Candlekeep, Traxigor, and Avernus.
3-4 Marpenoth, The Year of Twelve Warnings (1494 DR)
Candlekeep, The Sword Coast
Over the past three days, the weather on the Coast Way had gradually worsened. Dark clouds released heavy rain until the road ran thick with mud, yet Wink's Warriors trudge on. On the night of the second day, before setting up camp, Sarros was visited by a large eagle. The eagle spoke to Sarros who then informed the others that he was just ordered to immediately return to his enclave in Neverwinter Woods. There were pressing matters there that demanded his attention and he needed to leave immediately. The others understood and they wished him well before he left. On the morning of the third day, the rain subsided but the dark clouds remained. Ahead, the members of Wink's Warriors saw a path branch from the wider road, heading to the sea. A raven perched solemnly on a leaning post bearing two signs that pointed like arms toward the west. One read, “The Way of the Lion.” The other says “Candlekeep.” The group arrived at the famed library by mid-afternoon. The afternoon sun shone through the clouds to illuminate the gray walls and pale spires of a timeworn fortress that stood majestically atop a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. At the gatehouse, they were greeted by three monks in robes: a human, a shield dwarf, and a sun elf. Around their necks hung holy symbols of Deneir, god of writing, whose symbol was a lit candle above an open eye. “Welcome to Candlekeep,” said the elf in Common. “A gift is required from those seeking admittance. You must donate a book or scroll that isn’t already in the library’s archives. Please present your gift for inspection.” The group presented a book titled, Apocalypto, given to them by Syndra Silvane. The book was readily accepted as a gift. The group was allowed entrance into Candlekeep and was directed to the stables, the tavern, and The Necessarium, where they could find lodging and shops. Reya said they needed to meet Sylvira Savikas as soon as possible. The Hellrider added the group was expected. One of the monks said he would let the archmage know they had arrived and were expected. Inside, they stabled their horses. A smith approached the group after noticing Wink the giant badger. He offered to give Brimsdall a shirt of chainmail he had recently been commissioned to make for a customer's pet mastiff. However, he said the adventurer never returned. That was a month ago. The commissioned chain shirt was paid for in full, so offered it to Brimsdall for Wink to wear. Brimsdall happily accepted the chain shirt which fit Wink snugly. The group then walked across the courtyard to visit the Neccessariums. There, they were happy to find shops that offered to purchase the used weapons and armor they had. Brimsdall also sold a spellbook he had acquired. With the money they made, each bought magical weapons, gear, and potions they needed. Finished with their purchases, the group then went to The Hearth, Candlekeep's only pub. It was getting late in the afternoon. The pub had a low ceiling supported by massive wooden crossbeams and narrow, shuttered windows. A large fire pit in the middle of the room was surrounded by a half dozen tables and matching benches. About a dozen people occupied the pub, including an ogre who wore a golden headband. The ogre sat on the floor in a corner and was busy reading a book. After eating a late highsun meal, a messenger arrived at the pub to take Wink's Warriors and a dragonborn paladin named Gorn to see Sylvira Savikas The group was taken to the main keep, a towering edifice housing hundreds of monks and wizards, and thousands of books and scrolls. Soon, they were directed inside a chamber. One wall of the chamber was punctuated by arched windows that were currently shuttered. Bookcases filled with eldritch volumes stood all around the room, while tables were crowded with specimen jars, alchemical equipment, and other clutter. Engraved into the floor of the chamber was a large, nine-pointed star. A middle-aged tiefling dressed in wizardly robes stood by one of the windows, caught in a fugue of intense contemplation. Perched on the corner of a table nearby was a spindly little demon with warty green skin, buggy eyes, thin black horns, and a whip-like tail. “Greeting," the tiefling turned to the group after they had entered. "My name is Sylvira Savikas. I can’t tell you how pleased I am to see you, although I am saddened after having heard of the death of Falaster Fisk." She then introduced Gorn Huntley to the others and explained how Gorn had been in Elturel when it was taken into Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells. Gorn said he and many others had been trying to survive the onslaught of devils and demons in the streets of Elturel for the past tenday. He went on to explain how he came to arrive in Candlekeep and vowed to return to Elturel to help the survivors there and return Elturel to Faerûn. "So, what have you brought me?” Sylvira asked the members of Wink's Warriors.
Midgard the cleric handed Sylvira the strange puzzle box Syndra Silvane had given the group. The tiefling archmage studied the box carefully.
“I’ve been suspicious of the High Overseer of Elturel for a long time. But no one wanted to hear my concerns, because Thavius Kreeg was widely regarded as a hero who saved his city from an undead scourge, giving rise to the holy nation of Elturgard. Hailed as a savior, Thavius made all citizens of Elturel swear an oath called the Creed Resolute, which binds them to defend the nation of Elturgard. I met him years ago, and my instincts told me he was a charlatan."
"Watch your tongue," Reya said coldly, her hand resting on her new magical sword's hilt. "You insult Elturel's people when you insult its leader."
Sylvira ignored the Hellrider. "Afterward, I grew to suspect that he had cut a deal with one or more powerful devils, using the Creed Resolute to bind all Elturel to his dark deal. I wish to prove my theory, and I believe the evidence is locked inside the puzzle box.”
Holding the box in both hands, she carefully examined it.
She then asked Jezebel, the quasit, to fetch her a flask of dark liquid, and poured a small amount into the mazelike troughs carved into the box’s surface. She then tipped the box so that the liquid flowed in certain directions through the mazelike patterns—until the box’s horn inlays popped loose, breaking apart.
Inside the box was a stack of nine chain-linked plates, each three inches on a side, cast of dark iron, and stamped with Infernal runes.
Midgard touched the plates. Because of his newly acquired magical Helm of Comprehending Languages, he was able to read the runes. He read them out loud for the others to hear.
Be it known to all that I, Thavius Kreeg, High Overseer of Elturel, have sworn to my master, Zariel, lord of Avernus, to keep the agreements contained in this oath.
I hereby submit to Zariel in all matters and for all time. I will place Her above all creatures, living and dead. I will obey Her all my days and beyond with fear and servility.
I recognize the dispensation of the device called the Solar Insidiator, hereafter called the Companion. In my capacity as High Overseer of Elturel and its vassal territories, I acknowledge that all lands falling under the light of the Companion are forfeit to Zariel. All persons bound by oath to defend Elturel are also considered forfeit. I further recognize that this dispensation will last fifty years, after which the Companion will return whence it came, taking Elturel and its oath-bound defenders with it, if that is Zariel’s wish.
All this is my everlasting pledge.
Thavius Kreeg
Reya Mantlemorn was so stung by the revelation that she collapsed onto the floor and wept for Elturel.
Bound to the city by the Creed Resolute, she felt the imperative to return to it. “If Zariel wants my soul,” said Reya, “she’s welcome to try to take it!”
Midgard consoled her.
Gorn, too, although not having been born in Elturel, had lived there for most of his life. As a citizen of Elturel, he too had taken the oath of the Creed Resolute.
He also felt the need to return to the city of Elturel.
Sylvira then turned her attention to the Shield of the Hidden Lord, which Midgard carried.
“This shield is a symbol of good’s triumph over evil," the archmage began. "Gazing at such beauty, one can easily overlook the terrible force bound within it. Gargauth is, I believe, its name, though it calls itself the Hidden Lord. It was a pit fiend sent by Asmodeus to corrupt mortals on the Material Plane, and there it amassed such a following as to rival that of gods. In that way, Gargauth became a sort of demigod, and having worshipers increased its power exponentially. My, how the mighty have fallen! This shield has the power to corrupt everything around it. The Hhune family of Baldur’s Gate has kept it for years now. Doubtless they’ll want it back, but this shield should not be taken to any place where thousands of mortals reside. It needs to be locked away in an extradimensional space, away from corruptible souls.”
Gargauth telepathically contacted Midgard. “Take me to the Nine Hells, and I’ll swear to serve you faithfully as both a guide and an advisor.”
The cleric looked at Sylvira. "Then I will take it someplace where it will not be able to corrupt those around it," he said.
"And what if it corrupts you?" Gorn asked.
Midgard looked straight at the Dragonborn paladin. "I am incorruptible. You need not concern yourself."
"To be quite honest," Sylvira said. "I would prefer if that shield was as far away from Candlekeep as possible. I do not need members of the Knights of the Shield constantly attacking this library in order to acquire it. I think you should take it with you to Avernus."
The archmage grabbed a nearby large roll of parchment and placed it on her desk. She then unrolled it, revealing a map.
"This is a map of Avernus," Sylvira said. "It's the only one of its kind known to exist."
"Who made it?" Brimsdall asked the archmage.
"A former halfling explorer named Dorah," Sylvira said.
"Where is she now?" Toph asked.
"In an asylum in Waterdeep," Sylvira answered.
"Why is she in an asylum?" Reya asked.
“She went mad making the map," Sylvira warned. "So I question the map's reliability."
Midgard asked Gargauth if the map was useful.
Gargauth said the map depicts a region of Avernus, a wasteland of dizzying proportions that hasd been warped by eons of demonic invasion. Distances in Avernus are impossible to gauge and locations sometimes shift supernaturally. As such, the map shows pictorial impressions of locations that only hint at their distances from one another. It is by no means something that can, or should, be taken literally although it can serve to highlight locations that could be traveled to.
Sylvira gave the map to Brimsdall.
"How do we get to Avernus then?" Reya asked, eager to leave and return to Elturel.
Sylvira said although she could prepare the plane shift spell, there’s no point, as magical wards just placed on Candlekeep prevent creatures from using such means to go to or from the library.
Instead, she presented an alternative plan for sending them to the Nine Hells.
“A wizard named Traxigor lives in a tower twenty miles from here," Sylvira said. "I’ve lent him a spellbook or two, so he owes me a favor. I can have you delivered safely to his tower, and he can use a plane shift spell to take you straight to Elturel. Even more importantly, Traxigor is looking after an old friend of mine—someone with a history of battling devils in the Nine Hells. I think you’ll find her knowledge useful and should even enjoy her company very much. Her name is Lulu.”
Wink's Warriors, now including Gorn and Reya, asked to spend the night at Candlekeep while they contacted someone regarding a suit of chain mail for Wink, the group's companion.
***
In the morning, the group met Sylvira at a crescent-shaped landing platform with a stunning view of the sea.
Waiting for them atop the platform were several griffons with saddles, their handlers standing nearby to help you.
“The griffons have instructions to fly you to Traxigor’s tower,” said Sylvira.
Everyone looked uncertain.
“Don’t worry, it’s safe!”
The group couldn't figure out how to get Wink on a griffon. And Brimsdall didn't like the idea of a griffon carrying the giant badger in its talons.
So instead, he polymorphed Wink into a griffon and used Wink as a mount.
Once everyone had mounted, the griffons took flight and headed out to sea, flying just below the clouds.
To the riders, Candlekeep looked no less majestic from the air but grew smaller as the griffons soared westward. Large, rocky islands passed below them, and beyond them lay the open sea.
After flying for nearly three hours, everyone spotted a windowless, doorless stone tower in the distance.
Somehow the tower floated in the sky ahead!
The griffons flew towards the tower and safely passed through jagged holes riddling the tower’s conical peak to land on the top floor below, which had a spiral staircase leading down.
One level down, they saw a cluttered chamber illuminated by various objects upon which continual flame spells have been cast.
Scurrying around the room was an otter dressed in a tiny red cassock. The otter mumbled to itself in Common, mentioning something about a tuning fork. Suddenly, it took notice of the visitor and stood upright. “Lulu! Wake up! Our guests have arrived!”
At the sound of her name, a small elephant with golden fur appeared from under a pile of blankets near a table strewn with alchemical equipment. The elephant took to the air on feathery wings and lets out a pleasing trumpet sound.
Brimsdall looked unbelieving at the otter who spoke. "Are...are you Traxigor?"
"I am he, indeed," the otter responded. "Traxigor, at your service. Sylvira had messaged me about your arrival and had asked me to help you reach Avernus."
"Not to be rude..." Toph said. "But are you really an otter?"
"What?" the other exclaimed. "I'm an otter? Really?"
The otter began to laugh, although no one else was laughing. He then cleared his throat and explained that he was polymorphed into an otter years ago. He had decided that he preferred the new form to his original one, that of a wizened old human man. His otter form was made permanent by a wish spell he had someone cast.
"You're supposed to help us get to Elturel in Avernus," Gorn said changing the subject.
"I am indeed," Traxigor said. "However, I'm missing the tuning fork I need to cast the spell, Plane Shift. Please help me find it. It's here somewhere."
It took several minutes, but Toph eventually found it inside a tall decanter that still had a small amount of light greenish liquid at the bottom. "I think I found it!"
Traxigor looked at Toph. "Oh, now I remember! I used it to mix that sweet, yet intoxicating drink I had last night. Damn the gods, but it did knock me out cold. But I admit, it was rather quite delicious and pleasantly satisfying."
The others gave up looking once Toph found the tuning fork.
Reya held a pipe in her hand. "I guess this isn't it, but what is it?
"That's where that went!" Traxigor said. "You can have it if you like. Blow into the thin side and it will blow bubbles out of the other side. It's really fun to do...for a while, anyway. I don't even remember where I got it."
Reya was happy to have the strange trinket.
Midgard turned to speak to Lulu. "Sylvira said you know something about battling devils in the Nine Hells?"
Lulu responded telepathically to Midgard's question. "I was with the angel Zariel when she assembled her army of Hellriders to attack Avernus. Through the gate we went, tearing through devils like a song through air. Victory was within our grasp until some of the Hellriders betrayed us. They retreated through the gate and sealed it behind them. Before she was captured, Zariel told me to hide her sword so that it wouldn’t fall into evil hands. Someone helped me hide the sword, but I don’t remember who. We found a place to hide it, but I don’t remember where. I escaped Avernus, but I don’t remember how. Most of my memory is gone, and I don’t remember why.”
Midgard shared what Lulu said.
"Why hide the sword?" Gorn asked Lulu who shrugged since she didn't have an answer.
"Maybe it's important enough to Zariel that it had to be hidden," Toph said.
"Well, I am ready to cast that spell," Traxigor said holding the newly polished tuning fork in his hands, or rather, otter paws.
Traxigor had the adventurers gather in a circle.
He then tapped the tuning fork on the floor and cast his plane shift spell.
***
The hot, stinging air assaulted everyone's senses.
The city street in which they stood was lined with buildings that were crumbling, if not already collapsed.
The ground shuddered beneath them, nearly knocking them off their feet. In the red, smoky sky, a 400-foot-diameter sphere of darkness discharged strokes of bluish-white lightning that struck the city at irregular intervals.
Perched atop a distant bluff, overlooking the rest of the city, was a crumbled fortress.
"That was High Hall," Gorn told everyone.
"By Torm's watchful eye, what has become of Elturel?" Reya asked no one in particular as her eyes filled with tears.
Traxigor gazed up at the black orb nervously, uttered a few arcane syllables, and disappeared in the blink of an eye leaving the others to an unknown fate in Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells.
Over the past three days, the weather on the Coast Way had gradually worsened. Dark clouds released heavy rain until the road ran thick with mud, yet Wink's Warriors trudge on. On the night of the second day, before setting up camp, Sarros was visited by a large eagle. The eagle spoke to Sarros who then informed the others that he was just ordered to immediately return to his enclave in Neverwinter Woods. There were pressing matters there that demanded his attention and he needed to leave immediately. The others understood and they wished him well before he left. On the morning of the third day, the rain subsided but the dark clouds remained. Ahead, the members of Wink's Warriors saw a path branch from the wider road, heading to the sea. A raven perched solemnly on a leaning post bearing two signs that pointed like arms toward the west. One read, “The Way of the Lion.” The other says “Candlekeep.” The group arrived at the famed library by mid-afternoon. The afternoon sun shone through the clouds to illuminate the gray walls and pale spires of a timeworn fortress that stood majestically atop a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. At the gatehouse, they were greeted by three monks in robes: a human, a shield dwarf, and a sun elf. Around their necks hung holy symbols of Deneir, god of writing, whose symbol was a lit candle above an open eye. “Welcome to Candlekeep,” said the elf in Common. “A gift is required from those seeking admittance. You must donate a book or scroll that isn’t already in the library’s archives. Please present your gift for inspection.” The group presented a book titled, Apocalypto, given to them by Syndra Silvane. The book was readily accepted as a gift. The group was allowed entrance into Candlekeep and was directed to the stables, the tavern, and The Necessarium, where they could find lodging and shops. Reya said they needed to meet Sylvira Savikas as soon as possible. The Hellrider added the group was expected. One of the monks said he would let the archmage know they had arrived and were expected. Inside, they stabled their horses. A smith approached the group after noticing Wink the giant badger. He offered to give Brimsdall a shirt of chainmail he had recently been commissioned to make for a customer's pet mastiff. However, he said the adventurer never returned. That was a month ago. The commissioned chain shirt was paid for in full, so offered it to Brimsdall for Wink to wear. Brimsdall happily accepted the chain shirt which fit Wink snugly. The group then walked across the courtyard to visit the Neccessariums. There, they were happy to find shops that offered to purchase the used weapons and armor they had. Brimsdall also sold a spellbook he had acquired. With the money they made, each bought magical weapons, gear, and potions they needed. Finished with their purchases, the group then went to The Hearth, Candlekeep's only pub. It was getting late in the afternoon. The pub had a low ceiling supported by massive wooden crossbeams and narrow, shuttered windows. A large fire pit in the middle of the room was surrounded by a half dozen tables and matching benches. About a dozen people occupied the pub, including an ogre who wore a golden headband. The ogre sat on the floor in a corner and was busy reading a book. After eating a late highsun meal, a messenger arrived at the pub to take Wink's Warriors and a dragonborn paladin named Gorn to see Sylvira Savikas The group was taken to the main keep, a towering edifice housing hundreds of monks and wizards, and thousands of books and scrolls. Soon, they were directed inside a chamber. One wall of the chamber was punctuated by arched windows that were currently shuttered. Bookcases filled with eldritch volumes stood all around the room, while tables were crowded with specimen jars, alchemical equipment, and other clutter. Engraved into the floor of the chamber was a large, nine-pointed star. A middle-aged tiefling dressed in wizardly robes stood by one of the windows, caught in a fugue of intense contemplation. Perched on the corner of a table nearby was a spindly little demon with warty green skin, buggy eyes, thin black horns, and a whip-like tail. “Greeting," the tiefling turned to the group after they had entered. "My name is Sylvira Savikas. I can’t tell you how pleased I am to see you, although I am saddened after having heard of the death of Falaster Fisk." She then introduced Gorn Huntley to the others and explained how Gorn had been in Elturel when it was taken into Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells. Gorn said he and many others had been trying to survive the onslaught of devils and demons in the streets of Elturel for the past tenday. He went on to explain how he came to arrive in Candlekeep and vowed to return to Elturel to help the survivors there and return Elturel to Faerûn. "So, what have you brought me?” Sylvira asked the members of Wink's Warriors.
Sylvira Savikas and her quasit familiar, Jezebel
Sylvira unlocks the Infernal Puzzle Box
Elturel in Avernus
Session played on July 30, 2021
Lulu the Hollyphant
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