Descent into Avernus

(Jeff_L) #1

STYGIAN DOCK


THE FLYING FORTRESSES OF AVERNUS NEED FUEL, AND
what better fuel than the souls of the damned.
-The Cartographer

Zariel's flying fortresses are serviced and repaired at


this rus ting repair dock. When the characters arrive


here, read the following boxed text to the players:


A massive iron struct ure that appears to be a pair o f
docking arms straddles the River Styx and extends out
over it. Hefty clamps, chains, and bars are fixed to the
docking arms to lash large vessels between them.

If the players arrive here after meeting Bel, Zariel's


flying fortress is present (see "Zariel's Flying Fortress."


page 130). If so, read the following boxed text to


your players:


A gigantic basalt citadel shaped like a sword blade
is moored at the dock. The Aying fortress thrums as
screaming souls from the River Styx are drawn up into it.

The Stygian dock is a 100-foot-high service platform


protruding from the rocky cliffs of the River Styx. The


clamps. chains, and bars fixed to the upper arms of the


dock hold flying fortresses in place.


A horned devil named Bazelsteen manages the dock


for Zariel but yearns for the freedom to carry out its me-


cha nical experiments. To earn its aid, visitors must first


serve as test pilots for the devil's latest contraption.


Twelve barbed devils patrol the dock in groups of


three devils each. If Zariel's flying fortress is present,


three bone devils also circle overhead. Intruders are at-


tacked or warned away. If the characters try to negotiate


with the devils, Bazelsteen swoops down to deal with


them personally.


DEALING WITH BAZELSTEEN


Engine oil covers this horned devil, which constantly


chews on a shard of smoking, red hot coal. Bazelsteen


is more interested in machines than creatures and is


willing to repair or modify any infernal war machine


that the characters currently use. See appendix B for


possible weapon replacements, armor upgrades, and


magic gadgetry. Instead of payment, the horned devil


requires that they help it complete a test (see "Test Run


221,"' page 124 ). If the characters perform this task


well, Bazelsteen agrees to fully repair their infernal war


machines. He also offers one free weapon swap, armor


upgrade, or magical gadget.


CHAPTER (^3) I AnRNUS
123

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