(Art credit: WOTC)

The Infinite Layers of the Abyss is the ninth realm of the cosmos and located under the roots of the world tree. It was the birth place of the demons, a chaotic evil universe unto itself with uncountable layers of infinite variety connected haphazardly. It is a violent, malevolent place where the strong survived on the backs of the weak, the weak conspired to overthrow the strong, alliances only lasted while convenient, and the landscape itself tortured the mind and body of all who dared to pass. Varkanus claims to be the god who created both the abyss and demons alike, although this claim is unsubstantiated. That being said, Varkanus and Omegus are some of the only gods with any sort of authority over the chaotic layers.

Some estimated that the abyss had 666 layers, while some counted 679 and over. It was possible that the number of layers was truly infinite, but no one could be certain. Different demon lords and princes hold sway over the various layers, including the prince of demons, Demogorgon. Each layer had its own characteristics, which were as varied as the demons themselves. All types of terrain, atmosphere, weather, gravity, and material composition were represented in the myriad layers.

The Abyss is connected to both Primerealm and the Realm Beyond, as various abyssgates open and close all over Abmarah and even Acheren. The neutral City Azydos has a large pit that connects to the abyss, where the gods throw the worst of mortalkind that do not deserve even the ninth hell. The largest gate on Abmarah was the titular Abyssgate in the Cometfall Sea that was closed in 3E452.