  • 137 - Outcasts' End, realm of Azazel
    Azazel
    Azazel or Azazael or Azâzêl is a term used three times in the Hebrew scriptures, and later in Hebrew mythology as the enigmatic name of a character....

    , Prince of Scapegoats.

  • 142 - Lifebane, realm of the god Chemosh from the Dragonlance
    Dragonlance
    Dragonlance is a shared universe created by Laura and Tracy Hickman, and expanded by Tracy Hickman and Margaret Weis under the direction of TSR, Inc. into a series of popular fantasy novels. The Hickmans conceived Dragonlance while driving in their car on the way to TSR for a job application...

     setting. (2nd edition AD&D)

  • 148 - Torrent

  • 176 - Hollow's Heart, realm of the demon lord
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     Fraz-Urb'luu
    Fraz-Urb'luu
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Fraz-Urb'luu is a demon lord, sometimes known as the "Prince of Deception." In Gary Gygax's Gord novels, Fraz-Urb'luu is alternately called Var-Az-Hloo.-Publication history:...

    , which, due to his magical illusions, appears to be flat, colorless, and featureless to the human eye.

  • 177 - The Writhing Realm, realm of Ugudenk the Squirming King.

  • 181 - The Rotting Plain, realm of the troglodyte
    Troglodyte (Dungeons & Dragons)
    The troglodytes is a fictional race of primitive reptilian humanoids in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.-Publication history:The troglodyte was introduced to the D&D game in the first edition of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons....

     god Laogzed
    Laogzed
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Laogzed is the deity worshipped by reptilian troglodyte race. Its symbol is an oozing toad-lizard, or a lizard's head. Laogzed's sacred animal is the toad.-Publishing history:...

    .

  • 193 - Vulgarea, realm of the foxwoman goddess Eshebala
    Eshebala
    In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Eshebala is the foxwoman deity of vanity, charm, greed, and cunning. Her symbol is a female fox.-Publication history:...

    .

  • 222 - Shedaklah (aka The Slime Pits), home to Juiblex
    Juiblex
    In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Juiblex, also called The Faceless Lord, is the demon lord of Slimes and Oozes. Juiblex's lair is on the 222nd layer of the Abyss, which he shares with Zuggtmoy, the Demoness Lady of Fungi. In Gary Gygax's Gord novels, Juiblex is alternately called Szhublox...

     demon Prince
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     of Slimes, and Zuggtmoy
    Zuggtmoy
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Zuggtmoy is the Demon Queen of Fungi. Her symbol is a jawless human skull with fungi blooming from within, though some of her false cults use other symbols...

    , Demon Queen of Fungi.

  • 223 - Offalmound, former realm of the dead god Moander
    Moander
    Moander is the god of rot and corruption in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game.-Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st edition :...

     from the Forgotten Realms
    Forgotten Realms
    The Forgotten Realms is a campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Commonly referred to by players and game designers alike as "The Realms", it was created by game designer Ed Greenwood around 1967 as a setting for his childhood stories...

     setting. (2nd edition AD&D)

  • 230 - The Dreaming Gulf, a windy realm home to the dreams of dead gods.

  • 241 - Palpitatia, realm of the bugbear
    Bugbear (Dungeons & Dragons)
    The bugbear is a type of fictional monster for player characters to encounter in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.A bugbear is depicted as a massive humanoid distantly related to goblins and hobgoblins...

     gods Grankhul
    Grankhul
    In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Grankhul is the bugbear deity of hunting, senses, and surprise. Grankhul's symbol is two eyes that are ever open in the darkness.-Publication history:...

     and Skiggaret
    Skiggaret
    In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Skiggaret is the half-mad bugbear deity of fear. Skiggaret's symbol is a black claw.-Publication history:...

    .

  • 245 - The Scalding Sea

  • 248 - The Hidden Layer, realm of Eltab
    Eltab
    In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, Eltab is a demon lord. Eltab is known as the Lord of the Hidden Layer. He is particularly active in the game’s Forgotten Realms campaign setting.-Publication history:...

    .

  • 274 - Durao (gateway layer), mustering ground for the armies of the Abyss as they prepare for battle in the Blood War.

  • 297 - The Sighing Clifs, realm of the Abyssal lord
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     Lady Lynkhab
    Lynkhab
    In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, Lady Lynkhab is a demon lord. She is the Lady of Desire and Depression. She is also called the Lady of Regrets and is a patroness of the self-destructive and suicidal...

    .

  • 300 - Feng-Tu, realm of the Chinese gods Tou Mu and Lu Yueh.

  • 303 - The Sulfanorum

  • 313 – Gorrison's Grasp, site of Illssender's Tower

  • 333 - The Broken Scale, realm of the god Hiddukel from the Dragonlance
    Dragonlance
    Dragonlance is a shared universe created by Laura and Tracy Hickman, and expanded by Tracy Hickman and Margaret Weis under the direction of TSR, Inc. into a series of popular fantasy novels. The Hickmans conceived Dragonlance while driving in their car on the way to TSR for a job application...

     setting. (2nd edition AD&D)

  • 340 - The Black Blizzard

  • 348 - Fortress of Indifference, ruled by Tapheon, the nalfeshnee
    Nalfeshnee
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, the nalfeshnee is one of the most powerful types of demon. In first edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, nalfeshnees were known as type IV demons...

    ; former realm of the demon lord
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     Thralhavoc.

  • 357 - The Arc of Eternity, realm of Eldanoth the Bloodless Scion.

  • 377 - Plains of Gallenshu

  • 399 - The Worm Realm, realm of the gnome
    Gnome (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, gnomes are one of the core races available for play as player characters. Some speculate that they are closely related to dwarves; however, gnomes are more tolerant of other races and of magic, and are skilled with illusions...

     god Urdlen
    Urdlen
    In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Urdlen is the gnome deity of greed and blood.In many campaign settings, the gnome pantheon of gods consists of the leader Garl Glittergold, as well as Baervan Wildwanderer, Baravar Cloakshadow, Flandal Steelskin, Gaerdal Ironhand, Nebelun, Segojan...

    .

  • 400 - Woeful Escarand (Nalfeshnee Realm), a court at which newly arrived larvae and sometimes other demons are judged

  • 403 - The Rainless Waste, site of Mal Arundak, the City of Confusion (Fallen archon realm)

  • 421 - White Kingdom, ruled by the King of Ghouls
    King of Ghouls
    The King of Ghouls is a malevolent undead creature turned demigod created for the Dungeons and Dragons fantasy role-playing game. He is sometimes known as "Doresain."-Publication history:...

    , once a vassal to Orcus
    Orcus (Dungeons & Dragons)
    Orcus is the fictional demon prince, and lord of the undead in many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. He is named after Orcus of Roman mythology. His symbol is a mace with a human skull as the head...

     and Yeenoghu
    Yeenoghu
    In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, Yeenoghu is a Demon Prince, the Demon Lord of Gnolls, and the bestial embodiment of savage butchery. His personal weapon is his dreaded triple flail, created from the bones and skin of a slain god. Yeenoghu commands the obedience of ghouls and ghasts...

    , but is now a free agent.

  • 422 - The Seeping Woods, ruled by Yeenoghu
    Yeenoghu
    In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, Yeenoghu is a Demon Prince, the Demon Lord of Gnolls, and the bestial embodiment of savage butchery. His personal weapon is his dreaded triple flail, created from the bones and skin of a slain god. Yeenoghu commands the obedience of ghouls and ghasts...

    , Demon Prince
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     of Gnolls. Called "Yeenoghu's Realm" in Fiendish Codex I: Hordes of the Abyss.

  • 423 - Galun-Khur

  • 452 - Ahriman-abad, realm of Ahrimanes, Chief of the Cacodaemons.

  • 471 - Androlynne, realm of Pale Night
    Pale Night
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, Pale Night, the so-called "Mother of Demons," is an Abyssal Lord, both enigmatic and unbelievably ancient...

    .

  • 487 - Lair of the Beast and Mansion of the Rake, realm of the vampire
    Vampire (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, the vampire is an undead creature. A humanoid or monstrous humanoid can become a vampire, and looks as it did in life, with pale skin, haunting red eyes, and a feral cast to its features...

     god Kanchelsis
    Kanchelsis
    In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Kanchelsis is a deity of blood, debauchery, magic, and vampirism...

    .

  • 489 - Noisome Vale, ruled by the balor
    Balor (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, a balor is one of the most powerful types of tanar'ri demons. Of all the inhabitants of the Abyss, balors are second in power only to the demon lords, klurichirs, and myrmyxicus...

     Tarnhem.

  • 493 - The Steeping Isle, realm of Siragle the Ineffable.

  • 499 – Carroristo

  • 503 - Torremor, realm of the demon lord
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     Pazuzu
    Pazuzu (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, Pazuzu is a powerful demon prince, called the Prince of the Lower Aerial Kingdoms. He rules the skies above all layers of the Abyss. He is sometimes known as Pazrael or Pazuzeus....

    .

  • 507 - Occipitus, former realm of Adimarchus
    Adimarchus
    In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, Adimarchus is a Demon lord. He is known as the "Demon Prince of Madness", not because he claimed sovereignty over insanity, but primarily for his current state of mind.-Publication history:...

    , the demon prince
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     of madness.

  • 518 - Melantholep possible name of the nesting grounds of the chole dragons, or perhaps an unknown demon prince who rules the layer.

  • 523 - Rocky desert that houses the Lakes of Fire (see Planescape
    Planescape
    Planescape is a campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, originally designed by Zeb Cook. The Planescape setting was published in 1994...

     adventure 'Rapture').

  • 524 - Shatterstone, realm of the ogre
    Ogre (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, ogres are a lesser race of giants, rather being simply large brutes with clubs. An aquatic subrace of ogres is known as "merrow." D&D ogres are also closely related to the race of ogre magi, a smarter race with blue skin and great magical abilities...

     god Vaprak
    Vaprak
    In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Vaprak is the deity worshiped by ogres and trolls. Vaprak is also known as "The Destroyer." His symbol is a taloned hand.-Publication history:...

    .

  • 528 - Juiblex's
    Juiblex
    In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Juiblex, also called The Faceless Lord, is the demon lord of Slimes and Oozes. Juiblex's lair is on the 222nd layer of the Abyss, which he shares with Zuggtmoy, the Demoness Lady of Fungi. In Gary Gygax's Gord novels, Juiblex is alternately called Szhublox...

     layer in First Edition D&D, an infinite layer of slimes and oozes feeding off each other. Juiblex's palace is said to resemble the biggest pile of garbage in the multiverse.

  • 531 - Vudra, realm of the giant marilith Shaktari, the Queen of Poison.

  • 558 - Fleshforges, realm of Dwiergus the Chrysalis Prince.

  • 566 - Soulfreeze, realm of Aseroth the Winter Warlock.

  • 570 - Shendilavri, realm of the demon lord
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     Malcanthet
    Malcanthet
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Malcanthet is a demon lord. She is also called Queen of Succubi.-Creative origins:...

    , Queen of the Succubi.

  • 586 - Prison of the Mad God, realm of the derro god Diinkarazan
    Diinkarazan
    In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Diinkarazan is the derro deity of vengeance.-Publication history:Diinkarazan was first detailed in the book Monster Mythology , including details about his priesthood...

    .

  • 597 - Goranthis, realm of Socothbenoth the Persuader.

  • 600 - Endless Maze, the realm of Baphomet
    Baphomet (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, Baphomet is a demon lord who rules a layer of the Abyss called the Endless Maze. He is the Prince of Beasts and the Demon Lord of Minotaurs.-Publication history:...

    , demon Prince
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     of Minotaurs
    Minotaur (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, minotaurs are a race of monstrous humanoids, resembling bull-human hybrids. Many minotaurs worship the demon lord Baphomet.-Dungeons & Dragons :...

    . The demoness Pale Night
    Pale Night
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, Pale Night, the so-called "Mother of Demons," is an Abyssal Lord, both enigmatic and unbelievably ancient...

     resides here as well.

  • 601 - Conflagratum, realm of the Abyssal lord
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     Alzrius, Lord of Infernal Light.

  • 628 - Vallashan, a layer designed to allow temporary victory to conquering armies of good alignment, only to then corrupt the conquerors and turn them against themselves

  • 643 - Caverns of the Skull, realm of the Black Earth Mother Kali
    Kali
    ' , also known as ' , is the Hindu goddess associated with power, shakti. The name Kali comes from kāla, which means black, time, death, lord of death, Shiva. Kali means "the black one". Since Shiva is called Kāla - the eternal time, Kālī, his consort, also means "Time" or "Death" . Hence, Kāli is...

    , the goddess of destruction. In First Edition D&D, Kali's layer was #500 and was a jungle of blood-red vegetation bordering a sea of blood.

  • 651 - Nethuria, realm of Vucarik, Consort of Chains.

  • 652 - The Rift of Corrosion

  • 663 - Zionyn, realm of the demon lord
    Demon lord (Dungeons & Dragons)
    In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, demon lords are demons who have gained great power and established a position of preeminence among demonkind. Each demon lord has a unique appearance and set of abilities. Most control at least one layer of the Abyss...

     Obox-ob
    Obox-ob
    In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Obox-ob is a demon lord, also called the Prince of Vermin...

    , Prince of Vermin.

Historical influences

The name of the Abyss was inspired by the Abyss
Abyss (religion)
Abyss refers to a bottomless pit, to the underworld, to the deepest ocean floor, or to hell.The English word "abyss" derives from the late Latin abyssimus through French abisme , hence the poetic form "abysm", with examples dating to 1616 and earlier to rhyme with "time"...

 of Judaism and Christianity, which is both an infinitely deep source of chaos, and an alternate name for Hell
Hell
In many religious traditions, a hell is a place of suffering and punishment in the afterlife. Religions with a linear divine history often depict hells as endless. Religions with a cyclic history often depict a hell as an intermediary period between incarnations...

.

Footnotes

  1. (and Dungeon #107 "Test of the Smoking Eye")
    1. The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
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