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Message: <blockquote data-quote="gfunk" data-source="post: 734588" data-attributes="member: 1813">Epilogue – The new face of evil Returning to the room where they had first encountered Irae T’ssaren, Entropy moved quickly carrying the corpses of both Joachim and Hor’ahun.  When she finally reached the ritual chamber where their foe had attempted to complete the Great Revenance, she saw the remains of Noir on the floor in a sickening pile of imploded flesh.  As the Alienist considered the grisly job of recovering the remains of the Paladin, she had an epiphany – she unceremoniously dropped both bodies she was holding onto the cold stone floor.What was she doing?Of course she could exit the tower and into relative safety with her companion’s bodies.  But what then?  A worthless congratulatory speech from some fat aristocrat?  A meaningless honorific that would do her no good?It would only be a matter of time before the forces of “good” tried to convince Entropy to use her considerable talents in their cause yet again.  And it would only take away valuable time the Alienist could be spending researching a way to open a permanent gate to the Far Realms.ENOUGH!No longer would she be slaves to others – it was time to seize the titanic opportunity that had just been presented to her on a silver platter.Returning to her own form, Entropy rapped loudly on the wall of the Tower, “Hey you!  We have a matter to discuss!”The sentient tower, a very manifestation of Kiaransalee’s might, responded telepathically, “What more needs to be said?  You have slain Irae and will undoubtedly bring allies to consecrate this place.”The Alienist paused for a moment.  What she was about to say in the next few minutes would have major ramifications not only for herself, but for all of Toril as well.  “What if I told you that what I planned to do would make the Great Revenance look like a two-bit magic act?”Surprised by this sudden change of events the tower was intrigued, “What do you mean?”“My goal is nothing less than to slay every living creature on this continent.  I will open a portal to the Far Realms, a plane outside of space and time.  First it will plunge Toril into madness, for only the Chosen few can understand the infinite enlightenment of the Far Realms.  The remaining weak-minded fools will either turn on each other or they will be slaughtered by the Chosen.”“Why do you tell me this?”  The Undying Temple was both ecstatic and confused.“Submit to my will, my power.  I will become a follower of Kiaransalee if you will aid me in achieving my goal.  I see . . . you do not trust me, as well you should not.  But I know you can read my mind, I will open it to you.  Judge for yourself my veracity.”As the Alienist opened her psyche, the Temple probed her thoughts.  Rather than seeing the calculated, patient, and cold-blooded logic of Irae T’ssaren, the tower felt the fractured kaleidoscope of Entropy’s mind.  She was chaotic to the core, as easily prone to generosity as to bursts of violence.  One thing was clear though, this human was singularly dedicated to her goal of opening this portal.  She would let nothing stand in her way.  And most important of all, the Alienist had an undeniable and complete hatred of Lolth -- the greatest foe of Kiaransalee.“What are your thoughts on undeath?  The Revenancer demands the animation of her victims!”“I could not care less about undead.  You may animate, defile or destroy the corpses I will leave in my wake, at your whim.  To me a dead body is just that, dead.  I have neither respect for the living nor the dead.”The Temple carefully considered her words.  In many ways, the sorcerer was like Kiaransalee.  She sought to crush and dominate her foes and despised the Lady of Spiders with all her being.  “Will you allow the completion of the Great Revenance?”Entropy shrugged, “If you truly wish to cause a mass animation of corpses, I’m sure I can convince one of the other priests in this Temple to do it.  Ultimately, it can only help my own plan – an army of undead can provide a good distraction to the living so that they do not scrutinize my own activities.”“Do you then pledge your soul to the White Banshee?  Do not try to lie, or the Revenancer will destroy you and everyone you know.”“Search my thoughts if you must.  I promise to abide by Lady Kiaransalee’s tenants and I promise her a bloodbath the likes of which have never been seen.”“So be it.”---------------------------------------------------------------------Before Entropy could be converted to the faith, a witness was required.  After a few minutes, a lone figure entered the room with the Alienist.  With a huge wolf-like visage, the creature had two massive arms that ended in wicked claws, with two additional human-sized arms.  She was a Draegloth, an evil union of drow and demon.“The Undying Temple informs me that you have agreed to serve our Lady.  Will you undergo the ceremony and become the Revenancer’s greatest champion?”Without blinking, Entropy curtly nodded, “I will.”As the Draegloth weaved her divine magic, the altar itself began to glow with unholy energy.  “Clear your mind and touch the shrine.  The White Banshee will show you a better way.”As the Alienist touched the altar, she briefly came in contact with the mind of Kiaransalee.  She was immediately filled with a burning desire for vengeance – a thirst to slay all of those who had ever slighted or taken advantage of her.  Entropy heard the voice of the Lady of the Dead herself,“Death comes to all, and cruel vengeance will be exacted to those who waste their lives on the petty concerns of this existence.  True power comes only from the unquestioning servitude of the once-dead, mastery over death, and the eventual earned stature of one of the ever-living in death.  Hunt, slay, and animate those who scorn the Revenancer’s power, and answer any slight a thousandfold so that all may know the coming power of Kiaranasalee.”When she released her hand, Entropy knew that she had given her soul to the Vengeful Banshee.  There was no going back.Seeing that the ritual was completed, the Draegloth inclined her head in obeisance, “My name is Flenser my lady, I am a priestess of Kiaransalee.  I place both myself and my minions at your disposal – I am yours to command.”Entropy felt as if she had been plunged into the Negative Energy Plane – her entire body and mind were absolutely suffused with evil.  “For now, I rest.  Tomorrow convene every worthy individual in the Undying Temple.”The Alienist silently returned to the floor containing Irae’s room.  Stepping over the bodies of enemies she had slain, she entered Irae’s bedchamber and flopped down on the bed.  Yes, things would be very different this time.---------------------------------------------------------------------“So let me hear your excuse!”The assembled, a motley crew of drow, vampires, and liches, looked at their new leader fearfully.  No one answered.“Let me be more specific.  Why is it that I am standing here before you while the dead body of your former leader lies in the Temple?  You have failed Kiaransalee!!  Had my companions been standing after the battle rather than myself, you can be assured that the Temple would be a pile of rubble.”One of the drow tentatively stepped forward, “Mistress, I am Dorina T’ssaren.  My mother commanded each of us to man our respective posts.  Had she asked for aid, we would have come immediately.  However, it seems that her defeat was inevitable, for the Revenancer has chosen you as her new champion.”Satisfied with this answer, Entropy continued, “There will be some major changes here.  First of all, evacuate both of the main towers and move the inhabitants to the Undying Temple.  If there is no room, then they must be liquidated.  Second, the Undying Temple has informed me that Kurgoth Hellspawn has returned from his ‘vacation.’  Irae was a fool to oppose him – though I could easily kill him and massacre his entire army I believe he would be far more useful as our pawn.  The Dale armies are marching south and will be here in a matter of weeks.  Kurgoth’s forces can serve as cannon fodder, for after his forces are destroyed, the remnants of the Dale army will be crushed by the undead created by the Great Revenance.”“You will be responsible for completing this ceremony,” Entropy pointed at Dorina.  “Your mother erred by dividing her resources.  If any being is so foolish as to assault this place again, they will feel the wrath of our combined might.  Are there any questions?”No one spoke.“Excellent, I have matters to attend to.  Execute my plans or you will be executed.”---------------------------------------------------------------------Before she left the Undying Temple, Entropy placed the corpses of her comrades as well as that of Irae T’ssaren in her portable hole.  In addition, she procured the Balor’s vorpal greatsword and multi-headed whip.  Shapechanging into a Pit Fiend, she flew out of the Temple and towards the coliseum where Kurgoth commanded his forces.  Before she arrived, she cast a spell upon herself that would allow her to understand and speak any language.  There would no longer be any communication barriers.“This time,” she thought, “I will give the Fire Giant a far more lucrative offer.”---------------------------------------------------------------------As she flew to the center of the coliseum, Entropy saw that no arena battles were on-going.  In fact, aside from a few guards patrolling the area, the place seemed to be abandoned.Descending near the guards, the Pit Fiend bellowed in Undercommon, “Peasants!  Fetch Lord Kurgoth, I have a most important message for him!”Utterly surprised by the arrival of the massive outsider, the ogres quickly scrambled away into one of the coliseum’s sub-buildings.After some commotion, Kurgoth himself emerged onto the arena.  By his side was a massive elephant, that seemed to be of demonic origin, as well as a sizable contingent of Fire Giant and Ogre champions.“My greetings, Lord Kurgoth!  I have a most beneficial proposal for you.”Hellspawn’s fiery hair turned into an inferno, “Why should I trust you!  I have been tricked before, but never again!  Leave this place!!”“I have come on behalf of the Lord of the Eighth.  I have done you a most gracious favor – I have slain Irae T’ssaren herself and now her tower stands open, ripe for the conquest!”  Reaching into her portable hole, Entropy produced Irae’s head and tossed it to Kurgoth.Turning the tiny thing over in his massive hands, Kurgoth was pleased, “By Kossuth, perhaps I have misjudged you Fiend!  Her tower is open you say?”“Yes, you only need speak the password, Isztava Morthaum, and you may enter freely.”“Excellent, and what do I owe you for this?”Smiling, the Fiend continued, “Ah, but I have not yet given you the greatest gift.  The foolish humans who dared banish you have been slain, victims of an errant calling spell that brought me to this plane.  The sorcerer who summoned me did so in haste, not seeing that her circle was flawed.  In their weakened state, I was able to easily finish them.  And . . . I found some valuable items carried by a women that you may remember.”  Entropy stepped forward and handed Kurgoth the Balor’s vorpal greatsword and whip.  “I believe your general’s name was Badrazel, correct?  Though he is gone, I’m sure we would have wanted you to have these.”Surprised by this most unexpected turn of events, Kurgoth became suspicious, “This is all well and good Fiend, but what do you want?”“My master has asked only that you do not touch the stalactite which adorns the roof of this city.  Lord Mephistopheles requires it for his personal use.  Furthermore, you are not to harm his clergy which may move through the city.”Kurgoth scowled, “This is too easy!  Why do you demand such a thing?”Entropy shook her head, “I’m afraid you do not understand.  When the Lord of the Eighth asks you to do something, you do not question.  You simply make haste and pray that he does not slay you for any perceived delays.”“I see.  Your conditions are acceptable Fiend.  As long as you master accepts that I, not he, will be the ruler of this city.”“Agreed.”---------------------------------------------------------------------Leaving the coliseum, Entropy teleported herself to the outskirts of the town of Homlet.  Here was the Temple of the Triad, the home of Joachim and the base of the most powerful goodly clergy on the continent.  Though she hated them all, Entropy felt that she could not forsake her companions who had supported her for so long.  If Joachim’s superiors, in particular, could not respect him, then she would make them.With a thought, her Fiendish form disappeared and was replaced by that of a beatific being with gleaming white wings and eyes of pure gold.  She had changed into a Solar, the greatest champion of the Upper Planes.  Weaving arcane phrases, she opened two Gates to the Seven Heavens of Mount Celestia.  Since pledging her soul to the Revenancer, Entropy had felt her power increase.  Not only had her spell repertoire expanded, but she knew she no longer had to fear, for nothing could be worse that the wrath of the White Banshee.As the extraplanar gates opened, two beings emerged that looked similar to Entropy’s Solar form save for their smaller stature.  Trumpet Archons, they both bore the golden instruments of their namesakes.  Momentarily disoriented from being pulled abruptly from their homes, they angrily looked around for the mortal who had dared call them.  Then their eyes fell upon the Solar carrying the body of a cleric.  They immediately dropped to their knees.One of them spoke, “Well met my Lord.  We are honored to serve you, please direct us.”“A great hero has died this day.  He was a champion of Tyr, the lord of justice and served his deity selflessly and without hesitation.”  Entropy indicated the Temple of the Triad, “In this goodly place all will know of his glory, even his superiors.  You, my friends will herald his coming.  Go forth and announce the arrival of Tyr’s greatest servant!”---------------------------------------------------------------------As the two Trumpet Archons ascended the stairs of the Temple and strode in, all the priests, acolytes, and assorted faithful were awestruck.  Not since the Time of Troubles had they witnessed such a fantastic display of celestial splendor. “We hereby herald the coming of the honorable High Inquisitor Joachim Dethick!  He has given his life in service to Tyr and all the faithful will know of his sacrifice!”Behind the Archons came the greatest of all celestials, a Solar, carrying the Inquisitor in his arms.  “Convene at the main altar and I will consecrate his body!”Amid a crowd of priests, Entropy gingerly placed Joachim’s body underneath a golden statue of the lord of justice.  Though nearly everyone was too dumbfounded to even consider what they were seeing was an elaborate fabrication, High Priest Darian pushed his way forward.  Bearing an eyepatch given to him by Tyr himself, it allowed him to pierce any illusion or transmutation.  Though he noticed that the Trumpet Archons were very real, he saw that the “Solar” was really Entropy.Darian moved up to the Solar and bowed.  Standing, he whispered in her ear, “I appreciate what you are trying to do, but I hope that you understand that this act dangerously borders on blasphemous.”Without even responding, Entropy turned and left with the Trumpet Archons in tow.Though the High Priest had seen through her ruse, she knew that he would never reveal that information to anyone else.  How could he, when admitting that the whole affair was a farce would shake the faith of Tyr’s believers so profoundly?As Entropy exited the Temple, she dismissed both Trumpet Archons.  As she turned to return to her towers, she realized that she still had the bodies of Noir and Hor’ahun in her portable hole!  Annoyed and unwilling to go though another dramatic episode, she turned the hole upside down and dumped their bodies on the steps of the Temple.Sooner or later, an acolyte would come out and pick them up.  Surely they would recognize the “heroes” that had saved their skins.---------------------------------------------------------------------Night was fast approaching as Entropy reached her towers.  After she had “convinced” the foreman to accelerate the construction schedule in her Pit Fiend form, she was pleased to see that significant progress had been made.Returning to her normal form, she found Eclavdra – her faithful cohort – amid her myriad followers.“Greetings Eclavdra, I see that my Pit Friend servant has had the desired effect.”“Yes mistress, quite,” Eclavdra responded.  “Oh, and how goes the battle against Irae T’ssaren?”“Later Eclavdra, later.”  Producing the Claw of the Revenancer, as well as Irae’s staff from her portable hole, Entropy handed them to her cohort.Taking the items from her mistress, Eclavdra was puzzled, “These are most exquisite items, but what are they for?”Smiling cryptically, Entropy ignored the question, “Eclavdra, tell me what you really want out of life . . .”</blockquote>

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