Elysium Excursion

General Summary

TLDR;

Our interesting assortment of heroes have met Bharrai, a bear-like man, at the Iron Coin. There, they stepped onto a platform that was used to teleport them to Elysium. They are beginning to experience the feelings of absolute bliss and lack of want. Their goals are to help with some celestial arbitration. Apparently a pit fiend and his powerful devil companions are involved... The heroes are currently taking their spots at their table.

Quest Start

Trip to Elysium Angel Your work here is known across the planes, but we have a situation that Tex has agreed to help us for his return to the material plane.
Find 3 friends and take these 5 amulets. Each of these amulets will transport you to where your quest will lie. We need help with a fallen angel before he wreaks havoc on your plane.
When you are ready each of you must activate your amulet within 5 seconds of each other by holding them and whispering "I am ready". You will be ported to a safe place and be met by a celestial contact to get you started.
We appreciate your help. In accordance to your agreement, all of your magical gear will be mundane until this quest is started.
The ophiocordyceps creature walks up to the the billboard and places a piece of scrap paper on the wall. It is mainly written in a greenish red substance with very basic words.
We seek 3 hosts to JOIN US to other plane for trip. We seek hosts who are strong and durable with good bones. Must be humanoid or beast.~

Unrefined Quest Log

Your disparate group arrives at the Altar of the Iron Coin at the appointed hour. Many of you have complicated feelings about the structure, having awoken here after brushes with death; for some, after outright collisions. The dwarven mages which staff the place are not busy with their usual arcane tasks of inscribing runes or divining the fates of their charges. Instead, they're standing around in consternation murmuring and staring at an unusual visitor standing at the edge of the teleportation circle. A robed sage, turns the pages of a tremendous tome with a clawed hand, fur covers every exposed inch of his body, and too human eyes stare down through delicate spectacles. It lifts an ursanine face to regard you all as you arrive. Never before have you seen his like.
“I must make my displeasure known to you, such is the vehemence with which I disagree with this plan. However, as this is the strategy the Council has decided, I must admit you fit the requirements. We are bound for the City of the Star. The Jewel of Elysium. The Crown at the head of the River Oceanus. A delegation is to meet there over the coming days involving two... opposing forces. While the guardinals of Elysium have traditionally stood as arbiters, one side has expressed belief that we cannot remain impartial due to our knowledge of astral history. As such, they have insisted that an independent, ignorant third party be included. Which is where you come in. Most mortals cannot hope to retain their individuality if they linger in Elysium, but you have each been deemed hearty enough.” He pauses, “You will be afforded autonomy while in Elysium. By all standards, you will be considered diplomats. I cannot tell you where to go, what to do, or what to say, but I would caution you that acting or speaking thoughtlessly, could have far reaching consequences beyond your comprehension.” The bear person gives you what you believe is a significant look. “Residents of Elysium do not need or want. While there you will not hunger, you will not thirst. Any reasonable request you can put forward will be met, but returning to the Material Plane will be no trifling matter. Be sure that you have everything which cannot be acquired elsewhere before you indicate to me that you are ready to leave. We shall return you here when the conference has concluded. Do you have any questions? I will answer what I can.”
Duncan - We will do our best to remain neutral in any arbitration. Obviously, planar travel is something I have never done, what can we expect when we get to Elysium?
“Elysium approaches absolute perfection. Its beauty and splendor were rivaled only by Avernus at the height of its glory. It is the eternal resting place for those mortals who embodied the ideals of peace and liberty in life. Conflict there is rare and brief when it happens. Even visitors such as yourself will feel your aches and worries of material life ebb away the moment you arrive. This serenity is woven into the fabric of the plane and enforced by it. Those determined to sow chaos will find their movements most restricted. It is difficult to explain. Where the lower planes, or even some of the more tempestuous upper planes contain threats to your physical body, Elysium endangers the will and personality of those who find themselves in opposition to its ideals. Another reason to take care in your actions. We will be arriving in the City of the Star. The City is more cosmopolitan and... stable. This should limit the risk of loss of self, so long as you do not venture far from The City's borders.”
Duncan Nods and looks to the other. "Any last words?", he says with a light hearted look that only people with no choice can give.
Cordy Looks from Tex to Duncan and back. We are always ready to spread.
Tex Ya know, even though we beat that thing, i really do regret goin into it with you sometimes you weird plant thing
Cordy Just looks to Tex and clicks.
Tex Just for my own sake should i ever meet any not so nice to me fungoids, yall don't like fire yeah?
Cordy We don't seem to mind. as cordy produces flame
Tex Alright i'll ask around.. "Thar be any plundering.." Thedan's jaw bone dislodges. He quickly picks it up and sets it back in place. "I be saying thar any pirating in City of Stars?"
Tex Please for the love of what....you're a skeleton - ok uh....Please don't do that because i don't want to be in purgatory
"Aye! It's a legitimate quarry as knowing if thar be misfits of the state thar might be a source of information." Thedan's point is under cut by his becoming unhinged on the left side.
The revenant is feeling quite conspicuous despite holding the appearance of knight in shining armor. The hair on his neck is standing on end and light seems to give off uncomfortable heat. He shifts a little uncomfortably. “The fallen angel outside of the city, I presume.”
“The more I see of you, the greater you seem to fit the requirements. Your material concept of piracy does not exist within the City of Stars or, indeed anywhere in Elysium, because the concept of material ownership does not exist. As I mentioned, the residents do not need or want for anything. I meant that literally. If you were to pursue such activities, you would find yourself in opposition to the nature of the plane.”
Tex I could go for a vacation, that sounds good after all, even with this motley crew
Thedan: "What a ghastly state of existence..."
“I do have... an ignorant question. Are celestial steeds permissible in such a place? Is much travel done by flight?” The dead knight asked.
“Indeed, Elysium and the Beastlands are where most celestial spirits reside when not assisting their charges on the material plane. The steed you describe would not only be welcome there, you may find them waiting for you when you arrive.”
The revenant smiles. “I look forward to seeing Laeroth there, then.”
“Another question. I don't imagine our opposition is within the City of Stars, or that it would turn out well for us if we lured the opposition there. Do I assume correctly? You speak of loss of self outside of the city's borders, which is where my question stems.”
“You are being summoned as a neutral intermediary. There is no one standing in opposition to you, inside the City or out. The delegations in question will both be meeting inside the City, if that answers your question.” He pauses, thinking over your question. “You were first suggested by one of the delegations. They assured us that you would be the ideal impartial candidates, and the other delegation was inclined to agree. Do you mean to tell me that you are beholden to one side already? Have you been threatened or promised some sort of reward for your cooperation?”
The knight scowls. “I heard we were to deal with a fallen angel. It's possible that I misinterpreted the effects a fallen angel would have on a heavenly society, however. Alas, ignorance pains me again.”
“It is true that celestials number among the delegations which you will be dealing with, though I dare not speak more on that matter, lest I be accused of introducing bias into your decision. Suffice to say, no angel will be in opposition to you, fallen or otherwise.”
“Very well. I believe that does it for my questions...” The knight nods respectfully and pauses. “I'm sorry, I don't believe I caught your name.”
“My name is Khar Barrai Mahdakk Toathalen Senzon Bhadra'ar Aashwagal Fourthrak Toarvahlis of the one hundred and thirtieth class of Khidrebahl Siddhar Guatem Nassi Ursinal. It may be easier for you to call me Representative Bharrai.”
Cohor's lips twitch in a slight smile. “A pleasure, Representative Bharrai. Thank you kindly for the information you have shared with us. I believe we are ready, if you are.”
“If you have no further business here, step onto the platform and we shall proceed.” The bear man reaches one paw delicately into his robes as he deftly shuts the tome, and pulls out a strange pronged metal instrument.
Cohor looks to the others, then is the first to clink onto the platform. The others follow.

To Elysium

---

As the last of the party steps onto the platform, your ursine employer begins to incant rhythmically while holding onto the strange forked object. The runes on the magic circle surrounding the platform begin to glow with lambent blue energy and you detect the faint smell of ozone in the air. Sparks of electricity dance harmlessly across the floor, arcing up the sides of your trousers and the hems of your robes, occasionally jumping high enough to cause your fingertips to tingle. All at once, you feel a sudden pressure from every direction as though you were suddenly plunged into the bottom of a deep lake. Everything in your vision disappears for an instant, the breath escapes the lungs of those who still possess them. In the next instant, sound and light and air return with a clap of thunder as you find yourselves standing on a polished white marble floor inlaid with platinum. You appear to be in some sort of temple with graceful columns arcing to the ceiling in a broad circle around where you stand. Shafts of golden light stream through the gaps to reflect off the floor, while the bear-person waits for you to gain your bearings.
“Planar travel can be disorienting for those who have never experienced it. Take all the time you need to settle yourselves.”
While its true that you feel disoriented, you also feel... better. Aches and pains are absent. The nagging compulsion to pursue those who wronged you feels more like a goal than an all consuming obsession. Treasure maintains its appeal only for its beauty rather than for its monetary value. You feel neither overly warm, nor too chilled, rather you feel ideally balanced with the ambient temperature. You detect a light fruity scent on the air, which you can't place, but even as you notice it, it fades from your consciousness. Your eyes adjust quickly to the light, which isn't overly bright, and through the columns, you are able to see a wide avenue of well worn stone stretching out towards a stunning work of breathtaking architecture, seemingly molded from copper and crystal. A sweeping staircase leads up to an arched entryway, through which a series of scattered bestial humanoids appear to be coming and going at a leisurely pace.
Duncan takes a moment to breathe in. He knew this plane would be peaceful and soothing, and was looking forward to the weight of the world being lighter for awhile. He never was one for treasure hunting l, usually doing things for the greater good. It feels right here. Looking to his teammates to ensure all make the voyage ok, he nods to the leader.
“It’s ... everything I thought it would be. I may never leave”, he says with a half smile, wanting it to be a joke, but realizing it’s true.
“Easy, friend. Don't let this place take you that easily.” Comes the revenant paladin.
"This place makes my nonexistence skin crawl. Lets get be done with this place be we turn soft." Pipes Thedan.
Tex: "feel like him" You start to see Tex in a...different light, his typical handsomeness becomes more apparent and his typically hard to see and incorporeal wings seem to shimmer moreso in the planar lights
”Click...” Cordy stands their almost silent for the longest time, just clicking to itself. All the many voices trying to decide what to do now that Hunger is no longer a need. Eventually, the creature comes to the conclusion (after lengthy internal discourse) that without hunger, all that's left is to infect. At this point, the cloud of spores filling the air around Cordy grow denser, filling with more infection as the creature looks to it's companions. ”Click”
The knight looks to their ursine guide. “Are we to meet with anyone? Do you have an agenda for us, list of individuals to contact? A destination, perhaps?” He scowls at the mortals who appear in some sort of content stupor. “I... don't believe lingering is in our best interest.”
Duncan Yes, please take us to where we find information on the arbitration.
“We have arrived at the steps of the Halls of Unity. This is the appointed meeting place for the delegations. Follow me and I will guide you to your chambers.”
True to his word, the bearman leads you through the columns, across the avenue, and up an extraordinary set of stairs. Overhead, as you proceed up the stairs, a pair of moons hang in the sky, pale blue and blue green, one dwarfing the other. The sky itself is a brilliant indigo. At your side, a glowing orb of light appears as you move, gliding through the air at an even pace, ringing with ethereal invisible chimes. You move into a wide open foyer where a variety of beings, luminous and beautiful in an alien way, stand around in knots quietly conversing. Suddenly, an unpleasant cold cuts through the balanced atmosphere, and a crack of thunder shakes the building, accompanied by sadistic laughter and the stink of brimstone. A collection of horned fiends baring razor sharp claws and great black wings appear amidst inky black smoke in the center of the chamber. One towers above the rest, red scaled skin the color of fresh blood, eyes glowing with hellfire. It grins at you with a maw of even fangs.
“Very astute mortal. You must be the jurors from the Material Plane. I must say... you make quite the eclectic assembly. Three of you don't even have a pulse. Remarkably clever of those hypocrites. I didn't think they had it in them” The largest one speaks with a voice like thunder crashing deep underground. Its associates smirk maliciously, baring perfectly lined razor sharp fangs.
”Click”
“You have spirit, but you are misguided. We will see you in the ''arbitration,'' but you will ensure nothing.” The towering fiend and his followers turn from you and move towards an inner chamber.
The ursine seems to release a held breath and ushers you into an inner chamber, as well. The circular gallery is built from the same pale marble which composes the interior of the other rooms you have seen so far. The ceiling arches overhead to a crystal dome which allows in comfortable ethereal light to illuminate the room below. The ursine leads you around the perimeter, beneath a wide balcony, seated upon you see a variety of fantastic beings: angels, devils, djinni, more of the bestial humanoids, floating beings of pure light, wheels of eyes, collections of wings concealing something of impossible geometry within, other creatures you don't even have names for. All murmur quietly as they regard the lower portion of the chamber, in the middle of which stands a low stone balustrade, carved with runes that are faintly glowing with aetheric energy. Flanking the platform in three directions are matching stone tables with stone seats behind them. One stands empty, and it is to this one that the bearman leads you. The other two could not have more different occupants. One contains a celestial with ivory skin, wearing a cream colored toga and holding a book. Great feathered wings, folded but still immense, rise from their back. Their beauty is indescribable, nearly eclipsing a smaller, luminous and angelic figure standing at their immediate right hand and the canine figure with dark fur standing behind it on its left. At the other table stands the fiend which you spoke with in the previous chamber, flanked by the winged devils which had arrived with it. A knowing smile crosses its face as you are shown to your seats.
The knight takes a seat at their table, repeatedly clenching his jaw in discomfort. Cohor sets his shield to his left, leaning against his chair, and his greatsword-in-scabbard lying across his lap. Bonecounter remains gleaming at his waist.
The cordyceps fungoid takes their seat alongside the knight, buzzing with inner discourse while outwardly clicking. Thedan takes a seat and leans back putting feet up on the table. Tex looks around for a moment before finding a place to stand and have the best vantage point of the room. He eyes specifically the demons who look to be the most menacing but his gaze wanders to anyone who looks to break the tenuous truce.

Arbitration

---

As you take your seats, a hush falls over the assembled crowd, and their eyes are all drawn to the entrance. You feel the approach of something... off... well before you see it. Thrown into sharp contrast by the comforting peace which saturates the air, the actinic tang of the newcomer's presence feels like a sharp needle pressed gently against the flesh of your mind. Through the doors walks a thoroughly mundane looking mortal, but for the thick, black chains wrapped in rows upon rows around their body. In the silence that follows the crowd going speechless, you're able to hear a faint hum emanating from him, and softly glowing runes fade in and out of view in the space around him. More of the glowing orbs which followed you up the steps surround the figure as he is led to the central pulpit. As he takes the stand, you feel a dull thud of displaced air and a near transparent field of energy forms a column around him. At the same moment, the chains fall to the ground, revealing mottled, sickly wings protruding from the man's back. There is a faint gasp from the crowd.
Representative Bharrai moves to stand on a raised platform behind your seating area, before addressing the crowd. “Olanthius. You have been found to have committed acts of heresy according to divine law in service to the archdevil Zariel. Following your destruction in Avernus, your rebirth in Celestia was unforeseen, but your guilt is plain for all to see. These delegations have been gathered to determine sentencing and to weigh mitigating and aggravating circumstance to which you bore witness. Are we all prepared to procced?” The ursinal turns first to the delegation of angels, drawing a sneer from the delegation of devils.
The lead angel speaks softly in response, “We are prepared to observe testimony, and offer our challenges at the conclusion.”
With a voice dripping with contempt, the lead devil responds in kind, “We are prepared to observe testimony, and offer our challenges at the conclusion.”
“Speaking for the Celestial Delegation, the Court of Unity recognizes Oadhabochel of Solania upon Mount Celestia. Speaking for the Infernal Delegation, the Court of Unity recognizes Nabushanafel of Maladomini within Baator.” Representative Bharrai turns to regard you last. “A contingent of mortals have been brought from the Material Plane. All parties have agreed to keep them ignorant of the circumstances surrounding this case, that they may judge the events with unbiased perspective. These five have agreed to this charge and have been found to owe no allegiance to either delegation, nor do they possess any familiarity with the convicted. Please speak your names, that you may be Known. You may now ask any questions you have before we proceed with testimony, in full audience of all representatives.”
”A gnome called us ophiocordyceps fungoid once. This confused us.” Cordy responds, buzzing with internal discourse at how to answer. ”How would they...” Cordy asks, pointing to Olanthius... ”die and be here. Are they humanoid, or beast?” Cordy finishes, gently clicking.
“The eternal denizens of the outer planes do not age as the children of Toril do, nor do they ever truly die. Where your soul would leave your body and be judged before passing on to your eternal home, celestials, guardinals, baatezu and the like do not possess such a thing. They are their souls and vice versa. So long as their selves are not destroyed utterly, they will heal from any wound, but in the unlikely event that they are harmed to the point that no trace remains, they will reform in the plane of their origin. Only when destroyed in their home at the will and permission of their creator can they ever truly be ended. It was assumed that Olanthius origin had adapted in response to his corruption, hence his rebirth was unexpected.” said the lead angel.
The massive, red fiend boomed in response, “Objection!”
“Sustained. I appreciate your informing the contingent of the circumstances of eternal life, but please refrain from informing them on the particulars of the case until they have borne witness to testimony.” The ursanine responded.
”Click” Cordy continues to watch.
"Aye, it's real shame when a landlubber don't know when to stay dead." Thedan's jaw proceeds to fall off.
Tex Tex looks visibily distraught that the contingent of mortals...was him and these....less than mortal? beings. "Names Tex, I'll do most of the talking for the mortal contingent if that would be at all possible, we accept these terms and look forward to the engagement therein"
”I do have a question first.” The knight looks to Tex, signalling that it will be short. ”I understand that we are here to listen to the details of the case, ask questions, and come to an unbiased conclusion. That conclusion may or may not influence the outcome of this arbitration... Is that correct? Oh, and it's Cohor Pithedaiya. A pleasure to be in your presence.” He gestures about the room.
Representative Bharrai answered, “Only one small note of correction. You are not here to listen to testimony. You are here to experience testimony. One may easily forget, omit, or bias what has occurred when speaking, even when magically compelled to speak only truth. Through the Court of Unity, you shall experience the events in question just as Olanthius experienced them. At the same speed, with the same obscurity, and with the same foreknowledge. If the choices you make and the actions you take are the same, then it will speak to the character of the judgment which Olanthius made at the time. If your choices are radically different, it will indicate that other choices existed in Olanthius' path which he chose to ignore.”
”Ah, very interesting. Thank you, Representative Bharrai. I believe that is all from me.”
Tex "Ah ive experience something similar in the past, but that was a result of something we like to call where im from magical mushrooms. it sounds like it will be an interesting experience all around."
Cohor furrows his eyebrows at Tex's comment with a ”Really? And you wanted to represent us?” type of look.
Tex (whisperedly so that only the group can hear)"I am a man of the people. Which makes me...and him--" he points at Duncan, "--one of the only true people that have been graced with the ability to represent the mortal congregation. While i appreciate that we as a whole make a wide group of experiences and live decisions...you creep me the hell out."
The pit fiend laughs heartily. “This is rich!” The angel's perfect features are somewhat marred by a sour grimace, but they do not speak in response to the fiend's laughter.
Tex "Can it, imp." “Eventually this delegation will end. I am immortal and have a long memory. It would behoove you to recognize my rank within the armies of Baator.” “Objection!” Cried out the angel.
Representative Bharrai acknowledged the objection. “Sustained. The delegation from Baator will refrain from threatening the delegation from the Material Plane.” “Was that a threat? It seemed to me that I provided nothing but factual information.” Came the massive fiend's "innocent" reply.
“Your circuitous speech and passing adherence to the letter of the law may work on mortals, but the intent of your message was clear to the court.” Maintained the representative.
Tex "And i pity your existence, all the time in the world and you still look like the a racoon that got ran over by horse n buggy."

The ursine cut into Tex's sentence. “The delegation from the Material Plane should refrain from antagonizing the delegation from Baator, lest they be removed from the pool for bias.” Cohor puts his elbows on the table and massages his temples with two fingers from each hand.

Tex "I appreciate the words that you are speakin' and after this piece I'll refrain from 'antagonizin' him, but does him threatenin my material plane breathern and me respondin in kind truly create the implication of bias? I truly do apologize if i have hurt the feelings of any of the beings present here, i thought everything was in absolute good fun. I'll refrain from ruffling any feathers if i have done so, i truly do apologize."
To which Reprensentative Bharrai responds, "It is understandable. As was mentioned before, you have intentionally been kept ignorant. It would perhaps be best to avoid interaction with the other delegations, but to respond to direct questions.”
Thedan formally introduced himself, "I be Captain Thedan, Master of the Seas, and mighty wizard! I will not be the bobble to be playing by some planar trash."
The ursinal leans forward to regard you with a quizzical expression. “If you do not believe you can act as a witness, you may step down. I will not compel you to remain here.” The pit fiend grins maliciously at this statement for some reason.
Tex "I have personally fought side by side with this Gentleskeleton and i can assure you, while their language may be...direct they have shown nothing but the best of judgement in the past"
A bit confused, Bharrai replies “Of that I have no doubt, but they seem to be expressing reluctance to participating in the process.”
Thedan responded, like a snake in the grass. "Lets not be hasty... A lot of things be said but I'm willing, but perhaps a sign of good faith be needed from the good delegates?"
The canine angel visibly bristles, but is stopped from speaking by a barely raised hand from the lead angel. "What would put your mind at ease?" The Fungoid, quiet for most of this discussion, buzzed, "The magic in our things turned back on."
“If that is all you require, then we have made this gesture already. Per the agreement, your belongings had their magic restored when you first arrived in Elysium.” informed the lead angel.
Then came Thedan's sneaky strike, "A trifling matter I assure you. Just perhaps the true names of those present. A simple gesture."
The lead angel recognized the trap before it was even sprung. “What you ask is hardly a trifling matter. If you require our true names spoken in the presence of our greatest enemies, then we would just as soon have you not participate.”
And the skeleton retorted, "What you require is hardly a trifling matter. You're asking us to submit to god knows what kind of magic. How do we know this isn't a trick? Ye won't even be giving ye name, or have offered compensation for are services."
“My understanding was that the compensation was the return of your friend following their unfortunate planar displacement. If you fear this to be a trick, as I have said before, you are not compelled to remain.” reminded Representative Bharrai.
Clearly displeased, Thedan's complaining continued. "Aye, ye have thee right of it.... Before we knew the level of risk involve, and now I hardly trust a room of outsiders who won't even give a gesture of trust. I wish to remediate the terms of the contract."
Somewhat unrelated, the fungoid looks over to Tex. "We are glad you came back."
“What you wish to do is irrelevant, mortal. Stay or go. That is your choice to make.” The pit fiend, growing agitated with Thedan's arguments, snarled.
This seemed to get the skeleton pirate aligned and on track with the others. "I'll stay, never let it be said Captain Thedan has less honor than the gutless outsiders. Trust me we will be seeing each other again."
The ursine pauses for a moment quizzically. “You are a very strange person to call attention to the others' lack of viscera, but if you wish to stay, then I believe we can proceed.”
"I've been called worst. Proceed ye bucket of rusty bolts."
As Duncan listens to the back and forth with little interest, he closes his eyes in a light trance.
“Well met to you all, I am Duncan. I come to this meeting with high hopes of an unbiased mind and keeping things at a balance." He looks to Bharrai.
Thank you for allowing us to introduce ourselves, I should like to think we can do so without fear of being interrupted or chastised. Material Plane dwellers see quite a variety of things and are therefore perfect candidates for such an arbitration. We, by nature, have the most fairness and unbiased thoughts no matter our race or gods. It is why we are here. Now I suggest all take a seat so we can begin.”
Representative Bharrai nods sagaciously at Duncan's introduction. “Well said. The wards are in place, so empty your mind and as testimony begins you will feel transported. You will find yourself facing memories; reflections of the distant past. They will seem real to you, speak to you and react to you, but they will not see you for who you truly are. I would not recommend pressing them or contradicting their perspective. For one, their reaction will only be an approximation based on the condemned's recollection of them. For another, such deviation from the course of events will make it more difficult to determine if another avenue was available to Olanthius at the time. With that said, let us begin. Olanthius...”

Visions of Olanthius

---

Silence falls over the chamber as the figure in the center pulpit lifts his head and begins to speak, his voice slightly muffled and faintly reverberating as though trapped beneath thin glass. “My name is Olanthius of Elturgard, and I was once a mortal man...”
With every word, the walls of the court fade further and further into blackness, the rows of observers vanishing one by one until only Olanthius remains in your view, before finally disappearing as well. For a hearbeat you sense nothing but darkness and the low hum of his voice, but on the next beat, you find yourselves standing on a rolling plain of waving golden grass, astride a horse standing haunch to haunch with a massive cavalry detachment, arranged with military precision arrayed facing... nothing. An empty field lies before you.
“I rode at the head of the Riders of Elturel, the finest army ever fielded by Elturgard. Though only a Commander, I had the ear of General Yael, and gave counsel to... Zariel, Champion of the Dawn. For mortal eyes, the sight of something so resplendent, left the mind blank and the fingers numb...”
A ray of sunlight fell across the field before the army, accompanied by rolling thunder, as a winged mammoth covered in radiant gold fur descended from the skies.On her back sat a rider with pale features and unmatched beauty, holding a glowing sword aloft. Her eyes were covered in a blindfold and she wore a toga the color of the morning sky, the ends of both streaming behind her in the wind. As the mammoth landed, it turned to face the same direction as the army and the angel lifted her sword even higher. The assembled warriors cheered.
“Yet I was expected to not only function and fight, but also to lead and make sound tactical choices. No easy feat. We had been fighting the forces of Yeenoghu for months, loosed upon the world at the Massacre at Idyllglen. Today, however, we were to take the fight to the source. The demons were pouring through a break in the devil's battle line on the shores of the River Styx, and from there escaping to the Material Plane through a rift in Avernus.”
A small detachment urged their horses forward, moving to join the angel Zariel at the head of the army. A woman with a scar on her face turns to look at you.
“Come along Olanthius. She'll be expecting you.” Commanded General Yael of the Hellriders.
As she speaks, you begin to notice the others in your party. All are astride horses in close proximity, as you look at them, you see the recognition in their eyes of you, as well.
The knight looks about for his companions. Perturbed at the experience but aware that he's in the shoes of Olanthius, he wonders if his companions are in possession of the bodies of others, or if they all, by some inexplicable means, are experiencing the same thing through Olanthius' eyes. He'll then respond to General Yael. ”Yes, of course. Lead the way, General.”
Thedan looks on the events in silence waiting for his moment while Cordy tries to eat the horse before the edges of the memory pull them back in line. Tex plays along, even though his attachment is more of a small skirmish style of fighting and there isn't a way he'd ever be in the midst of an army, he knows what is expected at the time and follows the along to the general.
The contingent moves out and you see a contingent of robed mages spread into two circles approximately eighty feet apart, chanting in some sort of ritual. A dark haired man, Commander Haruman, brings his steed close to yours, with an eager expression on his face as you approach the main command group.
“The day is finally here, brother! Can you believe this? We are riding into hell itself to finally end this war!”
General Yael looks back briefly with a distinct expression of disdain. When she turns to face forward again, it is clear that her mind is occupied with the battle to come.
The Cohor version of Olanthius will let out a sort-of smirk. ”Yes, who would have imagined such a thing... Though we haven't ended it yet and have much to overcome. Lead bravely, eh?”
“Yes! You have the right of it! There is so much glory that awaits us, and we're at the forefront. Our names will echo throughout history!”
”Ah, but don't let your fantasies precede the dreadful work to be done! We shall celebrate afterwards, when all is said and laid to rest. For now, our task is to prepare and steel our men.” He then says louder, so those men surrounding him can hear. ”Not a man's resolve can waver. We do this for our nation, our freedoms, our families! We fight, so we can return home!”
The massive golden winged mammoth releases a trumpet from her trunk which resonates through the air following your declaration and a cheer rises from the soldiers behind you.
Suddenly, there is a tearing sound like sailcloth being ripped apart by hurricane winds, and a rift of absolute darkness appears in the air ahead of the army. It grows wider and wider, until it is spread the full eighty feet between the two groups of mages, rising just as high into the sky. Through the hole in space, you clearly see a pair of towering stone doors, with a bas-relief of nightmare creatures locked in combat with winged figures assailing them from above. With a tremendous impact like a landslide in a thunderstorm, the doors grind open revealing a blasted landscape of fire and ash dimly lit by a tortured sky of roiling clouds, back-lit by fey light.
Olanthius voice came into each of the heroes minds as they stepped into hell. “A cheer rose up from the army as the mounted warriors formed into a single column behind the charging mammoth and began to stream through the portal, riding at a full gallop into the gates of hell. Their elation died almost immediately. Instead of the scattered remnants of wandering demons, lost in the wilds of Faerun, we found ourselves facing the rigid lines of the war parties of Avernus. The legions of devils cared not that we had a common enemy, they only saw a brief respite from the monotony of their endless Blood War. Though we numbered many, the legions of hell were beyond counting. I held the line, keeping close to Zariel, but many others did not share my mettle, nor my willingness to die for the cause...”

[BEGIN COMBAT ENCOUNTER 1]

“As the legions of hell descended upon our command, shying away from the glory of Zariel atop her golden steed, it was then that I witnessed the first betrayal... Colonel Derralden turned his steed for the gate and began a rout, fleeing the field of battle as his courage left him.”
“Faced with the endless warriors of hell, and led by the coward Colonel Derralden, our reinforcements turned and fled to save their skins, leaving our flank exposed...”
“Then, just as the fiends began to surround us, the rift leading back to Faerun disappeared. Torn away like a sheet ripped from a line of washing, leaving us staring back through the open arch at the endless scorched lands of Avernus. Colonel Derralden had twice betrayed us, breaking the ritual which had opened the Gate and stranding us in hell to die.”

Hero Roster

• Tex (Level 8 ?? Wizard)
• Ophiocordyceps Fungoid (Level 7 Spore-thing Ghost Druid)
• Cohor Pithedaiya (Level 9 Revenant Paladin)
• Thedan (Level 7 Skeleton Wizard)
• Duncan (Level 8 ?? ??)

Associated Articles

• Dragonsmoke Archipelago
• Quest Report: Elysium Excursion
  • Location
    • Celestia
    • Elysium
    • Wildcross Harbor
  • NPC
    • In Vision
      • Zariel
      • General Yael
      • Commander Haruman
      • Olanthius
      • Colonel Derralden
    • In Person
      • Olanthius
      • Representative Bharrai
      • Oadhabochel of Solania
      • Nabushanafel of Maladomini
  • Referenced Location
    • Elturgard
    • Avernus
    • River Styx
  • Organization
    • The Iron Coin
    • The Court of Unity
    • Riders of Elturel
  • Historical Event
    • Massacre at Idyllglen

Report Date

15 Jan 2021