The party piled into the Demon Grinder and returned to the Crypt of the Hellriders, where they were met with a chaotic scene: a black-armored devil atop a fiery steed commanded an army of lemures, hideous blobs of molten, stinking flesh that oozed across the ground as they moved. Merregons, the masked, halberd-wielding devils that had haunted the party's dreams ever since they first encountered them, moved among the lemures, barking orders that the fiendish blobs seemed barely able to comprehend. It was too soon for  Haruman to have risen already, but judging by the nightmare-riding devil's armor, this was one of the death knight's lieutenants.

Ghostly Hellriders defended the crypt, and though they were outnumbered, each one of them seemed the equal of five devils.

The black-armored commander, seeing the approaching war machine, pointed his fiery lance towards it and prepared to charge.

The devils rolled 3 for their initiative, so I'm just going to have you all go first. I'll resolve your actions in whatever order you post them, unless someone specifically says they want to go after someone else.

You're still inside the Demon Grinder right now (we'll assume DW is driving), so you can choose to use its attacks or your own. You can also assume the devil will reach melee distance this round unless someone does something to stop him.

With your actions, you can either attack the commander directly or you can do something to try to bolster the chances of the ghostly Hellriders. What exactly the latter would look like is up to you. I will say that any sort of single-target spell or attack would be better spent on the commander or one of your allies, but I'll roll for the battle between devils and Hellriders each round, and an AOE buff or attack from you will improve the Hellrider's odds.

The Demon Grinder rumbled across the blasted deserts of Avernus toward the Tomb of the Hellriders, which turned out to be under siege.  Squinting against the stinging sand, Lady Caprice remarked, “It would seem that some have taken Haruman’s defeat personally.  Their retribution is misdirected, but we’ve arrived just in time to give his army the same treatment.”  From her harpoon turret Lady Caprice began the dramatic gesticulations to begin to conjure a blazing column of light that illuminated the blackened clouds overhead.  As she gathered her power she remarked to her comrades, “Manage the fiendish commander if you would, darlings!  I shall keep this army at bay.”

With that, Lady Caprice shone her grand illumination onto the battlefield into a blazing aurora of chromatic radiance almost too bright to look at.  Sheets of colorful fire burned through the center of the fiendish ranks, searing and blinding all that it touched.  The crypt was now blockaded by a wall of radiance that up the battlefield like the sunlight that had never touched this plane of damnation, and it was glorious to behold.

---

• Cast Wall of Light oriented sideways in a 10' wide, 5' tall, 60' long wall to cut the devilish army in two, leaving half the devils with the Hellriders and the other half in the wall or forced to go through it to reach the crypt!  If I can catch the devil commander that’s cool too, but I’m sure my pals can manage him while I do crowd control :)
  • Everyone in the wall needs to make a DC 17 Con save or take 15 radiant damage and be blinded for 1 minute!  Save for half and no blind.  Blinded creatures can make a DC 17 Con save at the end of their turns to try to see again.
  • The wall blocks line of sight, but creatures and objects can pass through it. It emits bright light out to 120 feet and dim light for an additional 120 feet.
  • A creature that ends its turn in the wall takes 4d8 radiant damage, no save.
  • The wall lasts for 10 minutes, concentration
• Ready to use Misty Escape if hit, to teleport to another position on the Demon Grinder and become invisible

23:26, Today: Caprice Nathaire rolled 15 using 4d8.  Wall of Light.

Elsbeth was trying to figure out how to get safely down and to the Hellriders to help when the wall of light appeared.  It was glorious in this wasted landscape and filled her with hope.  It would also be more effective than she ever could be.

Her attention returned to the closing rider.  She knew the devastation that Ren could do with that ball.  She aimed the harpoon at the mount and played a cat & mouse game with him hoping to drive him into the path of the ball to avoid the harpoon.

Help action for Ren on Wrecking Ball
This message was last edited by the player at 14:02, Fri 26 Mar 2021.

Manning the controls of the wrecking ball to the best of his ability, Ren sent the massive bludgeon careening towards the infernal general hoping to knock him clean off of his mount.

With Elsbeth's help the attack hits AC 17 for 28 bludgeoning damage. If that's a hit, Ren will smite fur a further 21 radiant damage.

09:18, Today: Sir Ren Hawthorne rolled 21 using 4d8 with rolls of 6,1,6,8.  Smite (lvl 2).
09:17, Today: Sir Ren Hawthorne rolled 28 using 8d8+4 with rolls of 4,2,4,1,2,1,3,7.  Damage.
09:16, Today: Sir Ren Hawthorne rolled 17 using 2d20+9, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 5,8.  Wrecking Ball attack.

At Caprice's beckoning, a wall of shommering light bisects the battlefield, instantly incinerating about a third of devils and cutting them off from their reinforcements. Holy warriors that they were, the ghosts of the Hellriders were unaffected. Still, what devils remained fought ferociously, and fearlessly, and they ate away at the Hellriders' numbers.

Devils: 60%
Hellriders: 80%

The fiendish captain proved a skilled horseman, swooping and diving as he wove his way between Elsbeth's harpoon and Ren's wrecking ball. Perhaps Haruman had warned him what Elsbeth was capable of, or perhaps he simply recognized her Hellrider armor and singled her out for that reason. Either way, he charged first at her, his hellish, burning lance thrusting three times as he screamed for the souls of all who dared oppose him.

Misses AC 13
Hits AC 22 for 13 piercing and 20 fire damage
Crits for 17 piercing and 30 fire damage

Elsbeth has partial cover from the war machine so +2 to AC but I think the 22 still hits? Also for the purpose of reactions the devil is 10' from Elsbeth, as he has reach with his lance.

Everyone must make a DC 17 Charisma save or become Frightened for 1 minute. You can repeat this save at the end of each of your turns if you fail.

"Stay away from her, you brute!" Lulu had been spending more time at Elsbeth's side since Ren's transformation, so she was able to immediately wrap her trunk around the fallen knight's leg and restore a bit of life to her. (Cure Wounds restores 6 HP to Elsbeth)

(Forgot I can use this defensively, Luck roll vs the Critical.  Just need to use my terrible rolls to my advantage!  I choose my roll for that last attack of his.
Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 3 using 1d20 with rolls of 3.  Luck roll vs Critical.
I'm guessing he doesn't have a +16 attack, so that will miss.
Total 33 damage from the leader last round.)


The lance bit deep, but it was the infernal fire that burned worse.  Her body would forever be marked by the gruesome injuries she sustained her.  Then a moment where her life flashed before her eyes as the lance came right at her head.  This could be the end.  Whether it was a jolt from the roll of the Demon Grinder, some preservation instinct or some assistance from above, she managed to twist out of the way at the last moment.

Now she was mad.  "My turn."  The harpoon launcher seemed a feeble option at this range.  She stood and drew her blade to engage the knight, but the lance gave him the superior reach.  She had to get closer, but had a trick or two left.

She feinted and twisted as she vaulted out of the Demon Grinder and closed the distance.

(Evasive Footwork +2AC for 21 vs the Opportunity Attack)

It wasn't the prettiest exit anyone had ever scene and any other time might have meant her death.  Hopefully the gods smiled on her and she was able to regain her feet and attack.

Her incompetence might draw his attention as she stepped in and thrust at the captain.  More luck and she might have found a soft spot between the armor.  Having accomplished her goal of getting his attention she shouted, "NOW REN!"

(Commander's Strike for Ren, use Reaction to make 1 weapon attack at +8 damage.  I guess if the Wrecking Ball isn't viable or Ren used his Reaction she could use this for DW).

She hoped the Halfling could end this miserable rider's existence.

Move: Close 5' to melee range and use Evasive Footwork
Move: Stand if needed from falling on her face (+15move)  Athletics roll 1 for total 7 to exit Grinder

Action: Attack
 Attack#1 vs Leader 10 for 11 damage
 Lucky reroll + Precision makes 21 for 11 damage

 Attack#2 Commander's Strike on Ren
 Ren uses Reaction to make 1 weapon attack at +8 damage

Bonus Action: Second Wind (+11hps)
Lulu healed 6hps
 73-33+11+6=57


AC 19  HP 57/73
 BONUS ACTION: Extra melee attack if Crit or Drop enemy to 0hps
1/1 Human Determination, gain Advantage - Short Rest
2/5 Battle Master Maneuvers (d10) - Short Rest
 REACTION: Riposte, Sentinel
0/1 Second Wind, Heal 1d10+10, Bonus Action - Short Rest
1/1 Action Surge, +1 Action - Short Rest
1/1 Sword of Du'Crey - Long Rest
1/3 Lucky 3/3 - Long Rest
1/1 Indomitable - Reroll Save - Long Rest
10/10 Healing Dice - Long Rest (restore 1/2 with long rest)
0/1 Inspiration
0/1 Circlet of Blasting (Next Dawn)


Commander's Strike (When you take the Attack action on your turn, you
can forgo one of your attacks and use a bonus action to direct one of your
companions to strike. When you do so, choose a friendly creature who can see
or hear you and expend one superiority die. That creature can immediately use
its reaction to make one weapon attack, adding the superiority die to the
attack's damage roll.)


The Numbers
10:14, Today: Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 8 using 1d10 with rolls of 8.  Commander's Strike.
10:10, Today: Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 1 using 1d10 with rolls of 1.  Precision.
10:09, Today: Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 20 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 12.  Lucky reroll on attack.
10:08, Today: Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 10,11 using d20+8,2d6+4 with rolls of 2,2,5.  Attack Commander.
10:05, Today: Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 7 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 1.  Athletics check if needed to exit DG.
09:59, Today: Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 2 using 1d10 with rolls of 2.  Evasive Footwork + to AC.
09:40, Today: Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 3 using 1d20 with rolls of 3.  Luck roll vs Critical.
09:38, Today: Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 11 using 1d10+10 with rolls of 1.  Second Wind.

Ugly round.  6 of the 8 d10/d20 rolls were in the lower 20% range

My round was no less ugly :( Ren can't seem to hit with the wrecking ball to save his little angelic life.

Much to his increasing chagrin, Ren seemed to be making a mess of the controls and *despite* the opening afforded him by Elsbeth he simply couldn't manage to bring the wrecking ball around in time! Gritting his teeth in frustration he leapt from the seat and fluttered down to the battlefield with the sword of Zariel brandished in hand. The halfling's blade sunk deep, erupting with radiant light as it tore through the general's armor and seared its flesh with the glory of Mount Celestia.

"Back!" he declared. "You will go no further!"

Reaction: Commander's Strike. Natural 1. Halfling luck turns this into a 2, for 11 to hit!!!
Move to engage:
1) Hits AC 25 *finally*. Ren is fighting versatile this round for lack of time to equip the hidden lord. Damage dealt is 45 (of which 7 is physical and the rest is radiant)
2) Hits AC 15, which is also a miss.

12:35, Today: Sir Ren Hawthorne rolled 45 using 4d10+3+4d8 with rolls of 4,1,9,3,8,6,4,7.  Damage (second level smite).
12:33, Today: Sir Ren Hawthorne rolled 15 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 8.  Attack.
12:33, Today: Sir Ren Hawthorne rolled 25 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 18.  Attack.
12:32, Today: Sir Ren Hawthorne rolled 11 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 2.  Halfling Luck.

12:32, Today: Sir Ren Hawthorne rolled 10 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 1.  Wrecking Ball.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:41, Mon 29 Mar 2021.

The devilish commander was ferocious in his charge that ruthlessly seared Elsbeth with a burning lance.  Sir Ren and Elsbeth bravely bore down upon the horseman as Lady Caprice gathered psychic power from the harpoon turret on the Demon Grinder.  She pronounced, "I cut down your legions like a scythe against grass!  Surrender, fiend!"

With those words she extended her hands and unleashed a psychic storm upon the battlefield.  The effect was only visible by the wave of psychic destruction inflicted upon a huge swath of the devil army, which screamed and bled from the eyes.

---

• Cast Synaptic Static in a 20-foot radius sphere placed to catch the fiendish captain at its edge and as many other devils as possible without hitting Ren or Elsbeth
  • Creatures with Int 2 or lower can't be affected by this spell
  • DC 17 Int save or take 36 psychic damage, half damage on a success
  • After a failed save, a target has muddled thoughts for 1 minute. During that time, it rolls a d6 and subtracts the number rolled from all its attack rolls and ability checks, as well as its Constitution saving throws to maintain concentration. The target can make an Intelligence saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
• Concentrating on Wall of Light
• Ready to use Misty Escape if hit, to teleport to another position on the Demon Grinder and become invisible

13:34, Today: Caprice Nathaire rolled 36 using 8d6.  Synaptic Static.

The hellish commander smiled as he struck down the Hellrider with his burning lance. Haruman would be pleased. All who died on the tip of the lance returned as lemures under the general's command, fiendish blobs like the ones currently... well, the ones currently falling by the dozen to the swords of the Hellriders. But this one... this one, he could tell, would be a prize the presentation of which would at least lessen the shame of what was shaping up to be a failure on the battlefield.

But then... the woman did not fall. He could have sworn he'd pierced her neck. The hellfire lance should right now be burning its way through that soft flesh. But she had somehow twisted away. It was miraculous, suggesting the intervention of... his eyes burned with hatred. "Olanthius!" his voice boomed out across the battlefield.

The ghostly general appeared in the entrance to the Crypt, but he smiled and shook his head. "She is not one of mine. You underestimate the Hellriders, just as your general did. Her victories are her own. As your failures are yours."

The commander roared in frustration and lashed out again at Elsbeth, but not before her own sword flicked out first and carved a narrow gash in his black armor. Enraged by the insult, he nearly missed the wrecking ball that threatened to smash into his flank. He threw up his shield as the halfling leapt from the war machine to charge him, deflecting one swing but not the other.

The lance lashed out again, three quick strikes which all failed to penetrate the Hellrider's armor. The nightmare kicked at her with similarly disappointing results, then soared into the air, bearing its rider out of the reach of his enemy's swords.

Unfortunately, he retreated through the cloud of psychic energy Caprice had conjured, causing both him and his mount to reel from synaptic strike. The effect elsewhere on the battlefield was minimal, as most of the devilish minions were too simple-minded to be confused. Despite the appearance of the general, the ghostly Hellriders continued to lose ground.

Devils: 54%
Hellriders: 66%

Elsbeth, you won't take an OA since you aren't leaving the enemy's threatened area. So, you can save your maneuver point.

Devil not rolling so well this time around. Two nat 1s! Dungeon Master, for the NPC narzugon, rolled 11,11,15 using d20+10,d20+10,d20+10 ((1,1,5)).

He's now 90' in the air. Ren and Elsbeth both get opportunity attacks as he flies out of reach, though.

Nope. Sentineled. He's still in melee range, and no OA for Ren.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:24, Tue 30 Mar 2021.

Elsbeth saw the Nightmare prepare to take flight and smacked a ringing blow across it's head.

AoO vs Nightmare 27 for 9 damage.  Move set to 0 per Sentinel Feat.

"No you don't."  She taunted the rider as she prevented him from fleeing.


"Father, give me strength."  She whispered to her sword and received the family boon.

She pressed the attack with renewed strength.  A thrust to the torso followed by a slash to the leg.  "ELTUREL!"  She yelled and laid into him with another round of swings  Another thrust followed by a full out swing hoping to unhorse him.

"Say hello to Haruman for me."  She stated as a parting shot as the life left the Captain's body.



AoO uses Sentinel
Bonus Action: Trigger Sword of Du'Crey (+10 temp hps, all attacks have advantage)
Attack Action
 Attack#1 24 for 15 damage
 Attack#2 26 for 15 damage
Free: Action Surge
 Attack#3 20 for 11 damage
 Attack#4 22 for 21 damage

If the Captain drops, additional swings into the Nightmare

AC 19  HP 57/73 +10Temp
 BONUS ACTION: Extra melee attack if Crit or Drop enemy to 0hps
1/1 Human Determination, gain Advantage - Short Rest
3/5 Battle Master Maneuvers (d10) - Short Rest
 REACTION: Riposte, Sentinel
0/1 Second Wind, Heal 1d10+10, Bonus Action - Short Rest
0/1 Action Surge, +1 Action - Short Rest
0/1 Sword of Du'Crey - Long Rest
1/3 Lucky 3/3 - Long Rest
1/1 Indomitable - Reroll Save - Long Rest
10/10 Healing Dice - Long Rest (restore 1/2 with long rest)
0/1 Inspiration
0/1 Circlet of Blasting (Next Dawn)

Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 27,9 using d20+8,2d6+4 with rolls of 19,1,4.  AoO vs Nightmare w/ Sentinel feat.
Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 17,24,15 using d20+8,d20+8,2d6+4 with rolls of 9,16,6,5.  Attack#1 vs Captain.
Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 25,26,15 using d20+8,d20+8,2d6+4 with rolls of 17,18,6,5. Attack#2
Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 20,16,11 using d20+8,d20+8,2d6+4 with rolls of 12,8,1,6.  Attack#3.
Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 22,16,21 using d20+3,d20+3,2d6+14 with rolls of 19,13,4,3.  Attack #4 GWM -5/+10.

This message was last edited by the player at 11:20, Wed 31 Mar 2021.

In a glorious resurgence from the jaws of defeat, Elsbeth hobbled the nightmare steed and proceeded to butcher the devilish commander who rode it.  She would become a legend among Hellriders for this, but first they must have victory.

Lady Caprice called out to the helmsman above the roar of infernal engines and the cacophony of battle, “Master Darkwing!  Take the Grinder through their rear flank parallel to the shining wall, if you please.  Run the fiends down!”  The behemoth war machine roared toward the the back ranks of the fiendish army, running alongside the blazing wall of radiance that still bisected their forces.  As they came near Lady Caprice stood up in her turret and raised a gloved hand to the crimson sky as her presence grew into a beautiful fey terror that loomed over the battlefield, her voice echoing out with supernatural menace, “Your hopes of victory are as dead as your pathetic commander.  Woe and despair upon ye, craven fiends!  FLEE.”  The fiends near enough to witness quailed in fear before Lady Caprice’s dread majesty.

---

• requesting DW roll the Demon Grinder over the devilish back ranks, squishing as many as possible with its Crushing Wheels feature and pushing them toward the wall of light!
• Fey Presence to frighten devils in a 10 foot cube as we zoom by them, DC 17 Wis save
  • if any fail the save, regain a spell slot
• Creatures who failed save against Synaptic Static take -1d6 to attacks and ability checks, DC 17 Int save end of turn for brain to work right again
• Concentrating on Wall of Light
• Ready to use Misty Escape if hit, to teleport to another position on the Demon Grinder and become invisible

Ren fluttered at the ready, sword clasped in both hands for the felling strike but found his strength was not needed to seal the Narzugon's fate. Elsbeth had handled him handily on her own. Instead he cast his gaze across the battlefield watching in approval as Caprice laid waste to the remainder of the hellish horde.

"Go on now, go!" he rebuked them in the poignant words of sister Gloria. "Walk out the door!
  Turn around now! You are not welcome here, anymore!"

"Did you think I would crumble? Did you think I would lay down and die?
  Oh no, not I! I will survive!"

"As long as I know Love, I know I will stay alive! Glory, hallelujah!"

The Hellriders had been taking the worst of it in their fight with the lemures, but when they saw Elsbeth fell the devil commander, they cheered lustily and redoubled their efforts. Meanwhile Darkwing did donuts with the Demon Grinder, crushing the devils beneath its wheels while leaving the incorporeal Hellriders unharmed.

When the last of them retreated into the red dust of Avernus, Olanthius emerged from the entrance of the Crypt. "You continue to impress," he told Elsbeth and her companions. "We would surely have been overrun if not for your intervention. I should have emerged sooner to lead the troops. But at first, I was afraid. I was petrified."

Only after speaking these words did he notice Ren's wings, then the sword the halfling carried. "So you're back. You are much changed from when last I saw you. I see you have found what you were looking for."

Ren gazed at the sword in his grasp. "I have," he said at last, before correcting with "We have." He turned and cast his silvery gaze upon Olanthius.

"Now we must find Zariel herself and put an end to this sorrowful tale. That's why we've come back. Are you able to help us once more, Olanthius? You know Zariel's heart and mind. How can we approach her?"

Elsbeth wanted to comfort Olanthius.  A comment about him surviving or them being by his side now just didn't feel right.  She let the feeling pass.

The topic quickly went to Zariel.  "How can she be saved?"  She asked the one who might have an answer.  Or a possibility.  She refused to believe the idea that killing Zariel was the only way.  There was no victory in that option, only survival.

Lady Caprice looked on in triumphant satisfaction as the defeated devils fled the rout, picking off a pair of straggling lemures with chromatic bolts.  She unsummoned the wall of radiance to reveal smoldering heaps of blackened devils annihilated by her arcane might.  Perhaps being a warlord over her own plane of Hell would not be the worst thing.

She approached Olanthius and inclined her head respectfully toward the undead general.  Caprice said, "Your Hellriders were worth a dozen devils in this battle.  A valiant defense."  She looked to her brave companions and added her own piece to the discussion of Zariel, "Before we may do anything with Zariel we must first reach her, and fiendish legions stand in our way.  If we must punch through the forces of Hell to save Zariel may we count upon the might of the Hellriders to join our cause, General?"

---

Persuasion!:

• 21:14, Today: Caprice Nathaire rolled 11 using 1d20+9.  Persuasion.

Not so persuasive :(

Olanthus looked mournfully across the field of battle, his ghostly eyes lingering on the incinerated remains of the attacking devils. "I wish I shared your confidence that she can be," he said. "She commands the devils of Avernus. She sent them here to defile the final resting place of those who once fought alongside her."

"No!" Lulu insisted. "This was Haruman's doing."

"And Haruman is the only one of Zariel's generals who remains loyal to her. He sent his troops here in support of her schemes. If she wished to ensure the Hellriders could not take up arms against her... then she must be planning her final assault. She knows you have the sword. She knows you have freed Kostchtchie. She will try to take Elturel once and for all, before you can stop her. You must go quickly no! You have the support of the Hellriders, of course."

The spectral army formed ranks behind the Demon Grinder, with some of the more elite knights standing by Elsbeth's side.

Elsbeth, you can now use the Sword of the Du'Creys to cast the Spectral Guardians spell once per long rest. And Caprice you may cast Spirit Shroud once per long rest without expending a spell slot. In both cases, the spirits you summon will be Hellriders.

"What about you, Olanthus?" Ren inquired. "Come with us. Ride with your men once more. Zariel placed her trust in you once before. Perhaps she can be made to do so again."

"Of course," the old man said, brandishing his sword. "It has been too long since we took the battle to the enemy. I am sword to defend Elturel, and this is her moment of greatest need."

"To war then."  Elsbeth didn't look forward to a war with Zariel.  She still held out hope to save the Angel.  She was tired and weary of the battle here in Avernus.  She steeled herself for one more fight.


I'm guessing we can get at least a short rest.  But checking on Long Rest.

Lady Caprice climbed up to stand poised and proud atop the Demon Grinder, then called upon her arcane power to amplify her voice in a resounding call to action, “Onward now, to Elturel’s liberation!”  Her eyes blazed with chromatic light and the ground rumbled with the intensity of her resolve.

Having done with the showmanship, Lady Caprice gracefully reclaimed her crew position on the war machine and directed Darkwing to fire up the engines to begin the journey to Elturel, and destiny.

"War," Ren echoed Elsbeth distractedly, his voice sounding very small and far away. "Huh. Good God, y'all. What is it good for?"

The little halfling shook his head and offered up a sad smile as he gave answer to his own question.

"Absolutely nothing. So sayeth the Starrs."

Taking to the wing he fluttered above the demon grinder keeping constant watch mile after mile as the warmachine chewed up the red dirt of Avernus and spat it back out in its wake. Not once since he'd taken the Sword had Ren called for Willaby. The Nightmare was conspicuous in its absence.

Darkwing peeled out, the Demon Grinder kicking up a cloud of dust behind the party that quickly obscured the ghostly army of Hellriders who followed them.

Determining the direction of Elturel was a simple matter, for the dark Companion blazed and crackled in the eternal twilight sky. Yet though they drove unmistakably towards the city's surreal second sun, it never seemed to grow larger. Admittedly, the trip from Elturel to the Bleeding Citadel had been split up across several days, with multiple stops in between, but no one remembered it being so far.

Still, some progress was apparent, for they could now see the outline of the city itself on the horizon, as well as of the infernal chains dragging it inexorably towards the river Styx. But after driving for two days, it seemed they still had an awfully long way to go.

Ren fluttered down from the crimson skies, alighting beside Darkwing at the Demon Grinder's helm. "We are missing something," he said. "Avernus does not want us to reach Elturel, else we'd have done so by now. There is somewhere else we are expected to go first. But where? Fort Knucklebone perhaps, to gather allies? Or Haruman's Hill to release the remaining Hellriders?"

Lulu fluttered tentatively from Elsbeth's side to hover a short distance from Ren. "It's not Avernus slowing us down," the hollyphant said. "I think... it's me. I'm not ready to give up on her, Ren. And I'm worried about what you're planning to do."

Ren turned his beatific gaze upon the fluttering Hollyphant. He nodded understandingly."We will give her every opportunity, Lulu," he assured, his voice containing no trace of annoyance. "But ultimately it is not up to us. It is up to Zariel whether she can be saved."

Lady Caprice considered the problem of reaching Elturel when Avernus itself seemed to be keeping them away, and ultimately gleaned no greater insight than Sir Ren’s.  That deterred her not at all from pronouncing her own opinion, however, "Are you certain it is not Zariel who does not want us to reach Elturel, Lulu darling?  We have gained her attention, and I daresay she is correct to worry what we do next."  Lady Caprice looked to Lulu and said, "As Sir Ren says, it depends on Zariel herself.  We do not come to destroy Zariel, but to release Elturel from this infernal exile.  I would be delighted to solve this by diplomacy and reason, rather than by blood and strife.  The trouble is persuading her to give up the city that was sworn to her."

Caprice turned to Lulu and asked, "What does Zariel want more than to possess Elturel?"

---

Arcana to discern the planar logistics to bring us to Elturel, except not so much:

• 00:08, Today: Caprice Nathaire rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Arcana.

"Demons." Lulu said in answer to Caprice's question. "She wants to stop demons from overrunning the Material Plane."



"That sounds like something she would say. You're responsible for your choices, Ren. Who will save your soul? If you won't save your own?"

With Lulu momentarily placated, the journey across Avernus proved easier, and the party arrived at Elturel not a moment too soon. The city hung above the River Styx, the iron spikes that anchored the city having dragged it nearly to the river's banks. Within a few hours, Elturel would sink into the Styx.

Hordes of distant demons flew around the city like gnats while a battle raged fiercely beneath it. Thousands of fiends clashed in Elturel's shadow. At their center stood an angel wreathed in flame, striking down demons with tireless fury.

Lulu pointed at the figure with her trunk and whispered, "That's her. Zariel stands exactly where she always does- where the fighting is fiercest."

The demons, it seemed, had launched a last-ditch, all-out effort to overrun the city. The devils had so far rebuffed the ferocious assault with the help of unlikely allies, swarms of undead who mindlessly aided them in their battle with their demonic foes.

"Well?" Ren asked, fluttering above the helm. "Do we grind a path straight across the plains of Avernus and confront Zariel?"

"Or does someone have another proposition?"

The Demon Grinder at last made headway toward Elturel as it rumbled across Avernus kicking up plumes of dust in its wake.  Lulu's words came to Lady Caprice's mind as she laid eyes upon the enormous battle raging over the sinking city.

Lady Caprice said, "This confrontation must wait, for Elturel will not last much longer.  Zariel fights to preserve the city, even if only to subjugate it.  The demonic horde, however, would murder every living soul in Elturel and leave it in utter ruination.  Whatever our differences with the Lord of the First, we may find common cause against such reckless chaos."  She observed the archdevil cutting through the throngs of demons in the distance and said, "If nothing else, we battle to gain audience."

Caprice stood tall in the harpoon turret and declared loudly, "Bring us in, Master Darkwing, but let us avoid engaging until we need to.  Now, we hunt demons!"

---

OOC:  The idea is to get close to Zariel with the least amount of fighting, so we're looking for a way to punch through weakest point in the lines.  We're the cavalry swooping in to Zariel's aid, and she needs see it ;P

Elsbeth agreed with Caprice.  They had to thin the demons.  Given that two armies were here in war, she had little hope the people were still safe.  She manned the other harpoon as they closed.

Ren alighted and resumed his post behind the controls of the wrecking ball with a look of stern resolve. "I am ready."

Darkwing revved the demonic engine of the Demon Grinder and set it to its eponymous task, crashing across the battlefield and flattening lesser demons in its wake. Their screams filled the air as the war machine ground them into the red dust, then were drowned out by the triumphant cries of the devils at the sight of their ancient enemies being annihilated by this new ally.

The angel Zariel was just ahead, flaming wings billowing behind her as she carved through demonic foes. None of her devils attempted to stop the advancing party whom they perceived as allies.

Just as it seemed they would reach their quarry with minimal interference, a wave of necrotic energy rippled across the wasteland, violently shaking the Demon Grinder and all within it. The War Machine crashed to a halt, smoke billowing from its engine.

A familiar foe stood at their flank, clad in black armor and clutching a shield bearing the insignia of the Hellriders. Haruman raised a gauntleted hand, and a dozen skeletal warriors crawled out of the ground, armed with dark swords and scraps of rusted armor all their own.

"Haruman!" From behind the war machine, Olanthius raised his own sword, and the spectral Hellriders prepared to engage the death knight's undead army.

You can post actions in any order. You'll all act before Haruman goes again.

Thanks to the Demon Grinder's protection, you automatically make your saves and so take just 10 thunder and 10 necrotic damage each. (That won't be a permanent feature of the Demon Grinder, just a way of mitigating the fact that I gave Haruman a free opening attack on you.) You can still use the DG's battle stations, but its movement is now 0.

Haruman is 30' from you. The wights who accompany him are all in melee range, with the Hellriders moving to engage them.

“Forward!” Lady Caprice vehemently declared as the Demon Grinder did what it was meant to do.  One would never expect to so easily smash through an army of demons, but one should never underestimate the power of pure, brazen audacity.

Just when it seemed they would make it all the way to Zariel the triumphant charge was cut short by a terrible necrotic force that forced the war machine out of commission.  That wave of undead power was all too familiar, and it was not long before Haruman showed himself, now returned from destruction.  Lady Caprice climbed atop the smoking war machine and proclaimed, “Stand aside, Haruman!  We have come to repel the demonic hosts that threaten Elturel and parley with the Lord of the First.  We’ve a common foe, and you would be wise not to obstruct us.”

Though her auburn hair and skirts both whipped in the hot winds of the battle raging all around, her steely  black eyes remained locked on Haruman.  “I’ve better things to do than destroy you a second time, but I will if I must!”

---

Intimidation didn’t go so well:

• 14:36, Today: Caprice Nathaire rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Intimidation.

Standing ready to react with either Misty Escape or Counterspell (5th level), should Haruman try something!

"Gargauth." Ren took to the skies above the demon grinder and grimly surveyed the ranks of Haruman's chosen. "Give them hell."

The devil's mouth opened and from its impossibly black recesses belched forth a ball of oily black flame that settled amidst the wights and exploded in a cacophony of heat and thunder.

28 fire damage to soften up the ranks. DC 21 Dex save for half.

Trying to get as many wights as possible without harming allies. Getting Haruman is a bonus but not necessary.

09:43, Today: Sir Ren Hawthorne rolled 28 using 8d6 with rolls of 1,4,4,6,2,5,2,4.  Fireball.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:47, Mon 26 Apr 2021.

Darkwing grinned in satisfaction as the demon grinder plowed through the ranks of vile demons. "I see where this thing got its name!" he cackled from behind the wheel. That laugh was quickly replaced with a grunt when their moment was abruptly halted by an unseen force and his body slammed into the steering mechanism. The vigilante collected his bearings and peered out over the now smoking war machine.

"Stay with Lady Du'Crey," he commanded his faithful companion as he shielded eyes eyes from the sudden explosion amongst the newly risen wraiths. When the flames subsided he fired a volley of magical arrows at the undead that escaped the flying halfling's fireball.



14 To Hit for 8 Damage
23 To Hit for 11 Damage

14:16, Today: Darkwing rolled 14,23,8,11 using 1d20+10,1d20+10,1d6+6,1d6+6 with rolls of 4,13,2,5.  Attack, Extra Attack, Damage, Damage.

Elsbeth dismounted the Demon Grinder again.  It has turned out fighting from the thing was not her preference.

She fixed her gaze on Haruman.  She walked right toward him ready to finish what they had started the last fight.  She drew her sword and a host of ghostly Hell Riders joined her march.

Move: 20' toward Haruman (So he's in range of SG)
Action: Spirit Guardians (All Enemies in 15', Wis save or 15 damage)
  Hit Haruman and whatever Wights in range.
Bonus: Second Wind (Heals 13hps)

AC 19  HP 66/73
 BONUS ACTION: Extra melee attack if Crit or Drop enemy to 0hps
1/1 Human Determination, gain Advantage - Short Rest
5/5 Battle Master Maneuvers (d10) - Short Rest
 REACTION: Riposte, Sentinel
0/1 Second Wind, Heal 1d10+10, Bonus Action - Short Rest
1/1 Action Surge, +1 Action - Short Rest
1/1 Sword of Du'Crey - Long Rest
1/1 SoD Spirit Guardians - Long Rest
3/3 Lucky 3/3 - Long Rest
1/1 Indomitable - Reroll Save - Long Rest
10/10 Healing Dice - Long Rest (restore 1/2 with long rest)
0/1 Inspiration
1/1 Circlet of Blasting (Next Dawn)

Concentrating on Spirit Guardians

Ren's fireball exploded amongst the advancing wraiths, and while they seemed to feel no pain, the smell of singed flesh filled the air and they were quickly much weakened by the blast. Two arrows from Ren finished off one of them.

Haruman laughed at Caprice's threat. "I have no time for you either, young lady." Indeed, he seemed to have eyes only for Elsbeth, and while a black helm hid his face - if he even had a face - you could feel him smile as she stepped forward. The wraiths moved to intercept her, but the death knight raised a hand, and they stopped, breaking off to engage with Olanthius and his Hellriders instead.

"I intended to force a confrontation between us," he told her. "It is to your credit that you come voluntarily. I look forward to resurrecting you so that you may serve as my lieutenant for all eternity."

But it was Elsbeth's servants who struck first, her ghostly retinue carving into him with their spectral swords.

Shrugging the damage off, Haruman stepped up to the Hellrider. He spoke a word in the language of death and necrotic energy surged through the blade until it was wreathed in bone-white lightning.

He ought not to have been so quick to dismiss Caprice, however, because no sooner had the lightning appeared than it fizzled out. Snarling, the death knight, bereft of magic, cut savagely into Elsbeth.

Pausing now for reactions, then I'll have some actions from the friendly NPCs (Olanthius and Lulu), then you all will be up again. Please let me know in OOC if you don't have any reactions, so I'll know when to move on.

That Counterspell from Caprice was CLUTCH. Haruman rolled absurdly well, but he was casting Staggering Smite, which would have triggered on the first hit, which was the crit. So, Elsbeth was spared 8d8 damage. I think Elsbeth is still down, but it took all three of his attacks to do it, whereas he otherwise could have used one or maybe even two of them to make her fail death saves.

Dungeon Master, for the NPC Haruman, rolled 31,27,30 using d20+11,d20+11,d20+11 with rolls of 20,16,19.

Hits AC 31 for 30 damage
Hits AC 27 for 18 damage
Hits AC 30 for 12 damage

As Haruman struck, Ren, hovering above the battlefield, brought his sword down in a brilliant arc and a jagged line of blazing light tore open on the fiendish general's chest.

"You will take nothing," he proclaimed.

Rebuke the violent

Despite the death knight's depraved indifference to moral shaming, Ren's rebuke burned him with the fury of a righteous deity.

Haruman's luck is running out: Dungeon Master, for the NPC Haruman, rolled 16 using 2d20+9, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 5,7.  Wis save.

"Be careful out there, Miss Elsbeth!" Lulu admonished. "Haruman is a bad, bad man." Then the hollyphant showered the Hellrider with sparkling light.

Protection From Evil and Good on Elsbeth.

"Indeed he is." Olanthius pointed his sword at his old rival, and a beam of light shot from it to suffuse the Death Knight with glowing light.

Each of you gets advantage on your first attack against Haruman each round. Also, Haruman now has disadvantage on the first saving throw he makes each round (which would cancel out the advantage he otherwise gets against spell effects).

Y'all are up!

Ren soared over the heads of the embattled wights and descended on angelic wing to confront Haruman alongside Elsbeth. Zariel's sword flared brilliantly in his grasp as he plunged it into the general's flank and reared back to strike again.

Move to engage
1) Hits AC 25 for 34 damage (level 1 smite; includes 27 radiant); Also Haruman must make a DC 17 Constitution saving throw or be blinded until the end of his next turn (searing Radiance)
2) Hits AC 15 which I'm going to guess is a miss
R) Ren has four possible reactions (below). Use as appropriate.

- Aura of the Guardian
When a creature within 10 ft. of you takes damage, you can use your reaction to magically take that damage instead.
- Bountiful Luck
When an ally you can see within 30 ft. of you rolls a 1 on the d20 for an attack roll, an ability check, or a saving throw, you can use your reaction to let the ally reroll the die. The ally must use the new roll, and you can’t use your Lucky racial trait before the end of your next turn.
- Counterspell (level 3)
- Shield Master Evasion
If an effect allows half damage on success, you can use your reaction to take no damage.

quote:

Searing Radiance. The sword deals an extra 9 (2d8) radiant damage to any creature it hits, or 16 (3d10) radiant damage if you’re wielding the weapon with two hands. An evil creature that takes this radiant damage must succeed on a DC 17 Constitution saving throw or be blinded until the end of its next turn.

11:31, Today: Sir Ren Hawthorne rolled 34 using 6d8+5 with rolls of 2,8,1,3,7,8.  Damage.

11:29, Today: Sir Ren Hawthorne rolled 15 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 8.  Attack.

11:29, Today: Sir Ren Hawthorne rolled 25 using 2d20+7, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 4,18.  Attack.

With a dismissive gesture Lady Caprice banished the dreadful energy Haruman summoned around his blade.  She scoffed, "You are rather tedious, Haruman.  One wonders if Zariel will retain you when you come crawling back after we've destroyed you for a second time."  From the Demon Grinder's turret Caprice launched forth twin bolts of chromatic force that punched craters in the death knight's blackened armor!

---

• Eldritch Blast!
  1. First attack with advantage hits 23 AC for 6 force damage
  2. Second attack hits 22 AC fir 11 force damage
• Standing ready with Misty Escape if hit, or Counterspell if Haruman tries to cast something!

11:55, Today: Caprice Nathaire rolled 6,11 using d10+5,d10+5.  Eldritch damages.
11:55, Today: Caprice Nathaire rolled 22 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 13.  Eldritch Blast attack 2.
11:55, Today: Caprice Nathaire rolled 23 using 2d20+9, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 7,14.  Eldritch Blast attack 1 (advantage).

Concentration Checks as a Fighter?!?!  Vs DC15, 10, 10.  Rolled 26, 15, 21.  I believe that means all successful so she keeps Spirit Guardians up.

If any live to tell the tale, Elsbeth would probably become one of those awe-inspiring stories to future Hell Riders.  Not too big.  Not too strong.  The female warrior never-the-less engaged the likes of Haruman and Yeenoghu in battle.  She paid the price physically for such stupidity, but carried on regardless.

This time was no different.  She took three mighty blows.  Haruman's sword followed the necromantic magic and only her adrenaline had saved her from being down.  So once again she was staring death in the face.  If this was her last moment, she would go down fighting.

Elsbeth clencher her jaw and came at him.  She didn't have the enhanced strength from their first engagement, but she felt the tactics would play out the same.

"You took a vow to protect Elturel."  He sword flashed forward toward his wrist looking to disarm him.

"Dragging it to Hell isn't protection."  She stepped in with a shoulder followed by a thrust.

"Oathbreaker."  She spun and slashed at his wrists.

"You should be on those spears."  The last slash of her combo came in against his helm.



Bonus: Trigger Du'Crey Sword (+10temp HPs and Advantage for round)

Action: Attack (Maneuver save DC14)
 Attack1 (Disarming Attack) 27 for 16 damage and Str save or be disarmed
 Attack2 (Disarming Attack or Pushing Attack if successfully Disarmed) 21 for 16 damage and STR save or be disarmed or pushed 15ft if already disarmed

Free: Action Surge

Action: Attack
 Attack3 (Disarm or Push) 22 for 19 damage and STR save or be disarmed or pushed 15ft is already disarmed
 Attack4 (Disarm or Push) 26 for 20 damage and STR save or disarm/push

Goal is to disarm and then push him 15ft away from sword.  Sentinel should lock him down so he can't easily retrieve it.  If any miss, use Battle maneuver for Precision instead of Disarm/Push to increase chance to hit instead of added damage.

When Spirit Guardians triggers (Wis Save or 21 damage)

AC 19  HP 6/73 +10Temp
 BONUS ACTION: Extra melee attack if Crit or Drop enemy to 0hps
1/1 Human Determination, gain Advantage - Short Rest
1/5 Battle Master Maneuvers (d10) - Short Rest
 REACTION: Riposte, Sentinel
0/1 Second Wind, Heal 1d10+10, Bonus Action - Short Rest
0/1 Action Surge, +1 Action - Short Rest
0/1 Sword of Du'Crey - Long Rest
0/1 SoD Spirit Guardians - Long Rest
2/3 Lucky 3/3 - Long Rest
1/1 Indomitable - Reroll Save - Long Rest
10/10 Healing Dice - Long Rest (restore 1/2 with long rest)
0/1 Inspiration
1/1 Circlet of Blasting (Next Dawn)

Concentrating on Spirit Guardians

Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 26,7,21 using D20+6,d20+6,d20+6 with rolls of 20,1,15.  Concentration Check.
Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 15 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 9.  Luck reroll.
Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 24,27 using d20+8,d20+8 with rolls of 16,19.  Attack1 with Advantage.
Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 15 using 2d6+4 with rolls of 6,5.  Attack1.
Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 1 using 1d10 with rolls of 1.  Disarming Attack1.
Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 21,18,6 using d20+8,d20+8,2d6+4 with rolls of 13,10,1,1.  Attack2.
Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 10 using 1d10 with rolls of 10.  Disarm or Pushing Attack2.
Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 22,18,11 using d20+8,d20+8,2d6+4 with rolls of 14,10,2,5.  Attack3.
Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 8 using 1d10 with rolls of 8.  Disarm or Pushing Attack3.
Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 26,17,12 using d20+8,d20+8,2d6+4 with rolls of 18,9,3,5.  Attack4.
Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 8 using 1d10 with rolls of 8.  Disarm or Pushing Attack4

Elsbeth Du'Crey rolled 21 using 3d8 with rolls of 7,6,8.  Spirit Guardians.

This message was last edited by the player at 01:09, Fri 30 Apr 2021.

Caprice and Darkwing continued peppering Haruman with blast and bow as the Hellriders routed the death knight's retinue of wights. The tormented wails of the already-dead filled the air as the ghosts formed ranks and rode them down.

Borne aloft by angelic wings, Ren rose above the fray and swooped down towards Haruman with blazing Sword of Zariel held high, the blade burning with all the goodness and holiness of which the noble halfling was possessed.

The disgraced Hellrider merely sneered and raised his own dark sword, intercepting the attack above his head with so much force that Ren barely managed to keep his feet after crashing to the ground. "Pathetic," Haruman observed as he loomed over the halfling. "You may wield her sword, but that does not make you her equal. She cast the sword aside because she no longer needed it. Because her greatness comes from within, from the force of her spirit."

"Hey!" Lulu, who had been hovering nearby after casting her spell on Elsbeth, flew fearlessly between Haruman and Ren. "I knew her better than anyone. And I know Ren. I know that when it comes to courage, he is every bit her equal. And his wisdom far exceeds hers. Which far exceeds yours, you... you... traitor to the light!"

"Oh be quiet, Lulu!" Haruman harrumphed, swatting idly at the hollyphant with his shield.

In so doing, he left himself exposed to Elsbeth's blade, which lit into him with such fury it was all he could do to maintain his grip on his own weapon as she carved time and again into his black armor.

"No!" he roared, and seeing too late the danger, raised a finger to banish the knight he'd moments ago intended to duel. The spell fizzled on his lips, however, overwhelmed by Caprice's magic.

One by one, the Hellriders struck down their undead opponents and moved to stand by Elsbeth's side, lending their strength to that of their champion. She continued to hack at Haruman, tearing through armor and burnt flesh until he was nothing but a ragged husk before her.

"Forgive me, my Queen," he whispered a prayer of contrition to Zariel. "I have failed you."

Ren, you can save that smite - he used his Parry reaction on your attack.

He rolled well to succeed on all four Strength checks and it looked like he would survive the round with 3HP, then I remembered the Spirit Guardians was active and he got a Nat 1 on that save.

Elsbeth, would you like to narrate the killing blow?

12:35, Today: Dungeon Master, for the NPC Haruman, rolled 24 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 19.  strength save.
12:35, Today: Dungeon Master, for the NPC Haruman, rolled 23 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 18.  strength save.
12:34, Today: Dungeon Master, for the NPC Haruman, rolled 22 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 17.  strength save.
12:34, Today: Dungeon Master, for the NPC Haruman, rolled 20 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 15.  strength save.

Bless you Lulu.  Elsbeth didn’t waste a blink when he opened his guard to swing at their guide.  She knew it was tactical errors like that that decided a battle.  She had a moment of doubt as he still stood after her combo completed.  That’s when the ghostly Hellriders moved in.

“You have been judged Haruman... and found wanting.”  She delivered a final thrust herself and kicked the breastplate to the side as she stood there ... barely.  Her sword came down to touch the ground and provide extra support.  She found Caprice and gave a nod of thanks knowing the results would have been quit different has she no intervened.

Held up by a sense of duty more than her own body, she turned to face Zariel.  In pain but determined, Elsbeth would see Elturel safe or die trying.

Hp 6, +10 temp hp

Concentrating on Spirit Guardians
This message was last edited by the player at 12:14, Mon 03 May 2021.

With the undead scourge defeated and the Demon Grinder incapacitated, the party abandoned the war machine and walked the final distance across the wasteland toward the angel Zariel. Wings and cloaks fluttered majestically behind them in the hot winds of Avernus, while overhead comets streaked the sky and the city of Elturel was borne ever closer to the river Styx by chains of infernal iron.

Zariel, noticing the party's approach, threw off the demons surrounding her and turned towards them. Her skin was pale and hairless, giving her face a skeletal appearance, and her eyes were sunken and dark. Two red wings blazed behind her. When she saw her old sword, she realized who she was dealing with.

"You're too late," she said. "The city of Elturel resides in Avernus now, as does its citizens. They swore their loyalty to me, and this is where my fight is. This is where they are needed."

Ren alighted beside Elbeth and Caprice, Zariel's blade burning brightly in his hand. He gazed up at the fallen angel placidly. "To what end?" he asked.

"You asked me a question. Although I suspect you don't remember, or probably even know who I am. But you and I spoke once before in a memory."

"You told me that Yeenoghu slaughtered those you swore to protect, and that you could stop him and others like him but that it might cost you everything. You wanted to know if I too would give up everything were I in your place to save the lives of others."

Ren offered a sad smile and small shake of his head.

"My answer doesn't matter. You made your choice long before it was given. But now that you've had a lifetime to reflect, I would turn the question back to you."

"Was it worth it?" Ren turned his gaze from Zariel's gaunt features to the equally pockmarked face of Avernus. He gestured towards the blood stained fields and fiery skies with his blade. The Blood War raged around them, the furnaces of Avernus stoked with the very souls Zariel had long ago sworn to defend.

"Your bargain. Your victories. Your defeats. Have you stemmed the tide as you so intended? Have you saved any lives? Protected those you swore an oath to protect? Have you brought honor to those followers who gave everything in your name?" he continued quietly.

"I am not here to stand in judgement, but to carry on your mission. The one you swore in Mount Celestia, before ever you set foot in this accursed place. Its not too late, Zariel. Its never too late to do the right thing."

As Ren concluded his speech, Olanthius stepped forward and kneeled before Zariel. "I followed you once, inspired by your dreams for a better world, and your dedication to protecting the people of Elturel. I believe that dream and that dedication are still alive within you." The Hellriders cheered behind him.

Then Lulu flew up. "When you turned away from the light, I lost all faith. But brave Sir Ren and honorable Lady Du'Crey and... and fabulous Lady Nathaire and even that bat-costume guy who drives the Demon Grinder, they gave me hope. And now I'm hopeful that you will find it in your heart to save Elturel, just as these people have."

Ren, make a Persuasion check. The DC starts 25, but it's reduced by 5 for having each of Lulu and Olanthius with you, so it is now 15.

Spent inspiration. This seemed like an important check to make. I also entered the modifier presuming I could use Emissary of Peace but I realised when I went to check it off that I'd already used Rebuke the Violent so I don't have the channel divinity slot for this feature. The correct modifier should be +9 then instead of 14. Ren's total score is 25.

14:22, Today: Sir Ren Hawthorne rolled 30 using 2d20+14, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 11,16.  Persuasion (inspiration).
This message was last edited by the player at 18:27, Sat 08 May 2021.

Zariel's trembling hand reacheed toward the gleaming hilt of her sword. Her fingers brushed against it, and she grimaced as radiant light seared her flesh. As her grip tightened, she gasped in pain, then spoke an oath through tears of confusion, sorrow, and dawning joy.

"I, Zariel, supplicate myself before the holy light of justice. If it should accept me, I vow to take up this blade once more in its service."

The archdevil's words hung in the air for a silent moment, and she glanceed upward in agonized uncertainty. Then Zariel was bathed in a brilliant wash of radiant light. Her fiery halo disappeared, and feathers burst from her leathery wings. All of her diabolical features vanished as her angelic form was restored. At the sight of this blessed transformation, Lulu gasped in delight and transformed into a celestial mammoth with golden fur, feathered wings, and gleaming tusks.

Zariel spread her wings soared and above Elturel to within reach of the corrupted Companion. She closed her eyes, raised her sword above her head, took a deep, centering breath, and brought the blade down. The Companion exploded in a flash of light and sound, and the planetar trapped within emerged and began lifting the city up and away from the river Styx, shattering the infernal chains at it came.

Zariel swooped back down to where the party stood. "If you intend to return to the Material Plan, I believe your ride is leaving."

With Haruman and the Demon Grinder destroyed, four people and a hollyphaunt approached Zariel in the midst of an infernal army at her command.  It would likely be their end, Lady Caprice thought, unless they could persuade the Lord of the First otherwise.  It was the angelic Sir Ren who was first to answer the archdevil’s challenge, and his call to redemption paired with the holy sword made for a powerful argument.  Incredibly, Zariel herself swore herself to return to the light, and some celestial power saw fit to grant forgiveness.


Lady Caprice looked out over the eternal conflict between demons and devils and reflected on the opportunity before her.  After a long pause, she had decided.  “The throne of Avernus sits empty, waiting for the one ambitious and bloodthirsty enough to claim it...”  She put on a smirk and announced, “Good riddance to Hell.  Shall we go home, darlings?”

Ren knelt beside Olanthius to present the blade on open palm. As Zariel turned back from shattering the companion his gaze turned towards upwards along the path of the ascending city. "There is one favour I might ask first..." he said, unbuckling the Hidden Lord. He offered the shield up to Zariel. "We would not have made it to your side without the aid of the one trapped within."

"If an angel can fall, perhaps a devil can rise."

Elsbeth stood unsteadily, ready and determined.  She didn't intervene as Ren made his plea to Zariel.  Others closer to her added their peace and a miraculous scene played out in front of her.  The fallen angel was restored.

She fell to her knees and tears flowed unbidden.  It was beyond what she had hoped for.  The sight would be imprinted on her memory for the rest of her life.  The restoration of Elturel's protector.  The freeing of the planetar.  The rise of Elturel.  She would remember this moment in times of stress and remember no mater how bad things got, they could always be redeemed.

She was more than ready to return home.

Demon! Gargauth corrected the halfling, sounding insulted. Bro, I'm a demon.

Zariel smiled. "Gargauth. The Hidden Lord, as he styles himself. No, I do not think I will be freeing him. I may be a devil no longer, but I still have no love for demons."

Oh, come on, bro. You thought Zariel would free me? Why didn't you just do it yourself before you gave her the sword? Oh. Oh, I see. You never intended to free me. Some paladin you are. As if I've been anything but loyal to you. Guided you all the way through Avernus. Spat fireballs at your command. And this is how you repay me?

Bro, you've got to convince her. Change her mind. If you can talk her into abdicating the throne of Avernus, surely you can convince her of this. I've been your loyal servant, bro.

"If not for him, then for those who follow behind," Ren petitioned. "His prison will fall from my hand eventually. It is an inevitability. And another will retrieve it. There is no place I can hide him away where this will not be true."

"I have borne him into Hell and emerged with my soul unblemished. Let me be the last."

Ren's last ditch effort. Persuasion 13, unless the argument is compelling enough to grant advantage (or someone else add's a word of support to similar effect) in which case 24.

11:15, Today: Sir Ren Hawthorne rolled 24 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 15.  (Advantage?).
11:15, Today: Sir Ren Hawthorne rolled 13 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 4.  Persuasion.

Elsbeth has no support for a demon lord.  She is quiet.

Lady Caprice suppressed a groan as Sir Ren suggested to redeem Gargauth the imprisoned demon lord.  She glanced to the miniature angel and smiled, "Your kindness and loyalty are most admirable, Sir Ren, but Zariel is correct.  There are beings that are neither worthy nor capable of redemption, and this lord of demons is an exemplification of that fact.  Demons are elementals of chaotic destruction, and are wholly evil by their very nature.  Gargauth helped our cause not out of loyalty but because he was compelled to do so by the terms of his imprisonment."

She crossed her arms and added, "Should you release him, he will go on to murder multitudes over the coming months, years, and millenia.  Their blood would be on your hands, Sir Ren.  Our blood would be on your hands, for he would begin with us."

Ren allowed his hands to fall, the weight of the Hidden Lord upon them. "It seems as though the tribunal has rendered judgement, Gargauth. You remain my burden for now and for so however long I retain the strength in my arms to carry you."

Gargauth snapped as this final ray of hope vanished. ~Burden, bro? Burden?!?! I'm a god damn pit fiend! A master of the infernal realms, forced to do the bidding of some half-pint half-wit? You're the burden, bro. You're the burden.~

Lulu, now a full-sized golden mammoth, knelt to allow the party to climb aboard her, then flew them up to the newly-liberated city. They arrived just in time for Elturel to lift up away from the Styx, shimmer, and vanish through a planar door back to the Prime Material.

It reappeared in its familiar location, with the Chionthar River shining like a golden road stretching all the way to Baldur's Gate and the sea beyond. The scent of morning dew cut through the odor of smoke, brimstone, and rot still clinging to the city's stones.

Slowly, the people of Elturel made their way out from their hiding places to stand in the light of the mortal world once more. All eyes focused on Zariel where she stood, sword in hand. The planetar that raised Elturel out of Avernus knelt before her.

The no angel strode toward the party, bowing her head in solemn gratitude. "This dark chapter has at last come to an end, and it is a brighter end than I ever dared to hope for. Thank you. Your selflessness will live on in my memory forever."

"And in mine!" Lulu said, beaming.

Zariel's tone turned somber. "You have made an enemy of Asmodeus this day. We have that in common now. I wish you strength and good fortune."

~You've made an enemy of Gargauth, too!~ the telepathic voice informed the party.

Zariel inclined her head, unfurled her wings, and soared into the sky. Lulu wrapped the entire party up in a massive hug with her trunk, then smiled warmly and said, "We will see each other again. Someday."

"Oh, Lulu," Ren said, leaning into the mammoth's soft golden fur and closing his eyes. "Sometimes, in our lives we all have pain. We all have sorrow. But if we are wise, we know that there is always tomorrow."

"So it is said."

Lulu leaned her massive head on Ren's shoulder.

Elsbeth could scarcely believe she was home.  She inhaled deeply through her nose and wanted to cry out of joy.  The stench of the abyss was gone.  The acrid air that had burned her lungs no longer a common entity.  The sun!  The real sun felt warm on her face.

She had resigned herself to the likelihood of dying down there.  Somehow, against the odds, they had succeeded.  She smiled at Zariel and then nodded at her warning.  Lulu’s hug was welcome and she replied, “Anytime.”

The Hellrider looked over the city.  It would require lots of work.  She didn’t think the people would mind though.  But that would be a task for tomorrow.  Right now she wanted to take off her armor, relax on real grass and let the nightmare of the previous days fade to history.  She looked forward to some boring peace and quiet.

Ren pulled away at last and looked up at Zariel. They two shared more than the enmity of Asmodeus now. In claiming Zariel's sword, however briefly, he had forever been transformed by her memory.

"Are you returning to Mount Celestia?" he asked. "I should like to go. After my work here is done."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:00, Fri 14 May 2021.

"I will go wherever I am needed. Wherever Zariel is needed. And I am sure you will end up where you are needed as well. Farewell, heroes."

The golden mammoth then flapped her wings and soared into the sky, her silhouette dwindling until it was swallowed by sunlight.

Lady Caprice surveyed the glory of Elturel from the back of the flying golden mammoth, and breathed fresh air again at long last.  She could not help but laugh at the sheer relief and beauty of the moment.  They set down before Zariel, and Caprice stroked Lulu’s gilded fur before approaching the newly-returned angel.  She performed a courtly curtsey in response to the expression of gratitude, but could not help but smirk when she was accused of selflessness of all things.  Lady Caprice answered breezily, “I can claim no such purity of motive, but I was fortunate to have virtuous counsel.”  She smiled at Sir Ren, Elsbeth and Lulu.  “Without companions of such quality I surely would have been consumed by the wicked pull of Avernus and made a part of that dreadful eternal strife.  If Asmodeus takes issue with us, he is welcome to try his luck.  We will be ready.”

After returning Lulu’s delightfully fuzzy hug and watching Zariel ascend to the heavens, Lady Caprice looked out over the emerging people of Elturel.  She smiled and strode away from the group, then vanished in a colorful swirl of sparkles that burst outward with a thunderclap!  Caprice reappeared before the towering gates of the High Hall and addressed the people with a magically-amplified voice, “Heed, citizens of Elturel!  The long night has ended at last, and a new day dawns upon this fair city.  We have endured much hardship, and have lost many friends and loved ones.  There will be time to mourn and a time to rebuild together, but not today.”

Lady Caprice raised lacy-gloved hands in a showy gesture and her triumphant proclamation rang out across the city, “Today we celebrate the dawning of a new age for Elturel.  Today, we celebrate life!  Welcome home!”  She performed a graceful bow to the cheering crowds, and in that moment was content.