Infernus
LIBRA02 - No. 2
Geography
The plane of greed and avarice, Infernus is the second-highest plane of the Otherside and the simulacrum of the Demon Prince Mammon. Infernus is what many might expect Hell to look like with brimstone, fire, and suffering. All metal that enters the Infernus is prone to instantly melt or evaporate due to the heat of the Infernal Engine. The massive beast of metal and steam powers the Infernus and the Morningstar, and Hauntaurskald. According to Mammon, the Engine is "fueled by the ambitions of men Flipside," but our research suggests it is fueled by other unknown means. Due to the Engine's heat and all metals melting instantly, the Infernus has large lakes and rivers of molten gold, silver, platinum, and copper. Many foolish warlocks and thaumaturges have attempted to steal the molten metals from the Infernus only to end up trapped in the Infernus with no way back to the Flipside.
Infernus is a cavernous realm with craggy peaks and deep dark valleys. There are few structures scattered around the Infernus, and those few structures that do exist in the plane are mechanical and near-inhospitable. The structures of Infernus are built with a unique heat-resistant metal alloy presumed to be Orichalcum due to its stygian teal color and mysterious properties. Besides the Infernal Engine, the most well-known feature of the Infernus is the Caelus Divide. A massive ward that guards the other half of the Infernus known as the Caelus from the Infernus. Caelus is an idyllic paradise where any desire is instantly manifested. Even being near the towering ward allows the desire to manifest in Caelus. Unfortunately, the only beings who can overcome the Divide and enter into the Caelus are those who seek nothing at all. Due to mortal nature, it is reasonable to assume no one can cross the Divide.
The few demons who call Infernus their home reside in one of two places. Either the grand and gilded palace of Mammon or the hidden cavern refuge known only as the Depths. Due to the Soul Accord, the only demons who arrive in the Infernus are stolen, bartered, gifted, or bought by Mammon himself. His palace Mammonsoleum, named appropriately after himself, is a sprawling city in of itself styled in a fashion similar to Flipside Islamic architecture. It is draped in gold, marble, ivory, and countless gems and jewels. Due to Mammon's own spells, the Mammonsoleum is protected from the Engine's heart, and thus the metals stored there do not melt. On the other hand, not much is known about the Depths. Those who escape the Palace of Mammon find themselves there, but not even Mammon has been able to find its hidden entrance.
While the Mammonsoleum may be pleasant, if you are on Mammon's good side, the rest of Infernus is far too hot to be considered inhabitable. It is a few thousand degrees cooler than the Morningstar, and as such simpler heat-warding sigils can and will work. Despite the oceans of gold and silver and towers of rare Orichalcum, there is nothing to be gained from the Infernus as it is considered too dangerous to steal from Mammon. And while the Caelus is of interest, it is theoretically impossible to enter.
History
Mammon, Demon Prince of Greed, was born to the Devil and Eve as one of seven. Early on, he sought what was at the time the highest plane of the Otherside, the Infernus. He was more than content to let his older brothers fight over the Skald, and as such, his Key to the Gates of Hell, Avarice, manifested. It is unclear whether the Caelus was always there in the Infernus and if perhaps that is why Mammon sought control of it. But since Mammon has had steady control over the plane for eons, he has become the default guardian of the Caelus and its infinite treasures.
Before the Morningstar was pulled down by Lucifer, mortal souls upon death in the Flipside would first fall through the Infernus down into the Skald below. But with the creation of the Morningstar and its equally mysterious shadow, mortal souls ceased passing through the Infernus all together. This led Mammon to demand retribution from his siblings during the Soul Accord. Along with receiving the most Charitable Soul every 777 years, Mammon was also free to steal, barter, trade, or buy any soul that interested him without protest or repercussion from his siblings.
Inhabitants & Rulers
The ruler of the Infernus is and has always been its simulacrum, Mammon, the Demon Prince of Greed. While he has spent considerable stretches of Flipside years away from his plane, there isn't much there to rule, only to hoard.
With no Cryptids or Demons being naturally born into the Infernus, they tend to be harder to pin down. Infernal Cryptids and Demons look and act as if they were from other planes because they were. However, Mammon has a special affinity for Canines and, as such, is prone to taking them from the Esterskald. This includes his favorite customer Mr. Perez. It is known that Cryptids and possibly Demons do naturally form in the Caelus, such as Mr. Domenech, but being unable to go there, it is impossible to say what other creatures live there.