Lords of the Nine

The Lords of the Nine are the rulers of the Nine Hells of Baator, consisting of Asmodeus and the eight stewards whom he charges with governing the upper eight layers of Hell as viceroys. They are the greatest of the archdevils, and reign their layers with virtual impunity, so long as they maintain order and execute the will of Asmodeus.

The politics of Hell is complicated to say the least, and it is difficult therefore to keep track of who is in power. Devils are schemers, and archdevils especially are known to overthrow each other, assassinate their rivals, vanish for periods of time, and fake their own deaths. The Lords of the Nine are no different. For example, Zariel and her lieutenant Bel constantly overthrow the other, leaving it unclear who is in control of Avernus at any given time.