The rivers of Acheron rose up around the sides of the strained boat as it continued to sail, the barely-valid vessel starting to slowly drift into the waters around them as it sailed. The Syndicate knew better than to even dare touch the waters - Wake had warned them of that long ago. As they continued to sail, however, that proved to be slightly misleading - the waters were only dangerous to those Charon had not granted passage to. The dreaded waters of the Styx soon began to trickle into the vessel, filling the base as more continued to pour in. As it filled the boat, the group soon came to realise that it felt unlike any waters that they had seen - in fact, it had more in common with tar. It stung lightly as it filled the space of the boat, filling higher and higher until eventually the boat was completely submerged. Soon, the members inside became submerged in it as well - as soon as they did their vision went pitch black, all of their remaining senses immediately diminished to the point of uselessness.

When they came to, their first sensation was that of heat - a dry, arid heat that sapped the breath from their very lungs, a heat that immediately freed them of the waters that clung to their skin and garments. As their sight returned, they found themselves exactly where they had anticipated - the Nine Hells.

Wake looked around - this was close to where they needed to get. He was no stranger to Avernus, his visitations with the devils of this layer and those beyond taking him through the first layer of Hell more times than he wished to remember. He'd been down here so many times - each time seeking something he was unable to acquire within the world of men. Once again he had returned, once again seeking what the world of men could not provide him - partially because he would use the army that he intended to acquire to dominate it. The Material plane had never been kind to him or his brother, further proven by the backlash he suffered from trying to stand up for himself but once. The elves would pay...and all those that consorted with them.

"Charon. Bel's forge is a great distance from here. This is not the agreement that we came to." Despite Wake's presence in the Hells, his business with Charon was far less. The boatman was always a last resort, but he had worked with Charon enough to know that payment was his only concern. What he did with the coins Wake did not know...only that he wished to have them. Once payment had been obtained, the rest was up to the rider.

The ghastly voice of Charon pierced the air once again. "The war rages on. Your destination is the Stygian docks, and no closer. Even I am not outside the bounds of the Blood War."

Wake grimaced - so the war of demons and devils was back within the planes of the devils. That certainly complicated their mission, though there were opportunities within. There was cover to be had within the war , but also danger - only time would tell which would prove more prevalent. "Very well, boatman. The Stygian docks will suffice." While Wake hadn't the slightest clue what the time distortion of Acheron was, he was acquainted with the Nine Hells to know enough that time on the Material Plane passed more than twice as fast. Adding an additional six hours to a journey here could have far-reaching ramifications on their success.

"Very well." Charon's paddling slowed to a crawl as the boat drifted on the now blood-red sea of Avernus, where the River Styx was at its strongest. The river of fire and blood raged around them, all varieties of creature remains, refuse, and stone outcroppings hindered their path forward. Eventually Charon came to a stop, the hindrances clearing as the river opened up. Ahead, they could see all manner of hellish ships - large vessels decorated in the bones of every variety of creature, sails made from the stitched flesh of equally horrendous beings. Amidst this crowd of massive ships was a smaller port of plain wood that Charon pulled towards, planting his oar in the water as their travel came to an end.

"Safety in your travels through Avernus." Wake filed out of the boat as he ushered the others to follow after him, departing the boat one by one until they had emptied it. As soon as they did Charon was on his way once more, sailing for no more than a few seconds before he began sinking into the waters around him, disappearing into the waters as he passed by one of the larger warships.

Wake looked around at the group, seeing all eyes on him - this was his domain. Zaelynir, usually carrying a smug degree of confidence, especially seemed attentive as he guided the group up from the port, out onto the arid ground of Avernus. He knew plenty about incubi - that they served both demons and devils, but that a single instance rarely served both. It was clear now that Zaelynir was not one of the rare few that served both - his allegiances were solely with the demons, and had likely made enough enemies in prior business that his mere presence here could be dangerous. As Wake continued forward a few more paces he looked back once more - Zaelynir had already shifted his form, the incubus now a built black dragonborn woman that still grasped Zaelynir's signature staff.

"So what is it you'd like to start going by now?" Wake turned around - it was so rare to see Zaelynir visibly out of his element, it was hard not to take advantage of it.

"Thava. Thava...Kimbatuul."

Shavvir looked over, a smirk on her face. "Oh, dear. Fish out of water much?"

Zaelynir scowled, a puff of vile gas escaping her draconian nostrils. "It's not my first visit to the Hells, and I don't intend for it to be my last. This form is known here...perhaps less than favorably, but far better than the alternative."

"Fair, fair. Now wake, where exactly are we going?" Shavvir looked around - the Blood War indeed raged on in the fields in front of them. Legions of devils battled with hordes of demons, countless dead piling up in a heap near the center as the combatants simply climbed over them to fight atop their fallen allies.

Wake pointed forward, towards a billowing volcano in the distance. "Bel's forge is that way...inside the Volcano. I've never tried to visit while the war was so close to him - entry might be far more difficult than we first thought."

"And what is your plan of attack when we find Bel?" Phyrra had remained unusually quiet up until this point - it was easy to see why. Though Lolth was by no means a gentle deity, she was far from the Blood War - there were some sights that discomforted even one of Lolth's most devoted, it seems.

"The truth is all we need. We've the understanding Zariel poses a threat to him, and that we have information on her whereabouts. We let him lead the discussion - I want to learn what he knows and provide him with as little new information as we must. We can deal with creating a contract later - I am sure our understanding of this task will change several times throughout its lifecycle."

"A contract? Really?" The word almost seemed to unnerve Phyrra more than the reckless slaughter in the distance.

"If I do not propose one, Bel will. These are devils - everything is codified. They find it easier to simply guarantee that their interests will be delivered through infernal contract rather than leaving it up to chance - and truthfully, I do not deviate much from those views."

"Seems...unnecessary, but I shall not argue." Phyrra paused for a few seconds, a thought clearly turning about in her mind before continuing. "However, what if your information changes after the contract is written? What if another deal finds us that we deem more...favorable?"

Wake mulled the thought over...it was not one that crossed his mind while within the Nine Hells. "Then we form the contract as late as possible. Ascertain all our information before making any final decisions. Why do you ask...what do you have in mind?"

Phyrra stopped on the arid planes, the rest of the group halting around her. "Suppose I'm Dis. I feel threatened by this Zariel that I've heard about. A group of...let's be generous and call ourselves 'mercenaries', walks in and says they're willing to take care of the problem. What am I willing to offer them?"

Lance seemed to pick up rather quickly where this was going. "As opposed to Z - "

Phyrra nodded, giving the rogue a sincere nod. "Precisely, Lance. Now, suppose I'm Zariel. A group of mercenaries with detailed information on Bel comes to me and says they can assist me in...eliminating him. Usurping him. However Archdevils handle their business. What am I willing to offer them?"

Wake simply shook his head. "No...no. There's no way we could ever get away with that. There are laws, I'm sure...I don't know which ones, but I can only imagine how difficult it must be to hand over leadership of a Layer of Hell, even one as tumultuous as Avernus. Even if we did succeed, there's no guarantee that Zariel would become the next ruler. I'd say there's a higher likelihood that she ends up demoted, we make ourselves enemies of the Nine Hells, and I'm never able to set foot in here for a variety of reasons."

Shavvir stepped into the center of the group, arms outstretched wide. "Enough bickering, all of you. I'm trapped here with you for longer than I had wanted...this nonsense will not stand. Wake, you say there are laws, and I've no doubt there are. Are there laws, avenues, channels, what have you...for discrediting a Lord of Hell? There's no reason Phyrra's concept is null, fledgling and crude as it is." Shavvir punctuated the statement with a demeaning glower at the drow before continuing. "We can gain as much information on Dis as we can, and turn that against him. We've plenty of people here adept at gathering unwanted information."

Wake shook his head adamantly. "No its...it's wrong. Bel can provide us all we need, there's no need to deviate from what we - "

Phyrra stepped in, her finger shushing Wake. "It's wrong? Wake, we're running from an entire plane of existence for what we did because they believe what we did was 'wrong'. We haven't agreed, initiated, or otherwise tied ourselves to any alliances or opinions on this plane. We need the best possible defense against Empyria - for all we know, we might be waging war against them as soon as we return there, or we might find our hideout in ruins with no hope of survival. We are being hunted, Wake. Right and wrong...you need to bend just what that means to you."

Lance spoke up quietly, waiting for the tension to die down between the two of them. "I...I have to agree with Phyrra, brother. I'm not dying again...it's not happening. If we think siding with Zariel on this is going to give us a better chance at survival, I think we have to take it. I think it's more reckless not to, even if it changes your plan."

Wake closed his eyes, burying his head in his hands. "Okay, okay, okay...okay. I hear all of you, I do. But Bel is a Lord of Hell. From what I've heard of Zariel, she's a general, and certainly has some resources at her disposal should she find favor in us. However, the scale...Bel simply has so much more. It's...he could likely offer us five times as many soldiers and it would affect him less."

"And what if Zariel usurps him? Takes his place as Lord of the First? She'll have access to those resources, and would almost certainly give us more than Bel would. We'd have done her a greater service...we'll have more room for prosperity when the contract is forged. Wake, you're a sensible man. You have to see that this is the beneficial solution." Shavvir urged him on, the drow and shadar-kai finally finding common ground on the matter.

"I do...at least, I think I do. There's risks, of course, but I'll be planning how to mitigate those as we go. We still go to Bel's forge, we still ask him all he knows about Zariel. We find out what he doesn't know, and work within those boundaries. Find out what he knows that we don't and use that to...oh Gods, we're backstabbing a Lord of Hell."

Don't worry darling, you get used to it after the first few times. There's a reason I'm not spreading my wings right now...far too many enemies." Zaelynir crossed her draconian arms, continuing. "I can say that this form is safe around Bel...so long as everyone else plays their part."

"Brother, you said we need to find out what he knows about Zariel? What do we need?"

Wake nodded, responding. "Anything about her whereabouts, mostly. All I've heard from my...contacts...is that she's in the Second Layer, Dispater. Unlike this, it's a city of almost limitless dimension - it's easy to get lost in there without a destination in mind."

"I wish I could help, but from what we've seen from the Font, I'm skeptical. It keeps track of history...if Zariel's movements are anything recent, there's next to no information I can provide besides who she is, which…"Phyrra paused, looking at Wake. "You probably can do just as well, and without going into a trance."

Wake nodded. "Like I said, Zariel's a general, or at least that's her last known status. She has access to legions of devils...slightly unsavory, though I suppose we're in no room to complain." When the archer got confused glances, he continued. "She's the largest proponent of scorched earth of the major devil generals. She only accepts warriors into her legions that are willing to embrace the animalistic and bloodthirsty nature of her commands. There are reports that she's sometimes managed to even force demons into her command...forcing them into her ranks and making them fight against her own for supremacy, knowing full well that only one of the two units would emerge alive, and that emerging alive and unloyal would result in your death."

Shavvir smiled, her arm subconsciously running along the blade of Everlife as the dutifully-cleaned blade glimmered in the red heat around it. "Well...now that sounds like a good time. Set the rules...and let the dregs figure out the rest. Now let's stop wasting time and meet this woman, shall we?"

"And what's gotten you so excited, dearie? Weren't you working on finding your way out of this debacle?" While they were alone, Zaelynir still spoke through her normal voice, an odd contrast given the draconian body that issued it.

As soon as she spoke, Shavvir's excited tone immediately dropped to her usual icy demeanor. "Make no mistake, incubus. The Raven Queen's wishes are mine, and her goals are far from chiseled in stone. I will be making my leave when I am able to, and return to serving Her more wholly. While I am here, however...most of you have done enough to warrant protection. I will do what I can to aid."

Phyrra's eyes narrowed. "I admit I do not know much of the Raven Queen's tenets, Shavvir. However, I find it hard to believe that She would look kindly on the actions you're proposing. She hungers for power, but not at the bane of others."

"My Queen is a collector, a preserver. She is beyond this world, strings moving multifaceted plans precisely where she wishes them to be. Do not begin to speak as if you understand her motives or intentions, drow. If she wishes me to follow her through the depths of the Shadowfell, no force on this plane, or any other, shall keep me from that."

The two women glared at each other, tensions clearly rising between the two opposing forces. Phyrra eventually turned away, arms crossed. "Such is to be expected from a follower of a false deity."

Shavvir turned around, face turned into a snarl as she reached for Everlife, quickly drawing it from its sheath. As she did, Wake stepped in between the two of them, eyes narrowed at Shavvir. "Settle your differences elsewhere. There is a raging war on the horizon. Drawing attention to yourself is the fastest way to ensure your death." While all eyes were on him, he turned his attention towards the warforged. "Maul, you've been quiet. Where is your head at?"

"Proposal acceptable." Maul still battled with what Bulwark had done - treated him as an equal, stripping any sense of leadership from him. It was what gave Maul structure, purpose - to exist within his chain of command, to report and be reported to. He'd been back in that structure for such a brief period of time, but it had been revitalizing - and at the very end, forever stripped of him. He was at the top of that command now, at least until the war against Empyria had finished. There was none to report to...and yet, he needed for there to be. There was only one sensible replacement - Wake. However, Maul still battled with even that realization, the realization that a warforged could report to one outside of their own kind. The answer he gave to Wake was brief...he did not know how else to respond.

Wake could tell that the answer was intentionally curt, but didn't want to press on it - with time being an ever-constrained resource, it was not worth bickering about. "Well then. If we're all in agreement, let's make for Bel's forge."

Wake began setting out, knowing full well that the group behind him was in turmoil. Phyrra and Shavvir were once again in another religious dispute, one that would likely last until it had to be broken up by force. Maul was clearly facing some sort of conflict, albeit internal in nature - despite the similar opinions the two had on many issues, Wake didn't know the first thing about how to discuss personal topics with Maul. Lance was still battling with the powers and abilities he'd gained from his unique resurrection - though they'd spent time training on Avalas, that training left him with the realization that he was dependent on his brother in the most dire of times.

The only one that seemed remotely in order was Zaelynir, whom Wake would have expected to be the most on edge. As soon as she had changed her shape to Thava, it was as if she took on a completely new persona - likely because she had. Zaelynir was unmatched in the art of deception, but Wake would have never guessed that that would include having personas for different planes, a face one could fashion to get through almost any scenario. The thought crossed his mind - who was to know that the face that they knew was the true one?

Wake led the group across the unending planes of Avernus, their destination ever in front of them - Bel's forge, a volcano towering over the lifeless horizon around them. All the while, preparations were happening in his mind, calculations on how to avoid the Blood War, what to do should the Blood War reach them...and most importantly, how to navigate the impending conflict with Bel. Loathe as he was to admit it, he was wrong...allying with Zariel in this conflict would provide the better outcome. It certainly complicated matters, however, matters that he was trying to sort out with each step he took.

First, the Blood War...the likelihood of completely avoiding it was almost negligible. The best that they could hope for was to minimize their involvement in it as little as possible. Demons larger than the oldest of dragons squared off against equally imposing devils, the lessers of each clashing beneath them as spear, claw, teeth, and countless other armaments battled against each other. In the sky above them was a gaping hole of the dusty-brown clouds above them, through which poured even more demons. The devils fought to drive them back, a battle only made possible due to the nigh-limitless supply of allies streaming in from all manner of places. Wake had no doubt Maul could navigate the situation, his leadership on Avalas cementing him as an expert general in Wake's mind. However, the warforged would also have to listen - Maul likely knew little to none of the myriad of foes that they would pass through, something many of the others could educate him on. However, they had less than a day before they would reach the fringes of the Blood War...far from enough time to educate Maul on demons, devils, and all of the plentiful variations that they came in.

Second, Bel...it was not the archer's first time serving for the Lord of the First, and he wanted to make it such that it would not be his last. That required careful navigation with their words, questions, and answers - navigation he was likely ill-suited to perform. Wake looked over his shoulder towards the Draconic guest that they travelled with - Zaelynir would likely be able to navigate it, but Thava's very presence within their ranks would likely spark questions from an archdevil that enjoyed meddling with the Material plane - the ruse may well not hold up. Wake scanned the rest of the group behind...there weren't any particularly careful with their words, especially when it was absolutely necessary.

"Thava...a moment, if you will."

The dragonborn's eyes raised, moving faster so as to join him near the front of the pack. "Yes, dearie?" In his mind, however, he heard another voice - the voice of the Zaelynir he knew. "You and I can both sense that we're the only sensible ones of this lot, loathe as I am to admit that our darling friends seem to be a bit at odds. Whatever it is you're scheming, might be best not to add fuel to the fire...keep our conversations a bit more private, shall we?"

Wake furrowed his brow, the voice of Zaelynir omnipresent in his head, unable to fade. This had only happened once before, and he was told never to speak of it...and he never had. However, telepathy and how it worked was a foreign concept to him. "I...oh, how do I say it?" He paused for a second to let the double entendre register before continuing. "Curious as to what you've done that warrants hiding."

"Just as I'm sure you talk to yourself, simply imagine talking to little old me...I promise I only bite if you'd like." As she spoke in his head, however, she continued on the fake conversation Wake had created as a smokescreen. "Mostly information gathering. My earlier attempts weren't quite as practiced as I am now...let people see who I truly am. Made a reputation...had to take on a new form.

Wake focused past Thava, on Zaelynir, imagining speaking to him in his head. "I think you're our best chance at gaining information from Bel. We need to make him think we're serving him. Our questions need to be worded that way, but the answers they provide need to be what we want. I trust you, and only you, to navigate that balance." Nowhere near adept at telepathic communication, he then continued the conversation the rest of the Syndicate could hear. "The Archdevils have surely kept track of our actions, and know that you are among our ranks. Do you fear that the absence of Zaelynir and presence of Thava will give away your true identity?"

Thava shook her head. "Zaelynir wouldn't dare show his face anywhere near here, especially because he knew the Blood War has turned back to the plane of Devils. I am simply your hidden ally, working from behind the shadows. I have respect in this plane, however...my presence here is a boon that I would not let my allies pass up." The two conversations continued in tandem, words streaming from two sources at once. "Well I'm flattered at least one in this lot trust me...have no fear, darling. I'll have him speaking every last hidden whisper in his mind."

The smokescreen conversation had turned into one of just as much import as the one he intended to have, the archer struggling to keep the two streams of information apart. "I only trust you because you seem to be trusting me, and even then I can't reason why it is me you've chosen. I have not told a soul that you possess this capability, though if I come to learn that we are all keeping the same secret from each other you can rest assured that your value will drop considerably." Wake sorted out the information in his head and mouth, continuing. "That is my exact worry - one is mysteriously gone, the other mysteriously shows up. I fear for my own reputation in this plane should our mission run awry. It is only right of me that I worry for others that may have business in this plane."

"Well thank you, dearie, but rest assured that I've played my fair share of archdevils. I'd wager your interactions with incubi and succubi are…" The dragon trailed off for a moment, eyes scanning Wake's form. "Limited. However, this form is not simply a mask. I am nearly a separate being, simply with two sets of memories - mine, and Zaelynirs." Once again, their mental conversation continued. "Oh honey, I have no intention of making enemies with the rest of you. I have my motives, likely more personal in nature in yours. However, they align...and for that reason, it is in my best interest to continue aiding you. As for trusting you...well, I can't give away too many secrets at once, can I?"

"And just what are your motives. I know you consort with demons, which begs the question as to aiding us is in your best interests in the slightest. I can't say I'm expecting you to answer that...but it will be nice to know just how far your trust goes." At this point, Wake completely abandoned the conversation they had been speaking...this was far more interesting.

"Dearie, I've served under Orcus for centuries. You don't think the Lord of Undead would shy away from creating the most glorious battle possible, one that creates the greatest number of casualties on both sides of the field? Lolth spoke to me after the rest of you had stepped through the portal to Avalas...said there were powerful creatures watching our movements with keen interest, and considerable rewards should we topple the structure the Material plane has created."

"So you're saying you wish to see as many of our recruited forces die? To create the closest possible clash so that your greaters profit the best? I know you, Zaelynir, you are not one to simply submit to your betters."

Thava gave a wry smile. "I am telling you the expectations given to me. I wish to see Empyria crumble...its presence sickens me, and makes my line of work far harder to accomplish. Death on both sides is inevitable. However, what I wish for, and what Orcus wishes for, are two separate things. We shall not leave a single one of their filth living...Orcus wants his bodies, and I am more than satisfied with providing him every soul on the Material plane. All others that perish in the conflict will simply be surplus."

Wake paused...they were still so far out, he hadn't quite come to the realization of how the final battle might play out. The mere thought that they'd be slaughtering countless potential citizens, the vast majority of which simply live in Empyria due to an inability to survive elsewhere...it was too much. At the same time, this wasn't a fight that they were willing to lose. They'd been tricked in Alvesari, and that trick had nearly cost him Lance's life. Though the archer wished it would never come to it...he'd rather see ten thousand innocent lives snatched from existence rather than lose his own. "Let us focus on our task at hand. The battle is still far out, and we severely lack the resources to win it." Wake realized he'd left their physical conversation trailing behind, thinking back in order to quickly conclude it for the others that might have been paying attention. "If you are confident that the form of Thava does not put your livelihood at risk, I will not question you."

Thava smiled, retreating back with the others. "Oh dear, I'm far from worried about me, or any of us. All will go swimmingly."

"Very well then." Wake continued on in silence, leading the group towards Bel's forge. The volcano continued to rise up in front of them, the smoke billowing from its caldera ever-tainting the sky above. Ahead of them, however, still raged the Blood War...getting through it would still be a fight of insurmountable proportions. They had grown stronger, however...how strong still remained to be seen, but enough that they'd likely have an advantage that they didn't before. He'd seen Phyrra and Shavvir both communing with their deities on multiple occasions, forging that ever-stronger bond with the deity that they lived their life around...something Wake still didn't understand the value of. Zaelynir had also been growing stronger in his own way, experimenting with the spells he had gained from infernal blood, attempting to create something even more powerful. Lance and Maul had continued their training in a less formal capacity, the two simply practicing battle maneuvers when they had an idle moment. Wake as well had honed his spellcasting prowess - time spent exploring the planes had given him new ideas, new ways to draw the powers of nature into his arsenal. Whether all of that training would be enough to push them through the Blood War intact, however, remained to be seen.

The group journeyed for the next few hours, light smalltalk populating their journey as the Blood War swelled with intensity and ferocity the closer they got to it. They were still more than an hour out from the outer edge of it, though Wake's keen vision was picking up that which the others couldn't - pockets of chaos, but also pockets of safety. The devils had some level of rank and file to their legions, though that order was torn asunder by the invading demons that bore no mind to it - some approached to fight demons ten times their better, and others a tenth. That disorder created small pockets of safety - pockets that lasted only a minute or two at most before being consumed by the War, but present nonetheless.

"Okay. Our only aim here is to simply make it out alive - we aren't going to be able to make any impact on the Blood War, so only fight defensively. We might be able to get through parts of it unscathed, but I doubt that will last for long." Wake stopped...the Blood War was minutes away at this point. They were certainly in range of noticing, but likely wouldn't be acted upon unless by accident.

Maul nodded. "Individual responsibilities requested."

"I want you to call the plays. You proved your ability to lead us in Avalas - I can tell you what the primary threats are, and I trust you to respond accordingly. Phyrra, we need you to keep us alive - it's not going to be easy, but you're the best at it. Brother, stay wary of anything that looks like it's trying to sneak up on us, demon or devil. While we might not be a prime target, no doubt we're going to draw attention, and we're far from unimportant...make sure you get the jump on them before they do on us. Zae - Thava, you know more about demons than I do. Let Maul know if there's anything I missed, but also work to keep the grunts turned away." He paused for a moment, internally thinking of how to handle Shavvir, knowing full well her mental state. "Shavvir, you're our last line of defense. If anything gets through that shouldn't, I'm relying on you to take care of it."

"Priority understood. Threat analysis initiated."

Thava nodded as well. "I'm sure I can convince a few daring demons that we aren't the threat that they think we are."

"I will do everything I can to get us through this...Lolth will guide my every action."

Lance flipped his dagger in his hand. "They'll never see me coming."

Finally, Shavvir. "I have no incentive to see any of you die. I will do that which you have asked of me."

Wake turned to Maul. "I leave the rest up to you. We have our roles, and we shall follow them...lead us to the forge." Wake stepped back as Maul took the lead, holding his shield up in front of him, the cores of both Aegis and Bastion humming to life within it. He had no idea what might happen when he activated the shield...how the twin cores would work in tandem with one another. There were no other Warforged shields to link up with, no unbreakable wall to wage war behind - and yet he knew Bulwark. The old Commander gave him that core to use it, and not just for the war against Empyria. It would become an asset - potentially, very soon.

Maul took the lead, immediately turning to Wake and Zaelynir as they approached the maelstrom of battle. "Threat assessments requested."

"The massive ones on both sides are a problem. For devils, it's a Pit Fiend. For demons, a Balor. Those are about as bad as it gets. Ice devils serve as the commanders, with many of the lesser devils following behind them. Devils follow strict order - they will likely avoid attacking us if their commander does not see us. Pit fiends, however, will attack whatever they deem a threat." Wake pointed out the different varieties, the insectile Ice Devils ordering legions with the point of a hand, fighting back against the wave of demons that perpetually crashed into them.

"Yes...one never wishes to cross a Balor, and none survive that do. Glabrezu won't cause you much issue, but I certainly don't want to be sighted by one - they're oh so fond of making a caster's life miserable. However, the larger threats are Marilith and Nalfeshnee - no spells to speak of, but there are few tales of even veteran soldiers surviving Marilith encounters. I'm confident we can fend off the lesser demons, plentiful though they may be." And plentiful they were. For every greater demon and devil, hundreds if not thousands swarmed around them. Most were so weak as to be irrelevant, but there were enough of decent strength that one swarm of them could potentially overrun the Syndicate. Thava prepared herself, the staff she wielded no longer just a simple walking stick. Necrotic energy crackled at its tip as they made their way towards the Blood War. There was no way past it except through it...and through it they would go.

As the group approached, Lance split off from the others, throwing Blink several times in quick succession as he zipped slightly away, making sure to have an ever-present view on the rest of the group. He knew Wake would have his back - should he be caught unawares, the bolt of energy would almost assuredly hit the opposition, giving him time to return to the rest of the group.

Maul held out a hand, stopping just as a wave of demons crashed forward, Wake directing him to the vacancy they'd opened up at the rear. They were inside now, the sounds of blades, spears, and all manner of natural weapons crashing into each other as the cacophony of war drowned out everything around them - giving orders would be harder than they thought. They pushed through the initial maelstrom, soon the pocket of safety they passed through completely enveloped by more chaos. Maul's eyes scanned every entity that he could see, immediately making all of the necessary assessments. He couldn't understand any of the languages being spoken around him...necessary intelligence holding him back from perfect decision making.

"Watch out!" Thava turned to the side, lightning arcing from her staff as three demons charged at them, the lightning instantly incinerating them instantly. As more came behind them, however, Wake fired off a splintering shot from his bow, one arrow becoming fifty that pelted the second wave of demons. Maul and Shavvir finished them off, sword and maul beating down what little was left of them after barrage of arrows.

In the distance, Thava heard a war cry, instantly looking at the group. "Looks like we've become targets, dearies. Best to get a move on if you'd like to keep your innards where they are."

"Counterfire necessary. Enhanced movement initiated." Maul charged forward, swinging his weapon down on a lesser devil that had the misfortune of being in the way. In the distance, the thunderous cry of a Balor pierced the cacophony of war...the Syndicate could only guess the demons wished to use them as playthings.

Thava ran forward, fire flowing through, fire coursing through her veins as it erupted in a conflagration around her, fire swallowing up everything around the Syndicate to buy them cover as it swept from their left flank, back, and all the way around to their right. As they ran, they heard the shrieking cry of a Vrock as its feathery wings beat faster and faster, the vulture-like demon barreling straight for Phyrra. It completely disregarded the fires around it as it pierced through, wings now wreathed in fire as it screamed towards the drow.

A dagger sunk into its wing moments before it would have impacted, Lance not far behind as he warped to the silent weapon. "Brother!" Lance fired a bolt of necrotic energy as his brother turned around, immediately guiding it up and around as it slammed into the Vrock as it uttered a squawk of pain. Lance plunged the dagger into it one more time as its lifeless body plummeted into the ground, leaping off to rejoin the group for only a moment. "The devils are working to surround us. Either you make a run for it now or you try to slip through a crack in their defenses. I'll leave the details up to you." With that, Blink flew across the battlefield, Lance disappearing along with it.

Wake turned to Maul. "Your call. You've paid attention to our individual skillsets far better than I have. Run, or fight?"

"Fight." Maul had utmost faith in the Syndicate - they'd survived coming back from near-death, as well as carried his people to safety. The Blood War, fearsome as it may be, was well within their ability to control.

Wake raised his eyebrows in question, but held back. "Okay. Let's go." The group continued forward at their current pace, Zaelynir blasting away anything that got too close to the group, Shavvir cleaning up everything that snuck through the cracks. Several times as they moved Lance ducked in as a flying opponent descended upon them, felling it before it could cause any true danger, as well as warning about the enemy's movements. As he came in one final time, his warning became even more dire. "We're about to be swarmed. Get ready."

Wake and Maul were already on top of it, but Lance's warning only solidified the impending danger around them. To their left, the Balor was closing in on them, its massive flaming whip striking through scores of devils that were in its way. On their right, a legion of devils led by a Marilith stormed forward, full intent of trapping them in the midst of the Blood War. The six-armed serpentine woman pointed one of its swords, a volley of arrows flying into the air with a single hellish command. Only half of the volley actually reached the Syndicate, the rest caught midway by all assortments of creature, both friend and foe. Arrows rained down on them, Maul hiding behind his shield while the rest simply dodged what they could, arrows shredding through armor and flesh alike. Phyrra reacted quickly, a quick wave washing over all of them to tend to their wounds.

"Maul...we need to get out of here." Wake was doubting his decision...Maul was being sloppy. The decisions were far from the precise choices he'd come to expect from the warforged...whatever was on his mind clearly was affecting his decision making. "Slant left. We can slip past the Marilith."

"As you wish." The words came from Maul without his intention...it simply made sense. It was likely lost on all but Wake within the chaos of the moment, but he could see the confused expression on the archer's face. He veered to the left as directed, straight towards the Balor. Rather than the fire and lighting that Thava had been firing, a blast of color flew from her hands, an array of multicolored lights blasting into the front ranks of the demons. Some of them caught on fire, others froze, others electrocuted...and yet more began turning to stone or simply blinked out of existence entirely. The legion was in shambles from the one spell, those that survived the initial blast incinerated by an ensuing fireball. Thava pointed out a draconic finger as the scales and muscle peeled off of it, the skeletal index finger pointed directly at the Marilith as was wracked by necrotic energy, a similar finger burrowing into its chest and sapping its energy.

They ran forward for only a few more seconds as the flaming whip slammed down right in front of them, the Balor's roar pierced the sky, an electrified sword plunging into the now-weakened Marilith. Lightning wracked the serpentine form as it instantly fell limp, swords clattering to the ground. It turned its attention to the Syndicate, another threatening roar breaking through the Blood War.

"Evacuation probabilities unsuccessful. Defense necessary."

"We aren't going to defeat this, nor should we try, Maul. Defend as long as we can, and rotate past it while we can. Should I take point on this?" Wake awaited expectantly for the answer.

"Please." The side-eyed glance didn't happen this time, Wake simply accepting Maul's inner turmoil.

Wake charged forward, arrow firing at the Balor to draw attention as he blinked around the field, the bountiful shadows giving him plenty of room to slide around even further, creating a a target nigh-impossible for the Balor to pin down. Still, an unrelenting assault came out, the whip swiping away all of the opposition around it, the sword devastating another powerful demon as it cleared everything that wasn't the Syndicate. Lance flew in from behind, dagger plunging into the demon's back as Maul and Shavvir ran forward, drawing even more attention as the others tried to skirt past.

"Behind you!" Lance threw Blink across the battlefield, narrowly missing the Vrock that came screaming down from above. It slammed into Phyrra, claws raking at her back as the dagger sailed behind it harmlessly. Lance appeared just to the side, throwing the dagger again as he threw his entire weight into the Vrock. As soon as Phyrra was free, she pointed her hand out, a column of flame pouring down from above at the now-exposed Vrock, Lance scrambling out of the way as the fire caught his cloak.

"Thank you." Phyrra held out a hand, tending to Lance's wounds.

"Simply doing what I've been asked to...and repaying a favor."

"One that needn't be repaid, boy." Phyrra turned around just to see the Balor's whip about to crash down onto both of them, immediately grabbing Lance and opening a Dimension Door as they both narrowly avoided the thunderous blow, reappearing safely on the other side. "That one, on the other hand…"

"You solved the current problem, but that…" Lance turned around, a wave of demons about to crash into them.

"Cado!" Phyrra's eyes glowed a brilliant white as she spoke the simple word, Lolth's visage momentarily consuming her in the ensuing seconds. Suddenly, the entire wave froze, most of them blinking out of existence as the word of creation wracked the horde. Most of them simply clutched their ears, the weaker among them stumbling to the ground or even freezing in place. Those that remained were completely demoralized, Phyrra blinking the two of them back into position with another Dimension Door.

"What...was that?"

The drow smiled. "A word used to create the universe...now is not the time to dive into details. We must flee."

The rest of the group continued fending off the Balor, Maul taking the brunt of the blows as the electric sword continued bashing against his shield. He could feel a grind in his gears, a weakness in his pistons...this was not a fight that he could sustain for much longer. As another swing of the sword came down, Maul slammed his shield into the ground...it was time to see just what gift Bulwark had given him.

Immediately, he could see the difference as a wall of force appeared above him rather than the dome he was used to. When the sword slammed into it, however, he realized just how the two cores synergized together. The sword was thrown out of the Balor's hands, flying through the air as the barrier repelled it with devastating force. Rather than simply dissipate like he was used to, however, the wall held...for how long, he wouldn't know.

"Maul, let's go!" The warforged turned around, the rest of the group was far out of the Balor's reach. In the distance, he could see emptiness...there was still plenty of opposition in the way, but the Blood War was about to be weathered. Maul backed up, the shield repelling the Balor's attacks as he retreated, eventually leaving the area.

"Okay...let's go." Wake continued the final push, everyone beaten and weary from the endless war that surged around them. In the distance, the Balor bellowed in anger once more, the massive beast actually blinking out of existence only to reappear right on top of them, sword slamming down. Maul turned around, barrier ready to block the blow only to blink out moments before impact.

Maul was struck squarely in the chest by the sword, electricity wracking his body as he fell to the ground. Shavvir immediately ran over to him as the whip was about to come down, a Dimension Door opening up, the destination being the far end of the Blood War. "This is not where you want to die." The two appeared safely on the outer edge of the Blood War, Maul still limp on the ground from the devastating blow from the Balor.

The other four quickly pushed forward, Thava fending off the rest with the last dregs of her magic, opening a path that Wake guided them out of. As soon as they were in the clear Phyrra ran forward, channeling Lolth's energy as Maul's mechanisms were mended, the warforged standing up once more.

"We're out of the thick of it, but still within striking distance. Keep moving for a few more minutes, and then we can take a rest." Wake guided the group further, Bel's forge now plainly in view, the Blood War behind them. After ten minutes' travel, they took a rest amidst a field of towering, jagged bones, a graveyard for some long-slain primordial beast. It was far from the rest that they needed...but it was all they could afford at the moment.

"Rest up everyone...Bel awaits us."