So, with all the renewed excitement brought by the KS, along a nice selection of new minis (terror grub, ner'Gabba, maggotmen), I've been thinkg about the background of the Netherhells setting. Specifically, in the "themes" the forces of Hell seem to show.
On one hand, there's a somewhat nurglesque theme. Although it has taken a life of its own; I think that Leadhead's "Inevitable Decay" sums it up well. Grubs, terror grubs, maggotmen, tunnel guards, blights, the Tunnel Dweler, and Ner'Gabba (so far). Embracing the decay, loving the chance to a new decandent decrepitude.
On the other, I can a see a blooming theme on the other, more traditional demons: Fallen Ones, Azaroth, Bhakoth, hellbeasts, hellhounds, and the Netherlord. I can best describe it as "Martial Tyranny". A tyranny imposed through force and fear. This theme is more or less similar to Khorne, except that it's not about mindless savagery, but more of disciplined armies, fearsome hunting beasts, and powerful characters. A bit nazi-like, if you want.
And then there's Heaven. Andy has already said the Paradise is not a nice place. So I've thought... what if Paradise is a mirror of Hell? The Angel already hints at the possible opposite of "Martial Tyranny"... the "Righteous Anger". If demons are disciplined, angels may be chaotic and almost berserker-like in their zealot.
A possible oposite for "Inevitable Decay" could be something along the lines of "Eternal Perfection". Which sounds rather nice, until you realize it's all about fighting any change, keeping everything in an almost frozen state.
There's also a theme, sex/pleasure, that surely can give birth to two opposing forces, be it either in the form of (sadistic?) lust versus (masochistic?) puritanism, or a classical women versus men.
So what do you think? Any ideas you may want to contribute to the Netherhells setting, to see if we can add to Andy's creative juices.