The Gates of Limbo

cy 4863 Feb 28th - 29th

G-Lest is inside his temple in Van Myrid studying. Before long he creates his second spell called bequeath. But there is no rest for the bishop as he moves on to more spell research. Later that day he visits Rumus, high priest of Jarik, for news of Illeum. Rumus has none but informs the Malakarian that the supposed army heading north into Bretonia is in fact a line of Elenorian refugees fleeing the tyranny of the Dark Queen Illyanth.

Back in his temple much later G-Lest casts reflecting pool and scries for the sword called Valkaras. He finds it on the hip of an unknown elf in a distant unrecognisable forest. After musing the sword G-Lest casts word of recall on his altar.

Meanwhile his companions – led by Streng – are on the Paths of the Dead heading towards the Gates of Limbo. The dead souls accelerate towards Limbo – their final resting place – but there are other things on the path that are more real…and more dangerous.

An old friend stands at bow range. Kelldrik Shadowfall approaches quickly. As Veng’ Stross draws his sling it suddenly becomes hot in his hands and he drops it, Scalpel feels his own bow become hard to the touch but Madrina – the sorceress – is not so easily fooled. "It is an illusion," she states firmly.

Streng has already let fly a powerful bullet from his sling which thunders into Kelldrick’s forehead and fells him. But the Elenorian is strong and stands to prepare his longbow, blood pours from a crack in his skull but he is still able to loose a few shafts. The first arrow cuts through Scalpel’s chest and slays him instantly whilst the other arrows go astray.

Streng only requires one more attack. His second bullet splits the elf’s skull in two and Kelldrik falls dead. Without hesitation Streng pulls Scalpel back from the Paths and forces the dead soul back across the line into the living. Once again Scalpel thanks the thief…Streng senses powerful magic on the dead Elenorian.

Talkharus, a katana made by Illyanth herself and gifted to Kelldrik, is taken by Veng ‘Stross. The second katana called the Blade of the Moon was created by Andurien Willowstar and Madrina takes this as well as a magical cloak called the Robe of the Mage.

The Gates of Limbo are two impressive colossal stone doors. The path narrows then expands quickly to accommodate the portal. They are surprised to find eight Malakarian priests sat close to it. A smiling priest called Bandas greets the party and informs them that he is here to ensure they do Malakar’s will. Streng ushers the priest to walk quietly with him, an engaging and charming man Streng moves Bandas and his friends away from the Gate with the pretence of a quiet chat.

When they are one hundred feet away Streng turns suddenly and unleashes a fireball into the midst of the priests. The explosion tears them to pieces, only scorched skin and ashes remain where they once sat. Bandas gasps in horror as Veng ‘Stross wrenches free his new blade Talkharus and cuts the priest in half; the blade cutting so easily through flesh and bone that Bandas watches in horror as his lower torso twitches horribly a few feet away. He dies in agony calling for his god.

Streng opens the Gates of Limbo with the key (Zalun) he was given by the child Arvial. Inside the heat is intense. Rivers of lava flow round islands. The stench of raw souls is overpowering; Streng and Madrina both realise that this is the engine room of Grayhawk where all the souls are processed acting as fuel for the universe and magic in general.

Before long Arvial appears. "I can now reveal my true deception," he says, "for I am Hoqar – the Lord of Limbo – and you four are the only people other than Illeum Runesabre who knows the truth."

The party are stunned by the revelation. Arvial / Hoqar goes on to explain his route into Grayhawk (through the line of Valadain Raikos) and his need to involve himself in the prime material plane.

"It must remain a secret back on Grayhawk for if the other gods discover my deception there will be an imbalance. If we are to save Illeum Runesabre – and I owe him that much at least – then we must go now. Leave the key in my palace Streng."

Arvial leads the party back through the Paths of the Dead quickly. Once on the Astral Plane he decides to travel quickly to the grand temple in Aldegaarde. Unfortunately when they eventually arrive on Grayhawk it is on familiar yet surprising ground. They find themselves in G-Lest’s temple and their companion is already moving.

Veng ‘Stross and Streng lightning draw weapons fearing their friend is about to do something dangerous. They have no defence against what follows; G-Lest uses the Malakarian Dark Fire on Arvial, a blistering soul attack that consumes the child and envelops him in fierce black flames. Veng’ Stross, Streng and Scalpel attack G-Lest but the bishop puts up a stoic defence with shield and dagger, he even stabs Streng badly in the leg.

Within one minute Arvial / Hoqar is gone, reduced to a smouldering pile of soul residue and ash. G-Lest knows instinctively what he has done…killed a god! He recalls back to the latar where Malakar stands proudly by; the god’s arm embraces his bishop and says; "You have exceeded my expectations G-Lest!"

Seeing Malakar in the flesh is enough to rout the four companions. The three immortals shift onto an invisible dimension to escape whilst Streng is already gone down the back alleys and thieves’ highways he knows so well.

Leandra receives the news of Arvial’s death sombrely. She – like all the others – realise that the last hope of saving Illeum Runesabre is now gone, the one sorcerer that could halt the void destruction is no more. Worst still she fears for the Empire of Bretonia – with no obvious successor the power vacuum grows large. It focuses her own mind on her own coronation – which is only two days away.

Meanwhile Streng is with Stelvor Darkblade. "I want to hire you," the thief says.

"And the job?"

"Slay the arch priest Vanyar and you can name your price."

Stelvor whistles. "My price is this; the archpriest’s head for Leandra’s hand in marriage. Make me king of Van Myrid."

Madrina – now a necromancer – attempts to reconcile with G-Lest but is told at the temple that he is away in Gran Breton. She leaves a message for him and polymorphs into a bird to fly back to Leandra.

Streng goes to Rumus’s temple and theoports to the grand temple in Aldegaarde. There he is taken immediately to see the pale Illeum Runesabre. Streng realises that the emperor has only weeks to live. They talk candidly. Streng wants to know if anyone other than Arvial could heal him.

"Only a true master of the Void can do that," he says, "and the closest we have to that is Malakar himself. Speak to Hamroth; he sits atop the ridge above the city."

On a high mountain ridge Streng looks out over the largest city on Grayhawk with wonder. Above him is the gigantic dragon-like Glaennyn, tears in the creature’s eyes and he speaks with a heavy heart.

"I take it there is nothing you can do for Illeum?"

Hamroth shakes his enormous head. "Although I am powerful I am a novice when it comes to the Void…even my own power is not enough to heal Illeum. Streng stares out over Aldegaarde and wonders if there is any way to save the emperor…

Leandra, Scalpel, Madrina and Veng (shifted onto the other dimension) visit G-Lest in his temple. Leandra soon becomes annoyed and storms out – but later sends an invite to all the priests of Van Myrid to meet her in the palace.

Later that day the congregation of nobles and priests gather to hear what their prospective queen has to say. All eyes are on G-Lest, the tales of what he has done is the topic of conversation in every store, barn and tavern. Guards stare nervously around. Sarrich – the Bretonian palace guard captain – stands close to Leandra, his eyes locked on the powerful Malakarian priest and his hands never far from the hilt of his sword.

But if the noble came for a fight they leave disappointed. G-Lest publicly, and very openly, declares his support for the new queen. This prompts the other priests to follow and Leandra is stunned. She receives their support graciously but her gaze is fixed on G-Lest. Emotions tumble through her and her mind is in turmoil as she stares at the Malakarian. Her eyes betray several emotions clearly: Hatred? Love? Lust…?