[IC] [Dead Thread]

[The Grey Dust]

A strange sight to behold,
Here in the straddled plane,
The four good men of old,
Gathered to talk again.

Caught between the planes, the source where all dead go, into the Waters of this world. Woven the connections between the realms, every realm touched by the flowing strings which gathers the spirits of the dead to their proper place. A vast network, the envy of the spider and the silk worm, threaded by the hands of the Outer Ones who sit at the fringes of reality, watching the events unfold to the smallest microcosm. To them, these Outer Ones, this world is naught but a nexus, a node for which these lines tangle into a knot. To us, it is the center of our existence.

So what of these rivers through the worlds? What purpose do they have? When a person dies, their moral coil shall fade, but their spirit is eternal. Their last breath often times considered the breaking of the tethered between body and soul. Some find no rest and are forced by the powers that be to roam the cosmos, travelling upon these twisting waterways, wandering until they come to find the burning truth. Then they shall be judged, and be sorted. Some go to the Heavens, the higher planes from which the Immortal Gods transcend them into a second life of their own paradise. Or at least that is how the Heavens are often described, yet for the myriad of Gods who influence the world, each has their own personal piece of the astral planes as variable as the Gods themselves. For those who were deemed unworthy of the gods, then they shall be relinquished into the earth and dragged into Hell for their punishment proper. Hell which sits upon mortal world, the entrance a den marked forbidden by the gods with wards and barriers upon seals and curses. It is no place for the living, a simple cave in the far barren north, from which a frozen river runs deep into the mouth of the innocent cave.

And there, an odd sight, of three figures sitting at a table. Draped in white tablecloth, four chairs bearing three men, a small feast of sugary snacks lain before them. Four sets of teacups, white to match the single tea pot, napkins and a porcelain spoon, a definitive meeting of distinctive gentlemen. The first dressed in brilliant red, a fine cap he wore atop his fiery head of hair, brows alight on fire as he lifted the teapot in his hand. The second dressed in somber black, a haggard looks upon his dusty coat, a scowl upon his face as he dropped the tea leaves into the pot. The third was dressed in blue, with golden curls of hair and a smile across his face as he filled the pot with water. And the fourth came in like a whisper, dressed in white, long robes like veil, dragging behind his form as he sighed to reach for a cup. All Four where assembled now, the tea poured out in fair amounts and for this moment: time itself seemed to stopped.

"So it begins, another round of the game." The One in blue jested while he sipped his share.

"So it has, Eternity. What of these champions come to fetch a stone?" The man in black asked.

"They shall be judged worthy of claiming it or not by the Nine, Justice." The crimson one nodded along.

"And if they fall, I, Death, shall catch them." The last spoke with a tired voice, and vanished as quickly as he came.

"Then I shall await them here at the mouth of Hell. Tell your friends upstairs to remember to give their action figures and dolls my standard fee will you, Morality?"

---

Shadows loam the scene. Seven in all, murky depths reflected in to the floating mirrors. A spell cast into each, and the depths of Hell revealed from within it. Not all are happy to hear

"Your scry mirror greatly offends me."

"Agreed, cease spying upon my kingdom."

"Adam, to what do I owe this appearance?"

"Indeed, it is supper time after all."

"Take your time, it will be more entertaining than watching these amateurs"

"Well, as the other two speak not, the River has told me that we should expect visitors. The Gods have opened up their games once more. We cannot let them awaken the Ninth. Our tenuous pact must be invoked... The first task is yours King. Do not fail us."

---

A single gold coin, inscribed with the symbol of a God. Six coins of purest gold, blessed and minted for Six champions. Through the will of divinity would they find their ways into the hands of the chosen. Champions of the Gods, demigods in their own right, worshiped and feared amongst mortal men. For centuries the machinations of fate had kept these tokens from the hands of their fated redeemers. Yet now it shall all come to a close, and each coin find their way to where they belong.

Perhaps one will be found hidden amongst the hoard of a vanquished enemy. Another perhaps given by some earthly ruler as a tribute from their coffers. How the story begins is a tale of its own, started at the end of the journey. Listen to the coin as it commands, the voice of your God shall speak and direct you to meet at the Gates of Hell, pay the Ferryman and retrieve what lies at the bottom of Hell to join your god in the Heavens as an equal.

Your Quest Begins.
Don't be late.

[Bishop]

Making his way through the frozen wastes of the north, walking through the snow, that being as easy as walking in solid ground, Talændrel advanced towards his destination. Almost void of feelings like cold or the need for sleep, food, water, those being more of a luxury, coming as a benefit from the countless souls that reside within him, constantly powering him and providing him with energy that would otherwise be obtained by simple acts such as sleeping, eating or drinking.

He was given clear instructions on the whereabouts of the location he was supposed to reach, also accompanied by these words coming from Solstyr himself:"Reach the entrance, pass the trials and emerge triumphant, only then shall you be deemed worthy to stand beside me, all the treasures in existence shall be ours and we standing as allies shall overrule all other deities that stand in the way of ME achieving the ultimate title and position as THE GOD OF GODS."-With this words, Talændrel started his quest on achieving HIS current goal of changing the world for the better. Not being as ambitious as to want claims on the Ultimate Ruler's position, for everyone knows that, ultimately, too much ambition will lay waste to all that oneself has achieved. Talændrel would have fulfilled his goal by becoming God, aiming no higher as he WOULD be above every other deity right after Solstyr.

He could have been walking for hours ,or even days, on end and wouldn't have noticed. Never a second of inner rest, as all the voices of the souls he had gathered, came rushing through his mind. One could mistake a-still-conscious's-soul's-thoughts for his own, that practically leading to that soul taking over, but Talændrel has an unmatched strength of self-preservation , rivaling even that of the Gods, that helps him put HIS existence and thoughts above all other sentient souls that are residing in his body.

Talændrel stopped abruptly, now searching for the location as depicted by his Patron God. Suddenly, he felt a more "intense" cold seeming that he must've entered another realm or passed a barrier. Immediately taking notice of a cave, almost hidden as the ice mountains were reflected perfectly in the still water. If it wasn't for the figure dressed in blue sitting in a chair, it WOULD be completely hidden. Getting closer to the figure in the cave, he could see it more clearly now, IT, being a man dressed in blue, with golden curls of hair, sitting in a chair, apparently waiting while looking at me. Now, the only thing that stood between him and me, was a frozen water stream that acted as a passageway to the cave. Upon stepping on it and looking below his feet, he saw countless souls being dragged with the stream towards the cave. Looking up again to the man in blue, he saw that his attention now was captured by the distant figures traversing the frozen wastes, seemingly approaching this destination, and possibly with the same quest as Talændrel. He passed the frozen pathway of souls, now standing directly in front of the "being" in blue, as only now did Talændrel feel the presence that emanated from it, waiting for what comes next.

[Natsucooldude]

A robed horseman rode steadfastly through the frozen landscape, clothed in a warm if somewhat unsightly fur coat. Adrian thought back to how he had come upon this road. Of the thirty and one ducats he had been granted as salary. They had served him and his family well. His father was a keen investor, and with the riches brought home by his son, he had turned their miserably little farmhouse into a respectable estate. Sometimes adrian pondered the people that now worked for them... How many of them could have been mistaken for him just two and a half years ago.

Now though, that was all a memory, of the original lump of money, a single coin remained. A most curious coin at that. Adrian had kept the coin by his bed as a keepsake of sorts. Ever since, he had been visited regularly by prophetic dreams. Unclear and scattered at first, a pattern soon emerged. There was always a river, a cave, and a fearsome dark place. What it meant became clear when adrian discussed the matter with the local chaplain. He told him an old story, of coins minted by the gods leading to a veritable gauntlet, of the few chosen by the gods called to this challange... And of those brave and valorous enough to survive becoming the equals of gods in power as well as name.

He had mulled the matter over many times. He had corresponded with his lords and his fellow cavaliers. And they had given their blessing ofr the endeavour. He had been informed his family would be cared for in the event he failed. He had left his escort behind in the last town before the approach towards the gates. They would not be accomapnying him on this journey.

And like that, he too entered the cave. There were others already there, a robed figure with a certain power to it. And an infamous character he had heard about all too well. "So... the collector was called on this endeavour too then?" Adrian sighed. If all of his companions on this quest would be people of this caliber, he was gonna have quite a hell of a time.

[Wyverntamer]

A man walked through the frozen landscape, not clothed at all, except a small face mask covering his mouth. Nerrar hated this feeling, or rather, the lack of it, across his body. He wondered, what had he done to offend the gods to gain this fate cursed upon him. He hadn't known his parents, and the people who were there for him when he grew up, they didn't know about his curse.

This time, not a single curse would stop him, he would become the god of Curses and Blessings, and he would require a heavy fee for when someone wanted to use his magic. A very hefty fee. Renro had pointed him to the place he was going now, this is where he could gain the power he wanted. Renro was the closest thing Nerrar had to a friend, and he knew it was kind off sad, that he couldn't even interact with said friend.

"Ah, there it is." He said in his usual voice, one that sounded like it was made with crashing rocks together and wheezing through it. He walked into the cave and took off his face-mask. "Well, what would we have here, the Collecter is here." He said without looking at the Collector's face. "My soul is not for you to use." He then turned to the other man. "The name is Nerrar, Nerrar Krondra, the Un-Living, unfortunately."

[Wraithblade6]

It was a day of mourning for the followers of Iomedae, the day of a holy, solar eclipse. It was a day to be spent in solemn reverence. No work was to be done, no battles fought, and the devout were to return to their families and show their faith by endurance. It was on such a day, 37 years ago, that Eclipse had been born, and thus he had been named for such an omen, with the hope to prove the statement that only in great darkness can light be at its brightest.

Eclipse was a renown hero in Kenebres, his home city, and to him, it seemed like he always had been. The city was also home to the high circle, the leaders of his order, and thus it had needed special protection. Oracles and astrologists foretold of an esoteric evil that would befall this day. Some angel would fall, some demon would rise, or some war would be declared... the exact nature of the evil was still unknown, but nevertheless, the order had taken preparations.

Eclipse was outside at the temple when the vision came to him. Iomedae herself, made of embodied light, appeared to him from above and spoke to him, calling him by name. Eclipse was overwhelmed with awe and joy and gave her all his most serious attention. She told him several things. One, that most of her knights grew up, fought for the truth, the light, and the way, and served their goddess' will. They would live a life of loyalty and devotion, having begotten more children by inspiration than by procreation, but then they would eventually die, as mortals do, often in battle, raising their sword arm high in glorious final salute, giving hope and inspiration to all around them in great Iomedae's image. Finally, as a reward, they would be allowed to pass into Celestia, to an eternal peaceful rest basking in the warmth of the goddess' light. However, such would not be the case for Eclipse.

Eclipse was speechless with concern at this. Surely he would not fail his beloved goddess!

"I will bestow upon you one final task, my knight. For the sake of the light, you must depart from me and go to find what lies at the bottom of hell. Pay the ferryman. You will endure many tests beyond your imagination. Yet if you are true and faithful, you will have allies. What you search for is a thing of immeasurable power. Go to the cave, to the north. Find Eternity, Morality, Justice... When you find it, you will know what to do with it." As the vision faded, Eclipse found a gold coin bearing the sun-sword symbol before him.

The goddess was wise, even more than almost all other gods. Eclipse knew she had revealed to him only what was necessary and no more. Anything she left out was for good reason. Eclipse spent his time until the sun finally sank beyond the horizon in fasting, prayer, and contemplation, but then it was time for preparation. As the sun rises, a beautiful longsword flies to his hand.

That was a month ago. Now, Eclipse was in the northern wilderness: two horses, one squire. Finally they had reached their destination and dismounted. From the cave, the silvery plated knight with a blue and gold cloak could be seen embracing his cohort before sending him and the horses both off. He marched against the wind to the gathering in the cave.

The malicious wind dissipated from around him as the knight stepped inside, but such long white hair framed not a face of lines and suffering, but a youthful visage with angelic light blue eyes. Nerrar would be instantly offended. Adrian would see a far smaller warrior than himself daring to bear an image of the holy sun, but with a sword over top of it pointing downward. Talændrel most of all could feel the aura of good from this new "man," if he truly was one, as it both sparked an inkling of hope in the ever elusive true-goodness that humanity is supposedly capable of, and at the same time, a twinge of cynicism and repulsion for such manipulative illusions. Surely he, who could read souls, would be able to tell the truth in him.

Approaching, the white knight lifted his hands to show that they were empty. "Hail friends. Do not be alarmed. I come in peace." He announced in a warm and even voice. Eclipse as of yet did not know exactly who was gathered here, so he elected to be as diplomatic as possible. Walking closer, his blue eyes met the those of everyone in the room. He did not recognize Nerrar with his strange rocky exterior, nor the grey haired man with the katana who seemed to emminate a negative vibe, but he appeared to withhold his judgement. The marked knight with the lance and the eagle-like helm resembled stories he had heard, but he wasn't sure if tales alone were accurate. The man in the blue, sitting at the table, struck him as some kind of Fey creature, so he knew he this was probably the place. It appeared there was a gathering of heroes.

Honest as a paladin, Eclipse stood in full view, bearing the symbols of the Inheritor upon his plate and formerly introduced himself. "My name is Eclipse. I come in the name of the wise, righteous, and merciful Iomedae, and I seek to pass through the gates of Hell and return."

[Tyki]

Kalico watched the assorted figures gather atop a great hill, the blisteringly cold winds whipping faithfully through his fur as his eyes studied the dangers and potential targets before him, his judgment suggesting an offensive from the shadows before he found something that instantly made his cool head blaze like a great inferno; a Man that stank of holiness, A paladain, a blatant, sterotypical "good guy godling". His eyes shoot open fully, the irises blazing with the tiny, atomically sized words of "command" that the imprisoned titan had forced on him as eclipse could feel killing intent blazing intently even from such a great distance, his eyes being drawn to meet the beastman's, his silhouette and multi-colored, glowing eyes being all he could see from such a great distance.

After a brief instant of immobility, eclipse could see the figure perched aloft the cliff simply step off, the wind seeming to carry him like wings until he was clashing weapons with them, a cat-like face mere inches from his as the snow on the banks of the river are whipped up and back, flowing up towards the sky after a few feet before forming into a vaugely humanoid appearence, soot forming it's face before it curled backwards and made a motion as if flinging something forwards, a hail of ice shards parting the two from their moment of lethal intimacy, Kalico landing on a sturdy branch in the surrounding evergreens, a bar of metal held over one eye in a defensive stance, his other hand behind him as he eyes up his competition, leaving the frost elemental to be dealt with by those that had been left

While kalico and eclipse had their small spat and said cat man got comfortable in the tree, the frost creature took the time to gather the surrounding snow and slush, growing and developing steadily at a remarkable rate, it's prey having eluded it for the time being, though, Kalico had at least been kind enough to lead it to new prey

[Weird Tales]

Uxzan kept his fur cloak close to his body as the strong winds blew about the freezing snow and he was thankful to Inrik that his people were so adept to the cold northern environment. This was going to an easy quest and he wondered where the message that his god had given him would take him. No matter if the great and power Inrik desired for him be a part of this quest then it was his duty to see it done. His eyes soon spotted the cave and he felt fresh new determination more powerful than before rise up within him. Totem spirit moved along beside and kept his eyes out for any danger in the surrounding area.

Finn then focused his glowing red eyes on the cave and Uxzan picked up his pace as they came closer to the cave. He wondered if there were anyone who would partaking on this quest. His spiritual perception could pick up what looked like spiritual energy coming from the cave and it looked like a match for the description given to him. As he approached the gave his mind thought about the rough training he went through as a child to be a great warrior and the amount of time he spent trying to make himself stronger. Dreams, goals and honor were among some of the core principles of being a proper warrior.

It would someday be his time to rise up and become a great warrior god like Inrik. With those powers he would never have to worry about being weak and no more of his tribe would have to fear death from their enemies. The memories of the terrible death that befell his tribe still lingered greatly in his head and he would make sure that those who sought justice from unlawfulness would be avenged. With new determination Uxzan approached the cave and entered it. He saw that there were others already there and he remembered the message vaguely mentioning that there would be others on this quest.

"Greetings. I am Uxzan of the Inovik tribe" he said to them formally and giving a polite bow.

[Bishop]

He saw 4 figures approaching them from different locations, 1 additional one was lurking in the shadows on top of an ice mountain. The second person to reach the location was a knight clad in armor, a helmet resembling the peak of a bird atop his head and the sigil of the winged general emblazoned in his chestplate. That combination of armor and equipment, and those green eyes, Talændrel remembered, or to better put it, the Sultan ,among many others, slain by this man remembered. As the Sultan was one of the souls he had siphoned while traversing the once-was battlezone, Talændrel also had free access to his key memories like he had to every soul he absorbed. The one memory that Talændrel was forced to experience were the last moments of each soul he added to his collection, experiencing their feelings(including pain) was also a part of the deal in order to attain/keep his power, and the more intense the feeling was, the longer the memory lingered. But such a fee was hardly a payment in return for the power Talændrel possessed. The Sultan must've experienced quite a defeat and humiliation for the memories to be triggered like this, as the Sultan was still a part of Talændrel, although that was the furthest a soul could influence him. And the heavier the rage a soul experiences during its last moments, the more power Talændrel can draw from it.
"I could say that I am grateful to you, for many humans have met their end by your hands, humans which I delightfully harvested their retched souls. Oh, what fine specimens came from your wars."- Talændrel said, his voice being gruff, compromised out of all the souls in his possession, forming a korus of the damned. Hearing a voice like that would send anyone chills down their spine.

Seeing as the next guest arrived, being a one-eyed big pile of rock more than anything, saying to Talændrel:"My soul is not for you to use."- then addressing the other one knows as The Golden Cavalier, as learnt from the Sultan's memories, saying:"The name is Nerrar, Nerrar Krondra, the Un-Living, unfortunately." He had a rather plain look to him, except for his single eye, mouth and a necklace which clearly stood out above his rock body. Ignoring his words, Talændrel looked out into the frozen wastes, another "Champion of God" was coming toward them, while all the time still keeping an eye in the ever-so-lurking-one. His armor reflecting even the slightest source of light, clever tactic for winning 99% of all the fights against eye-dependant enemies during daytime, also decorated with multiple symbols of a sword and sun. The nearer he got, the more unsettled his souls became, still not even close to the point of making a slight difference. He approached, hands lifted, saying:"Hail friends. Do not be alarmed. I come in peace.". Now standing in front of Talændrel, he could feel the pureness in his soul, although like everything else, nothing is completely pure in the true meaning of the word. Fears nested in this man's heart, deep ones, fears that ultimately lead to corruption within. Potential for turning, all visible from his radiating soul. The more something shines of goodness and purity, the darker it can become. "My name is Eclipse. I come in the name of the wise, righteous, and merciful Iomedae, and I seek to pass through the gates of Hell and return."- he added. That name seemed familiar, he was sure he had heard it somewhere but what legendary deeds did he accomplish to be taken noticed of by Talændrel? Eclipse...*a slight grin formed in Talændrel's face* this guy allegedly banished a demigod, stopping him from destroying a "continent"? The "pure" idiocy in claiming that achievement, if wiping a continent was possible BY ANY MEANS*, Talændrel would have found out for sure, harvesting that ability to erase every human from the planet's surface without the need to attain Godhood. A much faster way that smitting every impure sentient creature(all humans) on the planet, both leading to the same results.

The last guest joined in the party, presenting himself as "Uxzan of the Inovik tribe" while bowing down a little, surely to express his respect in hopes for a good start. Although he should know, that there is never a "real" good start with the human species. It's all superficial good-person-behaviour while if they were to be honest, they would leave you dying/stab you in the back the first chance they got, as that, is the truth in human nature. Also not paying much heed to the latest newcomer, Talændrel turned to look at the still-"hiding"-figure, noticing it starting to make a move.

Suddenly, the lurking one, who had been hiding patiently all this time, descends from his hiding spot, apparently gliding through the air, and straight out into attacking Eclipse. Unphased by this sudden attack, Talændrel watched as the 2 demi gods clashed weapons. Not seconds later, an ice elemental, seemingly coming out of nowhere, (maybe formed in the spot?) , launched a series of ice shards homing toward them. Both able to dodge in time with the feline assailant backing away with a backwards flip. The giant ice elemental now turning towards the rest of the group, all seemingly ready in battle positions while Talændrel, completely ignoring it, simply turned to the being in blue and said:"Anything of relevance we should know about this adventure in hell that we will be partaking in?"

[Natsucooldude]

There was a flash of color, and the sound of people clashing for a fight. Adrian turned around to see the paladin accosted by a... beastly being of some sort. It backed down soon enough, but another monster had followed in its stead. An elemental monster of snow and ice... nothing adrian hadn't seen before. "Are you trying to impress anyone with that pointless display?" he bellowed as he drew his saber and shield. He wouldn't even need to be mounted for something this relatively weak.

The ice elemental was a pretty typical specimen of its kind. A benign force of nature, twisted and perverted by dark forces. Presumably said dark force was the beastman that had just made his unmistakeable entrance. The frosty being gnashed and sputtered at adrian in a vain attempt to intimidate its foe.

Adrian was not impressed, in factn he simply smirked at the beast. He rapped his shield, seemingly inviting it to strike first. The elemental let out a final roar and struck at adrian with its claws of icicles. With a clang, its blow struck his shield, a sharp screech was heard as adrian pushed against the powerful arms of the elemental, and finally, with another clang, adrian threw the elemental's arm aside and pushed through, delivering a solid shield bash to the elemental's torso.

"Heh, just as I thought, all bark and no bite" Adrian said, as he slashed at the elemental with his saber. As the blade gained momentum, sparks of lightning ran across it's length. With a sizzling sound, the weapon buried itself in the elemental's arm. It lost little momentum tearing through the snow, and even the icy core of the limb couldn't stand up to the divine power put behind the attack. The monster screeched as its arm severed from its body. Without mercy, Adrian swung again, sweeping the monster's legs out from under it.

The situation was much different now. adrian loomed over the fallen ice elemental, much like the elemental had loomed over him just a few moments ago. The being tried desperately to reform its severed limbs and crawl away from adrian. But the cavalier was having none of that. He silently raised his saber to the sky and sliced through the center of the elemental with a wicked diagonal strike. He knew the beings were weak at the center, like knocking the central pillar out of a tower. the elemental, vertically bisected by the attack, fell apart in shards of ice and clumps of snow. It didn't appear it would return from that attack.

After all that, adrian turned to the rest of the group and pointed his saber at the beastman. "Now don't try anything funny like that while we're down there... or you'll be next.

[The Grey Dust]

Assembled now, this plane's Mightiest heroes. Well perhaps not all were heroes, some good, some less good, and others simply follow their own sense of what is good. Certainly an interesting array of beings, all demigods, numbering six, and one uninvited guest. In these barren lands, where hardly any vegetation grows, the trees which appear here are naught but frozen over in the eternal frost. It was not as much as the driving snowstorms or biting windchill which made it a place for only the brave or foolish, but rather the guardian of this place which made it difficult to breach. Or perhaps a place for the damned, as they enter into the cave, their spirits being caught in the current beneath the river of ice. There were five of them once, forces of reality which manifested themselves long before the first Ascension. The Gods themselves were mortals once, but with their dealings with these elder entities, became what they are today. So too perhaps will history repeat itself, or perhaps not.

"You are all late, well, everything is late for me. Nothing is early, but everything is certainly late." The man in blue greeted the gang of would-be gods. He was dressed in rather strange attire, something of an anachronism for the setting, as he wore a navy blue suit, a business suit which belonged on some sort of gameshow-host, along with a light blue bowtie and white shirt, certainly something unseen in the current fashions of this reality. But alas, a being such as Eternity was not bound by the standard conventions of Time was it now? After all, it is Time itself.

But enough rambling on, there was an interruption which needed to be dealt with, a rather pesky ice elemental had followed Calico, one of the six chosen emissaries of their gods. With six half-divines here, this twisted work of sentient elemental magic, would be more of kicking down a snowman with a wrecking ball. Laughably easy, although Eternity preferred not to waste time on dealing with such trivial affairs, it seems that the Golden Calvary had vanquished the creature without even breaking a sweat, nor batting an eye, merely threatening the assumed perpetrator of the monstrosity.

"So let's try that again, Welcome! Welcome Champions of the Gods!" A moment of deja vu, as if time unwove itself and rewove itself to the point just before all of them arrived and the man in blue greeted them. Yet, nothing happened to the timeline itself, despite the strange sensation all six would feel in their perception and sensations of reality. "You are all late, well, everything is late for me. Nothing is early, but everything is certainly late."

"So what menagerie they have sent us this time, The Northern Avenger, The Stone, The White Knight, The Golden Cavalier, The Wind Demon, and The Collector. I do hope you will all get to know each other better through this, for fortune or worse." The man in blue flashed a smile, one worthy of a televised presidential candidate. He seemed to talk quiet a bit, but then again he did have all the time in the world. "But enough idle chatter, toss your coins into the river as your fee and the Barriers will allow you to pass, once payment is given. Simple right?"

The frozen river had a rather thick layer of ice upon it, which must be breached in order to do such a task. Beneath the ice, the coins of other champions long forgotten from times past lay submerged beneath the flow of souls. They were clearly not the first to attempt this, nor perhaps would they be the last. Yet as perilous as it was to become a god, the reward was far greater than anything one could imagine. Only five entities could surpass the might of a God. Here was one of them, set like a blue charmer as it walked upon the frozen pathway towards the mouth of the cave.

"But to answer your question Collector, simply look at those gone before you, and you are free to return those souls to me at any time, who are you after all, to judge where you have no right to? I am certain a friend of mine would have a vendetta against you, but he will enjoy watching you squander your souls before claiming your own should you fall like the others." An ominous warning? or perhaps just something to frighten them? What would unnerve a demigod? Certainly not death, or was it death? And for that reason they chose to become a god?

"Just follow the river, and it will guide you through each layer, I used to do a whole schtick about what to expect, but I'm sure you six can manage it. Oh and did I forget to mention? I no longer actually ferry the champions anymore, but my Boat lies in the frozen river, not on it like a floating boat would, but in it. Just at the mouth of the cave once you enter, I suggest you unsink it, it is the only thing which will allow you to pass through the invisible walls between the layers which segregate the damned. I'll be waiting for you back here, once you succeed in fetching the prize. Well, assuming there is at least one of you left to bring it back. If not I suppose you will be damned to the particular layer when you die.

And with that, the man in blue melted into the frozen river, becoming one with the waters as the champions were given their last good piece of advice before they were to venture into hell. One step at a time, across the icy path, to find the boat waiting for them below. The cave was inviting as the grave, cold and dark, lit by nothing as this was only the foyer of Hell, deeper still was the first true layer, Limbo, a place for souls, a quiet forest of the dead, where the somber spirits wisp about speaking of their miseries in death. Yet to get there, they would need to raise the boat up from the river, and once again break the ice. But to bear the load of the old Grecian ship would be difficult, let alone one sitting in the torrent of flowing slows. The first puzzle was clear, a team-building exercise that it may be.

[Natsucooldude]

Adrian had stood down when the robed figure had begun its speech. After all, it was quite rude to have weapons drawn while lsitening to the speech of your host. From the tone of the speech, it could be inferred that the trip would be grave and dangerous... even for those of Adrian's pedigree. "Follow the river, don't die... Easy enough. Though I do suppose the journey itself won't be as simple as it sounds."

Then, the boatman presented everyone with their first task. "Wait, I don't know how to..." The ancient being had already made its leave. "Sail a a boat." It seemed he would be finding out how boats worked today. He looked to the side, and to the coins glistening on the river bed. Throw the coins into the river... The bloody thing was frozen. Adrian decided to do something about that. He reached ovzer his shoulder and retrieved the decorated lance hanging diagonally on his back. With a grunt, he planted the weapon in the ice. WIth a thunderclap, a good-sized hole was created, large enough to put the money through. "Alright people, time to pay up... I'm not going to be this rough with the boat by the way, wouldn't want a hole in it before we've even begun our journey, now would I?"

He retrieved the golden coin from his purse. For a moment, he flipped it around and around in his hands, questions flying through his head. Would there be no going back once he threw the coin to the river? Would people remember his legacy if he failed this gauntlet? Would his family remain propserous? Finally, he cast the coin to the waters. The pure gold quickly sank to the bottom of the river. Whatever the answers to these questions were, they weren't important anymore. He was committed now... Victory or death it would be. "So... anyone have any ideas on how to cut that boat free without destroying it in the process?"

[Bishop]

After the elemental was dealt with, the man in blue finally spoke. He greeted all of us and told Talændrel and the others to toss their coins, showing the connection to their Gods, into the river in order for passage to be granted.

"But to answer your question Collector, simply look at those gone before you, and you are free to return those souls to me at any time, who are you after all, to judge where you have no right to? I am certain a friend of mine would have a vendetta against you, but he will enjoy watching you squander your souls before claiming your own should you fall like the others."- the "man" in blue replied. Vendetta against Talændrel? As if that would concern him, as long as the one who had a vendetta against him didn't interfere in his plans then there was nothing to worry about.

"Just follow the river, and it will guide you through each layer, I used to do a whole schtick about what to expect, but I'm sure you six can manage it. Oh and did I forget to mention? I no longer actually ferry the champions anymore, but my Boat lies in the frozen river, not on it like a floating boat would, but in it. Just at the mouth of the cave once you enter, I suggest you unsink it, it is the only thing which will allow you to pass through the invisible walls between the layers which segregate the damned. I'll be waiting for you back here, once you succeed in fetching the prize. Well, assuming there is at least one of you left to bring it back. If not I suppose you will be damned to the particular layer when you die."-the "man" further added. This guy wasn't making things any easier. Why did he even wait for them there? He could've just as well left a note explaining what to do within a short sentence. Glancing one more time towards the river, all the souls being dragged into their final destination, Talændrel suddenly realized that the souls could freely pass through the ice, same thing could apply to the boat and maybe even the coins. Using that same logic his weapon arsenal could pass through it...

Before Talændrel could act his idea, The Golden Cavalier approached the river and planted his lance in the ice. With a thunderclap, a good-sized hole was created, large enough to put the money through. That was one solution, although as the coin was tossed into the just-created-hole, ice started reforming quickly, desperate souls were trying to escape their fate, a hope for escape through the created hole, still a futile attempt as whatever they did at this point, their one-way-road was already set, unable to stray from it's tracks. The ice was fully restored and even though the coin was still midway to the bottom when "ice" already set place around it, the coin still kept dropping deeper, now at a slower rate as though it was sinking in water, proving Talændrel's theory. He reach for his dagger and in one swift motion detached the coin engraved in it and threw it in the river, seeing it easily sink to the bottom.

Talændrel unleashed his metal wires, wickedly slashing the air around him before diving furiously through the ice and attaching to the boat. Now all he needed was a point to weigh the wires in order to pull the boat.
Turning to The Golden Cavalier he said:"Would you plant the lance in the ice once more?"-gesturing towards the designated spot.
Seeing as the knight did his job, the lance was stable to say the least, Talændrel attached the wires to 4 knifes and threw them upwards, at a 145 degree in relation to him, piercing the ice as easy as diving in butter. After some seconds the knife's changed direction mid-way now drilling 70 degrees downward from its stopping point, submerging from the ice ceiling of the cave right above the boat and straight into the river of the damned, finally wrapping the wires onto the boat, and once around the lance from where Talændrel would pull it. Proceeding to pull the boat, using his supernatural force and powers, he managed to bring it to the surface, unsurprisingly no "water" flooding it as it wasn't water that flowed beneath the ice river. The boat looked rather gothic but plain, certainly big enough to support all of them, equipped with 2 sets of paddles at it's sides. Talændrel stepped on the boat, going to the front of it, turning to the others and saying:"Now it's your time to contribute to this journey"-while gesturing to the unoccupied paddles.

[Wraithblade6]

For whatever reason, Eclipse knew he was under attack and before he could verbally protest, he met steel with blessed steel. His armor gleamed, moving smoothly with him as he flexed his knees and fended off the pantherman's assault. Face stern, he eyed the feline hero from across his blade, taking the time to decide the rightness of returning this beings attacks as he parried and threw off whatever Kalico threw at him. He sensed the creature's disgust and knew that it was acting of its own free will. Perhaps this was some kind of test. He dodged and defended but withheld himself from striking, much to the frustration of his opponent. The mighty Eclipse would not be goaded into an unrighteous display.

The ice elemental rising in the background soon caught Eclipse's attention, and it was just in time for him to jump back out of the way of its oncoming lances of ice. Kalico had also lept away, finding a hiding spot within the snow covered branches of the fur trees.

The ice elemental proved to be far more interested in coming after the little group than in going after the elusive catman. Talændrel show neither interest or concern as he casually questioned Eternity, and Uxzan had only just arrived. Eclipse stood his ground and clasped both hands onto his weapon in a look of "You shall not pass!" before the ice creature.

Fortunately, no further action was needed as Adrian grew tired of pointless antics and swiftly put the creature down. Eclipse put away his sword and as Adrian returned, gave a short bow. "My gratitude, Sir knight." He kept looking out at the trees where Kalico had hidden himself for a moment longer before returning with the others to Eternity's attention. Why he had been singled out for attack, he may never know, but he hoped that the catlike person had learned something from the encounter.

The man in blue did his talking, leaving them with the dilemmas of getting their coin into the frozen river and getting their boat out of it. As the man melted into the river's ice, Eclipse noticed the numerous gold coins so much like his own that covered the river bed as far as he could see in both directions. The sight struck him. So many others had once been here, crossing this river at this place. He blinked and reflected quietly in awe. "So many have come before us... Have they all returned?"

The golden cavalier appeared undaunted, and without any doubt of himself or cowardice, he struck the ice with his lance and made his payment. Eclipse shook his head with a smile at this. "So it appears we are all on the same quest. The clarity of your action inspires me, sir knight. By your lance and your eagle, would you be the famed Adrian Balcer? Indeed I thought so." The smiling blue-eyed paladin walked over to the river's edge and stood before the hole that Adrian had made. He brought out his coin and gave thought to what he was about to do. "What is faith without action? What is hope without bravery? ... What is purpose without love?" He glanced around at the others, implying that his offer extended to them as well. "I will be with you on this dark journey into hell, and I will not leave you. May light prevail." Eclipse landed his coin atop the others through the hole in the ice and turned his attention toward the frozen boat, allowing the remaining heroes to make their choices.

White hair clung in locks to the back of his blue cloak as he raised his head to look up at the frozen mast of the sunken vessel. Eclipse frowned, then finally spoke to Adrian. "I have no idea how to do this."

[Weird Tales]

Uxzan was not expecting there to be a conflict caused by one of the members of their group, but he would make sure to keep an eye on them and his disgust with chaos would drive to make sure that order was maintained by this party. By Inrik, it looks like I shall have to keep comrades from causing possible destruction to one another, he thought to himself. For as long as Uxzan could remember he had been taught by his father the needs of laws and order to be a great society. An unlawful warrior was a truly weak one, and Uxzan would try to keep his tribe's traditions as much he could.

The robed figure explained to them what awaited them and gave them some instructions on how cross into the realm of the damned. With his spirit sight Uxzan eyes were starting to pick up the faint trace of spiritual energy especially emanating from their temporary host. He had his coin ready when it was time to toss in the frozen as offering to pass into the realm of spirits and his warrior and hunter instincts felt on edge in this place, but he would not let fear rule him. Finn kept close by him as the large white wolf spirit looked around for any possible danger. Uxzan was always glad to have his spirit companion with him on adventures, it gave him some reassurance of having somebody he could trust.

He was thinking of possible ways to get the boat from its resting place beneath the river, but it looked liked Talændrel and The Golden Cavalier had found a solution that worked. Talændrel then told them that it was their turn to contribute to the journey and Uxzan understood his words. He quickly got on the boat and took a paddle to row with. His people had used boats to fish and travel rivers and looks for thousands of years. This would not be difficult for him and because of the vessels size he would have to have Finn disappear until they were off of the vehicle and then he would summon the totem back.

[Tyki]

Eclipse found Kalico's strikes vicious and difficult to judge, only his years of constant fighting letting him be able to react in time to the acrobatic moves of the beastman, yet even still, the occasionaly strike snaked it's way through, crushing bone and severing tendons with the lightest of taps, the blunt nature of the fans having kept him from losing limbs despite the brief fight before the catman backed off, the sudden warping of time to purposefully put him back where he'd begun giving him the familiar tug he'd faced when combating priests and demigods of time, his senses maintaining a loose grip on the memories that never happened. At the display of the man in blue, he simply walks forwards, ignoring the threat from the Cavalier, watching the others contribute their coins in their own way before taking out a fat purse and upending it on the ice. Trophies from various orders and demigods that had proved too weak to be a challenge let alone to join him in the quest for godhood sinking beneath the depths, the sheer number acting as a sort of nod to him being the champion of a titan rather than a god to whatever magic govered filtering out the unworthy from passing.

After depositing his fair, he watches the others retrieve the boat before looking down at the well iced tunnel and commenting "i don't suppose any of you idiots intend to row this through ICE do you?", the contemplative faces of the quiet group before him showing how few had probably thought of that. He sighs and turns away from them, towards the flow of the river where they'd be going, giving everyone a chance to get aboard as a small cyclone forms around the beastman while he channels a particularly large and annoyingly finetical spell before collapsing onto his knees and placing his palms against the ice, the entire river exploding violently as he forces the air into it, the rapid and violent circulations of the wind causing a particularly violent expansion in the ice, causing an equally violent explosion and freeing the boat to make it's progress along the river.

Kalico uses the force he'd created to propel him atop the mast of the trireme's sails (i'm imagining it as a trireme for whatever reason, just roll with it) and sitting in the crow's nest, using small bits of his power to unfurl the sails and providing the wind to propel them forwards down into the depths of hell

[The Grey Dust]

Clever Collector, but not completely true. Your solution was partially correct, and would have been completely embarrassing if it were not for you new traveling companions. There was more to the river than just souls, but a spiritual aether, which acted as water would, flowed with them. It was in this fluid aether that the souls were guide along their path as it course through the layers of hell. The nature of the river at this point at least would allow souls in, but not souls out. Hence your weaponry infused with souls, could easily slip past the aetherial ice. But the Grecian Trireme ship? It would treat the Aetherial ice as a solid, and certainly be more of a drag through the river of souls than the Collector would have suspected. Did he forget the purpose of such a ship? Should it so easily pass through the river bottom to top and top to bottom, then upon boarding such a vessel that would treat the river as air, they would sink back to the bottom of it all! Oh, and there was one thing left unsaid, for the clever to find the meaning of why it was left unsaid.

Fortunately, there was one amongst them who, broken the surface of the ice causing for the winds to break and shatter the frozen river once inside the cave. This act of elemental magicks, well to be noted for it was Kalico who was first to mischief, and yet outwitted the Collector and perhaps all the rest to let the boat surface far easier, and certainly sail faster. A show of cataclysmic forces of nature, worthy of the name Typhon. Keep an eye on this one, trouble will draw to him like a moth to flame, or perhaps like static cling to a cat.

A fair show to the two heros, old warriors of their gods, valiant forces that they were. One to fend off his attacker, and the other crack the ice. One of them shall come to lead the group most certainly, but in which direction shall they pull? Two commanders best forge a path together, lest they cause a civil war to sprout.

Finally the spiritualist, the medium and shaman who honored the traditions of the old world. Before the gods there were spiritual forces, originally the children of the Five and One, and of the Five of the Five and One, only the Three and One remain. This was the great mystery that none could explain of how this world came to be. They gave credit to the gods, and yet they too were created from mortal men who were infused with a divine soul and ascended into their immortality. The One of the Five and One left the world, having created all it needed to do. It is what mortals and the gods call Fate. A watcher from beyond which had set a definite series of events to unfold. An author which had put down the pen. The rest of the five are also named by mortals. There was Death who's true name was Void, representing the original state of everything and the final state of everything. Life, our adventurers have met, who's true name was Eternity, representing both time itself and the time we have between the voids. There were the forces of Order and Chaos, and finally there was Equilibrium, or Justice as they say, who keeps the balance between all things. Perhaps if these champions were demigods of knowledge they would know of who it was that saw their trials: the Four of Five elder beings of the universe. Show proper respect to the man in blue next time you meet time.

The Stone was silent, not dead, but quiet as a rock may be. As expected through it all. In the end, they had finished the first labour, to retrieve the boat from ice and begin the process of navigating it into the first layer of hell. Uxzan took a paddle of the dozens of oars on the Greek ship, but they would need more than just one rower did they expect old Charon to ferry souls one at a time? No that is too much work, for too many were too wicked for their own good. So in the masses they go, but then again, Charon was merely a representation of the man in blue one of its favoured mortals who was given an unusually long life-span until the man asked for a retirement. So this was not the river styx, but as the winds helped propel the boat forward deeper into the darkenss of the cave where light was swallowed.

It was at this passing where our demigods could feel a bit of something in them die. Not quite literally die of course, but certainly an ill feeling manifested as if something was slipping away. Back into the light now, where the river runs slowly with ice flows, a fake sun to radiate their way through the thicket of these cold haunted woods. They were in Limbo, the first layer of Hell. The easiest way to tell was to notice the change of scenery from dark cave to virginal Norwegian forest. The boat also changed accordingly, from trireme to longboat, sporting a fierce serpent's head in lieu of those odd eyes and ramming hull. They should probably expect their ship to do this with every change of layer, as it was the only way through each.

---

"A new set of heros."

"Turn back now..."

"Others gone before you..."

"Save yourselves..."

"Abandon this foolishness."

"Your Gods cannot help you here."

"The Gods did not save us..."

the voices of the long dead damned, floating in the phantasms from past the hardy trees. They could do no harm to you, their forlorn voices only suggesting the imminent doom that shall be upon them. Spirit dressed in a variety of clothes, but most of them pagan in their own ways. They were those who rejected the gods and favored naturalism, or perhaps thought the gods were unneeded. A few were dressed like farmers, some like soldiers, and many others. Certainly a haunting effect, but since they lacked corporeal form, they were only agents of self-doubt. The winter shall try your soul, this realm shall break your spirit. Do you push on ahead knowing this was only the first layer? Or do you turn back now and live as demigods? You are already gods amongst men... Why become Gods amongst Gods?

"The King rules here, not your gods."

[Natsucooldude]

In all the commotion, Adrian had simply steeped back to let all the other people do their thing. Although some difficulties had been there in breaking the boat out from under the ice, the important thing was that their transportation was freed from the frozen 'water'. He had boarded the ship calmly, and was slightly startled when the trireme moved forward seemingly on its own accord. He wasn't too surprised at the idea of a boat sailing itself. After all, they were sailing into a so fell the gods could not reach it.

He leaned on the railing of the trireme as it sailed deeper, thinking about his companions. Uxzan, Eclipse and that rocky fellow. They seemed dependable sorts. He wasn't sure what to think of the collector though, the man wasn't particularly known for working well with others. Unless working with others meant an almost 100% chance of death. What knew for thoguh, was that he did not like the feline man's attitude. Sure, he had made his position clear already, but there was still quite a chance they would come to blows sooner or later.

Perhaps it would be good to go and talk to the people he did know he could trust, and of everyone present, the paladin seemed to be by far the most approachable. Just as he walked up to Eclipse though, Adrian noticed a light at the end of the tunnel they were in. How could that be possible? Weren't they far underground here? Nevertheless, the trireme sailed into the light of what was undeniably a sun. The light felt... off, like it was missing something, a certain... comforting warmth. then he looked back down, and was surprised to find out he was now standing on a longboat, though given the surroundings, a longboat was quite a fitting choice of transportation.

He walked up besides eclipse to look at the phantoms at the river shore. Ocassionally, a soul from the rived washed up to join its fellow disbelievers in this cold landscape. "Hmm... This is quite a... frigid place. The lamentations of pagans and disbelievers don't help the mood either, wouldn't you agree?"

As he looked over the frozen landscape, Adrian noticed something else that was missing. Something he had grown so accustomed to that its absence felt like a very part of his being had disappeared. He took A small amulet out of his pocket. A silver eagle holding a lance. Normally, the general's symbol felt comforting, but now... It felt like a simple hunk of useless metal... He really was on his own now.

@Wraithblade6

[Wyverntamer]

The Stone had kept himself on the sidelines and had been watching the events unfold. They had not needed his strength until now, nor his blessings. He was content with not doing anything until he saw the souls. He hated talking to the dead, but he kneeled down near the river anyway. "All the gods have forsaken me but one, I owe him a lot, at least this much." He then stood back up and watched what the others were doing.

Some were talking, some were freeing the bote from the ice, and some wouldn't be an issue anyway in a fight. Most here were physical fighters, that wouldn't matter to him. The collecter could be a problem, but he would deal with him if it was needed. The transportation was ready and he followed the others onto the boat and went down the river. "Now how did light get here?"

[Wraithblade6]

@Natsucooldude
Eclipse had felt the change. The descent into Hell and the loss of being under the gaze of the beloved gods, particularly his own. Iomedae was like a mother, a sister, a leader, a warrior-queen. She had told him of this mission, the perils of his "final quest," yet nothing could compare to the experience of it. The meek light that pretended to fall from Hell's representation of a sun was cold and shitty. She, the Goddess, and all her allies were gone, no longer watching. As if they no longer cared. A grief struck the paladin, as he knew it would, and he looked out over the new boat to the shore. The lost spirits looked so pained that they no longer knew what pain was. It was sorrowful, piteous, and the words of discouragement and pessimism on the breeze continuously assaulted him. He shook his head. He had to remember why he had come here, what reason he had to hold on to his own hope. What had his goddess told him? Eclipse truly worried that he would forget...

"Hmm... This is quite a... frigid place. The lamentations of pagans and disbelievers don't help the mood either, wouldn't you agree?" Adrain approached a paladin that looked practically seasick.

Eclipse turned his head away from the sights surrounding them and focused weakly on Adrian, glad for any kind of distraction. He looked kind of green, and Adrian began to realize that his friend was in trouble. "Adrian..." Eclipse held onto the railing with one hand uncomfortably. "These poor, the lost, the hopeless. What do I have to give to them?" He really seemed to be fighting for something to mentally hold onto. Eclipse furrowed his white brow, desperately seeking a foothold, a reason to keep believing, a reason to go on. He looked around himself, at the ship, at the others, looking for help. That's when he saw Adrian take out his locket, and his stare fixated on it.

"There... there it is! Adrian you have it!" A flicker of strength returned to the white knight. His eyes widened, and he reached toward the locket. Stopping his hand just before touching it, Eclipse straightened up, the symbol of the sun and sword on the back of his arm brace now also in full view for them both. "Adrian, you're a genius!" Eclipse's voice was regaining some color. "The icons, the symbols, they are like a memory. Do you see?" The exchange was apparent to all the heroes as Eclipse pointed out the power of the images. "Our gods... are not gone from here, for they are within us." He cracked a smile at his own realization despite the pallor of his skin. It is up to each of us to never let them go."

[The Grey Dust]

The light was rather dire, neither welcome nor radiant, but pale and unnerving as it flittered through the icy woods from above. Gaze above at the false sky, your eyes seeing the roof of Limbo itself, the bleak white untouched by clouds despite the permafrost to suggest snowfall must occur at some point. Yet, compared to the bitter cold from whence they came, the true chill of the arctic they had to venture through to arrive at this, Limbo was but a welcoming place. The cold was met with windless light, the greenery still abound by the ancient evergreens which stand tall beside the river's course. Had they not known it was indeed Limbo, perhaps they had found an ancient forest, a lost grove hidden away from mankind to grow tall enough to shade their travels through this strange land. It certainly not be the weather to break their spirits and dissuade them from their journey. No, they have each come far to earn this right, their souls bought by their gods to protect them from the twisted nature of this place. Where the powers would corrupt the unblessed mortal, demigods alone had the will to be untouched by the condemnations of each layer to poison the very essence of being. Gold was incorruptible after all, and why else would the gods demand a tribute of earthly material if it were not to craft such sacred charms to protect their champions?

The spirits cannot harm thee, only if you allow them to will they be of threat. Their bodies were incorporeal and require a host to physically work the world around them. These damned were unlike those in the deeper layers who were of flesh renewed for their sins were not only of spirit. So they shall move about, like wisps, encircling the old boat was it drifted on its own path through the cold and quiet river. Their whispered warnings certainly eerie to hear, but only to test the resolve of the Demigod who hears them. They who were sent here for they claimed no god in life, and so no god claimed them in death, they who needed no god to do work of their own nature, of their own design, forever unable to set upon the world their will. Only a host shall appease them, a husk for their torment, rage and ire, fuelled by their grim reckoning of how cruel the gods can be, or perhaps how petty and human they often are.

Movements from below the river. A shadow, long and serpentine. The first guardian of the damned, which had been vanquished by those who came before you, long before there were no human souls in this layer the Serpent lies coiled and submerged. Its dead body runs across the river and back, the lifeless carcass preserved by the river's chill. Upon its steel-like scales, embedded deep into the reptile's thick hide, the swords and daggers, arrows and bolts of demigods and other heros who have come here seeking immortality. Some made it, some did not, yet the river only flowed one way, and turning back would require them to fight both the current and the boat's own mind as it set their mystical course through Limbo. Certainly the guardian was dead, its body cut apart into threes by some great warrior and an overwhelmingly large sword which butchered it apart. But now it is a puppet, a puppet to the more spiteful spirits in Limbo...

A crash through the waves, sending the boat back as the giant broke through the surface. Fangs ready to strike as the gaping maw hissed a forked tongue at the party, a raging monster with lifeless eyes, staring back at with the burning possession of the spirits of the dead. Behold the great serpent of limbo, called by many names, now reduced to nothing more than a socket puppet as its head and neck moved about on spiritual strings for the restless dead. It moves to attack the boat and her crew, coming down upon the longboat with wicked fangs to tear into the hull and capsize them overboard.

Your first combat encounter heroes. The great snake attacks your boat who amongst you shall come to its defense? You must draw its attacks towards yourselves, perhaps even fight upon the land for certainly one would not want to risk damaging the only thing that can travel between the layers. To be stuck here in limbo, neither dead and alive is only a matter of waiting. Eventually, the body shall tire out, or the mind shall wish for peace. Or perhaps you shall become the king of this realm, and make a paradise of Hell? Either way, think quickly and slay the beast, strike it where it is weak, not the heart which does not beat, nor the brain which does not think...

"Your Godsssssss are weak!"