You stride into the shrine, Dragon Staff in hand, its runes ablaze with molten light. The cultists, once hissing and chanting, turn as one to face you. But a single sweep of the staff sends them into mist, their forms evaporating like smoke in the wind. The air is thick with ozone and ash, and for a moment, the shrine is still, as though holding its breath.
And then… Vile stirs.
Atop the dais, where shadows converge like a living crown, he waits. Bone and darkness fused into something terrible yet majestic, his hollow eyes burn not with hatred, but recognition. As you step forward, his voice rolls through the chamber, low, smooth, and impossibly intimate, filling your mind before your ears:
“Ah… it is you,” he murmurs, almost fondly. “You who carried my return upon your mortal hands. The Doom Token… the Resurrection Potion… every step, every choice, every act… was in service of me, though you knew it not. You have done well, little architect of fate.”
He rises, and though no feet touch the floor, his presence fills the shrine as if the walls themselves lean in. His gaze pierces, yet it offers no immediate harm—only understanding, allure, inevitability.
“Now, we stand at the crossroads,” he continues, each word a velvet blade of persuasion. “I offer you freedom beyond the limits of your fragile life. Join me willingly, and together we may weave a kingdom eternal, where secrets are law, and power is our birthright. Or… continue your quaint, ill-conceived struggle against me. Fight, and you may grasp for victory… but know this: every strike you land only strengthens the inevitability of my dominion. You are mine by design, as much as I am yours by consequence.”
The shrine seems to hum in resonance with his words, the air vibrating with the pulse of ancient power. The bones of forgotten cultists shift in the corners, faint whispers brushing against your mind. You feel the weight of choice pressing like stone upon your chest: ascend beyond mortality… or defy a god in bone and shadow, risking all.
[Choose to join Vile, or continue your plan to combat him…]
[Combat Vile] You decline the offer and attack Vile! You must proceed through each section consecutively to continue.
"What a fool you are. I'm a god. How can you kill a god? What a grand and intoxicating innocence. How could you be so naive? There is no escape. No Recall or Intervention can work in this place. Come. Lay down your weapons. It is not too late for my mercy.
Vile looks upon you with violent intent, any mortal would be instantly slain.
12(M) Cast powerful wards to avoid getting your physical form disintegrated.
12(S) Dive out of he way with legendary reflexes.
12(C) Roar defiantly and strike at his throat. [Lose any armor you are wearing]
12(T) Your soul takes the brunt of the blast, sapping almost all of you.
0(N) a legendary artefact blocks the attack [Lose a Demon/Doom/Dragon Token or Philosopher Stone]
[Or Continue]
"You are bold. I honor your independence. You are one to teach the gods their limits. I hope the bards will praise the glory of your death in song."
Vile disappears before your eyes, you hear his arrogant voice coming from all directions, suddenly he strikes.
12(M) Cast powerful wards to avoid getting your physical form disintegrated.
12(S) Dive out of he way with legendary reflexes.
20(C) Absorb the blow. [Lose any armor you are wearing]
12(T) Your soul takes the brunt of the blow, sapping almost all of you.
0(N) a legendary artefact blocks the attack [Lose a Demon/Doom/Dragon Token or Philosopher Stone]
[Or Continue]
"Hah-hah-hah-hah. Oh, dear me. Forgive me, but I am enjoying this."
Vile, now visible is larger than before, a purple energy scythe in his hand swings at you repeatedly, smashing you with strength incomprehensible but he seems to exert no effort.
12(M) Cast powerful wards to avoid getting your physical form disintegrated.
12(S) Deflect with legendary reflexes.
12(C) Block and strike back [Lose any armor you are wearing]
12(T) Your soul takes the brunt of the blows, sapping almost all of you.
0(N) a legendary artefact blocks the attack [Lose a Demon/Doom/Dragon Token or Philosopher Stone]
[Or Continue]
"It began here. It will end here. Have you any parting words? Or would you prefer to skip the speeches, and get to our business? You are the challenger here, after all. So to you goes the courtesy of the next blow."
Vile pauses his attack, rests his hands upon his scythe like a walking stick and allows you a moment to speak.
12(M) Blast him with a spell while his guard is down!
8(S) Sneak attack unexpectedly
12(C) Use the lapse in attack to press your advantage.
8(T) Your soul takes the brunt of the blows, sapping almost all of you.
[Or Continue]
"Omnipotent. Omniscient. Sovereign. Immutable. How sweet it is to be a god!"
Vile is tougher than you expected, despite your dragon staff and undead protection, he seems to be playing with you. Suddenly an idea comes to mind....
[Join Vile as a god to continue]