D&D 3.5 Epic Adventure: Through the Bowels of Hell [IC]

[Yeshon]

Death, during the height of your power it was something you laughed at. Who could even dream of killing you? You were the most powerful mortals who ever lived. Then it happened. Whether some villain/ hero got lucky, through a stroke of bad luck, maybe even old age, you are dead, permanently this time. Or so you thought.

Suddenly you are pulled from your respective Afterlives and are brought to a place you hadn't seen since your death. You are in The Tribunal, the domain of Sheoreth, the god of judgement and death fully armed and armored with what you had in the peak of your career.

Sheoreth, that name means a lot to you. It was He who assigned you to your afterlife, measuring your devotion to your god, to your ideal, and weighing your deeds upon your heart. The last time you were here, Sheoreth laid all of your sins and heroic deeds before you and alone decided where you belong.

Before you, you see the god of the dead. A blindfolded old man, with scales in his hand. A white flame burning in one end and a black flame burning in the other. He turns away from you, "As promised Lords and Lady, these are the most powerful."

Following his gaze you see three beings sitting where the throne of Judgement usually is. They are Lucia goddess of Good and Life, Oraculus god of Balance and Magic, and Omegrin god of Evil and Greed. Lucia appearing as a golden light, Oraculus as a gray flame, and Omegrin as a great darkness.

Lucia as eldest speaks first, "Thank you Sheoreth," Then to you, "The gods would request a service of you."

Omegrin interrupts, "And by request, she means demand."

The three greater gods, the three most powerful beings in existence, have overcome their mutual hatred to work together. And now, they're asking for your help.

All right, so begins Through the Bowels of Hell. Give me a brief description of what your character looks like and what you were doing in the afterlife before you were pulled to Sheoreth's realm.

And then of course reactions to the sight before you.

[Maugan Ra]

Arkhan materializes in mid-stride, transported fresh from the parade grounds in the ninth circle where he had been inspecting the newest muster of the Legions. His eyes widened in surprise at the sudden change of surroundings - while it was hardly rare to receive a sudden summons, usually his lord deigned to inform him in advance.

He listened to the pronouncement in silence, waiting to be sure the dark form of his master was done speaking before replying. "I am, as always, yours to command, my lord. What would you have your General do?"

Slowly, he turned to regard the others summoned alongside him, taking in their appearances with narrowed eyes and a thoughtful expression, and allowing them to assess him in turn.

Arkhan is a pale human man, clad entirely in plate armour the color of old blood. His head is exposed, allowing onlookers to see the perpetually malicious gleam in his cold eyes, and a cape of liquid darkness hangs from his shoulders. A pair of short swords are sheathed at his waist. Perhaps most distinctive, however, are the pair of great wings that project from his back, leathery like a bats. There is an almost tangible aura of hostility and evil hanging around his armored form.

[Aluroon]

Karith appears behind a grimace of pain that swiftly vanishes behind a grin. As he looks around at the assembled personages the grin does not vanish, but certainly turns harder, more bitter and poisoned.

He is cut straight from his own legend, a monster of a man standing over seven feet tall with corded muscles in his forearm that speak to great strong. His hair is long and dark, while his eyes are the yellow of sulfur with the diamond-like irises of a cat. Those so distinctive eyes seem to take in everything at once, resting on no one person in particular. He is well dressed in robes of black and gold, and carries a black staff. His very presence oozes power and authority.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii50/Aluroon/Summoner3.jpg

He takes a moment to stretch in place, drawing himself up to his full height and letting in and out a deep breath. "You mean beg." he replies to the assembled gods, "Or alternatively, perhaps with more success.... bargain.". His grin slips into a vicious smile at the assembled gods.

[Maugan Ra]

Arkhan's eyes narrow as he spies Karith.

"You. I confess I am surprised to see you again. The Dukes are rarely keen to relinquish their captives." he said softly. He looked back over at his lord.

" What task is so vital that it requires the Betrayer freed from his reward?"

[greenpotato]

Azilya appears mid gallop with an ivory bow in hand, she clatters to a stop at the teleportation and lets her strung arrow fall lamely to the ground, clearly surprised to be snatched away from whatever vigorous hunt she was involved in.

She takes in what is said by the gods and nods a reply before looking at the assembled champions, her breathing still heavy from exertion.

She herself is a spry looking female centaur decked out in elaborate red robes and a tall black felt cap. Long brown hair is tied loosely back where it falls from her cap and her plain youthful face is set with deep brown eyes.

[Infernally Clay]

"Quietly now...", the woman said, signalling to her companions, "Wait for it, wait for it... NOW!"

She spoke to her friends, her allies. The Swiftblades. Each of them knew they were dead, that they had died several thousand years ago, but the Gods it seems had been kind to them. Or perhaps they had been kind to their leader, for the rest of the Relic Hunters knew she had died doing something rather uncharacteristically benevolent. Had they given her the chance to spend eternity with her friends, doing what they had spent their entire lives doing before things began turning sour?

The Swiftblades leapt forth, circling and surrounding their quarry from within the shadows. It was a group of bandits this time, eager to claim their next prize and, going by their apparel and reaction to the intruders, they were the kind of people who preferred to get other Relic Hunters to do their dirty work for them.

"Who are you?!" the leader of the bandits shouted, "Show yourselves or we'll gut you like fish!"

"We're the Swiftblades, acquirers of priceless artifacts - for the right price, of course - and you've got our current request in your mitts."

The woman stepped forward, lowering her hood. Her amber eyes seemed to penetrate the man, see everything of him. There was something unerring about her appearance. The pale skin, the small fangs, the strange way the shadows seemed to cling to her... She wasn't human. Or if she was once, she wasn't any more.

He took a step back. And another, tripping up against a lose rock. Brushing her shoulder length brown hair aside, the woman rested her foot against the bandit's crotch.

"It's nice of you to have cleaned the Sylvan Chronogram for us, but-"

Before she could finish her sentence, the world around her seemed to disappear. Not just the world, but the bandits and even her friends. Where was she? Where did everything go?

Then a voice said, "The gods would request a service of you."

Omegrin interrupts, "And by request, she means demand."

Seeing that she wasn't alone any more, Leif surveyed the others. A centaur, a man that smelled of self-importance and a another in armour so heavy Leif wondered how he could even move. Turning to the Gods, however, she eyed them wearily...

"Haven't I given you enough? Do even the dead know no respite?"

[Snowfire]

A flare of white light marks Jena's arrival, in her form as Saint of the Lost Dawn. She blinks at the sudden transition - no stranger to teleportation, but still slightly confused by the sudden displacement. And a part of her mind wonders what Sol had been about to say.

http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs51/f/2009/308/7/a/Bath_Kol_by_GENZOMAN.jpg

Her eyes sweep across the assembled group as the gods speak, an alluring sparkle dancing in the depths. Then as the Gods finish, she drops to the ground, her weapon dissipating into the air. Her skin seems to flow like liquid for a moment, the wings vanishing at the same time as her weapon, before recollecting into the form of an apparently young, light blonde haired human.

http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs12/f/2006/324/3/a/Elf_Ranger_by_sypri.jpg

Even then, the sparkle remains, light seeming to caress her skin and inexplicably draw one's gaze. She looks up at the manifestations of the gods, blue eyes curious, and tilts her head to one side. "Why?" She asks simply. "And to what end?"

I have the public history piece almost ready, but I'm posting this now so we can move as Yeshon wishes. As a note, the angelic form is the one she took during her time fighting in the Emerald Crusade.

[Yeshon]

The Black Flame that represented Omegrin tilted down towards Karith, pure malice dripping from his every word, "Or I could hand you off to Yaljorn*, he's been asking for a chance to get at you."

Words in ancient script appeared above the gray flame that was Oraculus. And a disembodied voice read the words, "Come brother, we can spare a favor for this service. Perhaps we could pay his debt with the dukes. Provided they are successful of course."

Omegrin leaned back, "And if they fail?"

"It won't matter then now will it?"

Lucia looked at Leif and Jena at the same time, "I am sorry children, but you five are the only mortals with any chance to succeed. And as you all well know, there are places gods cannot go and things we cannot do."

Oraculus looked at Omegrin, "Tell them brother."

The Black flame crackled for a brief moment then calmed, "Fine, recently something was taken from me... something incredibly dangerous."

"When we were created Lucia was put in charge of beginnings, I was put in charge of the present, and Omegrin-"

"Was given dominion over the end."

"A tablet was stolen from one of my servants entrusted with its safe keeping. The LeShay" He spits that last word, "May know him as the Elder Titan Hades. The tablet entrusted to him contained the true word for death."

"In other words, if someone manages to read this tablet, he could achieve absolute dominion over death itself."

"And by ancient truce, no god can go near it."

"Getting the picture?"

*Yaljorn is the Archduke of torture (in this world archduke = demigod), it is said that no mortal lasts more than five minutes counting the time he takes sharpening his knives.

[Aluroon]

Karith laughs at the threat, a mirthless chuckle. "While Yaljorn's reputation proceeds him, you should know all too well I have both no fear of your tortures and no reason to cooperate if at the end I am simply to be thrown back into the pit for another eternity of torture. If the choice is assisting you only to be returned to hell, or allowing someone to end creation - and both of us with it - you know which I would choose."

His gaze settles on Oraculus. "A task for three gods, I think it fair to ask three rewards." He pauses for a moment, seemingly thinking, his gaze seems to shift between the gods, "I care little for 'settling' my debt with Omegrin's dukes. There will be more than enough settling of accounts - done my way - when this is all done. No, I think Lucia will restore me to full life and vigor on the material plane, with all of my powers and possessions, in a location of my choosing."

His gaze shifts to the god of knowledge, balance, and magic. "You will provide me with what her angels did not. You know the spell I seek. I think perhaps you alone out of these three might be trusted to keep your word."

Finally his gaze settles on the lord of lies, and a vicious petty grin settles on his face. "And you will apologize for the treatment I endured within Hell, and you will ask that I save you from what you hath wrought."

[Snowfire]

Jena's right eyebrow rises at the response from the three. Child, she calls me, she thinks to herself. Ah, no matter.

"Ah, so this is a Titan's," her tone freezes around the word, "fault." She shrugs. "Figures. Why you even thought to trust one of those who betrayed your creator before you even existed, I will never understand." She turns her attention to the golden light of Lucia. "Regardless. If I am to do this, you know what I ask of you in return for its completion."

"And if those requests were granted, I would ask with the others of mine for the power to stop you." She interjects after Karith. "If you were willing to set the quest that destroyed you aside, then I would have no quarrel with you, Karith." A soft shimmer of gold swirls around her hands as she speaks, each gentle word undercut by adamant will. "But if you intend to try again what was your undoing in life, then I will oppose you." The sparkle in her eyes compresses to a glittering point. "We both know that I brought only a fraction of my allies to our last encounter. And I rather doubt your favour in the eyes of...well...anyone has improved over the last few millennia."

[Infernally Clay]

"And they called me demanding," Leif laughed at Karith's laundry list of "requests", "While you're at it, why don't you ask them to kiss your feet or stroke your ego?"

Her eyes then met Lucia. "You asked me for my life once and I gave it. I understood then, as I still do, that there is power some should never reach for. So I will help you on but one condition - my friends did not deserve to have their lives cut so short by Fate's hand. They have, and always will, mean everything to me. Give them back their lives. Let them have died old, surrounded by those they love. Let them have seen their children and their grandchildren rise, fall and rise again. Let them have achieved their dreams, like Lucas and his tavern or Maria and her cabbages..."

"Give them the lives they should have led and I'll find your thief and either take the tablet from him or beat him in ways that'd make Yaljorn himself blush until he tells me where it is."

[Yeshon]

"Okay, that is it! I say we send this bastard back to Hell. The four of them are more than en-"

"Agreed."

"What?!"

Oraculus leaned close to Karith, no words floated over his head this time, he spoke in his true voice, only a few mortals could hear it. "You have already been returned to life, or did you fail to notice the heart beating in your chest? But you have my word that we will not kill you when this is done. When you have completed your service and if you survive, I will bring you the spell myself. But we will not serve as your transport, if someone of your power can't get where he pleases, then you are much less intellegent than I gave you credit for. And do not presume to make a god ask for forgiveness, especially when your fate was your fault and yours alone. To traffic with dukes of Hell was the action of a boy unwilling to gain his power through careful study. It was not Omegrin who took you from the material plane, nor was it he who freed them. And do not mistake apathy for impotence, he would have been within his rights to do so. If you refuse this deal, I will no longer advocate for you and you may go to whomever Omegrin wishes to send you."

He rose again saying nothing more. Omegrin growled, but said nothing in the way of human speech.

Only those with a 45 or above INT can understand the italisized speech.

Lucia nodded to Jena but to all save her silence greeted the request, "I... will try. There's much about the cataclysm that we still do not understand, but you are alive again and you will have my support to continue in your search, after this cataclysm is averted.

"As for the Titans... understand there is much they know that we do not. Including how the cataclysm came about and your own people, are unwilling to share this knowledge."

Mental Communication to Jena.

But to Leif she sighed, "You have asked something beyond our power. Only Alphaerion can change the past and we would never know it if He did. I can grant your friends another life and guarantee they will be happy. But understand, they will not remember you, or their past lives."

Everyone: you have been resurrected, you are alive again.

[Maugan Ra]

Standing out of Karith's eyeline, Arkhan pointedly glances at the wizard and then looks back at the representation of his god, one eyebrow raised. He has served his lord for millennia now, and he has full confidence that experience and deific insight will allow the god to interpret the implied question.

It would not be the first time he had disposed of a pawn once it's usefulness was outlived, after all.

A moment or so later, he spoke out loud for all to hear. "I take it we are to speak with Hades, or whoever else was guarding the tablet? Or do we have a lead on its location already?"

[Aluroon]

Karith barely pays the leshay any attention when she beings to speak to him, but as she continues in her monologue he rolls his eyes. "Didn't I already kill you once, and when I had half a dozen dukes attacking me, half of my power expended, and a legion of fiends to contain? Bring all the friends you want, they can die with you. Realize though that the next time you interfere I will have contingency ready, and even if my some miracle you and your friends overcome me, I will see all you love turned to ash even from the grave. Alternatively realize that discretion is the better part of wisdom, and find some happy corner to live out your life if you survive this task."

When Oraculus speaks however he is silent, taking in all the god has to offer. "He may have been within his rights, but I wonder, would it have been within his power? You and I both know the might of the cage I built. Had any of his servants crossed it..." He smiles at Omegrin. "That of course is why he had to dupe the leshay into breaking a hole in the wall. I do confess, I wonder, might it have held even a god? A discussion for another time perhaps."

He gives a soft laugh, then speaks plainly, "Yes is my answer Oraculus, assuming you are dealing in good faith. In truth I don't trust either of the others to keep any promise in any case. Yours was the word I desired. And if I'm wrong and you are deceiving me... it's not as though I have anything to lose."

The cage Karith is speaking of was, in effect, almost the whole of his Empire. If one were to carefully remove extraneous cities, roads, and fortifications, and examine a map of the Empire, they would find an enormous binding diagram overlain across the Empire. The roads formed boundaries, and the cities nexuses of power. Built into the proper roads were silver and iron lines that served to further reinforce the diagram, and of course the living creatures that followed throughout it also helped.

[Yeshon]

Omegrin spoke to his general, "Yeah, Hades is the best lead we have so far. We'll send you outside his sanctum, any closer and you run into some of the teleportation wards I put in place."

The flame tilted to regard Karith... this time his voice dripped with amusement, "If I wanted to act against you, you'd have known it. You held the Dukes for what? 50 years? What do I care about 50 years? Besides why would I have tossed you aside? You vastly overestimate the importance of a few Dukes of Hell to me. Hell you brought about a new age of greed, decadence, and corruption.... Indirectly mind you, didn't come about for a thousand years after you died (think you were occupied at the time with something hot stuck up your a$$ but I didn't pay attention). Still if you hadn't established the roads and raw infrastructure, it would have never happened. Heh, one of my favorite eras was created by you, Karith. Congratulations, you proved no matter what structure you present the mortals with, they'll always swing straight to greed."

"Are you quite finished?"

"Hit a sore spot? Yeah I'm done pointing out how limited the scope of his plans are."

Oraculus flickers and goes on pretending Omegrin's speech never happened, "Your agreement is acceptable. Are there any other questions or requests before we send you to Hell?"

[Maugan Ra]

"You're speaking to a crusader, Karith. You can hardly expect them to simply roll over and do nothing in those sort of situations. Very proactive lot." Arkhan comments drily. "And for the record, as a matter of professional pride, I sent precisely one legion to deal with you."

"In any case, a formal pass or badge of authority would be appreciated. Something to hasten our way past obstructive individuals or checkpoints. Besides murdering them all, naturally."

After a moment, he turns to regard the rest of the impromtou team. "Oh, yes, formal introductions. Arkhan Dragonblooded, General of the Infernal Legions, at your service." he gives a mocking salute. "We're going to Hell, apparently, so for your own sakes watch your step, don't annoy the locals and try not to be exceptionally pious in front of the pit fiends. They hate that. Oh, and don't sign anything."

[Aluroon]

"One of your legions, not one legion in total... but I suppose they don't bother to tell a pawn the details." Karith replies.

"What kind of reception should we expect from Hades?"

[Maugan Ra]

"From Hades? Pride, posturing, an utter unwillingness to tolerate anything resembling insult." Arkhan responds after a moment's thought. He made no response to the 'pawn' comment - if he was to work with this preening fool, he could hardly respond to every insult from his mouth and still have hours left in the day.

"He might not know exactly what it was he was guarding - for safety reasons - but he's intelligent enough, and our arrival will confirm that it was exceptionally important. He can't afford to appear weak or indecisive, now more than ever. Likewise, most of his lieutenants and the like will probably be going out of their way to appear competent and helpful, just in case Hades' failure signals an impending change of leadership. Watch what you say."

He glanced at Jena, remembering her reputation. "He also has a number of necromancers and their creations in his service. Is that likely to be a problem?"

[Snowfire]

Jena chuckles at Karith's response to her, then laughs outright at Arkhan's crusader statement.
"Ah, that one at least seems to understand - if only in part." She says, gesturing at the armoured figure before focusing on him as he speaks further. "If they don't get in our way, then there will be no problem." She replies to the comment on necromancers. "And if they do happen to get in our way..." She shrugs. "Shouldn't be a problem either."

"And as for introductions, well, it seems most of you already know me." She shrugs. "And I would agree with Arkhan on the matter of some sort of badge of authority that will allow us to pass freely - or as freely as one does there - through Hell in our investigations. I would be tempted, in fact, to ask for that to extend everywhere."

[Yeshon]

"Omegrin?"

A hand forms from the Black Flame and comes close to each of you, so close you begin to sweat from the profane heat.

"Done."

A Small Eight Spoked Wheel with a Skull in the middle forms on your wrist. "This should be enough to get you past any border guards or patrols, no promises if you're caught inside a Stronghold. More than enough to get you an audience with Hades though."

"Could Hades not be a traitor?"

"Yeah, it's possible, but I don't think he has the balls to attack them outright."

[Snowfire]

Jena shivers as Omegrin's mark forms on her wrist, grimacing in distaste but understanding the necessity. "And what of the other realms?" She asks, her gaze taking in Lucia and Oraculus. "It seems unlikely that the one who took this tablet would remain in Hell, where the theft took place. And it is indeed possible that our search could take us into both Limbo and Heaven in following the trail of the thief." She gestures at Arkhan, then Karith. "And I find it unlikely that either of these two would be exactly welcome in either of those places. Limbo perhaps - for Karith at least. But Heaven?" She shakes her head. "So I would ask for each of you to give us the same as your brother, a way to guarantee free passage throughout your realms for the duration of our work for you, to aid in the ease of our search."

[Yeshon]

"Him escaping is not exactly a concern."

Lucia's voice suddenly becomes grave, "Sheoreth, show them."

Sheoreth steps from the side of the chamber and nods. The floor beneath the gathered mortals becomes transparent. Hundreds of souls can be seen languishing in the Astral Plane, awaiting entry to Hell.

"Ten minutes ago, seconds after when we think the theft took place, Lord Omegrin noticed what had happened to the tablet. Eight minutes ago, he determined the tablet had not left Hell. So, he closed the gates of Hell and blocked all planar travel. At the moment the only way in or out of Hell, is through the gate in Pandemonium, you will be allowed to utilize the gate, but the souls destined for Hell"

He gestures beneath him, "Will continue to build up until the restriction is lifted. Eventually they will spill over into Terra and the laws of death suddenly have no meaning.... It is unfortunate that there are currently eight wars taking place on Terra."

"In other words, whoever stole the tablet is still in Hell and I believe he is using the buildup of souls on the astral plane to blackmail the gods into letting him leave Hell."

"Won't work, I'm not letting it down until you get the tablet back. Not even if the souls of the dead spill over into Terra."

"There is another far more disturbing possibility."

Lucia sighed, "Given the lapse in time between Omegrin raising the barrier and the theft. It is possible that he doesn't want to leave, yet."

"Which is another reason we need you to talk to Hades, if there's something else someone who'd steal the Tablet would want, I-We need to know what it is. And since Hades has had the last couple aeons to study the tablet, he probably knows."

[Maugan Ra]

Arkhan looks down on the languishing souls and frowns to himself. "That's going to mess with the economy. And everyone in hell will know something drastic has happened. Well, nothing to be done about that, I suppose."

He looks back up at the gods. "Well, I'm ready to depart. The longer we delay, the more of my lieutenants will start getting ambitious. I hate having to deal with that sort of thing."

That said, he waits, ready to be teleported back into Hell. Despite himself, Arkhan couldn't help but smile a little. It had been quite some time since he'd enjoyed a proper hunt.

[Aluroon]

Karith arches an eyebrow at the description of the potential problems associated with the lockdown of Hell. "I suppose you've got a difficult choice to make with regard to the time traits. Either you accelerate time in Hell and potentially allow the thief more time with his prize, along with more internal problems, or you decelerate it and expand the problems presented on a multi-planar level by the backup of souls."

[Yeshon]

"We're dipping into the reserves to pay the legions, should be good for a month or so Hell's time. But yeah, the lack of the ability to plane shift has them talking. Right now time's almost stopped in Hell, as soon as you get there, I'm speeding it up so that a second on Terra adds up to about an hour there. You should have time, so no pressure... y'know beyond some power mad psycho getting a hold of the only thing that can enslave death itself. Possibly using it to destroy entire nations and possibly commit genocide on a grand scale. But again, no pressure."

Oraculus's flame flickers, "Are there any other questions?"

[greenpotato]

"I have one" the centaur says "Do you expect me to trust that?" as she points at the eladrin and spits on the ground.

[Yeshon]

"Nope! But that's the fun."

Oraculus sighs, "I understand your reservations, but this is bigger than your mortal conflicts. Even if the elves had destroyed your entire race, I would still be asking you to fight alongside her. You are not required to trust each other, merely obtain the tablet and ensure no one being has complete mastery over death."

"You were all selected, because you were all necessary. Your power together is enough to overcome any force and given our lack of information on the forces you will face, that is exactly what we need. Understand child, we cannot let one being have absolute power over who lives and dies. Or we could very well see entire races disappear from the face of Terra."

"Which reminds me! You may not have noticed, but that mark I gave you? Well a curse has worked into your soul by now. Yeah, it prevents you from using, selling, droping, or giving away the tablet (along with any variation thereof). Just in case you were getting ideas of blackmailing the gods."

"Sorry Arkhan, would've excluded you from the curse, but the others don't trust you for some reason."

"It couldn't have to do with the fact that he's loyal to you now could it?"

"Details."

The Flame of Oraculus bows slightly, "My deepest apologies to all of you for the deception, but there are some things I would not trust myself with. Thus why I took the oath against seeking this knowledge."

[Yeshon]

So if no one else has any questions let's begin.

"All right," The Black Form that is Omegrin stretches out his hand and a red gate forms before you.

"Once you step through this gate, I'll teleport you a little ways from Tartarus, you should be able to see the citadel from there. From then on, you are on your own."

And so the gate and the beginning of your journey lays open before you.

[Maugan Ra]

Arkhan smiles thinly. "My lord, if this is the first piece of insurance you've laid on me after all this time, I would be greatly surprised. It's a sensible enough precaution."

That said, he calmly walks into the portal.

[Infernally Clay]

"Then I'll keep you to your word," Leif said, giving Lucia a backwards glance as she walked through the portal, "Maybe one day I'll be able to see how they're fitting in."

[greenpotato]

the centaur steps through "I don't think I introduced myself before, my name is Azilya" she directs at the others.

[Maugan Ra]

"Azilya, huh? Can't say I've ever heard of you, myself. And I only know Leif via second hand accounts... apparently, you got to be a champion for a bit. An interesting experience." Arkhan comments while he waits for the teleportation. He indicates the two of their comrades yet to join them with a faint chuckle. "Those two, on the other hand, I know well. Never crossed blades with them personally, but you'd be hard pressed to find a power player in Hell who'd be happy to see either of them walking around unchained."

He shakes his head and sighs in resignation. "Not who I'd have chosen to bring along, personally, but my Lord commands and I obey. Doubt he'd be too displeased if either of them ended up in eternal torment, once this whole business is done with, though." That last part is said with an oddly wistful air about it.

[Aluroon]

Karith lays his staff across his shoulders with one hand and makes for the gate, catching the end of the conversation between the servant of hell and the centaur.

He smiles viciously at Arkhan, "The funny thing about eternal punishments, is that they give someone an eternity to break free and wreck their vengeance. This should be... fun."

[Snowfire]

Jena smiles slightly at Omegrin's admittance and Oraculus' apology.
"I understand, but only so long as the mark - if not the curse as well - is removed after our service is complete." She says, waiting for an answer before walking to the portal, overhearing as Karith the same statement from Arkhan. "Although I disagree with you on many things, Karith," she nods to the archmage, "I agree with you on that score." She smirks at the General of Hell, again the faint shimmer of gold weaving through her fingers. "And I doubt you would survive any attempt to bring either us to that, Arkhan."

[Yeshon]

As the last of the group steps through the gate they experience the familiar sensation of teleporting.

Then they find themselves before a huge citadel, towers stabbing into a blood red sky. The unchanging red moon of Hell smiles darkly on those below him. The citadel is made from a black metal with a reddish gleam, it is set upon a cliff, behind it, you can hear the sounds of a river. There are occassional screams from inside, but something is wrong.

Before you lays a black gate, but it has been smashed open. One side lays bent in upon itself the other, stands undisturbed. Before you can react, the ground rumbles.

And a piece of the Citadel slides off and into the river. This is not an attack, this is the Citadel finally giving way under the intense battle damage it has just recently sustained.

Beside the gate lays the mutilated form of a collosal undead. His head lies beside his body. Whoever went through here, didn't try to be subtle. Before you the broken gate opens to a winding path strewn with bones. You have received no greeting or challenge, it feels like an army came through here.

[Maugan Ra]

"You quite sure of that, Saint?" Arkhan says with a smile. Then the telelport takes effect, and his next words are stolen away by the shock of the sight that greets them.

"What in the infinite... Oh no. Oh, hell no." he snarls angrily. With a practiced motion, the twin swords he wears at his waist come free, each glittering with the tell-tale aura of frighteningly potent enchantments. The human's great, bat like wings unfurl and he leaps into the air, swooping towards the gate like some sort of predatory bird. "This is my realm, you damned fools, and no one gets away with something like this on my watch. I'm going to feed you your own glittering entrails."

OK, so sure, hanging back for buffs etc might make tactical sense... But this is Arkhan's home plane, and the citadel of one of his master's chief subordinates. He's feeling professionally slighted that someone would dare try something like this here.

[Snowfire]

"I'd welcome the challenge" Jena replies, just ahead of the divine teleport whisking them away. She quirks an eyebrow at the mess in front of them.
"Well, looks like someone just got a smack to their pride." She quips, as Arkhan hurtles forward. "Ah well, I guess I should at least try to make sure he doesn't get himself killed." She sighs, then wings of her own - mimics of those of the archangel's of heaven - sweep out from her cloak and she soars forward.
"Sunsliver, Dawnglow, come to me." She whispers, and two blades burst into being in her hands. Each one blazes with the power of Heaven, glowing with all the light of a compressed star and radiating a deadly intent against those who inhabit the realm of Omegrin. "So," she asks brightly as she catches Arkhan heading towards the shattered gate. "Looks like an army came through here. Shall we find out if they left anyone alive?"

[Infernally Clay]

"It would be wiser to make sure that we're alone..." Leif said bluntly, pointing towards the corpse that wasn't undead any more, "They took out that thing quite easily and I'd rather not spend the first few minutes of my new life keeping the rest of you from dying."

How many years had passed? Did people even remember what she did? The damage her magic inflicted upon the land as she and Kote fought? She had been told that everything within a hundred miles died because of that fight. That it had taken a thousand years before even weeds could grow there. Was that several thousand years ago or was it only last year? Time is inconsequential to the dead, but Leif was dead no more.

[Yeshon]

As Arkhan reaches the gates followed closely by Jena, gray liquid and bones flowed from the road seemingly gathering in thin air. Suddenly the bones coallace into a bloated gray orb of flesh and eyeball decorated with the bones of its victims. Mouths begin to form on the orb and they say things... horrible things. Secrets man was never meant to know and it spoke them in every language at once.

If a mortal actually listened to what the orb was saying... surely they'd go mad.

And here's our first combat.

First thing's first, need a Will Save to not understand what the mouths are saying, DC 40 you need to make this will save every round at the beginning of your turn until the orb is destroyed and of course you can still fumble.

If you fail the save you suffer insanity as is described in the PHB. Gibbering is just something that this thing does, so technically it hasn't acted yet.

Sorry guys no map.

The orb is in melee with Arkhan and Jena (well Jena's within its reach). Leif is thirty feet away. Karith and Azilya are forty feet away. This is considered easy terrain, very little cover.

Now roll for Initiative!

Orb: [roll0]

[Infernally Clay]

"How sweet, they left us a present."

Bahaha! First combat and already I'm regretting that I swapped Countersong for Spellbreaker Song.

Initiative: [roll0]

[Aluroon]

Karith says nothing else until the group passes through the teleportation and arrives in Hell, and is then uncharacteristically silent as he surveys the destruction wrought by whatever passed through. A hint of a smile lingers on his face. "As subtle as a hurricane," he agrees with the celestial champion, as a wider smile sneaks onto his vestige at the sight of Arkhan's rage.

When the strange creature floats into being fro the wreckage on the ground he simply shakes his head. "Why do they always skimp on the party favors..." He asks, tuning out the creature's words without effort.

Is this a mind affecting attack? Is there anything that would grant immunity? In any case Karith literally cannot fail a DC 40 save, and he rerolls all 1's, but I'll roll anyway.

Please recall Karith is able to detect all invisible beings within sight range, penetrates all illusions within 120ft., and instantly knows both what spells are active in his line of sight within 120ft. and can identify what the highest level of spells is that is available to any creature in the same range.

Edit **** roller. Let me try this again.

[greenpotato]

Azilya thunders towards it with bow ready.


Initiative [roll0]

Will [roll1] unless mind blank stops it I will probably fail.


If I pass the will save or mindblank protects me I'm going to move to 30ft behind it and full attack with my bow before moving 50ft back from that position.

I'm going to assume it's undead, evil outsider or abberation? If it is this is my damage:

Crit threat on 19-20
[roll2] to hit and [roll3] damage
[roll4] to hit and [roll5] damage
[roll6] to hit and [roll7] damage "natural 1"
[roll8] to hit and [roll9] damage "critical threat"
[roll10] to hit and [roll11] damage "natural 1"
[roll12] to hit and [roll13] damage
[roll14] to hit and [roll15] damage
[roll16] to hit and [roll17] damage "critical threat"
[roll18] to hit and [roll19] damage
[roll20] to hit and [roll21] damage

If it's non of the above I'll re-roll without the bonus damage

If it has any arcane spellcasting or spell like abilities then I get a +2 bonus to hit and an extra 2d6 damage per arrow
If it's not

[Snowfire]

Jena takes one look at the thing in front of her, blue-grey eyes hardening at the sight of the abberation. Her blades flicker for a moment, the golden light at their edges warping into blazing white flame.
"You know, I just don't get it." She says, spinning across the space between her and the strange orb, bringing her weapons up to strike. "Why must just about everything come down to various forms of murder."

The weapons slash down, the holy fire around them exploding into firestorms of light.

Actions
Free action to remanifest Le Shay weapons as +1 Holy, Holy Surge, Dread (Abberation), Large Bastard swords.

DC 40 Tumble check to move 10' as a free action (Oriental Adventures) to close on the creature and activate Slippers of Battledancing. If I fumble, I still roll double the required DC, so I'm not bothering rolling.

Full power attack with Dread factored in:

to hit and [roll]2d8+4d6+4d6+50 damage
to hit and [roll]2d8+4d6+4d6+50 damage
1d20+75/roll] to hit and [roll]2d8+4d6+4d6+50 damage
to hit and [roll]2d8+4d6+4d6+50 damage
to hit and [roll]2d8+4d6+4d6+50 damage
to hit and [roll]2d8+4d6+4d6+50 damage
to hit and [roll]2d8+4d6+4d6+50 damage
to hit and [roll]2d8+4d6+4d6+50 damage

If I crit, I need a DC 27 Fort save from the creature or it is instantly destroyed and turned to dust (this functions even if the creature is immune to critical hits or death magic).

[Yeshon]

Jena strikes in a storm of manifested steel and the Gibbering Orb is instantly reduced to a gibbering mass of severed tissue. In only a few moments the gibbering stops completely.

The first battle the group faced was over in less than 3 seconds.

After Damage Reduction total damage comes up to 484, so no need for save v. death.

Before them, the bone strewn road lays empty as the gibbering orb dissolves into a liquid mass. There is nothing visible at the moment to any members of the group.

[Infernally Clay]

"I see someone can carry their weight,", Leif said, an approving nod to Jena, "I think, however, it would be prudent to cloud our minds. Just in case anyone tries spying on us."

Leif has five 8th level spell slots, all of which can be used casting Mind Blank on anyone in the party who doesn't have it. She'll cast it on herself, at the very least.

[Maugan Ra]

"Your reputation is evidently well deserved." Arkhan concedes grudgingly. "And what is it you don't get? Violence and murder are inherent in the nature of the world. Everything is an expression of interacting forces, clashing until one proves superior. It's a fundamental truth above all others."

He nods in agreement to the comment about the mind-blank, and willingly accepts the magical blessing.

[Aluroon]

Karith arches an eyebrow at the destruction wrought by the fey-like creature on the orb, then shrugs. He scowls at Arkhan's description of 'reality' as the fiendish slave sees it. He seems on the verge of letting it go, but finally offers his view, "Violence is only needed in the absence of authority. In such an instance it can be a creator of authority, but it is a poor one. Those who would rule by their strength at arms are always doomed to fall by the strength of arms of the greater, and naked force will always provoke others to challenge it, ensuring that the greater will appear sooner or later."

He waves off the shadow veiled man's offer of mental protection. "Perhaps it would be well if those here named themselves though, and some of their capabilities, simply in the interest of promoting... understanding. I don't doubt that each of you is mighty, but I wonder, in what way?"

Any knowledge checks we can roll to figure out how much we might know of one another?

[Maugan Ra]

"Physical violence is but one facet of the greater, eternal conflict that makes up reality. Be it personal might, magical will, force of personality or the borrowed authority that comes from holding rank in a hierarchy, all society is a delicate balancing act between a myriad conflicting forces." Arkhan corrects, keeping his attention on the courtyard he can see just within the ruined gates. "Any system is inherently unstable as a result. Any accomplishment is doomed to eventually being cast down, and there are no laws that cannot be bypassed or amended by one sufficiently strong in body or mind."

"In Hell, we recognize this truth. Not even Lord Omegrin will persist for eternity. Eventually, something will overcome him and take his place, or force a change in the distribution of power." he shrugs. "It might even be our current situation. And as for your quest for understanding, Karith... My strengths lie in personal combat, frontline brawling, be it leading the charge or withstanding an enemy's offensive. Not a particularly subtle or nuanced skill set, I'd be the first to admit, but it is effective."

[greenpotato]

"Wow, she killed something, no need to write a poem about it" Azilya shakes her head "What did I do in life to deserve to be stuck here listening to these wankers drivel on about the nature of violence"

[Yeshon]

"Kill thousands of elves?"

Before you is a Drow male, obviously well into his twilight years. He holds his hands up, "Now before you go getting all excited let me confirm what Karith already knows, I'm not really here. This is just an illusion prettied up with a disgustingly powerful scrying spell. Try tracing it, it'll be funny."

The drow frowns, "I admit, we hadn't really expected the gods to raise you. But it doesn't change anything. We are going to succeed in our plans and you cannot stop us. But that doesn't mean you have to work against us. You just got a new lease on life and the gods aren't allowed to kill mortals directly. So, why don't you just enjoy yourselves? We won't bother you. But if you come after us your new lease on life will be very short."

With that the Drow disappears.

Unfortunately the Illusion wasn't really the caster so it was just a non-descript drow.

[Infernally Clay]

"Wow, she killed something, no need to write a poem about it" Azilya shakes her head "What did I do in life to deserve to be stuck here listening to these wankers drivel on about the nature of violence"

"Waxing poetic can be fun, y'know," Leif laughed, completely ignoring the illusionary Drow, "It's best to just drown out useless bragging, though. They can rarely lay weight to their claims."

[Maugan Ra]

Arkhan listens to the illusionary drow, then shakes his head and chuckles. "Amateur. No bribes, no threats beyond the vaguest implication, no incentive for us to abandon the hunt beyond the idea that just because the gods can't smite us directly, they're somehow unable to punish us for disobeying... He really needs to work on his diplomacy."

That said, and assuming that Leif cast the spell on him, Arkhan proceeds inside the fortress and starts heading for where he knows the throne room is. "I want to at least know if Hades is still alive."

[Infernally Clay]

"While you do that, I'll scout the area and see if there are any more unwelcome guests lurking in the corners," Leif said, moments after ensuring everyone's mind was well and truly blanked, "If you hear any screaming, though, it won't be from me."

[Aluroon]

Karith, unusually silent, folds his hands and folllows Arkhan into the depths of the citadel.

[Snowfire]

Jena lets her weapons fade back into her with the death of her opponent, but remains on guard as Leif ensures the mental security of those without it. She remains quiet throughout the conversational exchange, blinking once when the drow appears.

"If it's all right with you, Lief, I would join you in making sure this place is secure. The others can check on the survival of the Titan if they wish." Her tone seems to freeze at the mention of Hades, then she shakes herself, and you can almost feel the ice falling from her as she continues. If nothing else, staying in groups is probably wiser than nought. And that raises a question actually. Karith?" She turns to the archmage and gestures around them. "Are the wards Omegrin talked about still active?"

After she's answered, and assuming Lief does not object, she follows the half-vampire on her search of the citadel.

[Yeshon]

Wards are still active

Arkhan leads the way to the castle. Taking the long twisting bone strewn road. Ocassionally they run into the remains of one of Hades's guards, demons, devils, Titans, all are already dead, some are beyond even your ability to identify being merely smears on the ground as is caused by some of the most powerful destructive magic. Finally the group comes to the gate of the Citadel proper.

The grinning skull facade that used to serve as the gate into Hades' citadel is cracked and broken. Karith in particular can feel the remains of power near the power of his most powerful spell.

Before the gate is the skeleton of a massive dragon, relieved of its head. You make your way around the dragon, Arkhan recognizing it as Hades' consort, though she wasn't a skeleton last he saw her. Finally you enter the Citadel.

The Citadel is darker than the darkest night on Terra. Seemingly from the walls themselves, you can hear hissing and whispered conversation.

All right, you've made your way up the winding path and are just inside the gate of the Citadel proper.

I need marching order, spot & listen checks, and eh, what the heck, go ahead and roll Initiative.

[Infernally Clay]

Mechanical Stuffage:
Assuming Arkhan is at the front, Leif will be right behind him.

Spot: [roll0]
Listen: [roll1]
Initiative: [roll2]

Bahaha! I can't even remember why she has such a high Listen bonus...

"Well, this place is somewhat... Homey," Leif chuckled, "Someone should feed the dragon outside, though. It's looking a little thin."

[Snowfire]

Jena cracks a smile at Leif's quip, but her grin fades somewhat as the power of their probable foe sinks in. Not a worry exactly, but more a subtle mental preparation. The orb was not much of a threat, but the same cannot be assumed for any force capable of breaching the defences of a citadel of this strength.

I'll assume Karith comes behind Leif. In which case Jena will be behind him.

Spot:[roll0]
Listen:[roll1]
[Initiative:[/b][roll2]

[greenpotato]

spot [roll0]
listen [roll1]
initiative [roll2]

I spose I'm behind them then

[Aluroon]

"Someone's been busy," Karith observes as he passes through the destruction. He points out a few of the more obscure devils and other creatures for the less educated in the group, snidely commenting about how they are even more obscure now in most cases.

I'd ideally like Karith somewhere in the middle or back, but exact positioning isn't important so long as he isn't in front.
[roll0] initiative
[roll1] spot
[roll2] listen

[Yeshon]

Going ahead and rolling for Arkhan

Rolls for Arkhan: Initiative [roll0]
Spot [roll1]
Listen [roll2]

As the group continues down the passageway, they are enveloped by complete darkness. You continue a long time, hearing whispers from the walls, probably the souls of the slothful trusted to Hades' care. You feel like a thousand eyes are watching your every move. It is a nerve wracking experience for any who have not fought the forces of Hell to pass the time.

Finally you come around a corner and see a red light at the end of long hallway. You can faintly hear voices coming from the halls ahead.

Those of you who made a listen check DC50 hear the following.

"You're asking me to take a tremendous risk. Should Lord Omegrin discover what you require of me."
"Yes there is an amazing amount of risk, but it comes with an equivalent reward."
"Very well milady, I shall see to it that this task is completed."

Those of you who succeed on a spot check DC 60 see a figure seemingly cloaked in black flames. Wielding a Scythe.

Unfortunately, she cannot be identified by any Knowledge check. Though Karith can clearly tell it is an illusion.

[Aluroon]

During the long journey Karith eyes his companions, alert for any signs of fear, uncertainty, or weakness. As they move on towards the voices he floats into the air, keeping pace but making far less noise. Arching an eyebrow at those within his field of vision he silently asks the question on everyone's mind, 'are we going to barge in?'