Horn of the Archon

DM: Just after the events in the hells... You appear in the alley and your senses are overloaded with natural smells... not corrupt extremes to cause discomfort and pain. A sense of euphoria washes over you... Several people see your demonic features and flee quickly.
Bullock: I'll try not to scare people too awfully bad, hehe. I won't transform into a were bear or anything, hybrid would probably put me in a dungeon, lol. I have a maxed out stealth skill, at 18 modifier would be 29 rolled 9 for a total of 38 to avoid the guards long enough to clean up and buy some clean civilized looking clothes. If there's a tailor with a bathhouse that would be ideal. Are there any laws against me carrying weapons in the city, My Knowledge Local with a 16 modifier should be high enough to let me know at least that much about the largest city in the continent.
DM: Takes forever because the city is so huge. But you make it out of the city. The main roads are almost as busy as travelers and traders head to and from the capital city.
As Bullock finds a clearing off of the roads large enough, possibly in some farmers field or orchard, he clears his mind of distractions and blows on the Archon's horn.
DM: As you blow the horn you hear the heavenly notes take on a life of their own. The plants around you seem to have more brilliant colors, you're soul feels tranquil and you realize this is the first you have felt true peace.
(Voice of the fallen archon ) "Faithful Bullock, though I am gone my quest remains. Tormus must not find my charge. Seek out my oldest friend. Jia'fal He must be your spirit guide now, I bequeath you this horn for your quest."
==Trumpet (Su)==
An archon’s trumpet produces music of utter clarity, piercing beauty, and, if the trumpet archon wills it, paralyzing awe. All creatures except archons within 100 feet of the blast must succeed on a DC 19 Fortitude save or be paralyzed for 1d4 rounds. The save DC is Charisma-based. The archon can also command its trumpet to become a +4 great sword as a free action.
If a trumpet is ever stolen, it becomes a chunk of useless metal until the owner can recover it. Woe betide any thief caught with one.
==The Journey==
Bullock: "How do I find him, and who are your Charges?" If I don't receive an answer, I'll seek out a sage in the city and ask where archons hail from, perhaps on their home plane I will be able to find his friend. I'll also ask the sage/mage about my ability to transform into a bear, what causes it and if it's possible to change into other creatures, a dragon perhaps?
DM: you get no response from the horn. The local sage goldfinch tells you. "Azeron curse/gifts depending on you're view the affliction to show souls a different path then they were on before. Perhaps his clergy can explain the divine lesson. I can teach you about how Azeron's moon phases affects you're condition."
Bullock: Hmm, maybe Azeron's clergy will be more helpful, I'll go see them, they may be able to answer my question on where Archons come from, and possibly help me get there. I head to find the largest of Azeron's temples in the city, if there is one, or to find if he has any clergy here.
DM: the massive Temple to Azeron spans above and below ground. Mirrors are placed from the temples heights to illuminate it with moonlight at night. You smell there are several others were-creatures within. A shady looking rogue asks if you wish to leave Azeron a offering. He motions to the temple shrine where a statue of the deity stands its silent watch over the courtyard.
Bullock: I place a ring of 3 wishes on the shrine, "I wish to speak with someone about my condition and options that may be available to me."
DM: The man points to the main double doors. "Go in, the clergy are in vespers but should be done shortly."
A monk opens the doors as you approach.
Inside the faithful pray quietly. Their prayers echo throughout the temple. After a time they all begin to slowly leave through separate doors.... A single man remains kneeling in prayer.
Bullock: I'll enter and stand waiting until he acknowledges me, When he does I'll ask "What is this condition others speak of that I have, as near as I tell I can change into a bear." "It doesn't seem to be particularly hindering, and it has in the past actually aided me when I needed strength, though I was wondering if this power could be altered or if there was another that would, say, give me a demeanor closer to a dragon. I have no particular affinity for bears, and Dragons do fascinate me."
The man who you smell is a werewolf stands up. "Hello Bullock, Azeron is pleased you come for guidance. You're path remains good, and it will one day inspire many. Azeron will remove the bear if you but pray again to him in gratitude for you're past deeds." the man puts his hand on you're forearm. "To gain the power of a dragon you would lose what you are. I know your quest must start in the thunder's fury mountains."
"I am a member of the Del'Tarri tribe, I am not a bear or a dragon. I'll pray to Azeron and thank him for his guidance." I bow and begin praying at the altar for Azeron to guide me back to my true self as a Minotaur of the Del'Tarri tribe. When you open your eyes you feel like your self again and around your neck is a cumpess made of platinum A crecent moon engraved on the top. Inside the compuss swivals and then points east towards the thunder fury mountains. After my prayers I'll find the road that leads to the thunder's fury mountains. I'll load up on goods, a few potions of remove disease, remove curse and remove blindness/deafness, as well as a few potions of heroism. Since I have hooves instead of feet I purchase horseshoes of speed, only designed for 2 feet instead of 4, they increase land speed by 30 feet, and will double my land speed. If the mountains are more than 6 days away I can even have them made special and still get there in the same amount of time. Also on my shopping list for solo travel Silversheen(should already have a bunch) 20 potions of cure critical 4 doses of stone salve hewards handy haversack for carrying potions or other fragile items
Then Bullock heads out of town at a good clip in the direction the amulet is pointing him, with some ambivilance about the motives of the gods and whether they are thinking about my quest or something of their own designs... Next stop Thunder Fury Mountains!
You see the mountains days before you reach them, their staggering heights are one of Valeria's best defenses against other nations' armies.
You reach a small mining town at the lower plateau. Population 458 ish.
I sniff around, check the compass, ask the locals if they've seen anything scarier looking than me.
The locals tell you, they haven't seen anything, but they stay down below the snow line because people and animals dissapear.
Even though I can forage pretty well for myself I'll buy some extra food and warmer clothing from the locals before heading into the mountains. My route will be mostly determined by where the compass pointed me, so whether I go above the snow line isn't much of a choice. I ask about the nearest passes in case I have to go around some bad terrain. Then I head up into the Mountains.
DM: As you head up into the mountains the last remaining traces of civilization vanishes. After a full day you come across huge areas of torn up earth. The compass points south east and has much less pitch then it did when you were in Caymoor.
Bullock: I turn southeast, and proceed with caution. I open my senses and smell the earth, stopping occasionally to watch the surrounding terrain and check behind me to make sure I'm not being followed. Can I tell what tore up the earth, are they some kind of tracks?
DM: You're not currently being followed there is a distinct sent, whatever made it dosnt have legs.
Bullock: I keep an eye skywards as well then, and listen to the ground once in a while as well in case it's subterranean. Worm? Flying creature?
DM: You reach a large medow with the occasional tree. The tremors erupt and you see a gargantuan frost worm. It swallows some elk on the far end.
Bullock: This doesn't seem to be anything related to my quest, but I'll observe for a bit and move around it to see if the compass changes direction.
DM: Compass points in a different direction. The massive worm continues to eat.
Bullock: I concentrate on my quest to find the archon's charge, or at least his friend at first, and follow the compass.
DM: Several days of travel and you spot something shinning on too of a cliff. This cliff is virtually smooth and over 600 feat high. No real way around as far as you can see in the revene. Compass points up.
Bullock: I dig the pair of boots of levitation out that everyone in the party got and get under whatever is shining and go up, up and away!
DM: Reaching the shinny object you see it's a polished stone that is reflecting light. When you block the sunlight you see a the image of a dragon and a phrase in draconic.
Bullock: I look around carefully to make sure I'm not being watched, then I'll read the phrase close to the stone in a whisper.
DM: "You are stronger than you seem, braver than you believe and smarter than you think you are Bullock."
Bullock: I touch the stone and see if anything happens, maybe pressing on it and reading the phrase again.If nothing happens I'll continue up above the cliffs to see what is outside the ravine.
DM: As you do both you're teleported to an identical stone at the base of a Gratto. You see a neetly kept path leading up to an arched portcullis that has a faint glow of candle light. You're inside a Colossal indoor garden. The smells of blooming flowers overloads you're sense of smell.
Bullock:I walk up the path, and look through the portcullis, if there doesn't to be any danger I'll walk through and see what's inside.
==Meeting Murth==
DM: You see a long hall with several doors. At the end of the hall you see another room even larger and within lies a colossal dragon reading a book as big as you. It either dosnt know you're there or makes no acknowledgement of you.
Bullock: Approaches the Dragon. The Dragon speaks"Who are you and why have you come?"
"I am Bullock, Nickodemas asked me to look after his charges and protect them from Tormus, May I ask your name?"
The Dragon turns putting his book down "Well met Bullock, my name is Murth. Now tell me about my old pupil Nickodemus and that cursed mage."
"Nickodemus died in the hells, unfortunately by my hand in an arena run by devils. He passed his quest to protect his charges to me. Tormus wants them dead."
The Dragon lets out a sigh. "I feared that mage had done something terrible, but Nickodemus's sacrifice must not be in vain. If this quest is yours then I must teach you. Tormus is powerful and underestimating him is fatal. If you are commited I will train you."
"I gave him my word, and he gave his life, I will do the same if necessary."
"Very well Walnut. First you must know. A temple in Shinon has requested a rare herb to stop an infection spreading in the city. My contacts say the shipment was highjacked. It must be recovered to save the city."
Bullock ponders a moment, "do you have a sample of this herb I can smell? And is recovering this lost shipment part of your teachings or are you just seeing how easily I can be distracted from my quest?
Murth describes the herb in his garden. "There is a lesson to be learned. Your quest is important, but I must do some research into Nickodemus's quest. Instead of having you meditate or tend my garden I think the dwarves have more use of your skills." Murth hands Bullock a ring. "Speaking my name and meditating in my garden will teleport you to the lost herbs."
Bullock goes to the garden and smells and examines the herb. He places the ring on and concentrates on the hijacked shipment, "Murth." Bullock appears in an underground cavern surrounded by the carnage of the raided shipment. There are dead dwarves and dark dwarves all around. Bullock searches the area for clues and finds track of the raiders leaving the area. He follows the dwarven and elven tracks who have a good lead on him but don't seem to be concerned with hiding thier trail. Bullocks master tracking skills let him make good time tracking the criminals.
Bullock silently enters a cavern with two dwarves and an elf at a fire, the missing goods are nearby, after checking for others in the room he speaks from the shadows. "I believe you have something that belongs to the dwarves of Shinon, we'll be taking it back to them and you'll be coming along dead or alive to answer for your crimes."
Bullock returns the goods and the criminals to the dwarven city, and finds upon his arrival that his longtime friend Adovax has disappeared, probably on some quest for Dak since his presence is very strong in his workshop, the last place he was seen.
When you get back to Murth. He tells you he took a trip to the heavens and discovered. The Fallen Archon short story and tells it to you.
Bullock "Well I have a pretty good idea of what happened to Nickodemus after that, still no idea who the child is though, Apparently there is a prophecy out there, Any idea what that might be Murth? Is the missing charge involved somehow?" Murth pulls an old book as big as you off a shelf. Here is the prophecy. A good deed is never lost: he who sows dark magic reaps the cost from past deeds; and he who's heart was consumed by evil will be purified by the heir of Holy Magic. Tormus is the only Mage to wield dark magic since the time before the last word. No one has wielded holy magic yet. So Nickodemus and I deduced that Tormus will be vanquished by the one named in prophecy. Apparently Nickodemus found the child but some how word did not reach me. Tormus evil hand at work. I like to think I would have made the differance. Even Tormus would think twice at challenging me.
Ok, then I guess that still leaves finding and protecting the child. How long ago did Nickodemus get taken by Tormus, how old would the child be? Do we know it's race or gender? Murth motions for you too join him at a table that is open on one end but regular table for you. The dragon pops a gem the size of you're fist into his mouth and chews it slowly."Nickodemus was taken over 15 years ago... That's a big head start. At least Nickodemus withstood the hells. The child could be a young adult by now. I deduce that it is a human female because the prophecy appeared the day before the emperors daughter was kidnapped... Thoughts walnut?" Murth motions for you to eat the fruit and tea.
If it is Jessica, I'm sorry for her. I'm wondering at the wisdom of seeking her out, I feel that The god that is may be connected to Tormus, and I've been marked by the god. I could easily be wrong, it's only a hunch, but I wouldn't want to be the one to inadvertantly lead them to her before she's ready or willing to fulfill whatever destiny is set before her. Unfortunately I don't feel that time is on her side if it is her. What I do feel is way out of my league, I'm meant for blood and glory, and not really equipped for deciphering the prophecies.
Walnut, don't be discouraged. Let me tell you something about the gods. They are nothing more than the foundation blocks of the realms. Their seemingly limitless power can only flexed within there prospective purpose or face repercussions from the mason.Think of The oracle as the mason. now my knowledge of the god that is has been fractured but I think of him as the stone cutter that made the blocks.Did you know that I live below one of his old temples. Lived here for many years and I had no idea until last week. I suppose it doesn't hurt for me to try to find the child of prophecy, if it is Jessica, though I fear the danger I bring her being near me. I guess the biggest problem is finding where she was taken.
Is there anyone Nickodemus might have shared the location of his charge with? And If I do find her, how am I supposed to protect her from the most powerful wizard alive? Is the location in the "Fallen Archon" short story known, perhaps I can backtrack from there and find where Nickodemus left the child, then track her journey from there, if she isn't still in the same place.
The location is known. Traces of the Evil curse can still be felt in the crystal forest. A monk named Jia'fal was Nickodemus best friend. Perhaps he can help you. He will be with the wardens of over watch no doubt dealing with the aftermath of the hells betrayal. If he even survived the attack.Murth gives you a ring with two gate spells charged in it.==The Prophecy==
==Prophecy==
A good deed is never lost: he who sows dark magic reaps the cost from past deeds; and he who's heart was consumed by evil will be purified by the heir of Holy Magic.
==Celestia==
Bullock; Is the Gate tuned to a specific place? I've never been to either place that I know of, is it like a teleport or can I just say I want to gate to Jai'fal at the Overwatch? Which of those locations are on another plane?
DM: The dragon let's out a patient sigh... Then casts the spell. Follow me. You feel a calm peace wash over you as you enter the heavens, you feel like you never want to leave. 
The angels swarm you and Murth weapons out! "Halt intruders! None are welcome by order of the over watch!" The Dragon pulls him self to full hight. "How dare you speak with such insolence, change you're tone and Maner or I will personally inform you're superior as to why I was forced to smite you."
The group of devas and archons back up. "forgive our tone, none are permitted here until cleared by the over watch. And we are not taking prisoners until the plane is resecured from evil."
Murth snorts flames and speaks deadly slow. "I am Murth champion of the least and conqueror of the wicked... I am accompanied by Bullock savior of the heavens and bane of all Baator! You will now go get permission while the rest of you're squad assists Us..... Go now." The deva teleports away. Murth looks down at you. "Take the angels and find answers. I will remain here and guard this gate."
Bullock: Thank you Murth, I do not mean to be a burden, I believe we had this discussion about my limitations.
Is one among you named Jai'Fal, or can you take me to him please?
DM: Murth looks you up and down. "walnut you clearly don't see the same things." One of the archons steps forward. "Last I heard he was leading the strike team guarding the gates to the outlands. If anyone can run off Tormus's devils Jai'Fal can." {C}The Archons teleport you too the massive gates you see several hundred angels tending there wounded or standing guard. The gate are a colossal portcullis that is open but unlike others it is active. You see angels and devils battling on the other side. Bullock sees the Battle, lets out a rumble of contentment and charges at the devils through the gate with a triumphant bellow! The devils are in tactile retreat. Not wanting to give ground. You spot several greater devils battling Solars high in the sky while the chain devils and archons battle below. {C}After some time you and you're squad gain the advantage and the devils plane shift back to hell. Roll 1d10 for min of battle.
You are directed to Jia'Fal as he starts taking charge and directing the forces of heaven back to the gate. Well met, I bring sad news of Nickodemus. After years of battleing in the Hells gladatorial arena Nickodemus was eventually slain. Even sadder still it was my hand that struck the final blow in the arena. I volunteered to fight in the arena thinking I would get to kill devils, and they placed him against me. I spoke to him and since we were both on important missions for the gods, he sacrificed himself on the condition that I try to complete his mission. His spirit told me to seek you out for he could not tell me while we were in the hells. *Bullock pulls out Nickodemus's horn*
At seeing the horn... A single tear rolls down his cheek. "I always new something evil befell my friend. I will help you in honor of his sacrifice and hopefully Azeron will redeem his soul. Now that Tormus devils have been driven off from the temple we can help you." the panda motions for you to follow him. "Tell me of you're quest."
He told me to protect his charge. Murth and I have since done some research and his charge was a female child, probably one referenced in a prophecy naming a conduit of evil magic we believe to be Tormus, and a conduit of good. The child we believe is Jessica, the daughter of the Emperor of Valeria, though that is currently only a guess based on the coincidence of the prophecy coming out within a day of the child's disappearance. When he was dying he instructed me to blow the horn upon my return to the material plane, when I did, his spirit instructed me to protect his charge from Tormus, and seek your aid as my spirit guide. If you need some time to grieve your friend, I can return later.
DM: "Once the heavens are secured I will grieve, right now I must figure out what Tormus did to the temple of auroura. Even though the devils momentarily went mad and then turned on the demons and retired to the blood war. The devils with Tormus's mark held their ground at the temple with Unholy resolve."
Jai'fal agrees to take Bullock to the temple, and his angels give Bullock what buffs they are able before Bullock enters the temple alone, wards prevent the Angels from joining him.
Jaifal leads you to a temple atop a beautiful mountain. Half way up the beauty dies and you're hair prickles at the presence of evil. The temple must have once been beautiful beyond words now the marble is grey. The angels that accompanied you stop outside the temple grounds. Jai'Fal turns to you. "We can't go farther... Something evil is warding us... Yea we hear an angelic voice assuring us everything will be ok."
===Temple of Aurora===
You hear soft infernal laughter as you enter the first room of the temple. The simple waiting room is covered in blood the body's of angels and devils still lay about. Untouched on the floor. You see a long hall riddled with body's several anti chambers down it.
Bullock: After examining each area I enter with my eyes, I'll close them for a moment and use my hearing and scent. If the bodies have been untouched I'll examine them as I come upon each and make sure the devils are actually dead and not just pretending to ambush me or angels. I'll smell for any familiar smells, I know I've smelled Tormus before, as well as Sasha his bitch.
DM: when you close you're eyes you hear a sad angelic voice whispering for you to leave. As you open them a shadow moves in you're peri feral vision. Turning you see nothing. The main passage has Tormus's scent. Checking The body's they are very much dead. Before you go into the next room. You spot the visage of a terrible pit fiend watching you. It is staring at you. Its eyes blood red, its body is like smoke. "Come mortal.... Come...."Bullock swings at the Pit Fiend, and is startled when his chain passes through it, the pit fiend is between him and a set of doors behind him.Bullock laughs, "Step aside fiend, you have the stench of Tormus on you, Korthus will punish you." Bullock steps past the Fiend and forces the double doors open while the Fiend tries in vain to try to harm Bullock.
===Dark magic ritual===
Bullock enters the room as the pit fiend howls in frustration at not being able to enter.
Tormus looks up from his work. He is holding a child's heart in his hands. (he dose not stop his chanting. (you don't know what he is saying.)
You see an angel of smoke weeping over the body's of the children. The temple is made thick walls. The smoke pit fiend can't enter the room. It Howells in frustration.
Then you spot Sasha closing the double doors behind you. There is a soft thud of a bolt. (hardness 25/adamantine and chaotic ) You see several magic circles in an spiral outward all around the Mage. Some have dangerous looking glows. You're horn starts to feel hot. Staying on the outer ring of the room you are outside the magic circles. 75ft from the alter. Tormus stops chanting as a dark flash happens on the alter. Still working the Mage glances at you. "Bullock, so nice of you to join me. I have to say I am surprised you escaped the hells soul intact. And a special thanks for placing Korthus in charge. It was quite a challenge staying on par with his predecessor. Now I can get ahead for a change." Bullock: I pull out the horn, take a deep breath and blow as long and hard as I can. A mist form of Nickodemus appears. The archon points at the wall behind Tormus. The Mage stops for a moment at the sight of the Archon. The Mage commands the the other mist figure to stop him. He casts a spell and the alter flashes white, another child on it again. Nickodemus and the other mist figure combine and swirl in a small tornado. Bullock: Searches where Nickodemus points and finds a secret door. Not taking the time to figure out how to open it, Bullock simply smashes through it and finds another room identical to the one Tormus is performing his rituals in. Bullock wastes no time and begins smashing the wards on the floor, hoping to disrupt Tormus in the other room. The mage looks over at you. "It wouldn't be wise to give me reason to pause!" The first war breaks, elemental magic flashes singing Bullock and his weapon. Bullock whips his chain across multiple wards at once. There are multiple flashes and exsplitions at once magic rips threw the chambers... You are flung against the wall...
You fade in and out of consciousness you're ears ringing and blood in you're eyes... you're chain is ruined (45% disintegrated) You are at 12 hp youre left arm is limp and the mist forms of Nickodemus and another angel are watching over you. No sign of the Mage. The angels seem to be discussing things... Then Nickodemus turns to you and kneels "get up, we can't help you're body. the temple is crumbling... You need to get out. the pit fiend cannot take us both. We will guard you're soul." Bullock scrambles for the exit. You hear crumbling as you burst out of the temple. There is a bout of dust that follow you. You see all the angels waiting patently for you. As you cross the threshold of the temple grounds Nickodemus vanishes. Suddenly the pit fiend appears and grabs the smoke angel by the throat and drags her back into the temple threw a wall. The temple is half crumbled. The angels want to know what happened?! Bullock: I tell them everything that happened, describe the wards as best as I can and tell them that Tormus was performing a ritual, not sure what it was, but describe it. I tell them that I tried to disrupt his ritual by destroying the wards, but am not sure if I was successful because I was blasted to unconsciousness and Tormus was gone.
The angels begin discussing what the should do... You seem to be forgotten as they begin taking action. The angels heal you up and the magic of you're items slowly returns.
Bullock: I try to listen to them and get an idea whether I screwed things up more or helped, and ask them if there is a weapon I can borrow, mine seems to have fared poorly against Tormus's wards. I ponder my assumption a minute and try to recall whether the wards smelled of Tormus or whether they might have been placed by someone else.
I head back to where Murth waits afterwards and relay the events to him.
Tormus and Sasha aling with a group of devils cane out after the explosion, blasted there way out. Tormus and Sasha escaped to a into a gate to the hells. The angels are going to seal the area off until there superiors can figure out how to purge the evil. Jiafal tells you if you need help dealing with Tormus or his devils look him up. Murth tells you the ritual sounded like a true knowledge sacrifice. It's an epic spell where the victim is forced to provide the desired information from them and their ancestors to the caster. If the victim cannot provide the information then there soul is consumed and extinguished for ever. Bullock: Thank you Murth, I'll gather some angels to guard this gate so that you may return to your home.
Murth takes out a cloak, this will help you here. A gold cloak made of golden scalescloak of fire resistance 15, with fly and cure moderate 1/day "It appears the good of Nickodemus soul is kept within the horn. If you get in over you're head calling my name I will hear it." The colossal dragon opens a gate and walks away. Bullock assures that there are angels left to guard the gate, then departs Celestia, Angels cheering for him.
==Return to the Prime and The Crystal Forest==
Bullock makes his way to the Crystal forest, and searches for the location of the last siting of Tormus when Nickodemus was captured. He feels eyes watching him as he follows old game trails and locates an abandoned keep where a battle between angels and devils occured. Bullock searches the site, but finds nothing but the bodies of the combatants and a piece of burnt parchment with writing in a language he doesn't understand. Bullock smells an Imp in the area, obviousely watching him, but staying far enough away not to get caught. Bullock pulls out Nickodemus's horn and blows it.
Nickodemus appears and points north towards a set of mountains. The picture of a unicorn pops in you're head. The archon walks towards a burnt chair and sits in it like its there then fades away.
Bullock: I take one more look at the area, trying to imagine the battle with the limited information I have, then head north saying a final prayer for the dead. As I travel I search for signs of a unicorn.
You spot a unicorn watching you from the next hill over. No sign of the imp.
Bullock signals his awareness of the Unicorn, then stops and waits, not wanting to frighten it.
It causally approaches until about 300ft then trots up. "You have been scarred by evil Bullock but you're heart is pure. Please follow me and you can rest..." The Unicorn looks up and snorts, then swings its head and magic missiles shoot into the sky. A few moments later a imp drops with a thud. Bullock: "I cannot truly rest until I've completed Nickodemus's quest, it seems evil never does." I walk over and examine the imp, is it dead? I'll strip it of any valuables and smell it, perhaps I can smell who's underling it is by scent, I've smelled quite a few devils. "I will join you for a while and perhaps we can expand each other's knowledge of past and present events, I'm particularly curious about the events around here at the time the Archon Nickodemus was captured by Tormus."
Unicorn:"I can take you there, it still is unpurifable by my kin. Terrible loss Nickodemus was. The crystal forest has never been the same since Tormus was here." It takes half a day by hoof. The site is profoundly evil. The crystal trees all around for 150 feet are dead. The unicorn says outside the dead zone. Bullock searches the area thoroughly while questioning the Unicorn about witnesses to the events here. Nickodemus's horn growing warm again. There is still the desecrated remains of an archon at the center. Unicorn: "the only survivors were the devils that accompanied Tormus." After cautiously examining the area for wards, and seeing inscriptions that remind Bullock of some runes he saw at the pillar of fire in the hells. Murth said he'd hear me if I said his name, so here goes, "Murth, there is an inscription on this archon's bones and a symbol for the 5th layer of hell." I continue to describe the inscription to him and ask his advice, then I wait a while.
DM: The dragon's voice echoes in you're mind. "let Jia'fal know, we has the contacts their to resolve that evil taint, know that they know where to start. Gear up I will meet you in three days in Caymoor, if you need gold contact Marvin Sail tell him Murth collects his debt.... Be carful we are being watched by more than just imps." Bullock: I advise the Unicorn and ask if he knows how to Contact Jai'Fal, if not I will arrange a message another way. I tell the Unicorn about the inscription on the Bones and the symbol from the 5th layer of Hell. DM: The unicorn casts a spell and tells you every unicorn in the forest now knows, they will find Jai'Fal.
Forbidden Knowledge; you remember seeing similar runes on the 5th layer, the evil image is forever burned in your mind. The image of the pit fiend that you flew up to get passage from in exchange for the statue had an amulet with the same small runes on it. The depiction of the fire on it is so horrible your mind subconsciously blocked it until now, and you fully regret ever learning Infernal. The words return in a rush... make a sanity check!
"The well of eternal evil cannot be quenched by the gods, for this pillar of fire is the outlet of my wrath. Let all their creations suffer as the pit fiends reap my silent ever seething anger at their...."
(there was the start of another infernal word but it wrapped around the back of the amulet...)
(you gain +3 ranks in forbidden knowledge, -3 to sanity)
You reach caymoor safely, the unicorns open a gate near the city.
Bullock resupplies in the city and meets Murth
==Return to hells==
Murth meets you in human form at the designated time. Once your ready we will head out? He puts his hand on your shoulder and everything distorts, then you appear on the 5th layer. The unberable heat singes your hair, you choke on ash. Murth casts a protecton spell on you and your organs stop boiling up. "There are several places we can start looking for clues, all of which are bad. Encountering the devils will be easy, but getting caught like a fish in a net can quickly happen
Because unlike your last trip, the hells are not focused on other planes but status quo here. They will be much more coordinated and focusted on intruders.... Now there is a nasty set of dungeons where the pit fiends torment vail offenders with hell fire, and the only city here. You probably know more about the place then I have only read about the limited information about this vial place."
Murth pulls a scroll and a heroes feast appears.
Bullock: While eating the feast I look around to get my bearings. "I encountered a pit fiend that way near the pillar of flame who wore an amulet with the same inscription found on the bones of the archon in the crystal forest. He granted me a boon as the only mortal to survive the test of fire. Do you think the inscription itself is significant, possibly a trademark of that fiend? Or should we go to the city, which lies in that direction."
Murth: Your lead seems the best corse. I don't fancy being overrun by a city of pit fiends.
As you approach the pillar of fire you see the line of devils who are to be punnished streaches out of sight... most likely a big backlog for failing to concor the hevens.
Your lead seems the best corse. I don't fancy being overrun by a city of pit fiends. 
You spot the pit fiend high his is just a speck. Still circling the ring of fire. Impossibly his voice booms out orders that can be clearly heard by all, even or the wails of anguish from the devils within the hellfire.
You pick up Ardovax's scent.
Bullock: I nod towards the Devil flying up in the sky, "that is the fiend with the inscribed amulet. I also smell my friend Adovax, I can't imagine what he is doing in the Hells."
Murth looks around, do you want to split up? I can fly up to that pit fiend. He wont ignor me once he sees threw this spell.
Opting to seek out Adovax first: Murth pulls out a wand and casts greater invisibility. "this should keep the abundant lesser devils from noticing us."
You track the scent to a small hill that smolders from the heat. There is a powerfully built door that can only be opened from the inside.
Bullock taps on the door.
DM: A small 8" slit opens up you see a horned devil glaring out. "We are busy... then he spots you and the dragon!" Suddenly 6 more horned devils and a small battalion of lesser devils appear all around. Murth transforms and unleashes a frost breath to the surprise and pain to the devils that did not turn to ice sculptures!
Bullock grabs the door by the slot and heaves.
It partially breaks two hinges still hold, you quickly let go as the chain devil inside attacks, but misses you. Murth's colossal body makes a fine wall of scales as he bites and slashes at the devils outside.
Inside you see another door that can only be opened from this side. The horned devil is in full plate and has a huge great sword. It stands waiting for you to make a move.
Bullock rips the door the rest of the way off, Murth crushes a pit fiend behind him, scattering lesser devils "Get in, then out, this is only going to get worse Bullock."
A quick and bloody battle lasting only seconds leaves the devil in a pile of gore on the floor. Bullock forces the second door and heads down the passage.
At the far end there is a warded door, which Bullock cunningly bypasses and find a pit fiend inside a room torturing Adovax for information. Bullock goes into a frenzy at seeing his friend and tears the pit fiend apart in seconds. Adovax, too weak to even look up is hanging on hooks on the wall.
Bullock: I lift him gently off of the Hooks, and tap him with the wand of Cure critical a few times.
I'll look around the room quickly for his gear and anything obviously valuable, then usher or carry Adovax back towards Murth depending on his condition. I'll just give him the wand of cure critical to heal himself up, and I'll grab the sword off of the Horned devil out front as it's obviousely magical.
Adovax looks at you, "Thank you stranger... " The sword is much lighter than it looks. Before you step out, you spot Murth bound by magical chains. Tormus directing the now army of devils to drag him too the gate! The Archmage leans down and speaks into the dragons ear so only he can hear. Murth redoubles his attempt to break the chain... But the magic of the Archmage is undisputed in the hells. Murth bellows finally with a laugh! "You may take me off the board but You will still lose as long as Walnut is in play." Tormus looks back and cast silane over Murth.
Bullock: I use a wish for a Heal spell on Adovax, I've heard that heal can heal the mind as well. "You may not remember me Adovax, but we have a bit of history, and right now we need to get out of here," Bullock states as he quickly gathers their belongings. Tormus teleports away and the pit fiends take over with demented glee at their prize. The devils create many magic disks and begin dragging Murth off." Ardovax eyes focus. "You daft cow! Why would you risk coming back for me?... But thank you" Ardovax calls upon Dak! To protect you both, the air goes stale and you feel Dak's power surge (holy aura) "Let's save your dragon! Before that mage returns" I teleport Adovax and I to the front of murth where he is chained first(helm ability) and kill the Fiends holding the chain binding him first.
I'll sunder their chain if it has magic properties keeping Murth bound. I'll use a wish to Heal Murth if he looks like he needs it.
I know I could easily handle several pit fiend myself, and if Adovax has any healing or can help in any way we can take more, depends on how many we have to kill to get Murth into the Fray.
The battle rages for several rounds. Ardovax sends several flame strikes Targeting groups of medium ranged devils with devastating effect. The cleric begins a powerful spell. The divine energy begins radiating visibly!
You finally break one of the magic chains, it whips out killing several devils. With one claw free Murth casts dispell on the chain holding his head. With the dragon bitting and the dwarf unleashing divine magic you break the last chains. Then the Archduke appears! With 6 pit fiends all decked out in magic items! "Enough...! (The devil army backs up.) Korthus bids you three depart the hells and warns should any of you EVER return. You will never leave. Do not abuse my lords generosity." Bullock: "Shall we Murth, Adovax?" Adovax nods, and Murth silently opens a gate. I step through the Gate with Adovax. "Thank you Murth, I'm sorry our trip didn't go as planned, Do we need to get you any healing?"
"So Adovax, I see you've had a rough trip, what did Dak have you in the hells for, or are you allowed to talk about it? You don't happen to have any idea the significance of this inscription do you?"
I describe the inscription and what is missing to Adovax, maybe he saw it in the Hells.
Murth opens another gate to his layer. "I will be fine, it wasn't a total loss. Tormus gave up three vital pieces of information, first he teleports or plane shifts away automatically anytime a devil of 22hd or greater is on its way, I deduce that Korthus and his archdukes don't know he is still alive. Second Tormus claims that i won't reach Silent song in time to make much difference." Murth lays on his treasure apparently exhausted. "Lastly he thinks you died in the exsplodstion of the defiled temple. Unfortunately he now knows you are the walnut."
Adovax watches the dragon with a strange look. "Dak sent me as a decoy to keep Asmodeus elite fighters off you're trail. Unfortunately the angels that came with perished." A horrible look comes over the clerics face. "I did meet the fiend with that amulet. He cast a spell from it and I was cut off from Dak and I forgot myself ." Bullock: I guess that answers a few questions, i'm not sure it gave me anything i can use to find jessica though. Perhaps if the corruption in the crystal forest is removed other clues will become apparent. If anything obvious becomes apparent to you murth that can help, please contact me. I will try to keep you updated on any revelations. Adovax, is there anything i can help you with? You have been away from your home a while. Or can you shed any light on what or how i can get rid of the corruption in the crystal forest?
Murth nods and takes a mass book off it's shelf. Ardovax nods, let's make a quick stop in Shinon once I can pray for spells I will be ready to travel. The next day you reach the blighted spot in the forest. Jai'fal is talking with two Solars.
Jai'fal, well met. This is Adovax, a friend of mine from past misadventures. He may be able to help you here, I'm afraid when it comes to magic runes I have a bad track record.
Jia'fal looks grim well met. "We have a problem, anytime we try to remove the bones they come alive and attack. It's more than undead our divine magic has no effect. It cannot or will not leave the corrupt and with no intent to remove them it remains inert. It killed many of us before we figured the trigger."
Ardovax begins praying to Dak for guidance. Jia'fal let's out a huff. "The bones are defiantly the source of the corruption but the corruption ring is also almost like its prison. Quite the paradox. We are having trouble hitting it. But you're mortal perhaps you won't receive the same penalties we do." Forbidden knowledge check. (+1 skill) It's a lot like the temple you found Tormus in. (same feel too it) the powerful dark magics that he wields clearly require significant sacrifice. And there is always a victim reaping the toll. (in this case the archon)
Bullock activates an item to help him strike true, then enters the circle, as he lashes out with his weapon at the runes inscribed on the dead archon's bones, he fights off a sudden fear. As you run in, the bones come to life. The hallow eye sockets of the undead angel horrify you. 
You are shaken but resolved. You strike true with a roar. You're chain strikes the runes.... Then the bone with the runes starts to shatter, a vortex begins consuming the bone, small now but growing by the second. Bullock loses another weapon as it's sucked into the vortex.
The Cursed Archon sighs, "My chains are broken by you're chains and oath to the gods." As Bullock retreats his horn feels hot, he blows on it as he backs away from the Vortex.
Nickodemus appears and walks towards the undead archon. The ghost and undead seem to be talking but you cannot hear over the growing roar of the vortex. Suddenly there is an impact and implosion. Then silence.
Nickodemus turns to you. Phantasmal tears dissapear as they hit the ground in little wisps. "The curses of Tormus have been broken but so is the protection of the hallowed paladin! My charge is vulnerable, Her true name is Suri she is living in Serpents head." Nickodemus dissipates... With a worried look. Jia'fal and the other angels are awestruck by the events...
==Serpent's Head==
Bullock asks Adovax and Jai'fal if they are joining him at Serpent's Head, both nod.
He takes their arms and teleports them to a tree he took shade under outside of Serpent's head during his time as a slave.
Bullock, Adovax, and Jai'Fal split up and begin searching the city in their own prospective ways, Bullock by scent, Adovax checking contacts in the temples, and Jai'Fal using his angel companions to waylay people in alleys for information.
Bullock steps into a weapon merchants house and finds that there is a new weapon there already paid for, making him suspicious. He questions the smith and is told it was paid for by a servant from a villa on the ouskirts of the city. The smith tells of strange events in the city.
Ever since yesterday it was a regular city with normal problems. But now people are getting violent in the streets, rumors that old vendettas are being acted on. Even the clerics preach the gods grow tired of petty mortal petition and encourage people to take care of there own affairs. You pick up several infernal smells but the trails run cold. Ardovax reports a contact has heard the name Suri. Rumors of her unearthly beauty abound in less reputable circles. Jia'fal reports there is an alarming number of mortal possessions. All started the same date you're weapon was first commissioned. Jia'fal also says his superiors have reprimanded him for interfering on the prime. Angels cannot terry long. He sent most of his forces back. But without a higher authority cannot say more than another day. Unless the devils physically manifest his hands are tied. Exerting Influance over souls is within the rules. (that you know all too well from reading pact primeval) The dark events put a grim outlook on you're and Ardovax mood. It's not until you strike out at an annoying dog barking at you, killing it in frustration and Ardovax stifle a laugh at the act that you know there is a problem. But you still don't feel bad about inadvertently killing the dog.
Both of Bullocks companions examine his suspiciously acquired weapon, but neither find anything wrong with it. Bullock attempts to send Murth a message but the spell fails, Bullock teleports directly to Murth's lair and presents him with the suspicious weapon and explains what is happening in Serpent's Head.
Murth sits in his study. Tracing summoning runes. Murth tells you, Tormus could certainly manipulate mortals moods with the right ritual. The rapid infernal rate of possession is troubling. Safe to say Tormus has found a way to stop or intercept out sending. The dragon pulls a fine crystal from a shelf. "I must finish here, but I will send word to my contacts there to help you. Take this and only use it as a last resort! Within lies a powerful epic spell."
Murth also inspects Bullocks weapon and finds runes not having anything to do with it's enchantment on it. He gives Bullock a weapon and tells Bullock he will investigate this, go back to Serpent's head and help your friends.
Upon returning to Serpent's Head, Bullock finds the chain back in his possession. He examines it more carefully and recognizes the runes as similar to the ones on the Archon and the ones used by Tormus. He destroys the chain with the weapon given to him by Tormus.
Bullock and his allies fight their way past devil possessed guards into the Villa, finding a Pot fiend summoning more spirits to disrupt the city even further. "Bullock! Tormus sends his regards. You have a choice, save Suri who is on her family vessel at sea or the city.... *laughs* you don't have time for both!" the fiend turns back to his work... The infernal glee apparent in his eyes.
Devils spring out and surround the trio and chaos erupts. Adovax sends a prayer to Dak and it's answered with a slew of his followers cresting the hill and joining the battle, making an opening for Bullock to head to the Harbor.
Bullocks runs to the harbor, watching as an unnatural storm approaches.
The city is on the border of full riots! The guards are now focusing in guarding the important places then keeping order in the streets. That's when you pick up Sasha's scent. But she is not going towards the docks. You are within sight of the bay, and you see a massive storm moving in rapidly!
I will follow Sasha, she can't be up to any good, and is probably trying to get to Suri before me. May e I will get lucky and end the miserable wench.
You track her to a wealthy house. The dead guards out front signal Sasha's resolve.
Inside you quickly dispatch her lesser devil minions and you find her on the roof.
Bullock: "What is your purpose here Betrayer, where is Suri?"
I never betrayed you, we are basically allies we both fight against the abyss! Clearly not here, but if we team up we might find her much faster.
Bullock: I'll follow you're lead, but if I believe you are attempting to betray me again, I will send you to your god. A pot fiend told me she is at sea, but that isn't exactly a reliable source of information. Have you any ideas of where she is?
It is when Tormus is orchestrating this. I know a merchant with a fast ship. We may have to persuade him to take his ship out in the storm.... But what's a bit of strong arming to save the world.
Sasha dominates the captain of a vessel and they sail into the storm towards several warships battling the elements and sea serpents, Colossal dragons fighting above in the clouds.
Sasha teleports over to one of the vessels and uses her spiked mace to brain the captain. The captains motionless body slides overboard. Taking the helm Sasha turns it back towards open ocean.
Bullock follows closely behind finding Sasha battling with the helm of the ship, he leaves her and searches below decks.
Dead bodies everywhere on deck. Inside the masters cabin you hear combat. Shouldering the door you find a horned devil holding a middle aged woman in cup de graw pose. "I know you're in here! Surrender to me or she dies."
Bullock Disarms the Horned Devil and destroys him. He finds that the woman in the room is Suri's mother and Suri is found hidden in a secret compartment, Bullock tries to plane shift them all to Celestia, but is unpleasantly surprised.
As they plane shift and become aware of their surroundings, they are in the hells, and Tormus stands nearby appearing quite smug. Bullock wishes for another plane shift back to Celestia, but Tormus magically pulls them back. Tormus addresses Bullock "Kill them and join me, you will be rewarded." Bullock pretends to play along with the plan and pretends to strike Suri's Mother, though he wishes under his breath for her to be plane shifted back to Celestia. He then engages Tormus and quickly realizes that he can't hope to defeat him. Tormus Summons some sort of Demonic Dragon. Bullock activates the Epic Spell given to him by Murth. A meteor streaks from the sky destroying the dragon, standing there is an avatar of Azeron who engages Tormus. Bullock takes the distraction to wish Him and Suri back to Celestia, and then again to the prime material and into Murth's lair. He leaves Suri under Murths care and heads to Caymoor to help his friends clean up the city.
Category:Adventures