The Infernal War - A Finale in 3 parts
Jul 1, 2020 23:05:53 GMT
Varis/G'Lorth/Sundilar, Pieni, and 6 more like this
Post by Markas Virnala on Jul 1, 2020 23:05:53 GMT
Part 1: Fighting Fire with Fire
28th Mirtul
Markas stands motionless in Portal Plaza, watching the figure walk away from him amid a flurry of chaos, the wind flourishing her hair in a corona of gold. The entire city seems to be teeming with a fear infused energy, waves of people making their way to the portal, the last trip many of them might be making. The noise and bustle buffeting the monk fade to the nothing as he stands transfixed, a rock in the turbulent sea of war preparations… until she vanishes from sight and the world comes crashing back.
The waiting was when it started. Everyone seemed to be making a move but the group of them were still sitting there, waiting for their instruction to head to the front. A nagging creeping feeling had begun to wash over Markas but he wasn’t able to place why. Maybe it was just nerves getting the best of him. The team he was part of were almost like family now: Sheryl, Arkadius and Taz had been on the majority of his adventures lately and there was a longer history working alongside BB and Igrainne but the familiarity wasn’t enough to calm his nerves.
It was almost a relief when Aurelia came over with Senator Rhodes of K’ul Goran to speak to them, that is until their mission was explained to them.
A Diplomatic mission!? Thousands were going to face almost certain death and they were being sent on a Diplomatic mission?
Why are we doing this, we should be helping them out there...
It seemed crazy and the Half-Elf had to take a second to control himself for a second to hear them out fully. In the end, it did make sense but equally only fueled the apprehension he was feeling. They needed another distraction in Avernus if they were going to get through this, the assembled armies of K’ul Goran and Daring Heights
Lady Vermillion had greeted them in Sigil and sent the group to a spa resort to recruit or infuriate a Demon Lord; Bal’Taz’Nar into attacking Zariel in Avernus. Their mission being to add another layer of conflict for the forces of Avernus to give those from the Material Plane a fighting chance at pulling off this insane plan. The only information they had been given was that Bal was known for being the Demon Lord of pleasure and Excess.
There was some talk of just trying to start a fight with the Demon under the guise of Zariel cultists but fear of attracting the Lady of Pain swiftly put an end to that plan. Letting slip some kind of information that might provoke them into a power play sounded like a good idea, unfortunately the only *real* incentive the group could think of was the power source in Zariel's tower powering the rift to the Material Plane. The same power source that another team of Daring Adventurers, were already on their way to interrupt. Sending a Demon Lord to disturb them on top of whatever else they were dealing with didn't seem like a clever plan. Recruiting Bal also seemed like a fruitless effort as what did they have to offer in way of payment anyway? Markas also points out that, letting slip about the Material Planes involvement in this whole thing could potentially just lead the Demons of the Abyss into making their own assault on the Material Plane, hoping to pull off the same plan as Zariel was.
In the end, playing on his desire and pride seemed like the most likely plan, especially under the guise of Zariel cultists thanks to Vermillion’s help. With some stolen invites to the House of Wondrous Pleasures, finding Bal had proven easy to find, his Writhing, scaly form flanked by a Succubus and Incubus. Split into two teams; Markas, Sheryl and Taz follow the Demon into the steam room and loudly begin bad mouthing his favourite drink: Soul wine.
“This swill isn’t even worth drinking!” - He had tried to make sure it was as provocative as possible. After Taz and Sheryl had loudly complained about it’s inferior quality, Markas had crossed the room and poured the drink out over the Fire Elemental creating the steam of the Sauna. It certainly got his attention. Bal confronted the trio only to be berated and insulted in return. Thankfully, their gamble on him being equally afraid of the Lady paid off as he only left them with promises of future retribution.
Meanwhile, BB had spotted the Succubus accompanying Bal at the bar getting them some new drinks and moved in to keep her distracted. The two begin flirting and teasing each other before sidling away to a dark booth for some privacy. Once news of Bal’Taz’Nar’s harassment reaches the bar however, BB springs her trap and polymorphs the scantily clad fiend into a badger for easy containment.
With that, Arkadius and Igrainne follow Bal to the underground Pool to plant the final seed of Bal’taz’Nar’s fury by having him overhear their conversation about the Zariel Cultists who had enticed and taken away his consort. The water bubbling, his scales shifting in hue to a burning crimson, the Demon Lord finally erupts in rage and storms out of the pleasure house, bound for Avernus.
An hour later, after regrouping and handing one enraged Badger to Vermillion for safe keeping, the Diplomatic party are sent to Avernus, arriving at the forward operations camp of the K’ul Goran Army.
Part 2: The Red Banner
29th Mirtul, Early morning
Markas stands at the edge of the group's small prep area in the forward camp, almost in a daze. The air is stifling and a constant snow of ash falls around them. A volcano in the distance erupts, spewing fire and stone into the air, the land between the camp and the horizon seemingly devoid of life. And that same nagging feeling he can’t seem to shake. They had arrived late the night before and barely had time to get themselves ready before being sent to the command tent to begin supporting the troops.
Cordelia Jadefist of the Daring army and General Cassius Razorback of the K’ul Goran army were already poring over a map as they arrived. After some brief introductions and an update on our progress in Sigil, the pair began to lay out the situation so far. The forces of the Material Plane had managed to breach the rift directly into Avernus and push back the Demonic forces before finally claiming a foothold near Sibriex. Since then, they had slowly pushed their way towards the Stygian Docks, an important tactical position given the influx of Devils coming from that way. The plan had been to send the supporting adventurer’s to the front line and help in pushing the ranks forward to the Stygian Docks and take them. A plan, Cassius thought was likely enough to cause enough nuisance to bring Zariel herself this way.
It was a plan Markas could get behind. Even Taz seemed keen to be joining the front lines. Facing Zariel was almost assuredly a death sentence, he knew of course, but the chance it could provide a respite for his family who were currently in the midst of doing the very same thing was incentive enough. That had been the plan, right up until another messenger arrived with word of an auxiliary force heading to cut off the approach.
Not 20 minutes later, a small counter force was on its way to head them off: The six adventurer’s, the reserved Errant Guard still in camp and Nikolaus Morrwing, Arch-mage in K’ul Goran, along with several of his students. All in all, some 40-50 strong and hopelessly outnumbered according to the scout reports. Thankfully, Morrwing had a plan.
The small platoon stopped at a small ridge to set their plan into action. Morrwing and his students had been studying the group and were able to create Illusory copies, convincing enough to even feel real. Working as a group, the mages were to duplicate the adventurer’s and Errant Guard ten times over, creating a force that could hold off the approaching army. If they could have the time to create them and keep the Demonic forces convinced they were real, they stood a chance of driving them back, or at least holding them off long enough for the Encampment and Material Plane Forces to get out of the way of Zariel’s forces.
The Errant Guard took up positions at the edges of the plain, funneling the main force directly to the waiting Adventurer’s, while the mages worked hidden on the ridge above. Soon enough, the illusory army began to pop up around them, just in time for the approaching Forces. The far end of the plain is shrouded in dust as a massive host marches onward, red banners flying above them. They stop a few hundred feet away and a small negotiation party comes forward, a dozen infernal looking Minotaurs in barbaric gear, sporting what appeared to be the original Vanguard masks: Stained Red with Rust and Blood over decades of bloody combat. They approached, led by a clearly K’ul Goranian Minotaur, covered in Golden Plate Armour, wielding a massive glowing Maul; Raksus Highwatch.
BB, Migraine and Arkadius held back under cover, ready to spring to action while Markas, Sheryl and Taz approached. The Halfling and Dragonborn seemed familiar with Raksus and began talking to the imposing leader of the Minotaur army, going over his Zealous dedication to Zariel’s plans, the very reason for which K’ul Goran had been founded. The revelation was a startling one for Markas. Discovering your entire history was nothing more than an infernal plot in a grand war between the Lower Planes was… more than most people had to deal with in their lives and he couldn't help but feel some sympathy for the people of K’ul Goran.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Markas turned to Sheryl and Taz, listening to them trading insults and promises of retribution with Raksus -
This is too much, there is no negotiation here... He brings Death and no amount of talking will change that...
His frustration finally reached boiling point, Markas knocked an arrow…
The return back to camp had been among cheers from the soldiers. Not only had the advancing army been convinced by Archmage Nikolaus Morrwing’s illusory warriors, they had even managed to finally bring down Raksus Highwatch. Even better, they actually came back with a stronger force than they had left with. After the fall of Raksus, just as the lines of barbaric and infernal Minotaurs began to descend into chaos without their leader, another Portal opened behind the adventurer’s, out of which spilled scores of Fey warriors; The Glorious company of the Summer court, sent to the aid of one of their own; Sheryl.
With stories of their victory already flying around camp, including some particular details about BB’s flowers animating and slaughtering a minotaur themselves, the six of them finally had a chance to rest for a couple of hours while the front line forces continued their push towards the docks. They had eaten together, patched up their wounds, Sheryl even played her music to help sooth and recover the group. But now, Markas was anxious again. Somehow running towards an approaching army of enemy forces seemed easier than this waiting. He was actually thankful the messenger arrived requesting they visit the command tent for their next assignment.
Part 3: Hold the Line
29th Mirtul, Night
The command tent was thick with anticipation. Somehow, they had managed to crowd even more people into the tent. Jadefist and Razorback had the floor, the map of Avernus splayed across the table between them. Chlorus Skysplitter stood to one side of the tent with Arvel of the Glorious Company and Red of the Crimson Fist Opposite stood Morrwing and his students and amid them all, a myriad of captains from each assembled force in the camp. And in the middle the squad of adventurer’s sent there to help them.
General Cassius Razorback explained that, over the last few hours, an expeditionary team had been sent out towards the Stygian Docks and scouts had returned with news of a massive host of Devils, marching it’s way for the camp - “Our goal is still to provide a distraction. To provide enough time to allow your friends to do whatever it is they're doing to close the portal… and the only way we can do that is to fight! To meet the Devils in the field and hold the line!”
It sounded like a crazy idea, and of course, it was. There was some debate about the effectiveness of this course of action, some clarification wanted and details that needed to be ironed out but everyone present knew it was the only real option left. If the tide of Devils wasn’t stopped, or at least slowed down, there would be no survivors.
The Sundred Chains, the site of some ancient prisoner of Avernus who managed to break the chains that bound them and escape, supposedly one of the only ones to manage such a feat. A place that has since become something akin to holy ground for the lost souls of the plane. It would also be where the material plane would be making their last stand against Zariel's forces.
A forward base had been set up and would be where the gathered forces would convene, ready for the coming attack. The armies of K’ul Goran took centre field to meet the bulk of the approaching forces. The forces of Daring’s army would be taking the left flank while the auxiliary forces of the Errant Guard, The Glorious company, The Crimson Fist Cavalry and the small squad of adventurer’s would take the right flank. The landscape of the Sundred Chains would then be used to try to funnel the approaching forces directly at these three positions.
I wonder why it’s called that? probably symbolic...
It wasn’t.
Arriving at their position, the auxiliary forces fanned out to either side, leaving the central strip of the right flank to be held by the adventurer’s. A much smaller squad but thankfully, also a somewhat smaller area to defend, thanks to the massive iron chains littering the landscape. Literal, giant chains. Broken and half buried in the compacted ground, the falling ash casting everything in a dull grey, interspersed by pools of glowing lava. The Horizon was a blur of shapes and dust as the army approached and to one side, floating above it all, was Zariel’s tower.
This forward base of operations had been lined with massive Ballista brought in by engineers in k’ul Goran, capable of firing 6ft bolts tipped with steel and spiraled to improve their flight and essentially bore into their target. Markas was keen to speak to Gale, the chief Engineer who had the ballista constructed, about the exact method and theory behind them in hopes it could be applied to his bow. The Air Genassi, however, looked like he was about to faint after speaking in the command tent so he decided against it.
The air was thick. Not just the Ash and heat but with tension. A tangible weight from the accumulated stress everyone was feeling. Something unimaginably terrible was coming and no one knew how things would turn out. Sheryl gave a speech to bolster the forces that seemed to gather some momentum but thinking back on it, Markas had no idea what she actually said… They just needed to hear something, some thread of hope maybe… Seeing everyone get into position, Markas took the last few moments they had left to try and find some balance again, burying his Longsword in the ground and hanging Hoop from the Guard.
“UGH, this place is awful! When are we going home? Can you clean the ash off?”
“Hopefully soon Hoop” he said, wiping the fresh layer of Ash from his plate companion.
“What’s wrong with you? You’re usually all happy about fighting?”
“I don’t know, something just feels… off. It has for a bit now… I’m worried about the others”
“You mean Sunday”
“And the others! Something just feels…. Missing I guess”
“Hmmm well, maybe we can go back to that Spa!? That place was AMAZING. I’m sure that nice Djinni has something that can pick you up” Hoop said with a wink. There was something about the way Hoop winked that made everything feel risqué
“Haha! We’d need to get another invite first and besides, we kinda haven’t finished fighting here yet.”
“Yeah, could you maybe, scooch yourself closer to the red one a bit more?”
“Which one, Taz or Arkadius?”
“Taz! Yesss. He is so muscular… not that I don’t like to watch you of course.”
Markas couldn't help but laugh, “Nothing stops you does it Hoop?”
“Who would want to stop me, I’m delightful! But if you’re just going to meditate again, wake me up when they get here, I don’t want to miss the fun!”
***
The hoard came sooner than expected but the tactical use of terrain thankfully prevented the adventurer’s from being overrun. The first wave of scouts, Devils with tentacle-like beards, crested a hill and began closing the distance, the adventurer’s rushing forward in their own line. Between them, the squad of adventurer’s managed to cleave through them with little effort. Unfortunately before they had even got half way through a second wave was already rushing them, Taller Devils, throwing fire, covered in spikes flanking armoured looking beings with Doll-like faces wielding Halberds.
The fight waged on. Taz and Markas rushing the ranks and cutting through their numbers, Sheryl guiding her flying Unicorn’s above the fight while supporting with her magic, Arkadius hurling trademark Fireballs from the sky, Igrainne pin-cushioning the Devils with lethal accuracy across the field and BB controlling the field, conjuring a gigantic storm sphere and throwing lightning that crackled through the Devilish ranks. Beside them, the auxiliary forces keep pace. The Crimson fist Cavalry mowed down countless Devils, spearheaded by the formidable Red, bellowing instructions among the ranks. The Glorious company, weaving their way through the ranks, a dance of steel and violence working it’s way across the field. The Errant Guard struck down the Devils with ruthless efficiency under the command of Chlorus Skyplitter.
The field was soon awash with fallen Devils as, against the odds they were held back, not even coming into range of the archers and Ballista of the forward base. Yet wave after wave, they continue to rush the line. The smaller Devils soon followed by waves of larger fiends, Insect-like horrors seemingly composed of Bone and sinew, Massive winged Devils wielding tridents and flames, hulking tusked behemoths with siege bows and giant cleavers. As one Devil fell, 3 more crested the hill and bore down on them until the order to retreat was issued and the material plane forces began pulling back, leaving the auxiliaries to hold the line and cover the retreat. As more of the soldiers ran for the portal, more of the Devils focused in, the line finally starting to break under the strain.
Finally, through the carnage and mayhem, blue letters streaked across the sky signalling the success of the Infiltration team in cutting off the power supply to the portal. Zariel had not shown up on the field, meaning the Decoy team sent to tackle her must have partially succeeded in keeping her busy too. All that remained was one last mad rush back to the portal, back home. A rush made possible by Red and the Crimson Fist cavalry.
30th Mirtul, Early hours of the morning
Markas stands motionless in Portal Plaza, his face and hair caked in blood and ash. The plaza is alive with a different kind of energy now, a celebratory relief awash with grief and pain as the waves of people make their way back out into the city. The streets fill with the people coming out to greet their friends and family again, tears of joy and sadness on almost everyone’s face. As his friends begin to say their goodbyes and go to look for their loved ones, the uncertainty he had been tempering until now begins to boil up again, drowning out the noise and bustle of the returning armies. His eyes drift up towards the sky and he stands almost in a daze for a long time, a rock in the ebb and flow of people coming home from an impossible nightmare.
They had landed in a barren field in K’ul Goran as the portal closed, the howling winds from the Plane of Air somehow a comfort now compared to the oppressive realm they had beaten back. There had been a lot of hand shaking and congratulation among the Generals, a lot of people keen to thank the adventurer’s for their part in stemming the tide before they were finally shuttled off to Zot Goran for the journey home.
The time passes and the crowds thin, until he has the Plaza almost to himself. Finally, with a heavy sigh and on tired legs, Markas ambles out of the plaza and walks off into the night.
28th Mirtul
Markas stands motionless in Portal Plaza, watching the figure walk away from him amid a flurry of chaos, the wind flourishing her hair in a corona of gold. The entire city seems to be teeming with a fear infused energy, waves of people making their way to the portal, the last trip many of them might be making. The noise and bustle buffeting the monk fade to the nothing as he stands transfixed, a rock in the turbulent sea of war preparations… until she vanishes from sight and the world comes crashing back.
***
The waiting was when it started. Everyone seemed to be making a move but the group of them were still sitting there, waiting for their instruction to head to the front. A nagging creeping feeling had begun to wash over Markas but he wasn’t able to place why. Maybe it was just nerves getting the best of him. The team he was part of were almost like family now: Sheryl, Arkadius and Taz had been on the majority of his adventures lately and there was a longer history working alongside BB and Igrainne but the familiarity wasn’t enough to calm his nerves.
It was almost a relief when Aurelia came over with Senator Rhodes of K’ul Goran to speak to them, that is until their mission was explained to them.
A Diplomatic mission!? Thousands were going to face almost certain death and they were being sent on a Diplomatic mission?
Why are we doing this, we should be helping them out there...
It seemed crazy and the Half-Elf had to take a second to control himself for a second to hear them out fully. In the end, it did make sense but equally only fueled the apprehension he was feeling. They needed another distraction in Avernus if they were going to get through this, the assembled armies of K’ul Goran and Daring Heights
Lady Vermillion had greeted them in Sigil and sent the group to a spa resort to recruit or infuriate a Demon Lord; Bal’Taz’Nar into attacking Zariel in Avernus. Their mission being to add another layer of conflict for the forces of Avernus to give those from the Material Plane a fighting chance at pulling off this insane plan. The only information they had been given was that Bal was known for being the Demon Lord of pleasure and Excess.
There was some talk of just trying to start a fight with the Demon under the guise of Zariel cultists but fear of attracting the Lady of Pain swiftly put an end to that plan. Letting slip some kind of information that might provoke them into a power play sounded like a good idea, unfortunately the only *real* incentive the group could think of was the power source in Zariel's tower powering the rift to the Material Plane. The same power source that another team of Daring Adventurers, were already on their way to interrupt. Sending a Demon Lord to disturb them on top of whatever else they were dealing with didn't seem like a clever plan. Recruiting Bal also seemed like a fruitless effort as what did they have to offer in way of payment anyway? Markas also points out that, letting slip about the Material Planes involvement in this whole thing could potentially just lead the Demons of the Abyss into making their own assault on the Material Plane, hoping to pull off the same plan as Zariel was.
In the end, playing on his desire and pride seemed like the most likely plan, especially under the guise of Zariel cultists thanks to Vermillion’s help. With some stolen invites to the House of Wondrous Pleasures, finding Bal had proven easy to find, his Writhing, scaly form flanked by a Succubus and Incubus. Split into two teams; Markas, Sheryl and Taz follow the Demon into the steam room and loudly begin bad mouthing his favourite drink: Soul wine.
“This swill isn’t even worth drinking!” - He had tried to make sure it was as provocative as possible. After Taz and Sheryl had loudly complained about it’s inferior quality, Markas had crossed the room and poured the drink out over the Fire Elemental creating the steam of the Sauna. It certainly got his attention. Bal confronted the trio only to be berated and insulted in return. Thankfully, their gamble on him being equally afraid of the Lady paid off as he only left them with promises of future retribution.
Meanwhile, BB had spotted the Succubus accompanying Bal at the bar getting them some new drinks and moved in to keep her distracted. The two begin flirting and teasing each other before sidling away to a dark booth for some privacy. Once news of Bal’Taz’Nar’s harassment reaches the bar however, BB springs her trap and polymorphs the scantily clad fiend into a badger for easy containment.
With that, Arkadius and Igrainne follow Bal to the underground Pool to plant the final seed of Bal’taz’Nar’s fury by having him overhear their conversation about the Zariel Cultists who had enticed and taken away his consort. The water bubbling, his scales shifting in hue to a burning crimson, the Demon Lord finally erupts in rage and storms out of the pleasure house, bound for Avernus.
An hour later, after regrouping and handing one enraged Badger to Vermillion for safe keeping, the Diplomatic party are sent to Avernus, arriving at the forward operations camp of the K’ul Goran Army.
Part 2: The Red Banner
29th Mirtul, Early morning
Markas stands at the edge of the group's small prep area in the forward camp, almost in a daze. The air is stifling and a constant snow of ash falls around them. A volcano in the distance erupts, spewing fire and stone into the air, the land between the camp and the horizon seemingly devoid of life. And that same nagging feeling he can’t seem to shake. They had arrived late the night before and barely had time to get themselves ready before being sent to the command tent to begin supporting the troops.
Cordelia Jadefist of the Daring army and General Cassius Razorback of the K’ul Goran army were already poring over a map as they arrived. After some brief introductions and an update on our progress in Sigil, the pair began to lay out the situation so far. The forces of the Material Plane had managed to breach the rift directly into Avernus and push back the Demonic forces before finally claiming a foothold near Sibriex. Since then, they had slowly pushed their way towards the Stygian Docks, an important tactical position given the influx of Devils coming from that way. The plan had been to send the supporting adventurer’s to the front line and help in pushing the ranks forward to the Stygian Docks and take them. A plan, Cassius thought was likely enough to cause enough nuisance to bring Zariel herself this way.
It was a plan Markas could get behind. Even Taz seemed keen to be joining the front lines. Facing Zariel was almost assuredly a death sentence, he knew of course, but the chance it could provide a respite for his family who were currently in the midst of doing the very same thing was incentive enough. That had been the plan, right up until another messenger arrived with word of an auxiliary force heading to cut off the approach.
Not 20 minutes later, a small counter force was on its way to head them off: The six adventurer’s, the reserved Errant Guard still in camp and Nikolaus Morrwing, Arch-mage in K’ul Goran, along with several of his students. All in all, some 40-50 strong and hopelessly outnumbered according to the scout reports. Thankfully, Morrwing had a plan.
The small platoon stopped at a small ridge to set their plan into action. Morrwing and his students had been studying the group and were able to create Illusory copies, convincing enough to even feel real. Working as a group, the mages were to duplicate the adventurer’s and Errant Guard ten times over, creating a force that could hold off the approaching army. If they could have the time to create them and keep the Demonic forces convinced they were real, they stood a chance of driving them back, or at least holding them off long enough for the Encampment and Material Plane Forces to get out of the way of Zariel’s forces.
The Errant Guard took up positions at the edges of the plain, funneling the main force directly to the waiting Adventurer’s, while the mages worked hidden on the ridge above. Soon enough, the illusory army began to pop up around them, just in time for the approaching Forces. The far end of the plain is shrouded in dust as a massive host marches onward, red banners flying above them. They stop a few hundred feet away and a small negotiation party comes forward, a dozen infernal looking Minotaurs in barbaric gear, sporting what appeared to be the original Vanguard masks: Stained Red with Rust and Blood over decades of bloody combat. They approached, led by a clearly K’ul Goranian Minotaur, covered in Golden Plate Armour, wielding a massive glowing Maul; Raksus Highwatch.
BB, Migraine and Arkadius held back under cover, ready to spring to action while Markas, Sheryl and Taz approached. The Halfling and Dragonborn seemed familiar with Raksus and began talking to the imposing leader of the Minotaur army, going over his Zealous dedication to Zariel’s plans, the very reason for which K’ul Goran had been founded. The revelation was a startling one for Markas. Discovering your entire history was nothing more than an infernal plot in a grand war between the Lower Planes was… more than most people had to deal with in their lives and he couldn't help but feel some sympathy for the people of K’ul Goran.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Markas turned to Sheryl and Taz, listening to them trading insults and promises of retribution with Raksus -
This is too much, there is no negotiation here... He brings Death and no amount of talking will change that...
His frustration finally reached boiling point, Markas knocked an arrow…
***
The return back to camp had been among cheers from the soldiers. Not only had the advancing army been convinced by Archmage Nikolaus Morrwing’s illusory warriors, they had even managed to finally bring down Raksus Highwatch. Even better, they actually came back with a stronger force than they had left with. After the fall of Raksus, just as the lines of barbaric and infernal Minotaurs began to descend into chaos without their leader, another Portal opened behind the adventurer’s, out of which spilled scores of Fey warriors; The Glorious company of the Summer court, sent to the aid of one of their own; Sheryl.
With stories of their victory already flying around camp, including some particular details about BB’s flowers animating and slaughtering a minotaur themselves, the six of them finally had a chance to rest for a couple of hours while the front line forces continued their push towards the docks. They had eaten together, patched up their wounds, Sheryl even played her music to help sooth and recover the group. But now, Markas was anxious again. Somehow running towards an approaching army of enemy forces seemed easier than this waiting. He was actually thankful the messenger arrived requesting they visit the command tent for their next assignment.
Part 3: Hold the Line
29th Mirtul, Night
The command tent was thick with anticipation. Somehow, they had managed to crowd even more people into the tent. Jadefist and Razorback had the floor, the map of Avernus splayed across the table between them. Chlorus Skysplitter stood to one side of the tent with Arvel of the Glorious Company and Red of the Crimson Fist Opposite stood Morrwing and his students and amid them all, a myriad of captains from each assembled force in the camp. And in the middle the squad of adventurer’s sent there to help them.
General Cassius Razorback explained that, over the last few hours, an expeditionary team had been sent out towards the Stygian Docks and scouts had returned with news of a massive host of Devils, marching it’s way for the camp - “Our goal is still to provide a distraction. To provide enough time to allow your friends to do whatever it is they're doing to close the portal… and the only way we can do that is to fight! To meet the Devils in the field and hold the line!”
It sounded like a crazy idea, and of course, it was. There was some debate about the effectiveness of this course of action, some clarification wanted and details that needed to be ironed out but everyone present knew it was the only real option left. If the tide of Devils wasn’t stopped, or at least slowed down, there would be no survivors.
The Sundred Chains, the site of some ancient prisoner of Avernus who managed to break the chains that bound them and escape, supposedly one of the only ones to manage such a feat. A place that has since become something akin to holy ground for the lost souls of the plane. It would also be where the material plane would be making their last stand against Zariel's forces.
A forward base had been set up and would be where the gathered forces would convene, ready for the coming attack. The armies of K’ul Goran took centre field to meet the bulk of the approaching forces. The forces of Daring’s army would be taking the left flank while the auxiliary forces of the Errant Guard, The Glorious company, The Crimson Fist Cavalry and the small squad of adventurer’s would take the right flank. The landscape of the Sundred Chains would then be used to try to funnel the approaching forces directly at these three positions.
I wonder why it’s called that? probably symbolic...
It wasn’t.
Arriving at their position, the auxiliary forces fanned out to either side, leaving the central strip of the right flank to be held by the adventurer’s. A much smaller squad but thankfully, also a somewhat smaller area to defend, thanks to the massive iron chains littering the landscape. Literal, giant chains. Broken and half buried in the compacted ground, the falling ash casting everything in a dull grey, interspersed by pools of glowing lava. The Horizon was a blur of shapes and dust as the army approached and to one side, floating above it all, was Zariel’s tower.
This forward base of operations had been lined with massive Ballista brought in by engineers in k’ul Goran, capable of firing 6ft bolts tipped with steel and spiraled to improve their flight and essentially bore into their target. Markas was keen to speak to Gale, the chief Engineer who had the ballista constructed, about the exact method and theory behind them in hopes it could be applied to his bow. The Air Genassi, however, looked like he was about to faint after speaking in the command tent so he decided against it.
The air was thick. Not just the Ash and heat but with tension. A tangible weight from the accumulated stress everyone was feeling. Something unimaginably terrible was coming and no one knew how things would turn out. Sheryl gave a speech to bolster the forces that seemed to gather some momentum but thinking back on it, Markas had no idea what she actually said… They just needed to hear something, some thread of hope maybe… Seeing everyone get into position, Markas took the last few moments they had left to try and find some balance again, burying his Longsword in the ground and hanging Hoop from the Guard.
***
“UGH, this place is awful! When are we going home? Can you clean the ash off?”
“Hopefully soon Hoop” he said, wiping the fresh layer of Ash from his plate companion.
“What’s wrong with you? You’re usually all happy about fighting?”
“I don’t know, something just feels… off. It has for a bit now… I’m worried about the others”
“You mean Sunday”
“And the others! Something just feels…. Missing I guess”
“Hmmm well, maybe we can go back to that Spa!? That place was AMAZING. I’m sure that nice Djinni has something that can pick you up” Hoop said with a wink. There was something about the way Hoop winked that made everything feel risqué
“Haha! We’d need to get another invite first and besides, we kinda haven’t finished fighting here yet.”
“Yeah, could you maybe, scooch yourself closer to the red one a bit more?”
“Which one, Taz or Arkadius?”
“Taz! Yesss. He is so muscular… not that I don’t like to watch you of course.”
Markas couldn't help but laugh, “Nothing stops you does it Hoop?”
“Who would want to stop me, I’m delightful! But if you’re just going to meditate again, wake me up when they get here, I don’t want to miss the fun!”
***
The hoard came sooner than expected but the tactical use of terrain thankfully prevented the adventurer’s from being overrun. The first wave of scouts, Devils with tentacle-like beards, crested a hill and began closing the distance, the adventurer’s rushing forward in their own line. Between them, the squad of adventurer’s managed to cleave through them with little effort. Unfortunately before they had even got half way through a second wave was already rushing them, Taller Devils, throwing fire, covered in spikes flanking armoured looking beings with Doll-like faces wielding Halberds.
The fight waged on. Taz and Markas rushing the ranks and cutting through their numbers, Sheryl guiding her flying Unicorn’s above the fight while supporting with her magic, Arkadius hurling trademark Fireballs from the sky, Igrainne pin-cushioning the Devils with lethal accuracy across the field and BB controlling the field, conjuring a gigantic storm sphere and throwing lightning that crackled through the Devilish ranks. Beside them, the auxiliary forces keep pace. The Crimson fist Cavalry mowed down countless Devils, spearheaded by the formidable Red, bellowing instructions among the ranks. The Glorious company, weaving their way through the ranks, a dance of steel and violence working it’s way across the field. The Errant Guard struck down the Devils with ruthless efficiency under the command of Chlorus Skyplitter.
The field was soon awash with fallen Devils as, against the odds they were held back, not even coming into range of the archers and Ballista of the forward base. Yet wave after wave, they continue to rush the line. The smaller Devils soon followed by waves of larger fiends, Insect-like horrors seemingly composed of Bone and sinew, Massive winged Devils wielding tridents and flames, hulking tusked behemoths with siege bows and giant cleavers. As one Devil fell, 3 more crested the hill and bore down on them until the order to retreat was issued and the material plane forces began pulling back, leaving the auxiliaries to hold the line and cover the retreat. As more of the soldiers ran for the portal, more of the Devils focused in, the line finally starting to break under the strain.
Finally, through the carnage and mayhem, blue letters streaked across the sky signalling the success of the Infiltration team in cutting off the power supply to the portal. Zariel had not shown up on the field, meaning the Decoy team sent to tackle her must have partially succeeded in keeping her busy too. All that remained was one last mad rush back to the portal, back home. A rush made possible by Red and the Crimson Fist cavalry.
30th Mirtul, Early hours of the morning
Markas stands motionless in Portal Plaza, his face and hair caked in blood and ash. The plaza is alive with a different kind of energy now, a celebratory relief awash with grief and pain as the waves of people make their way back out into the city. The streets fill with the people coming out to greet their friends and family again, tears of joy and sadness on almost everyone’s face. As his friends begin to say their goodbyes and go to look for their loved ones, the uncertainty he had been tempering until now begins to boil up again, drowning out the noise and bustle of the returning armies. His eyes drift up towards the sky and he stands almost in a daze for a long time, a rock in the ebb and flow of people coming home from an impossible nightmare.
They had landed in a barren field in K’ul Goran as the portal closed, the howling winds from the Plane of Air somehow a comfort now compared to the oppressive realm they had beaten back. There had been a lot of hand shaking and congratulation among the Generals, a lot of people keen to thank the adventurer’s for their part in stemming the tide before they were finally shuttled off to Zot Goran for the journey home.
The time passes and the crowds thin, until he has the Plaza almost to himself. Finally, with a heavy sigh and on tired legs, Markas ambles out of the plaza and walks off into the night.
