Archdevil
 | |
| The archdevil Dispater | |
| Archdevil | |
|---|---|
| Alignment | Lawful Evil |
| Realm | Baator |
Archdevils are those unique devils who sit at the top of the infernal hierarchy of the Nine Hells of Baator. They are the greatest of the devils and rule over their lesser kin as lords.
Terminology
The term archdevil means different things in different settings. In Marillia, it means the same thing as it does in the Forgotten Realms: the powerful unique devils who rule over Hell.
In Pathfinder, the analogous term is infernal duke. In Greyhawk, the analogous term is duke of Hell, referring to any devil who has established great power in Hell. They are usually (but not always) unique. In both Pathfinder and Greyhawk, the term archdevil refers to what are called the Lords of the Nine in Marillia and the Forgotten Realms: the nine greatest archdevils, who each rule a layer of Hell.
Titles
Many of the titles archdevils hold may seem contradictory. Here are some examples. Dispater, the Lord of the Second, is often called king; meanwhile, two of his vassals are Emperor Armelio and Emperor Valaris. Glasya, the Lady of the Sixth and daughter of Asmodeus, is called princess. Triel, the Lord of the Sixth, is the son of Asmodeus, but is not called prince—but Levistus, the Lord of the Fifth, whom Asmodeus hates, is. Then there's Queen Nyssa, who lies in Avernus, putting her nominally under the jurisdiction of Archduchess Zariel, Lady of the First.
See what I mean? The hierarchy of Hell and its power structure are convoluted at best, incomprehensible at worst.
Known archdevils
Layer 1 - Avernus
- Zariel, the Fallen, Lady of the First, archduchess of Avernus
- Taroc
The rule of Avernus has changed hands many times over the years. Hardly anyone can keep track of who is in power. Zariel and Taroc have ousted each other back and forth over the centuries. Avernus was even said to be a domain of Nyssa at one point.
Layer 2 - Dis
- Dispater, Lord of the Second, archduke of Dis
- Titivilus, nuncio of Dispater
Layer 3 - Minauros
- Ragaan, the Marshal of Hell, Lord of the Second, archduke of Minauros
Layer 4 - Pagosha
- Fierna, Lady of the Fourth, archduchess of Pagosha
- Jouvart, Father of Whores, consort of Fierna
- Hyetta, duchess of Arbrand
Layer 5
Layer 6 - Asala
- Glasya, Daughter of Asmodeus, Princess of Hell, Lady of the Sixth, archduchess of Asala
- Tartach, chamberlain of Ossiea and high marshal of Asala
- Azaphiel, duke of Radaniza
Layer 7 - Kynzia
- Triel, the White Son, Lord of the Seventh, archduke of Kynzia
Layer 8 - Shaatha
- Mephistopheles, Lord of the Eighth, archduke of Shaatha
Layer 9 - Nessus
- Asmodeus, Lord of the Ninth
