LordVyreth
First Post
The Final War: Preparations
Shanna, the High Priestess of the Central Temple of the Sisters, sadly walked through the many rooms and chambers of the church she had been given the task of leading and defending for these long years. She and her acolytes had pledged their loyalty and service to the king and queen of Methosilang and swore an oath to defend it under any circumstances. But until these last couple of years, she never thought it would take this much. But now it was time to use all her power and give everything she had, including her life, to save the kingdom. The armies were already marching to Bas’ valley, and she would be joining them. Now that she knew it was likely she would never see this temple again, everything looked new to her again, as it did the first time she was shy priestess on her first day of training. It was all up to the Sisters now. Even the one she despised…
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“Bas, the insect is complete” an excited voice called from deep inside the valley. The goddess, as always, only appeared to be the slightest bit aware of her surroundings, but the fairest hint of a smile appeared on her massive lips, and her excited thoughts reverberated throughout the minds of her followers. The “insect” was a strange but powerful machine excavated years ago, but its technology wasn’t related to most of devices Bas had found buried near her tomb, and some of her less fanatical servants were afraid it would never be made operational. Fortunately, those doubtful servants were wrong, a fact they were likely reflecting on in their respective hells after they were purged for their disloyalty…
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“My dear sister, may I ask why decided to visit me after all this time?”
Amira Stael snarled at her treacherous brother Lancaster. “The final battle against your goddess begins. My sister and I are going off to war to defend our home, brother. It’s likely that one or both of us will not return. We may have had our…disagreements, but you are my brother, and I wanted to say goodbye. Also, I was hoping, perhaps…”
“Perhaps what, exactly?” Lancaster replied, though his tone suggested he knew what his sister was hoping for.
“We wanted to know if you were sorry!” Hestine cried as she burst into the room. “We know you won’t be allowed to join us in the fight, but maybe you at least changed your mind about helping our enemy, or you at least were sorry for what you did!”
“That’s it, then? A last minute confession was what you wanted? Perhaps you needed something to ease your guilty consciences about leaving your brother to rot in a dungeon? Forget it. My loyalty is with the one goddess who actually bothered to do anything about our enemies. I sincerely hope you both live to see the end of this day, my sisters, so you will return to MY city and you can loyally serve MY goddess when the time comes. Until then, don’t bother seeking any solace from me.”
Amira and Hestine stormed out without a word, leaving nothing but the Lancaster and the guards. At least, they were the only ones they thought were in the room. With the war brewing, the most trained soldiers the kingdom had could not be spared guarding a prison. Lancaster knew this, as did the remaining soldiers and thief’s guild members that served his cause. It was only a matter of time now…
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Herbath examined the massive cage located in the bowels of Bas’ layer. Once, Herbath was just a halfling psion under the service of the Blade of Minds, Tesserill Requien. Over the years, however, his loyalty and competence helped his rise through the ranks in the temple until he was promoted to the position of Tesserill’s personal servant and bodyguard, an honor beyond comprehension. That honor was lost in a second by a surprise ambush by Methosilang’s heroes, as was his life. Tesserill proved as loyal to him as he was to her, however, and she tried to have him raised as soon as she could. There were some complications, but nonetheless he returned, and when Tesserill was unfortunately killed, he was promoted to the greatest position he could hope to have; that of a Strife Master. He now was in charge of preparing Bas’ armies using everything they had discovered from past eras so far, and though he had been making these preparations for months, sometimes something even surprised him. This was one of those times
“Goodness, I always thought it was a myth,” he whispered as he looked at the beast in awe.
The creature’s cultist handler smiled. “Nah, though it might as well have been. The thing was buried so deep it probably hadn’t been awakened for tens of thousands of years. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was what ended its civilization, though. We’ve had to feed it hundreds of sacrifices just to keep it this placated.”
Herbath nodded. It was a shame that such a deadly weapon would have to be deployed, but nothing seemed to stop Methosilang’s heroes. Herbath certainly was eager to settle the score with these so called champions. After all, they killed not only him, but also his heroine and mentor.
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Without even the slightest hint of nervousness, Lerissa strode into the throne room to address King Berin and Queen Mathos Stael. After the usual formalities, she began her final pre-war report. “This is Captain Lerissa Turivain of the 1st Methosilang Rifle Division. I am pleased to report that all priorities have been successfully completed, and that the Division is fully ready for combat.”
“Everything is as you expected, Ms. Turivain?” Berin confirmed.
“Affirmative, sir. As expected, the weaponry the Heroes procured in the Orc Empire Raid have superior loading time, damage capability, reliability, and armor penetration to our own. I have personally overseen the production of said weaponry and can say with full confidence that they are equal or greater than the originals, and my elite soldiers have achieved complete mastery of the foreign arms.”
“Very good Lerissa,” Mathos replied. “You are excused.”
Lerissa turned to leave, but she hesitated. “There is one more thing, your majesty!”
Mathos sighed. She saw this coming. “Yes?”
“It concerns the condition of pre-war intelligence of Methosilang.”
“Go ahead…”
“I told you so, your majesty,” she said simply, before walking out of the room to join her soldiers; a group of soldiers which incidentally included a certain lizard woman named Setisth who was more than happy to have such an important position in the army of her new home.
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“Termites of the Gods,” the crate simply read. Herbath checked the note and frowned. According to the reports he read, the giant insects that filled the crate were part of a swarm that once devastated the planet and ended another civilization. But to him they appeared to be nothing more than another odd breed of large insects.
“Is this report correct?” Herbath asked another one of the caretakers of Bas’ valley.
The cultist nodded vigorously. “Absolutely. We decided to test these bugs, which apparently were called just ‘Consumers’ in the original language, on the remaining buildings and other ruins of the undead capital of Malmoris after we hit it with the moon.”
“And?”
“And they, well, ate them. Buildings, bodies, weapons, everything. The whole place is little more than an empty crater now. If they can do to living armies what they did to an entire city, they should be unstoppable.”
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Bath had never looked happier in a situation that didn’t involve demons or ice cream. “And after you killed then pit fiend, then what happened?” she eagerly asked.
Galatron smiled warmly and with perhaps a little too much pride. The years of shame and debauchery he experienced in the Semiplanar Rift’s were heavy on his mind, but the pain lessened as he told stories to the eager young celestial. Zethar, a fellow being of divine nature and power who had just recently ascended to full power, happily listened to the old solar’s tales. His children, meanwhile, were having a reunion of their own with the rest of the party.
“You’re sure you want to do this?” Tal asked. “Years of wandering to find your sister, and you could lose it all in this fight if things go badly.”
Quercus nodded. “I’m sure. I turned my back on my mission and the truth of my destiny for too long in selfish pursuit of my own needs, and all it got me was a prison outside of my own dimension. It took you to not only free me but find my father, and I owe you everything. Of course I will fight for you.”
Tal then asked Quercus’ sister Shekuldellstra a similar question. “What about you? Are you willing to fight and possibly kill Bas after the history you two had?”
Shekuldellstra looked sad but smiled faintly. “I have no choice. There’s still a part of me that will always think of her as my mentor, and even a sort of surrogate mother. But she also used me as a tool and warped me into a being of evil; a nature my own body and mind literally rebelled against. And perhaps her defeat will give me some of the answers about my own past. Was she the one who killed my father and drove my father away?”
Tal smiled as well, but weakly. He remembered what Legion told him. Sure, he was likely lying, but there was no way to be certain…
Shekuldellstra then had a question of her own for Robin. “Robin, before you joined Methosilang’s heroes at my request years ago, you were my loyal friend. If you wish, you can join Galatron, Zethar, Quercus, and I in this fight.”
Robin appeared tempted but dissented. “Maybe I will join you after this, but my place for now is with Methosilang’s champions. We’ve traveled together so long that I can’t see leaving them at this last fight. I’m sure Bas will say the same.”
Skekuldellstra easily accepted this, and soon she and Robin joined the celestials in their long, last night of peace. Tal, however, had to make a quick exit to meet some of his friends before the final battle, just as Danae, Tiana, and Tonaca had.
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Herbath frowned at the next creature of his inventory. “And what is this?”
“Oh, this is a creature of my own design,” a voice smugly said behind him. Herbath turned to see Phellis Mune, also called the Bloody Claw, and the last survivor of the original four Strife Masters. “It should be more than capable of decimating the Methosilang forces.”
“It certainly is an interesting design, though a predictable one for you.”
Phellis Mune chuckled. “Well,” he admitted, “I always had a thing for cats.”
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To most people, the image of a flight of dragons was glorious; a vision of beauty beyond the rights of most mortals. To Tal, however, it was like meeting old family.
As the dozens of metallic and gem dragons landed near the city of Methosilang, a young Amethyst took the point and landed right next to half-dragon bard/sorcerer.
“Zuriden, I’m glad you can make it!” Tal eagerly greeted his long-lost cousin.
Zuriden gave a friendly but irritated growl. “You were lucky I did. Even with the destruction of Fierypyre, Facetous only allowed a fraction of our total forces to assist you in the fight against Bas. He was afraid of retribution by the chromatics if they learned of the city.”
Tal sighed. “I told him that would never happen. The evil dragons have no alliance with each other now that the Slave Circlet is destroyed.”
Zuriden hesitated. “Well, it’s not just that. Facetous is afraid of what might happen after this fight.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, if Bas wins, he may have to establish a second front. Bas knows of our city, as I’m sure you remember. And if you win, well, there may be no more use for him here on this plane. He’s thinking that it might be time to return to the outer planes.”
“You’re kidding?”
“No, I’m not. With the empires fallen and Bas destroyed, there’s no more need for him here. The Sisters may not even be needed for long, if their ties to Nerull prove unbreakable. Mortals may once again have to rule themselves here. And it’s not just Facetous that might be gone. If you do win this war, Dragovigis will no longer be. Facetous is adamant that the wonders of the old times can’t be allowed to remain once Bas no longer is abusing them.”
The troubling conversation, however, was interrupted by another dragon bearing two passengers. As the two dismounted, Tal eagerly called to his old friends. “Deladane! Rudious! It’s been ages!”
The two half-dragons happily rejoined their friend. “You know I wouldn’t miss the final battle,” Dane said. “I can’t let my former comrades down like that.”
Rudious nodded, “And I still owe you so much. Without you, I never would have known the truth about my heritage. Unlike my grandfather, rest assured that I will not be leaving this plane unless my life itself is lost.”
The three-half dragons and their full-blooded kin spent the night trading tales and teaching Tal all they could about his family’s heritage and achievements while quaffing what was perhaps a little too much of the dragon ale; a drink that Dane and Tal both realized was an honor just to consume with no fear of its infamous effects!
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But Methosilang was not the only force to have dragon allies. Another dragon, larger than all the ones of Dragovigis’ forces, was telepathically conversing with Bas.
And this is the last task you require of me? The dragon thought at Bas. She looked at the goddess not with fear, but with anger. It was obvious that she thought this petty war and its entire realm were beneath her. The agreement was that I would win one battle for you, and I grow tired of you using me as a decoy as a way around this agreement.
The goddess, without moving, speaking, or demonstrating any ability to do so, thought back, Of course. This army is the last significant threat to my domination of this world. When it is gone, I will have no further use for you. You can feel free to leave this plane. That is, you can if you can escape the Rift.
The force dragon stiffened at the perceived insult. Such mundane traps do not concern me. I will abide by this plane’s silly rules of secrecy after I leave, but do not presume that it has any further authority over me. But enough of this. We should discuss my role in the upcoming battle. Will I have any allies of my kin?
Bas hesitated. Of a sort. None of the native dragons serve me, but we have made some allies from the lower realms. The dragons they provide will not serve under you directly, but they should be ideal at keeping the lesser threats at bay, so you can concentrate on our main enemy.
The dragon nodded. Very well. I will be off to prepare myself for the battle.
With that, she flew off. She would honor the pact, of course. The safety of her children demands it. But while she will fight the enemy army with all that she has until she could fight no longer, she secretly hoped that if their enemy could find a way to disable her without killing her, it might be for the best. She never did particularly like Bas.
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Danae’s presence in the city’s high mages guild was a cause for both pride and some bitterness. Obviously, she was not only a high-ranking member of the school’s arcane order, but she was also a hero and the savior of the city on many occasions. On the other hand, her success kind of made the rest of look bad.
Nonetheless, her negotiations with Damien, the recently elected arch mage of the guild and the royal family’s official eldritch adviser, were highly important. Even so, there was time for some informality.
“Damien, it’s hard to believe we haven’t fought together since the days of the trial, isn’t it?” Danae pleasantly commented to begin the conversation.
Damien, however, was a little graver. It was obvious he had quite a bit on his mind, perhaps beyond even the war itself. “That is true. It’s strange sometimes that I’m even part of this battle. I still remember the times before the Sisters, after all.”
Danae nodded. “Now, are all the special tactics we’ve discussed in order?”
“Yes. Jarrle, that shadow wizard who was so unfairly treated at our trial, is in place to confound the enemy with his unusual magic. And we were able to retrofit that solar system ‘trap’ you found on your adventures. It should be a very useful weapon on the battlefield.”
“What about my…other request?”
“That has been taken care of as well. You are free to see her whenever you are ready”
As Danae departed, Damien sighed and contemplated his life as of late. It’s strange enough that I’m fighting for the Sisters, he thought. How much stranger that Lore herself chose me for her new avatar?
Meanwhile, Danae confronted a secret of her own. Though the high-ranking members of the guild knew who she was hiding in their headquarters, the regular students didn’t, nor did most of the population of Methosilang. Still, Danae won’t ignore such a valuable and useful tool in this final battle.
“Hello, Venym,” she said as an introduction to her unusual ally.
“Danae, I knew you would come calling for me when I heard about this war,” the succubus sorceress Danae and her friends smuggled into the city twice now replied. “I’m sure you understand, however, that I am under no obligation to assist you in this war. My assistance to you before was already regarded as payment enough for my residency here.”
Danae nodded. “Of course. But I’m sure you understand what the price of failure is here. If we lose this war, this city will belong to Bas. And she will not look kindly upon your betrayal.”
“I could always escape if that happens.”
“And you’ll go where? Bas will find you eventually. Besides, escaping in this city when the people are desperate and eager for any scapegoat will not be easy. If Bas wins this war, it will mean that my friends and I are dead. Who’s left to point out that you aren’t the enemy?”
Venym hesitated, but finally sighed. “I suppose you’re right. I’ll join you on this quest, but don’t expect me to fight for you. I’d probably be attacked by your army faster than by theirs. But I can provide you with advice and intelligence. That was enough to save you before. And win or lose, after this war, I’m gone. Either way, there will be no further need for me to return to your city.”
“Agreed.” Her deal with the “devil” (technically a demon, of course,) made, Danae returned to her home in preparation of the final battle and to see her protégée for what could be the last time. He, however, will not be waiting in this city for her. She already made plans to move him to safety in another city, and if that fails, off the plane. He’ll have to deal with the Rift, of course, but that would still be safer than a world run by Bas.
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Allishira was not pleased. He could not disobey his goddess, but he had to at least protest this order. “My Queen, while I would gladly follow your every order, perhaps it would be best if I participated in this battle?”
Bas’ telepathic response was prompt. Are you disagreeing with me, Allishira? Do you think you are wiser than me?
Allishira looked nervous. “No, it’s not that. I just worry about the war. That astral deva sent to hunt me has proven nearly unstoppable, and if my presence can turn the tide of war…”
Your presence does not matter here! And do you have so little faith in your kin? I summoned more than just you from your planar prison. They will suffice.
“But if they fail…”
If they fail, then I will need you more than ever. I understand that our situation is different than what you are used to, but this insolence is not tolerated! The others didn’t complain about this task, and why should they? It is quite the honor. I doubt any of your kind has ever had this chance before.
“Yes, my goddess,” Allishira reluctantly replied, and the fallen solar left to give his fellow former celestials one last inspection before they left to seek glory on the battlefield.
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When Tiana returned home to meet with her giant kin and persuade them to enter the war, she wasn’t surprised that they were eager to join. What was more surprising was how many giants there were, and that so many of them were of the more traditionally evil clans.
“Okay, what happened?” a confused Tiana asked.
One of the clan’s elders smiled. “Don’t you know? You happened! With the destruction of the Orc Empire, our kind is no longer enslaved. Since then, we’ve gathered as many of our people as we could. So many have been eager to aid you!”
“Yes, but some of them are well, evil, are they not?”
“Oh, Tiana. You’ve been away from us for too long. Our kind may fight, but we still remember the times when we were one people. We share our traditions and our honor, even if we disagree on individual practices of that tradition. And for a cause as noble and important as this war, who could resist the battle? Now, do not worry about us. We’ll meet you at the battlefield. Besides, you have another destination to visit before the battle.”
Tiana nodded and soon set off. Though its relationship with Methosilang had soured over the years and the countless battles had ravaged it, Delaspie was her home. She would speak with her Queen, Diedre Lenora, and recruit what forces they had left for this war. After all, if Methosilang does fall, Bas will certainly target Delaspie next. If the nation was lucky, its people would merely be enslaved. Tiana might be killed in this war, but she won’t let a nation older than this entire eon of history and the only one to still preserve the traditions of the old gods go into history.
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And this project you have been working on, it will be complete in time? Bas asked Affliction at their last meeting before the war.
“Yes,” the NaHuLi simply replied.
It better. You know that I’m not pleased with your performance after the moon fiasco?
“I am aware of this.”
Good. Your existence depends on it. I have no use for failures, especially of ones honored by the title of Strife Master.
If Affliction was the slightest bit afraid of this threat, he didn’t show it. “If I am no longer considered an asset, then I shall be destroyed.”
His indifference only made Base angrier. The fallen goddess appreciated the loyalty and focus of the nano-machine based automaton, but his total inability to respond to any kind of intimidation or appeal to emotions did make motivating him difficult. Tell me more about your contribution to my army.
“I was able to make use of the myriad destroyed and half-completed mechanical devices you have excavated from my time and others in its ultimate design. Its expected power output should meet or exceed that of your more anachronistic living weapons. If I had emotions, I would regret that I am unable to witness its performance directly. But my next task in service to you is of a greater priority.”
With that, Affliction turned to leave, neither making nor expecting any kind of formal exit response.
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Tonaca’s journey took him the farthest from his new home, which was understandable since, with the exception of Bath, his home was the most alien from the party’s perspective. It was a strange world of contradiction; firearms were plentiful (though not usually as effective as the orcish Sparkpowder weapons,) but much of the world was still given over to jungles, and even dinosaurs still roam the land! Tonaca was willing to fight for the world that his protégée Azat so loved and because he realized that if Bas succeeded in ruling her world, she would likely set her sights on other planes. But that place was not his home. For one thing, he had a family on this world, including a wife! Her name was Sunset Treeflower, and she was a dryad that hailed from a chaotic yet strong and loyal fey family. It was that family that Tonaca was currently considering as allies for the war. But something still bothered him about that plan.
“I don’t understand. You said this war affected our world as well as theirs. And you’re willing to risk your life and even recruit warriors from our people for the fight. Yet you don’t want me to join you, even if it means I may never see you again?”
Tonaca sighed. This was as difficult as he expected, but he knew what he had to say. “Yes.”
“Why? We’ve faced death together before. This is no different.”
“But it is! You have to understand, in my journeys with this party, I’ve traveled to new planes and seen things I never experienced before. And one of the things I learned is that this plane is a pariah among worlds. It is protected by a creature beyond imagination that prevents it from altering the rest of the planes whenever it itself changes.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means that planar travel is inconsistent. Anyone can travel to the plane easily enough, but returning from it is nearly impossible. I heard stories about the place the party had to travel through once to escape. It sounded nearly impossible to get through; only the strongest of heroes have a chance. I’ve been given clearance to bypass that method by the same being that protects the plane, but I don’t believe you will. And that means that even if we both survive this war, you might not be able to return home. That plane may become our home and our prison!”
Sunset thought about this, but she shook her head. “If it is, so be it. What does it mean to live here or there if I can’t be with you? The few months you’ve been on this adventure have felt like forever. Should have to wait forever again just to know if you even won this war, or if you survived it? No, I will go with you, and I imagine most of my family would make the same decision.”
Her response troubled Tonaca, but he nodded. He didn’t really expect anything else. Very well; if this other world might be his home, then he must twice as determined to save it.
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After all the preparations that required her service or guidance, Bas was left alone. Her final task for the war was at hand, but it was painful and difficult. The demons, devils, and other evil fiends that normally had origins outside of this world had instead been spawned directly by Bas, and while she successfully created them thousands of times before, she never had to make so many and ones of such power before. This war required armies of the highest orders of fiends for a victory. Balors, Pit Fiends, Ultraloths, and far worse must be created, along with hundreds of lesser minions. Bas strained and concentrated, until it felt like every muscle in her mammoth body was going to burst. But finally her unholy spawn emerged, fully formed and aware of their nature and place in Bas’ perfect world. Without any need for direction, they immediately and loyally left to join the army. Bas, in spite of the pain, managed to work her semi-conscious form to smile.
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Shanna’s unit of clerics was about ready to join the army, but two of its most noted officers lingered behind. Both were among the noblest, loyal, and good citizens of Methosilang and the most ardent supporters of the Sisters. However, both lost someone very important in the events leading up to war; he was a friend to one, and the only son of the other. What’s worse, up until this point, they had no way of truly knowing what happened to him. They only knew what the party told them, but it wasn’t enough to truly have closure. Was Galeron dead? Alive? Something in between? Would they ever get the chance to see him again in this life or the next?
“Hey, um, Elayna,” Thorrun began, awkwardly. Despite the fact that both of them had been with the Temple for months now, they haven’t really talked. “Do you suppose we’ll get the chance to, you know…”
“Look, just say it!” Elayna snapped. She already knew what he wanted to say, but it was clear she was even less eager to discuss it.
“It’s just that well, you know. The party said they saw Galeron again, and he was a celestial or something! And Tsine was with him as well! Surely they’ll have to be at this battle!”
Elayna sighed. “Maybe, but to be honest, I doubt it. Something about the story that Tal and the others told us felt odd somehow. The way they were reluctant to explain their pasts and that they were willing to fight the party. I consulted the Sisters when I heard the news, as I’m sure you did. I trust you found them less than communicative about this subject, just as I did?”
Thorrun nodded slightly and with reluctance. “But still, once they see us…”
“What if they do see us? According to the people that actually met Galeron and Tsine, they knew nothing about their past. They even forgot their friends, which means they certainly forgot us.”
“That’s not possible! Surely they must have…”
“Maybe, but don’t get your hopes up, friend dwarf. I suspect that our loved one may be gone forever. I admit it doesn’t seem fair. The thought of him being safe was the only thing that kept me alive and sane back in the arena, and now that I’m free, it feels like I’m cursed with uncertainty. But we must put aside our petty desires. Our duty is to the city, whether we live or die in this war and whichever may end up being preferable to us.”
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Dawn reached the battlefield. On one side was an assembly of heroes, soldiers of various races and two great nations, wizards, clerics, fey, giants, dragons, celestials, and even a rogue demon. On the other side, even the heroes of Methosilang had only the slightest clue. There would be cultists, certainly, and demons, devils, and other fiends based on their experiences. But Bas’ cunning and influence were notorious, and she had access to powers and secrets long forgotten. It will be up to the party and all the friends and allies they made in their long careers to deal with whatever they must fight. But one last thing would surprise them before the fight.
“Well, this should be a touching moment,” a voice suddenly spoke to the heroes from the middle of their camp.
The party quickly converged on the source of the voice, and upon seeing it, they looked up with a mix of shock and revulsion. “You, what are you doing here?” Robin asked.
“Oh, nothing. I merely wish to observe. It wouldn’t be right to start without me here, but I assure you I have no interest in actually altering the events of this war. Both sides are responsible for my demise, as far as I’m concerned.”
“But what are you even doing on this world? You were killed!” Tal asked.
“Yes, as but I’m sure your friend Galeron told you, my intent was to command the domain of all the goddesses,” the ghostly image of Prince Khaspar, the Nightmare Prince said with a smile. “Death is, after all, one of their domains.”
OOC Notes: Phew! This one took research! Even worse, had the campaign physically lasted this long, I would have written up high level stats for every ally and enemy of the upcoming fight! Even without that addition, figuring out everyone the party could expect to see as an ally or enemy took ages.
Now, everyone in this update is in the archives (except for Rudious, who was described as just the Ruby half-orc/half-dragon paladin, as I didn’t have a name made up for him at that point.) However, if you have a question about anybody, please ask. And that goes for the players, too, if any of them are still reading this! I plan on posting another update in a week or two, and I want to make sure everyone’s clear at that point.
Shanna, the High Priestess of the Central Temple of the Sisters, sadly walked through the many rooms and chambers of the church she had been given the task of leading and defending for these long years. She and her acolytes had pledged their loyalty and service to the king and queen of Methosilang and swore an oath to defend it under any circumstances. But until these last couple of years, she never thought it would take this much. But now it was time to use all her power and give everything she had, including her life, to save the kingdom. The armies were already marching to Bas’ valley, and she would be joining them. Now that she knew it was likely she would never see this temple again, everything looked new to her again, as it did the first time she was shy priestess on her first day of training. It was all up to the Sisters now. Even the one she despised…
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“Bas, the insect is complete” an excited voice called from deep inside the valley. The goddess, as always, only appeared to be the slightest bit aware of her surroundings, but the fairest hint of a smile appeared on her massive lips, and her excited thoughts reverberated throughout the minds of her followers. The “insect” was a strange but powerful machine excavated years ago, but its technology wasn’t related to most of devices Bas had found buried near her tomb, and some of her less fanatical servants were afraid it would never be made operational. Fortunately, those doubtful servants were wrong, a fact they were likely reflecting on in their respective hells after they were purged for their disloyalty…
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“My dear sister, may I ask why decided to visit me after all this time?”
Amira Stael snarled at her treacherous brother Lancaster. “The final battle against your goddess begins. My sister and I are going off to war to defend our home, brother. It’s likely that one or both of us will not return. We may have had our…disagreements, but you are my brother, and I wanted to say goodbye. Also, I was hoping, perhaps…”
“Perhaps what, exactly?” Lancaster replied, though his tone suggested he knew what his sister was hoping for.
“We wanted to know if you were sorry!” Hestine cried as she burst into the room. “We know you won’t be allowed to join us in the fight, but maybe you at least changed your mind about helping our enemy, or you at least were sorry for what you did!”
“That’s it, then? A last minute confession was what you wanted? Perhaps you needed something to ease your guilty consciences about leaving your brother to rot in a dungeon? Forget it. My loyalty is with the one goddess who actually bothered to do anything about our enemies. I sincerely hope you both live to see the end of this day, my sisters, so you will return to MY city and you can loyally serve MY goddess when the time comes. Until then, don’t bother seeking any solace from me.”
Amira and Hestine stormed out without a word, leaving nothing but the Lancaster and the guards. At least, they were the only ones they thought were in the room. With the war brewing, the most trained soldiers the kingdom had could not be spared guarding a prison. Lancaster knew this, as did the remaining soldiers and thief’s guild members that served his cause. It was only a matter of time now…
*************************************************************
Herbath examined the massive cage located in the bowels of Bas’ layer. Once, Herbath was just a halfling psion under the service of the Blade of Minds, Tesserill Requien. Over the years, however, his loyalty and competence helped his rise through the ranks in the temple until he was promoted to the position of Tesserill’s personal servant and bodyguard, an honor beyond comprehension. That honor was lost in a second by a surprise ambush by Methosilang’s heroes, as was his life. Tesserill proved as loyal to him as he was to her, however, and she tried to have him raised as soon as she could. There were some complications, but nonetheless he returned, and when Tesserill was unfortunately killed, he was promoted to the greatest position he could hope to have; that of a Strife Master. He now was in charge of preparing Bas’ armies using everything they had discovered from past eras so far, and though he had been making these preparations for months, sometimes something even surprised him. This was one of those times
“Goodness, I always thought it was a myth,” he whispered as he looked at the beast in awe.
The creature’s cultist handler smiled. “Nah, though it might as well have been. The thing was buried so deep it probably hadn’t been awakened for tens of thousands of years. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was what ended its civilization, though. We’ve had to feed it hundreds of sacrifices just to keep it this placated.”
Herbath nodded. It was a shame that such a deadly weapon would have to be deployed, but nothing seemed to stop Methosilang’s heroes. Herbath certainly was eager to settle the score with these so called champions. After all, they killed not only him, but also his heroine and mentor.
*************************************************************
Without even the slightest hint of nervousness, Lerissa strode into the throne room to address King Berin and Queen Mathos Stael. After the usual formalities, she began her final pre-war report. “This is Captain Lerissa Turivain of the 1st Methosilang Rifle Division. I am pleased to report that all priorities have been successfully completed, and that the Division is fully ready for combat.”
“Everything is as you expected, Ms. Turivain?” Berin confirmed.
“Affirmative, sir. As expected, the weaponry the Heroes procured in the Orc Empire Raid have superior loading time, damage capability, reliability, and armor penetration to our own. I have personally overseen the production of said weaponry and can say with full confidence that they are equal or greater than the originals, and my elite soldiers have achieved complete mastery of the foreign arms.”
“Very good Lerissa,” Mathos replied. “You are excused.”
Lerissa turned to leave, but she hesitated. “There is one more thing, your majesty!”
Mathos sighed. She saw this coming. “Yes?”
“It concerns the condition of pre-war intelligence of Methosilang.”
“Go ahead…”
“I told you so, your majesty,” she said simply, before walking out of the room to join her soldiers; a group of soldiers which incidentally included a certain lizard woman named Setisth who was more than happy to have such an important position in the army of her new home.
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“Termites of the Gods,” the crate simply read. Herbath checked the note and frowned. According to the reports he read, the giant insects that filled the crate were part of a swarm that once devastated the planet and ended another civilization. But to him they appeared to be nothing more than another odd breed of large insects.
“Is this report correct?” Herbath asked another one of the caretakers of Bas’ valley.
The cultist nodded vigorously. “Absolutely. We decided to test these bugs, which apparently were called just ‘Consumers’ in the original language, on the remaining buildings and other ruins of the undead capital of Malmoris after we hit it with the moon.”
“And?”
“And they, well, ate them. Buildings, bodies, weapons, everything. The whole place is little more than an empty crater now. If they can do to living armies what they did to an entire city, they should be unstoppable.”
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Bath had never looked happier in a situation that didn’t involve demons or ice cream. “And after you killed then pit fiend, then what happened?” she eagerly asked.
Galatron smiled warmly and with perhaps a little too much pride. The years of shame and debauchery he experienced in the Semiplanar Rift’s were heavy on his mind, but the pain lessened as he told stories to the eager young celestial. Zethar, a fellow being of divine nature and power who had just recently ascended to full power, happily listened to the old solar’s tales. His children, meanwhile, were having a reunion of their own with the rest of the party.
“You’re sure you want to do this?” Tal asked. “Years of wandering to find your sister, and you could lose it all in this fight if things go badly.”
Quercus nodded. “I’m sure. I turned my back on my mission and the truth of my destiny for too long in selfish pursuit of my own needs, and all it got me was a prison outside of my own dimension. It took you to not only free me but find my father, and I owe you everything. Of course I will fight for you.”
Tal then asked Quercus’ sister Shekuldellstra a similar question. “What about you? Are you willing to fight and possibly kill Bas after the history you two had?”
Shekuldellstra looked sad but smiled faintly. “I have no choice. There’s still a part of me that will always think of her as my mentor, and even a sort of surrogate mother. But she also used me as a tool and warped me into a being of evil; a nature my own body and mind literally rebelled against. And perhaps her defeat will give me some of the answers about my own past. Was she the one who killed my father and drove my father away?”
Tal smiled as well, but weakly. He remembered what Legion told him. Sure, he was likely lying, but there was no way to be certain…
Shekuldellstra then had a question of her own for Robin. “Robin, before you joined Methosilang’s heroes at my request years ago, you were my loyal friend. If you wish, you can join Galatron, Zethar, Quercus, and I in this fight.”
Robin appeared tempted but dissented. “Maybe I will join you after this, but my place for now is with Methosilang’s champions. We’ve traveled together so long that I can’t see leaving them at this last fight. I’m sure Bas will say the same.”
Skekuldellstra easily accepted this, and soon she and Robin joined the celestials in their long, last night of peace. Tal, however, had to make a quick exit to meet some of his friends before the final battle, just as Danae, Tiana, and Tonaca had.
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Herbath frowned at the next creature of his inventory. “And what is this?”
“Oh, this is a creature of my own design,” a voice smugly said behind him. Herbath turned to see Phellis Mune, also called the Bloody Claw, and the last survivor of the original four Strife Masters. “It should be more than capable of decimating the Methosilang forces.”
“It certainly is an interesting design, though a predictable one for you.”
Phellis Mune chuckled. “Well,” he admitted, “I always had a thing for cats.”
*************************************************************
To most people, the image of a flight of dragons was glorious; a vision of beauty beyond the rights of most mortals. To Tal, however, it was like meeting old family.
As the dozens of metallic and gem dragons landed near the city of Methosilang, a young Amethyst took the point and landed right next to half-dragon bard/sorcerer.
“Zuriden, I’m glad you can make it!” Tal eagerly greeted his long-lost cousin.
Zuriden gave a friendly but irritated growl. “You were lucky I did. Even with the destruction of Fierypyre, Facetous only allowed a fraction of our total forces to assist you in the fight against Bas. He was afraid of retribution by the chromatics if they learned of the city.”
Tal sighed. “I told him that would never happen. The evil dragons have no alliance with each other now that the Slave Circlet is destroyed.”
Zuriden hesitated. “Well, it’s not just that. Facetous is afraid of what might happen after this fight.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, if Bas wins, he may have to establish a second front. Bas knows of our city, as I’m sure you remember. And if you win, well, there may be no more use for him here on this plane. He’s thinking that it might be time to return to the outer planes.”
“You’re kidding?”
“No, I’m not. With the empires fallen and Bas destroyed, there’s no more need for him here. The Sisters may not even be needed for long, if their ties to Nerull prove unbreakable. Mortals may once again have to rule themselves here. And it’s not just Facetous that might be gone. If you do win this war, Dragovigis will no longer be. Facetous is adamant that the wonders of the old times can’t be allowed to remain once Bas no longer is abusing them.”
The troubling conversation, however, was interrupted by another dragon bearing two passengers. As the two dismounted, Tal eagerly called to his old friends. “Deladane! Rudious! It’s been ages!”
The two half-dragons happily rejoined their friend. “You know I wouldn’t miss the final battle,” Dane said. “I can’t let my former comrades down like that.”
Rudious nodded, “And I still owe you so much. Without you, I never would have known the truth about my heritage. Unlike my grandfather, rest assured that I will not be leaving this plane unless my life itself is lost.”
The three-half dragons and their full-blooded kin spent the night trading tales and teaching Tal all they could about his family’s heritage and achievements while quaffing what was perhaps a little too much of the dragon ale; a drink that Dane and Tal both realized was an honor just to consume with no fear of its infamous effects!
*************************************************************
But Methosilang was not the only force to have dragon allies. Another dragon, larger than all the ones of Dragovigis’ forces, was telepathically conversing with Bas.
And this is the last task you require of me? The dragon thought at Bas. She looked at the goddess not with fear, but with anger. It was obvious that she thought this petty war and its entire realm were beneath her. The agreement was that I would win one battle for you, and I grow tired of you using me as a decoy as a way around this agreement.
The goddess, without moving, speaking, or demonstrating any ability to do so, thought back, Of course. This army is the last significant threat to my domination of this world. When it is gone, I will have no further use for you. You can feel free to leave this plane. That is, you can if you can escape the Rift.
The force dragon stiffened at the perceived insult. Such mundane traps do not concern me. I will abide by this plane’s silly rules of secrecy after I leave, but do not presume that it has any further authority over me. But enough of this. We should discuss my role in the upcoming battle. Will I have any allies of my kin?
Bas hesitated. Of a sort. None of the native dragons serve me, but we have made some allies from the lower realms. The dragons they provide will not serve under you directly, but they should be ideal at keeping the lesser threats at bay, so you can concentrate on our main enemy.
The dragon nodded. Very well. I will be off to prepare myself for the battle.
With that, she flew off. She would honor the pact, of course. The safety of her children demands it. But while she will fight the enemy army with all that she has until she could fight no longer, she secretly hoped that if their enemy could find a way to disable her without killing her, it might be for the best. She never did particularly like Bas.
*************************************************************
Danae’s presence in the city’s high mages guild was a cause for both pride and some bitterness. Obviously, she was not only a high-ranking member of the school’s arcane order, but she was also a hero and the savior of the city on many occasions. On the other hand, her success kind of made the rest of look bad.
Nonetheless, her negotiations with Damien, the recently elected arch mage of the guild and the royal family’s official eldritch adviser, were highly important. Even so, there was time for some informality.
“Damien, it’s hard to believe we haven’t fought together since the days of the trial, isn’t it?” Danae pleasantly commented to begin the conversation.
Damien, however, was a little graver. It was obvious he had quite a bit on his mind, perhaps beyond even the war itself. “That is true. It’s strange sometimes that I’m even part of this battle. I still remember the times before the Sisters, after all.”
Danae nodded. “Now, are all the special tactics we’ve discussed in order?”
“Yes. Jarrle, that shadow wizard who was so unfairly treated at our trial, is in place to confound the enemy with his unusual magic. And we were able to retrofit that solar system ‘trap’ you found on your adventures. It should be a very useful weapon on the battlefield.”
“What about my…other request?”
“That has been taken care of as well. You are free to see her whenever you are ready”
As Danae departed, Damien sighed and contemplated his life as of late. It’s strange enough that I’m fighting for the Sisters, he thought. How much stranger that Lore herself chose me for her new avatar?
Meanwhile, Danae confronted a secret of her own. Though the high-ranking members of the guild knew who she was hiding in their headquarters, the regular students didn’t, nor did most of the population of Methosilang. Still, Danae won’t ignore such a valuable and useful tool in this final battle.
“Hello, Venym,” she said as an introduction to her unusual ally.
“Danae, I knew you would come calling for me when I heard about this war,” the succubus sorceress Danae and her friends smuggled into the city twice now replied. “I’m sure you understand, however, that I am under no obligation to assist you in this war. My assistance to you before was already regarded as payment enough for my residency here.”
Danae nodded. “Of course. But I’m sure you understand what the price of failure is here. If we lose this war, this city will belong to Bas. And she will not look kindly upon your betrayal.”
“I could always escape if that happens.”
“And you’ll go where? Bas will find you eventually. Besides, escaping in this city when the people are desperate and eager for any scapegoat will not be easy. If Bas wins this war, it will mean that my friends and I are dead. Who’s left to point out that you aren’t the enemy?”
Venym hesitated, but finally sighed. “I suppose you’re right. I’ll join you on this quest, but don’t expect me to fight for you. I’d probably be attacked by your army faster than by theirs. But I can provide you with advice and intelligence. That was enough to save you before. And win or lose, after this war, I’m gone. Either way, there will be no further need for me to return to your city.”
“Agreed.” Her deal with the “devil” (technically a demon, of course,) made, Danae returned to her home in preparation of the final battle and to see her protégée for what could be the last time. He, however, will not be waiting in this city for her. She already made plans to move him to safety in another city, and if that fails, off the plane. He’ll have to deal with the Rift, of course, but that would still be safer than a world run by Bas.
*************************************************************
Allishira was not pleased. He could not disobey his goddess, but he had to at least protest this order. “My Queen, while I would gladly follow your every order, perhaps it would be best if I participated in this battle?”
Bas’ telepathic response was prompt. Are you disagreeing with me, Allishira? Do you think you are wiser than me?
Allishira looked nervous. “No, it’s not that. I just worry about the war. That astral deva sent to hunt me has proven nearly unstoppable, and if my presence can turn the tide of war…”
Your presence does not matter here! And do you have so little faith in your kin? I summoned more than just you from your planar prison. They will suffice.
“But if they fail…”
If they fail, then I will need you more than ever. I understand that our situation is different than what you are used to, but this insolence is not tolerated! The others didn’t complain about this task, and why should they? It is quite the honor. I doubt any of your kind has ever had this chance before.
“Yes, my goddess,” Allishira reluctantly replied, and the fallen solar left to give his fellow former celestials one last inspection before they left to seek glory on the battlefield.
*************************************************************
When Tiana returned home to meet with her giant kin and persuade them to enter the war, she wasn’t surprised that they were eager to join. What was more surprising was how many giants there were, and that so many of them were of the more traditionally evil clans.
“Okay, what happened?” a confused Tiana asked.
One of the clan’s elders smiled. “Don’t you know? You happened! With the destruction of the Orc Empire, our kind is no longer enslaved. Since then, we’ve gathered as many of our people as we could. So many have been eager to aid you!”
“Yes, but some of them are well, evil, are they not?”
“Oh, Tiana. You’ve been away from us for too long. Our kind may fight, but we still remember the times when we were one people. We share our traditions and our honor, even if we disagree on individual practices of that tradition. And for a cause as noble and important as this war, who could resist the battle? Now, do not worry about us. We’ll meet you at the battlefield. Besides, you have another destination to visit before the battle.”
Tiana nodded and soon set off. Though its relationship with Methosilang had soured over the years and the countless battles had ravaged it, Delaspie was her home. She would speak with her Queen, Diedre Lenora, and recruit what forces they had left for this war. After all, if Methosilang does fall, Bas will certainly target Delaspie next. If the nation was lucky, its people would merely be enslaved. Tiana might be killed in this war, but she won’t let a nation older than this entire eon of history and the only one to still preserve the traditions of the old gods go into history.
*************************************************************
And this project you have been working on, it will be complete in time? Bas asked Affliction at their last meeting before the war.
“Yes,” the NaHuLi simply replied.
It better. You know that I’m not pleased with your performance after the moon fiasco?
“I am aware of this.”
Good. Your existence depends on it. I have no use for failures, especially of ones honored by the title of Strife Master.
If Affliction was the slightest bit afraid of this threat, he didn’t show it. “If I am no longer considered an asset, then I shall be destroyed.”
His indifference only made Base angrier. The fallen goddess appreciated the loyalty and focus of the nano-machine based automaton, but his total inability to respond to any kind of intimidation or appeal to emotions did make motivating him difficult. Tell me more about your contribution to my army.
“I was able to make use of the myriad destroyed and half-completed mechanical devices you have excavated from my time and others in its ultimate design. Its expected power output should meet or exceed that of your more anachronistic living weapons. If I had emotions, I would regret that I am unable to witness its performance directly. But my next task in service to you is of a greater priority.”
With that, Affliction turned to leave, neither making nor expecting any kind of formal exit response.
*************************************************************
Tonaca’s journey took him the farthest from his new home, which was understandable since, with the exception of Bath, his home was the most alien from the party’s perspective. It was a strange world of contradiction; firearms were plentiful (though not usually as effective as the orcish Sparkpowder weapons,) but much of the world was still given over to jungles, and even dinosaurs still roam the land! Tonaca was willing to fight for the world that his protégée Azat so loved and because he realized that if Bas succeeded in ruling her world, she would likely set her sights on other planes. But that place was not his home. For one thing, he had a family on this world, including a wife! Her name was Sunset Treeflower, and she was a dryad that hailed from a chaotic yet strong and loyal fey family. It was that family that Tonaca was currently considering as allies for the war. But something still bothered him about that plan.
“I don’t understand. You said this war affected our world as well as theirs. And you’re willing to risk your life and even recruit warriors from our people for the fight. Yet you don’t want me to join you, even if it means I may never see you again?”
Tonaca sighed. This was as difficult as he expected, but he knew what he had to say. “Yes.”
“Why? We’ve faced death together before. This is no different.”
“But it is! You have to understand, in my journeys with this party, I’ve traveled to new planes and seen things I never experienced before. And one of the things I learned is that this plane is a pariah among worlds. It is protected by a creature beyond imagination that prevents it from altering the rest of the planes whenever it itself changes.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means that planar travel is inconsistent. Anyone can travel to the plane easily enough, but returning from it is nearly impossible. I heard stories about the place the party had to travel through once to escape. It sounded nearly impossible to get through; only the strongest of heroes have a chance. I’ve been given clearance to bypass that method by the same being that protects the plane, but I don’t believe you will. And that means that even if we both survive this war, you might not be able to return home. That plane may become our home and our prison!”
Sunset thought about this, but she shook her head. “If it is, so be it. What does it mean to live here or there if I can’t be with you? The few months you’ve been on this adventure have felt like forever. Should have to wait forever again just to know if you even won this war, or if you survived it? No, I will go with you, and I imagine most of my family would make the same decision.”
Her response troubled Tonaca, but he nodded. He didn’t really expect anything else. Very well; if this other world might be his home, then he must twice as determined to save it.
*************************************************************
After all the preparations that required her service or guidance, Bas was left alone. Her final task for the war was at hand, but it was painful and difficult. The demons, devils, and other evil fiends that normally had origins outside of this world had instead been spawned directly by Bas, and while she successfully created them thousands of times before, she never had to make so many and ones of such power before. This war required armies of the highest orders of fiends for a victory. Balors, Pit Fiends, Ultraloths, and far worse must be created, along with hundreds of lesser minions. Bas strained and concentrated, until it felt like every muscle in her mammoth body was going to burst. But finally her unholy spawn emerged, fully formed and aware of their nature and place in Bas’ perfect world. Without any need for direction, they immediately and loyally left to join the army. Bas, in spite of the pain, managed to work her semi-conscious form to smile.
*************************************************************
Shanna’s unit of clerics was about ready to join the army, but two of its most noted officers lingered behind. Both were among the noblest, loyal, and good citizens of Methosilang and the most ardent supporters of the Sisters. However, both lost someone very important in the events leading up to war; he was a friend to one, and the only son of the other. What’s worse, up until this point, they had no way of truly knowing what happened to him. They only knew what the party told them, but it wasn’t enough to truly have closure. Was Galeron dead? Alive? Something in between? Would they ever get the chance to see him again in this life or the next?
“Hey, um, Elayna,” Thorrun began, awkwardly. Despite the fact that both of them had been with the Temple for months now, they haven’t really talked. “Do you suppose we’ll get the chance to, you know…”
“Look, just say it!” Elayna snapped. She already knew what he wanted to say, but it was clear she was even less eager to discuss it.
“It’s just that well, you know. The party said they saw Galeron again, and he was a celestial or something! And Tsine was with him as well! Surely they’ll have to be at this battle!”
Elayna sighed. “Maybe, but to be honest, I doubt it. Something about the story that Tal and the others told us felt odd somehow. The way they were reluctant to explain their pasts and that they were willing to fight the party. I consulted the Sisters when I heard the news, as I’m sure you did. I trust you found them less than communicative about this subject, just as I did?”
Thorrun nodded slightly and with reluctance. “But still, once they see us…”
“What if they do see us? According to the people that actually met Galeron and Tsine, they knew nothing about their past. They even forgot their friends, which means they certainly forgot us.”
“That’s not possible! Surely they must have…”
“Maybe, but don’t get your hopes up, friend dwarf. I suspect that our loved one may be gone forever. I admit it doesn’t seem fair. The thought of him being safe was the only thing that kept me alive and sane back in the arena, and now that I’m free, it feels like I’m cursed with uncertainty. But we must put aside our petty desires. Our duty is to the city, whether we live or die in this war and whichever may end up being preferable to us.”
*************************************************************
Dawn reached the battlefield. On one side was an assembly of heroes, soldiers of various races and two great nations, wizards, clerics, fey, giants, dragons, celestials, and even a rogue demon. On the other side, even the heroes of Methosilang had only the slightest clue. There would be cultists, certainly, and demons, devils, and other fiends based on their experiences. But Bas’ cunning and influence were notorious, and she had access to powers and secrets long forgotten. It will be up to the party and all the friends and allies they made in their long careers to deal with whatever they must fight. But one last thing would surprise them before the fight.
“Well, this should be a touching moment,” a voice suddenly spoke to the heroes from the middle of their camp.
The party quickly converged on the source of the voice, and upon seeing it, they looked up with a mix of shock and revulsion. “You, what are you doing here?” Robin asked.
“Oh, nothing. I merely wish to observe. It wouldn’t be right to start without me here, but I assure you I have no interest in actually altering the events of this war. Both sides are responsible for my demise, as far as I’m concerned.”
“But what are you even doing on this world? You were killed!” Tal asked.
“Yes, as but I’m sure your friend Galeron told you, my intent was to command the domain of all the goddesses,” the ghostly image of Prince Khaspar, the Nightmare Prince said with a smile. “Death is, after all, one of their domains.”
OOC Notes: Phew! This one took research! Even worse, had the campaign physically lasted this long, I would have written up high level stats for every ally and enemy of the upcoming fight! Even without that addition, figuring out everyone the party could expect to see as an ally or enemy took ages.
Now, everyone in this update is in the archives (except for Rudious, who was described as just the Ruby half-orc/half-dragon paladin, as I didn’t have a name made up for him at that point.) However, if you have a question about anybody, please ask. And that goes for the players, too, if any of them are still reading this! I plan on posting another update in a week or two, and I want to make sure everyone’s clear at that point.
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