CHAPTER II: GUIDANCE

In the time when I came to exist, I was not confident in my abilities and I had much to learn. You see, marine, we are not that different - we have to obtain our knowledge and experience from outside. When I first met my tutor, Lord Baphomet, I felt strange as the honor of being tutored by the great Demonlord Himself - well... it was too much for me. What? Yes, it is the same with you humans...

And at that time I was not as enormous as I am now - I was the size of a Hell Knight - a little bigger than you, human... And still I could change my size in accordance to the situation that was at hand. I was not bound to the limitations that other beings possess – my physical form could be altered and adjusted as I wished, and that ability improved as I grew older. I was even able to assume the outer appearance of other species – humans included. Under such masks I walked many other worlds, though the Earth was the place of my, let's say, special interest. The Earth was specifically attractive for all in Hell and its dark forces constantly strived to manifest themselves on that plane of existence.


My infernal guide and tutor taught me in the form of an ethereal apparition that was always by my side. I was to learn the ways of warlock magic and demons' wisdom at a major construction site at that ancient time. The Unholy Cathedral was being constructed at that time, and Hell Knights, the mighty offspring of Baphomet's beard, had come from the darkest corners of Hell to build the mighty edifice. I was to command a group of those builders and study as I experimented and watched the work of others. That was my first real task and I remember it fondly.

Imps were charged with the supply of materials - from the Obsidian Canyons, they brought crystals and metal, riding on the backs of demons (you called them "pinky demons," a name that I find rather annoying). My first true test was to create a sacrificial chamber that would serve to gather the blood of Hell's wretched victims. Those victims... I haven't seen them - only once I had a glance and saw a strange-looking creature that was in terrible pain and struggled to go away from its tormentors. One of them lost patience... and simply ripped its heart off...

When the chamber was finished, I realized that by observation and taking part in the work, I had grasped the most basic principles of warlock magic and necromancy - principles that would serve me well later as I advanced in power. I also worked very hard and had gained confidence in my abilities. I got to know the other species of demons and what they were capable of. And I also realized that the path to power is long and hard and there was still much for me to learn before I could assume my place in the great scheme of all things.


When the cathedral was finally complete, it was to keep Baphomet's book of wisdom - the Unholy Bible that was written with his blood on sheets peeled off his skin. It was also to be inhabited by a special kind of Hell Knights. We, Gatekeepers were gathered on the top of hill somewhere in the steamy Plains of Anguish. Baphomet wanted us to give away some of our blood. This was my first encounter with pain - the dark blade cut my flesh and my blood was spilled into a golden pot. Then I saw that the Hell Knights that were chosen by Baphomet would drink from our blood. Their bodies became bright red. Their eyes shone with supernatural green light. I sensed great power that rose in them. From that moment on, they were to be known as... the Barons of Hell. Powerful warriors and magi - created by Baphomet's mere whim.

After that painful experience, I was sent to the volcanic temples of the Mountains of Madness. There, I was taught by one of the oldest Cacodemons (I cannot remember his name anymore) - the wardens of those who would be tortured for eternity in pits of boiling tar... I read huge tomes about the worlds beyond my own. About Gates. About controlling those Gates - the privilege of Gatekeepers. I also studied vast tomes of demonic knowledge, as I had to know everything about the inhabitants of Hell if I were to summon them to battle. Even though I had a new tutor, I could still feel Baphomet's presence close - he was watching me, as he watched all other Gatekeepers... looking for the one worthy to be his most trusted lieutenant.

I had to give blood many more times - the Barons of Hell were getting more numerous and more powerful. I got used to the pain and didn't notice it anymore. I had grown experienced and more confident. The time of my final test was near and I spent much time in the temple's libraries, wishing to be well prepared for it, as that would be vital for my future and position in the brutal hierarchy of Hell.


That night I felt scared. Baphomet's apparition stared at me, as did the Barons of Hell that were gathered all around me. My last test - I had to open a Gate and then close it with immaculate precision. I concentrated. Raging thoughts passed through my mind as I focused my will at one spot in the emptiness before me. I felt great power rising and chaotic energies that swirled beyond my perception. Then I felt it - the fabric of reality was slowly tearing to let me see a ray of dim light. I felt the rift and reached out with my consciousness to grasp its edges… I simply wanted it to enlarge.

And it did. A portal opened before me, and my feeling of satisfaction and relief dampened my exhaustion. Through the rift, I saw your world - lifeless at that time, rocky and dark. Then I slowly released the ties of power that I held. I did it slowly as I knew that a gate closed fast might explode with catastrophic force. The portal slowly buckled in upon itself and with a hissing sound went out of existence.

I had succeeded.

Baphomet's apparition came closer and told me that I was indeed a worthy Gatekeeper and a true harbinger of Hell's power and will. Official member of the Council of the Thirteen - the ones that would soon be among the most powerful denizens of Hell. But before we could assume our positions we had to do one last ritual - we had to go away and wonder throughout the vast realm of Hell and return after no less than 33 years. We, the 13 had to wander off into the burning wasteland to explore it... and to gain real experience from the world around us - the ultimate part of our learning.

Baphomet was pleased, really pleased - he gave us a real feast for our effort and achievement. He then told us that when we return, we would have to go directly to his citadel - The Icon of Sin. It would be there that he would personally proclaim us his lieutenants and we would assume our rightful positions as some of the highest authorities of Hell – destined to lead and conquer.

And so I set off... to wander through Hell for thirty-three years... A journey that helped me learn much about my realm and me. And, of course, enough time for me to think over everything hat was on my mind, undisturbed.


What? Ah, you're impatient, human. You want me to go straight to the part when you crossed my path - the invasion of Phobos and Deimos. No. One of this I learned in the Cacodemon's temple was that you would never have the whole of wisdom, unless you've looked at the whole of knowledge. Be patient - you must know all. That would be my only legacy. Yours is the honor of accepting it.

You may disagree with me, but be assured – at the end of my tale, you will know that everything you hear is of great importance. I would not do this if I was not convinced that it was necessary. You are free to leave if you wish – I will not stop you. Decide now – go away or stay. You would prefer to stay? Ha, I can almost feel curiosity eating you from within! If you really want to stay, interrupt me no more and listen…

I will not tell you in details about my journeys through Hell - 33 years are excessively much to be covered in detail as you would like it to be. I will only tell you that that time I consider the best part of my life, when I wandered through caverns, plains, mountains, seas, canyons and infernal forests. But I will give you some detailed information of Hell in terms of Nature and… geography was the word, right? As you have noticed, I have learned a few things about your human languages over the eons… I will now tell you about Hell and its greatest wonders.

So this is what Hell is and what it consists of...