GOTG - Ambush at the Divine Gate

 GOTG - Ambush at the Divine Gate 

As the Guardians escape from the Astral Library and complete the Magister's challenge with some shiny new gear, they make their way to the Divine Gate. Meeting back up with Niben, Wulf’s father. They set out on their journey, not sure how long it will take and what to do when they get there; Corvus decides it would be a good time to commune with Iya and Oya to learn perhaps something that would help them in their mission to save Diego’s soul. However, to his surprise, he hears his gods in distress as it is unclear what the cause is, but the Guardians conclude that something is happening beyond the Gate. Nebin tells them they would be there within 12 hours or more at their current pace, but there is a way to speed the boat by empowering it with magic. The Guardians combined their spells and empowered the boat to reach its destination within an hour. Upon arriving, they witness the Divine Gate, which is under attack by Cultist members of the Cabal of Ascension.

Several Cultists and Gloomstalkers are storming the gate. The only thing that stands between them and the other side are two Celestial beings called Solars. They effectively repel the assault but quickly appear to be overrun. The Guardians intervene as allies and defend the gate and the Solars. With effective teamwork, the group dispatches many cultists with ease. Wulf and Eltuire broke through to the Solars and provided the support they needed to regain their advantage. At the same time, the cultists, seeing the tables turn, sacrifice themselves to call out for reinforcements. After a brief moment, portals open up, and several fiends known as Balors appear. The battle almost seems winnable until the remaining cultists also give their lives to summon more Balors into the fray. At this moment, Iya and Oya relay a message to Corvus that he must reach beyond the gate and complete his mission. They provide a final boon to Corvus and his allies, granting them enhanced abilities to deal with the Balors. Knowing what is at stake, the Guardians pull out every trick in the book, and as if aided by fate, they turn the tide little by little. Mira, a druid ally to the Guardians appears and also provides aid and empowers Eltuire, enabling her “true potential” as an adult amethyst dragon. Though quite possibly, a simple true polymorph could be a greater statement of how powerful Eltuire could become one day. Atheya combines her ape and draconic forms to create a powerful beast form that the Balors have never faced. Corvus evades and chips away at several Balors from afar and even successfully scares one away from the battle. Wulf and Blood effectively support the Solars and Guardians from a relative distance. One Solar sacrifices himself to destroy one Balor, and Mira provides the group with a much-needed Mass Heal spell, which causes her to be targeted and subsequently beheaded by the Balor’s. The Guardians, now rejuvenated, are able to destroy the remaining Balors.

After the battle, the Guardians formally introduce themselves to the Solar and request permission to go through the gate. However, to their surprise, the Solar knows their mission and allows them to pass. Blood inquires about some ammunition in the form of arrows but is unable to handle the type of ammunition the Solar uses. Eltuire, relating to the clearly omnipotent force that compels her to harass Blood, inquires about the Solar further, learning his name is Ibendu and the fallen Solar is Atrias. The Solar refers to Eltuire as Kin as she too, has celestial blood, insinuating that someone got freaky with a celestial at some point in her family tree. Ibendu tells the Guardians that the well they seek is the Well of Valorous Souls and provides a final boon(long rest) to the Guardians. Ibendu also promises that Mira will be restored upon their return or “whole.” The Guardians proceed through the Gate and witness Valoria, a sight usually reserved for the rested souls of the dead.

         

On the other side, the Guardians seek guidance from the Withered One. As they begin to commune, the Withered One appears and congratulates the Guardians on their success thus far. He leads them to the Well of Valouros Souls and tells the Guardians that it is time and to make it quick. Now, with one part of their journey ending, will they be able to revive Diego with his soul intact? How will they explain the mission to save the world, and how will they introduce Eltuire?

                                      

GOTG - No Safe Place

                                                 GOTG  - No Safe Place 1/11-1/18

1/11/24

    After returning from the Withered One’s space, the Guardians begin to prepare for what they must do to revive Diego, plant the seed, and stop the Wyrm’s Eternal by destroying the Conduit. Blood and Corvus make their way back to the Villa. Wulf, Eltuire, and Atheya head towards Nathee's workshop. Before splitting up, the group antagonizes Blood and El about their “will they, won’t they” vibes (they won’t). Once Wulf arrives at the workshop, he notices the door ajar and charges in; he finds Edward disposed of on the ground and Nathee nowhere in sight. Almost simultaneously, Wulf receives a message from Nirru in trouble, the High HIgh Tea shop explodes, and Atheya messages Vaughn to find that he, too, is under attack. Meanwhile, at the villa, Corvus and Blood are smoked by some unknown fire source from the floors below; Corvus and Blood act quickly and escape from the Villa. At this time, Wulf receives another message from Lady Kieva that someone wishes to speak with him and the Guardians within the hour. EL sends a message to Corvus and Blood to meet up. Before meeting up, the group is approached by a masked individual, but Wulf throws his axe at him before he can even speak a word, and the group incapacitates him. Eltuire searches his body for clues but only discovers markings on his body: “Long live the general.” The group discovers that these may be Fennec’s remaining forces. Wulf quickly hides the body, not before severely injuring the masked man. The group reunites before the chapel to confront this new and unknown threat. 

1/18/24

    The Guardians enter the Chapel and are guided to their pews; as they enter, they spot a body wrapped up in the back corner and Kieva being held by two servants of this unknown enemy. The chapel’s light is dark and occupied by several more servants around every corner. After moments pass, the Guardians witness the arrival of the three remaining officers under Fennec: Thokk Shullcrusher, Liscera Nightbinder, and Elara Deathwhisper. As negotiations begin, Liscera speaks first and makes an example of Kieva, breaking her shoulders. Starting off with tensions high, Liscera demands the soul of fennec held within the staff. At first, the Guardians try to discuss the situation and figure out more about the officers. However, Liscera is a “master” of negotiation and quickly makes an example of Sigurd and has him executed. She warns that she could have all the Guardian's allies killed and Nirruk's body revived as a slave that will wreak havoc; she furthers her point by rolling the head of the Divine Phinneas. Before she could execute another ally, Wulf tosses her the staff to save his mom. Liscera, ever so grateful, pulls out a weapon that cuts the staff in two, giving the Guardians the piece with Diego's soul. The officers leave with Nirruk's body and Fennec's soul, and the Guardians survive the encounter with most friends and family intact. 

    The aftermath of the encounter leaves the Guardians disorganized as they reach out to the allies and regroup at the cathedral. Lexa offers to bring components to help with the revival of Phineas, but the Guardians quickly learn that even with Kieva's divine intervention, Sigurd is unable to be revived. These new enemies have the means to prevent resurrection-like spells through some unknown methods. The Guardians and company decide to take the night to rest and plan their next steps. Vaughn, Nirru, Lexa, and Nathee will stick together to remain safe while the Guardians pursue the threat of the Cabal's ascension. 

    The next day, the Guardians refocus their efforts on saving Diego, purchasing supplies for the fateful trip, and making their way to the Ferryman to head towards the Divine Gate. In order to stop Fennec and the Conduit, they will need all hands on deck, Diego included. As Wulf approaches the dock, he sees a familiar face. There stands Nebin Rivenstone, Wulf’s Father.

        

GOTG - 12/21/23

 How to Save a Life

With time and options running, the Guardians seek to bring Diego back to chase down any more leads from Duvall’s Journal. The first step was to speak with Vaughn and learn more about the Cabal ascension, like-minded individuals whose purpose is to “survive the cycle” or the Wyrms Eternal and ascend. Vaughn reveals a limited knowledge of the ascension because Altisha is much older than him, and this “cycle” is not entirely familiar to him. Regarding reaching the Divine Gate, Vaughn presents the only available options of astral projection and plane shifting, both with their complications. Powerful Astral Dreadnaughts can sever the projection tethers and kill the Guardians. Physically going to the Astral Sea would require a vessel and a means to survive the environment. With that said, the Guardians are gifted with a tuning fork through Blood’s window, and they set off to speak with Nathee about a possible vessel.

Nathee informs the Guardians of a tinkerer named Corstock, who may have the means to rebuild a dominion ship to traverse the Astral Sea. Adventurers currently use another active ship, but seeking them out would be extremely challenging. The Guardians also contacted Mira about possibly meeting to help, but she is currently researching the Faewild and cannot meet; she informs the group that the cube she possessed was lost when killed and may still be in the Woodberry rubble from the Master’s old tower. Question after question leads the Guardians down to a difficult choice. The path to Diego will not be conventional, so Wulf chooses to summon the Withered One.

The Withered One appears with answers but not without a cost for each question (FP per level per question). 

• What were you before?

• Daes the Decievever

• How Daes to now?

• ---

• Nature of the Wyrms Eternal was asked by Aeon to devise a strategy.

• Are you trying to stop it or speed it along?

• In order to stop it the process has to be started

• Are you independent of the cycle?

• --

• Why are the Gods behind the Gate?

• To shield signals from Conduit to activate/Jams Signals

• Will seed destroy the barrier?

• It will begin destruction

• What was the reason behind the war of gods?

• --

• Will the gods help stop the Wyrms Eternal?

• No, but it buy time.

• Are you lying to us? 

• I do not lie, not anymore

• Describe the nature of the Wyrms Eternal?

• Beings of immense power, appear once in 10000 years and used “us” as resource/fuel/food. There have been many cycles, useful or powerful beings selected to become gods to oversee the next cycle (harvest)

• What is the purpose of the deities 

• Grow along certain trajectories become cattle/good good.

• What is the Conduit?

• Device used to reach between realms

• How is it activated?

• Required to be powered.

• Who is Eriathax the Eclipsing shadows

• The reason behind his responsibility.

• What's your plan? 

• Destroying the device would delay it and give us time to prepare.

• Why do you want him to know?

• Bring the conduit into position and destroy it.

• Where is the Conduit?

• Beyond the Divine Gate.

• Missing question----

• Eriathrax is consuming souls for the conduit.

• What is needed?

• Conduit is an Antenna, floating city center the Conduit.

• Destroy city= Destroy Conduit

• Cult of Ascension?

• Enemy - Eriathrax

• Who are the people?

• Officer Magister Alistar Alizer (the Marionetist)

• Officer - Solice - Clan Dare Champion of Shadow

• Three unknown officers under Fennic.  

• How can we contact like-minded groups?

• It is being arranged, as a counter-offensive.

• How long till he is ready? 

• Months

• When we are ready where do we go?

• Darkwater Bay - half-day march - await the ferrymen

With some choices before them, the group now makes plans before initiating “the end of the world” to stop the “end of the world.” What will everyone do?

GOTG - 11/30-12/7 - Guardians 2 Rakshasa 0

             Guardians 2 Rakshasa 0

As the battle begins, Duvall lays some heavy offense alongside powerful lair actions that temporarily banish the Guardians or re-position them into unfavorable spaces. However, the Guardians are able to maneuver around Edson Duvall and pull off several combinations of attacks to tear Duvall’s form. Wulf exchanges equally powerful blows with Duvall. At the same time, the El, Corvus, and Atheya barrage him with attacks. Blood, keen to end the battle, releases his fiend arrow at Duvall and critically wounds the Rakshasa; before they even have a chance to celebrate, Duvall calls out to an unknown “divine” entity which twists and turns the room they are fighting and relocates the Guardians to a more hellish landscapes of small lands connected by chains among a large gate. From the gate emerges Edson Duvall in a new and terrifying form. 

                In round 2, Duvall releases a fiery breath from the Guardians, shaking them up, and follows up with a terrifying barrage of attacks. Several Guardians are immediately in a dangerous situation and must regroup to survive. However, before the situation improves, a gate opens, and several creatures appear to aid Duvall. With the situation getting worse by the second, the Guardians rally. Corvus leaps into action and delivers a flourish of blows that dispatch most of the reinforcements. Wulf and Blood occupy Duvall’s attention and receive the brunt of his attack. Meanwhile, Eltuire can perceive that the runes around the gate can be dispelled and closed. Atheya, seeing her chance, dispels the gate and cuts off DUvall’s reinforcements. Before the gate can completely close, another figure is able to push through and enter the fray. Lexa, an “ally” to the Guardians, appears and provides them with assistance, and Duvall another target. 

With Moonblade in hand, Lexa unleashes a deadly barrage onto Duvall; fighting through the powerful effects of the lair and Duvall’s might, the heroes gradually turn the tide of the battle. However, Duvall's strength seems endless; he begins to overwhelm the likes of Blood, Lexa, and Atheya. With resources running low and Duvall turning this encounter deadly. Eluire reaches into her case and pulls out a forgotten scroll and vial. Consuming the vial and casting True Polymorph on both Lexa and Blood. El turned them into the most powerful creature she could visualize as the most recent one that tried to kill her, a Silver Dragon. With this, Duvall’s fate is sealed; as he roars and crashes with the Dragons, the combined forces of the Guardians, aided by two silver dragons, ultimately lead to Duvall’s demise. Blood provides the finishing blow.

With Duvall defeated, the heroes return to the chamber they were in before to find Lysandra waiting and applauding the heroes' triumph. With glee, Lysandra comes to an agreement with the Guardians for ten percent. 

• Ten Celestial Children

• Duvall’s Journal

• Frieda’s contract

Lysandra provides transport to the Hollowed Inn for Corvus to retrieve Frieda. Frieda jumps into his arms, calling him a hero. Irrespective of his well-deserved title, Corvus brings Frieda outside, and the group escapes to Alya. Upon arriving, Lexa offers to take the children somewhere safe within the Divine Panosphical. The Guardians stand there, having returned from the hells mostly in one piece and freeing Atheya from any burden from Duvall; the Guardians complete this task, but more adventure lies in wait. 

Guardians of the Grove - No Contract for You - 11/16/23

 No Contract for You

With Barrett defeated, the Guardians waste no time pushing forward to the next destination, Duvall’s villa. Wulf and Corvus decide to carry the two children, Ani and Oni, on their backs as the Guardians decide to scale the cliffside. With a combined use of the spider climb spell and several climbing kits, the group can climb towards the top with some ease. However, Corvus and Wulf have difficulty keeping the children sitting tight and climbing the mountain. Atheya relieves Corvus of his burden, and Wulf pushes on. Blood recasts Pass Without a Trace again, but it wasn’t enough to prevent them from being discovered by a group of Imps (3 groups worth). While difficult, the Guardians are able to eliminate the threat before more show up and arrive at the top and into the Villa.

The Guardians are able to discover the entryway into the villa, but before entering, they devise a plan to keep the children safe. Blood will use his rope trick spell, and Wulf casts Alarm to keep the children “safe.” Hoping to return alive, the Guardians enter Duvall's bedroom. Amongst Duvall’s collection are living pictures, blankets of Unicorn fur, and an ornate platinum chest about the size of a shoebox that is possibly trapped. Eltuire has held herself back since the last time she tried to steal something, which went poorly.

Meanwhile, Wulf discovers a leather-bound book with gold decor and an unknown language. With the help of the tongues potion, Wulf is able to discover that this is Duvall’s Journal. With some time, he is able to read a middle entry among the entry keywords that pop up, such as

•  Cabal of ascension

• serve and survive,

• needs more power

•  infernal writing today's date

•  materials gathered

• a rite of ascension

• plans to ___ Tyrax

• one step closer to advancing Cabals’ goals,

• Barret has located the last of the ingredients

With a limited understanding of these entries, the group pushes forward again into a hallway filled with magical darkness. Eltuire, trying to make herself more useful, is able to dispel the Magic. The Guardians make their way through the hallway into another unlit room with only a small glimmer of light, that is, until they step inside and hear Duvall. Duvall admits that while it is disappointing that the Guardians would choose the path against him, he cannot deny their capabilities and offers them a new contract to work under him. Before refusing the contract, the Guardians are able to goad Duvall into talking about the Rite of Ascension. Duvall reveals that the time is close for a cycle to end where new gods may be born, and he plans to become one, a god of “who knows what.” Duvall reveals more about the Divine Cataclysm, a Civil War based on a disagreement on dealing with the approaching cycle. In order to ascend, you must survive the cycle Duvall repeats to the group, offering them a chance to become part of his circle and survive the cycle. The Guardians, unwilling to sell their soul individually, deny Duvall the satisfaction of a contract with the mightiest heroes. One by one, the Guardians push aside the contracts as Blood pushes his aside and says, “It’s in my line of sight."

The battle begins with Blood being shunted to a Maze-space, Wulf enduring a barrage of attacks, El barely dodging a disintegrate spell, Atheya transforming into a draconic state, and Corvus doing his paladin slive and dice smite combos. It’s only just begun. 

Guardians of the Grove - The Smoldering Ashes of Hopelessness - 11/9/23

     The Smoldering Ashes of Hopelessness - 11/9/23

    The Guardians successfully reunite and avoid being possibly kidnapped by a creepy individual offering “shelter.” Wulf adamantly declines the offer, and Blood can do his Ranger thing and search for a more discreet location to set up. While the group waits for Blood’s return, Wulf asks, “What the hell happened?” So, Eltuire explains how she heroically acquired a black diamond, a black diamond that is used for currency down in the Nine Hells. However, she immediately regrets her choice because of the haunting voices of possible 100s of souls in the diamond. Corvus remembers from his studies of Iya and Oya that these diamonds are against the practice of his god. El offers to pass it over to another party member, but the group refuses, knowing she wouldn't pass off something so valuable if there were not a catch.

     Blood returns with the Guardians' next location. Wulf casts Pass Without a Trace, and the group moves towards an abandoned building. Once inside, they find the lower floor destroyed; the Guardians make their way around the house and into a second-floor room. Wulf proposes a short rest to restore some of the resources lost traversing the Hells. Not requiring much rest, Eltuire agrees to cast Catnap on Atheya, Blood, and Wulf, so instead of an hour, they take 10 minutes. Eltuire and Blood spend 4 minutes(an eternity) together before she can make out a voice outside speaking in Infernal; familiar to her, it sounds like Barrett. While her blood boils with the opportunity to repay him for stabbing her, she must keep watch over the bodies of the sleeping Guardians. Time passes, and the voice continues onward; the Guardians are able to rest and prepare for the next steps. 

Once awakened, the group discusses the potential threat of Barret and their willingness to deal with him if he should become an obstacle. Wulf reminds the Guardians of the time set against them and where they need to go to defeat Duvall. Once done, Wulf opens the portal using the object Lysandra gave him. He states the passphrase “The Smoldering Ashes of Hopelessness,” and an orange portal opens. Still, in the abandoned house, the guardians can feel the pressure and heat from the portal; where they go will not be a safe environment. Wulf casts Oasis on the group to keep them safe; at the level cast, it will last 24 hours(?) in a 15ft radius around him. The Guardians head through the portal and witness a new circle of hell around them; smoke and ash fill the air. Volcanic craters wrap around a twisted path that stretches for miles. If not for the protection of Wulf’s Oasis spell, the Guardians would be experiencing a crippling discomfort, and would make traveling much more difficult. 

    As the group progresses, they can make out a familiar bald-headed figure. Stealthily, they approach the figure without giving their position. Quickly, they can identify Barret accompanied by several fiend-like creatures and pull the two Aasimar children that Eltuire saw from the auction. Eltuire, unwilling to let Barret escape again, asks the Guardians for permission to engage. Surprisingly, the Guardians give the green light. Gleefully, Eltuire sneaks in closer and casts Hold Person on Barret. Unable to resist the surprise effect, Barret is immediately paralyzed, and the fiends are surprised. Eltuire signals to attack and take down Barret once and for all. 

                                                                  -Enter Combat-

    Blood releases a barrage of arrows at Barret while Corvus, Eltuire, and Wulf rush the surprised enemy. Atheya wildshapes into a giant eagle and flies above the group. Blood can penetrate Barrett's defenses but with minimal damage. Barret, in response, is able to break free of the Hold Person spell and join the fray, deflecting and returning arrows at Blood with his bare hands. Eltuire and Wulf attempt a combo barrage toward Barret, causing more damage than expected.  Meanwhile, Corvus and Atheya attempt to subdue the other creatures. Corvus rips and tears through the enemies, supporting the best friend duo(EL and Wulf). Atheya, in her eagle form, claws away at the flesh of the enemy as an eagle in the nine circles of hell is definitely a rare sight. Wulf and Barrett enter a heated match as the two exchange mighty blows. However, Barrett is surprised to see that Wulf, through magic and sheer will, can overcome the barrage of attacks and almost appear unphased.

     Barrett may have underestimated his enemy this time and prepared his next move, instructing the other creatures to kill the chained children as it would distract the Guardians long enough to escape. As the battle intensifies and Barrett starts pulling away from the fight, the fiends make short work of the children. Despite the group's best efforts, they are unable to prevent the deaths of the two children as they are slaughtered in front of the Guardians. Seeing two children like herself triggers Eltuire into a fit of rage as she momentarily surpasses her limits and bypasses the reactions of the creatures around her and sprints towards Barrett with piercing speed and jabs her blade inside his lower abdomen, triggering her weapon psychic burst effect and splits Barett in half. His lower body fell into a ravine and was burned two smithereens, along with any possible items. With the main threat dealt with, the other Guardians slice, smash, tear, and shoot the remaining creatures to death.

                                                                  -End Combat-

    After Guardians regain their composure, Wulf and Atheya work fast to revive the children, while more challenging in the Nine Circles of Hells, they are both able to bring back the two children who are at first frightened at the sight of the group and their blood covered attire. Still under the effects of his tongues potion, Wulf can communicate with the children along with Eltuire, who can speak Celestial. They discover that the two children (Ani and Oni?) are from Gladesedge but have no way back home. Wulf pockets their infernal manacles and agrees to carry them to Duvall’s, as leaving them alone to fend for themselves would be impossible in the current environment. With the details of the assault on Duvalls yet to be discussed, the Guardians move forward with contracts to fulfill, tiefling children to rescue, and two new companions in tow. What other promises can they make and keep? 

Guardians of the Grove - Recap 11/2/23

Blame it all on Me

    The Guardians continue their adventures in hell, searching for Edson Duvall and ignoring their natural talent to help people and to cause trouble…at least at first. Blood got distracted by a bow, Corvus promised to save a Tiefling child, Freida, and Eltuire traded her blood for information. It is not the best start, but the Guardians' luck turns around quickly as they are able to meet with Finneas, a disguised seeker, who turns out to be an old “friend” of the group. After the shock passes and everyone's wallets are confirmed safe, Lexa provides the deets on Edson Duvall, to be more exact, his informant with an entire network of spies across several realms, Lysandra. No one is 100% loyal in hell. Their next destination would be Lysandra, with raven black hair, ashen skin, mourning-like attire, and orange eyes that burn like fire. Lexa warns that Lysandra can be quite the manipulator.

 

Self-Control

        The Guardians decide on their next destination, the Auction Blocks, to speak with Lysandra and convince her to give up information on Edson Duvall. When arriving, they witness several “items” on display. Sadly, the group could do nothing, and their mission must take priority, or they would endanger themselves and lose the chance to eliminate Duvall for good. Atheya finds Lysandra, and after an awkward exchange of looks, she makes her way to Lysandra with Corvus and Wulf. At the same time, Eltuire and Blood are left alone, and Eltuire does nothing wrong……

Meanwhile, the trio speaks with Lysandra and arranges sorts. In exchange for the information on Edson Duvall, the Guardians will eliminate him and provide Lysandra with most of  Duvall’s assets, the details to be worked out upon his death, and the freeing of one Tiefling girl, Frieda. The collateral being held is the trio's souls; if they were to break their word, they would lose their souls. The information provided tells them that Duvall is located in the smoldering ash of hopelessness circle at the pinnacle of pride, a villa owned by Duvall that may provide him certain enhancements (lair actions) if confronted in specific areas such as the courtyard. A frontal assault is not recommended. 

 Not My Fault

      While the group discusses their arrangement with Lysandra, Eltuire gets into a bit of mischief with another patron at the auction blocks; Eltuire, unfortunately, fumbles the “trade” and is rescued by Blood, not before being slapped. Blood pops a smoke arrow and the two escape towards the Hollowed Inn. El successfully steals the black diamond, and the attention of the crowd as a major image goes off with both her and Blood's faces appearing as wanted criminals. The other trio makes their way back to the Hollowed Inn, cursing El and Blood the whole way. El and Blood are both able to rendevous with the rest of the Guardians in new temporary forms.  Wulf inquires about what the fuck happened but quickly changes his tone and expresses the urgency to move against Duvall NOW! 

                                                

 

Guardians of the Grove - Recap October 2023 5/12/19/26

 

Oh Way Way Down We Go

With the aid of Vaughn, the Guardians make their way to Alya and reach the Divine Phineas, The baddest-looking mother fucker you ever met. With reflexes so quick that they leave the most dextrous of the Guardians dumbfounded. The Divine acknowledges the group's efforts in dealing with the Master and addresses a unique way to dispatch the ring and permanently destroy the soul. A spell that could save Diego’s soul as well if brought to the correct location. The Divine begins the ritual to destroy the ring, and the Guardians face off with the Master one final time. In a continuous stream of mind blasts and charm attempts, the group is able to finally destroy the menace that is the Master and rid the world of his evil for good, as the ritual finally destroys the trapped soul. After some time and grieving for a slain soldier, the Divine provides the Guardians with proper intel about the Circles of Hell and a possible ally. He bids the heroes farewell and provides a powerful Aid spell to boost their vitality for the trip.

*Eltuire Notes*

Seven Circles/layers/domain   -    Circles of Hell Concentric/intertwine with each other at the is the Crossroads of the Damned. Souls travel through there first and are led to different circles.  You can move to different circles from the crossroads. You would need to help to open a passage (pay a toll or make a deal). Options: Devil? Deal? Mercenary info? Disguise Seeker? if found use the passphrase “when is it darkest” to which the other party will reply “before the dawn” Operation center: The Hollowed Inn, an unsavory/ damnable tavern that takes the appearance of “a ship in a sea of flames”.

Arrival

With the proper intel retrieved and a single objective, the Guardians arrive at the crossroads and are immediately struck by the sight of this hellscape. Some are more stricken than others as EL begins to feel immediately ill. Through some expert persuasion, Corvus can eventually deduce the location of the Tavern and enter. El has a brief encounter with a pit friend, and a brand is placed on her hand. As the Guardians enter the tavern, the investigation begins, which concludes when El pays the price in blood for information, and Corvus learns about a tiefling child bound to the Edson Duvall. With Objectives piling up, the group makes their way to the possible only ally in this new plane. They knock on the dwarf’s door and exchange the passphrase. Upon being let in, the dwarf begins to change and shapeshift into……..