<span class ='lesser-infernal'>ASMODEUS</span> **Role.** King of [[The Nine Hells|Invernus]] **Classification.** [[Devils#Regizu|Noble Fiend]] **Location.** [[Surthar]] **True Name.** *Gilgalan* On his obsidian throne, in his kingdom of ash, sits the ruler of [[The Nine Hells|Invernus]]. Outside his great palace the [[Soul Sentries]] eternally fire their hellish volley into the depths below, fighting back against the rift of the demons. He heaves his sceptre of Hell, ordering yet another battalion of his infernal soldiers to face the breach and fight the demons that crawl out. #### Description Though his infernal corruption, there is an uncanny grace about Asmodeus. His face is soft and has a ethereal glow about it. His eyes, though stern and authoritative, are a brilliant deep gold and his lips are a royal purple, which contrasts beautifully on his light pink and tender skin. The only hint of his infernal rule are the two dark brown horns which curl behind his flowing chestnut hair. However, under his royal red robes he is a deeply scarred figure. His face, however graceful it seems is but a mask to the charred and burned pink tissue that covers his toned body. His eternally damaged body is a grotesque visage to any who behold his full form. His two wings are completely barren of feathers and charred to a rough black. His hands, though graceful in their movements, are topped with spike-like nails and his feet are burned to hoof-like stumps. In his hands he holds a black bident, known as the sceptre of Hell: a fierce weapon and staff. #### Personality Asmodeus is incredibly charming in his interactions. He is eloquent and carful with his words. However, beneath his charming exterior, he is a plotting figure. He has seen the failure of kindness in the role of a leader and does not care to repeat it. He rules his devils with an iron fist, knowing it is what is necessary for the law of order to persist. Though courteous at first, Asmodeus is not afraid to display his might or raise his voice, especially against beings he deems far below him in his hierarchy. Not often seen by his guests, there is an inner fire within Asmodeus that underlies his calm demeanour. When in presence of his dukes, the pretences of his courtesy fall and only a stern and calculating leader remains. The mind of Asmodeus is filled with absolutes. Though he isn't afraid to bend the truth if it aids a diplomatic negotiation, there is no room for nuance in his mind. #### Abilities The abilities of Asmodeus are vast. Outside of his great prowess with his bident, Asmodeus is a master in the arcane. Specifically he has great control over illusions and enchantments. He has an uncanny ability to read people at first sight, able to determine their greatest desires and fears just by looking into their eyes. Furthermore, his telepathic abilities allow him to let creature experience both great pleasure and horrid torture as if they were truly experiencing it. He also has control over canines and snakes, as well as of course his immense force of devils. Finally, he is known to be able to posses beings, taking over their lives and memories. #### History Asmodeus was originally known as Gilgalan, the [[Celestials#Elohim|Elohim]] of Honour under the pantheon of [[Guthran]]. Together with his sister [[Valor]], they were the most devout followers of the Celestial order and a fervent defender of the [[Law of Order]]. Though in the [[Domain of War]], Gilgalan found himself more pulled towards the virtuous leadership of the [[Domain of Light]] and [[Ellathin]], especially after the corruption of the orcs by [[Guthran]]. Being one of the best fighters of all the [[Celestials#Elohim|Elohim]], Gilgalan saw himself as the last line of defence for [[Ellathin|the Allfather]] and took the security of the [[Golden City]] incredibly serious. After being informed of the oncoming elemental horde to the [[Golden City]] by [[Trixshade|Visia]] under false pretences, Gilgalan collected his personal [[Celestials#Seraphim|Seraphim]] and the [[Domain of Light#Seraphim|Solar Knights]] to protect the celestials. Together with his army, Gilgalan flew out and faced the elemental horde, taking them by surprise and setting the stage for the start of the [[God Slaying]]. During the [[God Slaying]] Gilgalan was immensely active, mainly fighting against the forces of [[Ignan]] and the creatures of [[The Malar]]. However, he also fought against [[Aquill]] and his spawn. He did not, however, partake in the battle of [[Windswept]], as he was pushing back the forces of [[Ignan]] at the [[Lava Lakes]]. After hearing about the devastating loss and the death of [[Valor]] at the hand of [[Aquill|the Maelstrom]], Gilgalan swore revenge for his fallen sister. Able to push [[Nyx]] out of hiding, Gilgalan used the fae as bait to goad [[Ignan]] and his forces to the very bottom of the Void, far away from the other planes. There Gilgalan, as well as his personal followers and friends, fought the battle of [[Ember's Rest]]. Gilgalan fought with [[Ignan]] himself in a 1 on 1 battle that lasted for multiple centuries. As the final blow was dealt, the explosion of [[Ignan|Ignan's]] death left Gilgalan eternally scorched and tainted his skin a red and pink hue. After the incredibly bloody battle of [[Ember's Rest]], the survivors held a year long mourn at the eternally smouldering plane of gore stretching out before them. As the war was won, they returned to the [[Golden City]]. At the great trial after the [[God Slaying]], Gilgalan was the largest advocate for retributions and mortalization of the elementals and fey. However, after the deification of [[Infernan]] to High Primordial, Gilgalan confronts [[Ellathin]] on his lax punishment and revival of their greatest enemy. Angry at the [[Ellathin|Allfather]], Gilgalan declares independence of the [[Golden City]] and challenges the rule of [[Ellathin]]. His rebellion is swiftly cast down due to the [[Domain of Light#Seraphim|Solar Knights]] stepping in before Gilgalan gets much traction. [[Guthran]] disowns Gilgalan and he is stripped from his title of [[Celestials#Elohim|Elohim]] of Honour. Enraged by the feeling of betrayal after his sacrifices in the [[God Slaying]], Gilgalan breaks and tries to assassinate [[Ellathin]]. However, he is stopped by [[Alher]] stepping in and banishing Gilgalan from the [[The Celestial Plane|Celestial Plane]]. In solidarity with Gilgalan, the remaining survivors of [[Ember's Rest]] follow him into exile as they return to the field of battle at the bottom of the Void. There Gilgalan takes on his new name of Asmodeus, as they start building their palace of obsidian and ash. During the organization of [[The Nine Hells|Invernus]], Asmodeus and eight of the survivors of [[Ember's Rest]] plan out how they will punish and slowly kill out the Elementals. With the eternal embers of [[Ignan]] smouldering around them, they create hellfire. A force of pure wrathful flame, able to hurt even elemental fire. Before long, they have devised a myriad of ways to torture the elementals for eternity, to make them pay for their sins. However, their planning was to be interrupted. During one of their gatherings, the meeting was suddenly halted at the sight of a horrid and ungodly creature. Asmodeus quickly killed the thing and followed its tracks to the back of the palace, the place where the decisive strike of [[Ember's Rest]] took place. There before him he saw a large rift in the Void itself, slowly creeping open more and more.