Chapter 3: Avernus - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus

Chapter 3: Avernus. Guided by Lulu the hollyphant and discoveries made in Elturel, the characters trek across Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells, to recover the Sword of Zariel and free Elturel from its chains. Navigating the wastelands of Avernus might seem like a difficult proposition, but thankfully the characters have the map given to them by Sylvira Savikas in chapter 1. For more information on how to use the Avernus poster map, see "Using the Poster Map". Elturel and Fort Knucklebone aren't marked on the poster map, as Elturel was not present when the map was drawn, and the cartographer who drew the map never encountered Fort Knucklebone. You can situate Elturel anywhere along the River Styx, and Fort Knucklebone anywhere within ten miles of Elturel. Running This Chapter This chapter opens with information about Avernus that you need to run the encounters and adventure locations that follow. The story picks up where it left off in chapter 2, with the characters embarking on a quest to save Elturel while Ulder Ravengard and Reya Mantlemorn stay behind to organize survivors and defend the city. Lulu guides the characters to Fort Knucklebone, home to a pair of kenku junk scavengers named Chukka and Clonk, whom Lulu thinks can provide assistance. Mad Maggie, the night hag who runs the fort, oversees the construction and repair of infernal war machines. If the characters agree to make a deal with the night hag, they can acquire one or more of these vehicles. Mad Maggie can also help Lulu unlock some of her forgotten memories. From Fort Knucklebone, Lulu guides the characters to the place where she thinks the Sword of Zariel is hidden: Haruman's Hill. There, they meet Jander Sunstar, a vampire with some information. They also meet Jander's torturer, Haruman-a fallen Hellrider and one of Zariel's infernal generals. Lulu eventually realizes she's made a grave mistake and led the characters to the wrong place. She suggests two possible paths going forward: t...