With Elle of the Owls captured and the Hummingbird Feather in demonic hands the mission appears in jeopardy. Yet, the 1st Special Exploratory Group presses forward, hoping that the gates of hell will not prevail against them. As Lyn-Srial Sky Knights battle the demon swarms above they are joined by a single Coalition Death's Head transport, flanked by SAMAS power armor and a Red cyborg wearing a jet-pack. A short radio message comes through from the Chrome Commander, ”Better the devil you know. Deal with this and we can settle our scores if we all survive.” The channel is flooded with static as the winged demonic herald flies above the scene, fouling radio communications.Conditions wrote:
- Heat: Those without immunity or Full Environmental Protection must make a Vigor roll each round or suffer a level of Fatigue
- Hell on Earth: The banish power does not work.
- Nexus Point: As an action spellcasters can draw PPE and the effects of major Psionics are doubled (effectively 1 ISP per +1, up to +4), while Range enhancements are doubled as well (1 ISP for ×4 Range, 2 ISP for ×20 Range)
Descending into the pit the team realizes the giant crater is only the surface of things. A giant tunnel system runs beneath the pit descending deep into the bowels of the earth. The tunnels are rough volcanic stone and reek of brimstone and acridic fumes. Each passageway is easily large enough for Merlaggon and the Dragonwing. The tunnel system appears roughly circular, defending down in narrow levels. After about the ninth circle the group enters a massive cavern dominated by a churning lake of fire. Peering into the lake reveals shadowy demonic forms swimming within it like tortured souls or budding demons - or both.
Chained to the pillars is a large central island filled with columns, with dozens of flying demon beasts perched atop of them. Lesser Demons ring the island ready to repel all comers while in the centre of the island stands another massive winged demon whom Anarik immediately recognizes as Kilimonde. His giant bat wings are fully unfurled and he wields two demonic blades as he guards the central altar where the closing ritual must take place.
Elle of the Owls is imprisoned on a small outcropping at the far end of the lake of fire. Next to her stands a tortured and twisted version of Severin Fell. He holds the Hummingbird Feather high above his head in a challenge for anyone to try and take it from him.