Looking to embark on an adventure in the Nine Hells? Hell, a classic outer realm for high-level Dungeons & Dragons quests, offers inherent danger and a complex society that guarantees deadly combat and memorable social encounters. To aid you in your journey through Hell, we've compiled a list of tips, tricks, and resources for navigating Avernus, including the best D&D modules that transport players to the fiery city of Baldur’s Gate and eventually into the first layer of Hell.
The Nine Hells
The Nine Hells consist of nine distinct layers, each brimming with unique properties and perils for your players to confront. When planning your adventure in Hell, the first step is to select the layers that best suit your story. While there are numerous online and published sources detailing each Hellish layer, we've curated the finest layers to incorporate into your adventure.
Each Layer of Hell
Every layer of the Nine Hells is an expansive realm teeming with lethal encounters. However, there are certain locations within each layer that can become the focal point of your adventure. For instance, in the fourth layer, Minvols, your players may strive to reach the gatehouse, where they can access the Devil’s Highway leading to the third layer. Yet, they might have to contend with a small village of mutants or a lake of acid as they pursue their goal.
Given the lawful nature of devils, contracts are their currency, and they adhere to them without fail. Ensure that your characters are aware of the perils associated with signing a contract in the Nine Hells. If they sign an unfavorable contract or become ensnared by devils without escape, the ultimate cost is their eternal suffering and the forfeiture of their souls. This adds an element of tension to the game, as death is not the ultimate consequence when dealing with devils, a deviation from most D&D adventures. If the characters manage to escape the Nine Hells, no easy feat without high-level magic, securing a means of exit becomes a critical component of the adventure. This culminates in an exhilarating and treacherous final session for your campaign.
The Journey Ahead
To embark on your adventure, choose a layer of Hell and familiarize yourself with its intricacies. As the Dungeon Master, your descriptions can set the tone for the arduous journey that awaits your players, emphasizing the perilous nature of their expedition through a realm of eternal suffering.
For assistance in planning your Hellish escapade, consult the following resources:
While certain parts of the Nine Hells are inhabited by dangerous creatures that pose a grave threat to characters, death is not the ultimate consequence when tangling with devils. Should characters succumb to a maleficent contract or find themselves captured without means of escape, their souls and eternal torment become the ultimate price to pay. This makes a journey into Hell one of the most hazardous undertakings for your party, particularly if it is part of a larger campaign and your players have become deeply invested in their characters. Your vivid descriptions as the Dungeon Master can evoke the stress and tension that the characters will endure while traversing the depths of Hell.
In our next guide, we will explore essential spells and magic items that will aid your survival in the Nine Hells. For now, consider these exceptional D&D books for Hell-themed adventures:
If you wish to immerse your party in the treacherous depths of Avernus, we recommend our favorite Hell-themed soundtracks:
