Beyond the End of Time

## Act One: Back on Tour

**Reggie Dwight** contemplated the course of his life and wondered if it had truly brought him the fulfillment he had sought. As an unmatched performer and brilliant musician, he had garnered admiration from deities, kings, and common folk alike. Yet, in his current situation, he questioned if it had all been worth it.

On the 8th layer of Hell, a school of hellfire stood tall with its 99 stories, constructed from green steel and shrouded in poisonous vapor. The dean, a pit fiend, presided over this infernal establishment, where devils learned the secrets of wielding hellfire. However, at present, the school was on break, and the focus was on school spirit. The mischievous little devils had arranged for an extraordinary performance at eternity's greatest pep rally. Mephistar, who was typically a wandering glacier, now graced the stage with pyrotechnics because none other than Reggie Dwight was performing for the eighth time in a row! With a god-level 30 performance check, he flawlessly delivered the hits that the devils yearned for, absolutely shredding his music. "The Bitch is Back" and "Crocodile Rock" enthralled the crowd, earning him their fervent adoration.

As Reggie was ushered off the stage, he found himself in the company of Ix'Thor, a high-ranking imp who usually dealt with processing new entrants to the lower levels of Baator. The imp reveled in Reggie's success but hinted at needing his aid. It was a significant task, but in return, Reggie would be granted an entire day to do anything he pleased. Intrigued, Reggie followed Ix'Thor, joined by Am'Hiiii, who held a higher rank in the chain of command.

Now we shift our focus to **Boban the Basher**, contemplating the worth of his own life. And indeed, his life had been worthwhile. Far from the depths of Hell, Boban thrived in a warm and inviting tavern, where stained glass windows adorned the walls and joyous music filled the air. The bartender regaled patrons with tales of the mighty warrior Boban, the hero of the land and the center of attention. People clamored to capture his likeness in paintings, and countless drinks were raised in his honor. However, as Boban interacted with a blond man named Chadwick of the Mountainlion family, his hands began to fade away. Chadwick, seemingly oblivious to Boban's presence, wandered off for another drink. The music grew louder, the tavern grew drearier, and the crowd thinned. Town guards appeared, wearing the uniforms of a wicked kingdom that Boban had once overthrown. It became apparent that the place had reverted to its dismal state, as if Boban had never made a difference.

Next, we turn our attention to **Gwyn Applewhistle**, reflecting on the worth of her life. On balance, she concluded that her endeavors had been worthwhile. She had strived to perform good deeds, enjoy life, forge friendships, and fight against inequality, always aspiring to be a true hero. In a lush forest beneath a canopy of trees, she stood bathed in the ethereal light that filtered through. Mushrooms and flowers adorned the verdant surroundings. A unicorn named Twinkleface approached her, praising her for safeguarding the grove. They danced in joy, their equine hooves rhythmically tapping the ground to the tune Gwyn had taught them. The wood woads cheered, and it seemed like another idyllic day in paradise. But then, the scenery around Gwyn began to warp and distort. She realized she was being plane-shifted and time-shifted simultaneously. The once-vibrant land transformed into a scorched wasteland devoid of her influence.

Lastly, we encounter **Gnarled Tree Trunk,** a being who had found profound fulfillment by living in harmony with nature, drawing inspiration from the beauty surrounding him. Gnarled, resembling a hybrid of a tree and a human, bore bluish-tinted bark adorned with moss, ferns, and mushrooms. Today was a momentous occasion, as he participated in the grand ceremony held at the newly restored Dawnshard Grove. Though this sacred place had witnessed demonic turmoil in the past, that was centuries ago. Gnarled, at the peak of his powers, had the honor of officiating a momentous wedding ceremony. Dulcinea, an Archfey who had been painstakingly reborn from a tiny bud over the course of centuries, now stood ready to be restored fully. The guests represented an intriguing mix, with druids and woodland creatures on one side and gnomes and kobolds engaged in a heated debate on the other. Gnarled waved his hands, and flowers bloomed while ivy formed an arch overhead. Water seemingly swam through the air, emanating from fountains, and the chairs appeared to be hewn from the very stones of the earth. The druids smiled, enhancing the beauty with their topiary skills, while the gnomes clapped and the kobolds screamed in satisfaction. In the distance, a gnome, a kobold, and a fey creature walked together down the aisle, symbolizing a union between them all. Kurtulmak, Garl Glittergold, and Lady Dulcinea smiled radiantly. Yet, in an instant, Gnarled found himself transported, accompanied by the repetitive melody of elevator music.

The scene shifted dramatically, resembling a corporate conference room. Gnarled realized he was in Hell. Imps toiled away in cubicles lining the walls, while a weary goblin, dressed in a suit, sat at the head of a conference table. All the characters we have encountered thus far found themselves brought together in this unexpected setting. Trix, introducing himself, revealed his position in the multiversal contracts department and his role as special council on the Nicholas Ice Cream case. Working alongside him was Am'Hiiii, a prosecutor and specialist in extraplanar discovery. The group had been summoned to save the world, and Trix had prepared a presentation. As he and Am'Hiiii bickered over the projector setup, the group had a chance to acquaint themselves. Gnarled felt affronted by Reggie's fur attire, and Boban realized he was not as well-known in this assembly. Reggie, however, found common ground with Gwyn through their shared love for musical instruments, and he imparted some pan flute playing techniques to her.

Finally, Trix and Am'Hiiii finished configuring the PowerPoint and began outlining their urgent task—to save the universe from a dire threat emanating from the far realms. Right on cue, the projector exploded, emphasizing the twisted and chaotic nature of the far realms. This realm of madness had begun encroaching on other realms, and beings from the far realms were snatching souls from good-aligned planes. In the face of this existential threat, even beings of order, like devils and angels, found themselves compelled to collaborate. Recent angelic murders had taken place, and although the culprits were known, their motivations remained unclear. Tempani, a solar of great power, had vanished into the far realms after displaying strange behavior and an unhealthy fascination with that twisted domain. The group was chosen for their remarkable strength and dedication to making the world a better place.

Eagerly, Reggie volunteered for the task at hand, while Boban expressed his approval with mouthfuls of bagels and visibly moldy cream cheese. Gwyn, though longing to return to her peaceful abode and friends, reluctantly agreed to join the mission. Gnarled, enticed by the prospect of encountering more plants in their destination, also pledged his participation. With Am'Hiii as their guide, the group set forth into the far realms in search of Tempani, ready to uncover their nefarious plan and save the universe from impending doom.

## Act Two: When You're in the World

Am'Hiii led the group to a mystical place where she could open up a portal to the Astral Plane. It was like stepping into a swirling galaxy transformed into a magnificent hallway. As they walked, it felt as though they were treading on a cloud, even though there was nothing beneath their feet except emptiness. This was the entrance to the Tower of Time, a trio of towering structures that served as Astral fortresses, each divided into various subplanes. Sadly, one of the fortresses had been completely destroyed, indicating a far worse situation than they had anticipated.

The Tower of Time was a place so formidable that even the archdevils dared not attempt to invade it. Despite the danger, they proceeded inside. The terrain within was peculiar, with movement dictated by one's level of intelligence. Gnarled observed that there were no visible plans in this realm, while Boban noticed shelves that seemed to have been set ablaze at some point. The group began casting buffs on one another, preparing for what lay ahead.

Upon entering the main room of the tower, they found themselves in a spacious and airy chamber with polished wood floors and a roof that had been blown off. The walls were lined with shelves that once held numerous books and timekeeping devices like hourglasses, sundials, and candles. However, signs of a fierce battle were evident, with the bodies of humanoid figures wearing blood-stained robes scattered on the ground. Arcane symbols adorned the surroundings, their purpose to prevent the use of chronomancy, now destroyed. Reggie recognized the symbols and knew that this event had not yet occurred. Time magic was indeed tricky.

Am'Hiiii cast "pass without trace" on the party as they ventured further into the tower, unaware of what awaited them. The room was filled with slain angels, but one in particular caught their attention. A tall, muscular humanoid lay on the floor, bearing deep wounds and missing its wings. Despite being alive, the angel seemed oblivious to the group's entrance. Am'Hiiii delved into the angel's surface-level thoughts and discovered his name to be Amzail. Astonishingly, he had been waiting for them.

Amzail had sent out a call for rescue, believing the party had answered it. He clutched a shattered hourglass in his hand, a powerful artifact known as the Wondrous Hourglass. When shattered, it could halt time for creatures in its vicinity, temporarily postponing death until the magic effect ceased. Unfortunately, Amzail's injuries were beyond healing. He recounted how Tempani, accompanied by insane lesser angels, had arrived and demanded knowledge of chronomancy. When he refused to help them harness the power of the Far Realms to destroy everything, they massacred everyone in the tower and fled across the black lake, carrying forbidden chronomancy items from the vault. Amzail's duty had been to protect and preserve those items, not comprehend their true nature. He implored the party to help save the world and had set up a teleportation circle to take them across the Black Lake.

Boban noticed that Amzail's fatal wound had been intended to be a killing blow, aimed at his heart. He also noticed three unshattered hourglasses in the tower and asked if they could take them. Amzail's eyes widened with protest, warning them of the dangers. However, before he could finish his plea, his body was violently cleaved in two, his blood splattering the room as the magic of his shattered hourglass ended. Am'Hiii reprimanded Boban for thinking he could control time, citing the burdensome paperwork such power would entail. Gnarled placed magical flowers near Amzail's bisected body as a tribute. They lay in the shattered remains of the hourglass and might remain there forever in the cycle of death and rebirth that has been created there.

In their contemplation of what course to pursue, the valiant adventurers reached a resolute decision: they would bear the weight of responsibility and carry the three unblemished Wondrous Hourglasses, ensuring the preservation of their incredible power. With grim determination etched upon their faces, they converged upon the teleportation circle, bracing themselves for the surge of arcane energy that awaited them.

As the magic surged and swirled, a palpable pressure enveloped their beings. With a rush of cool air, they were thrust back into the realm of reality, their surroundings revealed to them. Standing on the shore of a vast subterranean lake, they beheld a mesmerizing spectacle—a phosphorescent purple glow cast its ethereal radiance upon the water's surface. Across the expanse of the lake, a towering edifice loomed, beckoning their attention.

Suddenly, a searing burst of brilliant purple light erupted above the lake, and from its luminescence emerged five sinister mind flayers, their malicious intent palpable. Yet, as swiftly as they appeared, torrents of scorching flames engulfed the mind flayers, obliterating them in an instant. The unlikely heroes' saviors were none other than three majestic Brass Dragons, their fiery breath laying waste to the abominations.

Gnarled, emboldened by the dragons' display of power, felt a stirring within his soul—a desire to communicate with these awe-inspiring creatures. However, his companions were quick to voice their dissent, recognizing the peril that lurked within such an audacious endeavor. While they debated, another illithid's head emerged from the rift through which the others had arrived, only to be swiftly silenced as a dragon's maw clamped shut, severing its wretched existence. The rift sealed shut, leaving no trace of its existence.

Undeterred by his comrades' cautionary words, Gnarled closed his eyes, and a radiant glow emanated from his being. Transforming into his celestial form, his body became adorned with constellations, with the silhouette of a dragon prominently displayed upon his joints. Slowly, he ascended from the ground, a celestial being poised to engage the dragons in discourse. In this moment, Gwyn, their ever-inspiring ally, bestowed upon Gnarled the gift of bardic inspiration, kindling his spirit for the impending encounter.

Meanwhile, Reggie, invoking his arcane prowess, cast the Fly spell upon himself, soaring alongside Gnarled in a show of solidarity. The bestial Bugbear known as Boban, unyielding in his resolve, chose a more arduous path, opting to traverse the waters by swimming. Determined to accompany their companions, Am'Hiii cast Water Breathing upon herself and Gwyn, ensuring they could join in the endeavor.

Amidst the bustling activity, Boban's keen eyes caught a glimmer on the lakebed—an enticing glint reminiscent of concealed treasures. Realizing it to be a fragment of mind flayer art, he deduced that these abominations delighted in augmenting their next meals' mental faculties by surrounding themselves with intellectually stimulating artifacts. With a mischievous grin, he pocketed a small snow globe, a keepsake of this perilous encounter.

Meanwhile, Am'Hiii's sharp gaze discerned the tip of a colossal nautiloid—a once formidable vessel now reduced to wreckage. The lifeless bodies of mind flayers floated aimlessly, a haunting testament to the carnage wrought upon their ilk.

With their collective efforts, the intrepid adventurers successfully traversed the shimmering lake, reaching the other side unscathed. As they stepped onto solid ground, a dragon of magnificent stature fixed its gaze upon them, singling out Reggie by name. To their astonishment, it appeared that these dragons were ardent admirers of Reggie's work, for they continued their relentless assault on the mind flayers, tearing them asunder even as they engaged in conversation.

Amidst the chaos, the dragon conveyed an important revelation—they had been appointed as guardians of the lake by none other than Tempani. Their presence here was a testament to a great debt owed by their mother to the enigmatic Tempani. The tower that loomed across the lake was not just any structure, but a bastion of knowledge and research, a sanctuary shielding the realm from the encroachment of "The Outside."

Ever the humble showman, Reggie, emboldened by the dragons' admiration, offered to bestow his signature upon a keepsake for the dragons. Approaching with an endearing eagerness, a smaller dragon presented a scale for Reggie to sign, relishing in the interaction. Meanwhile, the other diminutive dragon, Benari, was dispatched to inform the rest of the party that their access to the temple was restricted. Yet, in a surprisingly amiable manner, Benari implored them to understand the ancestral oath and the debt they owed to Tempani, politely requesting their aid in defending the tower.

Rather than correct the dragons' mistaken assumption that they would actively participate in the tower's defense, the group played along, signing scales and extracting further information. Reggie cunningly hinted at the prospect of organizing a concert just outside the temple, eliciting the dragons' delight. In a gracious display, the dragons offered invaluable advice on the optimal location for acoustics, eagerly anticipating a remarkable performance by Reggie while they continued their onslaught against the mind flayers and other assailants. Thus, with the dragons' tacit approval, the entire group progressed, confident in their disguise as musicians preparing for an imminent concert.

As they ventured deeper into the temple's inner sanctum, their eyes beheld a startling sight—a multitude of traps, each one expertly sprung, yet bearing the residue of formidable power. Power Word Kills, Power Word Stuns, Glyphs of Warding, and other devastating spells adorned these treacherous contraptions. Undeterred, Am'Hiii courageously assumed the role of the vanguard, leading the way into the heart of the tower, now unveiled as The Hidden Temple.

Upon opening the door, a vast chamber unfolded before them, its lofty ceilings upheld by sturdy pillars of gray stone. Wooden pews lined the sides of the room, forming an aisle that led to an intricately carved altar, adorned with a scroll. Beyond the altar stood the imposing figure of an angelic statue, casting its solemn gaze upon the adventurers.

*Based on the temporal nature of this journey, everything from this point on will be written in present tense.*

The echoes of violence pervade this desecrated place, akin to the ruins they had witnessed at the shrine's demise. Blood stains and shattered timber litter the scene, bearing witness to the savagery that transpired. Amidst this grim tableau, their eyes fall upon a white-robed elf, his sight concealed beneath a tightly wound bandage, deep in prayer at the altar. Standing watch over him stand three towering figures, angelic in form, yet veiled in an unsettling aura of affliction. Their deathly pale complexions and hollow, abyssal eyes speak of a profound corruption.

Reggie, cloaked in invisibility, ventures forth into the temple, his companions following suit with trepidation, hidden from view. Boban, displaying a primal prowess akin to a barbaric spider, ascends the wall. The figure at the altar turns, fixing his gaze upon Am'Hiii, the sole visible member of the group. Identifying himself as Sheeno, a devoted follower of Tempani, he reaches out to Am'Hiii, who, well-versed in the art of deceit, introduces herself under the fabricated name of "Theeno." Sheeno extends an invitation for her to join him in prayer to Lathander, claiming to work tirelessly to safeguard all existence.

Notably, Reggie discerns that the three angelic figures have their inky voids fixed intently upon Am'Hiii. Seeking a better vantage point, he attempts to reposition himself, only to be thwarted as Sheeno, with his blindfold still intact, calls out to him, perceiving Reggie's presence through his invisibility. In fact, Sheeno can perceive everyone except for the ever-stealthy Boban. A conversation ensues between Reggie and Sheeno, revolving around the enigmatic concept of "saving everything" as defined by Sheeno.

Sheeno confesses his involvement in the carnage that befell this sacred place, deeming the slain as lacking the requisite open-mindedness. According to him, the sole means of salvaging all lies in utilizing a forbidden incantation. Assigned with the task of ensuring that the souls of those who follow in Tempani's footsteps are not damned when all converges into Eternity, Sheeno's true intentions are met with skepticism from Reggie, leading him to launch an attack against Sheeno.

Reggie endeavors to push Sheeno back, but the corrupted Devas, with an eerie grace, intercept his assault. Simultaneously, Reggie places a hex upon the elf, while Boban, consumed by fury, descends from his ceiling perch, wielding his mighty maul. Sheeno, already bloodied, unveils a grisly sight—tentacles emerge from his wounds, only to shrivel and perish moments later. Am'Hiii seeks to banish Sheeno to a hellish prison cell but finds herself thwarted by his formidable charisma. Coughing up a viscous, otherworldly blood that defies identification as either elven or angelic, Sheeno casts Harm upon Boban in the name of the Dawn Father, prompting the corrupted Devas to stir into motion. Gwyn conjures a scorching wall of fire around the Devas, while Gnarled attempts to ensnare Sheeno with his druidic powers. The harmonious synchrony of the party's magic prevents Gwyn's wall of fire from extinguishing Gnarled's entanglement. The Devas, driven by their enigmatic influence, target Gwyn as the creator of the flames. Through her perceptive vision, she detects writhing entities beneath their flesh, their sinister presence threatening to invade her consciousness. Swiftly, she repels the encroaching malevolence. As the Devas assail her, their angelic maces, instead of gleaming with divine light, appear blurred and distorted.

Boban, with a fierce swing of his axe, cleaves Sheeno's head in twain. In a fleeting moment, a vision reveals the dire consequences that would have befallen him had he faltered. Sheeno's blood, clawing its way down Boban's weapon, becomes animated, the severed head held aloft by writhing tentacles. Sharp teeth pierce Boban's heart, as he feels his very essence unravel. Yet, it is Boban's fear of this grim foretelling that ultimately saves him. In truth, Sheeno falls to the might of Boban's blade. Blinking in disbelief, the elf before them appears mundane, with no trace of the extraordinary. Swiftly redirecting their focus, the party turns their attention to the corrupted Devas.

Gwyn channels her rage into a fervent onslaught, simultaneously healing her wounds. Gnarled summons a stone raptor from the heavens, while Reggie unleashes his musical prowess, his Keytar resonating with an electrifying melody that dispatches the Devas with a bolt of lightning. Amidst the chaos, Am'Hiii finds herself in the trajectory of this deadly discharge. Yet, the inspiration she drew from Gwyn earlier in the day empowers her to narrowly evade an untimely demise. Finally, Boban impales the last Deva, its blood staining the skyborne stone creature summoned by Gnarled. Curiously, as the blood splatters, the memories of the stone creature's presence inexplicably vanish from the minds of the party, leaving no trace of its existence.

The group carefully examines Sheeno's body but finds nothing of value, just a normal timepiece. Reggie takes the lead in investigating the temple and discovers another badly injured angelic figure with a twisted and bloody leg. Her eyes change color as she tries to determine the group's alignment. She explains that Tempani, who returned from the Far Realms 2.5 hours ago, sought the angels' assistance but was refused. In response, Tempani slaughtered all the angels and proceeded to the Observation Deck, a place overlooking the rift into the Far Realm. Tempani and their team have tethered a vessel there to transport people and equipment into the rift. The injured angel implores the group to stop Tempani and offers to act as a distraction for them.

Meanwhile, Boban takes the opportunity to search the room for valuable items, guided by the angel who assumes the best in everyone. Gwyn's familiar, Poppy the cat, appears and adds an adorable touch to the scene, feeling uneasy being away from its happy forest. The group proceeds up the stairs and arrives on a wide expanse of grey flagstones, forming a flat deck filled with various robed angelic figures. The deck overlooks a vast, spherical cavern carved out of blackened and warped stone. At the center of the cavern, a flickering, shifting crack of sparkling purple energy captures their attention. Thick ropes extend into the rift, with figures loading crates onto a platform and sending them into the Far Realm. Unnoticed by anyone, Reggie becomes alarmed by this sight, feeling that sending anything into the Far Realm is a grave mistake. Gwyn shares his concern and urges the group to confront the situation immediately. Gnarled realizes the gravity of the situation is beyond his initial expectations, while Boban eagerly anticipates challenging adversaries and the possibility of valuable loot. Am'Hiii, however, is surprised and suspicious of the angel who led them into a room full of enemies, although she did mention the whereabouts of Tempani and their team. Am'Hiii realizes they are in over their heads, tosses the three hourglasses she's been holding onto Boban, and departs to seek backup.

The group decides to take action and initiates an attack. Gnarled summons a maelstrom, swirling water around the chamber, before transforming into a dragon constellation. Boban brutally dispatches two acolyte kids, while Reggie unleashes his fiery powers, immolating three others simultaneously. Gwyn conjures a wall of fire, and the maelstrom eliminates most of the remaining acolytes. The priests suffer complete devastation. Although the corrupted Devas prove more resistant, only one of them sustains damage from the assault. The wall of fire leaves some of the devas slightly crispy. As the surprise round ends, the Devas turn their heads in unison and fly straight at the heroes, targeting Gnarled to disrupt the maelstrom. Amidst the chaos, Poppy the cat remains bewildered by the unfolding events. The Devas gradually chip away at the heroes' health, and everyone falls victim to a Mind Rend, resulting in a stunned state, except for Reggie.

Facing a desperate situation, Reggie resorts to making a wish to Mephistopheles, seeking healing for the party. He hears familiar "hold" music before Mephistopheles responds with regret, denouncing the actions of hell and Asmodeus that led Reggie to this predicament. As fiendish magic courses through Gnarled's veins, he experiences profound inner turmoil, feeling as though he has betrayed everything he stands for. Doubt fills his mind, questioning if they are truly fighting on the right side. Boban, on the other hand, feels rejuvenated and more confident than ever, ready for further challenges. Gwyn experiences mild cognitive dissonance due to the conflicting magic but is relieved to be restored to full health.

The party perseveres in the battle. Gwyn unleashes a powerful fireball, while Gnarled summons giant insects by transforming into his starry form, aided by the arrival of giant spiders. Boban drives a deva into madness, prompting them to attack their own ally. Reggie casts a synaptic static, obliterating many acolytes, and fortunately, Gnarled's spiders remain unaffected. The devastation caused by Reggie's spells inadvertently affects Gwyn, who becomes a prime target for the remaining priest. Sustaining heavy damage, Gwyn decides to disengage from the fight, hoping for the arrival of Am'Hiii and backup. Unfortunately, luck does not favor them, missing the check by a single point. However, Gnarled uses a luck point, turning the tides, and it appears that no help will arrive.

Gnarled is devastated, feeling that he has lost himself and betrayed everything he holds dear. He implores the spirits of nature for forgiveness, hoping that their kindness can redeem him. But instead of the nature spirits, it is the devils who respond. Reggie recognizes some of them as the ones who partied with him at his concert in hell. Seventeen Pit Fiends rally together, showcasing their fireball abilities and causing widespread destruction. They decimate the remaining devas, acolytes, and priests. The party watches in awe as the Pit Fiends conclude their display and, giving Reggie and the group a round of applause, leave them. The party makes a daring choice to enter the rift, using various means such as flying, acrobatic swings, climbing the ropes, and leaping. Gwyn, in particular, appears incredibly cool as she disappears into the rift, leaving the Pit Fiends to wipe brimstone from their eyes in astonishment.

## Act Three: Don't Let the Sun Go Down

Inside the void, the heroes find themselves on a beach with black sand. A mist hangs in the air, and eerie sounds echo from the depths while shadows dance on the water's surface. Gwyn's gaze shifts, and she witnesses a grotesque larva entwined with bulging veins in the place where Reggie stood. Boban, as he walks, experiences repeated lacerations from invisible lasers, and Gnarled finds himself surrounded by a plant that grows through him like tusks. However, with a blink, everything returns to normal.

As they explore The Outside, some of them begin to descend into madness, confronted with the unsettling truth of unreality. It dawns upon them that this distorted chaos might be the genuine nature of things. They comprehend that they can see the truth here and now, an irreversible realization. The madness manifests differently for each of them: Boban suffers from excruciating headaches, causing his eyes to bulge, while Gwyn is plagued by hallucinations of an off-tune song.

Gwyn's attention is drawn to a structure in the distance. Among the floating remnants of a ruined city, only one dark tower remains stationary. Its doors open to vertical drops, and its features appear melted as if exposed to intense heat. A cloud of torn papers descends from the top, emanating a flickering blue light. Gwyn and Reggie reach out to grasp some of the floating papers. As Reggie's hand transforms momentarily into a large beast that envelops the papers before returning to normal, Gwyn realizes she cannot decipher the unfamiliar handwriting. Her thoughts drift to the sorrowful realization that she may never see Twinkleface again, as the handwriting remains unrecognizable to anyone.

For Gnarled, there is no paper or ink. Instead, he finds himself holding flowers. The tower simultaneously appears both incredibly close and impossibly distant, creating a disorienting sensation. Gwyn contemplates using her wand of detection but finds herself surrounded by an overwhelming number of enemies, as if they are crawling beneath her skin. In this realm of pure chaos, where nothing makes sense, Reggie senses that they are no longer aligned with either good or evil. Questions fill his mind as they proceed forward.

Upon entering the tower, they initially encounter a disorienting maze of impossible geometry. Stairs bend and twist upon themselves, and doors turn sideways. However, amidst the chaos, a central spiral staircase emerges. Reggie takes the lead, discovering that the place they have entered is a multifaceted library—a school, a grove, a playground for unicorns, the insides of a cat familiar's stomach, the smile of a newborn baby, and even a praying mantis. It encompasses all of these forms and none of them, embodying everything and everywhere simultaneously.

Reggie observes angels and priests absorbed in reading books, their bloodshot eyes reflecting desperation. These books contain the cumulative knowledge from various planes of existence. Unimpeded, Reggie navigates through the chamber, witnessing each book dissolve as soon as it is read. The readers are left to their own devices, struggling to grasp the next location. Eventually, the heroes find themselves in a vast ritual chamber—a triangular room supported by towering pillars measuring 50 feet in height. A radiant purple light emanates from its center. The chamber opens at both ends, revealing a sea of mists on one side and a surprisingly familiar blue sky resembling the material plane on the other.

At the heart of the room stands an immensely tall angel, exuding power and strength despite their torn robes. Clinging above this figure is a grotesque aberration, 50 feet tall, its flesh distorted and melted, its limbs tentacles, and its fingers possessing multiple joints. Where nails should be, its red flesh protrudes. Chained, the creature displays glowing runes on each link. In the center of its chest lies a large lock.

Gnarled averts his gaze from the terrifying creature, focusing instead on the angel. Boban, in his characteristic manner, insults the angel immediately, while Tempani, despite being referred to as a whore, responds with a soft and gentle voice, embodying the very essence one would expect from an angel. Polite and composed, she offers to address any questions the party might have. Surprised by Tempani's demeanor, the heroes express their concerns regarding the impending fate of every world, plane, and reality, as these creatures feed on time and pose a threat to everything. Their only solution, they explain, is to remove time entirely. Gnarled adamantly opposes this course of action, but Tempani reveals that in trillions of versions of this same interaction, this was the only moment the party was able to impede the threat. She further explains that the angelic and priestly followers they encountered earlier were preserving the knowledge of the universe, intending to freeze and safeguard it before the Far Realms could expand. Tempani insists that freezing time is the sole means to save everything, leaving Reggie to ponder if isolating or destroying just this realm could be a viable alternative for the greater good.

They cannot. This realm cannot be held or frozen, but everything else can be. They captured one of the time-eating creatures to conduct a ritual that would encase the universe, and it is nearly finished. Tempani pleads with the party for their help instead of fighting them.

As Tempani speaks about how even the gods will not enter this realm, their mood becomes increasingly erratic. They shout about being the only being that can save everything, their eyes wild with desperation. However, without uttering a word, Reggie throws one of the hourglasses, causing everything to freeze. Tempani is frozen in place, and the party decides not to help them, preparing to face them head-on when time resumes.

Time warps and gravity reverses for some of the party members. Gwyn and Reggie begin to fall upward, Gnarled gets caught in a time loop, and Gwyn's magic is disrupted by the madness of the Far Realm. Tempani, in a rage, attacks Reggie upon sensing the residue of chronomancy on his skin. The elder being then focuses on Boban, leaving him confused before attempting to smash him. The floating party members plummet from the sky, and Gwyn finds herself highly magnetized, losing her rapier to the void. Gnarled reappears in the same spot as before, and he takes a moment to unlock the padlock on the creature.

Tempani, horrified, attacks with their legendary action. Reggie manages to trap them in a cage, but they teleport out immediately, now resembling crying scorpions or entrails. Tempani is unable to comprehend what is happening, having seen this scenario play out repeatedly. They attempt to whisper a word of truth to Gwyn, hoping to sway her to their side, but it has no effect. Tempani briefly smiles before transforming into an abomination, screaming and launching an onslaught against the party.

Reggie recalls an older song, reflecting on happier times and realizing the true nature of the being before him. With his newfound intelligence, he understands how to defeat it, including the use of chronomancy. The party members each have their own thoughts and hopes amidst the battle. Gwyn disappears momentarily, Gnarled sinks into the liquefied floor, and Reggie tries to make sense of the situation by using his Eldritch Blast against the creature.

Reggie remembers the remaining two hourglasses and considers using them together to create a paradox. With his heightened intelligence, he believes this could potentially kill the elder evil. Without hesitation, he smashes both hourglasses at Tempani's feet, resulting in a moment of silence before...

The scene shifts to Trix in Hell, going about his usual day, when Ix'Thor arrives, displeased with the unauthorized use of company resources. They argue, but unexpectedly, Ix'Thor promotes Trix to report to the 9th floor of Hell.

The scene then cuts back to snippets of each party member's life. Reggie remembers making a deal with a devil to change his miserable life, Gwyn recalls her determination to make a significant impact beyond being the daughter of halflings, Boban reminisces about the rush he felt when he first killed someone and was rewarded for it, and Gnarled finds himself back in the beautiful grove, feeling at peace.

Everything is over, nothing ever happened, and a paradox is created that never was. This is where everything begins anew.

## New NPCs

1. Chadwick Mountainlion, Jaime's descendant
2. Amzail, protector of the Tower of Time
3. Balana, Baneri, and Belanino, brass dragon guardians
4. Sheeno, Tempani's templar
5. Poppy, Gwyn's cat familiar
6. Tempani, greater angel

## Memorable Quotes

**DM:** What makes our time here worth it? Is it the connections we make, the friendships, our great loves, our passion projects? In 100 years, we'll probably be dead. In 1000 years, we'll probably be forgotten. Was Reggie Dwight's life worth it?

* **Ix'Thor:** Reggie, BABY, they LOVE ya! That's some of your best work yet!
* **Reggie:** You know, I love being here in Mephistar, I can't get enough of it. Let's keep doing it. Number 9, baby! Nine Layers!
* **Ix'Thor**: Well... There might be something else we need your help with.
* **Reggie:** You know, I literally can't say no to you. So, let's go!
* **Ix'Thor:** It's a major job. I ran it by the man downstairs, and he said that if you go through with this, then you get a full 24 hours to do whatever you want.
* **Reggie:** 24 hours? That's a lot of time. I only get like 24 seconds every Hell's Day Eve!

* **Chadwick Mountainlion:** Boban, my family and I are so grateful for what you've done!
* **Boban**: It's the least I can do... for the money you paid me to do it.
* **Chadwick Mountainlion:** There's plenty more where that came from! The leather business is flourishing! And I promise on the name of every Mountainlion before me and all the Mountainlions to come that you shall always have us as a supportive... SUPPORTIVE group! I'm sorry, I'm at a loss for words. I'm nothing like my great, great, great, great, great, great, great...

* **Twinkleface:** You know, we've had a lot of protectors of this holy glade before, but none of them have been as great as you, Gwyn. How can we help spread woodland cheer today?
* **Gwyn:** I think it'd be best if you could do a dance.
* **Twinkleface:** Well, I dunno. I always thought I had four left hooves! But you've helped me believe in myself! Watch!

**Gnarled:** I'm almost always among my own kind. To see such a variety of nature before me is so rewarding!

* **Gnarled:** Some honored guests! Let us celebrate in this momentous, wonderful occasion that could not possibly be spoiled by anything that may occur!
* **Kurtulmak**: That was... remarkably... specific...

**Trix:** Okay, don't panic, PLEASE. Not like last time! Hey, Reggie... big fan.

* **Gnarled:** Oh! OH! This is DEFINITELY not a forest!
* **Boban:** Who the hell are you? And where's my beer?
* **Trix:** I don't have any beer, but there's some coffee and bagels in the corner. The bagels are stale... we might have your favorite, though. What's your favorite bagel?
* **Everyone:** Oh, I really like--
* **Trix:** Yeah, no, we don't have that one.

* **Gnarled:** Is that fur from another CREATURE?!
* **Reggie:** Yes.
* **Gnarled:** OH NO!
* **Reggie:** In my defense, it was responsibly sourced.

* **Boban:** Don't tell me you don't know Boban the Basher. You know who I am!
* **Gnarled:** Uuuh, no, I'm sorry, Mr. Basher. I've not heard of you.
* **Boban:** Well, I'm Boban the Basher, and I bash people's heads in with this.
* **Reggie:** I’ve heard of Boban the Basher. I’m more of a Carl the Soul Crusher guy.

**Trix:** You can trust me, I’m a goblin.

**Am’Hi: T**rix, clean up this smoldering mess of a projector.

* **Trix:** So the Far Realms is a real fucked up place.
* **Am’Hi:** It’s not nice.
* **Trix:** It’s not nice.
* **Trix:** When you gaze into the abyss, it stares back... Okay, Am’Hi, now it’s your turn.

**Trix:** I think the big guy downstairs is watching this, so... don’t mess it up.

**Reggie:** Trix, after this presentation, I’m a fan of yours.

**Reggie:** I’m in because I have complete control over the situation and I would absolutely love to help you.

* **Gwyn:** If I say no, will you send me back to my friend, Twinkleface?
* **Am’Hi: Y**eah, you can leave, but you’ll have to go down to 6 and get a voucher, and then you’ll have to walk...

* **Gnarled:** Are there more plants where we’re going?
* **Am’Hi:** There is probably A plant. That’s a really good reason to go into the Far Realms.

**Trix:** Okay, that went really well. I think I’m gonna pass you off to Am’Hi. Good luck! Don’t fuck it up. Bye... Actually, this is my office, so can you guys leave?

**Am’Hi:** I will be your guide through the Far Realms today. Please do not do anything you would not do on Earth. If you die in the Far Realms, you die in real life. Just do everything I say, and do not be alarmed if there are horrifying monstrosities around you at every moment. That is normal.

**Am’Hi:** I don’t have a Far Realms nannycam anymore because of budget cuts, and this tower has clearly been destroyed since the last round of layoffs.

* **Reggie: T**his may sound a bit odd, but I believe that what has happened here has not happened yet.
* **Gnarled: Y**ou are right. That is exceptionally odd.
* **Am’Hi:** Sigh. This is gonna be more complicated than we thought.

* **Amzail:** You’ve come! I put out a call after I was left for dead by Tempani. Are you here to save us all?
* **Am’H**i: Uh, it’s more of a fact-finding mission...

**Amzail:** This isn't about saving me. This is about saving everything.

**Am’Hi:** Chronomancy’s not something you wanna dabble with, Boban. The paperwork? Nuh-uh.

**Gnarled:** It is a shame that he died without any beauty surrounding him.

* **Gwyn:** I didn't sign up for this...
* **Am’Hi:** You didn’t sign up for anything!

**Gnarled:** Ugh. Still no plants!

**Gnarled: Y**ou ever performed for dragons?

**Reggie:** I have actually! You know, they like some of my more obscure stuff. They also really love covers for some reason. I don’t really get why. But who am I to say no to a being that could eviscerate in a 60-foot cone?

* **Belana**: Reggie Dwight?! Hey! How the hell are you, man?!
* **Reggie:** I am very well! See, we’re here to--
* **Belana::** Hold that thought, Reggie! *rips a mind flayer in half* Yeah, sorry man. Love your work! What were you saying?

* **Belana::** Tempani isn’t mad! You’d get along with Tempani!
* **Reggie:** That’s probably true, as you know I get along with many people!

* **Belanino:** We are following the great Lantura’s edict! For our mother, the Great Lantura--
* **Beneri and Belana:** THE GREAT LANTURA!!!
* **Dragon:** --Owed a great debt to Tempani. And Tempani has called on us to guard the lake against incursions. And as you can see... HAA HAA HAAA! ..... One moment... DIE!! *rips a nautiloid in half*

**Belanino**: Belana! Reggie wants to sign your scale! And Benari! Reggie’s friends probably didn’t hear what we were saying. Go down and tell them they can’t go any further.

* **Beneri:** Friends of the great Reggie Dwight. I am one of the guardians of this place. I am bound by an ancestral oath not to let anyone inside. No matter how nice they look! HA HA HA!
* **Am'Hii:** Would this be helpful to you? I have ID?
* **Beneri:** I could not read that even with my eyes, which are VERY good! But even if I could, it would not make a difference. It is my oath with Tempani.

**Beneri:** I was summoned a day ago, and boy have there been a lot of incursions of invaders from the Far Realm. Not like YOU though! You all seem perfectly nice! Will you help us defend the temple?

* **Beneri:** You are a great help! Thank you, little one!
* **Boban:** I’ve never been called ‘little’ in my life...

* **Belana:** Oh, it's not really about the inscription that you make. It’s the thought that counts! We shed our scales, but we never forget the memories that we made and the bonds that we shared!
* **Reggie:** Well said, my friend!

* **Gnarled:** How are you planning to perform your concert?
* **Reggie:** That's a great question. Any suggestions?
* **Belanino:** Me? I'm just a huge, ancient dragon! I don't know much about music, but if I had to say, the acoustics near the entrance would be phenomenal! Since you're not invaders from the Far Realm, how about playing a soundtrack while we tear apart some mind-flayer tentacles?!

* **Belanino:** Are they your groupies or something?
* **Reggie:** I don't like to disclose what happens on the road, but I can tell you they're all amazing.
* **Belanino** Oh ho ho ho! I catch your drift! Let them pass! It's Reggie Dwight's group! I mean, come on!
* **Beneri:** Hey, next time, you should try laminating.
* **Am'H**ii: Yeah, we're still saving up for that...

**Reggie:** I would assume that something called the "Hidden Temple" would be much larger than a thousand feet in any direction...

* **Sheeno:** If you're here now, it means the dragons didn't perform as expected.
* **Am'Hii:** Oh, they did. I'm just an exception to their rules.
* **Sheeno:** I was just about to read from the book of Lathander. Care to join me?
* **Am'Hii:** Wow, Lathander! That sounds exciting...

**Sheeno:** I'm glad to have those who understand the truth with me. I'm not sure why our newest member is here, but they must know that this is the only way to save everything.

**Sheeno:** I'm glad you all are open-minded. Unfortunately, the others here were not, and we had to remove them.

**Boban:** Finally, we get to hit something!

**Sheeno:** Please forgive them. They don't know what they're doing.

* **Poppy:** Hey, what's happening, everyone? Oh! This isn't the happy forest!
* **Gwyn:** No, we've been transported far, far away.
* **Poppy:** Oh, meow!
* **Gwyn:** But don't worry, we'll be back in the forest soon.

**Poppy**: Aw, purr!

**Am'Hii:** I no longer have clearance to be here. This is way beyond what any of us anticipated.

**Gnarled:** You've harmed my friends!

**Poppy:** What's the clawful situation here?!

**Poppy:** Me-ouch!

* **Reggie:** You sent us on this mission, and it's clear that the threat was severely underestimated. We need to get back as quickly as possible, and I need your help. I wish that all of us, if our lives could be measured in percentages of fortitude, were at 100% and immune to charm or petrification.
* **Mephistopheles**: I'm going to help your companions... and you. For the record, I wasn't on board with what the man downstairs is doing. Good luck, soldier.

* **Pit Fiend:** Reggiiiie! Reggie Dwight!
* **Reggie:** Hey guys! What's happening?
* **Pit Fiend:** I was at your concert!
* **Reggie:** Oh yeah! I remember you!
* **Pit Fiend:** Yeah! Let's fuck 'em up!

**Pit Fiends**: Hey Reggie! Play "Crocodile Rock"!

* **Gnarled:** Oh, such beautiful flowers! Finally, we found plants!
* **Reggie:** Nothing in this space is real, but it's also the most dangerous place possible.

* **Boban:** Are you the whore we've been searching for?
* **Tempani:** I've seen this play out countless times, and I believe you've only called me a whore twice.

* **Gnarled:** You claim that everything needs saving. Saving from what?
* **Tempani:** Of all the times we've discussed this, you've never agreed with me completely. But there have been moments when you understood. Now, you've been to the Outside. This is the Far Realm. And in the not-too-distant future, what you come from (though it may seem far in your terms, it's just a blink of an eye in the grand scheme) will become everything.

**Tempani:** This realm has one desire: to become more of itself. I've witnessed a trillion futures, and in every single one, THIS becomes everything.

* **Tempani:** Fire needs oxygen to burn. These creatures need time to grow. And if they have time, even a slight connection, this will be the fate of everything. Just as you need to remove all the oxygen to extinguish a fire, I am removing all of Time.
* **Gnarled:** Will there be no one left to experience it?

* **Tempani:** I understand you value life, but there are lives that are worth saving and others that should never be. Some of the things swimming beneath your flesh at this moment are alive, but they shouldn't be. Do you comprehend this reality or not?
* **Reggie**: Is it possible to isolate this realm?
* **Tempani:** Mr. Dwight, I'm pleased that we can attempt to understand each other. I hope this is a future we haven't yet seen together, where we can truly find agreement. But no, I can't contain this place. I've tried for so long, a moment and a billion years, and it cannot be done. I can freeze everywhere else forever, preserved and perfect, with all its flaws. Domains of dread? Let them be! Elemental planes of fire? Fine! The Abyss? Let them exist!

**Tempani:** I never truly appreciated the beauty of the conflicts we can resolve and find justice for until I realized what they could become!

**Tempani:** If you could see what will happen here, if you knew the beings of this realm as I do, then you'd understand that this is inevitable, and we CANNOT allow it to proceed.

**Tempani:** Boban, if calling me a whore helps you see the urgency, call me that a billion times! My honor is a small price to pay. I know I've fallen out of the grace of the Lord of Light on this.

**Tempani:** The gods cannot see this realm because they are AFRAID TO SET FOOT IN HERE! The gods, the devils, the demons, none of them will come here because they know what happens. Maintaining my form here is taking every ounce of my existence.

**Tempani:** Please, will you preserve the beauty of creation?

**Boban**: Your time is up!

**Reggie:** This is just one of those times.

* **Gnarled:** There is nothing natural here worth protecting!
* **Tempani:** I am protecting EVERYTHING!

**Tempani:** Why can't you see? Why can't ANY OF YOU SEE?

* **Boban:** Is that all you've got, bitch?
* **Tempani:** So small-minded. This isn't about our fight!

* **Tempani:** I apologize for this, Mr. Dwight. It shouldn't have come to this. I hear it... I hear it! You used chronomancy, and you STILL won't see things my way?
* **Reggie:** You see only what your corrupted mind allows you to see.
* **Tempani:** You don't realize what you've done...

* **Trix:** Hey, Ix'Thor, what's up?
* **Ix'Thor:** What's UP? What's UP, you little goblin? Why in the HERE are you sending 17 Pit Fiends to do nothing?
* **Trix:** What do you mean I'm sending 17 Pit Fiends to do nothing? Huh... you're right. I don't know why I'm sending 17 Pit Fiends to do nothing.
* **Ix'Thor:** That's what I'm saying! They bill by the hour, and it's expensive!
* **Trix:** I know, their union is comprehensive.
* **Ix'thor:** Those souls are coming out of your department, you understand?! Listen, kid! I'm as annoyed as ever with you, and I won't let this go for a million years, got it?
* **Trix:** Alright, one million years. Okay, I'll start the timer.

* **Trix:** Does this mean I'm going to the 9th floor?
* **Ix'Thor:** I guess you are, kid. I guess you are.
* **Trix:** Hell yeah.