This information is intended for use with the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game.
At a Glance
The Abyss is one of the Outer Planes. It contains an unknown number of layers. The Abyss, more commonly than other planes, is also described in terms of multi-level Realms.
Layers
The Plain of Infinite Portals is the first layer.
The Realm of a Million Eyes is the 6th layer, ruled by the Great Mother.
The Phantom Plane is the 7th layer, ruled by Sess’inik.
Twelvetrees is the 12th layer.
Blood Tor is the 13th layer.
The Icy Wastes is the 23th layer, ruled by Kostchtchie.
Azzagrat is composed of the 45th, 46th, and 47th layers, and is ruled by Graz’zt.
The Demonweb Pits is the 66th layer, ruled by Lolth.
Smargard is the 74th layer, ruled by Merrshaulk.
The Brine Flats is the 88th layer, ruled by Demogorgon from the palace of Abysm. Also called the Gaping Maw.
Dagon resides on the 89th layer.
Thanatos is the 113th layer; its ruler was once (and may again be) Orcus, but it’s not certain.
The Writhing Realm is the 177th layer, probably ruled by Ugudenk.
The Rotting Plane is the 181st layer.
The Slime Pits is the 222nd layer; it is inhabited by both Juiblex and Zuggtmoy. Also called Shedaklah.
The Hidden Layer is the 248th layer, once ruled by Eltab and now fought over by his lieutenants.
Durao is the 274th layer. Also called the gateway layer.
Sulfanorum is the 303rd layer.
Worm Realm is the 339th layer.
The Fortress of Indifference is the 348th layer, ruled by a nalfeshnee named Tapheon.
The Plains of Gallenshu is the 377th layer.
Woeful Escarand is the 400th layer.
Yeenoghu’s Realm is the 422nd layer.
The Noisome Vale is the 489th layer; a balor named Tarnhem once ruled here, but is currently missing. In spite of his absence, his servitors keep the demon’s residence in order and repel uninvited visitors.
Torremor is the 503rd layer, ruled by Pazuzu.
Vudra is the 531st layer, perhaps ruled by Shaktari.
The Fleshforges are the 558th level, possibly ruled by Dwiergus.
The Prison of the Mad God is the 586th layer.
Caverns of the Skull God is the 643rd layer.
Zionyn is the 663rd level, ruled by Obox-Ob.
Sources
Passing Mention
- Forgotten Realms [11836] (3e campaign setting) pages 257, 258
- Manual of the Planes (3e) page 99
- Planescape Campaign Setting
- Forgotten Realms Adventures [2106] pages 16, 35
- See each layer for specific descriptions
Other Resources
- Search for the Abyss on the FR Wiki
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