She'Ol

## Introduction

You awaken to the stench of death in air. You can hear the sound of water crashing against the pier as you look and see a single ship docked there. As you glance around, the streets are filled with people that appear lost and confused. Some are even searching for someone. They call them by name but to their disappointment there is no answer.

As you stand up, a heavy fog begins to roll in. It obscures your view even further. However, you catch a glimpse of a knight in black armor seemingly patrolling the streets just before it disappears.

You attempt to recollect what happened. You do not recognize where you are and even less how you got here. One thing is for certain, this dark and dreary place is no paradise...

## No Paradise

She'Ol is filled with dark and torturous themes. The poor souls who arrive here are unaware of what despair truly lies for ahead for them. This world was originally created as a utopian prison for a very special guest, Lady Death. Unfortunately, her influence has affected the world, warping it into a dystopian reality. As each new arrival begins their journey, she puts them through a seres of tests. Even with her influence, she still cannot directly rid herself of her jailers or her prison. These new arrivals do not have the restrictions that she does. Maybe there is hope after all these years of being imprisoned, she can finally walk free once again.

## The Gates of She'Ol

The entry point for all who enter She’ol. This port features a massive black iron gate which bars entry into the Fields of Despair. Ships come and go at specific hours as new spirits arrive. The Lost Souls act as guards for the unruly spirits with The Dark Soul commanding the realm. The Commander is the only being that can open the gates leading into the fields and further into She’ol. Some souls give in to the call of She’ol and become her personal servants while others attempt to overthrow The Lost Souls and commander in an attempt to escape She’ol. It is rumored the only way out is through the depths of She’ol located on the other side of the fields of despair.

## Fields of Despair

Immediately beyond the gates lies the fields of despair. Clear sight miles away showcases the gloomy feel of She’ol. Overcast skies combined with a sight of a volcano in the background with smoke rising from its core. The plains greet those who pass the test at the gates. The Chorda make the fields their home. Many have attempted to cross these fields just to be disappointed. The Chordas not only guard this land but The Great Eagle can be seen flying overhead. Its shadow engulfing the land. This is enough to unnerve most souls. The eagle must be confronted if the souls plan on crossing into the next realm.

## Lake of Lamentation

Beyond the fields at the base of the volcano lie the marshlands complete with the Lake of Lamentation. Waves of grief and sorrow can be felt throughout this realm. Those that have lost much in their previous life. They relive the single most painful moment every single day. It’s enough to make most souls give up on the journey and give into their lamenting. Sentient trees use their branches to snag travelers that wander from the path. They drink upon the sorrow of its victim. If the travelers survive the forest, The Great Frog awaits them. His reputation alone has caused many souls to give in. His ability to digest a soul slowly and having them painfully relive the sorrows of their past life is enough to create a soul servant. If the souls can manage to defeat the Frog, the next realm awaits.

## Fires of Desire

The volcano of She’ol. A cauldron of molten lava giving off massive heat that thickens the air. No better home for desire. All of life’s desires can be found here. Many souls travel here and do not continue their journey but instead succumb to its master, the soul-bound Minotaur, Mungarak, the Pyromancer. His piercing gaze brings to light fits of rage within its subjects with its own gaze. The greatest desire to resist is one's own selfishness.

## Forests of Regret

The dark forest of She’ol. Nicknamed the the forest of regret by the residents. This forest is filled with waves of regret. Goals never reached, dreams never started, and decisions that were never made. The forest pulls at each soul that passes through, calling out to them. The forest wants the souls to join it and become a servant of the forest. Sprites act as mischievous guides to the souls. They can only be trusted so much. Corrupted versions of creatures roam these woods such as wolves and bears but none are to be feared as much as The Great Ape. The massive gorilla of which the entire forest runs in fear of. When this guardian rampages, no creature is safe within its path.

## Depths of She'Ol

The final realm of She’ol. The source of the power of this entire world lies within its depths. This journey will not be easy. Within the depths of the mountain lie every defense She’ol can muster, including Lady Death herself. The dark caverns that run beneath She'Ol are lit only with ghostfires. Each fire telling the tragic story of the fall of this world in each of its realms. Let it be a lesson as to the influence of a single whisper in the dark. The exit lies through confronting the final guardian, the bearer of The Death Stone. By succeeding the the chains placed upon your very soul will be removed. Failure will only end in eternal suffering at the hands of She'Ol.