Nine Hells, I Choose You!

• Nine Hells Information

  • Nine Hells - 19 investigation. It’s less a description and more like specific details. Specific harpers in the past that have traveled to the 9 hells, done incredible things or tales of devils being summoned from the 9 hells by harper wizards. As opposed to Demons, Devils tend to be a lawful evil–bent on conquoring/torture/collection/vengeance vs the chaos of a demon whose only goal is descrutction and violence.  Devils have revealed they work for Asmodeus, in the 9th layer, but even the strongest, bravest adventurers have yet to best him in combat. Devil underlings have been summoned to tell what they’ve witnessed–the few attempts that have gotten that far for the only way to get to his realm on the 9th level is by going through the other 8 so by the time you have reached him you are exhausted, mentally and physically. 

  • There are tales of harpers who have made it through a variety of layers but summoned the ferryman to bring them back up the styx or risk losing their lives to the devils of the hells–the main inhabitants of this realm. 

  • There has been great excitement as you finish these tomes as a recent captor of the hells–Tiamat–was permanently vanquished by The Dragon’s Tail, an elite group of adventurers who thwarted her. One of the biggest wins for humanity

  • A Harper recently helped defeat Tiamot within the past 10 years which was a huge success for humanity. 

  • The most discussed layers are 1/2/3 as they have the most visitors- 1 being Avenus. It’s hard to say any definitive details on it as it’s the most visited layer by adventurers so its ruler is always shifting in an nearly infinite power druggle by devils. The second layer is a canyon-esque pit of horror and flames ruled by Dispater and the 3rd is Minauros- an acid rain ridden filthy bog that would make the mere look like a travel destination. Deep within this bog lies Mammon-Home to the Serpent Demon lord whose wealth could be one of the greatest in the known universe.

• We have the morning to continue our research in Silverymoon before Harshnag arries. 

  • We spend the morning visiting shops and restocking our supplies.

  • We make a brief visit to the Harper Library but don’t gain much valuable information.

  • Glittr asks if Krislynn has been seen causing havoc in the city or has been committing crimes, but none have been reported. 

  • We try to find information about Artus Cimber’s immortality ring but are unsuccessful in finding anything. Caulkin tried to research Laeral more, but found nothing of use. Brylywnn helps Caulkin in their research of Laeral Silverhand in the Harper Archives because they know she was one. After almost giving up, she spots an end cap with a picture of Laeral featured that says, “The Life of Laeral Silverhand” with two books underneath.

    • The books speak about all of the accomplishments that Laeral has completed during her lifetime. Including united the Sword Coast through a group such as the harpers. She at one point helped clear a tower of evil witches. She has fought dragons, demons, krakens, and devils to name a few. 

    • The second book talks about her as a person. She has ruled Waterdeep on and off again, over time, taking a break when she was completing tasks. In one sa

  • The Shadow Thieves used to be in power at one point, but were replaced by the Lord’s Alliance as revealed by Caulkin. 

• Eventually 4 o’clock hits and we go to meet Harshnag. We see a large frost giant with beautiful clad armor and an axe who is seated next to Räyûvel in the temple. He has a dragon skull on his which makes Pearl and Bahamut shiver.

  • Harshnag notes that he saw this (the giant upheaval) coming and he found a giant relief. He pulls out a giant horn as well, but it was cracked meaning it would not sound if blown into.

  • Ushtag(sp?) have turned these relics into items of worship in the past. 

  • Harshang just returned from the Druarwood this morning and he is in Silverymoon to check in with the High Harper.  

  • Räyûvel and Harshnag share that they believe the answer may lie to the north of here with the All-Father. There is a temple where giants used to meet years ago, but Harshnag is uncertain if it still stands or not. This is an Oracle that we need to find. The Ordning has been destroyed and the giants are in an upheaval. The storm giants who once led all giants are in disarray due Queen Neri dying and disappearance of King Hekaton. 

    • The Oracle is north of a greatwood near the Spine of the Wood. This is suspected to be Lurkwood. Harshnag suspects it is the northmost point of a valley which lies north of the Lurkwood. 

  • In the past giants have not attacked man when the Ordning has been disrupted in the past. 

  • Harshnag is part of Force Grey, which is not currently operating. It is a group that has changed leading hands several times due to differing opinions. Laeral would like to restore the group and Harshnag has agreed to this. 

  • Harshnag does not suspect the Lord’s Alliance killed queen Neri as she was benevolent and loved by many. Harshnag has a theory as to who killed her but he will not share this idea.

  • Duke Zalto is the leader of the fire giants, and Harshnag has not heard of Artus Cimber before. The head of the frost giants is Jarl Storbad. He is a powerful frost giant

  • Harshnag and Zephyros are not inflicted by the same upheaval as other giants by their own free will. 

  • Mirran and Nym are the other two daughters of the Storm King Hekaton and Queen Neri, whereas Serissa has presumably taken over the Wyrmskull Throne. 

• Our three options for going north are:

  • Go to Zymorven Hall and then: 

    • 1) West through Rivermoot and traverse the mountain (gray) north

    • 2) Go north along the Moon’s Wood, hang a sharp left through the Fell Pass going West

    • 3) Heart north, and then hand a left through Frost Hills

  • Zymorven Hall is held by Lord Harthos Zymroven. This city is a keep to monitor for creatures or danger who would come from the north. 

• Pearl reveals that Fae is on a mission to Luskan. Pearl is feeling nervous about having to go North and being close to her home.

• Glittr and Brylywnn find the notes that Caulkin slipped into their coats a few days earlier:

I’m really sorry for not being honest. I know I have a lot to prove to gain your trust, and I’m willing to keep showing up to do that. 

Everything I want to do I feel like I can’t. 

Please don’t give up on me.

• We settle in for the night after having a few drinks and relaxing. After going to bed, Caulkin feels enlightened. He reviews all of the information he received about Laeral, and his tasks he has completed. Caulkin reaches level 7 while sleeping. 

  • While meditating, Glittr find himself on the twisted beach once again, and he sees a ship sailing off in the distance. During the vision, he experiences blood rushing down from his head. Lliira calls the blood dripping  memory of where he is going and where he will go. Glittr awakens having been empowered by Lliira as she entrusts him with power.