"Faith might not be enough," Bel kept his heavy gaze on Ordrag. "But I would not be the one stopping you. If she refuses you... how far would you go to save your precious city?" Where before Bel avoided any open conversation about interfering with Zariel's plans, now he seemed to go all out. Smiler was right about the scope of the battle, the stakes - and the opportunities.

"Would you kill for it?" The name was not said out loud but it was obvious and Lulu jumped forward: "We are saving her! By any means we can!" Little elephant did not back down staring into black pupilless eyes of the fiend that ignored the golden annoyance and leaned forward a bit looking into the very soul of each of you. "Would you kill for it?" repeated the Archdevil.

Ordrag looks on proudly as the tiny hollyphant makes her impassioned declaration. But it is with a sad smile that he admits: Zariel's salvation is not assured, Lulu. She has the freedom to choose for herself. And should she elect to remain as she is, then our thoughts must turn to the innocents that have been enslaved by her actions.

Facing Bel once again, Ordrag declares: My companions have sworn to restore Elturel, and I too remain bound by this oath. If it cannot be accomplished by the redemption of Zariel, and should she prevent us... (and he turns again to look at Lulu) then the answer is Yes.

     Polly fidgets.  She crosses her arms.  She looks at Bel then quickly moves her eyes away and looks at Odrag.  Realizing her arms are crossed she uncrosses them.  The puts her hands on her hips, then decides that's the wrong look and tries to figure out just what she should be doing with them.  Realizing she is staring at Odrag she quickly tears her gaze away and ends up staring at Bel again.  During all this she unknowingly flutters a few feet up off the ground.  Once she does notice that she immediately stops her wings and then regrets it as she drops and almost lands on her tail...  Finally, totally annoyed and unsure, she raises up her Cloak of Flies to assure nobody comes too close to her... ((5-ft. aura of flies that grants you advantage on Intimidation checks, but disadvantage on all other CHA checks. A creature that starts its turn in the aura takes +5 poison damage.))

     "Ummm, yeah..." Polly says softly...  "I'll do whatever the boss says..."

Choir nods, hoping it will never come to that.

"Elturel is my birth home.  It's where I've lived, where I've trained, where everyone I've known and loved is at.  Current party excluded." Adray begins.  Absentmindedly his hand went up to the space above his dragon mark.  He then lowered it.  Taking a deep breath he adds, "This may be the last of the slack on my leash.  I agree, that we should do what we can to redeem her but if all else fail, there is no other recourse."

Fran would look to Lulu. The artificer intends to finish what she starts, no matter what. The most precious of gems come from the greatest pressures. “Aye, we didn’t come here cause it’d be easy.” Ruby would look back to Bel with a nod as she’d give her Steel Defender a signature hearty hollow pat on his side. “‘Sides, be borin’ if it was.” A mischievous grin would grow on her lips. 

"Glad to hear you have what it takes." ("We are saving her," repeated Lulu with such a devotion, it could move a mountain, but ancient evil ignored her.) "The final push is about to start," he closed his eyes for a moment, "in four hours. This time it will include some demon lords - Zariel made a few personal enemies in Abyss, they will pay a visit. When you arrive, she will be in the middle of combat, tired, probably wounded - a good opportunity, do not waste it."

"You would not be able to get to her on your own, I will send help with you - my personal troops," he looked at Fran and Adray, "and those who volunteered," - a shadow of the smile touched his lips - "to join them. Not all a versed in your plane language, here is how you could talk to them." He did not even need to snap fingers or something like this - and imp with peculiar helmets appeared as if out of thin air handing them over to Ordrag, Polly and Choir, while Bel noted to Adray "I sent a word. Your helpers are already here, I believe." Indeed, the massive figure - that cobalt-blue turtle you saw at the "dragon tower" was standing at the entrance looking at Adray as coldly as Bel himself "Come" was the only thing he said.

"As for you," Fran was personally honored by fiends glance "your bands are awaiting you near the battlefield already." (Smiler winked and grinned.)

"You might want to use these potions as well." (Another imp immediately brought five amber-colored potions) "Rest, get to know your unit - and go. Remember - the sword is the key. Use it and - do not disappoint me."

Before disappearing, Bel one last time looked at each of the group member, making sure his words understood well. The message each of you got in your mind, pretty much repeated what was said already, archdevil simply wanted to make a point. Then he vanished.

Polly

 Adray

 Fran

 Choir

 Ordrag

 ((P.S. Helmets: variation of Helm of Devil Command - to communicate with the unit, potion - Potion of Watchful Rest - you get long rest while traveling to the battleground, health wise! Not spellwise!))

((How are we travelling to the battlefield?  If Polly can just sit back and ride in the tormentor or such then can she squeeze in a short rest in that 4 hours?))

((Traveling will take longer, the idea is to have those already fighting to be tired enough and for everyone get that long rest during the travel. Polly surely can travel in Tormentor))

     Polly tucks her helmet under arm and her new potion into her pack, throws a jaunty and sarcastic salute to Bel, and then heads back to the Tormentor with a mind to sit back, kick her feet up, and rest and recover her spells.  

     OwImp hangs around with the rest of the company...  Just generally lingering to catch any plans or changes in plans that Polly may need, and ready to call her attention if she is needed before they depart.

Choir realizes that this will be the biggest, most important thing she has ever done in her life, and may be the biggest, most important thing she has EVER done. And may be the last thing she ever does, if things don't go well.  In the hellish landscape, Choir drops to her birdy knees and prays to Akadi, in her mind, begging the goddess of air for her aid and support in the coming battle.  And for her to pay attention for a while instead of wandering off to watch butterflies.  And, just maybe, for some early flight capability...and anything else that might help.  4

((I love Divine Intervention!))

Choir looked at the ever-red dark cloudy sky of Avernus and prayed to the Goddess that did not need followers even for amusement. And yet, something inside little kenku sang happily, even here, until the sound of the hot howling wind of hellscape begun to play the same melody in her ears, and in it, she could hear the voice of her indifferent deity. Perhaps the task in front of her was indeed that big that even Akadi could not ignore it, or may be Choir's devotion to that one task was finally recognized, but something did change while she prayed: Soft sound of feathers against the metal of Choir's armor was so unexpected, she had to look what caused it. Wings, very real, true wings of her own - just as she imagined, as it was described in the old books!

But there was something else, or may be someone: strange creature, no - many creatures! - looking like a transparent whirlwind filling something resembling an armor, carrying heavy flails in the armored hands. They were appearing one by one, unmoved by the wind around them, all standing by Choir as if awaiting her command. All she had to do - is to give an order.

Ordrag looks over the small army of devils before him. The memories of his old life still lingered, but they were like the memories of another having been told to him in tales. Still he recalled the years of serving under the leadership of others, of taking orders, of being led and inspired. And for the first time Ordrag was now in a position to lead. But how? He was nothing like these fiends and detested them, and was planning to convert or potentially destroy their own commander. Quickly he collected his thoughts. Then, spreading his wings and raising the sword in front of him, he spoke:

Disciples of Bel! I stand before you as one who should not be here. Indeed, the day may come when we meet each other on the field of battle as enemies. But it is not this day. Today we fight together. Today we will carve a path through the demon invaders such as they shall not soon forget. Today we fight side by side with a common goal: To bring an end to Zariel's rule of Avernus, and to send her back from whence she came. Long has Zariel led the armies of Avernus. True, she has held back the demonic hordes. But Zariel does not belong here any more than I. Zariel is not one of you and more than I. Call her what you will: an imposter, a usurper. Today, with your aid, I shall confront her. The time has come for the rule of Avernus to be returned to one of it's own, for a true devil to lead the devils. Because better the devil you know than the devil you don't!

Persuasion: 10

As Choir kneels in the dust of Hell, a faint breeze ruffles her feathers, then begins to swirl around her.  The swirling pillar of air increases from a zephyr to a whirlwind.  Choir remains bowed down, as the back of her plate armor cracks open, and great black wings sprout from her shoulders.  Meanwhile, more little whirlwinds form around her..a few, then a dozen, then a few dozen.  The pillars of swirling air and dust coalesce into the forms of armored air elements.

One steps forward and salutes Choir as she staggers to her feet. "Favored child of Akadi, command us!" the elemental intones.

Choir looks at the new army in shock and says, in a strange, gravelly voice she has never spoken in before, "....Okay."  She blinks in astonishment and says, "I...have...words!" Then, twisting her head around to stare at her shoulders, she adds, "I...have...WINGS!"  She spreads the huge, black, crow-like wings, and with a shriek of joy, takes off.  The elementals swirl after her as she flies, making loops and circles in Akadi's free sky, until finally stumbling awkwardly to the ground in a heap. "Going to take...some...practice," she says happily.

Polly wanted to hide.

     To curl up into a ball and die.

          Then to hide.

     Then to die all over again...

And then to hide.

     It wasn't the upcoming battle that had Polly nervous.  She wasn't excited about it or anything crazy, min you, but she had long ago learned to suck it up and do what need to be done...  But that didn't include leading a legion of demons.  

     It most definitely did NOT include giving them a rallying speech...  In front of them all.  With them all watching her.  And listening to her.  And judging her...

     Yes.  Polly was sure of it.  She was most definitely going to puke.  And then die.  Or hide.  But definitely all three in some order or another...

     Screw it.  You're not Pollymorpha Greendale anymore, she told herself.  You are Polly Wog!  And whether you know what that means or not, you can start deciding it right here and right now by just going up there in front of them all and doing it.... Polly gulped.  Then she walked to the from of the legion plus 20 more paces, turned around to face them, then fluttered up about 10 feet so she could view each and every one of them.

     "Hellllllllllllllllllllllllllll-OH, Boys!"  It came out exactly as flirtatiously as she intended and when the Bone Devil's reacted as boys do to such thing, even hell boys, she rewarded them by striking a pose!

     "Who here is ready to get everything they ever wanted??" Polly shouted out like a rockstar warming up a crowd, or perhaps as a female bar trying to rile up a tavern...  "Who is ready to climb up that corporate ladder by stepping on the faces of all those who have been keeping you down???"

     "Are we going to allow some OUTSIDE to come in here and rule us??"

     "Are we going to let some underlings rise up and take our place???"

     "ARE WE??????"

     "Or are we going to show them all what hell is really about???"

     As Polly got the crowded Bone Devils more and more heated up with her words, she floated amongst them and also heated them up with dramatic poses, gentle touches and flirtatious kisses.  Polly had never even dreamed of trying to play the role of temptress before but this day, at this time, she was truly feeling like she had left the old Polly behind and was - if you'll excuse the phrase - coming into her own.  She would use each and every single charm, wile and bit of charisma to get these boys wound up and ready to do whatever she demanded of them!

     "We will crush those who come after us!  We will demolish those who stand in our way!  And we will grab our glory and spoils and we shall relish the taking of everything we want!!!"

     "And you won't all be standing when this battle is through...  But I promise you I will....  And I promise you...  I promise you...  I will see that you are rewarded!!!"  And with the final teasing taunt, Polly gave them a wink, blew them a kiss and then started leading them forward!

Performance / Persuasion:  18

((lol, I guess the new Polly couldn't pull of the sexy as much as she thought!  So much for a 20 charisma...))

((Let it never be said that a dice roll can overcome good RP!))

Bel was not there to witness Choir's transformation but undoubtedly was glad to hear report about the divine addition to the army he sent after Zariel (not that the sides cared much about each others happiness). Devils, left out to deal with there new, even if temporary, commanders, were unsure, though, how to take it. Little imp that handed over the communication helmets  earlier made a move toward now suddenly talking kenku, but looked at the closest myrmidon and flew aside turning invisible even. Aside of that little incident, no one really moved and yet somehow there appear a gap between Choir's army and the units of devils.

Fiends of Hells are disciplined creatures (those that are smart enough, though stupid do not live long here) and despite the complete and utter incompatibility of Ordrag and the mixed collection of devils entrusted to him, the evil glares new commander got were no more vile, than he had before his ascent - just comfortingly ordinary devil's looks. They listened silently, but Ordrag had a feeling he did touch something in - well, not the souls, they do not have any, but their nature. Home is home, and those devils that fought in the Bloodwar, as selfish to the core as they were, nevertheless risked there existence here for the sake of keeping invaders of all kind out. Zariel was no doubts one of them while they all - with even less doubts - belonged to Bel. Ordrag would not get their personal loyalty, of course, but he could be sure in their devotion to the task.

The special forces that Bel allowed Polly to command, were equally silent when she was giving her colorful presentation, but the waves of emotions spoke louder than words. Osyluths or bone devils are expected to show absolute adherence to the tenants of devil's morality and all of it was there, the array of negative emotions - sadistic lust, jealousy, hatred, fury, anything one can and can not imagine directed towards all other beings. They equally enjoined her anxiety, seductive display and the promise of carnage. They were going to follow Poly - she was certain now and obey the order to the letter - but what exactly those letters say, only their true master could know.

Adray stood silent and watched as Ordrag and Polly addressed the armies that assembled before them.  He couldn't help but think how small it really was compared to what Zariel likely had.  He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose while he tried to reason out a plan when he felt a wind and shiver went down his spine.  Turning around, he nearly dropped to the ground from shock.  Choir, with wing spread took to the sky and with armored spirits?  Truly Choir's prayers had been answered.  A smile graced his face and he watched her fly for a moment.

Finally turning Adray tried to think on what he could do.  With a sigh, he sat down and closed his eyes.  Taking a deep breath he calmed his mind and went into his meditative state as he had practices all his life.  Though, unlike his life before their foray into Hell, his meditation was not one of calmness, it was one shadows with five sets of piercing eyes staring at him from the depths.  Picking the middle most ones to focus on he said in his mind, The end of the task I've set out to finish is upon me and my friends.  We have a chance to to release Elturel and in so doing save... I mean deny hundreds of souls from Zariel's possession and if all works out we rid Zariel from Hell for you to take her place.  I ask for your help to capitalize on this event to secure a path for you to take back all of Avernus.

The eyes in the shadows held steady for a moment and then retreated without word and the intimidating pressure disappeared.  Opening his eyes, he felt defeated.  He ran a hand through his hair and looked about the others again trying to think of a way to contribute beyond just being one more body.  Then he heard it, a low rumble.  Then he saw it, a dust cloud in the distance and it was approaching.  He stood contemplating on what to do as they drew near and then moved near himself.  The cloud was produced by an organized mess of men...No, these were not men, they were more dragonic in nature.  

Further waiting, the unit stopped before him and a familiar Tortle stepped forward.  It was Krull, one of the high priests of Tiamat here with what he explained as white adishai, faithful soldiers of Tiamat.  He explained how they would be there to help in this endeavor but it was all the the help Tiamat was likely to give and if he failed, he'd likely suffer extraordinarily punishment.  Adray expected nothing less.

Turning towards the soldier he took a breath and prepared to address them.  "Soldiers!  You have gathered for a cause.  Today we have a chance to pull off the greatest theft in all the Avernus.  We have a chance to deny Zariel of souls and power, to remove her from hell and give our Queen the ability to take rightfully take all of Avernus itself.  FOR TIAMAT!"

"The purest children of Tiamat" - as abishai of any color see themselves - were sitting around Krull with an expression of cold disdain on their pale gargoyles faces. It was not obedience but mere tolerance of the presence of others - regardless if the strangers or their own kind. Still, there was some hidden joy and anticipation too - personal forces of Tiamat have not seen much action since queen's ... nobody could say for sure was it imprisonment or self-isolation. The possibility to fight and to prove that each is better than the other - it excited pale devils.

Krull was watching unicorn with his expressionless reptilian gaze, making Mooncolor quite uncomfortable (as if the whole situation was not enough for that), but turned to listen Adray (with the same expression), and after the speech slowly nodded once. No less slowly the death-priest said "You talk well. Let us see how you fight." Whether it meant acceptance of his authority or not, but Adray could be sure that when time comes, these devils will follow and will fight.

Fran stood with her arms cross, resting back against a war machine as she watched Ordrag’s speech. He was the torchbearer, holding the ‘flame’ and leading the way, not just for the band of fighters before him, but for all. It was a heavy burden to bare... but he was not alone.

Choir knelt in prayer... and she was answered! The artificer felt herself lift away from her perch in awe and excitement as she watched their Kenku literally grow into her new wings. Her voice! She found her voice! Goosebumps peppered Fran’s skin. She even felt the fresh breeze against her skin when Akadi answered Choir’s prayers. I remember when Polly tried to help her find it... Her eyes would look for the kind hearted gnome.

Then came Polly’s display. Fran was well reminded that the little wizard was no more. That’s one ‘intellectual’ way to excite some bones... Fran would chuckle to herself. Good fer her. Hope it’s the trade she wanted. With a simple nod she’d look to Adray.

The silent monk. He was taking that moment to himself. And as she watched him breathe his steady breaths, Fran couldn’t help but think back to all the burdens he took on from the beginning. Before the mark, she fussed repeatedly over the stress he took on. Ever since he took the mark of Tiamat, she couldn’t tell whether it was a gift or a curse for him.

But who was she to judge what was best... for any one?

Fran’s eyes would then look to Mooncolour. Did they really do the celestial a favour? She could only hope so...

This was also the moment of truth for Lulu and Zariel...

The artificer would scratch her head wondering what she could offer the hollyphant. Then at that moment, she realized there was a pause. Fran would look around. Eyes were on her. She’d turn, seeing more Defilers looking her way. She’d glance to Smiler, pop a brow, then point to herself. Me? A soft groan would leave her lips. “Well I ain’t doin’ that.” A playful smirk would grow on her lips as she’d gesture to their moaning flirtatious tiefling and her climatic ending. “A’ight. Gimme a sec...”

Fran would clamour up onto the highest point of a war machine. She’d pop her hands on her hips as she normally does. ”Welp! I ain’t got no fancy sword an’ I won’t be blowin’ ya kisses. I do not pray to a god, and I serve no master on any plane.” She’d admit frankly. “So ‘ere’s the deal.” The artificer would hold her arms out and gesture around her. “It dun take a genius teh know shit’s about teh hit the fan.” She’d nod. “It’sa once in a life time chance. Now’s the time teh put yer best to the test. So get all yer gizmos an’ gadgets in the game. Mow down the monsters, pepper the pests in yer path an’ blow some bastards teh bits!” Fran would project her voice. “Chaos is coming. Seize it!”

Smiler applauded and whistled, some of the warbands members too "Smart one too, told you she'd understand," commented green eladrin and a tall pale figure on one of the Demongrinders narrowed its black pupiless eyes in Fran's direction. Compare to other very structured unvaried groups, warbands looked like ... well, bands - assorted mix of misfits from different planes, wary of everything, ready to anything, dangerous and unruly. Hell did not change any of this only polishing the strike of anarchy each of them had. And yet, they all were here today, united by the same goal. The deal had to be huge to bring those together, to join the war they fancied themselves to be free of - and Fran saw that, no, not devotion, but readiness and hunger for action. 

It was time to move. Five war companies looked huge when they were all standing around that formal flying citadel, and even though they did not cover the wast planes of hellscape like a cloud of locusts, it was a power to be reckoned with. The armies moved fast and surprisingly orderly, if not for the end goal and expected battle that smooth safe (for the moment) run across the red land could be even enjoyable. But at the very least it was restful - the potions worked well, or may be some other magic was at place too, but the trip felt far shorter than the group's travel to Bel's Fortress, and ended up too soon leaving formations at the sight of an epic battle taking place on an open field bordered by the River Styx.

Above the field and the River Styx Elturel still hangs in the air. The iron spikes that anchor the city have dragged it nearly to the river’s banks. Within a few hours, Elturel will sink into the Styx.

Hordes of distant demons fly around the city like gnats, and a battle rages fiercely beneath it. Thousands of fiends clash in Elturel’s shadow. And at their center stands a being wreathed in flame, striking down demons with tireless fury.

Lulu flew up, pointed at the figure with her trunk and trumpeted proudly, “That’s her. Zariel stands exactly where she always does — where the fighting is fiercest.” Indeed, the figure could be seeing miles away, even through the hordes of demons and devils fighting on the ground and in the air. All that had to be done now is to get to her.