Corlith is not entirely sure about flinging himself into empty space, but he is tied to the others and so by choice or dragged, he is also going over the edge.
Reed looks at Virro, smiles and nods. He leaps off , trusting to Virro’s magic. As he falls, he unslings his bow, nocks an arrow and holds it ready for anyone getting I. The way in their landing zone.
The group jumps off. Both willingly and not so much, but as they are tied together as one determined group, they go together. Lulu giggles a bit and starts pushing you away from the chain; away from the River Styx and away from the battle below. There are a couple of winged devils that seem to notice your descent and pause a bit as they watch you. Whether you finally have some good luck or not, they determine that you are not worth it and head off to fight some demons.
Lulu is quite successful at getting you all clear of the battle and you see Fort Knucklebone ahead of you. Just as you're all kinda getting used to the sensation of slowly falling, the spell wears off and you fall the last 20 feet to the ground, taking 6 bludgeoning damage.
You have all arrived in Avernus. Take it all in as you LEVEL UP to level 7!!
“Oof. A little warning next time please, Virro.” Reed says then waves a dismissive hand at the air by his head. “What are you lot complaining about? You can’t get hurt from falling.”
Reed bounds up and takes in their surroundings, judging how far away the fort is.
Virro jumps down to the ground and lands hard, getting the wind knocked out of him for a moment. He looks to see if they all made it safe, then starts to look around at his surroundings, trying to gain his bearings from what he saw above. He turns to look up at the city they just left for another perspective, looking up from below. After a moment, he closes his eyes, taking some deep breaths, holding his hands together and concentrating. Afterwards, his eyes pop open and he starts straightening his gear, preparing himself to go. "Everyone alright? I thought my magic would take us all the way to the ground, but apparently not.."
Corlith lands badly as well, but considering how bad it could have been he is quite relieved.
"Any landing you can walk away from...", he mutters, before looking around intrigued by their surroundings. He withdraws the map given to them by Sylvia and tries to get their bearings.
Guided by Lulu the hollyphant and discoveries made in Elturel, the characters start their trek across Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells, to recover the Sword of Zariel and free Elturel from its chains. Navigating the wastelands of Avernus might seem like a difficult proposition, but thankfully the characters have the map given to them by Sylvira Savikas. Corlith takes it out of his pack and as he looks, he does not see Fort Knucklebone on the map or Elturel for that matter. Sylvira warned them that it might not all be correct and that the creator went mad making it. But Lulu steered them well and they can see what appears to be a commanding Fort in the distance.
Anyone entering Avernus finds a blasted, war-torn battlefield unlike anywhere else in existence. Evidence of past carnage, such as the ruins of enormous war machines and fields of bleached bones, stretches across the horizon. Through it all, the River Styx winds its way across the plane as knots of demons and devils skirmish along its fetid banks. As the group walks, the River is to their West... you think.
The hellscape of Avernus sits under hideous clouds that obscure the vault of the sky, from which the occasional meteor streaks before crashing into the ground. Ambient light continually swells up from just below the horizon as though lit by nine setting suns, yet no actual celestial bodies fill the sky — no sun, moons, or stars. This constant twilight makes it difficult for the denizens of Avernus to track the passage of time. The atmosphere reeks of brimstone and burning tar, and hot gusts of wind shriek across the hellscape to scour the land below.
On top of that, biting flies, hellwasps, and blood-sucking stirges patrol the air, hunting for any source of blood to feed on. Swarms of them can grow so large that they blacken the sky and deafen the ears with the sound of their wings. You can see many clusters hovering throughout in all directions from where you are walking.
You all continue on your trek to Fort Knucklebone, a fortified compound that sits atop a low plateau that rises out of a crater-pocked landscape. At the center of the compound is a hill of rust-colored stone that resembles a hand clawing out of the ground, with gaps between the fingers. A jagged wall made of rock, bones, and metal debris surrounds this hand-shaped hill. Other highlights visible from this distance include a gatehouse, atop which stands a half-dozen small figures on watch.
Reed looks around as they approach Fort Knucklebone and shakes his head.
"I think I'd definitely be happier if no more towns get dragged down here," Reed says. "This place is awful. Though I suppose it explains why devils are so unpleasant. How could you not turn out that way if this was where you grew up."
He looks over at Lulu and smiles.
"These birds you saw, they're friends of yours?" Reed asks. "Strong and friendly enough that we just walk up to the front gate and ask to talk to them, or more acquaintances that we might want to sneak in to have a quiet word with?"
Ironmaiden looks over Corlith's shoulder at the map as the group walk. Not really being able to make heads nor tails of it without a permanent landmark nor a compass, not that a compass would likely work here either way, they mutter something to the tiefling as to not be overheard by the others,
"Corlith, your bloodline, tieflings that is, am I right in saying they are originally from the hells? I do not mean to pry, I just thought maybe there are others out there, other tieflings. Still here, able to lend a more sympathetic ear than the warring devils and demons"
After listening to what Lulu has to say in his mind, Reed nods and smiles at the flying elephant.
"Lulu isn't quite sure how things were left with these people she knows. And from the looks of that gate, we're not likely to get a warm welcome. We might want to find another way inside," Reed says. "Or wait until the people Lulu saw come outside."
Corlith looks up at Fort Knucklebone even as he replies softly to Ironmaiden.
"There are different varieties of tieflings, but it is true they are said to have a fiendish ancestry. I myself was not born of a tiefling mother or father, my parents are both human. From what I have found, my differences are likely due to some dalliance with a devil in my family history at some point. That might mean I have a fiendish bloodline, or that some pact or bargain was made long ago. I guess it doesn't really matter. Any tieflings who have made a home down here we should be wary of", he answers thoughtfully.
"Why don't we just go and knock on the gate. See what we are dealing with and go from there?".
With that suggestion offered, he ensures the straps on his shield are tight, and then brings his hand down in front of himself from above his head to his chest. A shimmering covers him for a couple of seconds before disappearing.
Action: Uses 5 sorcery points to engage Bastion of Law Special: Bastion of Law - 5d8
Virro readies his shield and pack, straps and regards the Fort. “Knock on the gate, eh? I guess we don’t have many other options. Or do we…”. He turns and looks around for Lulu, if he sees her, he focuses mental energy her way. “How should we approach, do you know what lies beyond those walls or who is looking out up there? Don’t suppose you can fly over the top and open the door, could you?”
"how many of us speak infernal or abyssal?" Ironmaiden asks whilst attempting some magical tinkering to disguise themselves somewhat as the kind of infernal animated armour that the group encountered in the Vanthampur manor.
"I can speak Infernal", Corlith replies, matters of factly.
As they get closer he looks to see what type of creatures occupy the gatehouse, and if they are ones they have come across before. Are they devils or demons or something else?
As the party continues their slow but steady march towards the fort, the creatures on top come into view a bit more. They almost look like creepy little halflings. With long scythes and big red hats. With the landscape as barren as it is, the creatures on top of the gatehouse have definitely spotted the five of you. They have all turned and watched you as you continue to walk.
Ironmaiden picks up a rock and scratches s spiral into it. "Here Corlith. Can you say a message of peace in infernal to this rock for me? 25 words or less" If corlith assists, the spiral will spark with a crackle of electricity at IM's touch and begin repeating the phrase out loud, IronMaiden then launches the rock up towards the little red men on the tower, hoping that even if the rock doesn't land, maybe they'll hear it.
"Sure", Corlith replies to Ironmaiden. "That's not weird at all", he adds a little sarcastically, but takes Ironmaiden at their word.
He speaks into the rocks in Infernal, "We come in peace to speak to those inside Fort Knucklebone. We humbly request entry". He then translates for Ironmaiden to make sure that was what they had in mind.
"Or do you want something a bit more generic?", he asks. If Ironmaiden replies that they do, he will then try again in Infernal. "We come in peace. There is no need for violence".
Ironmaiden picks the first phrase and repeats the words several times making sure to correct the enunciations that corlith points out, then when the charge is set into the spiral it begins spinning of its own accord, playing back the infernal message. Ironmaiden then launches the rock up hoping that it will land harmlessly at the red halflings feet, all the while repeating the phrase. IM then looks to reed as he points out the flaw in the plan as it is already in motion. "I failed to account that possibility, I may have made a mistake. I believe the vernacular Archie would use in this situation is 'My bad'"
Corlith is not entirely sure about flinging himself into empty space, but he is tied to the others and so by choice or dragged, he is also going over the edge.
Reed looks at Virro, smiles and nods. He leaps off , trusting to Virro’s magic. As he falls, he unslings his bow, nocks an arrow and holds it ready for anyone getting I. The way in their landing zone.
The group jumps off. Both willingly and not so much, but as they are tied together as one determined group, they go together. Lulu giggles a bit and starts pushing you away from the chain; away from the River Styx and away from the battle below. There are a couple of winged devils that seem to notice your descent and pause a bit as they watch you. Whether you finally have some good luck or not, they determine that you are not worth it and head off to fight some demons.
Lulu is quite successful at getting you all clear of the battle and you see Fort Knucklebone ahead of you. Just as you're all kinda getting used to the sensation of slowly falling, the spell wears off and you fall the last 20 feet to the ground, taking 6 bludgeoning damage.
You have all arrived in Avernus. Take it all in as you LEVEL UP to level 7!!
“Oof. A little warning next time please, Virro.” Reed says then waves a dismissive hand at the air by his head. “What are you lot complaining about? You can’t get hurt from falling.”
Reed bounds up and takes in their surroundings, judging how far away the fort is.
Virro jumps down to the ground and lands hard, getting the wind knocked out of him for a moment. He looks to see if they all made it safe, then starts to look around at his surroundings, trying to gain his bearings from what he saw above. He turns to look up at the city they just left for another perspective, looking up from below. After a moment, he closes his eyes, taking some deep breaths, holding his hands together and concentrating. Afterwards, his eyes pop open and he starts straightening his gear, preparing himself to go. "Everyone alright? I thought my magic would take us all the way to the ground, but apparently not.."
Corlith lands badly as well, but considering how bad it could have been he is quite relieved.
"Any landing you can walk away from...", he mutters, before looking around intrigued by their surroundings. He withdraws the map given to them by Sylvia and tries to get their bearings.
Ironmaiden lands on their feet with a clang, no knee bending, no bracing simply falling and then stood. "Ouch..."
They observe around and try to figure out where the fort ended up as they had definitely lost their bearings whilst falling.
CHAPTER 3: AVERNUS
Fort Knucklebone in the distance....
Guided by Lulu the hollyphant and discoveries made in Elturel, the characters start their trek across Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells, to recover the Sword of Zariel and free Elturel from its chains. Navigating the wastelands of Avernus might seem like a difficult proposition, but thankfully the characters have the map given to them by Sylvira Savikas. Corlith takes it out of his pack and as he looks, he does not see Fort Knucklebone on the map or Elturel for that matter. Sylvira warned them that it might not all be correct and that the creator went mad making it. But Lulu steered them well and they can see what appears to be a commanding Fort in the distance.
Anyone entering Avernus finds a blasted, war-torn battlefield unlike anywhere else in existence. Evidence of past carnage, such as the ruins of enormous war machines and fields of bleached bones, stretches across the horizon. Through it all, the River Styx winds its way across the plane as knots of demons and devils skirmish along its fetid banks. As the group walks, the River is to their West... you think.
The hellscape of Avernus sits under hideous clouds that obscure the vault of the sky, from which the occasional meteor streaks before crashing into the ground. Ambient light continually swells up from just below the horizon as though lit by nine setting suns, yet no actual celestial bodies fill the sky — no sun, moons, or stars. This constant twilight makes it difficult for the denizens of Avernus to track the passage of time. The atmosphere reeks of brimstone and burning tar, and hot gusts of wind shriek across the hellscape to scour the land below.
On top of that, biting flies, hellwasps, and blood-sucking stirges patrol the air, hunting for any source of blood to feed on. Swarms of them can grow so large that they blacken the sky and deafen the ears with the sound of their wings. You can see many clusters hovering throughout in all directions from where you are walking.
You all continue on your trek to Fort Knucklebone, a fortified compound that sits atop a low plateau that rises out of a crater-pocked landscape. At the center of the compound is a hill of rust-colored stone that resembles a hand clawing out of the ground, with gaps between the fingers. A jagged wall made of rock, bones, and metal debris surrounds this hand-shaped hill. Other highlights visible from this distance include a gatehouse, atop which stands a half-dozen small figures on watch.
Reed looks around as they approach Fort Knucklebone and shakes his head.
"I think I'd definitely be happier if no more towns get dragged down here," Reed says. "This place is awful. Though I suppose it explains why devils are so unpleasant. How could you not turn out that way if this was where you grew up."
He looks over at Lulu and smiles.
"These birds you saw, they're friends of yours?" Reed asks. "Strong and friendly enough that we just walk up to the front gate and ask to talk to them, or more acquaintances that we might want to sneak in to have a quiet word with?"
Ironmaiden looks over Corlith's shoulder at the map as the group walk. Not really being able to make heads nor tails of it without a permanent landmark nor a compass, not that a compass would likely work here either way, they mutter something to the tiefling as to not be overheard by the others,
"Corlith, your bloodline, tieflings that is, am I right in saying they are originally from the hells? I do not mean to pry, I just thought maybe there are others out there, other tieflings. Still here, able to lend a more sympathetic ear than the warring devils and demons"
After listening to what Lulu has to say in his mind, Reed nods and smiles at the flying elephant.
"Lulu isn't quite sure how things were left with these people she knows. And from the looks of that gate, we're not likely to get a warm welcome. We might want to find another way inside," Reed says. "Or wait until the people Lulu saw come outside."
Corlith looks up at Fort Knucklebone even as he replies softly to Ironmaiden.
"There are different varieties of tieflings, but it is true they are said to have a fiendish ancestry. I myself was not born of a tiefling mother or father, my parents are both human. From what I have found, my differences are likely due to some dalliance with a devil in my family history at some point. That might mean I have a fiendish bloodline, or that some pact or bargain was made long ago. I guess it doesn't really matter. Any tieflings who have made a home down here we should be wary of", he answers thoughtfully.
"Why don't we just go and knock on the gate. See what we are dealing with and go from there?".
With that suggestion offered, he ensures the straps on his shield are tight, and then brings his hand down in front of himself from above his head to his chest. A shimmering covers him for a couple of seconds before disappearing.
Action: Uses 5 sorcery points to engage Bastion of Law
Special: Bastion of Law - 5d8
Virro readies his shield and pack, straps and regards the Fort. “Knock on the gate, eh? I guess we don’t have many other options. Or do we…”. He turns and looks around for Lulu, if he sees her, he focuses mental energy her way. “How should we approach, do you know what lies beyond those walls or who is looking out up there? Don’t suppose you can fly over the top and open the door, could you?”
"how many of us speak infernal or abyssal?" Ironmaiden asks whilst attempting some magical tinkering to disguise themselves somewhat as the kind of infernal animated armour that the group encountered in the Vanthampur manor.
"I can speak Infernal", Corlith replies, matters of factly.
As they get closer he looks to see what type of creatures occupy the gatehouse, and if they are ones they have come across before. Are they devils or demons or something else?
Perception: 4+6=10 (Passive: 16)
As the party continues their slow but steady march towards the fort, the creatures on top come into view a bit more. They almost look like creepy little halflings. With long scythes and big red hats. With the landscape as barren as it is, the creatures on top of the gatehouse have definitely spotted the five of you. They have all turned and watched you as you continue to walk.
Ironmaiden picks up a rock and scratches s spiral into it. "Here Corlith. Can you say a message of peace in infernal to this rock for me? 25 words or less" If corlith assists, the spiral will spark with a crackle of electricity at IM's touch and begin repeating the phrase out loud, IronMaiden then launches the rock up towards the little red men on the tower, hoping that even if the rock doesn't land, maybe they'll hear it.
"Sure", Corlith replies to Ironmaiden. "That's not weird at all", he adds a little sarcastically, but takes Ironmaiden at their word.
He speaks into the rocks in Infernal, "We come in peace to speak to those inside Fort Knucklebone. We humbly request entry". He then translates for Ironmaiden to make sure that was what they had in mind.
"Or do you want something a bit more generic?", he asks. If Ironmaiden replies that they do, he will then try again in Infernal. "We come in peace. There is no need for violence".
(OOC: Ironamaiden - pick a phrase :-) )
Reed watches the little demon-halflings with some interest then listens to IM's plan.
"Do you think throwing a rock at them, regardless of what it says will make them like us?" Reed says as he watches the rock sail through the air.
He then looks back at Lulu.
"What were the names of the maybe friends you have here?"
Ironmaiden picks the first phrase and repeats the words several times making sure to correct the enunciations that corlith points out, then when the charge is set into the spiral it begins spinning of its own accord, playing back the infernal message. Ironmaiden then launches the rock up hoping that it will land harmlessly at the red halflings feet, all the while repeating the phrase. IM then looks to reed as he points out the flaw in the plan as it is already in motion. "I failed to account that possibility, I may have made a mistake. I believe the vernacular Archie would use in this situation is 'My bad' "