Demons

Demons are the primary sentient species that hails from Perdition. Demons are technically also a classification, as many demons are not the same species, or even from Perdition originally. Despite this, most demons can be assigned a classification based on their abilities and origin.

Overview
Demons are a classification of arcane and supernatural entities, originally hailing from the realm known as Perdition. While not technically always malevolent, most higher ranking demons are self-centered and egotistical. However, those at the lower end of the stratum tend to be subservient to their superiors, but rebellion is not unheard of.

Wormwood
The demon known as Wormwood is the ruler of Perdition in its entirety, and has dominion over all loyal demons (and even many non-demons). Wormwood is not so much of a name, but more of a title that is given to the wearer of the Crown of Thorns, a mystical artifact that allows the wearer to become the conduit for demonic energies that flow in from a higher realm. Upon wearing the crown, the wearer immediately becomes conscious of this higher realm, and will become a sort of gateway to this world.

Also, Wormwood becomes a massive monstrous entity, the form of which depends on the wearer, but the size of this new entity can be astronomical in size, and gazing upon their visage would lead to insanity in non-demons.

The current bearer of the title Wormwood is unknown except to those within the Inner Circle.

Inner Circle
Next in the line of procession with stratums is the Inner Circle with the smallest number of demons within it. These demons usually have control over realities, sometimes employing a particular pocket universe as their home. These demons are usually dangerous, but deals can be made with them.

Apollyon
Apollyon are the highest ranking demons after the bearer of the title Wormwood. They are capable of reality-altering events, and have the malicious cunning of a business executive. These demons do not care much for non-immortals, and see the events of worlds as frivolous. Indeed, many have tossed these worlds aside with the same regard one would give an anthill. However, a few number of these demons have also given the same level of study to mortal worlds as a scientist studies animals, or an ant hill.

Apollyon are the only classification that exist within the Inner Circle, although records indicate the presence of at least two other classes that existed on the same level as Apollyon. Either Apollyon wiped them out, or they were gradually absorbed by the Apollyon classification.

If the bearer of the title of Wormwood is defeated, or otherwise destroyed, an Apollyon is chosen to supersede them.

Middle Circle
The Middle Circle demons are commonly upper-ranking nobility or middle class, depending on the classification of the demon involved. These demons tend to perform magic for individual summoners, or their own amusement, but can also be quite powerful.