Umber

Battle is joined at the gates of the Bastion. (sab)

You stare at the crystalline door before you. “There’s something daunting about this gate, isn’t there? This key… perhaps Desaeus was right. What if we’re not strong enough?” says Nurn.

“Then all is lost,” replies Kuhlefaran. “We are here. We possess the key. This abomination must be stopped. We will be strong enough because we have no choice.”

Nurn bows to her. “Reality bends before your logic, traveller. But you’re right enough about choice. If I fail, I die. If I run, my employer will seek and slay me.”

Further debate on the topic is halted by Bane. “We are being watched,” he warns. “And by more than one…”

A misty cloaked and hooded figure appears in your midst. After a suitably dramatic pause he whips back the hood and smiles. It is Jake. “I’d love to chat, but we have little time. The forces of Demogorgon himself are being arrayed against you. Apparently your slaughter of his minions has not gone unnoticed, and he has recently made an expensive — but successful — surprise attack on a Ba’tezu stronghold here on the Plains. Possession of this stronghold has freed that portion of his army which had previously been tied up in siege. My brethren and I will attempt to provide intelligence for the Ba’tezu and run raids which will hopefully…” He turns to speak to an unseen companion. “The shifts have begun. Prepare for the arrival of several dozen Ta’nari. Tenser has been alerted. Hopefully he can muster support. We will attempt to confuse Demogorgon’s remaining troops into thinking that the counterassault is more powerful than it is.” The image winks out. Indeed, as you look into the distance, you can see half a dozen of the gigantic demonic spiders, each crowded with smaller — as if twenty-foot tall Nalfeshnee could ever be considered small – troops. Cackling voices and bursts of power are evident as they prepare for battle, falling towards you at impossible speed.