The war had ensued for multiple days, but even the most battle-hardy warriors and mages of the Empire were beginning to show signs of despair as they succumbed to the increasing force of the brutish demons. With every destroyed Gate a few more could be spotted almost instantaneously in surrounding regions of the Pandemonium. As the Lords waged war and attempted to vanquish the demons and destroy the portals, their forces fell under the might and trickery of the demons who targeted to scatter them among the vast unbounded fiery plains of the inferno.
Late in the night, under the silent gloom of the moon, Councilor Bilir together with academic Sintoray, an expert in portal research, studied the runic inscriptions laden on the fragmented arches of the Demon portal in Blooming Glade. The runes, partially scarred from fire and sharp edges of swords, described in detail the flow of energy between Pandemonium and the portal. It was this very energy which held the gate in a metastable condition, enabling the demons to freely mobilize from Pandemonium to any distant location. To stop the demon uprising, this energy force needed to be eradicated.
Perplexed by the nature of this puzzle, Bilir commanded Sintoray and his fellow academics to study ancient scrolls and scriptures that chronicled the facts known by ancients about the Demons, to determine the source of this energy and possible means of its mitigation. Several days of thorough studying gave little result, since the information about Demons was rather scarce.
This made the Empire turn to the Demon councilor who possessed unique insightful knowledge. He had been head of the Council reunions every time during the last weeks. Councilor Arabat Flamesoul the Fourth had already mentioned he was some sort of leader of the Pandemonium forces, so that was his chance to prove his allegiance and repay the debt he owed to the now late Emperor.
The demon councilor arrived at the portal, as always, body-guarded by his Devils. His eyes rested upon the weary wizard for a minute before turning to the fragmented arch. His looks contained certainty about the nature of the mysterious energy. Taking in a deep draught of air, Councilor Arabat, began to speak, in measured purposeful words.
He spoke of an ancient tribe of powerful demons -The Pandemonium Leaders. The tribe was composed of exactly 666 demons, all of which where highly skilled and accomplished in warfare. The magically potent number of 666 granted this tribe innate military prowess. Each individual demon possessed incredible brute force and cunning. The tribe quickly seized control over the entire Pandemonium, taking the rash infernal demons under their command... Building up their power, they created a powerful state which was called Pandemonium, in honour of their tribe’s forefather, Pan. The most prominent demons were called Infernals, heroes of the Pandemonium; they served the Pandemonium leaders in attendance.
When their time came to an end, they taught their descendants that this force could be maintained only so long as the number was kept precise, not one more, not one less. The new leaders were to be chosen from the Infernals. Crippling or maiming a single leader into inaction could disturb the flux of energy saturating them with strength and quick wit.
With a look of hardened sorrow, the councilor elaborated that he himself had been a member of the tribe. However, strong disillusionment about their blind desire to wreak destruction, as well as natural nobility that revealed itself in his early age, resulted in him breaking off the Pandemonium Leaders, taking those Infernals that were loyal to him along. His departure not only shook the flow of demonic energy, but also angered his demonic brethren. The ancient demons vowed vengeance and the current uprising was probably their manner of dealing justice to his betrayal.
Having spoken, Councilor Arabat took a moment to compose himself. He then sat down with his strategists and inferred Pandemonium’s maps. If they had to strike at the enemy, they would have to hit them in their heart.
Special thanks: ZenoMX.
Early next day, the herald pronounced the following announcement:
“Lords and Ladies of the Empire!
To vanquish the demonic forces we must strike deep into the core of the Pandemonium. Military clan leaders are to deploy their forces towards Pandemonium’s center. Not only must the demons be dealt with, their leaders need to be destroyed.
Our reconnaissance shows that these armies titled “The Infernals” are composed of strange and unknown demonic creatures. The presence of their leaders grants these creatures the ability to gate and summon forth reinforcements.
The Pandemonium leaders are exactly six hundred and sixty six most powerful Infernals. They possess incredible strength and vitality, but only after destroying every one of them can the Empire claim peace once again.
Proceed with cautiousness, Lordship, and let the Twin Gods cool down the earth under your feet to stand your ground and deal a decisive blow at the ominous Infernals!”
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