A Deal for the Doomed

[Beidamon]

Darkness, total darkness never-ending, a sinking feeling. Down and down you go until you settle, your past life your regret all strong in your heart, your heart, where is your heart, there is nothing there, just the silence and your thoughts. You feel cold, colder then you ever did in life, you feel the warmth, the life, the soul of you seeping out around you into that great darkness as it envelopes you. You feel sick, as the darkness pulls you out, you feel it push in, your becoming a part of it, and it is becoming a part of you. You feel yourself growing larger, and larger, expanding into a massive area, what is your name, who are you, you can barely remember now, you must give in, then....

A ripping sensation, your being jarred out of the blackness, pulled back to you, and you feel pain. The darkness begins to fade and with it the last parts of you that are attached to the darkness are felt tearing away, and in pure agony you open your eyes up, to the red face of the tall figure looking down at you and a blood red sky.

"Welcome to Hell"

The figure says to you and he continues to leer down at you with a twisted half smile, he motions for you to rise, and as you do you see others rise as well, you see the look of pain and horror etched in their faces and you begin to wonder if that same look is etched in your face as well. Before you can ponder it more the figure speaks again.

"I'd ask that you make yourselves more comfortable but..." he says shrugging his shoulders and gesturing around him to the blasted land filled with burning pits and the screams of the damned.

"You are the lucky ones, you arrived just in time. We are in need of a few individuals to aid one of our groups, you just happened to volunteer" The dark figure says, his smile growing to show sharp blood stained teeth as twisted as his smile.

"You are the ones we need, the tragic heroes" he says with his face changing to a mockery of a sad frowning face "Those who were so high and so mighty, and now have been brought so low, I bow to you" The dark figure says with a exaggerated bow and a grand flourish. "But now, you shall bow to me" He says with a over-dramatic pause before continuing "But, maybe, not yet"

He holds up his hands and in them are small gems of pure white, reflecting so much light that you can barely look at them but at the same time not look away, the half smile returning, just as twisted as before, and a mocking look in his eyes, he continues.

"You the fallen heroes, the greatest of the worst, I give you a second chance, in exchange for some services. You may not like it, but you should remember, its much better to be a hero in hell, then the fate that awaited you" He says, and catching your attention stamps his foot on the ground a couple times inducing more screams from around you then before.

"I will give you a second chance to return to life, but you must serve us faithfully, don't think to betray us because that will only cause you to return here when you die, but, if you serve us well, maybe a more....." The smile grows bigger with a crude leer on his face "pleasurable fate can be arranged" He says snapping his fingers and suddenly a large comfortable looking chair appears with two scantly dressed women standing next to it.

He sits in the chair "Maybe im wrong, it seems its very easy to make ones self comfortable here, all you need to do, is do as we tell you, and we can make your stay here much, much easier to endure during eternity" He says with a full smile again revealing his twisted teeth. Suddenly the smile is gone "Now go, you begin to bore me, live, and serve, or else" and with that he tosses the gems he was holding and they spread out in the air, hitting you and the others in the chest and with a blinding pain and a brilliant light, you realize you can hear your heart again, that you can feel the air, that you are alive. You open your eyes to your world....


And see the twisted expanse of a ruined world, there is no sun, just a large blood red ball in the sky, tainting everything with its light. The world looks half dead, but at the same time more alive then you had ever dreamed possible, there are creatures everywhere, creatures hunting creatures hunting creatures. You see one of these creatures chasing another right into the forest off to your left, where the trees suddenly begin to shake and shudder with the most violent looking motions you've ever seen, after which nothing moves, except what you think is a slight trickle of red running down the slope, sinking into the dirt, the dirt which, although it may be a trick of the light, looks much redder then its supposed to be. You shudder at the thoughts going through your head and think on it no more.

A demon approaches you, hovering a few feet off the ground. He is tall and red like the other one, if not so impressive. "Hello there. When I asked for them to send reinforcements I was expecting something a little... Grander, but you'll have to do. So" the creature says with the same twisted half smile which suddenly makes this creature seem so much like the other one "Are you going my way?"

[Beidamon]

Hopefully that post got you interested in the game, that was the set up for it and a little sample of my writing style so you know what ill be like as a DM....

What's that? Me a DM? That's right, Im planning finally to start a game, and it starts here.

Here's what you need to know for the game, this is just the basics, when I get more players I will be able to post more exact details:
-36 point buy
-Level: Level is still changing, It will most likely be a mid to high level group of around level 10 to 15. Im going to wait until the people who want to play post a character concept before I finalize the level so people get the play the characters they want
-Background: The background of your character should include why they were great in their past world, what evil they committed to be condemned, and how they died. You don't have to be to exact, almost becoming a part of Hell takes a lot out of a person, those parts that were ripped away left their mark, your memory is fragmented, and you cant remember all of it, it also explains why your level is so much lower. Your background should roughly match up with the class and race you have right now, since the class levels you have left are what you remember of your past life
-Double standard starting gold, but half of the gold must be spent on minor items more useful then powerful
-Epic campaign with a heavy amount of story line, however you will still have choice and at key point there will be different branches you can go down in the story
-Introduction partly inspired by the planescape petitioner system
-Huge, Unique homebrew world containing a rich history and many dangers

If you are interested post a character concept, im planning on having 3 more people in the game, and the people who post their concept first are most likely to get in. If I feel like it I might allow more, but its not very likely, general information about the world will be posted next if that helps you to make the decision

Edit: Clarification on items, the first half should be used on major items, weapons, armor, items that directly help your class skills (Like stat items) However you can use the other half of the money to buy useful items. Items that aid skills, items that grant a special ability, stuff like that, but dont really add directly to your combat prowess. There is a limit of 15,000 on these items, just think of the item you always thought would be cool to have, but decided not to get because anouther one would help out your damage, or spells or whatever more, thats the item this money is ment to buy. The money also can be used in spellcasters case to enlarge their spell selection.

[Beidamon]

Introduction Continued

You follow the tall figure, hovering slightly above the ground still, slowly moving ahead, slowly so that you can stumble after him. The ordeal has been taxing on you, and more then one of the others are staying behind, just staring blankly. Remembering the forest you can't help but pity them, thinking how little chance they have of living, but deep down you envy them as well. So simple, why couldn't it just have ended. But on you must go.

The horrers you see during your trip leave a veil over your mind, one site more terrible then the last and yet always at a distance, nothing seems to approach this red figure leading you on, what is worse, those creatures out there or this creature they fear. But on you go, stumbling untill you get to a road, following the road until you get to a city, and there at the city you see others, there are humans there, and.... other things, things you wish you didn't see, but in such numbers you can't look without seeing them. Some of them are horned, some scaled, some slimy and others like sand, the variety of creatures living in this city is startling, packed so close your suprised the creatures there can still breath. You hear a far off scream inside the city and a frenzy of bodies strangly reminicent of the trees, but there is no silence after, the constant sound continues of thousands of voices talking together until the words reach you as meaningless sounds.

The dark figure stops and looks thoughtfuly at the city for a moment, scratching his chin he turns back to you. "Maybe your not quite ready to go in there yet, have a seat" The figure says and with a vague gesture the earth rises up to form crude bench's for you. You sit down gratefuly, overcome by all you have seen.

A figure detaches from the darkness behind this devil and walks forward a few steps. He is dressed completely in black, contrasting the pale palor of his skin. His long hair is pure black, and he moves with a cats grace to stand near the devil, but seeming at the same time to keep his distance.

"Hello" the figure says bowing to you and raising up with a half smile on his face, which unlike the others it is filled with compasion and detachment "I am your guide, our 'friend' here has asked that I join with you to show you around the place until you get more accustomed. This place can be very daunting to the uninitiated" The man replies with the same slight smile.

"I will first explain a few things to you about this place. To anyone living here it would be boring and repetative, they have experienced it, but since you have not I will fill you in on everything. Since it is such general information however, we shouldn't trouble our host here, ill take over from here" The creature says with a slight smile at the demon's frown.

"Very well, i'll leave you to talk to them, for now" The Demon snaps his fingers and is gone.

"Im sorry about that, I couldn't resist myself" The creature says now with almost a full smile, "After the route he took you though he really does deserve it." The creature says radiating warmth from his cold deminor. "I'm suprised even this many made it here with what he showed you. I think there a little to used to dealing with the damned that they have forgotten how to handle living beings."

"This is called the nexus. It is a place between two planes, the plane of the Celestials, and one you already seem to know, Hell. It is the most important area because it is where the greatest portal between the plane of the celestials and hell lies, right there." The creature says pointing up at the red orb "Around this portal is our planet, a sphere, completely enclosing the portal. It is huge, and if you knew of its origin you might be shocked, but I will go into that latter. Like any sphere this one has two sides, the inside and the outside. We are on the inside, isn't it just lovely?" The creature says with his half smile "The effects of the portal to the demon plane, it corrupts everything. They tempted people down here with greed then sprung their trap, now after living here so long people don't even remember, there barely even human anymore, and in many cases they aren't human at all. Thats the effect that portal has on people, it taints everything, even the land itself. I think you saw enough examples of that on the trip to believe me. Of course, not all of these things were once human. The devils have a tendancy to tinker a little, they know they can not take the surface world alone and so they need the humans and other creatures of the inner world to help, just as the celestials need the humans of the outer world to stop them, and maybe even purge the evil from the inner world. Believe me, they can do it, the devils have recently suffered a few problems while here and they have had a few cutbacks, if the celestial's really wanted to they could quite easily take this inner world, but for a few complicated reasons they can not. So for now were stuck as it is, us on this inner world of corruption, and them on that outer world of beauty, a tiny little mirror of the grand struggle between their planes, and likely one that will reflect who the winner will be. Ahh just think of the irony if... well, never mind that for now." The creature clears his throat and seems to regain his composure.

"Thats enough history for now, maybe I should tell you a few rules. One, never trust anyone, except me of course" The creature says with a little bow. "Two, if something wants to kill you, it will try, always be ready to fight and never let your guard down. In many areas of the world there is no law, in there especially." The pale figure says pointing to the city "There is the worst of all, there is no law there, no government, and killing is rampent. The way they kill down there you would think the women must have a little of goblin in them to keep up. Rule number three, over there" The creature points off in a direction away from the city where it seems somewhat lighter. "That is the 'Bastion of light' it is the only celesial outpost on the inner world, much to the annoyance of the Devils, if you go there, you die. Last, if you see a trail that seems to have been burnt as if by acid, run, run fast and hard, it can only bring your death. Those rules should serve you well, anything else is just common sence, and of course youll have me around in case anything goes wrong. You seem fairly well rested now, lets get moving then. We need to head over to the devils floating fortress and get you some equipment." And so, the creature begins walking towards the town, and you can't help but follow, after all, where else is there to go....

[TheDruid20]

The 7 foot white spider, with the odd hump pn its abdoman yells in horror, "O MY GODS WHAT KINDA BODY IS THIS?!?!?!" Split second latter the spider shifts into a young elf maiden. Every man for miles around feels an odd tightness in his pants, and many women question their sexuality. Her lithe for is enhanced by the low cut bodice and transparent dress that wraps her form. Licking her finger and runnng id down her chest, "This is much better." Turning to their guide "So what exactly can a gentle young virgin like me do for a big strong hunky man like yourself?"

[Dust]

I'm interested in playing a human fighter, with prestige classes very possibly, if allowed and dependant on level.

I'll get the character concept up soon. Probably within the hour.

[Dust]

Erundune never met his parents. He was raised in the fighting pits of Moth Rungel, trained from birth for the Gladiatorial arena. Like the fires of the forge, his hard upbringing made him strong. He survived where others failed at every turn. When the time came he fought, and he won. He lived in a haze of a death and pain during the day, and he was rewarded with feasts and women at night. In his ignorance he knew little else. He became a champion of the arena, and his sword was well known on the outside and well feared on the inside.

This changed on a winter's day, when Moth Rungel fell to the rebels.

Erundune was ordered to man the city walls along with many other slaves, but when the time came some of the slaves began to fight against their own soldiers. Erundune joined with the revolting slaves. Freedom was a revered word among the slave population, and one of the slaves further down the wall had started using it as a battle cry. Erundune, enchanted by the word, took it up himself. With the help of the slaves Moth Rungel was destroyed and many of the slaves, Erundune included, joined the rebels. Few knew what they were rebelling against, but few had a place to go, and many were grateful for being freed.

Erundune's reputation preceded him, and the leader of the so called 'Company of the Piercing Light' rebels asked to speak with him. Beliril was his name, and he gave Erundune a valuable education. Erundune had known, vaguely, about Drokenduul, the Vampire King of his homeland. His name was whispered sometimes among the once free slaves, and sometimes among the free denizens of the city. But his name was taboo, and no one was willing to say much about him. Beliril explained that the Vampire King had ruled the land for over six hundred years. Under his rule there had been slavery and tyranny. Humans were treated as livestock in the capital, and the lords of the the land were all vampires like their master. Beliril said they the company would put an end to all that. He said that if they could overthrow the Drokenduul then the slavery would end, and no one would have to suffer as Erundune had suffered. For the first time Erundune had something to fight for, and a righteous feeling began to rise in his chest.

Erundune led the liberated slaves into battle as the rebels moved slowly over the land, destroying the Vampire's minions where they could. He prowess in battle earned him a great reputation. In the mean time, Beliril had taken an interest in Erundune's education. He taught the former slave to read and write, taught him basic history and mathematics. Erundune was not a great student, but he learned, and soon he had a greater education than most free people of the kingdom. Over a number of slow, battle filled years Erundune became Beliril's right hand man. And slowly, the Company of the Piercing Light made its way towards the capital, Uthrune.

The Vampire's resistance grew greater as the company approached the capital. The battles grew harder and harder, but the company was winning. Their numbers seemed to swell no matter how many men they lost on the field. Slaves and freemen alike flocked to their banner, and it seemed inevitable that the time of the Vampire King was coming to an end. However, on the field of Velen Beliril was slain by Drokenduul's vampire general Nikri. The company was forced to halt for weeks as there was quarreling over who would be the new leader. Erundune was stricken with grief and took little notice of the proceedings. He was very surprised to find that he had been chosen to lead. He would be a figure head, several high ranking warriors told him. His name would raise the troop's moral and bring in even more recruits. He would lead at times, but he would defer the majority of the battle planning to others. Erundune agreed to these terms, and vowed that he would fulfill Beliril's dream.

Erundune personally slew Nikri only miles from the capital when the vampire sought him out in battle. The Company of the Piercing Light began a siege of Uthrune. The Vampire King was cut off with no help coming, and it seemed that victory was at hand.

The Vampire King himself crept into the camp one night, using his powerful magic to overcome the wards of the company's magic users. He came through a full daylight spell to make his way in Erundune's tent and infect the hero. When morning came Erundune was nowhere to be found. He was, in fact, deep within the keep of Uthrune, just then learning the horror of what had befallen him.

Erundune was now a vampire, and he was compelled to obey Drokenduul's orders. He could not act against his master, although he retained much of his own will. There was not enough of it to stop him from appearing on the city walls, as ordered, and revealing to the company that he was now a vampire. He ordered them to turn back or be destroyed. He did it with a heavy heart, but he could not stop himself.

Enraged, the company attacked for seven days and nights, greatly weakening but not destroying the city. Each night one of the company's leaders disappeared and reappeared during the day as a vampire. Demons were summoned in the center of camp on the eighth day and broke the company's strength. Their remaining leaders were not up to the task of commanding and army. The Company of the Piercing Light became continually more and more disorganized. Opportunists began to switch sides, and Drokenduul took several powerful mages out of the company's employ. The Vampire King single handedly began a series of events that led to the defeat of the rebel armies and the reclamation of his kingdom with the taking of Erundune. The population was shocked, and they fell back into oppression with little real protest.

Erundune was made Drokenduul's new general, a cruel joke of the Vampire King's. He did many, many terrible deeds against his will. Still, he did what he could. He was forbidden to act against his master or encourage others to do so, but he helped the common people when he could. He was often a slayer of monsters and the undoer of tyrants. He killed over fifty vampire lords until Drokenduul found out that he was the murderer and forbade him to continue such actions. The Vampire King was more amused than angry, however, which made Erundune feel defeated.

Erundune was the Vampire King's right hand man for four-hundred fifty-six years. He resisted his enslavement for the first hundred, not a small feat and one that could not be repeated by many of history's greatest heroes. But he was a defeated man, and in the end he was given a subconscious choice. He could conform to his new life, or he could go mad. Erundune conformed. Drinking the blood of innocents for a hundred years is more than enough to turn even the purest person evil. He began to enjoy the cruel tasks he was ordered to perform. He began to enjoy the decadent luxury in which he lived. He began to enjoy the screams of terror and the feeling of dominating a lesser being. Drokenduul watched all this with great pleasure as Erundune became corrupted. The former gladiator became a symbol of the King's power, and among the commoners he was known as Erundune the Betrayer, Erundune the Cruel, and Erundune the Fallen.

Finally a force came out of the East. Led by a woman wizard of greater power than had ever been seen this side of the great sea by the name of Jieko, these armies conquered land after land. They encountered greater resistance in the lands of the Vampire King than in any other, but still they forged ahead. Erundune was ordered to meet them with the Vampire King's own armies. He met the eastern forces in battle, and he had just killed a troublesome wizard when everything went black and he found himself drifting down... down and into darkness...

Now, in the midst of hell, he contemplates his body, no longer in a vampiric state and yet not living. It feels so strange. He wonders what went wrong. He had been a devote worshipper of the God of War for both his life and unlife. Why was he not in the Hall of Warriors? Why had his God forsaken his worship? The Battle God was supposed to embrace both good and evil souls after death! Why was he in hell!

As he walks, his human legs working strangely beneath him, he wonders what the future holds. No longer and vampire and no longer under Drokenduul's power a great blackness inside of him as been erased. And yet good he is not. He wonders where this path inside the depths of hell will lead him...

[Beidamon]

And so we have 2, only 2 spots left people, better hurry :)

[Dust]

Come on people! This one ain't closed yeeeet! :tired:

Get a move on!