Baldur’s Gate: Descent Into Avernus

260 Pages·2019·77.24 MB·English

by  Wizards RPG Team

·em
B A L D U R ' S G A T
DESCENT AVERNUS.
INTO
CREDITS
Story Creators: Adam Lee (lead), James lntrocaso, Ari Levitch, Producers: Dan Tovar, Bill Benham
Mike Mearls, Lysa Penrose, Christopher Perkins, Ben Petrisor, Product Engineer: Cynda Callaway
Matthew Sernett, Kate Welch, Richard Whitters, Shawn Wood Imaging Technicians: Sven Bolen, Carmen Cheung, Kevin Yee
Story Consultants: Joe Manganiello, Jim Zub Art Administrator: David Gershman
Writers: Bill Benham, M.T. Black, Dan Dillon, Justin Donie, Prepress Specialist: Jefferson Dunlap
James J. Haeck, James lntrocaso, Adam Lee, Chris Lindsay, Franchise & Global Brand Strategy: Nathan Stewart
Liane Mersiel, Shawn Merwin, Lysa Penrose, Christopher Perkins, Director of Licensing & Publishing: Liz Schuh
F. Wesley Schneider, Amber Scott, James Sutter Licensing Manager: Hilary Ross
Developers: Jeremy Crawford, Dan Dillon, Ben Petrisor, Kate Welch Marketing and Communications: Bart Carroll, Pelham Greene,
Editors: Michele Carter, Scott Fitzgerald Gray, Hannah Rose, Greg Tito, Anna Vo
F. Wesley Schneider Brand Manager: Shelly Mazzanoble
Managing Editor: Christopher Perkins Playtest Coordinator: Bill Benham
Art Director: Kate Irwin
Graphic Designers: Emi Tanji, Trish Yochum The following D&D books provided material and inspiration:
Concept Art Director: Richard Whitters Greenwood, Ed, Matt Sernett, Alexander Winter, and Steve Winter.
Creative Art Director: Shauna Narciso Murder in Baldur's Gate. 2013.
Cover Illustrators: Tyler Jacobson, Hydro74 Greenwood, Ed, and others. Lords of Darkness. 1988.
Interior Illustrators: Victor Adame Minguez, Even Amundsen, Kenson, Steve, and others. Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. 201 S.
Alexey Aparin, Mark Behm, Michael Berube, Zoltan Boros, Aleksi Mearls, Mike, Jeremy Crawford, and others. Mordenkainen's Tome
Briclot, Christopher Burdett, Sam Burley, Wesley Burt, Clint ofF oes. 2018.
Cearley, Sidharth Chaturvedi, Daarken, Olga Drebas, Steve Ellis, ---. Vo/o's Guide to Monsters. 2016.
Nils Hamm, Leesha Hannigan, Ralph Horsley, Lake Hurwitz, Perkins, Christopher, Will Doyle, and Steve Winter. Tomb of
Tyler Jacobson, Sam Keiser, Julian Kok, Daniel Landerman, Larian Annihilation. 2017.
Studios, Titus Lunter, Brynn Metheney, Scott Murphy, Claudio
Pozas, Vincent Proce, Chris Rallis, Mike Schley, llya Shkipin, Vanthampur Villa was inspired by a building design by Dean Turner.
David Sladek, Zack Stella, Matt Stewart, Cory Trego-Erdner, Beth
Trott, Unit Image, Richard Whitters, Shawn Wood, Ben Wootten
Concept Illustrators: Aleksi Briclot, Daarken, Max Dunbar, Titus D1ulo1mtr; This adventure i.s o work off ies ion aimed at provfd•rig 1ou and your friends with
Lunter, Vince Proce, Richard Whitters, Shawn Wood mony hours off on1osiic enurtoinmen1. Alrltou11t dt•ils ond rite Nine Hells ploy promintnl
Infernal Font Designer: Daniel Reeve r1ohl1e sC 1ono SthI ifsu lsltyo reyn. dtohres eesv i<l hseh keiyc tktipnrge osefn e•t i;ls' sm b1uonn.i Ltoii " d4a frokungehses fooflfld a onvde l"ogohm1 pt.r Vevliaziol!1 dWs to f
Interior Cartographers: Dyson Logos, Mike Schley srron1ly od•iu 1ho1 you no1play1his odvtnrure bockword. lest Asmodtus appear in a puff
Poster Map Cartographer: Jared Blando ofs moke to tolk politics. as archfiends ore wont to do.
ON THE COVER ON THE ALTERNATIVE COVER
The symbol of Bhaal fills the sky over Avernus as the River Styx The flame-ringed skull of Bhaal, bound on either side by Zariel's
seethes below. Illustrator Tyler Jacobson shows the archdevil Zari el angelic sword, adorns the front cover. On the back cover, the
reaching for her sword- a reminder of her angelic origins-as her archdevil of Avernus herself graces us with her fiendish presence.
evil henchman Haruman follows her into damnation. Both covers were created by Hydro74.
620C7231000001 EN CE
ISBN: 978-0-7869-6687-5
First Printing: September 2019
987654321
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS. D&D. Wizards of tho Coast, Forcotton R. .l ms, tho dragon ampersand, Player's Handbook. Mon.ltr Manual. Oun11on Mouer·s Gv•dt. •II other Wizards of
the Coast product n•mes, •nd their rtspectove locos art trademarks ofW izards of the Coast in the USA and other countrios. The characters of Arkhan the Cruel. To<ogar Sreelfist, and
Krull tht Tor-tit. and their distinctive likenesses. art ptoptrty of Joe-Manganiello and art used 1n this product w11h permission. All other characters and their d1stinct1Yt likenesses are
ptopetty of Wizards of the Coast. This mater•al •s protected under the copyright Jaws o( the United Statts of America. Any reproduction or unauthortzed use of the material or artwork
cont11ntd herein is prohibited without the tic press written permission of Wizards of the Coasc.
P1inted 1n tht USA. ()2019 Wizards of th• Coast LLC, PO Box 707. Ronton. WA 98051·0101, USA Manufactured by Hasbro SA. Ru• Emlle·Bo<!chat 31, 2800 Del~mont, CH.
Represented hr Hubro De Entrcc 240 1101 EE Amsterdam NI
CONTENTS
Pronunciation Gulde ................................ 4 Uldrak's Grave ...................................... 109 App. C: Maalc Items ..............................2 23
Arkhan's Tower .................................... 110
About the Adventure ................................. 5 App. D: Creatures .. : ............................... 228
Monument to Tiamai... ........................ 112
Adventure Overview ................................... 5 Amnizu ....................................................... 228
Bel's Forge ............................................. 113
Adventure Background .............................. 7 Baphomet .................................................. 229
Sibriex .................................................... 116
Roleplaying Devils ...................................... 8 Bulezau ......................................................2 30
Life in the Nine Hells .................................. 9 Wrecked Flying Fortress ................... ll8 Crokek'toeck ............................................. 230
Other Locations ....................................... 122 Cultists of the Dead Three .................... 231
Cb. 1: A Tale ofT wo Cities ..................... 10 Styg1·a n Dock· ......................................... 123 Fiendish Flesh Golem ............................ 236
Fall ofElturel. ............................................. l 0 Sty Watchtowers 124
x ································ Hellwasp .................................................... 237
Evil in BaJdur's Gate ................................. 11 Sundered Chai"ns 126
Running This Chapter. ............................. 11 T w d · E ................................. 126 Holl y phant ............................................... .. 237
The Basilisk Gate ...................................... 12 he l'anFle:ing"' mporium ................ 130 Merregon ................................................... 238
Zarie s ying rortress...................... Na go 238
Elfsong Tavern ........................................... l6 Roaming Encounter: Smiler rzu n ................................................. ..
Dungeon of the Dead Three. ................... 20 D fit Nupperibo. ................................................. 238
the e er.............................................. 133 Redcap 240
Low Lantern ............................................... 28 ·······················································
Va n tha mpur V1.1 1a ..................................... . 32 Ch. 4: Sword ofZarlel.. ......................... 134 Tressym .....................................................2 40
Under the Villa ........................................... 37 Approaching the Citadel ........................ 134 White Abishai ...........................................2 41
The Scab. ................................................... 134 Yeenoghu ...................................................2 42
Final Encounters in Baldur's Gate ........ 42
Entering the Citadel ................................ 139 Zariel .......................................................... 243
journey to Candlekeep ............................. 43
ldyllglen ..................................................... 140
Candlekeep ................................................. 45 App. E: Infernal Rapture Menus ....... 244
Claiming the Sword ................................ 145
Getting to Avernus .................................... 50
App. F: Story Concept Art ...................2 46
Ch. 2: Elturel Has Fallen. ....................... 52 Ch. S: Escape from Avernus ............... 146
Who Should Rule Avernus? .................. 146 App. G: lnfernalScript ......................... 256
Running This Chapter .............................. 52
Arrival in Elturel.. ...................................... 52 Will Elturel Be Saved? ........................... 150 Maps
Endgame in Elturel ................................. 154 1.1: Baldur's Gate. ...................................... 13
High Hall ..................................................... 58
1.2: Elfsong Tavern ................................... 17
Grand Cemetery ........................................ 64 Baldur's Gate Gazetteer. ...................... 158
1.3: Dungeon of the Dead Three. ........... 21
Escaping the Siege. ................................... 71 History of Baldur's Gate. ........................ 158
1.4: Low Lantern. ....................................... 29
Ch. 3: Avernus ........................................... 74 Baldur's Gate Today ................................ 159
1.5: Vanthampur Villa ............................... 33
· g Th' Ch t Government .............................................. 161
Ru nnm 1s ap er. ............................. 74
1.6: Under the Villa ................................... 37
What Is Avernus? ....................................... 75 Citizenry .................................................... 164
2.1: Elturel ................................................... 56
Features of Avernus .................................. 76 Economy and Trade ................................ 165
2.2: High Hall Cathedral.. ........................ 61
Us i·n g th e p ost e r J\i1' ap .............................. . 79 Religion ...................................................... 166
2.3: Hall High Cathedral,
Fort Knucklebone. ..................................... 80 Dangers in Baldur's Gate ...................... 170
Choir Level .............................................. 62
City Landmarks ....................................... 174
R agg a d ragg a Atta ck · s 1.. ............................. 87
2.4: High Hall Catacombs ....................... 63
Warlords of the Avernian Upper City ................................................. 176
2.5: Grand Cemetery Chapel .................. 67
Wastelands .............................................. 90 Lower City ................................................. 184 2.6: Grand Cemetery,
th S d Outer City .................................................. 194
Q ues t L1 or e wor ................................. . 92
Ossuary Level ......................................... 69
Haruman's Hill ....................................... 92 Beyond Baldur's Gate ............................. 201
3.1: Avernus ................................................. 79
Baldur's Gate Character
Hell wasp Nest... ...................................... 94
3.2: Hellwasp Nest .................................... 95
Path of Demons. ......................................... 96 Backgrounds ......................................... 202
3.3: Crypt of the Hell riders ................... 101
Dark Secrets ............................................ 208
Spawning Trees ..................................... 96
3.4: Bone Brambles ................................. 108
Tower of Urm .......................................... 97 App. A: Diabolical Deals. ..................... 212 3.5: Bel's Forge. ........................................ 114
Obelisk ...................................................... 98 Infernal Contracts ................................... 214
3.6: Wrecked Flying Fortress ............... 120
Mirror of Mephistar. .............................. 99 Archdevil Charms ................................... 215
3.7: Stygian Watchtower ........................ 125
Pit of Shummrath ................................ 100
App. B: Infernal War Macblnes ......... 216 4.1: Side View of the Scab ..................... 137
Crypt of the Hellriders ........................ 101
Stat Blocks ................................................ 216 4.2: ldyllgleo ............................................. 141
Arches of Ulloch ................................... 103
Rules ........................................................... 216 The Sword Coast ..................................... 160
Kostchtchie's Maw ............................... 104 Fiendish Variations ................................. 221 Baidu r's Gate ............................................ 172
Path of Devils ........................................... 106 Chases on Avernus .................................. 222 Players' Map of Elturel... ......... Poster Map
Demon Zapper ...................................... 106 Players' Map of Avernus ......... Poster Map
Bone Brambles ..................................... 107
THANKS TO OUR PLAYTESTERS
Trisha Arozqueta, Cory Bennett, Khrys Bennett, Cody Bowen, jean-Luc Caron, Trevor Clare, Drake Delgado, Mikayla "Irish" Ebel, Christian
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jerry Holkins, Danny Hyun, Joshua Kiper, Shayne Li, Jonathan Christopher Marquiss, Zack Merritt, Emmanuel john Mitsinikos, Blake Morrison,
David Park, Nancy Rexford, Leonardo Rivera, Luke Sargent, Brandon Smith, Rob Spieldenner, Rebecca Stein, Nevin Vorfeld, Andrew White
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
This guide shows how to pronounce many of the non-English names that appear in this adventure.
Name Pronunciation Description
Abishai AB-ish-eye Devil loyal to Tiamat that exists outside the Infernal Hierarchy
Amnizu am-N EET-zoo Greater devil that guards gateways to the Nine Hells
Amrik Vanthampur AM-rik VAN-tham-per Second son of Duke Thalamra Vanthampur of Baldur's Gate
Arkhan the Cruel AR-kawn Evil dragonborn champion ofTiamat
Asmodeus az-moh-DAY-us, or Archdevil, greater god, and Lord of the Nine Hells
az-MOH-dee-us
Baphomet BAF-oh-met Demon lord worshiped by minotaurs
Balarystul bah-tar-RISS-tut Ancient copper dragon that has infiltrated the Wandering Emporium
Bazelsteen BAY-zel-steen Horned devil that oversees flying fortress repairs at the Stygian Dock
Belynne Stelmane beh-UN STEL-mane One of four dukes on the Council of Four that governs Baldur's Gate
Bhaal BAWL Mortal god of murder, and one of the Dead Three
Bulezau BOO-leh-zow Horned demon with rotting flesh
Crokek'toeck CROW-kek-toe-ick Gargantuan demon that carries other demons inside it
Dillard Portyr DILL-erd por-TEER One of four dukes on the Council of Four that governs Baidu r's Gate
Falaster Fisk FAL-ass-ter Helpful spy imprisoned in the dungeon under Vanthampur Villa
Fhet'Ahla fett-AH-lah Amnizu that runs From Here to Avernus in the Wandering Emporium
Gabourey D'Vaelan gah-BUR-ee duh-VAY-Ian Cook who works at Vanthampur Villa in Baldur's Gate
Gargauth GAR-gawth Pit fiend imprisoned in the Shield oft he Hidden Lord
Haruman HAIR-oo·man Fallen paladin of Elturel, now a narzugon devil loyal to Zariel
jhessa Brightstar JESS-ah Priest of Lathander in ldyllglen
Kaejil OrOnmar KAY-jil oh-ROON-mar Tax collector imprisoned in Vanthampur Villa
Klim Jhasso JAH-soh Member of the Jhasso patriar (noble) family of Baldur's Gate
Kostchtchie koss-CH EE-chee Demon lord worshiped by some frost giants
Laraelra Thundreth lah-RAIL-rah THUN·dreth Proprietor of the Low Lantern, a tavern in Baldur's Gate
Liara Portyr lee-AR-ah por-TEER Commander of the Flaming Fist recalled to Baldur's Gate
Lulu LOO-loo Hollyphant suffering from memory loss
Matalotok mah-tah-LOH-tok Magical hammer stolen from Kostchtchie by Zariel
Mordenkainen mor-den-KAY·nen, or Famous archmage who inhabits the Tower of Urm in Avernus
mor-den·KIGH-nen
Mortlock Vanthampur MORT-lock VAN-tham-per Third son of Duke Thalamra Vanthampur of Baidu r's Gate
Myrkul MER-kul Mortal god of death and necromancy, and one of the Dead Three
Nariangela nar-ee-AWN-jeh-lah Erinyes bridge officer aboard Zariel's flying fortress
Nupperibo nuh·pur-REE-boh Least devil common throughout the Nine Hells
Olanthius oh-LAN-thee-us Fallen paladin ofElturel, now a death knight sworn to obey Zariel
Pherria Jynks FAIR-ee-ah JINX Acolyte of Torm in Elturel's High Hall cathedral
Reya Mantlemorn RAY-ah MAN-tul-morn Hellrider sworn to protect and defend Elturel
Satiir Thione-Hhune sah-TEER thee-AWN-hewn Member of the Hhune patriar (noble) family of Baldur's Gate
Shaleen Zoraz shaw·LEEN zor-AHZ Sewer maintenance supervisor imprisoned in Vanthampur Villa
Sibriex SIB-ree·ex Demon that looks like a bloated sack of pustulent flesh
Sylvira Savikas sil-VEER-ah sah-VEE-kas Tiefling archmage and expert on the Nine Hells
Thalamra Vanthampur thah-LAM-rah VAN-tham-per One of four dukes on the Council of Four that governs Baldur's Gate
Thavius Kreeg THAY-vee-us KREEG Former cleric of Torm and High Overseer of Elturel
Thurstwell Vanthampur THURST·well VAN-tham-per First son of Duke Thalamra Vanthampur of Baidu r's Gate
Tiamat TEE-ah-mat Five-headed queen of evil dragons trapped in the Nine Hells
Trantolox TRAN-toe-lox Nalfeshnee encountered outside the Bleeding Citadel
Traxigor TRAX-eh-gor Archmage transformed into an otter
Ulder Ravengard UL-der RAY-ven-gard Grand Duke of Baldur's Gate and leader of the Flaming Fist
Yael YAY-el Deceased defender of Elturel, now a ghost in the Nine Hells
Yeenoghu yee-NO-goo Demon lord worshiped by gnolls
Zari el ZAR-ee-el, or ZAIR·ee-el Archdevil and ruler of Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells
4
A BOUT THE ADVENTURE
ESIGNED FOR AN ADVENTURING PARTY OF With Grand Duke Ulder Ravengard. out of the way,
four to six 1st-level characters, Baldur's Thalamra is paying the Dead Three to shatter confi
Gate: Descent into Avernus is a DUNGEONS dence in the Flaming Fist so that all payments to the
& DRAGONS adventure that begins in the city decapitated organization can be cut off. Thalamra, a
of Baldur's Gate and ends in Avernus, the devout disciple of the archdevil Zariel, has brokered a
first layer of the Nine Hells. By the end of deal that will enable her to claim the role of grand duke
the adventure. the characters should be 13th once the Flaming Fist disbands, paving the way for
level or higher. To run this adventure, you the city's descent into Avernus. To accomplish this last
need the fifth edition Player's Handbook, goal, Thalamra needs an artifact called the Shield of the
Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual. Hidden Lord, imprisoned in which is a pit fiend named
Use the first session of the game to help your players Gargauth. Until recently, the shield was sealed in a tomb
create their 1st-level characters. As part of this pro under the city, but Thalamra's sons recently stole it and
cess, the players can choose their party's dark secret transported it to the dungeon below their villa. So cor
(see page 208). rupt is the shield that its mere presence in Baldur's Gate
has contributed to the city's moral decay for decades.
ADVENTURE OVERVIEW To keep Baldur's Gate from falling into Zariel's
clutches, the characters must take the shjeld far away
The holy city of Elturel has disappeared from the For
from the city. Reya Mantlemorn, a young knight from
gotten Realms and descended into Avernus, the first
Elturel, suspects that the Vanthampurs are sheltering
layer of the Nine Hells. This event came about as the re
Thavius Kreeg at their estate and offers aid. Characters
sult of an infernal bargain between the archdevil Zariel,
who storm Duke Vanthampur's villa find Thavius hidden
who rules Avernus, and the treacherous High Overseer
in the dungeon below it. Thavius is helping Thalamra
of Elturel, Thavius Kreeg. Zariel is capturing cities and
Vanthampur use the Shield of the Hidden Lord to bring
using their citizens as fodder in the ongoing conflict be
about the fall of Baldur's Gate, in much the same fashion
tween demons and devils known as the Blood War. Next
he used the Companion (see page 7) to doom Elturel.
on Zariel's list of cities is Elturel's neighbor, Baldur's If the characters slay Thavius, his soul travels to the
Gate. The characters can be the heroes who descend Nine Hells and re-forms as an amnizu devil on Avernus
into Avernus, save Elturel from certain destruction, and (see page 132).
prevent a similar fate from befalling Baldur's Gate.
V ISIT TO CANDLEKEEP
TROUBLE IN BALDUR'S GATE
In the course of dealing with Thavius Kreeg and the
Chapter 1 begins in the independent city of Baldur's Vanthampur family, characters are likely to acquire the
Gate, where the characters find themselves trapped Shield oft he Hidden Lord as well as an infernal puzzle
behind the city's walls after the gates are sealed to keep box that they can't open. They might also liberate a spy
out hundreds of refugees from the neighboring land imprisoned in Duke Vanthampur's dungeon who works
ofElturgard. However, the gates can't hold back news for Sylvira Savikas, a tiefling expert on the Nine Hells.
that Elturgard's capital has fallen, and that Grand Duke Determined to thwart devil worshipers in positions of
Ulder Ravengard of Baldur's Gate is missing-lost on power throughout the Western Heartlands, Sylvira oper
a diplomatic mission to Elturel. The fact that Elturel's ates out of the library of Candlekeep and has spent years
misfortune coincided with Ravengard's visit bas left monitoring devil activity in Baldur's Gate, Elturel, and
Baldurians wondering whether Baldur's Gate will suffer the surrounding region. Her spies are after the puzzle
Elturel's fate. box, which is believed to contafo a copy of the fiendfah
The characters are drafted by the Flaming Fist, the contract Thavius signed to seal Elturel's doom.
army of mercenaries tasked with protecting Baldur's lf the characters wish to help Baldur's Gate further,
Gate. Without Grand Duke Ulder Ravengard to lead they must journey to the Nine Hells and rescue Ulder
them, the Flaming Fist mercenaries are little more than Ravengard from what's left of Elturel. The characters are
glorified thugs. The characters' orders are to help main urged to seek out Sylvira Savikas in Candlekeep. Sylvira
tain peace by rooting out and destroying followers of knows the secret to unlocking Thavius's puzzle box. She
Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul-evil gods collectively known can also facilitate the characters' descent into Avernus
as the Dead Three. These vile priests, assassins, and and provide them with a map (albeit an unreliable one).
necromancers are murdering city folk at random, and Sylvira advises characters to leave the Shield of the
the Flaming Fist is too distracted and disorganized Hidden Lord in her custody. However, there are benefits
to hunt them down and find their lair. In the course of to taking the shield with them, for Gargauth can guide
their investigation, the characters learn that the Dead them through the Nine Hells in ways others cannot. With
Three cultists are secretly being financed by Thalamra or without the shield, the characters depart Candlekeep
Vanthampur, one of three remaining dukes who preside and visit Sylvira's friend, Traxigor, a wizard who can
over the government ofBaldur's Gate, using money sto use the plane shift spell to get them to Elturel. At this
len from the hoard of Ti ama t, the evil queen of dragons wizard's tower, they meet a hollyphant (see page 237)
imprisoned in the Nine Hells. named Lulu.
ABOUT THE ADVENTURE
5
To THE NINE HELLS!
CHAPTER 1: A TALE OF 1\vo CITIES Chapter 2 opens with the characters' arrival in Elturel,
For characters ofl evels 1-4 which is anchored by enormous chains and trapped un
Pressed into service by the Flaming Fist, the char der the baleful light of the Companion. If the characters
acters seek out and destroy Dead Three cultists do nothing, the city will be pulled down into the River
who are threatening Baidu r's Gate. As the mach Styx and bound to the Nine Hells forever. Lulu tries her
inations of the Vanthampur family come to light, best to serve as the party's guide in Avernus, but the hol
the characters have a chance to confront Thavius lyphant's memories are fragmented. It becomes clear,
Kreeg, the architect ofElturel's downfall, before however, that Lulu has a personal connection to Zariel,
traveling to Candlekeep to unlock a mysterious dating back to the archdevil's former angelic existence.
puzzle box and gain safe passage to the Nine Hells. After scouring Elturel for survivors and clashing
with the denizens of Avernus, the characters en
I counter the valiant Ulder Ravengard, who has been
placed in the most unusual situation of defending a
city he has long opposed. The beleaguered Ravengard
CHAPTER 2: ELTUREL HAS FALLEl urges the characters to do whatever they can to free
For characters of levels 5-6 Elturel and return what's left of it to FaerOn. To do so,
they must scour Avernus for the means to destroy the
After befriending a hollyphant named Lulu, the
Companion or break the enormous chains that shackle
characters help survivors in Elturel, a city an-
that city, as described in chapter 3.
chored by chains above the River Styx on the first
Avernus has long been a battlefield in the never-end
layer of the Nine Hells, and search for_ Gr_and_ Du_ke ing Blood War. Apart from clashing demons and dev-
Ulder Ravengard of Baldur's Gate.
_.) ils, petty warlords scour the Avernian wastelands in
search of treasure. salvage, and fuel for their infernal
war machines. Characters who forge an alliance with
one warlord risk alienating the others. By acquiring
an infernal war machine, characters can travel quickly
CHAPTER 3: AVERNUS
across Avernus-a domain rife with tortured souls, war
For characters oflevels 7-10
mongers, and devils eager to tempt would-be heroes into
The characters venture across the wastelands of soul-corrupting deals.
Avernus in search of allies, face off against war The more time she spends with the characters, the
lords and fiends, and search for a way to destroy more Lulu begins to remember long-lost memories of
the Companion or break Elturel's chains. the Sword ofZariel, an angelic weapon with the power
to destroy the Companion. After Zariel's fall from grace,
r the sword was hidden in a stronghold called the Bleed
ing Citadel-a celestial sanctuary trapped in Avernus.
~ The quest for the sword forms the crux of chapter 4,
CHAPTER 4: SWORD OF ZARIEL leading to the revelation that Zariel can be redeemed.
For characters of levels 11-12 The characters' success doesn't hinge on acquiring
the Sword ofZ ariel or helping Zariel find redemption,
The Sword of Zariel might be the key to Elturel's
as Gargauth is quick to point out should the characters
salvation, but to get it, the characters must find the
consult with him. There are other ways to free Elturel,
Bleeding Citadel- a little slice of heaven trapped in
but only if the characters are willing to cut deals with
hell. After they unlock Lulu's memories and claim I
Avernus's most evil denizens. The characters might
the sword, the characters must decide who is fit to
broker a deal with the deposed archdevil Bel, who
wield such a powerful weapon of good. ____)
longs to supplant Zariel and regain his title as ruler of
Avernus. They might stoke the rage of a horrific demon
I
called Crokek'toeck and trick it into gnawing through
Elturel's chains. They might come to terms with an evil
I.
dragonborn paladin named Arkhan the Cruel, using
CHAPTER 5: ESCAPE FROM AVERNUS
him to broker a deal with Tiamat. By returning her sto
For characters ofl evels 13 and higher
len treasure, characters can convince Tiamat to break
The characters use the treasures they've acquired Elturel's chains.
and the deals they've made to free themselves and As tempting as such pursuits can be, the characters
Elturel from Avernus. Will they use the Sword must be careful, for devil deals, demon lords, and Tia
ofZariel or strike an infernal bargain to free the mat's rage number among the multiverse's greatest
planetar trapped in the Companion? Will they coax threats. Also, Zariel herself might become cross with
a demon into breaking Elturel's chains? Or will J the characters for daring to meddle in her diabolical
they cut a deal with the archdevil Zariel? affairs. How the adventure concludes depends on the
______. choices the characters make, the chaos they foment, and
the deals they forge, as discussed in chapter 5.
DIAGRAM 0.1: ADVENTURE fLOW, t<l\RT
ABOIJT THE ADV£NTUllE
ADVENTURE BACKGROUND Lulu. Zariel's other two generals, Olanthius and Haru
man, refused to leave Zariel's side. All three were cap
On the plane of Mount Celestia, the angel Zariel chas tured and sent to Nessus, the lowest of the Nine Hells.
tised her peers for not getting involved in the Blood War. There, Zariel was brought before Asmodeus, who wel
She felt that it was the responsibility of the angelic host comed her with open arms. The Lord of the Nine com
to destroy evil in the multiverse, rather than stand back mended Zariel for her battle prowess and the strength
and watch demons and devils annihilate one another, of her convictions. He offered her rulership of Avernus,
destroying vast swaths of the multiverse in the process. much to Bel's chagrin. By swearing fealty to Asmodeus
In defiance of her superiors, Zariel left Mount Celestia and the Nine Hells, Zariel could bring her rage to bear
and went to Elturel, where she rallied an army of war against the demons and continue to fight in the Blood
riors and trained them to fight in the Blood War. She War, with legions of devils under her command. Zariel
promised them that when they were ready, she would accepted Asmodeus's terms, completing her fall from
lead them into battle on Avernus. grace. Harurnan followed his master into damnation
Zariel led her army out of Elturel amid a throng of willingly and was transformed into a narzugon devil,
cheering well-wishers and proud citizens in 1354 DR. while Olanthius, who took his own life rather than bow
ln an epic charge known as the Ride, Zariers army en before Asmodeus, was brought back to serve as a death
tered Avernus and took the fight to the archdevi1 Bel and knight under Zariel's burning gaze.
his infernal legions. Many of Zariel's warriors fought
bravely, but for others, the horrors of the Nine Hells THE COMPANION
proved too great. They fled back through the portal, seal
Zariel never forgot her betrayers- those who ran from
ing it behind them and never revealing their shameful
the battlefield. She kept a close eye on Elturel, waiting
retreat and betrayal. The Hellriders. as they were called.
for the day when she could enact her revenge. Thar day
would wear this badge of shame to the grave.
came in 1444 DR, when Elturel was conquered by a
ZARIEL'S FALL vampire lord. A priest of Torm named Thavius Kreeg
appealed to any power to help him save bis holy city. In
Zariel lost more rhan her army on Avernus. She also lost that instant, Zariel emerged from a pillar of fire and of
a hand, which was severed in battle. As her sword fell to fered him a deal, which Thavius readily accepted.
the ground, Zariel ordered Yael, her most devoted gen In the sky over Elturel, a radiant sphere called the
eral, to take the weapon and hide it, so that the devils Companion appeared, blazing like a second sun. Pow
would not destroy or corrupt it. Yael took the sword and ered by a planetar imprisoned within it, the Companion
fled, along with Zariel's faithful hollyphant companion, bathed Elturel and the surrounding countryside in holy
ABOUT THE ADVENTURE
7
light which sent the vampire lord scrambling for the A devil that successfully corrupts a mortal gets the
shadows and laid waste to his undead army. Thavius infernal equivalent of a gold star and can eagerly expect
Kreeg, who took credit for summoning the Companion, a superior to take notice and give it the promotion it so
was hailed as the savior of the city and rose to become richly deserves. Meanwhile, when that mortal dies, its
its high overseer. Under Kreeg's decades-long rule, soul will find itself condemned to the Nine Hells where
Elturel embarked on a path to becoming not just a holy it twists into the form of a lemure (unless it's used for
city but the holy nation of Elturgard. some other morbid purpose). The devil doesn't care what
becomes of the souls it corrupts; it just wants to be pro
TuAVIUS'S BETRAYAL moted to a superior form of devil. That's how, over ages,
a lemure might become a pit fiend.
Thavius was told the exact time when the Companion
But devils do more than corrupt. They also fight in the
would cease to protect Elturel. In the weeks leacling up
Blood War. Asmodeus attests that serving in his infer
to this fateful hour, Thavius urged Grand Duke Older
nal legion is a holy honor. for in so doing a devil helps
Ravengard of Baldur's Gate to visit Elturel, to help settle
protect the multiverse from demonic destruction. While
some longstanding disputes between the two cities. Fac
that sounds impressive, most devils partake in the Blood
ing political pressure at home, Ravengard reluctantly
War only to distinguish themselves among their peers
acceded. After greeting Ravengard's delegation. Thavius
and move up the chain of command. Endlessly fighting
Kreeg fled Elturel in secret and watched from a safe dis
demons isn't what most devils signed up for.
tance as the Companion transformed from a racliant sun
If a devil dies somewhere other than the Nine Hells,
into a black orb awash with crackling energy. It ripped
it re-forms in the Nine Hells and is therefore not truly
Elturel from the Material Plane, transporting it and all
killed. However, a devil that is killed in the Nine Hells is
its inhabitants to Avernus. A few other city folk managed
dead forever; not surprisingly, that's why devils tend to
to escape before Elturel disappeared. Where it once be more cautious in their dealings al home than abroad.
stood, only a crater remains.
Disguised as a refugee, Thavius Kreeg was one of the DEVIL TRAITS
first of his people to arrive at Baidu r's Gate with news
of Elturel's "destruction." He slipped through the city's Common traits among devils include the following:
gates with the help of his influential friend, Duke Van Charm. Devils are consummate charmers. Like
thampur, and took refuge in her home. humans, some are better at it than others. The good
ones savor the exchange of pleasantries, speaking in
ROLEPLAYING DEVILS measured sentences or noticing pleasant details about
the environment or a character's clothing.
As the DM, you can play devils as humorous, aloof, bom
Patience. Devils are rarely in a rush to make a deal
bastic, conniving, or scatterbrained, but a general rule
or sign a contract. As masters of the long con. devils
to follow is this: devils have no desire to do good. When
make genuinely good deals with mortals to buy appre
dealing with mortals, devils are constantly figuring
ciation and trust that can be leveraged during more
out how to exploit and corrupt them, often behind thin
smiles of feigned concern and false charm. consequential dealings later on.
CiviJity. Devils like to pretend that they run by the same
rules and obey the same social conventions as mor
IMPORTANT REFERENCES tals. Devils have no problem appearing and acting
This adventure features the Nine Hells, which is described
in whatever manner they need to achieve their end
in chapter 2 of the Dungeon Master's Guide. Devils, being
goal- usually a contract for services or a soul. They've
the primary inhabitants of the Nine Hells, play prominent
learned that more can be gained from behaving in a
roles in this story. Before running the adventure, it's worth
taking the time to familiarize yourself with the "Devils" civilized manner than reacting angrily or violently.
entry in the Monster Manual, which not only describes Deviousness. Devils don't age, so there's rarely a sense
the most common types of devils but also explains their of urgency with a devil as it plots its conquest or cor
hierarchy, how they behave 1n accordance with their lawful ruption of a soul. This allows for winding schemes
evil alignment, what pleases and enrages them, and why that are rarely what they seem on the surface. For
they're scared of dying on their home plane. minor devils, a simple acceptance of an evil gift is
Stat Blocks. The Monster Manual contains stat blocks for enough, while greater devils enjoy tangling up charac
most of the monsters and non player characters (N PCs) ters in choices that compromise their values.
found in this adventure. Whenever this adventure presents
Unscrupulousness. Being evil and soulless, a devil can
a new monster or NP C, you'll find its stat block near the
not be embarrassed or shamed, doesn't feel guilt or
encounter in which it appears, or in appendix D. When a
creature's name appears in bold type, that's a visual cue remorse, and is prepared to do the most heinous acts
pointing you to the creature's stat block in the Monster to get what it wants.
Manual. If the stat block appears elsewhere, the adven Fear of Demotion. A devil that disappoints a superior
ture's text tells you where to find it. can be demoted, whereupon it's instantly transformed
Spells and Magic Items. Spells and nonmagical equip into a lesser form of devil. The greater the devil, the
ment mentioned in the adventure are described in the more it fears demotion and the loss of its power. Thus,
Player's Handbook. Magic items are described in the Dun a devil takes great pains to hide its failures or pin
geon Master's Guide, unless the adventure's text directs you
them on someone else.
to an item's description in appendix C.
ABOUT THE ADVENTURE
8
from Avernus's sky as burning meteors, and the land is
LIFE IN THE NINE HELLS
dotted with the ruins of palaces and idyllic gardens that
Much of the adventure takes place on the first layer of were obscenely beautiful in eons past.
the Nine Hells. This is not, to put it mildly, your run Fleeting reminders of this ancient paradise can come
of-the-mill D&D setting. The following tips and tricks to the characters in the following ways:
can help you make the characters' stay in Avernus a
• While traveling across Avernus, the characters
remarkable one.
glimpse a fantastic mirage: a grand palace or garden
oasis that vanishes when they get within 100 feet of it.
EVERYONE'S UNHAPPY
• A random character hears beautiful music or laughter,
The Nine Hells is a place of abject misery where no one catches the scent of Rowers or perfume, or experi
is happy. Weaker devils are exploited and tormented by ences a gentle caress. The sensation has no discern
their superiors. Stronger devils live in constant fear of ible source and fades after a few moments.
being passed over for promotion or demoted. Even when • The characters find a relic that survived the fall of par
something seems to go right, joy is fleeting and only adise, such as a beautiful vase or toppled statue. The
fuels suspicion that things are about to get much worse. first character to touch the relic experiences a fleeting
Such inescapable pessimism leads many creatures to moment of pure joy.
become apathetic and spiteful. They take perverse de
light in spreading their unhappiness like a contagion. ANYWHERE IS EVERYWHERE
You can remind players that the Nine Hells is a place
Geography warps at the whims of the Nine Hells. One of
of misery and suffering in the following ways:
the liberating aspects of this planar feature is that you
• In conversations with the characters, natives of the don't need to be fastidious about keeping track of where
Nine Hells like to bemoan their misfortune and blame locations are in relation to one another.
others for their horrible lives. While the spatial distortion can be unsettling to visi-
When a character accomplishes something, you can tors, it affords you the following benefits as a DM:
undercut that success in some small way. For exam
You can decide how long it takes for characters to get
ple, the character's belt might snap, or a hellish insect
from one place to the next. For example, the char
might sting the character on the neck and leave a welt.
acters might need to travel 6 miles to get from Fort
• If a character rolls a natural 1 on an attack roll made
Knucklebone to Haruman's Hill, and 60 miles to get
with a nonmagical weapon, you can decide that the
from Haruman's Hill back to Fort Knucklebone.
weapon breaks.
• If the characters are in a rush to get somewhere, an
imp could appear out of nowhere and, for the price of
EVERYTHING'$ AWFUL
a soul coin or other valuable item, show them a short
Avernus is insidious in the way it fosters greed and cut that halves the distance the characters must travel
makes visitors pay or barter for the things they need to to reach their destination.
survive. Most of the wildlife on Avernus is not edible to • The Wandering Emporium (see page 126) can show
mortals, and most sources of water are poisonous or up almost anywhere in the Nine Hells, at any time. If
otherwise tainted. The rarity of edible food and drink the players don't know where to go or what to do next,
able water encourages hoarding behavior. or if you want to surprise them with fun roleplaying
You can remind players about the awfulness of opportunities, have the Wandering Emporium ar
Avernus in the following ways: rive at the party's location. regardless of where they
• Any food or drink the characters bring with them saw it last.
or conjure by magic retains its nutritional value but
THAT PERSONAL TOUCH
tastes awful when eaten or imbibed on Avernus. The
food tastes like ash, the water tastes like bile, and the There are simple ways in which you can tailor the ad
wine tastes like spoiled milk. venture to make Avernus an even more hellish place for
If the characters want something that tastes good, your particular band of adventurers. Consider using the
they must buy it from licensed sellers such as Mahadi following methods to customize your party's experience:
the rakshasa, who runs a restaurant called Infernal
• Learn what scares the characters. At the start of the
Rapture (see page 129). The price of a good-tasting
adventure, ask each player to provide you with a note
meal is always a bit too high.
of three things their character fears. Save these until
• If a character commits a selfish act, you can reward
the party reaches the Nine Hells, then use them to
that selfishness by granting that character inspiration
customize the terrors that populate Avernus.
(as described in chapter 4 of the Player's Handbook).
• Keep a list of the flaws that the players selected when
Unlike regular inspiration, the benefit can't be trans
they first created their characters, so that you can re
ferred to another creature.
mind the players of these faults when situations arise
to test them. For example, a character with the Folk
PARADISE LOST
Hero background might have the flaw, "I'm quick to
Before the Blood War reduced it to a blasted wasteland, assume that someone is trying to cheat me." Let the
Avernus was a honey trap created by Asmodeus, a par player wrestle with this flaw during negotiations with
adise of infinite delights designed to lure and enrapture devils and other denizens of Avernus.
mortals. Fragments of this lost paradise still plunge
ABOUT THE ADVENTURE
9