LOCATION: Limbo
This Limbo is also referred to as
Otherplace. It first appeared in
X-Men #160. (It has sometimes been erroneously called
Otherworld; however, in the Marvel Universe,
Otherworld is actually the home dimension of the beings who empower and oversee the
Captain Britain Corps, and should not be confused with
Other-Earth, homeworld of
Kang the Conqueror.) Limbo's
physical laws are primarily magical, though laws of the ordinary universe (such as
electromagnetism and
gravity) normally apply within its bounds.
It has an ecology composed primarily of
demons of various sizes, strengths, and intellects. It is said that its
ether is much thinner than that of the normal universe, allowing for a greater spectrum of magical powers and effects. All demons within it are magical creatures that possess spell making abilities to a greater or lesser degree.
Although Otherplace has a linear history, time within it is not rigid. Many points in its past and future are connected through naturally occurring temporal rifts, and its present is relative to the individual. Its history can be changed by travel through these rifts, but for some reason this is rare.
Limbo is traditionally ruled by a Supreme Sorcerer, either a demonic native or an entity from another universe, often Earth's. Limbo's appearance and physical laws are highly variable, and determined by the power and personal taste of its ruler. It can take the form of an otherworldly paradise, or a rocky, sulfurous perdition. The demons of Limbo traditionally display an attitude of slavish loyalty to its sovereign, and act as his or her servants. They will even assume forms mandated by the sorcerer if he or she is sufficiently powerful. However, the longer Limbo's ruler spends away from the dimension, the weaker that individual's mystical thrall over it becomes, and the more autonomously the demons begin to act. Left to their own devices they will plot to betray and conquer whomever holds the highest position. They will also attempt to invade other realities if not held in check.
Otherplace generally has a morally and spiritually corrupting influence over its denizens. If human, a resident of the realm will slowly metamorphose into a demonic entity. This change enhances the magical powers of the individual at the cost of their soul. Persons of great moral courage and wisdom can stave off the change for decades, but it is considered inevitable. The transformation usually progresses in stages initiated by the evil acts Limbo demands for survival. Magic in limbo is fundamentally neutral. It is the social and political climate that leads to this process.
The reality of Limbo is generated by a single deposit of a magical metal called
promethium. In Limbo it takes the form of a giant animal heart, hidden in a cavern deep below its surface. Removal of the promethium to another dimension will cause Limbo to vanish. The heart of Limbo was once sought by the supervillain
Doctor Doom as an inexhaustible energy source for his nation of
Latveria.
(The souls and entities in Limbo will not fight or combat the opponents unless made to do so or if they are made to be very upset.)