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Stairway to Heaven (Worldbuilding)

https://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=327626

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PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 10:02 pm
by Nature-Spirits
The Fourth Circle
Population: TBD
Geography: The fourth circle is Hell's financial district, and the horizon is dominated by skyscrapers in every direction. Its infrastructure is much more modern than that of most of the circles', and the roads are paved with gold. Lining the major streets are trees that grow human currency from all countries and eras, and there are moats of molten gold (into which any soul who has been found to steal from Mammon is immersed for eternity) that crisscross the circle used for transportation. The skyscrapers are, for the most part, divided into three functions: demons fulfil two of these, working for what is essentially Hell's Ministry of Finance and for the bank; while damned souls fulfil the third function (which was devised solely as a punishment and does absolutely nothing productive) of eternally minting gold coins, which are promptly melted as soon as they are minted. At the centre of the circle, there is a skyscraper 666 storeys high, in which Mammon resides and works.
Weather: The temperature is always at least 40°C (104°F), and conditions alternate between glaringly bright sun and rain made of molten gold.

Prince of Greed
Name: Mammon
Other Names: The CEO, the Prince of Finance
Sin Repersented: Greed
Physical Appearance: Pictured at centre. He wears a gold ring around his left ring finger.
Height: 190 cm
Weight: ??? kg
Weaknesses: ???
Servant species: TBD
Personality: Mammon manages his kingdom with a fair and steady hand, and he has a mind for finance. He does not overspend, but he is not frugal, and he has consistently managed Hell's economy without issue for millennia. That said, he is very possessive, and will not give up any assets he has unless he perceives that he is getting the better end of the deal. Quite simply, if he cannot profit from doing something, he will not do it. This means, however, that he is also very protective of everything (and everyone) that belongs to him, and thus is relatively benevolent towards those who work for him.

PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 10:35 pm
by The Land of Eternal Prosperity
Nature-Spirits wrote:Weight: ??? kg
Weaknesses: ???

Are you still finding those out?

PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 10:52 pm
by Nature-Spirits
The Land of Eternal Prosperity wrote:
Nature-Spirits wrote:Weight: ??? kg
Weaknesses: ???

Are you still finding those out?

I'm just leaving them blank. There are some things that the PCs are not meant to know. *nods*

PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 11:00 pm
by The Land of Eternal Prosperity
Nature-Spirits wrote:I'm just leaving them blank. There are some things that the PCs are not meant to know. *nods*

I see. For all we know, his weakness could be peanut butter. That would indeed make him a more interesting opponent.

PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 11:13 pm
by Nature-Spirits
The Land of Eternal Prosperity wrote:
Nature-Spirits wrote:I'm just leaving them blank. There are some things that the PCs are not meant to know. *nods*

I see. For all we know, his weakness could be peanut butter. That would indeed make him a more interesting opponent.

It could very well be. You'll just have to find out.

Of course, if you test that theory and it turns out that he's not weak to peanut butter, you'll be in for a world of hurt. You'd be ruining his clothes, which is tantamount to stealing them, because now they're useless to him -- and you know what happens to people who steal from him.

PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 11:20 pm
by The Land of Eternal Prosperity
Nature-Spirits wrote:It could very well be. You'll just have to find out.

Of course, if you test that theory and it turns out that he's not weak to peanut butter, you'll be in for a world of hurt. You'd be ruining his clothes, which is tantamount to stealing them, because now they're useless to him -- and you know what happens to people who steal from him.

At that point, I would run the heck out of there. Maybe try a new anti-greed strategy, such as charity or community service.

PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 11:20 pm
by Nekronia
Nature-Spirits wrote:
The Land of Eternal Prosperity wrote:I see. For all we know, his weakness could be peanut butter. That would indeed make him a more interesting opponent.

It could very well be. You'll just have to find out.

Of course, if you test that theory and it turns out that he's not weak to peanut butter, you'll be in for a world of hurt. You'd be ruining his clothes, which is tantamount to stealing them, because now they're useless to him -- and you know what happens to people who steal from him.
This has given me a completely ridiculous idea for a plan that could either make things much more difficult or much more easy.

PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 11:22 pm
by The Land of Eternal Prosperity
Nekronia wrote:This has given me a completely ridiculous idea for a plan that could either make things much more difficult or much more easy.

A fire hose that shoots peanut butter?

PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 11:25 pm
by Nekronia
The Land of Eternal Prosperity wrote:
Nekronia wrote:This has given me a completely ridiculous idea for a plan that could either make things much more difficult or much more easy.

A fire hose that shoots peanut butter?
Actually it's a plan for finding out weaknesses but that's probably closer to what my guy would do, so yeah I'll go with the peanut butter hose if context allows it. :p

PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 11:37 pm
by Nature-Spirits
Nekronia wrote:
The Land of Eternal Prosperity wrote:A fire hose that shoots peanut butter?
Actually it's a plan for finding out weaknesses but that's probably closer to what my guy would do, so yeah I'll go with the peanut butter hose if context allows it. :p

I've learned by now that I should probably be scared of whatever you've thought up.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:06 am
by Nature-Spirits
Sometimes I feel really egotistic, y'know?

Like how I partially named an NPC after myself. And partially based that same NPC's personality on my own.

Does anyone else ever experience this?

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:09 am
by Nekronia
Nature-Spirits wrote:
Nekronia wrote:Actually it's a plan for finding out weaknesses but that's probably closer to what my guy would do, so yeah I'll go with the peanut butter hose if context allows it. :p

I've learned by now that I should probably be scared of whatever you've thought up.
Don't worry, there's nothing to fear.

Until I get my hands on the mechanics of possible magical powers and items, of course. :p
Nature-Spirits wrote:Sometimes I feel really egotistic, y'know?

Like how I partially named an NPC after myself. And partially based that same NPC's personality on my own.

Does anyone else ever experience this?
I know what you mean about feeling egotistical. Whenever someone does fanart or anything of my characters, I feel like I appreciate it too much.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:28 am
by Wolfenium
Nature-Spirits wrote:The Fourth Circle
Population: TBD
Geography: The fourth circle is Hell's financial district, and the horizon is dominated by skyscrapers in every direction. Its infrastructure is much more modern than that of most of the circles', and the roads are paved with gold. Lining the major streets are trees that grow human currency from all countries and eras, and there are moats of molten gold (into which any soul who has been found to steal from Mammon is immersed for eternity) that crisscross the circle used for transportation. The skyscrapers are, for the most part, divided into three functions: demons fulfil two of these, working for what is essentially Hell's Ministry of Finance and for the bank; while damned souls fulfil the third function (which was devised solely as a punishment and does absolutely nothing productive) of eternally minting gold coins, which are promptly melted as soon as they are minted. At the centre of the circle, there is a skyscraper 666 storeys high, in which Mammon resides and works.
Weather: The temperature is always at least 40°C (104°F), and conditions alternate between glaringly bright sun and rain made of molten gold.

Prince of Greed
Name: Mammon
Other Names: The CEO, the Prince of Finance
Sin Repersented: Greed
Physical Appearance: Pictured at centre. He wears a gold ring around his left ring finger.
Height: 190 cm
Weight: ??? kg
Weaknesses: ???
Servant species: TBD
Personality: Mammon manages his kingdom with a fair and steady hand, and he has a mind for finance. He does not overspend, but he is not frugal, and he has consistently managed Hell's economy without issue for millennia. That said, he is very possessive, and will not give up any assets he has unless he perceives that he is getting the better end of the deal. Quite simply, if he cannot profit from doing something, he will not do it. This means, however, that he is also very protective of everything (and everyone) that belongs to him, and thus is relatively benevolent towards those who work for him.


Zerochan link is broke. No hotlinking allowed.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:30 am
by Nature-Spirits
Wolfenium wrote:
Nature-Spirits wrote:The Fourth Circle
Population: TBD
Geography: The fourth circle is Hell's financial district, and the horizon is dominated by skyscrapers in every direction. Its infrastructure is much more modern than that of most of the circles', and the roads are paved with gold. Lining the major streets are trees that grow human currency from all countries and eras, and there are moats of molten gold (into which any soul who has been found to steal from Mammon is immersed for eternity) that crisscross the circle used for transportation. The skyscrapers are, for the most part, divided into three functions: demons fulfil two of these, working for what is essentially Hell's Ministry of Finance and for the bank; while damned souls fulfil the third function (which was devised solely as a punishment and does absolutely nothing productive) of eternally minting gold coins, which are promptly melted as soon as they are minted. At the centre of the circle, there is a skyscraper 666 storeys high, in which Mammon resides and works.
Weather: The temperature is always at least 40°C (104°F), and conditions alternate between glaringly bright sun and rain made of molten gold.

Prince of Greed
Name: Mammon
Other Names: The CEO, the Prince of Finance
Sin Repersented: Greed
Physical Appearance: Pictured at centre. He wears a gold ring around his left ring finger.
Height: 190 cm
Weight: ??? kg
Weaknesses: ???
Servant species: TBD
Personality: Mammon manages his kingdom with a fair and steady hand, and he has a mind for finance. He does not overspend, but he is not frugal, and he has consistently managed Hell's economy without issue for millennia. That said, he is very possessive, and will not give up any assets he has unless he perceives that he is getting the better end of the deal. Quite simply, if he cannot profit from doing something, he will not do it. This means, however, that he is also very protective of everything (and everyone) that belongs to him, and thus is relatively benevolent towards those who work for him.


Zerochan link is broke. No hotlinking allowed.

Damn. Alright, I'll go fix it.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:31 am
by Nature-Spirits
Nature-Spirits wrote:
Wolfenium wrote:
Zerochan link is broke. No hotlinking allowed.

Damn. Alright, I'll go fix it.

OK, it should be good now.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:34 am
by Wolfenium
Nature-Spirits wrote:
Nature-Spirits wrote:Damn. Alright, I'll go fix it.

OK, it should be good now.

Much betterer. I still have more than half of my factbook pic links unfixed. :/

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:42 am
by Nekronia
Wolfenium wrote:
Nature-Spirits wrote:OK, it should be good now.

Much betterer. I still have more than half of my factbook pic links unfixed. :/
Yup. That's why I always suggest people use an imagehosting site for the RP images (ESPECIALLY the apps and other regularly-viewed images), so they won't get their URL switched or broken.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:46 am
by Olthar
Nekronia wrote:
Wolfenium wrote:Much betterer. I still have more than half of my factbook pic links unfixed. :/
Yup. That's why I always suggest people use an imagehosting site for the RP images (ESPECIALLY the apps and other regularly-viewed images), so they won't get their URL switched or broken.

I usually do depending on where I find the image. If it's already on an image hosting site, though, then I don't bother putting it up on my account. DeviantArt, too. Anything I find there isn't disappearing anytime soon.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 5:10 am
by Malshan
Nature-Spirits wrote:Sometimes I feel really egotistic, y'know?

Like how I partially named an NPC after myself. And partially based that same NPC's personality on my own.

Does anyone else ever experience this?


All of my characters have some basis in reality. Some are exaggerations based on a few traits while others are more or less representative of who/what I am.

And no, it doesn't feel egotistical. It's easier to play a character if I know how they will react to certain stimuli.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 9:15 am
by Nature-Spirits
Malshan wrote:
Nature-Spirits wrote:Sometimes I feel really egotistic, y'know?

Like how I partially named an NPC after myself. And partially based that same NPC's personality on my own.

Does anyone else ever experience this?


All of my characters have some basis in reality. Some are exaggerations based on a few traits while others are more or less representative of who/what I am.

And no, it doesn't feel egotistical. It's easier to play a character if I know how they will react to certain stimuli.

Meh, I guess.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 4:56 pm
by Rupudska
Population: 17,961,108,616
Geography: Dis is a roughly ring-shaped city entirely surrounded by the Fifth Circle, with the exception of its financial district (the Fourth Circle) which is connected to Dis by a vast network of subway trains (inaccessible to souls of course.) Dis is topographically bowl-like, about the size and shape of an inverted Olympus Mons, with the caldera leading to the four circles below. There is a spectacular waterfall on the eastern side that connects the Styx surrounding it to the brutally hot Phlegethon that flows through the Seventh circle and the brutally cold Cocytus that flows through the Eighth and Ninth Circles. Unlike the more modern and post-modern financial district, most of Dis' architecture is very old and intimidating - Gothic, neo gothic and art deco structures abound. These structures are often inexplicably tall for what they are apparently made of - Cathedral-like apartment complexes stretch miles into the air.

Oh, you want to know where the damned souls are? They live in the sewers when and if they are allowed out of their apartment complexes, which can be identified by their ugly brutalist architecture, their black paint (most buildings in Dis are red), and the enormous heat emanating from them due to their interiors being constantly on fire. The sewers aren't much better as the sewer water is painfully acidic.
Weather: Varies, but usually very hot - A tropical monsoon climate dominates the city, and it is still very hot despite a series of pipes leading down to the Ninth Circle and back providing cooling. Rain is either off or on here - Half of the year it is extremely dry, and the other half, one might think someone had melted Cocytus and was dumping it over the city.
Population: ~90 million (excludes the tormented souls)
Geography:The Seventh Circle can be smoothly divided into four sections:
Outer Ring: The outer ring contains the valleys of the Phlegethon River and the river itself. Extremely hot, extremely humid, and easily the poorest section. Has the best cooking, and grows the best peppers in Hell. Quite odd that any plant life survives at all when the Phlegethon flows both acidic and basic (and the shift between the two results in violent explosions of steam), but that's Hell. Cities are few and far between, and are only lightly industrialized. Many of the tortured souls are forced to work on the pepper (or other plant) plantations, or otherwise float in the Phlegethon and risk getting run over by steamboats. Repeatedly. Some have screw propellers just to cause extra pain.
Central Ring: The central ring, in stark contrast to the outer ring, is nearly as cold as the Ninth Circle, but heavily forested with evergreen trees and shrubs. Snow falls continuously here, and the climate is similar to Russia in winter, especially Siberia. Cities are huge and industrial, with smoke billowing out of the massive factories that cover them. Souls are regularly stuffed feet first into the ground and then have trees grow around them, surrounding and crushing them. And then harpies fly in and gnaw on their exposed flesh. Or they run about and are chased by hellhounds. Contained within the central ring are also enormous artillery cannons that rain burning shrapnel on the Inner Ring constantly.
Inner Ring: The inner ring is desert. All of it. From the sandy desert of Namibia, to the rocky desert of western Texas. It never rains; what 'rain' comes from the cannons in the central ring. Souls here are weighted down on the ground, in some cases they are so heavy that the souls must crawl on all fours or slither along like serpents. Some end up banding together in groups to make it easier to move about. Which is very good because the demons of the Inner Ring drive about in technicals halftracks, and tanks, regularly shooting at the tortured souls for no reason whatsoever. This section is the most developed of the original three rings, with Hell's primary technology sector and some of the best roads in Hell.
Central Hub: The central hub floats over the massive hole that leads to the Eighth Circle via an almost vertical cliff face. Architecturally it is a mix of Hitler's plan for the new Berlin (with a supersized Volkshalle in the exact center), Rome's historical sector, and Ancient Athens at its peak (but without the gaudy coloring). It is run much like Dis is, but without a single soul in sight, and all the demons wear the fashion of Germany in the late 30's, with the police and government officials wearing exactly what you would expect. Weather is shockingly pleasant for Hell, with warm summers and cool winters, with occasional snow. Where are the souls, you ask? What do you think is keeping the city from falling? Souls here are used as living cables to hold the entire structure up.


The Princes for those two Circles coming up.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 5:10 pm
by Lavan Tiri
Nature-Spirits wrote:Sometimes I feel really egotistic, y'know?

Like how I partially named an NPC after myself. And partially based that same NPC's personality on my own.

Does anyone else ever experience this?

Seriously? All my chars until recently have been based off of me. So, you're not egotistical, you're just me.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 5:15 pm
by Nature-Spirits
Lavan Tiri wrote:
Nature-Spirits wrote:Sometimes I feel really egotistic, y'know?

Like how I partially named an NPC after myself. And partially based that same NPC's personality on my own.

Does anyone else ever experience this?

Seriously? All my chars until recently have been based off of me. So, you're not egotistical, you're just me.

Well, that's a scary thought.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 5:18 pm
by Lavan Tiri
Nature-Spirits wrote:
Lavan Tiri wrote:Seriously? All my chars until recently have been based off of me. So, you're not egotistical, you're just me.

Well, that's a scary thought.

Yes, yes we are.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 7:15 pm
by Rupudska
Name: Baal
Other Names: Hadad, Astartes, The Boss, Mister Baal, Sir
Sin Represented: Heresy
Physical Appearance: ayy
Height: 220 cm
Weight: 240 kg
Weaknesses: Blood
Servant species: Yaxaas
Personality: One of the more merciless Princes, Baal is self-assured, confident (perhaps a bit too much for his own good, though Lilith and Beelzebub are quick to put him in his place), and immensely powerful - If power were the only factor, he'd be above Mammon, but his tendency to anger the other Princes (and the Antichrist, which is impressive to say the least) with his insults keeps him in the sixth circle, and furthermore as the leader of the sixth circle's powerful organized crime world.
Name: Berith
Other Names: Baalberith, Ares, Ma'am, The Unrelenting Force
Sin Represented: Violence
Physical Appearance: ho boy
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 93 kg
Weaknesses: Lightning, dragon blood, dragon bones - Be advised, human blood only makes her stronger.
Servant species: Spartoi
Personality: Brutal but cunning, or cunning but brutal, depending on who you ask. But unlike Mork and Ork, she is actually very smart, and a brilliant tactician and strategist. There's a damn good reason she's in charge of Hell's special forces. While she's not particularly super-strong (only as strong as Beelzebub), she is very fast and quite nimble. Oh, and she can sprout jaws literally anywhere. She has a fascination with the Nazis and fascism in general, though she hates the leaders of the two largest fascist movements - Germany's and Italy's - based solely on their incompetence - to her, of course. She could easily move up a few circles if it wasn't for her addiction to stimulants. A total adrenaline junkie, and rumored to be dating the Antichrist.

She is also the only other female Prince, besides Lilith.


Form: link
Height: 220-250 for both genders
Weight: 140-460 kg for both genders
Found in: Circles 5-7
Roles: Enforcers, police, 'persuaders', torturers
Weaknesses: Iron, grade V holy water, crucifixes, holy fire (>600 K), copper, lead
Servant species to: Baal
Physical description: Anthro crocodiles. Built like tanks, mean as hell, about as intelligent as humans but not as intelligent as succubi. Their jaws can clamp down with forty metric tons per square centimeter, so it's best to avoid that area if you like having that part of your body attached to the rest. Much like kappa, they are amphibious, and powerful (if lazy) swimmers. However their weight makes their climbing attempts less successful. Despite their reputation they can actually be quite diplomatic, they simply don't often see a good reason to be.
Form: Without gas mask
Height: 160-200 cm
Weight: 55-115 kg
Found in: Circle 7
Roles: Soldiers, police, interrogators
Weaknesses: Iron, grade II holy water, most sedatives (Especially THC and barbituates)
Servant species to: Berith
Physical description: What, did you expect Hell without Nazis? Too bad! These faceless monstrosities have razor-sharp teeth and an acidic saliva that may or may not be responsible for their face looking like it had melted off. They have no eyes, but that doesn't seem to harm their aim with any and every firearm designed by man - especially by German men these days. They have no eyes. Despite their skin being grey-black and leathery, they aren't actually zombies: These bastards are about half as strong as yaxxae and only succubi are smarter. They have no goddamn eyes.
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