Zarta Dralneen urgently requests the your assistance in the archives beneath Skyreach in Absalom. The vaults hum with nervous tension as researchers and guards hastily scribe warding circles and erect defensive constructs around a scorched circle of melted stone and smashed shelves. Nearby, a sphinx carefully directs the containment of several sparking crystals fallen from a smashed Osirion urn. Venture- Captain Ambrus Valsin keeps his eyes firmly focused on the scorched circle, while engaged in heated conversation with Zarta Dralneen. A handful of singed hairs mar her otherwise carefully composed appearance.
As you get closer, you can begin to hear the exchange between them. Valsin continues, “…a needless risk of agents and resources. Your countermeasures worked. Just accept that success and let’s be rid of the thing.”
Zarta gives an acknowledging smile to the new arrivals and lightly places a hand to direct Valsin’s attention. “We aren’t sure of another way to safely close the portal permanently. And here we have some of the Society’s best, eager to assist.” Valsin frowns, but Zarta quickly stymies further argument. “This is a risk but also an opportunity. Think of what censored history we might uncover from a pre-war Thrune. And if we fail, you’ll still have the pleasure of smashing the talisman. I have the experience and… this is something I need to do, Ambrus.”
Valsin gives an exasperated sigh, “If you don’t return and leave me to clean up this mess, trust that I will find you and give you a dressing down to remember.”
As Valsin stalks off, Zarta smirks as though about to make a cheeky response. She quickly refocuses, producing a dark iron talisman set with a ruby and inscribed with Infernal script.
“This, my friends, is a melancholic talisman, a device of diabolic manufacture that opens a portal to a specific point in Hell. It activated spontaneously yesterday, allowing a flight of imps access to Skyreach.” Zarta continues with pride. “The Dark Archive has prepared for such planar incursions after last year’s intrusions, and we quickly destroyed or captured the devils. With information gleaned from the imps, I carefully reopened the portal and ventured through. I found myself in the city of Dis in the Nine Hells. I learned through my contacts there of the talisman’s connection to Gellius Thrune, a scion of Cheliax’s ruling family from just after the Everwar about 300 years ago. Gellius sold his soul to a devil named Leventi. Another devil, the osyluth Vetrivides, noticed my investigation, as they too are investigating this Leventi for acting against the interests of Hell. If we can find proof of Leventi’s wrongdoing, Vetrivides will award us the soul of Gellius Thrune, who we can then question on how to permanently close the hellmouth. Vetrivides provided me with writs to act as their agent for the next 48 hours.”
She smiles impishly and concludes, “As you’ve no doubt heard your enemies shout, it’s time to go to Hell.” Zarta produces a bone scroll tube with two writs scribed in Infernal, detailing the Pathfinders’ right to legally move about the city of Dis as Vetrivides’ agents for 48 hours after arrival, providing one copy to you and keeping the other for herself.
|
Nellie snaps closed the notebook on which she has been jotting quotes from Zarta during the briefing and raises a hand to adjust her substantial hat.
"Well, I've never been to Hell, but there's some dives in the Bottoms that might give it a run for its money." She smiles at the thought of visiting a new place. "I can't imagine many agents have been to Dis. This is going to be quite the story."
|
|
"Greetings all, and may I say what a pleasure it is to work with you once again, Zarta. Esteemed colleagues, I am Antonaides de Guile, attorney at law. Should you require my services, either divine or of the legal variety, I will require you to sign this waver. Once you sign it, you will be entitled to any and all healing and buffing as I in my sole discretion deem appropriate, and your communications during this adventure will be subject to attorney-client privilege."
Antonaides unfurls a long scroll covered in closely cribbed writing. A smell of sulfur and brimstone wafts on the air above the parchment. A cursory glance reveals it to be full of 'wherefore' clauses, lengthy paragraphs defining terms used therein, and the phrase "the plenary authority of Hell."
"Zarta, your rights and responsibilities, are of course, governed by your own legal undertakings and I am, as ever, at your disposal."
|
|
”Dasha, say no more. Our Dark Lord has given me the ability to channel his blessing, making me uniquely well-suited to healing your wounds. I’ll hang onto your wand, just in case.”
“Nellie, rest assured you are in the very best hands money can put on retainer. Do, please check with me before quoting anyone on this adventure. Wouldn’t want to make any inadvertent admissions of guilt.”
Zarta gives a wry smile at your banter. "I can see I have assembled an excellent team. You may have questions for me before we go forth?"
Zarta answers the Pathfinder’s questions to the best of her ability.
Zarta brushes back a singed hair. “It is an immense city of iron and fire and delights
and torments of the flesh, with sights of wonder and horror in equal measure. Most
there will be eager to learn your heart’s desire and provide it at a price.”
“There’s risk. It may destabilize the portal, close it, or open it permanently.” Zarta appears lost in thought for a moment. “Also, I… we can’t miss this opportunity to question a Thrune who witnessed sights the current regime long ago excised from Cheliax’s history.”
“While Vetrivides is a convenient ally, there are other leads to pursue if you find even the temporary partnership distasteful.”
Zarta rubs at her wrists. “Rest assured, they will strip you of freedom and hope in rapid succession given the chance. Don’t let a friendly demeanor deceive you. But there are rules to this, and we can use them to travel safely. Keep to your word, and use caution in giving it.”
“I worked with and for Cheliax and House Thrune until about 5 years ago, after which my
employment ended on…poor terms. However, my training makes me familiar with Hell and its devils, and I still have numerous acquaintances willing to provide me intelligence. I hold them at more than arm’s length, though.”
Knowledge Checks may provide you with more information:
Knowledge (history) to know more about House Thrune and Gellius Thrune
Knowledge (planes or local) to know more about the City of Dis
Zarta adds one more warning: "We are entering Dispater's realm. We must be careful not to draw his attention. That is why I did not select any clerics or paladins of Iomedae or Sarenrae for this mission. Be careful to not cause a ruckus in the streets or break the laws of Hell, as you may garner Dispater’s eye. If you openly cast a spell with the chaotic or good descriptor, brandish the holy symbol of a chaotic or good divinity, or actively promotes the worship of chaotic or good entities while in Dis, you will draw the attention of Dispater. Antonaides can further advise you on acts likely to cause problems.”
|
|
"I've done a bit of research on House Thrune in the past, but all of my sources are tight-lipped when it comes to Chelish history. It's widely known that the Thunes came to the throne with diabolical aid during the Chelish Civil War. I've learned that House Davian, under Duchess Lannavia Davian, challenged Thrune for control of Cheliax at the Battle of a Hundred Kings in 4639 AR and was defeated by Abrogail I, but I've never heard of this Gellius Thrune.
Nellie tilts up her chin, trying to recall the contents of her traveling pack. "Dis is about what one would expect for a city in Hell, though we might want to bring in some extra provisions. As Zarta says, there are many experiences for sale in the market there, but we might have problems finding food and drink without putting our souls at jeopardy."
"Will those of use of a more...charitable bent...be uncomfortable in Dis? Traveling in some planes is rather distracting, I've heard."
|
As Kjetil signs the contract, he casually adds, "Also of note, Dispater rules the city, with other high-ranking fiends carrying out his will. The archfiend’s wife is Erecura, a demigoddess who rules by his side and exerts a more benign influence. The Erinyes Queen, Eiseth, also claims a portion of the second layer from her aerie, Widow’s Cry, for what it's worth."
Once everyone is ready, Zarta directs the melancholic talisman at the middle of the room and speaks the command word. The talisman’s jagged engravings twist and spin as if alive, and a wide, fleshy maw of teeth and fire tears itself open within the room’s warded circle. Thin films that cover the interior of the portal snap open like layered eyelids, slowly swelling outward as if under some great pressure. As the last membrane retracts, a blast of heated air billows into the
room. Through the portal, you can see the jagged towers and iron architecture of Dis. Zarta steps into the circle and through the vertical portal with shoulders set, motioning for you to follow.
Assuming you follow through . . .
The odor of seared blood permeates the choking, hot, smoky air. A low scream resonates from countless writhing bodies impaled on spikes atop the surrounding structures. Fiendish sigils adorn banners hanging from palace walls that stretch across city blocks, while a river of fire wends its way through canals below the nearby courtyard. Flights of imps patrol the bloody skies, while the winged figures of erinyes perch atop buildings, always watching. At the center of it all, a tower of impossible height stretches endlessly upward, its walls covered with gargoyles. Zarta checks a series of rods placed around the portal. “These should conceal the portal’s presence and keep anyone from accidentally wandering through,” she explains before looking around at the city and grimacing. “Ah Hell…being away for five years wasn’t long enough.” She gathers herself and continues. “We have two writs and, with only two days to search for clues across a very large city, I suggest we pursue separate leads. I have a good supply of sending scrolls, so we can reconnect.” She gestures along the canal. “In this direction lies the Fallen Fastness, a library of mortal sin. Vetrivides waits there and may have more information.” She gestures in the other direction, toward the river of fire. “Following the Andrimal this way leads to the floating Market of Breaths. Information and treasure flow there, and my contacts say Leventi’s associate Arenthea frequents the market. Leventi’s business dealings may offer some…” She smirks, “… damning evidence.”
Zarta provides you with six scrolls of sending.
|
|
"I have always found reading to be a worthwhile activity for self-improvement. Perhaps the volume of the screams will also be less there. I imagine even devils disliked being shushed by an infernal librarian. As it is, I'm having a bit of trouble concentrating."
Nellie shakes her head in an attempt to clear the haze caused by their Hellish surroundings, but, despite her best efforts to hide it, the environment has her shaken.
After an hour of searching, you've obtained the services of the imp, Artylget. He is not the most accommodating of guides, but does his best to lead you through the shifting structures of the Oppidian Maze.
+2 from Djetil auto aid
It takes you 2 hours to arrive at the Fallen Fastness . . .
This mountainous stone structure pierces the burning skies of Dis like a jagged thorn. A battalion of fiends monitors all visitors entering its hundred-foot-tall iron doors, while inside a legion of diabolic scholars moves through a maze of iron-chained shelves. Tomes silently beckon to prospective readers and promise infernal secrets, while bottled souls peer longingly or fearfully at passersby. Hundreds of floors stretch up from the atrium, and beneath the smoky obsidian floor, countless imps and other fiends toil over a scroll that spirals downward for miles.
The investigator Vetrivides, a nine-foot tall osyluth devil, waits impatiently outside Leventi’s scriptorium. Vetrivides looks you over dubiously as you approach. “The servants of Draleen? Where is your mistress, mortals? I should kill you where you stand for this insult.”
|
|
”Indeed, mighty Vetrivides. While we are no doubt deserving of having our souls rent asunder by your overpowering might, we have a writ issuing under your own diabolical authority. As your Excellency is no doubt aware, this writ grants us absolute protection while here in Dis.
“In answer to your question about Zarta, she thought we would cover more ground if we split up.”
Dashava is frightened for rounds.
Nellie is frightened for rounds.
Kjetil is frightened for rounds.
Vetrivides watches as three of you flee in terror at their terrible presence. Artylget the Imp laughs hysterically at the fleeing party members. Vetrivides turns to Antonaides, the smallest sliver of respect visible in the pinprick lights of their eyes.
“You will suffice in this difficult moment. Rejoice in your adequacy.” The osyluth’s stinger settles and the devil rises to their full nine feet, claws clasped behind their back, echoing memories of a dozen venture-captain lectures. “Phistophilus Leventi stands on the cusp of promotion, with only a final review remaining. My analysis into his work is part of that review, and I have found troubling indications of resources improperly allocated and also of clumsily executed language in his contracts. I am currently stationed here and unable to continue my work, however. You creatures will act as my agents in exchange for certain seized contraband, per my bargain with your mistress.”
The devil gestures toward an ironbound collection of parchment. “Here are my notes, including a list of Leventi’s suspect contracts that warrant further examination. Also, his agents have made several forays to the Ghetto of Outcasts. I have recorded their route as far as my agent followed. Pick up the trail from there to learn more. Also—” They flip musingly through a maze of text before settling a claw on a name. “Yes. Jarluxis. Seek out this other phistophilus here in the Fastness. She has lost several contracts to Leventi and has incentive to demonstrate her competence with a successful investigation of her coworker.” Closing the book, they refocus their skeletal gaze. “Hasten in your work. When your writ expires, so does your usefulness.” They pause and glare. “Go. Now.”
|
|
"I think 12 seconds of terror in the face of literal, personified evil is a fairly strong showing."
Nellie makes her way back to the entrance to the Fastness. "Though, repeated incidents of fleeing will certainly interfere with our thorough work here. I will attempt to keep them to a minimum."
Straitening her hat, she adds: "Shall we check out these documents and meet with the phistophilus while we are here, then repair to the Ghetto of Outcasts."
|
|
Once the fear effect wears off, Kjetil intermittently sprints and speed walks back depending on if he think others are watching him or not.
To the group, he seems to saunter back up to them, but if they aren't distracted by everything else going on around them, they notice he seems oddly out of breath given how casually he appeared to rejoin them all.
Artylget continues to snicker under his breath at most of you, and spends his time closer to Antonaides. You begin to look for Jarluxis in the vast building.
Diplo checks to gather info
Without much trouble, you are able to locate her on the 50th floor of the Fastness. There, she’s carefully wording a prospective contract for a mortal; she seems deeply involved in the task.
Jarluxis looks up sharply, clearly annoyed by the interruption, and then a look of disgust crosses her face (no Sense Motive needed, it’s that obvious). She seems to be about to turn you away, but then changes her mind as your words catch up to her understanding.
”My time is precious and I have much to do. And I do not work for free. I would be pleased to work out a deal with you. Assistance with your problem for a portion of your soul? Or a portion of your power? Or your emotions? I accept a wide array of Dark Bargains ™. Unless you have other services to offer, which seems unlikely.”
|
|
”Jarluxis, I understand you’ve been having some professional - ahem - difficulties lately. Vetrivedes had some sharp words for your contracting. I am one of the foremost attorneys specializing in infernal law on the Material Plane. Perhaps we could work out a trade. I could lend you my assistance pro bono.”
To Dasha: "Oh, all manner of things, but it sounds like you wanted information, no?"
At Antonaides suggestion, Jarluxis shows genuine curiosity. "An attorney from the Material Plane. Interesting. I have here a contract with a mortal. His soul in exchange for wealth and comfort. Could you read it over and tell me what advice you would give this mortal if he were your client? Then I can revise it to remove any clauses that you find to his benefit."
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
”First and foremost, the forum selection clause. A contract can stipulate the location where any disputes arising thereunder will be resolved. Most people don’t even read it or assume it will never come up—to the layperson and to inferior lawyers it’s just ‘the fine print’. But as you and I know, the devil is in the details.
Leave the clause in, but select Hell as the forum for adjudicating any disputes. Most lawyers are either goodie twoshoes crusaders or neutral evil dirtbags. Either way, their performance will suffer down here.
Second, I would advise my clients to never, ever sign such a deal (I mostly represent our Dark Lord’s interests). You think I’ve made it into the last five Who’s Who of the Chelaxian Bar letting my clients get crucified in a pit of choking sulfurous smoke?! Your biggest concern should be the sticker shock any counter party would experience if he/she thought for one minute about what they’re signing away. So, when drafting the terms and conditions, don’t write scary sounding phrases like ‘eternal damnation’. Instead, try phrases like ‘ownership and control of signatory’s immortal soul for such time as the counterparty (you), in (your) sole discretion deem appropriate’. Mortals are dumb, shortsighted, and have a limited attention span. Use that to your advantage.
Lastly, the acceleration clause. Mortals always try to get out of these deals. Insert a clause that says if they do so, then payment of their soul is immediately due and collectible. You can write a conjuration spell right into the contract so that you or your collection agent appears the minute they try wriggling off the hook.”