From the origin of the gods to the inhabitants of the darkest infernal pit, Princes of Darkness: Book of the Damned Volume 1 is an unflinching look at the methods, motivations, and goals of Asmodeus, the archdevils, and the entire hierarchy of Hell. Whether you’re planning to storm the gates of Avernus or trade in the exotic and immoral markets of Dis, or simply want to add a splash of diabolical flavor to a standard campaign, this 64-page book is full of delicious temptations worthy of Faust himself.
Princes of Darkness includes:
A layer-by-layer description of Hell and its rulers
The hierarchy of Hell, and how devils are promoted
The role and duties of each kind of devil, including the infernal dukes and the herald of Asmodeus
Guidelines for infernal contracts
Devil talismans, true names, and their uses
New Hell-themed spells, magic items, and artifacts
The diabolist prestige class, complete with imp companion
Five new kinds of devils, from the blaspheming apostate devil to the relentless levaloch
In the cosmology of the official Pathfinder campaign setting of Golarion, the infernal planes are divided by alignment and the type of fiends that reside there: Hell (occupied by Lawful Evil devils); Abaddon (occupied by Neutral Evil daemons); and the Abyss (occupied by Chaotic evil demons). The first entry in the three-volume "Book of the Damned" series, Princes of Darkness, is devoted to the devils of Hell. Devils in Pathfinder value order, hierarchy, and gaining new mortal souls through trickery and temptation in the form of infernal contracts. This 64-page book contains a wealth of information on Hell, including sections on each of its 9 layers, its capital, the various types of devils, and a new prestige class for devil-worshipping diabolists. I've never dabbled much with this aspect of D&D-based RPGs, but I thought this book was really well done and definitely value for the money. I suppose the weird thing with this review is that I'm writing it *after* the Book of the Damned hardcover has been released, and that book collects and updates the material in Princes of Darkness. But I have this book and not that one, and I'm a completist. So, here we go.
In terms of artwork, you can judge the front cover for yourself--I think it's very cool and has the right feel. The interior art is also great, with one or two exceptions. Page layout and design is top-notch, with well-placed sidebars and little illustrations here and there that fit the theme. Particularly well-done are the pages from the in-universe "Book of the Damned" (which I'll explained in a minute), as they're in script on a parchment-style background. Very cool.
The interior front cover lists the symbols of the various archdevils of Hell, and I'm sorry to say they look a bit amateurish to me. The interior back cover lists the things a devil-worshipping cleric would need to know, including the domains, areas of concern, and favored weapons of the various denizens of Hell. It's quite detailed, with Asmodeus, the eight archdevils, the four "Whore Queens", twenty-eight "infernal dukes", and twelve "malbranche". The book itself is divided into four main sections: Hell and the Archdevils (descriptions of the various layers and their lords), Devilkind (explaining the different types of devils), Diabolatry (devil worship), and Diablerie (a bestiary of new devils).
Between these sections are two-page long inserts presented as if they were real extracts from the in-universe Book of the Damned, a catalog of the infernal planes written by an angel named Tabris (who, himself, has a fantastic story developed in later books!). Three of these extracts ("Before", "Order", and "Exodus") talk about the origins of Hell, a story which at first is too vague and a bit boring until you realize how directly the ruler of Hell (Asmodeus) is tied into the creation of the universe itself. Other extracts briefly discuss Dis (the greatest of Hell's cities) and the internal organization of Hell (briefly describing the various lesser, but still important, players in Hell).
The first main section, "Hell and the Archdevils" (20 pages) takes up about a third of the book. There's a very brief introduction that covers some of the features of Hell, like Hellfire, Hellmouths, and the River Styx. Each of the nine layers of Hell is then covered, with one page devoted to the layer itself and one page devoted to its ruler. I'm tempted to go layer-by-layer, but that would make for a very long review so I'll just mention a few things. Each of the nine layers revolves around a different concept--for example, the third level (Mammon) is the treasure vaults of Hell and home to those mortal souls who were dominated by greed, while Stygia, the fifth level, is the source of blasphemy, heresy, and corrupted faiths. There's definitely some echoes of Dante's Inferno here. I especially like how the rulers of each layer are far more than just embodiments of particular sins--they have unique personalities and backstories. The writing is top-notch and quite impressive for a sole-authored book. I suppose that if I had to be picky, I would single out the artwork of Geryon (lord of Stygia) as being kinda silly and state that Nessus (the 9th layer of Hell) is kind of bland. I might even note that Asmodeus' throne is, visually, much cooler than he is! But really, this is the heart of the book and it's great.
"Devilkind", the second main section (8 pages) clearly explains how the various denizens of Hell are sorted by power level with themes of authority and submission respected throughout. Advancement is possible, but sometimes only through self-administered torture! The main creatures discussed are imps, barbazus, erinyes, osyluths, hamatulas, gelugons, cornugons, and pit fiends. Most of these were new to me, and the book did a really good job explaining their various roles in Hell. Devil-summoners will be pleased to note that there are suggestions on how to make fiends more amenable to negotiations (such as telling osyluths secret vices of mortal rulers to gain a +2 bonus on Charisma checks). The "infernal nobility" of Hell receive a few paragraphs of description each: Infernal Dukes (who rule particular sections of each layer under the supervision of the archdevils), the Whore Queens (fallen angels who operate schemes throughout Hell), and the Malebranche (the generals of Hell's armies).
"Diabolatry" (14 pages) is the third section. It has information on infernal contracts (in which a mortal agrees to trade their soul for a boon) and includes tips on how a GM should handle them in-game. The little sample contract is a good template. New magic items called "devil talismans" are introduced, and they're quite powerful, providing the ability to draw on the powers of devils bound within them. Next, there's information on the importance of and how to discover the true names of devils. Perhaps of most interest to players in this book is the Diabolist prestige class; it looks quite flavourful (gaining an imp companion and bonuses to negotiting with summoned devils), and I like the "Damned" class feature: when the diabolist is killed, her soul is instantly sent to Hell and raising that character from the dead requires a high caster level check. Five new spells appear in this section as well, and they're really fun to read even though I've never seen any of them in a game. Perhaps a curious omission is how little reference there is to Golarion and whether/where there are specific concentrations of devil-worshippers in particular areas. I know about Cheliax, for example, but to a new reader this could appear as a setting-neutral book.
The final chapter is "Diablierie" (10 pages). Four creatures get two-page spreads with stat blocks, descriptions, and artwork: Apostate Devils (specialists in turning mortals away from their faiths), Heresy Devils (specialists in undermining established religions through corruption and heresy); Host Devils (hunters of souls that have evaded capture in Hell), and Warmonger Devils (construct-like war machines). The artwork is especially good in this section and each of the new creatures is interesting and well-described.
There's a *lot* to like about Princes of Darkness, and I would definitely recommend it for anyone planning to introduce devils or Hell into their campaign. It's very much a GM book, with only occasional bits of potential interest to players. One disappointment I do have in the book is that it's still really hard for me to picture what adventures or even encounters in Hell would look like. Something like a "Running Games in Hell" sidebar (with suggested Average Party Level for different types of stories) would be really useful in trying to conceptualize adventures there. Overall though, this is a great book and well-worth a purchase whether in PDF from Paizo or in hard copy from a used book seller.
Final Score & Thoughts Crunch: 5/5 Stars
Flavor: 5/5 Stars
Texture: 4.5/5 Stars
Final Score: 14.5/5 Stars, or 4.75 Stars/5, rounded up for its flavor.
Individually, the three volumes of the Book of the Damned are amazing, excellent reads. The fact that the series managed to hold the same level of quality throughout several years of printing and a slew of authors is a testament to Paizo’s mastery over the evil realms. These planes are ripe for use in adventures of all sorts, and I am pleased to have such a thorough, encompassing guide on the topic. I would highly recommend all three volumes to any GM’s toolbox: they will meet your needs and exceed them a hundred times over.
(Note: This review is for all three volumes of the Book of the Damned combined. Not that it matters much; this score applies to all three books equally.)
Will we burn in heaven, like we do down here?
Jim Groves
(Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 4)
—
Disclaimer: I write for Paizo and I know Wes Schneider, and he’s the Editor-In-Chief. That may completely disqualify this review. If you can get past that, what I have to say may help you decide whether you want to buy this book or post your own review.
“Is misery made beautiful right before our eyes
Will mercy be revealed or blind us where we stand?”
-Sarah McLachlan, Witness
I have owned this book for approximately four years. During that time, I have referred to it, referenced it, but never just sat down and read it from cover to cover. You know? Like prose instead of an encyclopedia. Recently I was given an assignment that required some insight into the matter of Hell and devils and I grabbed this book. Something in me said, “Why don’t you just read the entire thing, with an eye towards enjoyment rather than just select paragraphs. Take it all in.”
I was glad I did. At this risk of being a suck-up, this is a magnificent piece of work. Allow me to articulate why. Mr. Schneider is not only a skilled editor, the man can write. This is not a book of interesting facts, it borders on poetry. Each sentence is lovingly crafted and considered. Every word is rich and evocative and he spares no imagery to communicate his vision of Hell, it’s denizens, his concepts, and plot hooks and adventure seeds. I imagine he paced the floor after writing each paragraph in order to scrutinize how it might be made better, or he wrote this while high and drunk during a raging thunderstorm. It is poetic without being poetry. What exactly do I mean? The imagery is savage, hideous, and monstrous and yet somehow beautiful.
Let me give you an example of the language:
The pristine halls and lavish sanctuaries of Baalzebul’s court are dedicated to his profane glory, perverted visions of a grand cathedral that hide shrines filled with fly-ridden sacrifices and cesspit-like chevets. Within the heights of Betzebbul’s central spire lies the throne room of the archfiend. Here, more than half dead, hangs the suspended and shackled corpse of the forgotten god Azhia, endlessly fed upon by the innumerable flies that make up Baalzebul’s verminous form.
Or…
Within the deepest pits of Hell, profane smiths rip ingenious blasphemies from the minds of the damned and sculpt soulflesh into creations of unparalleled malignancy. Several diabolical masterworks, creations of exceptional depravity, appear through accounts of history’s darkest annals, leaving wakes of ruin and damnation in their heinous paths.
The entire book is that lavish and evocative, save perhaps certain sections of game mechanics which would not be well served by it anyway.
I give this book an easy five stars. I also offer a bucket of tears that Wes’s duties only permit him to write the occasional sourcebook. Would should be so lucky and fortunate if he would, one day, captain a Bastardhall project.
In addition to fantastic prose, there is a generous helping of actual game mechanics (spells, items, artifacts), all of which appear balanced—including a prestige class and 5 new demons. There is something for everyone. Let me stress, it’s cool just to read it.
I would love to see a hellmouth creature someday. It would be weird without a standard movement, but I love the idea of a “living” portal with eyes and other features.
That concludes my review, but I have a few remarks I am going to put behind spoiler tags.
Wes avoids something I have seen in other books and I double down on my praise of him for not following suit. What follows is editorial.
Spoiler:
I am not a fan of a certain sentence structure that goes like this:
“Scholars and sages whisper about this interesting thing but nobody can tell you anything else about it.”
Or..
“Only the Gods know how Groetus was transformed into cheese and on this topic they will neither speak or nor answer.”
I’m somewhat sick of “X” alluding to something cool and but then the author shuts the topic back down. I enjoyed the Great Beyond, but at times I wanted to hurl that book across the room for this reason.
Let me be clear. Wes never does this in this book. I award him a 6th Special Devil Star for that reason. I understand what is happening when authors do that. Bless their hearts they’re trying to add a little bitty plot hook to the setting and let the GM run with it, or see if anybody gets excited by it. That is a laudable goal. My issue is that it gets repetitive, fast, to the degree it has become a pet peeve of mine. Rather I would have authors introduce a little tidbit to the setting and just let the reader draw their own conclusion. Wes does this well in this book with the Ihyssige, in the Hell Realm of Stygia. That is a mystery which Wes does not explain and it works beautifully. When other authors have all these scholars, sages, mad hermits, and gods who introduce topics and then refuse to elaborate, what the author is communicating to me (the reader) is “Hey, I am being intentionally vague here.” Trust me buddy, I figured that out on my own.
In, Princes of Darkness, Wes takes responsibility for writing about Hell, Asmodeus, and the whole infernal gang and does so with authority. When he wants to leave a plot hook open for the GM to explore, he does so without an awkward declaration of that intent. If the Gods want to point something out and refuse to discuss it further—they may do so one single time per 64 page sourcebook. In Princes of Darkness, it never happens. Kudos.
Here is some constructive feedback. It in no way warrants the loss of a star. It is minor stuff (and no not grammar and punctuation).
Spoiler:
There are a couple contradictions within certain sections.
One example is “Escaping an Infernal Contract”. The second paragraph goes to some length to explain that devils are loathe to renegotiate an infernal contract and explains why. The next paragraph goes on to suggest that devils have no issue with renegotiating infernal contracts and explains why. I was left asking, “Well, which is it? They hate it or they’re fine with it?”
I get what Wes is trying to say here. In principal, obtaining a better soul is always good business. Yet, devils are cautious because mortals inevitably try to change the terms in their favor. This happens to the point of being predictable—and it is seldom worth their consideration.
Another example exists in “True Names and Infernal Sigils”. I was left confused by the first section which suggested it was easier to discover a devil’s sigil because it is used in Hell and must appear on infernal contracts. To discover a true name is harder, because you have to actually hear it and the sigil doesn’t automatically translate to the name. That makes sense, though I noted it would be rough to learn a true name in that case. The next section on “Discovering True Names and Infernal Sigils” contradicts that by providing a means of how true name can be discovered through academic research.
This not a big deal. I actually prefer there is a means to learn the true names through research. I’m just pointing out the small contradiction.
I went looking for summon hellmouth. When I googled it I saw that it has been brought to Wes’s attention already. I won’t belabor it. This review was written WITHOUT reading the forums or consolation of previous reviews. I read the whole book so I reviewed it all by myself.
Bottom line, I think this is one of the best sourcebooks I ever read, and these are the only issues that I felt worthy to mention in a 64 page book written by a single author. That’s outstanding. I only mention them because I feel one honors the author/creator by taking the time to offer whatever stuff you can to improve their craft; to offer a meaningful and constructive critique rather than just empty praise. That was the best I had because this book already sets the bar high from the start.
If you're going to buy this product, do yourself a favor and pick up the second half. Together these supplements are one of the best supplement products created for the campaign setting. They give you a clear view of hell and the agenda and politics within. They go over each of the lords of hell in detail and will actually make you want a campaign there.
Wait...didn't you pull this demon/daemon thing in another thread? Stop it!
If it wasn't you...Stop it anyway!
Just to explain, here's the gist. By the by, I'm mentioning just so everyone knows what we were thinking and what goes on around here, NOT to imply that this is a matter where any sort of debate is at all relevant - we're not about to start retconing a half dozen books featuring our main NE fiends.
Daemon is the name we use because that's the name of the monsters in the Tome of Horrors. When we're working on Pathfinder and want to use one of these creatures, it behooves us to use the creatures' names when referencing them. Coming up with a new name for a creature - even if its something as simple or similar as "daimon" would be in this case - and referencing it like: "See the Tome of Horrors, page 55. The dergodaemon and the dergodaimon are the same creature," adds needless words and confusion. We can't assume that everyone would just assume the dergodaemon and dergodaimon are the same creature - because I guarantee if we did there'd be a thread asking all about what "daimons" are right fast. (By the by, it's not daimons, becuase daimons are forever.)
All of that aside. According to dictionary.com "daemon" and "demon" are pronounced the same way. All of us around here know that. That doesn't change the fact that we all refer to them as "day-mons" regardless. It's our word now, and that's the way we're rolling.
All of that aside. According to dictionary.com "daemon" and "demon" are pronounced the same way. All of us around here know that. That doesn't change the fact that we all refer to them as "day-mons" regardless. It's our word now, and that's the way we're rolling.
Will this book provide more explicit instructions, such as detailing the number and composition of candles necessary for a corrupting summoning ritual? I must have precise instructions this time, as my experience with Jacobs' Fiendish Codex did not go..ahem..as planned. There were, shall we say, slight complications.
That doesn't change the fact that we all refer to them as "day-mons" regardless. It's our word now, and that's the way we're rolling.
Can I make a prior art claim on that? ;-) I've been using that pronunciation to distinguish them since 1st Ed was new.
Addendum: "Following the always trendsetting lead of Paul Ryan, we all refer to them as "day-mons" regardless. It's our word - that we borrowed from Paul - now, and that's the way we're rolling."
I would love to have the Yugo..damn..Daemon book coming out as the second one. Demons have way too much love and attention so far - and FC1 is still one of the best WotC books ever (wonder if it has anything to do with those Mona and Jacobs people being responsible for it).
On the other hand, the 'Lot...damn !...Daemons have just the BoF, and Green Ronin's vision of "that third E outsider race" seems quite different from Paizo version, so here's to hope that the Daemons get their writeup soon.
Agreed, though hopefully the great beyond book will help.
We need more statblocks! One for each deacon and the astradaemon will cover the campaign setting. We're 2/5ths there.
Soon to be 4/5 ;)
Go ahead and begin the speculation. There's one full writeup and stat block I know of for certain, because I wrote the fluff bits. The other I'm inferring, because the monster in question makes an appearance, but I don't recall from the original draft I read if there were stats as well, and not sure on a full bestiary writeup, because I didn't work on it like I did on the other one I mentioned. I suspect it may be 3/5, but we'll see.
Agreed, though hopefully the great beyond book will help.
We need more statblocks! One for each deacon and the astradaemon will cover the campaign setting. We're 2/5ths there.
Soon to be 4/5 ;)
Go ahead and begin the speculation. There's one full writeup and stat block I know of for certain, because I wrote the fluff bits. The other I'm inferring, because the monster in question makes an appearance, but I don't recall from the original draft I read if there were stats as well, and not sure on a full bestiary writeup, because I didn't work on it like I did on the other one I mentioned. I suspect it may be 3/5, but we'll see.
Where?? Who?? How? Is it the vault of souls module? Do they have a Bestiary?
Otherwise it must be council of thieves... Or maybe the Final Wish... Ahhh!!! You tease! Daemons are my favourite!!
As recompense can you think of any good ogl, or especially book of fiends daemons that are a good fit? I find the sin thing throws me for using them in PF, and no-one has auras. I can add those as per cleric ideas though.. Hmm.
*sits in corner mumbling to self* Can't sleep, to excited, can't sleep, to excited, can't sleep, clowns will eat me, can- Whuh?
@_@
Speaking of Hell and the nine levels, how does this compare with Wizards' "Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells"? Also, does anyone know of any epic adventure/module that takes PCs through all nine levels of Hell (presumably, it would be a high-level adventure)?
Speaking of Hell and the nine levels, how does this compare with Wizards' "Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells"? Also, does anyone know of any epic adventure/module that takes PCs through all nine levels of Hell (presumably, it would be a high-level adventure)?
The best crack at the Nine Hells I recall was a 2e module called "A Paladin in Hell". There was some stuff for Planescape that was pretty good as well. Dungeon likely had some stuff for the ol' 'Devils' Playground' as well, 'though more knowledgeable authorities than I would have to chime in on that.
Pathfinder Battles Case Subscriber; Pathfinder Maps, Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber
Vic Wertz wrote:
I've updated the cover and description to match the finished product.
I've updated the cover and description to match the finished product. If you don't see the fires of hell, clear your browser's image cache.
It seems that a lot of the product lines are undergoing some major changes to their cover templates. Will the removal of the solid colored bars here and on the modules continue? I love the new looks and hope you stick with 'em!
Pathfinder Battles Case Subscriber; Pathfinder Maps, Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber
Vic Wertz wrote:
Dragnmoon wrote:
Vic Wertz wrote:
I've updated the cover and description to match the finished product.
Pathfinder Battles Case Subscriber; Pathfinder Maps, Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber
I've updated the cover and description to match the finished product. If you don't see the fires of hell, clear your browser's image cache.
It seems that a lot of the product lines are undergoing some major changes to their cover templates. Will the removal of the solid colored bars here and on the modules continue? I love the new looks and hope you stick with 'em!
I've updated the cover and description to match the finished product. If you don't see the fires of hell, clear your browser's image cache.
It seems that a lot of the product lines are undergoing some major changes to their cover templates. Will the removal of the solid colored bars here and on the modules continue? I love the new looks and hope you stick with 'em!
I googled and went to his art home site. I liked his art work. For those curious the URL is here
Thank you for that! I've bookmarked it. Now we just need him to start publishing books of his artwork. He's got some fantastic stuff on there. The funny thing is, I've liked him for a while now but in my head see mostly his b/w stuff for Malhavoc Press. The color stuff is damn good too!
As for the book itself, I'm sure Wes did a bang up job; a real labor of love. Can't...wait...
You know how we can really make the popularity of PAthfinder bust loose?
Lets take a page out of 1980's TSR and send this to various news agencies and the religious keepers of our souls.
Once they see a book giving us new spells, and how to have Imp companions, and how to advance within the ranks of Hell PAthfinder will become the #1 RPG on the market in no time!
I've updated the cover and description to match the finished product. If you don't see the fires of hell, clear your browser's image cache.
It seems that a lot of the product lines are undergoing some major changes to their cover templates. Will the removal of the solid colored bars here and on the modules continue? I love the new looks and hope you stick with 'em!
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