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Message: <blockquote data-quote="gfunk" data-source="post: 980388" data-attributes="member: 1813">Session 44 Into the Bastion Joachim walked deliberately through the underground tunnels in Thunderstone.  A shrine to Kelemvor, the structure actually boasted a large and impressive secret area under the earth that was used as a base of operations by Joachim’s friend and mentor, the famous priest Alphar Turrin.The Inquisitor knew, of course, that the area would be all but abandoned since Alphar had long since joined General Umarth and his undead Knights of the Undying Dragon.  They were marching into the south of Cormyr and launching a surprise attack.  No, he had come here not to see his old friends and allies, but to rest and reflect.Although the impending war with the drow in Cormyr was of great political significance, it paled in importance next to Nalavara’s ravaging of the Bastion of Unborn Souls.  Joachim knew that there were several factions involved in this conflict; the demon lord Aamuel, one aspect of Demogorgon, actively sought the wyrm’s destruction so that he could claim her heart and slay his alter ego Hethradiah.  In addition, Nalavara herself would undoubtedly have allies of her own.Walking out of the dimly lit tunnels and into a small armory set up by Alphar, Joachim wondered what his fate would be.  He had no illusions that Entropy’s alliance to him would last only as long as Nalavara lived, if that long!  At any time, he could be on the wrong end of any number of destructive spells and he doubted he would last long against the combined might of the Alienist and her two retainers.Sitting in a small wooden chair, Joachim considered these possibilities, calculating how best to carry out the maimed god’s will.  Finally, his anxiety gave way to exhaustion and finally sleep.----------------------------------------------“As I was recounting to you before, Lady Entropy, I am afraid that my service to you is concluded.  In return for your alliance with Zhentil Keep I have made significant personal sacrifices on your behalf.  However, I will not accompany you and attempt to slay a creature who has killed Vangerdahast himself!”Entropy looked at Amal sullenly and knew, in the interests of their alliance, she could not press the issue, “Fine, fine.  Leave me in my most vulnerable moment!”Nodding, Amal stepped through his Gate and returned to Zhentil Keep.After his departure, Entropy nervously fingered Desyaeus’ Soul Totem taken from the cold, dead hands of the Titan turned god.  She had become attuned to the artifact the second she held it, becoming instantly aware of the location of the Bastion of Unborn Souls.The Positive Energy Plane.Though it might seem like heaven to most, the plane was actually a trap for the unwary.  At first, visitors who were not immediately blinded by the radiance of the place felt full of energy, life and power – all injuries were healed, all disease cured, and all ailments eradicated.  However, as the positive energy continued to flow into living things, it eventually snuffed them out with its power.  And undead . . . well the walking dead did not last long . . .This was not good news for a Chosen of the Revenancer a deity whose rule was fueled by unlife.Barring the problems posed by Hor’ahun’s currently undead state, were the multitude of troubles Entropy faced once she actually entered the Bastion.  Nalavara would not go easily or quietly and she still had to contend with Aamuel’s servants besides.  The obvious “good” solution was to slay the wyrm she knew, but was that the only option?As she had betrayed Joachim, Noir and Hor’ahun in the Undying Temple, could she do the same and ally with Lolth’s favored servant?  Surely Kiaransalee would not be pleased, but the White Banshee respected strength above all and what power could be held by one who laid claim to the Bastion itself!  A place beyond the influence of even the greater gods!Yes, for now, she would go along with Tyr’s little scheme and cooperate with Joachim.  But she would keep her eyes open for opportunities.----------------------------------------------The four stood beneath the decapitated statue of Kelemvor in the plains of Thunderstone.“Why did we meet here of all places?  Though I must say I love what you’ve done to the statue.”Joachim threw Entropy a hateful glare, “Because it is a neutral meeting place.  So, by your presence I assume you agree to enter the Bastion with me.  Do you pledge to help me slay Nalavara and end the cycle of soulless births?”“Yes, yes, I agree.  AND to show you how much I’m willing to trust you, I return to you the life of your friend, Hor’ahun.”The Inquisitor looked at Entropy with considerable skepticism, “Excuse me?”“The Bastion is, as you may or may not know, located in the Positive Energy Plane.  It is not exactly a hospitable place for undead so I grant you a boon.  I will destroy Hor’ahun’s current undead form thereby freeing his soul.  I then place his life in your hands to do as you will.  Noir!  Hor’ahun!  As we planned, if you please . . .”Immediately, the undead githzerai dropped to both knees as Noir unsheathed her greatsword.  Hor’ahun bowed his head as if to pray and the Blackguard circled around him, raised her sword and brought it downward in a quick, powerful arc.  His head rolled on the ground for only a split second, before the githzerai’s entire body simply crumbled to dust.----------------------------------------------“Please, my friend, just listen to . . .”“NO!  You have abandoned me before and now you ask me to join you in another mission that may well result in my demise!?  I thought Entropy was the crazy one!”Joachim had abandoned Entropy and Noir temporarily and returned underground to Alphar’s secret chambers.  Knowing full well that his companion would want a full and complete explanation, not to mention his pent up hatred against his former captors, the Inquisitor thought it best to talk to Hor’ahun in private first.“Please hear me well.  No matter where you go in the multiverse, even you cannot escape the effects of Nalavara.  This goes beyond ideologies!  Under what other circumstances could you see a servant of Tyr working with Kiaransalee?  Once the threat is neutralized, I swear to you that you can go your own way.  If you wish to remain with the forces of Cormyr, I promise you that I will find a place of honor for you.”The githzerai sighed deeply and considered his friend’s words.  He would like nothing better than to tear Entropy and Noir limb from limb.  However, under the current circumstances and without Joachim’s explicit support, he knew he could not have his revenge.  However, after Nalavara was slain – when Entropy and Noir were depleted.  Yes, he would have his vengeance but in time.“I agree Joachim.  I will enter the Bastion with the lot of you . . . for now.”</blockquote>

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