Editing Cerberus Gate

{{town|Neutral|noname=}} Unnamed male historian: When the [[Ancestors]] sent [[Tarnum]] to protect Queen [[Allison]] as she embarked on a dangerous quest into the [[Underworld]], he learned that the Ancestors had not forgotten his crimes.  Was this his punishment?  To save the soul of the man who killed him?

{{TErow| 1 |Day 1|The Ancestors have summoned me to the Kingdom of Erathia to help young Queen Allison, who had a dream that her father's soul was stolen from Paradise and taken down into the darkness of the Underworld.  I've seen the faces of her Knights, and realize that I am the only one brave enough to come to her aid against the forces of the Underworld.}}

{{TErow| 2 |Day 2|Rion Gryphonheart's name is not new to me.  He was the first King of Erathia, an upstart nation that challenged my authority as King of the land.  After years of vicious combat, Gryphonheart was able to maneuver me into a battlefield of his choosing.  I can still smell the mud.  I still remember my enemy's face as he plunged his sword through my belly.<p>It's unfair for the Ancestors to force me to save this man!  Is he really innocent?  He's not even a Barbarian!  Let Gryphonheart's soul rot in the Underworld, for all I care!}}

{{TErow| 3 |Day 3|Here at the border to the Underworld, the land is dangerous to travel.  Not far to the north is an Inferno town that has been harassing Erathian troops and citizens for decades.  There's only one way to handle such a pest - build a good-sized army and attack them as quickly as possible.  A defeated enemy can't hurt you.  }}

{{TErow| 4 |Day 4|Heaps of treasure and resources are simply lying about on the ground, so I've decided to concentrate on building the troop generation dwellings right now rather than concentrating on structures such as the Town Hall.  Of course, my advisors agree this tactic is wise.}}

{{TErow| 12 |Day 12|Rion Gryphonheart is always on my mind these days.<p>After he slaughtered me, he was able to have a family and lead his kingdom into greatness.  Gryphonheart was responsible for the destruction of my empire - a Barbarian Empire - and for scattering my people back into the inhospitable western lands.<p>And now the Ancestors are favoring this outsider!  Is not Gryphonheart responsible for weakening our people?  He's an enemy, and yet I must save him.  I don't understand it.}}

{{TErow| 15 |Day 15|Queen Allison's messenger arrives and hands me a sealed letter.<p>It reads, "Dear Sir Tarnum, I hope that things are going well and you find the town of Meddington to be satisfactory.  Please hurry, the passing of each day is one more that my father's soul is tortured.  If you are in need of anything, please let me know."<p>She expects a response, I'm sure, but I just don't feel like writing today.  Maybe tomorrow.}}

{{TErow| 18 |Day 18|My response to Queen Allison may be late, but it's to the point.<p>"Queen Allison, I am doing well and should have access to the Gate within a few weeks.  I will let you know."}}

{{TErow| 21 |Day 21|Today is the anniversary of my death and subsequent fall from grace.  As I think about it, I realize it was foolish of me to challenge him to single combat.  Rion Gryphonheart was the better swordsman.  I wonder what my life would've been like if I had simply ordered my army to attack...}}

{{TErow| 24 |Day 24|Another message arrives from Queen Allison.<p>"Because of your successes, Sir Tarnum, the Monks and Zealots of the land are convinced that you are performing a service of goodness and will be joining you on the next leg of your journey.  If duty did not keep me here I would be slaying those vile Demons myself.  Good luck."<p>I chuckle at her words.  So, she imagines herself a warrior, does she?  Well, I guess I have to admire her spirit.}}

{{TErow| 29 |Day 29|Allison has sent a letter almost every day, each one stating her desire to run her sword through the bellies of the evil creatures of this realm.  She could almost be a Barbarian, except she is far too concerned about what people think about her.<p>All this letter writing has taught me one thing though.  I hate it and dread every moment behind the pen.}}

{{TErow| 33 |Day 33|Masquerading as a Knight isn't all that different from being a Barbarian.  For the most part both are honorable and believe in respecting and protecting their families.  Erathia used to be Barbarian territory and a large part of the population are descendants of my people.<p>Knights, and their society, are just a polished version of a Barbarian.  Although, Knights seem to put the word of their lord above the needs of their community.  Just the opposite is true for a Barbarian - well, for a Barbarian who follows the old ways.  These days, my culture is far more chaotic and violent than they used to be.}}

{{TErow| 39 |Day 39|Last night, I could hear some young soldiers talking to their sergeant around a campfire.  The subject was Barbarians.  A deep sense of shame overwhelmed me as I listened to the tales.<p>"Those Barbarians will raid any village," says the sergeant, "even ones without any warriors.  They plunder and pillage everything in their path.  Nothin' but mindless savages, I tell ya.  The only good thing about a Barbarian is they kill their own people about as often as they kill us."<p>Unable to listen to any more, I retired early and tried unsuccessfully to convince myself that the soldier was wrong.}}

{{TErow| 45 |Day 45|Killing the evil creatures of the Underworld feels like a chance to atone for all  the innocents I've killed while I was the Barbarian King.  Is this why the Ancestors sent me here - to destroy evil?}}

{{TErow| 54 |Day 54|The Underworld Gate is near.  All this effort just to enter the Underworld!  I shudder to imagine what things are going to be like when I go below into the dark realm itself.  If Rion Gryphonheart's soul is there, I'll find it.  I swear.}}

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Stopping for a quick break, you wander into the shadows of a cool forest.  Immediately, you stumble upon a majestic bird shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow.  You stop in your tracks.  Your legs won't move.  This is the famed Quei Bird - more beautiful than any creature you have ever seen.  It peers at you, looking straight into your soul.  With a sudden start the magnificent bird lifts off, leaving a sparkling blue feather behind.  You pick up the feather and the men take this as a good omen, raising their morale significantly.<p><center>'''Contents:''' +2 {{Morale|+2}}</center></p>

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Winding your way through the mountains you see signs of habitation - old campfires, bones of consumed animals.  Too late, you realize you are surrounded.  Gogs attack!  They must be protecting the entrance to the Underworld.<p><center>'''Guardians:''' 25 {{Cn|Gog|name=Gogs}}</center></p>

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Before continuing, you remember your promise to Queen Allison and dispatch a letter stating that you have made it to the Underworld Gate and are just now securing the passage.  All that's left are some Archdevils, and you're certain that your army can handle them.

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | "Excellent, Sir!  We were just on our way to tell you that we are interested in joining your cause.  If you visit the Barracks weekly we'll be very glad to sign up with you," says a Swordsman, pointing to the Barracks just behind him.

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | You stare bleakly at the inhospitable land ahead.  It's burned and scarred by lava and flame.  Dead.  What twisted creature would choose to live in such a place?  The Underworld will be worse, you're sure, but this is bad enough.  Your men begin to murmur about the strange occurrences that go on in these parts - evil things.  They fidget as they walk, flinch at every noise.  Sensing they are close to fleeing, you sit boldly in your saddle and show no sign of distress as you give the order to continue.<p><center>'''Contents:''' -2 {{Morale|-2}}</center></p>

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Your Barbarian instincts tell you that the Demons would not leave this place unguarded.  You see nothing at first, but the faintest odor of sulfur gives away the presence of your attackers.  They must've seen something in your expression because lots of Magogs suddenly attack..<p><center>'''Guardians:''' 26 {{Cn|Magog|name=Magogs}}</center></p>

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Meddington

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | You can barely believe your eyes as you approach the Gold Mine.  Ahead, a pack of Skeletons busily fill carts with Gold.  As you approach, though, they drop their tools and pick up swords.<p>"Stay away!" they shout.  "We didn't hand over this mine when we died, so we're certainly not going to do it now!"</p>