Descent into Avernus

UNLOCKING THE COMPANION

The Companion is sealed by nine locks evenly spaced

around its equator. These locks can only be opened by

inserting nine adamantine rods into them. The rods are

hidden in Zariel's wrecked flying fortress (page 118).

Inserting the nine adamantine rods into the nine locks

of the Companion causes its upper hemisphere to open,

freeing the planetar within.

SHATTERING THE COMPANION
The Sword of Zariel has the power to shatter the Com-

panion and dispel the darkness around it. Striking the

orb with the s word causes the Companion to ring like

a bell and th e n s hatter, sounding out an angelic tone

that can be heard with perfect clarity across the infinite

breadth of Avernus. Unless the sword is wielded by an

angel of challenge rating^15 or higher, or a good-aligned

cleric or paladin of at least 10th level, the unchecked

power reverberates through the sword and shatters it.

Lulu knows that the sword possesses this power.

However, s he wants the characters to use the sword to

redeem Zariel, not simply to save Elturel. As such, she

conceals this fact unless it's clear that redeeming Zariel

is an impossible task.

Alternatively, if the characters strike a bargain with

a powerful entity such as Tiamat or a demon lord, that

being can attack and shatter the Companion. For more

information on allying with a s upernatural power, see

"Breaking the Chains," earlie r in this chapter.

CHAPH.R 5 J ESCAPE ~ROM AVERNUS

THE PLANETAR'S POWER

If the Companion is shattered or unlocked, the planetar

inside it is released. The planetar's name is Nascius, and

its power can help save Elturel, but only if the infernal

chains that bind the city have been severed. If asked to

save the city, the planetar takes a brief moment to re-

cover its strength. lt then s woops down below the fallen

city, rises to set the earthmote on its broad shoulders,

and raises Elturel out of Avernus and back to its rightful

place in the Mate rial Plane.

ENDGAME IN ELTUREL

The material presented earlier in this chapter describes

some of the ways the characters might accomplish the

goals of redeeming Zariel and saving Elturel. Within the

range of available options, you are free to determine the

conditions under which those goals are met.

This section describes an epic event that can serve

as the adventure's climax: Elturel being pulled down

into the River Styx while Zariel and her forces battle

an army of demons beneath the city. A demon lord-ei-

ther Baphomet or Yeenoghu- has launched an all-out

attack on Elturel before it's dragged into the River Styx.

This section includes encounters that you can run to

challe nge the characters as they maneuver to confront

Zariel. These encounters are suitable for a party of four

13th-level characters. If the party is weaker or stronger,

adjust the encounters accordingly.