The fall of Elturel into Avernus marks one of the most dramatic and catastrophic events in the recent history of the Forgotten Realms. Known as a beacon of light and justice, the city of Elturel once stood proudly on the banks of the River Chionthar, its people protected by the Hellriders and the Companion, a radiant orb of holy light. But in a shocking turn of events, Elturel vanished from the world and reappeared chained in the desolate, fiery landscape of Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells. This fall, both literal and metaphorical, changed the fate of countless lives and began a campaign of darkness that few saw coming.
The City of Elturel Before the Fall
A City of Righteousness
Elturel was widely respected across Faerûn for its commitment to law, order, and justice. Governed by the High Observer and protected by a knightly order known as the Hellriders, Elturel was viewed as a model of what a just society could look like. The city’s shining beacon the Companion floated above the city like a second sun, casting bright light that kept undead and evil forces at bay, even during the night.
The Rise of the Companion
Years before the fall, Elturel faced threats from undead and evil forces. The High Observer Thavius Kreeg prayed for salvation, and soon after, the Companion appeared in the sky. It was hailed as a divine miracle, supposedly sent by the god Lathander, and from that moment, Elturel stood proud as a holy city. However, not everything was as it seemed, and the truth behind the Companion would later unravel the city’s fate.
Thavius Kreeg and the Hidden Pact
The Secret Behind the Companion
Unknown to the people of Elturel, the Companion was not a divine gift but an infernal construct, a soul-consuming device gifted by the archdevil Zariel of Avernus. Thavius Kreeg had made a secret pact with Zariel to save Elturel during its time of need, offering the city’s soul as payment. This deal was sealed in blood, and the Companion was merely the visible part of the agreement an infernal device masking as a holy light.
Betrayal from Within
Thavius Kreeg maintained his position and allowed the city to prosper under false pretenses. For years, the pact remained hidden until the day came when its payment was due. Without warning, the Companion turned black, and chains of hellish origin erupted from the sky. These massive infernal chains gripped the city and tore it from the Material Plane, dragging it into Avernus as part of Zariel’s ongoing war against the demon hordes.
The Descent into Avernus
What Is Avernus?
Avernus is the first layer of the Nine Hells, a place of perpetual war and suffering. The Blood War a brutal conflict between demons and devils rages endlessly across its scorched battlefields. It is a place where the ground itself is cracked and bleeding, skies are filled with ash and fire, and infernal war machines roam the land. For a peaceful city like Elturel, this was a nightmare made real.
The Chains That Bound the City
Elturel was suspended above the River Styx, held in place by massive infernal chains driven into the land of Avernus. The Companion, now a dark and malevolent orb, continued to hang over the city, draining the life force of its people. Panic set in. Many perished during the descent, while others tried desperately to understand what had happened. The once-proud Hellriders were now trapped, their courage tested in a hellish realm they never imagined facing.
Life in Elturel After the Fall
Survival in Hell
The people of Elturel quickly learned that survival in Avernus was unlike anything they had experienced. Food became scarce, demons and devils roamed nearby, and the very land itself seemed to sap hope and strength. Faith was shaken, and internal divisions began to form. Despite this, some groups, like a remnant of the Hellriders and the Flaming Fist mercenaries, attempted to organize resistance and protect what remained of the city’s population.
Hope Among the Ruins
Even in such dire circumstances, hope persisted. Some priests continued to offer blessings. Brave individuals sought to lead survivors. Rumors spread of adventurers from the Material Plane who might descend into Avernus to save the city, or at least uncover the truth behind its fall. The flames of resistance refused to die entirely, no matter how dire the odds.
The Role of Zariel
Who Is Zariel?
Zariel is the archdevil ruler of Avernus, once an angel who led a charge into the Nine Hells to fight evil on its own terms. However, she became corrupted by the power and brutality of the infernal war. Now, she commands Avernus with iron resolve, seeking souls and power to continue her endless battle. She sees the fall of Elturel as a victory, not just strategically, but philosophically a testament to the weakness of mortal hope.
The Purpose of Elturel’s Fall
To Zariel, Elturel was not just a city but a resource. Its fall added thousands of souls to her domain, many of whom would eventually be turned into devils or fuel her infernal war machine. The fall of Elturel also served as a warning to other cities and mortals who might consider bargaining with devils. Even the purest city could be twisted and taken if the price was paid in desperation.
The Path to Redemption
Can Elturel Be Saved?
In many campaigns and stories, the fall of Elturel becomes a call to action for adventurers. Their goal: to uncover Thavius Kreeg’s treachery, confront Zariel, and sever the infernal chains binding the city. Some seek redemption for the fallen Hellriders. Others aim to restore the city to its rightful place in the Material Plane. The journey is perilous, but the stakes could not be higher.
Choices and Consequences
The story of Elturel in Avernus is filled with difficult decisions. Should players try to redeem Zariel, appealing to the angel she once was? Should they destroy the Companion? Should they save the city at all costs, or sacrifice it to save others? The moral weight of these choices is a key element of the Descent into Avernus campaign, making the fall of Elturel one of the most compelling stories in modern Dungeons & Dragons lore.
The fall of Elturel into Avernus is more than just a physical descent it is a story of betrayal, corruption, resistance, and the enduring struggle between hope and despair. Once a symbol of righteousness, the city now hangs in the balance between salvation and damnation. Whether it can be restored or will be lost forever depends on those brave enough to face the fires of hell and confront the devils that dwell within. In the world of D&D, few tales are as haunting or as meaningful as the fate of Elturel, chained and burning under a darkened sky.