"Well, first I found you in the snow outside of Winterhold and dragged you into the local inn. Then an old woman granted me access to the college but denied you and forced you to run some errands where you learned the power of belief, the value of proper laundry, and the pain of loss."

"Uh…"

"Then you entered the college and made master Quill drop his chocolate, causing him to lash out and call you a zombie. We then went to bed and you woke up saying something about amnesia."

"Right…"

"I must say, I think it's a remarkable gift. Most around here would say otherwise, but not me! Most people leave when they grow too tired of me talking. They see me and turn the other way, but not you! No, no, no! how can you walk away if you can't remember me?"

"Well…"

"I've seen a lot in my life. I mean, have you seen Dimtree? Of course, you did! Yesterday remember? Oh, that's right! You don't! Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Forgive me, I grow so absent-minded sometimes!"

"Look…"

"I bet you've also forgotten my discussion about coffins! Most would find them exceedingly dull. But not me! No, no! Well, ok. Maybe a little. After all, I did leave them to come here. But even so, I know a great deal and I can tell you there's more than meets the eye."

"Ok, that's enough…"

"See, it starts with the wood. There's Bytopian pine, that's my favorite…"

"SHUT THE F*K UP!"

"Yes, please shut the f*k up!" Master Quill calls back over his shoulder. "We can't afford this kind of nonsense here. Our hosts need to take us seriously."

"Our hosts?" The Dunmer, Brelyna Maryon or something weird like that, asks incredulously. "More like our bloody executioners! I so did not sign up for this!"

"You signed up to see the wonders of the planes, didn't you? Well, this is one of those planes! Very few ever see this place. You should be honored."

"I don't want to see this place!" She looks around trembling. "How could anyone?"

You have to agree with her there. You're in a barren wasteland with a smoky red sky filled with balls of gas, which would be disturbing enough. But it's the feeling of dread that permeates your every being. You know it's not normal. You can tell it's not only you, no matter how well they may try to hide it.

"Ah come on, Brely! It's all part of the experience," the woman in pink pushes back. "The whole point is to find the purpose of the multiverse! Even if there is no purpose!"

"How does that make any sense!? Gah! Everyone in this place is crazy!"

"Quit your complaining or you owe me more chocolate!"

"My, my. Is the great college of Winterhold so desperate that it must recruit rabble such as this?"

Everyone jumps a few feet in shock then turns around. Seemingly from out of nowhere, a red scaly creature with wings, claws, and teeth eyes you with amusement, or what you take to be amusement since that face is in no way human.

"Ancano," Quill says cautiously. "Please don't do that."

"My apologies master," the creature speaks that last word with some irony. "I forgot humans had such weak hearing. But I assumed perhaps the Greyskin or the Khajit would hear."

"Greyskin?" Brelyna moves forward angrily but the "Khajit" steps in front. What was his name again?

"This Khajit is known as J'zargo lord Ancano." Oh right. That's his name. "You would do well to remember it for someday J'zargo will be the most powerful mage in all the planes."

Quill looks at "the most powerful mage in all the planes" like he just lit someone on fire. Ancano merely smirks.

"The honor is all mine," he says again ironically before noticing the rest of the class. "I'm sure you're all lovely as far as humans go." His eyes then turn to you and show some actual surprise.

"And you, well. You might just be the loveliest human I've seen in centuries. How ever did you acquire that lovely visage?" He traces his claws over you, sending another shudder throughout your body.

"I wish I knew."

Quill clears his throat.

"Um, Ancano. As per our agreement, these youngsters are here to help survey the ruins."

Ancano finally stops creepily touching you and turns to Quill.

"Of course, old friend. Students…. this way. Avernus welcomes all"

And so, you follow the band of misfits. You, the scarred amnesiac, the chocolate obsessed teacher, the paranoid dark elf, the cat man who refers to himself in the third person, the overeager sensate, and the guy who won't shut his damn mouth!

"And so, I said to him "Alduin is Tanar'ri!" Which if you've read the history books you'll know is absurd. If anything, Alduin's more comparable to a Trelon just eating whatever he can find. But anyway, as I was saying. I haven't the foggiest honestly why he wants to devour the wor… Hey buddy! Are you even listening?"

"No. J'zargo is sick of your continuous prattle. He is here to learn the secrets of Avernus."

"Wow! This place is really beautiful!" The mage in pink is staring around in awe and wonder. "What can you tell us about it Mr. tour guide?"

"Seriously," Brelyna muses. "What is wrong with you?"

"Well my dear," the sick creature draws out. "This is Avernus, the first layer of Baator. It is led by lady Zariel in her basalt citadel. Our only major attraction if you could call it that is the Bronze citadel, forever undergoing remodeling for the next wave of attack."

"Attack? Oh, you mean the Tanar'ri!"

"Yes…. The masters of chaos." He spits this out with venom. "It is so very frustrating. How can one lead the planes when they refuse to bend to reason? It boggles the mind!"

"Boggling the mind is what experience is all about!" He grins back at her words.

"A sensate hmm? Stick with me my dear. I'll show you things you'll never forget."

"Of course, you'll never forget," Brelyna responds, "once they've blackmailed you into their forces!"

"Now now. I don't need you as foot soldiers. You're helping us already with excavation of this ancient ruin." Meanwhile, you get experience with one of the lower planes. A rare opportunity is it not?"

"For good reason," she mutters.

"I take it you have bad blood with the Baatezu, young Dunmer?"

"That's putting it mildly. Your kind has cost me members of my family. Promising them a better life, then using them as fodder for your petty little war."

"Petty and little are hardly applicable to the Blood War my dear. We are fighting for a cause greater than you can possibly imagine. To bring law and order to these unlawful planes. The family members you speak of should be honored to be a part of it. Where would they be otherwise? Struggling to survive in the hell that is Morrowind, or languishing in the slums under your lord the savior Stormcloak?"

"Ulfric is no deva, except when compared to you."

"Enough Maryon! Keep your personal opinions to yourself! If you want to experience the planes, you have to learn to respect other's opinions."

"But-"

"Silence!"

"Oh no need for that Quill," the creature responds. "She's not a member of our armies… yet. She's welcome to her opinions. Though I must say I'm curious where the rest of you stand? I imagine for many of you this is your first time to a lower plane?"

"Oh no Mr. Ancano," Hamrys buts in. "I've been to the lower chaotic evil plane of Carceri. Where else would I find Dimtree? He is a Tuscampa after all."

"You command a Tuscampa?" Ancano sounds surprised. "That is indeed impressive for a mortal. How did you acquire it?"

"Oh, I'm glad you asked Mr. Ancano! Well first let me tell you a little something about coffins. The first thing you need is- "

"Stop! I no longer care. What about you scarred man?" You snap out of your stupor to see him staring at you intensely. "What brings you here?"

"Mr. chocolate over there told me I had to."

"Oh, excuse me for appreciating the finer things in life!"

"But what about the college? The pursuit of magic? Why this, when you could do anything else in the world?"

"Uh." He's got you there.

"He wouldn't know Mr. Ancano. I found him without any memory of his past. Lying in the snow."

"No memory?" He again sounds shocked. "Is that why you've undertaken this noble pursuit? To find who you are?"

"I…. guess. Mostly I'm hoping for some kind of extra credit."

The creature stares at you trying to make sense of your words. Then he gives another disturbing grin (or at least you think it's a grin. Hard to read).

"Perhaps there is someone, or rather something, that can help you with that. At a price. Just over the next ridge in fact."

"At a price?" Quill sounds confused for a second then goes pale. "Wait Ancano. You don't mean…"

"Oh, I do old friend. I do."

It's at this moment that you begin to hear the sounds. Just from over the next hill, a chorus of voices all speaking at once. You can't make it out, but it drives your paranoia up even further.

"Ancano," Quill speaks cautiously. "We are here to help with the excavation. Nothing more. You remember that don't you?"

"Saarthal is right that way Master." Again, he says that ironically pointing off in another direction from where the voices are coming from. "I believe you know the way by now. Besides, I offered this to our friend here alone. We can catch up. My soldiers there know not to harm you."

Quill looks hesitant, a far cry from his previous haughtiness. But your fellow students have other plans.

"Woah woah! Hold on!" Hamrys places his hand on your shoulder and squeezes tight. "No way am I leaving someone with amnesia to wander off alone towards some strange moaning sounds! Not after all we've been through together!"

"You met him yesterday," Brelyna says."

"And what a day it was! Am I right?"

"No need Hamrys, no need," you assure him while pulling away. "This won't take long. I'm just going to peek over the hill and hope right on back. I'll se you later."

"Nonsense I insist. And so, does Nenny. Right Nenny?"

"You bet your buttocks, talking man!" The woman in pink lights up. "This is the experience of a lifetime!"

"J'zargo agrees. J'zargo will not cower from opportunity. His name will ring across the planes someday!"

"Right, I've heard enough." Brelyna heads in the other direction. "You're all barmier than Sheogorath. If you want to walk off to your dooms go ahead. Let's go professor."

Quill looks both ways unsure what to say, but then looks you over and shrugs.

"Your choice. Can't learn without risks. Come along then Greyskin. You can help with the excavation."

Brelyna looks at him angrily then back at you with worry and follows the teacher away.

"Yes dig, Greyskin. It's what you're good for," Ancano whispers spitefully. He then turns to you.

"The rest of you. The brave. Follow."

You do just that, the feeling of dread growing stronger.

…

This was a bad idea. You admit that too yourself. Off course far too late.

You've seen some pretty weird stuff the last day you can remember. And judging from your artistic tattoos, you've seen a lot of weird stuff throughout your whole life.

But if you've seen anything close to the level of strangeness as what you're currently face to face with…. Maybe amnesia isn't so bad.

Standing tall before you lies this… thing. This horrible, towering, pulsating thing, filling you with nausea, unfounded loathing, and a faint sense of familiarity. The innumerable rotting heads which make up the vast pile seems to constantly shift and throb, alternately bickering, weeping, conversing, shouting and whispering to one another. Heads constantly bubble to the surface of the stack from somewhere within its foul core, while others sink back into the grisly pillar.

And all the while, Ancano is staring at you, somewhat gleefully, taking in your awe and fear. Finally working up the will to tear yourself away from the sight of this monstrosity, you look around at your companions. To your dismay, you don't see worry or fright, but curiosity, fascination, and flat out excitement.

"OH. MY. GOD." Nenny has her hand over her mouth, shaking giddily. "This is the best day ever!"

"I know right," Hamrys interjects. "All those coffins, and all those bodies. To think, some of those saps might be here!"

You slap your hand against your forehead. The elf was right. These folks are barmy.

"If J'zargo is correct, and he always is, this is the Pillar of Skulls. The fate of liars and thieves."

"Not just that, my boy," Ancano grins. "The fate of all whose lies or theft cost someone else their lives. All those lives, all that knowledge. For a price, it can be yours."

"Knowledge," J'zargo repeats. "Knowledge of magic?"

"And other things." Damn abishai is still staring at you.

You stare back frustrated. "And you showed us this, why?"

"That thing is composed of souls from all over the planes. Perhaps one in there knows you."

You are incredulous. "Really? There's a chance someone in there just happens to know me?

"Even if they don't, they might have heard something about a scarred amnesiac. Information like that tends to spread. You can find it in the right place, if you're willing to take risks."

"Risks are all part of experience," Nenny pipes in. "Oh, this is why I became a mage!"

"And I a coffin maker! Let's get closer!"

"Hamrys, wait!"

Too late though. The skulls making up the pillar go quiet and turn their heads. They stare at the muscular young man with indifference. Then they turn to you and their expression changes.

"WELCOME! WELCOME TO AVERNUS. HOW MIGHT WE HELP YOU?"

"Young minds in need of molding," Alecto speaks up. The skulls turn.

"YOU AGAIN," they say with some disdain. "WE HAVE NOTHING MORE TO SAY. WE TOLD YOU ALL WE KNOW ABO-."

"Oh, I'm not here about that. We already found him. No, I'm here with someone who needs to find himself."

The skulls turn again to you. They look in closely, scrutinizing you, then nodding their heads.

"YOU HAVE QUESTIONS? THEN BE PREPARED TO MAKE AN OFFERING."

"Offering?"

"THE SKULL."

You just stare.

"What skull? You have plenty there already."

"YET LACK ONE. ONE YOU STOLE."

"Stole a skull?"

"You were muttering about a skull when I found you buddy. Maybe you were on your way here to return it?"

"Signing up with the college to return a skull to the first layer of hell? You're amazing! A true sensate!" Nenny clasps her hands in joy.

"Well, I don't know what skull you're referring to. I haven't got one."

"UNFORTUNATE. THEN WE HAVE NOTHING TO SAY TO YOU. UNLESS YOU GIVE US A LIFE."

"A life?"

"ONE OF YOUR COMRADES."

At this, the overly cheery Hamrys and Nenny blanche. Ancano looks interested.

"Hey hang on. Friend. Wait…"

"Why would you want…"

"HUNGER. WE HUNGER. WE YEARN TO TASTE FLESH, TO SAVOR SCREAMS."

You think for a bit.

"In exchange for what?"

"Buddy! What the hell?"

"KNOWLEDGE. WE HAVE MET BEFORE SCARRED MAN. YOU HAVE LAID YOUR UNWORTHY HANDS UPON US. WE CAN TELL WHEN AND WHY."

Your fellow students look at you with worry. Except for J'zargo who is looking at the hideous tower with curiosity. The skulls await your answer.

Maybe it's the annoyingly smug smiles on their and the abishai's faces; or maybe it's the truly desperate ones on the otherwise cheery sensate and coffin maker. In either case, giving these monsters what they want, even if it's as good as they claim isn't high on your priority list at the moment.

"No."

Your classmates breath a sigh of relief. Ancano and the skulls look at you in surprise.

"NO? YOU WILL NOT? CURIOUS. WE THOUGHT YOU WERE A MAN OF CHARACTER. HOW ELSE COULD YOU SURVIVE?"

"I have to agree with the skulls, ludicrous as that is." Ancano examines you closely. "I would expect someone with your experience to know better."

"And how would you know anything about my experience, when even I don't know? Hmm?"

It's his turn to blanche. He quickly recovers.

"Truly the college has lowered their standards. Mages used to take chances, push themselves to explore. Then one little accident with fire and cowardice takes over."

He starts to walk away. "Come along then. Let's dig. It's fitting for failures."

You all stare after him somewhat confused as to what just happened. Hamrys and Nenny stare at you with gratitude, before silently walking back towards where Quill and the elf went.

"THE BAATEZU IS WRONG. WE CAN SEE THAT. THE MAN YOU WERE IS STILL IN THERE. YOU WILL RETURN." They pause.

"AND WHEN YOU DO, BRING THE SKULL."

You're not really sure how to respond to that. All you know is you've stared at this repulsive thing long enough. All the heads and their constant chattering and taunting… The notion that you would ever have had any kind of business with such an abomination…

You need to remember to record this in case you forget again. Remind yourself. Never return to Avernus or the Pillars of skulls again. You turn to leave.

Only J'zargo remains. He has been mostly silent through this whole exchange, not revealing any kind of emotion except silent contemplation. As you walk away you can hear him talking to the pillar.

"A KHAJIT? MANY OF YOUR KIND FULFILL THEIR DUTY HERE WITH US. PERHAPS YOU HAVE COME TO DO THE SAME?"

"J'zargo comes for purpose and knowledge."

You should also remember to record that a student is potentially selling his soul for some dark spells. Before you can do that however, you hear someone calling out for you.

You turn to see the dark elf, Bre- something was it? Whatever the name, she's running towards you.

"What's going on? The others came this way looking like ghosts! And what in Talos' name is that!?"

"Pillar composed of liars. Offered me knowledge if I killed someone."

She stares with a wide-open mouth.

"I know. How about you? Find anything interesting?"

"Huh? Oh right. Well actually yes. We stumbled- well, Quill stumbled onto a secret passage. He dropped his chocolate, tried to pick it up, and must have activated some kind of door or something."

"That's a coincidence. The very same day we decide to take a little trip to this lovely vacation site?"

"Well, they'd already dug pretty far into Saarthal. I guess we broke through the last wall or something."

"Or something? Real mage-like."

"Shut it berk. Anyway, the idiot falls on this new path. We follow it down and find this giant room with some writing on the wall and this weird thing on a pedestal."

"I presume they're going to take it back and get it identified?"

"Oh no need. Even Quill didn't need a book. He took one look and knew immediately what it was."

"Am I supposed to guess?"

"It was a hand. The hand. The hand of Vecna."

You stare.

"That's important right?"

She slaps her forehead.