Chapter 1: The Avernus Job [First Layer of Hell]

[RorytheRomulan]

Ryld inspects the fare that he bagged from gutting the chickens, hoping the trip would not be too long. He steps onto the boat and sits facing the Ferryman. When everyone is onboard, he gives their destination to the boat captain: "The Mirror of Mephistopheles."

[ManWithDoor]

The paladin has nothing else to add to the Destination that Ryld stated. He finds a steady seat to set himself for the journey. If things get turbulent he does not want to end up in the River Styx. He wants to keep his sanity and individuality, thank you very much.

[Shurijo]

The ferryman lifts the chain holding the vessel to the dock. He remains quiet as he guides the boat downstream of the River Styx. As you move, you notice various towers in various states of ruin along the banks of the river. Horrifying creatures of unknown origins linger at the edges of the river and overhead.

In what feels like an hour, or many hours to some, the ferryman changes course to the northern bank of the river. As the ship nears the coast, he steps out of the ferry, grabs its chain and begins to pull it ashore, so the occupants would not need to wade through the treacherous river.

Standing on the shore, the ferryman simply points in a direction where everyone now notices a great glacier of ice. The ice is wedged at the end of a craggy ravine. While the journey to the glacier will take several minutes to an hour, it is highly visible and stands out among the red hellscape surrounding it.

The ferryman lifts his hourglass, indicating the group has only spent a quarter of the purchased time.

~~

Tome, the warforged, steps out of the vessel and states, "It is remarkable that ice can be found in Avernus. It must be the work of a powerful sorcerer. We should tread carefully."

"It is written, many mortals confuse Mephistopheles with Asmodeus. This angers Mephistopheles. Let us not make the same mistake of identity."

[RorytheRomulan]

"Sure thing." Ryld steps out of the boat and gawks at the ice. "And what's the proper form of address for an archfiend?"

[Shurijo]

Tome turns to reply to Ryld's question saying, "I do not believe Mephistopheles would meet with us. I hate to guess, but I would imagine we would meet with an emissary who would relay any messages. The correct form of address would be Archdevil Mephistopheles, lord of Cania."

[RorytheRomulan]

"Thank you. I'll lead the way. Something tells me that ice won't be thin or weak, but let me know if any cracks start to form. Especially you, Tin Man."

ooc

Ready. Survival to guide the group over the ice.

[ManWithDoor]

The Paladin carefully follows, cognizant of his own added armor weight and the dangers inherent with traveling on ice. With dignity he decides not to take offense at Tome's suggestion that he might be one to confuse Mephistopheles with his own Lord Asmodeus. Given the competitive acrimony between the two, mis-identifying one or the other would not be good for one's lifespan.

[Shurijo]

The group hurries onwards towards the giant slab of ice wedged at the end of a craggy ravine. Through its surface, you glimpse a glacial landscape draped in snow. The surface stands 20-foot-tall and acts as a mirror of ice. The group draws closer and closer.

OOC

You are far enough away that you don't see your own reflection, but close enough to see the ice. Proceed forward?

[RorytheRomulan]

ooc

Proceed

[ManWithDoor]

Log'thar picks up handfuls of loose ice and rubs down his armor and shield, cleaning off any dirt or debris from the road. He wipes off the moisture with a clean cloth from his pack, especially rubbing down the symbol of Asmodeus on his shield. Best to present oneself as professionally as possible when attempting to converse with the Rulers of Hell, even if through an underling intermediary. They want to be taken seriously, not be thought of as fools or prey. He fully intends to make a good first impression.

"Shall we? No point in stopping now, we have work to do." Satisfied with his appearance, he continues towards the Mirror.