For Whom the Bell Tolls

[Shelpies]

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In the heart of Sheol rested the Gluttony's Maw, accumulating and amassing an obscene amount of power as it had been for a decade and some. Each ripple of power from it heralded dark portents, much like the ruthless tolling of the bell. Yet those sensitive and attuned to mana can feel that it was akin to a cancerous growth, one that was bound to explode at a certain point. Whatever it was, a doomsday machine, a weapon or simply a party implement has finally reached its last stages: the point that the late Fiete Fortuna had sought to stop but unfortunately could not.

As people congregated and prepared for the impending climax, Sheol's defenses appeared to have been momentarily lowered. Be it intentionally or incidentally, during this particular moment would hostile forces be able to charge in without the typical ramifications of marching into hostile soil. Granted, altercation may very well be expected.

No matter the case, whatever awaited no doubt will be a momentous step, one that has been brewing for years on end.

Make your way into the Gluttony's Maw or simply leave it be.
The choice is yours to make.
Yet destiny awaits.

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7/15 (SATURDAY)
6 PM EST
Gluttony's Maw, Sheol

[During this particular situation, settlement rules are not in effect within Sheol due to the IC involved.]

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[Epoch]

The Battle of Redrock and Dexia has ended and the War for supremacy of the Sands has mostly concluded. A more pressing matter lurks. Especially for those nowhere near the Silent Expanse.

The Gluttony's Maw.
Festered darkness rots at the lifestream leylines hanging over Mount Pavonis.

The port of Audhild and its seas below are opened for more than trade. Armies of Meranthe and groups of magi are allowed free travel for a scarce few days. Perhaps it's compensation for the lack of help during the battle dubbed 'Ragnarok'. Whatever the case may be, an open path to Sheol is granted. One that bypasses its intimidating defenses and allows man to storm the beaches just shy of the insatiable darkness. In a strategy very similar to Fiete Fortuna's own, only with a slight twist.

This was not limited to an exclusive group, instead open invitation for magi wishing to combat such blight.

For the hour has struck where all must be set aside,
so that the heart of the issue may be dealt with.

Or perhaps more aptly, the stomach of it.

...

..

.

[Shelpies]

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The bells tolled within Sheol, as the battle reached its end.

Having gathered as one, Meranthe thwarted Lyseroth's attempts of completing his dark ascension and joining the Five Marquis in earnest. With the unified forces clashing against Sheol and its allies, a straight path was carved through an intense defensive line towards the Primordial of Gluttony and Revelry. Leading the charge were Camino de Caewynn and his squad consisting of Maliyah, Tristinia, 3-A-0C and Natalie Melodia. In the initial conflict, their combined efforts whittled away at the Primordial's defenses in a valiant attempt to leave as much as they could upon his ever-regenerating body. As the conflict continued within the pocket realm, 3-A-0C had sacrificed itself to protect Natalie's life in a heroic rescue.

These combined effort of theirs, though unsuccessful in bringing the Primordial down, paved the path for Jokul and his team consisting of Daralis, Melidoyla, Aemiliya Alinteau and Elvira Kerekes to push back Lyseroth. Though the battle was fierce and the forces within the realm clashed for what felt like hours on end, Jokul's preparations bore fruit as he partially sealed the Primordial's power in the midst of their battle. Through the combined faith and prayers of Meranthe, the divine bindings upon Lyseroth managed to weaken him enough that their forces were capable of surmounting him.

Yet his flesh was considered inviolable, requiring mankind as a whole to focus their efforts on sealing him. In a final struggle from the Primordial of Gluttony, the sin took ahold of his body and turned him into a wailing monstrosity that sought to consume all those that stood in its path. Eventually, Meranthe's unified forces managed to injure the rampaging sin long enough for Amier's Nephilim to complete the divine seal upon Lyseroth. Binding him to Gluttony's Maw, both he and his castle were cast out of Meranthe and into the distant seas.

Never to be seen again.

What came next were entirely speculations:
Some theorized that Lyseroth has been fully consumed by Gluttony itself and only a wailing specter of hunger remains in Gluttony's Maw.
Some suspicions pointed that Lyseroth has been killed and that the castle itself was sealed away to prevent its malignant influences from spreading.
Some even believe that Lyseroth has managed to wrestle control back and slumbers within his castle until the seal weakens.

None truly know the truth and can only rely on speculations.

Though dark tidings speak that the Five have prepared a seat for Lyseroth, waiting for it to be filled.

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Legends now speak of a distant castle far off the shores, manifesting only in certain conditions yet enveloped in a foreboding mist.
Akin to the Bermuda Triangle, boats and ships are rumored to go missing upon encountering the ominous structure...
... yet likely are these but the ramblings of sailors, seeking to amuse themselves.