Chains of Asmodeus

Running This Chapter

Before running this chapter:

Familiarize yourself with this chapter and Koh Tam, who plays an important role in the adventure.
Each player must separately decide which soul they need to save from the Nine Hells.
As a group, the players must decide which of the group patrons they wish to ally with.

The Infernal Contracts

The characters meet with their group patron. They learn about Asmodeus and how he has tricked the powerful into signing infernal contracts. They learn why their group patron is concerned about this.

Read the following text to start things off. Then read the text that is specific to the group patron.

You knew as much of Asmodeus as anyone in your line of work. He was a powerful deity, a conniving master of many schemes, and the Lord of the Nine Hells. You knew that he often plotted to corrupt and win the souls of the influential and the powerful through the use of infernal contracts, damning those unfortunates to the torments of his realm. You never thought that you would be one of his targets.

Now, you live with the loss. A hollowness exists where your soul should be, or else the fierce grief-ache of a stolen friend or family member. If Asmodeus could not convince you yourself to sign a contract, he went after those closest to you. If you made a pact with the Lord of the Nine, you did it with the assumption that you would have enough time to fulfill your end of the bargain. Likely the others who fell prey to him thought the same. It was not to be. Asmodeus's hired murderers ensured it.

Since then, you have been searching desperately for a way to recover what you lost, without success. Every lead has turned up nothing. Every promise of a gateway into the infernal realm has been false. It has begun to seem truly hopeless... But that is about to change.

Hellriders of Elturel Introduction

The characters meet with Ramius in the temple of Helm within the city of Elturel. If Elturel wasn't saved from the Nine Hells, then the meeting takes place in the city of Berdusk, one of the cities that was ruled from Elturel.

For months, you have been searching for information about the Nine Hells and looking for allies that can help your party venture there. After hearing about the Hellriders of Elturel and their history with Asmodeus, you have been granted an audience.

The temple of Helm in Elturel is a grand building of marble and gilded stone. "Heroes, well met," comes a voice from the entrance of the temple. A man in armor strides toward you. "I am Ramius of the Hellriders of Elturel, and I have a proposal for you."

Ramius beckons you to follow him to one of the temple walls, which bears a depiction of a great cavalry unit descending upon a gateway of flame. At the head of the painted cavalry is a winged woman in shining armor.

"In Elturel's darkest hour," Ramius continues. "Our prayers were answered by the angel Zariel, who led a thousand riders and a host of celestial beings into the gateway to the Nine Hells. The battle was won, the gateway destroyed, but Zariel and some of her allies were captured by the Lord of the Nine, Asmodeus. Zariel was lost. But we have learned that a few of her allies remain, held captive and tormented in the Nine Hells." The Hellrider pauses and then adds quietly, "My dearest friend among them."

Ramius collects himself and says, "I propose that together you and I journey through the Nine Hells and rescue Zariel's allies, my own dear friend, and the souls you yourselves have lost."

If you agree, I will take you to the temple of Kelemvor. There is a priest there who can help us."

After the introductions, Ramius uses a teleportation circle to take them to the temple of Helm in Waterdeep and from there to the cathedral of Kelemvor.

Conclave of Halruaa Introduction

The players meet Zythan in Halarahh, the capital city of Halruaa.

As you traverse the many market stalls of the central plaza of Halarahh, you see the shadowed pavilion described to you by your employer. Inside, Zythan of the Conclave of Halruaa, a tall and slender man, wastes no time with greetings, beckoning you to follow him over to a crystal ball in the center of the pavilion. A month ago, you each received a letter from Zythan inviting you to the city of Halarahh. He claimed to have a lucrative proposition for you, something that might bring back the soul that has been lost to each of you.

Zythan passes a hand over the crystal ball, and suddenly you see cruel flames and strange figures moving within. "Through the power of Divination, I have discovered that the Lord of the Nine Hells, Asmodeus, will very soon unleash a terrible evil, a soul that we call the Unmaker."

The flames in the crystal ball are overtaken by a pitch-black darkness. Cold eyes glare out from the void. "To prevent this disaster, you must travel to the Nine Hells, track down the Unmaker, and perform a ritual the Conclave has prepared to destroy him. To aid you in this task, we will use our powers to reveal the locations of powerful magic items hidden throughout the Nine Hells."

The crystal ball shows a series of objects wreathed in fire: a staff, a harp, a cloak, and a sword, among others. "The Nine Hells are full of dangers," Zythan says gravely. "And you know well the conniving schemes of Asmodeus. As you travel through the Nine, you may have the opportunity to restore those souls that were taken from you."

Zythan passes his hand over the crystal again and the images within fade away.

"This is no easy quest, but the fate of many depends upon it. If you will come with me to the temple of Kelemvor, I have a contact there who is an expert on the Nine Hells."

Once Zythan has finished describing the mission, he teleports himself and the characters to the cathedral of Kelemvor in Waterdeep.

Deathstalkers of Bhaal Introduction

The players meet Sarevok in Waterdeep.

It is not the finest tavern in Waterdeep. The tabletops are grimy, the chairs a spare breath from collapse, and you've spied at least one rat scampering across the floor. But the drink is cheap, and the patrons mind their business, which is exactly what your party needs. On quiet nights like these, you each feel more keenly the ache of your losses.

Your contact in the city has set up this meeting. For months, you have all been searching for allies in your quest and for a way in to the Nine Hells. Finally, after all this time, your efforts may have been rewarded. The tavern door opens, letting in a burst of cold. Footsteps follow and come directly to your table. The footsteps belong to a man who wears the robes of a high priest, though you don't recognize the symbol of his clergy. He sits down at your table, looks at you with his gleaming eyes, and speaks.

"I am Sarevok Anchev, high priest of the Deathstalkers of Bhaal. On my lord god's behalf, I seek to gain leverage over the deceiver, Asmodeus, the Lord of the Nine Hells. I know that each of you has cause against Asmodeus. I offer a mutually beneficial opportunity." There is something about Sarevok that tells of death and destruction. But the zeal in his eyes is entrancing.

"Throughout the Nine Hells there are many powerful and ancient artifacts that Asmodeus values, the prized possessions of his archdevils. It is the desire of the Deathstalkers for you to steal these artifacts. For your reward, we offer the artifacts themselves, save one, to do with as you please."

"If you agree, I will take you to the temple of Kelemvor. There you will be advised on how best to traverse the Nine Hells."

After speaking with the characters, Sarevok takes them to the cathedral of Kelemvor in Waterdeep. If the characters inquire about the artifacts Sarevok mentioned, he says it doesn't matter which artifact the characters surrender to the Deathstalkers. No matter the artifact, the Deathstalkers plan to use it to gain leverage in their dealings with Asmodeus.

The Cathedral

Koh Tam has been waiting for the characters to arrive. He has prepared a ritual that should tell the characters where to find their group patron's objective, along with the soul they're each searching for.

Koh Tam

Koh Tam is an imposing figure dressed in many layers of colorful robes and heavy armor pieces. He wears a golden mask that covers the upper part of his face, set with strange green gemstones that wink and glitter like eyes in the flickering cathedral light. He carries a wooden staff with a golden hand affixed upon it. Koh Tam's voice has a rasping hiss to it, like wind through skulls' teeth, but he speaks kindly and with steadfast patience.

[image: Koh Tam prepares his ritual.]

The Possession

[image: The ritual begins!]

Koh Tam's plan is to allow himself to be possessed by Baalzebul, who, owing to the divine wards provided by Koh Tam's ritual, can't tell a lie. Once he has been possessed, the characters must ask him questions.

"It is true," Koh Tam says to your party. "That among those on this mortal plane, there are none that know the Nine Hells as I do. But the Nine Hells are immense, full of countless secrets and dangers. To find that which you seek, you must consult someone with even greater expertise."

Koh Tam spreads out his arms, gesturing at the ritual he has prepared in the center of the cathedral sanctum. "I will summon for you Baalzebul, one of the archdevils of the Nine. He will possess my body and speak through me. He cannot lie, but be warned, he will use all his wit to escape your questioning or to misdirect you."

Turning from you, Koh Tam begins his ritual. He chants ancient words and lifts his wooden staff, and you feel the air in the cathedral shudder with the growing power. The liquid in the pools around you rises. Thick ribbons of bloody red swirl around Koh Tam, not touching the priest, but obscuring him from your sight as the chant reaches a crescendo.

A growl escapes Koh Tam's mouth. "The rancid stench of sinners... surrounds me. Speak to me of your sins, and swiftly, so that I might tell you what I must."

Each character now has the opportunity to ask after the sins they seek. Baalzebul refuses to answer any questions until each character admits their sins or the sins of their loved one, however. Once they've done this, Baalzebul reveals where the soul can be found. He provides only the layer of the Nine Hells and the general location (an adventure area, district, or landmark within the layer). The players should make note of this information.

At this point, the group patron contact steps forward and asks for information specific to their objective.

Hellriders

If the characters chose the Hellriders as a group patron, read the following:

Conclave of Halruaa

If the characters have the Conclave of Halruaa as a group patron, read the following:

Deathstalkers

If the characters followed Sarevok into the cathedral, read the following:

The Exorcism

Once Baalzebul has answered, things go wrong:

The characters must now exorcise Baalzebul from Koh Tam. This is a two-stage battle. In the first stage, they must defeat the avatar of Baalzebul (see the accompanying stat block) that has partially crawled out of Koh Tam.

[image: Battling the avatar.]

Once the avatar has been defeated, the second stage begins. Koh Tam (see appendix C) is possessed and attacks. The characters must free him by casting a Dispel Evil and Good or Greater Restoration spell on him, or by dealing radiant damage to him. Feel free to allow other strategies to work if they make sense to the situation. A cleric's Divine Intervention, for example, banishes Baalzebul back to the Nine Hells immediately.

Once the characters rid Koh Tam of the avatar of Baalzebul, the threat is ended.

Entering the Nine Hells

Once the threat posed by Baalzebul has been dealt with, Koh Tam takes a little time to recover and then talks to the characters about the next steps.

The weary priest sits on the steps below the cathedral altar. His hands still tremble but his voice is calm and steady as he explains the journey that lies ahead.

"I can open a portal to Avernus, the first of the Nine Hells. Once there, I have a barge that will allow us to sail the River Styx, a far easier task than attempting to navigate by foot. I will sail with you and be your guide," Koh Tam says. "To succeed in your mission, you must do two things. First, you must find the souls you seek and free them from whatever foul device holds them captive. Second, you must deal with Asmodeus himself. For even if you escape the Nine Hells with the souls you wish to rescue, they will only be hunted down again unless you can convince, or trick, Asmodeus to declare them free."

Koh Tam stands and dusts off his heavy robes. "I will go and prepare for our journey," he says. "When you are ready, come find me and I will open the portal."

Koh Tam waits for as long as the characters need. Once they're ready, he opens the portal to Avernus.

Meeting Tiax

The portal takes Koh Tam and the characters to the Bronze Citadel in Avernus.

Koh Tam guides the characters away from the Bronze Citadel to the docks. There he introduces them to his first mate, Tiax (see appendix C).

[image: The gate to the Nine Hells opens.]

Koh Tam's first mate is a gnome of peculiar mannerism by the name of Tiax. He is dressed like a naval captain that has fallen upon hard times. His face is covered by a wild beard and a wooden pipe held between his teeth sends out plumes of foul-smelling smoke. He stands on the docks by Koh Tam's barge, arms crossed and face set in a scowl as you approach.

"There ye are, ye fools!" Tiax slams a foot down on the edge of the barge. The force pushes the vessel out to the end of its rope, leaving the gnome unbalanced and tipping toward the unnatural river water. Koh Tam reaches out and snatches the back of Tiax's shirt, pulling him to safety. The gnome neither offers his thanks nor pauses his speech. Instead, he stomps his foot again, this time on the firm wood of the dock, raises his fist, and says, "So, you wish to sail the treacherous waters of the Nine Hells with the mighty sorcerer Tiax. Well! No better choice of guide could you have made. For the great and wise Tiax knows all! But, beware, for the way before ye is full of horrors that would drive lesser souls to terror. Not I though," he says, crossing his arms again. "I'm frightened of nothing."

Tiax is a cleric of Cyric, the god of lies. He believes that his god has chosen him to one day rule Faerûn. Over the years this preposterous belief has led to imprisonment half a dozen times, usually when one of his schemes blows up in his face (often literally). However, Cyric does indeed favor him and treats him like a pet or jester. Thus, the god always helps the gnome escape from whatever predicament he has brought down on himself.

Cyric has directed Tiax to serve Koh Tam faithfully. Cyric is interested in what Asmodeus has planned and harbors a deep hatred for Koh Tam's god, Kelemvor. He hopes that Tiax might learn something about Asmodeus's schemes and if not, then Tiax is well positioned to kill one of Kelemvor's most powerful clerics.

Tiax hides his faith from everyone. He proclaims himself a great sorcerer so that any magic he uses isn't thought of as divinely given. Tiax is a ticking time bomb and as the characters travel deeper into the Nine Hells he becomes more dangerous. Tiax will randomly appear to help—or hinder—the characters as they make their way through the Nine Hells. Every time the characters arrive at a layer of the Nine Hells, even if they've previously visited it, roll on the Troubles with Tiax table and run the indicated event.

Eventually Tiax will betray Koh Tam at the Falls of the Frozen Titan in Cania. See the "Tiax's Betrayal" section in chapter 10 for more details.

Troubles with Tiax

d20	Event
1–6	Nothing unusual happens
7–10	The group patron checks in
11–13	"Tiax always knows best!"
14–15	Tiax's shady dealings
16–20	"Do not question Tiax the Mighty!"

Nothing Unusual Happens

Events in this layer proceed as normal with Koh Tam being the primary contact.

The Group Patron Checks In

The group patron is waiting for the characters, offering assistance as is described in their individual "As a Contact" sections from the Introduction. If this is their first time in this layer, the patron can serve the role—and read the appropriate descriptive text—that is indicated for Koh Tam.

"Tiax Always Knows Best!"

If this is their first time in this layer, Tiax serves as guide instead of Koh Tam, insisting that he has far more insight into this part of the Nine Hells. Unlike Koh Tam, he'll try to accompany the characters to each location they visit within the layer.

Tiax's Shady Dealings

As the characters leave their first area within this layer (or at another opportune time), they notice Tiax trying to hide (poorly) as he spies on them. If confronted, he declares, "Tiax the Mighty was just making certain that his minions were behaving. Now get back to work!" If this event is rolled a second time, run the "Do Not Question Tiax the Mighty!" event instead.

"Do Not Question Tiax the Mighty!"

Tiax is temperamental. Roll a d10 (+ the number representing their current layer of the Nine Hells) every time the characters ask Tiax for advice or enter a new location. On any result lower than a 10, he is helpful. If a 10 or higher is rolled he becomes angry and stomps back to the ship. Each time he becomes angry in this way, add 1 to the next time you make this d10 roll.

No Turning Back

Having met Tiax and boarded Koh Tam's barge the characters are ready for their adventure to begin. Proceed to "The Bronze Citadel" section in chapter 3.

[image: The docks of the Bronze Citadel.]