Descent into Avernus

MllP 2 .2: HtGM HllLL CllTMEORAl

H4. PRIVATE CHAPELS

These areas can be curtained off for small private cer-

emonies. Each of these chapels contains the bodies of

dead guards, as well as the foul remains of infernal crea-

tures that died during the initial attack on the cathedral.

The columns at the north and south ends of each area

have stone altars set before them.

Survivor. Seltern Obranch, a druid dedicated to Sil-

vanus, was here when the attack took place. After being

knocked down in the melee, he feigned his demise to

trick his attackers. If the characters search the bodies,

they notice Seltern open his eyes.

lf the characters treat him kindly, Seltern tells of how

forces of devils assaulted the cathedral. He knows noth-

ing of the current state of the place, but can tell the char-

acters that all in the cathedral knew to flee to the main

crypts (area Hl6) in case of an attack.

Seltern has been using the good berry spell to help

keep those in the cathedral alive. However, his con-

nection to his beloved nature grows weaker by the day,

and he fears he may soon be unable to cast spells at all.

Though he is not truly in danger of losing this ability

(his resolve is simply shaken), this can provide a role-

playing opportunity for the characters to boost his spir-

its and strengthen his faith.

H5. STAIRS TO RESIDENCES

These circular stairs once led to residences and offices.

They are now choked with r ubble, as the sections that

housed those spaces were destroyed.

UptoH7

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H2

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UptoH7

H6. DESECRATED ALTAR OF TORM

Read the following as the characters enter this area:

This private chapel holds a desecrated altar with a de-

cidedly fiendish air. Once dedicated to Torm, the alta r's

features have been defaced with blood, ichor, and torn

strips of tlesh lashed together with sinew and intestines.

This private chapel is similar to those of area H4. The

devils currently rampaging through the cathedral de-

faced the holy altar to Torm. Any creature that doesn't

actively worship or swear fealty to Zariel that starts its

turn within 20 feet of the profane altar gains vulnera-

bility to all damage, accompanied by the sensation of

their bones becoming brittle and their skin feeling dry

and cracked.

The altar can be restored and its profane effect ended

in the following ways:

A character who kneels before the altar, prays to Torm

for 1 minute, and succeeds on a DC 15 Intelligence

(Religion) check at the end of the prayer causes Torm's

power to wash over the altar and wipe clean the blood

and other desecrating elements.

• Splashing at least three flasks of holy water on the

altar destroys the desecrating elements and purifies

the altar.

CHAPTER 2 I ELTUREL HAS FALLEN 61