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You receive a missive with a Pathfinder seal; upon opening, you find a summons written on Dark Archives letterhead. It simply reads:
Meet me in Absalom directly, in the archives beneath Skyreach. Buckle up, my lovelies, we're going to Hell!
Signed,
Zarta Dralneen
Upon your arrival, you are directed to a small room within the archives, and told to await being briefed. There is a table set up with sparse fare, bread, cheese, and ale...
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Dioneo quickly arrives and sits as soon as he gets in the room. He looks at the food with disdain and asks for a cup of wine instead. Dioneo looks like a noble young man very confident with himself. With no weapons at his side, the very human-like ifrit wears long black and red surcoat with arms of a noble chelaxian house: a gargoyle and a tower. He waits with a smug smile.
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"Finally, the Croc has come back to Absalom", a huge reptilian humanoid says after a long dramatic pause.
The reptilian pathfinder is a hulking brute formed from slabs of muscle and mottled green scales with a crocodile's head. His massive brawny form is on full display as he's unclothed save a pair of dark briefs, a thick highly decorated wrestling girdle, and a glossy red cape that's draped around his broad shoulders. A tiny plover periodically perches on his jaw long enough to pick at the big man's teeth.
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Senator Jack Blakros and his small entourage had been waiting promptly in the archives for some time. Based on Zarta's past interests and the usual plans he had been summoned for, the noble attire was left behind in favor of looser crimson adventuring robes. His hand toyed with the leather of his sword's grip idly, sizing up the other ifrit. The Ulfen bodyguard accompanying Jack let out a sad sigh as he caught on to that and ran his fingers through the fur of Jack's griffon who had also been studying new people.
Jack just smirked, his eyes gradually growing a little brighter. "It's always interesting to see the teams that are requested. Will the group be balanced, specialized in the task, or be uniquely unqualified for what needs accomplished?"
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Dioneo looks at the pathfinders.
"Once again in this Society, we are up to be a freak show..." he sighs.
"At least, I'm sure we'll have a lot of fun", he says, pouring himself a glass of red wine from a personal bottle he takes from under his black and red robes.
"It seems like a Gamaret-Garanoir day to me. Strong, long yet subtle enough to be remembered for the years to come..." he declares, eyeing the ruby liquid.
The ifrit then seems to suddenly remember that he's here for something... Defending the city, perhaps? No, that was another day... Maybe... Hell?
The Baron uncrosses his legs and stands up. Nodding slightly, he declares "Baron Dioneo the second of his name of House Starnon in Westcrown. Pleasure to meet you."
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A dark-haired man with well groomed facial additions wanders into the room; a raven attentively perched on his shoulder. Pausing as he eyes each of those assembled in turn, his attachment to the 'Lady of Graves' is quite obvious. Aside from his large holy symbol, it seems most of his attire bears her markings as well.
Making his way to an available seat, he silently takes his place.
The raven flutters off his shoulders though and does a once around the room. "Hello there, fellow adventurers! I'm Allen, and that sultry fellow is my companion Edgar Poe. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"If your curiosity be peaked, his specialty is to manipulate the minds and battlefield. Pharasma has charged me with ensuring he survives."
"Do you think the letter was literal? Are we truly going to Hell? That is quite exciting!"
With a grunt, Edgar chimes in "Pharasma's blessings aren't lost on me. She offers a fair amount of options to this servant as well."
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An ebon-haired woman wearing modest traveling garb enters shortly after the others have settled in the room, an elegantly crafted mask of Tian make adorning her face. The mask does not conceal delicate horns emerging from her brow, the horns and sinuous tail moving silently behind her indicating devilish ancestry. She moves over to a chair that is out of the way and takes her time settling in it.
The woman does not actively contribute to the discussion, observing the others and their personalities. When talk turns to her and inquiries of her name, she hesitates just long enough to be almost uncomfortable before softly replying, "...my name is Sorrow...Nice to meet you." The woman looks away, as if conversation is painful, before continuing. "I...know some magic," she whispers, ...illusions...and can work with...traps." Sorrow trails off, fiddling with a loose strap on her pack.
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After a while, you hear voices seemingly growing louder as they near the room in which you await; looking up you notice Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin and Zalta Dralneen herself enter the doorway...
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.”
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Jack straightened up in his seat, not bothering to conceal the concern on his face. Without looking at either his mount or bodyguard, he gestured towards the exit expectantly. The Ulfen man raised an eyebrow and happily led the griffon away from the preparations.
"Didn't know it was going to be quite so literal. Won't allow either of those risking something they have no business doing so." His eyes darted to the two as they left the chamber before being directed back at Zarta. "I have my personal opinions on the matter of keeping passage to Hell open, but from a cold, methodical standpoint, why seal it? Take it past Ustalav, chuck it into the Worldwound, and let two problems sort themselves out. Devils and demons don't play nice together."
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She smiles impishly and concludes, “As you’ve no doubt heard your enemies shout, it’s time to go to Hell.”
Sorrow silently pulls out hannya oni mask from her pack, swapping out the two on her face with practiced ease that minimizes facial exposure. "...Dis?" she asks quietly after several moments, her tone discordantly clashing with the garish mask she now wears.
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"I have my personal opinions on the matter of keeping passage to Hell open, but from a cold, methodical standpoint, why seal it? Take it past Ustalav, chuck it into the Worldwound, and let two problems sort themselves out. Devils and demons don't play nice together."
Zarta pouts her lips. "Lovely idea for later, duckling...but I must be allowed to interview Gellius Thorne...this opportunity will not avail itself again..."
"So, how do we get back? What...aside from the obvious devils and heat and whatnot, should we expect to find?"
"I will be coming with you...so we'll get back the same way we came. I don't expect we'll find much other than what you just mentioned..."
"Well... A fun journey, it is indeed! Is there anything we should know about Vetrivides?"
"Vetrivides, is a bone devil tasked with sniffing out disloyalty and discord; he believes that Leventi or someone he associates with has
behaved in a manner unbefitting Hell. However, he lacks the authority and evidence to move himself, and needs our aid, hence our opportunity..."Zarta takes a deep and seductive sigh. "I'll answer the rest of your questions now. my lovelies, but let a girl catch her breath..."
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.”[/b]
“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."
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As Zarta answers your questions, it makes you think back on what you might recall more of the history of House Thrune and Gellius Thrune specifically.
You also try to recall what you may know of, or already heard about, the city of Dis.
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"Thrunes" growls Edgar.
Quickly the raven adds "He means they are a devilish bunch for sure."
"Oh, I'll say." adds Edgar. "Destroying history and information just for the sake of it...keeping unsafe artifacts to themselves..."
"You know they only won because Queen Abrigail I sold the entire nation to Asmodeus. Without the army she got in return, Duchess Lannavia Davian surely would have defeated her at the Battle of a Hundred Kings back in 4639. The Davian's really had a shot..."
"As for the city of Dis? Well, it has its own fun. Dispater rules over that part of the Nine Hells from the Iron Septer. His legions of devils roam the streets, enforcing his laws on the fiends and lost souls."
"I'd recommend you bring your own food and water...unlikely to find much worth eating there."
"Dispater's wife Erecura holds a little power as does the Erinyes Queeen, Eiseth...."
Trailing off for a moment, his eyes light up as he snaps, "Any of you lot good at navigating? A large chunk of the hellish place is a maze! While there is a bit of logic to the design, we'll certainly want to avoid getting lost."
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A tall, skinny man enters the room a bit late. His hair is unruly and unkempt, his clothes a bit singed in places, and he sports several bandoliers of vials across his chest.
Ooh, we have a bunch of fancy pants along on this mission. Anyways, I'm Ridley - I know pretty much everything about everything. Going to hell you say? Sounds like fun.
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Dioneo sighs.
"Fine, back to Hell, I guess. Of course, we should never trust fully Vetrivides. We are not foolish enough for this, aren't we?" he says with a smirk.
"Lady Dralneen, I take that you can word carefully a contract. Anyone else knows to do this drill? I have long lost my hand at that exercise. Westcrown has not seen me for a long time now."
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With a seductive smile, Zarta says, "Are you ready for Hell, my ducklings?"
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. Once you enter the portal, you experience the following...
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. Here, you made need this whenever we're separated.”
Zarta hands you a map:
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Standing, Edgar takes a deep breath and steps through...bracing against the rush of heat...and odor. "Well, we're in it now."
Glancing back towards the portal, he inquires "And what if someone does discover it and try to take a trip through? You do have precautions setup back home, right?"
The raven flitters through without hesitation. Pausing a moment as he looks to the open sky, his eyes fall on the legions of devils about. Slowly perching on Edgar's shoulder, he sighs "I suppose I'll stick with you guys for now."
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Zarta blows off Edgar's concern. "Of course I do, darling...you worry to much...oh, and perhaps I should've mentioned this before, but as Hell is aligned toward law and evil, we might be affected slightly, casters moreso, as we are not in synch with such..."
Strongly Evil-Aligned: Creatures who are not evil aligned take a –2 penalty on all Intelligence-, Wisdom-, and
Charisma-based checks. This penalty stacks with the penalty for not being lawful.
Strongly Law-Aligned: Creatures who are not lawful aligned take a –2 penalty on all Intelligence-, Wisdom-, and
Charisma-based checks. This penalty stacks with the penalty for not being evil.
Enhanced Magic: A spell or spell-like ability with the lawful or evil descriptor is treated as if its caster level were 2 higher.
Impeded Magic: To cast a spell or spell-like ability with the chaotic or good descriptor, a caster must attempt a
concentration check (DC 20 + the level of the spell). If the check fails, the spell does not function but is still lost as a
prepared spell or spell slot. If the check succeeds, the spell functions normally.
"Also, be on your best behavior. They hold strictly to the letter of the law here; blundered attempts such as bribery and other illicit activitiy can draw Dispater's attention, as well as his 'enforcers'. However, it will take several such blunders to draw his full attention...but if Dispater decides to intervene on someone's criminal activity, well, he or she might just be imprisoned...possibly forever..."
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Zarta plants her hands on her hips, and through pouty lips, saying, "Well my pretties, which place do you wish to begin our investigation, the market or the library? Since I know my way around, if you wish, I can explore one while the rest of you explore the other. And then we can meet back up and share notes..."
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Dioneo grits his teeth as he goes through the portal. Not having such a glance back, he stirs himself once on the other side. The Baron does his best to keep his composure, though you can easily tell he's unsettled by the environnement.
"Well... My previous question was: 'Is someone at ease with contracts, besides our gorgeous Venture Captain'? I never bothered to passion me for such a drill..." he declares.
Waiting for an answer, he nevertheless gives his mind over the choice the team has to make.
"I... would prefer not to face a devil tasked for sniffing disloyalty. You see... my father and his companions have had a tendancy of... getting rid of devils in my birthtown..."
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Jack looked around the plane and scowled at the new environment. "I have no idea if this is worse or better than the Feywild, but at least things are supposedly predictable and ordered here." He opened up his bag of holding for some safekeeping of scrolls. "I really like the idea of going to the library, but I don't read Infernal. Zarta heading to the library is not a bad idea. Walking the market is probably the easiest way to get familiar with the customs of the city and how to learn to interact with the denizens."
He gave the group a look of realization before a sly smile appeared on his face. "Actually, do any of us speak Infernal or are able to gain the ability to do so?"
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"Well... My previous question was: 'Is someone at ease with contracts, besides our gorgeous Venture Captain'? I never bothered to passion me for such a drill..." he declares.
The Croc shrugs. "Contracts are the specialty of the Croc's manager. The Croc prefers to focus on layin' the smack down on candy asses. This market sounds like the kind of place the People's Champion should be seen."
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"Well... My previous question was: 'Is someone at ease with contracts, besides our gorgeous Venture Captain'? I never bothered to passion me for such a drill..." he declares.
"...a little." Sorrow replies quietly.
"I... would prefer not to face a devil tasked for sniffing disloyalty. You see... my father and his companions have had a tendancy of... getting rid of devils in my birthtown..."
Sorrow moves quietly to interpose Leatherhead between herself and Dioneo, briefly lifting a theatrical mask bearing a frightened expression to her face as she does so; before returning the oni hannya mask to its previous position.
He gave the group a look of realization before a sly smile appeared on his face. "Actually, do any of us speak Infernal or are able to gain the ability to do so?"
"...yes." Sorrow says hesitantly with a slightly lifted hand.
Walking the market is probably the easiest way to get familiar with the customs of the city and how to learn to interact with the denizens.
"...Books?" Sorrow says for the first time at normal volume, seeming actually excited about something. She returns to normal whispers afterwards. "...market is fine."
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I speak infernal as well, and am quite proficient at navigating books. Plus think of all we could learn!
Ridley would vote for the Library, but it sounds like we're headed to the Market by group consensus (which I am fine with). Ridley has a +20 base on Linguistics, which I can get to +24 with a fairly small consumption of resources (My mutagen, wichh lasts a while + heroism, which also lasts a while), which then becomes a +20 after the penalty.
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Zarta gives a stunning grin, saying, "That sounds lovely, my darlings...I'll check out the library and we'll meet back here in an hour to compare notes...be careful, ducklings..." And with that, she's off...
You follow the map and reach the market with no problem...
The floating tower drips a constant rain of pitch onto the streets below and vibrates with a chorus of screams from the countless living tongues layered into its walls. In contrast, the upper portico hums pleasantly with commerce. Pergolas covered in thorny vines and quivering flesh loom over the maze-like cobbled streets. Snaking flames illuminate storefronts promising life, death, and everything in between, while tents of all shapes and construction host the quick patter of haggling and the predatory gaze of shopkeepers. Fiends, mortals, and more barter and deal, all under the watchful gaze of an enormous blue dragon perched atop the tower.
Exploring the market and mixing with the locals, you hear the following...
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Dioneo looks uncomfortable when Edgar mentions rightfully that the group will encounter the devil nevertheless.
He however quickly regains his composure to walk as the chelaxian noble he is in the marquet, trying to gain intel.
Once the group reforms after a bit of exploring, Dioneo shares the pieces of information he learned:
"I heard that merchants from around the multiverse offer wares ranging from fabulous physical treasures to emotions, experiences, and concepts. The sellers prefer more exotic commodities than gold in trade. However, mortal merchants here have particular interest in unsullied food and drink. I saw that the gnome Artinean Tecbright has been eagerly purchasing any food he can find."[b]
After a quick glance around, he adds:
[b]"Also, the erinyes Arenthea is a known associate of Leventi’s and seems particularly desperate to acquire any rare tomes or secrets."
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Jack did a quick walkabout as well and didn't come back with any additional relevant useful information. "I need to find a vendor to purchase a blue book of Dis. Assuming the Chelaxian isn't particularly familiar with this plane, finding a map wouldn't be a bad idea either. If someone sees a vendor offering either, say something. In the meantime, the gnome may be a good place to start. I have some drink I can offer."
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Dioneo nods in acknowledgement.
"As I just said, Edgar. Rare tomes or secrets. Do we have secrets to sell? As for rare tomes, I don't."
He sighs and looks at the gnome Artinean Tecbright.
"It maybe ain't much, but I can provide unlimited water. Well... I create mostly steam. But it can cool down into large amounts of water quickly."
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"I've no idea what secrets are actually worth anything. Difficult to remember what isn't common knowledge and what actually may have value to people here. Maybe talk about the Concordance and how eager Society was to ignore their leader being the cause of death of Pathfinders?"
Jack pulled out his jug and headed towards the gnome as well. "If looking for material plane provisions, I have sake, tea, or plum liquor available, hot or cold. I don't know what all you have to offer, but I would at the very least be interested in a blue book of Dis.
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The copper-haired gnomish vendor watches with much interest as you approach his establishment and he gives a warm and exuberant greeting...
"Welcome, travelers from the Material Plane, if me be not mistaken, to The Warm Welcome, heh, heh, excuse dat play on words. Me be Artinean Tecbright, merchant for an efreeti consortium. Long it be since I met mortal folk from dere...and long have I longed for news, as well as any food and drink, from dat lovely place..."
Eying Jack's jug, he answers the ifrit's query. "As you can see, lad, this be an armory and I have no sech book...but perhaps me can offer something else in trade for a taste of your wares," he says, while licking his lips in anticipation...
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Jack put on a sad face and sighed, playing up his disappointment a little. "Drat. I have no interest in armor and I have been looking in upgrading my sword, but I don't know if just a taste would be fair for a sword I'm looking for. What else would you be able to offer?"
Artinean arches an eyebrow. "I be speakin' of something more practical, laddie...for your jug, and for any news of the Material Plane, I'll let you use me room in de back of dis place, as long as ye have need of it. Plus, for the bargain basement price of 300 gp, apiece to be sure," he looks around to make sure no one is eavesdropping, whispering, "Eh can cast a spell on any of ye thet'll keep Dispater from lookin' yer way when ye be casting spells of a good or chaotic nature, or if ye be brandishing any holy symbols...shed last ye 'bout 7 hours or so..."
"I see...I myself have little use for arms, but what caliber do you carry?"
The gnome flashes a friendly grin, answering, "Whut caliber you be a needin'?"