Evilness, the all-consuming power that holds sway over life and death.

The Cosmic Hierarchy of Worlds and Universes

In the vast expanse of the multiverse, worlds and universes exist on a spectrum that defines their relationship between Good and Evil, balance and chaos, and the potential for life to thrive or suffer. These worlds are categorized based on the prevalence of goodness, order, and moral potential, or conversely, the dominance of evil, anarchy, and corruption. From the highest paradises to the lowest hellscapes, the cosmic order sorts these realities into distinct categories, from S to E, each representing the natural flow of forces within them.

Category S: The Eternal Paradises

At the pinnacle of existence lie Category S worlds, also known as paradises. These are universes where Good is the overwhelming, predominant force, and Evil is nearly non-existent, tightly controlled, or so diluted that it poses no real threat. The inhabitants of Category S worlds are often ascended beings who have reached such heights of morality and existence that they border on being gods or divinities themselves.

In these paradises, there is an almost perfect harmony between all living things. Corruption and perversion are virtually unheard of, or if they exist, they are immediately addressed by the inhabitants. These realms are often eternal, with their denizens capable of creating entire universes for the sake of adventure or experience. Many of these realms are also considered the final resting places or homes for transcended souls, such as the wives and children of Aido, the deific protector of Category S worlds. These paradises, being so pure and advanced, ensure that their influence can extend outward, creating more worlds filled with adventure, peace, and learning.

• Characteristics:
  • Good is absolute: There is almost no perversion, and evil exists as a controlled or diminished force.
  • Creative divinity: Inhabitants can create new worlds or universes effortlessly.
  • Eternal peace: The worlds are designed for joy, harmony, and self-perfection.
• Example: A Category S world could resemble an endless paradise where inhabitants live in perfect balance, creating new realities out of curiosity and joy, free from the burden of survival or moral conflict.

Category A: The Domains of Certain Victory for Good

Category A worlds are realms where Good always triumphs over Evil, but unlike Category S, Evil exists in a more tangible form, though it is actively suppressed. In these worlds, there are forces—whether celestial or cosmic—working to ensure the victory of Good. True malice or pure evil is rare, and those who are considered "bad" tend to be more like harmless antagonists, akin to characters like Team Rocket in the Pokémon world. These realms are filled with lighthearted conflict, but the true forces of darkness and destruction are either absent or too weak to stand a chance against the forces of Good.

Inhabitants of Category A worlds are generally born good-hearted, and though they may encounter challenges, evil is not deeply ingrained in their nature. Evil's influence is weak, often comical or misguided rather than malicious. The monsters or challenges they face are often tame compared to darker realities, and their very world supports growth, harmony, and positive progression.

• Characteristics:
  • Good always wins: Even when Evil arises, it is swiftly dealt with, ensuring minimal suffering.
  • Lighthearted conflict: Challenges exist but are rarely dangerous or world-ending.
  • Innocence of inhabitants: People are generally born with good intentions.
• Example: Pokémon is a prime example of a Category A world. Though villains and challenges exist, they are more playful than truly dangerous, and the monsters are adorable creatures rather than nightmarish beings.

Category B: Good's Stronghold, with Challenges from Evil

In Category B worlds, Good remains the dominant force, though Evil still presents a genuine threat. There may be a system of protection or higher powers that ensure that Good has the upper hand, but in these worlds, Evil can win if Good does not actively combat it. The moral dynamics in Category B worlds are more nuanced than in Category A, with true malevolent forces capable of rising to power if unchecked.

The inhabitants of Category B worlds are generally born with good intentions, but Evil has a presence that can tempt or corrupt them. Though Good prevails more often than not, the threat of true evil lurks in the background, and vigilance is required to maintain order. The villains in these worlds are more dangerous than in Category A worlds, and the stakes can be higher, but the world itself still supports a moral progression towards righteousness.

• Characteristics:
  • Good prevails, but with effort: Good is the natural state, but Evil can triumph if unchallenged.
  • Moral nuance: Inhabitants are generally good, but corruption can spread if allowed.
  • Protective forces: There may be divine or mystical systems that ensure Good has an edge.
• Example: The Lord of the Rings universe can be considered Category B. Good is dominant but must constantly fight against the rising forces of Evil. Without the active intervention of heroes, Evil could spread.

Category C: The Balanced Battlefield

In Category C worlds, Good and Evil exist in constant balance, with neither having a guaranteed advantage. The forces of Good and Evil are equally matched, leading to a world where moral choices and conflict are a constant struggle. Evil has a natural advantage because people are not born inherently good; they are born into a world where they must choose to be good, often against their baser instincts or the temptations of evil.

In these worlds, there is no overarching force tipping the scales, meaning victory is uncertain for either side. The fight between Good and Evil is fierce and often brutal, but hope is always present, even in the darkest moments. These worlds are gritty and challenging, where survival often depends on moral strength, and villains can triumph as easily as heroes.

• Characteristics:
  • Balanced conflict: Good and Evil fight on equal ground, and either can win.
  • Moral complexity: People must choose to be good in a world that does not naturally favor them.
  • Constant struggle: The world is harsh, and survival often depends on moral conviction.
• Example: Many classic fantasy settings fall into Category C, where Good and Evil are in constant battle, and the outcome is uncertain. Dungeons & Dragons universes often operate in this balance, where heroes and villains clash in an ongoing struggle.

Category D: The Domains of Darkness

Category D worlds are places where Evil has the upper hand, and Good must make extraordinary efforts to survive or succeed. In these worlds, chaos, cruelty, and anarchy are the natural states, and Evil reigns unless actively opposed by powerful forces of Good. The world itself often works against the forces of Good, making survival and progress exceedingly difficult. Warhammer 40,000 is a prime example of a Category D universe, where Good struggles against overwhelming odds.

In Category D worlds, life is harsh and brutal, and even the forces of Good must resort to questionable methods to survive. The darkness is pervasive, and those born into these worlds are often corrupted from an early age, requiring extraordinary strength or miracles to break free from the cycle of cruelty and despair.

• Characteristics:
  • Evil dominates: Without extraordinary efforts, Evil always wins.
  • Brutal conflict: The forces of Good must fight harder than ever to survive.
  • Pervasive darkness: The world itself often works against Good, encouraging cruelty and chaos.
• Example: The Warhammer 40,000 universe is a Category D reality, where Evil and chaos constantly battle for dominance, and Good struggles to survive in a relentless, unforgiving universe.

Category E: The Hells of the Multiverse

At the lowest level of existence lie Category E worlds—hellish dimensions where Evil always wins, no matter how hard Good fights. These realms are dominated by infernal forces, and the world is nothing but pain, suffering, and chaos. Category E worlds are nightmarish, where life exists only to perpetuate torment, and any attempts at redemption or salvation are met with overwhelming opposition. These worlds are often referred to as hells, where demons and chaotic entities reign supreme.

Category E worlds are nearly impossible to redeem because they are saturated with corruption, and the forces of Good are all but extinguished. While a miracle or the rise of a Pillar can push back against the darkness, the natural state of these worlds ensures that hope is fleeting, and any victory is often temporary. These worlds represent the end of the moral spectrum, where Good is a distant memory, and Evil holds the throne.

• Characteristics:
  • Evil is absolute: Good can barely survive, and when it does, it must do so through extraordinary means.
  • Pervasive corruption: The world is soaked in evil, making redemption nearly impossible.
  • Hellish existence: Life exists only to perpetuate suffering, and chaos is the natural state.
• Example: A true hell dimension, like Dante's Inferno, would be a Category E world. Evil reigns, and even the most heroic figures struggle to make any lasting change.

Aido's Frustration: The Balance Tilted Toward Evil

Aido, the deific protector of Category S worlds, is deeply troubled by the cosmic balance. He observes that Category E worlds far outnumber those of Category S, and the natural order seems to favor the spread of corruption. Even in Category A and Category S worlds, the temptations of perversion and darkness can drag them down, causing them to fall into lower categories.

For Aido, this is a source of frustration, as he sees that without constant intervention, Good may lose ground across the multiverse. He works tirelessly to create and protect Category S worlds, ensuring that there are paradises for the souls who rise above the chaos. However, even he knows that the constant struggle between Good and Evil will never end, and that Evil is a force that can easily corrupt even the purest realities.