Olanthius. If the characters made an ally of Olanthius,
the death knight kneels before Zariel. Seeing him
fills Zariel with shame for leaving her loyal friend to a
horrific fate. If Zariel is redeemed, she turns the death
knight to dust, letting his soul rest at last.
If the Charisma (Persuasion) check succeeds, con-
tinue with "Zariel's Redemption" below. If the check
fails, proceed with "Zariel's Wrath" (page 148) instead.ZARIEL'S REDEMPTION
If Zariel is convinced to accept the angelic spark, she
grasps the Sword of Zariel. Read or paraphrase the
following boxed text out loud when this happens:Zariel's trembling hand reaches toward the gleaming hilt
of her sword. Her fingers brush against it, and she gri-
maces as radiant light sears her flesh. As her grip tight-
ens, she gasps in pain, then speaks an oath through tears
of confusion, sorrow, and dawning joy.
"I, Zariel, supplicate myself before the holy light of
justice. If it should accept me, I vow to take up this blade
once more in its service."
The archdevil's words hang in the air for a silent mo-
ment, and she glances upward in agonized uncertainty.
Then Zariel is bathed in a brilliant wash of radiant light.
Her fiery halo disappears, and feathers burst from her
leathery wings. All of her diabolical features vanish as
her angelic form is restored. At the sight of this blessed
transformation, Lulu gasps in delight-and transforms
into a celestial mammoth with golden fur, feathered
wings, and gleaming tusks.All mortal creatures that witness Zariel's apotheosis
are surrounded by twinkling wisps of the same light
that transformed her, and are infused with a blessing
of health (see "Other Rewards" in chapter 7 of the Dun-
geon Master's Guide).
Returned to her full celestial glory, Zariel takes on the
task of saving the besieged city of Elturel. If Zariel must
travel some distance to reach Elturel, make sure the
characters have the ability to keep up with the angel, or
have her bring them along by magical means.Zariel first soars above El tu rel to within reach of the
corrupted Companion. She closes her eyes, raises her
sword above her head, takes a deep, centering breath,and brings the blade down. The Companion then ex-
plodes in a flash of light and sound, as described in
"Shattering the Companion" later in this chapter.
With the destruction of the Companion, the people ofElturel are freed from infernal bondage. The planetar
imprisoned within the Companion raises the city out of
the Nine Hells and returns it to Faerfin (see "The Plan-
etar's Power," page 154). Zariel accompanies the cityuntil she is satisfied that Elturel is safe.
The characters can return to the Material Plane with
Elturel if they so choose, or they might wish to stick
around Avernus to see who rises to become its new
ruler (see "Ruling Avernus," page 149).If the characters return with El tu rel to the Material
Plane, read or paraphrase the following:The Chionthar River shines like a golden road stretching
from Elturel to Baldur's Gate, and to the sea beyond. The
scent of morning dew cuts through the odor of smoke,
brimstone, and rot that clings to Elturel's stones.
Slowly, the people of the city make their way out from
their hiding places to stand in the light of the mortal
world once more. All eyes focus on Zariel where she
stands, sword in hand. The planetar that raised Elturel
out of Avernus kneels before her. Lulu nudges Zariel,
then gestures toward you with her trunk. Zariel strides
toward you, bowing her head in solemn gratitude. "This
dark chapter has at last come to an end, and it is a
brighter end than I ever dared to hope for. Thank you.
Your selflessness will live on in my memory forever."
"And in mine!" Lulu says, beaming.
Zariel's tone turns more somber as she says, "You
have made an enemy of Asmodeus this day. We have thatin common now. I wish you strength and good fortune-
and if ever you have need of my power, hold this feather
aloft and invoke my name. I shall come to your aid."CHAPTER 5 I ESCAPE FROM AVERNUS