The Hierarchy of Hell:
The Common Devils
These are the Devils listed in the MM 1 and MM 2 (and any other source thus far I suppose). These are non-divine and non-noble. However, here are some things to consider if one wants to compare these entities to the "real world."
Osyluths: MPs and low-end Secret Service.
Hamatulas: Security and low-end espionage.
Erinyes: Infiltration and mid-level espionage.
Cornugons: Mayors, Lieutenants, Shock-Troops, Navy Seals.
Gelugons: Governors, Colonels, Special Forces, Infiltration, Assassinations.
Pit Fiends: The Senate, Generals, and Special Assignments.
The Dark Eight: The Supreme Generals of the Blood War.
Now, some Pit Fiends do not necessarily answer to The Dark Eight, at least not entirely. Gazra, for example, manages security for the first four layers of Hell (his responsibilities with the Dark Eight); he also is the Governor for Abyrimoch and answers to Fierana (and Belial). Fiends like Gazra, the nameless governor of Tantlin on the Fifth, and Bel before his ascension are at least as powerful as the Dark Eight.
The Aristocracy
The Dukes of Hell (whom I refer to as the Courtiers of Perdition). This is the lowest strata of Nobility. Generally speaking, they are both greater in political and physical status than the Dark Eight and directly serve the Lords of the Nine. They do compete with the Dark Eight for devils though. Essentially, these would be like the low-end nobility in a country that is no longer strictly fuedal... like England. In England, there continue to be lords and whatnot. The major difference in this comparision is that while the nobility in England typically doesn't have an army, the nobility in Hell does.
The Arch-Devils: Essentially a higher plane of Dukes. This would include the likes of Forgotten Realm's Gargauth, and the deposed Moloch and Geryon (assuming they still exist in 3ed). These guys could be Lords of the Nine under the right circumstances.
The Lords of the Nine: These are the Arch-Dukes who rule an entire layer of Hell. They exist beyond the common devils and are generally beyond the power of the Dukes of Hell and Arch-Devils as well. However, because of the power of the military, they likewise have to compete with the Dark Eight for troops... but probably win unless the sole representative of Hell's nobility.
The Nobility
Asmodeus. 'Nuf said. He decides everything for Hell, despite the machinations of the other Lords and lesser devils.
The Common Devils
These are the Devils listed in the MM 1 and MM 2 (and any other source thus far I suppose). These are non-divine and non-noble. However, here are some things to consider if one wants to compare these entities to the "real world."
Osyluths: MPs and low-end Secret Service.
Hamatulas: Security and low-end espionage.
Erinyes: Infiltration and mid-level espionage.
Cornugons: Mayors, Lieutenants, Shock-Troops, Navy Seals.
Gelugons: Governors, Colonels, Special Forces, Infiltration, Assassinations.
Pit Fiends: The Senate, Generals, and Special Assignments.
The Dark Eight: The Supreme Generals of the Blood War.
Now, some Pit Fiends do not necessarily answer to The Dark Eight, at least not entirely. Gazra, for example, manages security for the first four layers of Hell (his responsibilities with the Dark Eight); he also is the Governor for Abyrimoch and answers to Fierana (and Belial). Fiends like Gazra, the nameless governor of Tantlin on the Fifth, and Bel before his ascension are at least as powerful as the Dark Eight.
The Aristocracy
The Dukes of Hell (whom I refer to as the Courtiers of Perdition). This is the lowest strata of Nobility. Generally speaking, they are both greater in political and physical status than the Dark Eight and directly serve the Lords of the Nine. They do compete with the Dark Eight for devils though. Essentially, these would be like the low-end nobility in a country that is no longer strictly fuedal... like England. In England, there continue to be lords and whatnot. The major difference in this comparision is that while the nobility in England typically doesn't have an army, the nobility in Hell does.
The Arch-Devils: Essentially a higher plane of Dukes. This would include the likes of Forgotten Realm's Gargauth, and the deposed Moloch and Geryon (assuming they still exist in 3ed). These guys could be Lords of the Nine under the right circumstances.
The Lords of the Nine: These are the Arch-Dukes who rule an entire layer of Hell. They exist beyond the common devils and are generally beyond the power of the Dukes of Hell and Arch-Devils as well. However, because of the power of the military, they likewise have to compete with the Dark Eight for troops... but probably win unless the sole representative of Hell's nobility.
The Nobility
Asmodeus. 'Nuf said. He decides everything for Hell, despite the machinations of the other Lords and lesser devils.
