<div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Build plan</div><div class="spoiler_body"><strong>Base creature:</strong> Valkyrie (book of nine swords pg156), a CR 9 creature<br/><strong>Templates:</strong> Monster of Legend (+2 CR, MM II), Vampire (CR +2, MM), Vampire Lord (CR +3, WotC article), +4 HD (+2 CR), Unholy Scion (+3 CR, Heroes of Horror) = CR 21<br/><strong>Class levels:</strong> Swordsage 1/Master of Nine 5<br/><strong>Total CR:</strong> 27<br/><strong>Total HD:</strong> 15 HD as outsider + 6 class levels = 21 HD<br/><strong>Note:</strong> Counts as to be 20 initiator level and knows maneuvers as valkyrie up to 14 level which cannot be refreshed inside combat but it counts towards maneuvers and pregs what valkyrie gains as swordsage/master of nine. Uses unarmed combatant version of swordsage. Uses Obyrith subtype. Use unarmed variant of swordsage and also use swarm version of vampire (Libri Mortis). Considering vampire template gives improved initiative I replaced monster of legend feat with any feat which requirements I meet in 1st HD and is related to improve 'prowess' of char passive beneficial manner.<br/></div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Appearance True/Human</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3004/2564848378_6b171c3195.jpg)<div class="floatright">(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRiOFMqQ5wgkfUhfmG3n6ETuPDX7AXsDibTA2p0c3Pq5QIx5mRV&amp;t=1)</div></div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Stats</div><div class="spoiler_body"><strong>Arthfael, prince of blades, bloodclad armando bravo gladius, Swordsage 1/Master of Nine 5, CR 27</strong><br/><strong>Size/Type:</strong> Large Outsider (extraplanar, evil, chaotic, obyrith)<br/><strong>Hit Dice:</strong> 21d8+252 (420)<br/><strong>Initiative:</strong> +29 (+22 Dex, +4 Improved Initiative, +1 Swordsage, +2 item)<br/><strong>Senses:</strong> Darkvision 60'ft, True Seeing<br/><strong>Speed:</strong> 80ft, fly 120'ft (perfect) <br/><strong>Armor Class:</strong> 78 (-1 Size, +22 Dex, +24 Natural, +14 Deflection, +9 armor)<br/><strong>Base Attack/Grapple:</strong> +22/+44<br/><strong>Attack:</strong> Slam +39 (1d8+21, energy drain, electric attack, unholy strike, crit 20/x2) or 2 Claws +40 (1d6+30, energy drain, electric attack, unholy strike, crit 20/x2) or Unarmed Strike +40 (1d8+30, energy drain, electric attack, unholy strike, crit 20/x2)<br/><strong>Full Attack:</strong> 2 Claws +40 (1d6+30, energy drain, electric attack, unholy strike, crit 20/x2) and Unarmed Strike (kick) +39 (1d8+30, energy drain, electric attack, unholy strike, crit 20/x2)<br/>Or<br/><em>Lifedrinker;</em> +46/+41/+36/+39 (3d6+45, energy drain, cold iron, electric attack, unholy strike, wounding crit 19/x3 +2d6 dmg on crit, +6 crit confirm) (-4 hit and dmg if lacking magic weapon; greater buff) and Unarmed Strike (kick) +38 (1d8+30, energy drain, electric attack, unholy strike, crit 20/x2)<br/>Or<br/>Telekinesis; <em>Violent Thrust</em> with his collection; <em>Comet</em> +36 (1d8+14, mithril, fire 1d6, crit 18/x2 +1d10 fire dmg on crit, +2 dmg vs water elemenals, ignore water elemental DR), <em>Drake's Demise</em> +35 (+37 vs dragons) (2d6+14, dragonbone, +1 acid dmg, 2d6 vs dragons, 3/day smite dragon, crit 19/x2 +1d10 dmg vs dragons on crit), <em>Silver Heart</em> +36 (1d10+14, silver, crit 20/x3), <em>Spark</em> +36 (1d10+14, +1d6 electricity dmg, admantine, crit 19/x2 + 1d10 electricity dmg on crit), <em>Soulflayer</em> +36 (1d10+15, crit 19/x2 + 1 negative level on crit), <em>Unyielding Warden</em> +35 (+37 when attacking foe who has charged) (1d8+14, good, crit 18/x2), <em>Green Rayblade</em> +36 (1d4+14, admantine, +1d6 vs outsiders, transmuting, 3/day impaling, 1/day banish, crit 19/x2), <em>Shadowblade</em> +36 (+40 while flanking) (1d6+14, thinaun, shadow, crit 19/x2)<br/>Or<br/>Any above weapons used via telekinesis to perform a maneuver<br/><strong>Space/Reach:</strong> 10 ft./10 ft.<br/><strong>Special Attacks:</strong> Lightning Gaze (DC 33), Sonic Burst (DC 33), Aligned Strike (Chaotic), Electricity Attacks, Raging Blood (1d4 electricity), Energy Drain (3 levels, DC 38), Blood Drain (1d4+2 Con), Create Spawn (become a fallen valkyrie), Children of War (2d4 Murder of Crows swarms or 1d4 Valkyries), Persuasive Voice (Normal voice volume range, affects all listeners, DC 38), Familial Charm (All valkyries are considered to be under charm person effect), Unholy Strike, Form of Madness (DC 38)<br/><strong>Special Qualities:</strong> Alternative Form (Murder of Crows swarm or comely medium sized human), DR 10/Good and Epic, Fast Healing 15, Gaseous Form (Flock of Crows), Spider Climb (at-will), Enchanced Attributes, Discipline Focus [Tiger Claw], Dual Stance (10 rounds), Perfect Form, Counter Stance, Mastery of Nine, Telepathy, True Seeing (constant, at-will), Control Weather (CL 21), Telekinesis (CL 21), <br/><strong>Immunities:</strong> Acid, Cold, Electricity, Fear, Sonic, Polymorphing and Mind-Affecting Effects<br/><strong>Weaknesses:</strong> Sunlight (-4 to all stats, attacks, saves and skill checks)<br/><strong>Resistances:</strong> Fire 10, SR 31<br/><strong>Saves:</strong> Fort +43, Ref +60, Will +47<br/><strong>Abilities:</strong> Str 52, Dex 54, Con 32, Int 26, Wis 26, Cha 38<br/><strong>Skills:</strong> Bluff+30, Balance+60, Craft [Weaponcrafting]+19, Concentration+40, Climb+40, Diplomacy+50, Hide+50, Intimidate+50, Jump+64, Knowlegde [Planes]+29, Knowlegde [Nature]+13, Knowlegde [History]+13, Knowlegde [Local:Abyss]+13, Knowlegde [Nobility&amp;Royalty]+13, Listen+40, Move Silently+30, Martial Lore+36, Search+16, Sense Motive+41, Spot+40, Profession [Sifu]+12, Survival+24 (+26 in planes), Tumble+64, Use Magic Device+26<br/><em>Skill Tricks:</em> Acrobatic Backstab, Twisted Charge, Spot the Weak Spot, Collector of Stories<br/><strong>Feats:</strong> Alertness (b), Combat Reflexes (b), Dodge (b), Improved Initiative (b), Ligthning Reflex (b), Iron Will (b), Multiattack (b), Improved Energy Drain (b), Blind-Figthing (b), Power Attack (1st), Improved Sunder (3th), Improved Bull Rush (6th), Combat brute (9th), Robillar's Gambit (12th), Adaptive Style (15th), Improved Unarmed Strike (1st swordsage), Quickened Spell-Alike Ability [True Strike] (18th), Dire Charge (21th)<br/><strong>Spell-Alike Abilities (CL 21, Save DC 26+spell level):</strong><br/>Polymorph Any Object 1/day, Gate (Abyss) 1/day, Harm 1/day, Unholy Aura 3/day, Unhallow 1/day, Animate Dead 1/day, Plane Shift at-will (self-only), Teleport at-will (self-only + 50lb), Baleful Polymorph 1/day, Magic Weapon (greater) 3/day, Poison 3/day, Enervation 1/day, True Strike 3/day, Desecrate 1/day, Charm Person 3/day<br/><strong>Maneuvers Known/Prepared (Initiator level 25):</strong><br/><em>Stances</em>---Step of the Wind (1st), Hunter's Sense (1st), Roots of the Mountain (3th), Wolverine Stance (3th), Prey on the weak (7th), Flame's Blessing (1st)*, Leading the Charge (1st)*, Supreme Blade Parry (8th)*<br/><em>Strikes</em>---Charging Minotaur (1st), Irresistible Mountain Strike (6th), Ancient Mountain Hammer (7th), Swooping Dragon Strike (7th), Adamantine Bones (8th), Emerald Razor (2th)*, Avalanche of Blades (7th)*, Time Stand Still (9th)*, Adamantine Hurricane (8th)*, Vanguard Strike (1st)*, Tide of Chaos (5th)*, Battle Leader's Charge (2th)*<br/><em>Boosts</em>---Fountain of Blood (4th), Raging Mongoose (8th), Inferno Blade (7th)*, Cloak of Deception (2th)*<br/><em>Counters</em>---Counter Charge (1st), Scorpion Parry (6th), Diamond Defense (8th)*, Moment of Clarity (6th)*, Disarming Strike (2th)*<br/><em>Non-type</em>---Iron Heart Surge (3th)*, Shadow Stride (5th)*<br/><em>Disciplines:</em> All nine, but most 15 HD is based on Setting Sun, Stone Dragon and Tiger Claw. Maneuvers marked with * had got by taking swordsage levels and master of nine PrC (and so need prepared ahead of time).<br/><strong>9 Readied (refreshed as full round action):</strong> Time Stand Still, Avalanche of Blades, Inferno Blade, Diamond Defense, Moment of Clarity, Iron Heart Surge, Tide of Chaos, Shadow Stride, Battle Leader's Charge<br/><strong>Challenge Rating:</strong> 27<br/><strong>Equipment:</strong> Guardian Ring (187,500gp)****, +6 Vest of Resistance (360,000), Sandals of Swiftness (256,000gp), Kilt of Battle (221,000gp)***, Weaponbelt of Chain Metamagic (25,000gp)*, Third Eye [Sense] (24,000gp), Armbands of Might (4,100gp), Amulet of Second Chances (130,000gp)**, Bag of Holding IV (10,000gp) Wand of Death Ward (CL 7, 25 charges, 10,500gp), 4xPotions of Restoration (lesser) (1,200gp), Staff of Life (155,750gp) 895 platinums + 18 astral diamonds (180,000gp)<br/><br/>*= It's a unique item. It allows chain any weapon augmenting spells of 3th level or lower (keen, magic weapon etc) to all weapons connected to this weapon belt. However duration is split to egual parts. He uses Magic Weapon (greater) most cases and it results for 2 minutes and 9 rounds duration to all nine bladed weapons who get then +5 enchantment.<br/>**= It's amulet which combines Mantle of Second Chances, Amulet of Second Chances and Scarab of Invulrenabillity<br/>***= It's kilt (belt) which combines Dyrr's Impervious Vestments (Complete Arcana pg148) and Belt of Battle and also has a solid fog alike effect attached to blade barrier.<br/>****= It's unique ring which combines Ring of Evasion (provides Mettle instead), Ring of Regenration and Ring of Freedom<br/><br/>Also Arthfael has following weapons which he had acquired over the years in his conquests as kind of trophies which he display and uses in combat against his foes. Each one carries a epic combat tale or history.<br/><br/><em>Comet (large);</em> +1 Martial Discipline [Desert Wind] Mithril Fireshaped Flaming Burst Ignan Scimitar, 73,400gp<br/><em>Lifedrinker (large);</em> +1 Martial Discipline [Tiger Claw] Abyssal Bloodiron Pitspawned Brutal Surge Keen Wounding Maiming Necrotic Focus Greataxe, 212,575<br/><em>Drake's Demise (medium);</em> +1 Martial Discipline [Stone Dragon] Dragonfang (black) Gloryborn Dragondoom Fierce Dragonbane Greatsword, 51,280gp<br/><em>Silver Heart (medium);</em> +1 Martial Discipline [White Raven] Pandemonic Resounding Weakening Revealing Battleaxe, 63,030gp<br/><em>Spark (medium);</em> +1 Martial Discipline [Iron Heart] Dwarvenquality Admantine Shocking Burst Eager Everbright Katana, 55,350gp<br/><em>Soulflayer (large);</em> +1 Martial Discipline [Devoted Spirit] Baatorian Green Steel Souldrinking Longsword, 56,000gp<br/><em>Unyielding Warden (large);</em> +1 Martial Discipline [Diamond Mind] Soulforged Chargebreaker Defending Warning Solarian Truesteel Rapier, 51,325gp<br/><em>Green Rayblade (small);</em> +1 Martial Discipline [Setting Sun] Binding Banishing Impaling Transmuting Star Metal Short Sword, 103,015gp<br/><em>Shadowblade (large);</em> +1 Martial Discipline [Shadow Hand] Hellforged Shadow Thinaun Blurstrike Dagger, 109,800gp<br/>Total Sum= 776,000gp (includes decorated special scabbard with 9 slots bought by 155gp)<br/><br/><em>Used:</em> Manual of Gainful Exercise+5, Manual of Quickness in Action+5, Tome of Understanding+5, Tome of Leadership and Influence+5 = 550,000gp<br/><br/><strong>Form of Madness:</strong> Whenever person who is not chaotic evil outsider or one his pupils comes to 60'ft from him, he must roll will save DC 38 or else become inflicted by madness which Arthfael conjures. The subject suffers delusional visions and noises related to crows, crows feasting on battlefield and grizzly battle scenes involved crows and feel immense dread from such sights. Overall effect provides a distraction factor -1 to all rolls. But if person ever sees (or is attacked) a real crow(s) they must roll will save again (same DC) or become cowered for 1 round from such sight and then frigthened until they no longer see the crow(s). However those who are immune to fear or are already chaotic evil non-outsiders suffer a different sort of effect; they instead are affected as if <em>Awed</em> by Arthfael's presence, see and view him as perfect warrior and feel admiration towards him. This results said invinduals become friendly towards Arthfael until Arthfael does action which changes this view point and more than often many ask to become his pupil or receive a tutoring on some martial subject. Anyone who is not chaotic evil already treats the tutoring process same as taking steps to adopt chaotic evil alignment at one step per lesson.<br/><br/><strong>Weakness:</strong> Arthfael, as entity of purest darkness who devours life with just touch alone seems have angered gods of good and light. They inflicted him curse which once was lethal but now is mere annoyance for him after thousand of years. He cannot use any his non-martial adept related supernatural abilities while standing in pure sunlight (not magical kind) and he suffers -4 to all stats, skill checks, attack rolls and saves. Artfael is also very resilient to kill while outside his layer. As upon his death upon nightfall or his body brought anywhere to dark <br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Murder of Crows (Arthfael swarm form stats)</div><div class="spoiler_body"><strong>Size/Type:</strong> Tiny Outsiders (extraplanar, evil, chaotic, obyrith)<br/><strong>Hit Dice:</strong> 21d8+252 (420)<br/><strong>Initiative:</strong> +27 (+22 Dex, +4 Improved Initiative, +1 Swordsage)<br/><strong>Senses:</strong> Darkvision, Low-Light Vision, True Seeing<br/><strong>Speed:</strong> Fly 60'ft (perfect) <br/><strong>Armor Class:</strong> 71 (+2 Size, +22 Dex, +24 Natural, +14 Deflection)<br/><strong>Base Attack/Grapple:</strong> +22/--<br/><strong>Attack:</strong> Swarm 1d6 (electric attack, energy drain, unholy strike)<br/><strong>Full Attack:</strong> Swarm 1d6 (electric attack, energy drain, unholy strike)<br/><strong>Space/Reach:</strong> 20 ft./20 ft.<br/><strong>Special Attacks:</strong> Lightning Gaze (DC 33), Sonic Burst (DC 33), Aligned Strike (Chaotic), Electricity Attacks, Raging Blood (1d4 electricity), Energy Drain (3 levels, DC 38), Blood Drain (1d4+2 Con), Create Spawn (become a fallen valkyrie), Children of War (2d4 Murder of Crows swarms or 1d4 Valkyries), Persuasive Voice (Normal voice volume range, affects all listeners, DC 38), Familial Charm (All valkyries are considered to be under charm person effect), Unholy Strike, Form of Madness (DC 38), Blinding (DC 40), Distraction (37)<br/><strong>Special Qualities:</strong> Alternative Form (Murder of Crows swarm or comely medium sized human), DR 10/Good and Epic, Fast Healing 15, Spider Climb (at-will), Enchanced Attributes, Discipline Focus [Tiger Claw], Dual Stance (10 rounds), Perfect Form, Counter Stance, Mastery of Nine, Telepathy, True Seeing (constant, at-will), Control Weather (CL 21), Telekinesis (CL 21), Swarm traits<br/><strong>Immunities:</strong> Acid, Cold, Electricity, Fear, Sonic, Polymorphing and Mind-Affecting Effects<br/><strong>Weaknesses:</strong> Sunlight (-4 to all stats, attacks, saves and skill checks)<br/><strong>Resistances:</strong> Fire 10, SR 31, half dmg from slashing and piercing weapons<br/><strong>Saves:</strong> Fort +37, Ref +54, Will +41<br/><strong>Abilities:</strong> Str 52, Dex 54, Con 32, Int 26, Wis 26, Cha 38<br/><strong>Skills:</strong> Bluff+30, Balance+40, Craft [Weaponcrafting]+19, Concentration+40, Climb+38, Diplomacy+50, Hide+50, Intimidate+50, Jump+43, Knowlegde [Planes]+29, Knowlegde [Nature]+13, Knowlegde [History]+13, Knowlegde [Local:Abyss]+13, Knowlegde [Nobility&amp;Royalty]+13, Listen+40, Move Silently+30, Martial Lore+36, Search+16, Sense Motive+41, Spot+40, Profession [Sifu]+12, Survival+24 (+26 in planes), Tumble+45, Use Magic Device+26<br/><em>Skill Tricks:</em> Twisted Charge, Spot the Weak Spot, Collector of Stories<br/><strong>Feats:</strong> Alertness (b), Combat Reflexes (b), Dodge (b), Improved Initiative (b), Ligthning Reflex (b), Iron Will (b), Multiattack (b), Improved Energy Drain (b), Blind-Figthing (b), Power Attack (1st), Improved Sunder (3th), Improved Bull Rush (6th), Combat brute (9th), Robillar's Gambit (12th), Adaptive Style (15th), Improved Unarmed Strike (1st swordsage), Quickened Spell-Alike Ability [True Strike] (18th), Dire Charge (21th)<br/></div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Background</div><div class="spoiler_body">Arthfael origins lay in past thousand year ago in battlefields of Ysgard, his exact how he came to be is unknown. But it is known that during a fierce battle between heaven, hell and abyss as usual was raging on skies and blood was shed between angels, demons, devils and even gods. Gods blood which was splattered to ground form new blooming crimson flowers for valkyries, among the field laid a valkyrie in birth labor. Her name is not known but it's known she was a valkyrie of expectational prowess and beauty even visual alone. When a day passed and flowers prepared to bloom and unleash energy which would give birth to new valkyrie, the valkyrie screamed first time in her labors and unleashed a cry which was heard across battlefield. Bathed in blood from slaughter she birthed and died when her newly born child tore itself from her womb and same time was bathed in vibrant crimson light meant for newly created valkyrie.<br/><br/>From crimson petals arise a man wearing a kilt made from said crimson flowers and wearing nothing else and unarmed. But he ascended to the skies with triumphant combat songs in his lips and instantly valkyries were struck in awe of his presence in the skies. Fascinated by his appearance. Then they witnessed his brutal bravery figthing armed and armored demons, angels and devils bare handed fury! Shredding them appart while his lightning crackled in his fingers and whenever injured he sprouted lightning instead blood and he was capable transform into swarm of crows which feasted of the weak. The sight of it....aroused the valkyries bloodlust and without hesitation the joined the new handsome stranger in the battlefield and started cut through with his leadership against all opposition! They spread chaos and carnage until forces withdrew in terror of their approach, then the man opened a gate to abyss layer, a completely random one and he and his followers went through the gate. Man did not depart until he had shouted; <strong>"I am Arthfael! Come and seek challenge me if you dare!"</strong> With those words he departed from endless Blood War which had briefly paused in his birthday when he had feasted upon enemies.<br/><br/>Since then Arthfael's origin have checked upon carefully and researched. Many speculate he is abomination; infernal but he is not strong like one such dreaded creatures but it's shown his blood carries both divine and abyssal taint which would classify him as such. But it is also prove that any divination's which try register what he is; they say 'Valkyrie' altough valkyries are only female?! This leads to speculation that despite his manly presence it mere disguise to fierce woman who seduces both males and women to under care of his dark wings but problem is that he does not seek seduce but conquer and bloodshed. Also all valkyries across planes are affected imaginary, painted, carved or drawn description of him. They all admire him and consider him as 'brother in arms'. This includes both old and newly created valkyries, they all are affected by it. Some speculate he is some prophesied conqueror who shall combine planes to single organized entity but he is not creature of order but chaos.<br/><br/>Either way since him entering abyss he had made one layer his home and where he trains with the valkyrie followers he gathered since first battle and overtime those valkyries have transformed and become a fallen valkyries. A ruthless beasts of bloodlust and passion which drives them show that their spark makes valkyries spark look like candle compared to inferno. Besides this Arthfael has gathered countless pupils across the planes, those who are fascinated by his combat prowess and are unafraid to take mentoring from him have become renowned combatants if evil or chaotic than before they received the tutelage and some pledged their souls and lives for him to serve in abyss in their afterlife even if it means they are reborn as manes which serve only as target practice for him. Thousand years he has developed his domain and spread his faith across planes to curious sort minds and those who have learned to admire, even worship, his prowess. But his cult following is very small, not at all organized and so far counting only handful true clerics who draw mostly divine power from themselves while serving on his name.<br/><br/>Besides increasing his followers, forming a cult and taking pupils the most interesting part is that it's shown he is kind of collector of unique finely made bladed weapons. Weapons which have one way or another used against him successfully by skilled warriors whom he had personally defeated. Now his blades number to nine and he has told he shall never take more than nine blades with him, present on his philosophical ideals about 'nine steps path' of sublime way. The each weapon and it's recording is listed below;<br/><br/><em>Lifedrinker</em> (http://teamjosh.com/eqoa/epic60/Items/ShadowknightGreatAxe.jpg)<br/>This crimson glowing serrated black double bladed greataxe was once wielded by a demon lord who was former ruler of layer which Arthfael took over while fresh from battles from Ysgard locationed bloodwar. Said demon lord was baphomet of great ambition and he took it upon himself to deal with Arthfael personally in one against one combat. They fought ten days but in end Arthfael prevailed albeit seriously injured from the fight and to this date he had never been so much scarred as he was back then. As he had used only his claws and his blood sucking fangs to defeat his foe which he reduced to a mane which according rumors torments to this day. The axe resemblances abyssal raw might all in it's frightening bloody glory and overtime he created bond with weapon to help him feast raw life power through swing of said weapon. Because of this and the fact the weapon was his first weapon ever collected and the fact that he mastered tiger claw style and favoring the style overall personal reasons, this is only weapon he ever wields personally and never telekinetically as he does today date.<br/><br/><em>Soulflayer</em> (http://the-elder-scrolls-skyrim.com/images/oblivion/renders/Weapons/Glass/LongSword.png)<br/>This longsword was acquired when one famed generals from hells, a pit fiend in service of Bel, Gargeth Bloodbane took upon himself answer Arthfael's open challenge he did on Ysgard upon his departure. He was fascinated on new foe and so he took legion of devils and launched bold assault into chaotic chasm of abyss. None legions survived nor Gargeth, but testament that now Arthfael has his blade floating around serving him gives hint what happened to him. The blade was commissioned to Gargeth personally by hell's best weaponforge masters, made from baatorian greensteel and made it so that it scarred souls which he struck well and empowered him in combat. Also Gargeth had studied sublime way to become religiously fervor in his pursuits, unyielding and never surrendering.<br/><br/><em>Shadowblade</em> (http://students.autodesk.com/ama/public/062/157/870451/warhammer-dagger-textured1.jpg)<br/>This decorated dagger was created after fall of Gargeth. It was forged and made in hell but made from rare metal alloy which allowed capture and seal souls inside it's blade when either foe or wielder falls. It was made to be perfect assassin tool which struck uncanny manner always and wounds even most hardiest creatures. It was given to Dolgai, a assassin devil, to accomplish in task to kill Arthfael. As master of shadow and skilled in shadow hand style the assassin devil took the job and proceed to abyss. But now said commissioned blade floats now around Arthfael and serve his will than said assassin devil. Furthering the testament that not even assassin could kill him and this point hell gave up sending singular entities to try take him down and sending army to so deep into abyss where he resided was fruitless pursuit. This dagger sometimes Arthfael sometimes uses to finish off enemies so he can harvest their souls better for later or injure those who are hard to harm as insult for their invulnerability.<br/><br/><em>Unyielding Warden</em> (http://media.animevice.com/uploads/0/3695/263556-rapier.jpg)<br/>This blade which was wielded by a solar was tasked in live capture of Arthfael. Solar specialized in clever defensive figthing and quick counter attacks. However upon reaching abyss he and Arthfael entered to stalemate; altough Arthfael failed strike blow on skilled solar but he was too quick for solar's counterattacks hitting him. Upon witnessing Arthfael's brilliant skills in personal combat, solar became first pupil of Arthfael and became a fallen solar! He studied half a century until in his early ambition he took second round of blows with Arthfael and then as his virtue had been corrupted in residing in abyss and so breaking off from his traditional defensive mindset, he then lost. To honor of his memory and valuable lessons what they taught to each other Arthfael keeps solar's rapier in his collection.<br/><br/><em>Silver Heart</em> (http://kultofathena.com/images/KR22.jpg)<br/>This mithril double bladed battleaxe belonged to Arthfael's first valkyrie generals. She was second if not first pupil of Arthfael and also his first lover. She devoted everything to his teachings and led his troops to many successful campaigns as her blade's blows inspired troops around her and marked worthy foes with white silver sparkling flames and weakened foes when her blows connected. She was undefeated general who knew meaning of teamwork. However her pride became her downfall when Arthfael told her that she neglected her personal prowess in expense becoming good leader, she in her unyielding valkyrie pride refused take those words no less than insult and seeking retribution for said insult in personal combat. Arthfael defeated her and by her request she was slain, finished off because she had failed her lord for blinding herself with her own pride and forgetting critical part of his teachings for centuries. Now as sad memento her axe floats among collected blades what Arthfael uses and wields in battle.<br/><br/><em>Spark</em> (http://files.turbosquid.com/Preview/Content_2009_07_14__10_40_39/Lightning_Blade.jpgfb18ea31-f48a-4c4d-a993-a3c825c4bba6Larger.jpg)<br/>This katana belonged to one infamous pupils of Arthfael, a human man known as Jingo Crimsonflayer. After he graduated he became killer for hire, a manslayer who carved bloody path to glory and became one most hunted men across planes for several accounts of murders and was much feared swordsman. He was known to be fastest and clean cutting killers. Just rumor of his bladecraft feats send his targets soil themselves and become mere cowering whimpering cowards in his real presence and his aura of bloodlust gave even archons a pause when they tried proceed arrest him when he once traveled in Celestia after his quarry. However like all mortals he grew old and felt his prime time was over, so he went after one last grand slaying what he attempts to do; kill his own sensei who was reason why he had become so famous. Arthfael answered his request and they dueled, in end Jingo died with smile, happy he was only slain by a man who surpassed him by far. Than die because he had become so old that people who could not defeat him in prime became capable to do it or worse; die by old age who no mortal cannot ever defeat. For this memory Arthfael holds blade in his collection until another such worthy pupil shows up and passes on Jingo's legacy.<br/><br/><em>Drake's Demise</em> (http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20091003070306/monsterhunter/images/e/e1/BoneGS.png)<br/>This blade belonged to a half-orc pupil who was renowned dragonslayer, he was skilled warrior and feared berserker. But he seeked guidance to harness his graft to greater heights and came study under Arthfael's guidance to become better dragonkiller. He studied and departed ways with mentor whom he never agreed on some tenets of his philosophy but respected him none the less. He fought all his short life until he died but he had placed curious enchantment on his greatsword. As upon his death sword teleported to Arthfael along his final words; 'take this blade as thanks for things you taught me...' Since then Arthfael had kept blade in his collection even if it's enchantments are quite specific and meant to slay only dragons. But blade is made from dragonbone which in itself can be valuable against foes which cannot harmed by any metal weapons and he likes the colorful tribal decorations in the blade.<br/><br/><em>Comet</em> (http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/58/3/AAAAAgU-3n4AAAAAAFgzRA.jpg?v=1183364445000)<br/>This blade has someway most weird of all stories. The blade was wielded by a female efreet called Thousand Summers. She had heard about Arthfael's prowess and it seemed irk her up somereason and decided pick up his challenge. She came to abyss and dueled him but even if she lost she just laughed and said her pupil had improved a lot in skills since they last met! This led to rather epic scaled confusion and denial in Arthfael's part regarding Thousand Summers status for being his sifu. She however played her game for centuries, irritating him with it and they held countless duels where she lost again and again but still kept spouting her being proud for his improved skills and that she was holding back. This formed weird friendship as she returned to city of Brass and she returned duel time to time again and visit overall his domain. Ironically speaking Thousand Summers was the one introduce Arthfael to desert wind arts, into path of swordsage and then to master of nine as she herself was. Then when Arthfael mastered the art so to speak as master of nine they dueled once again but both knew it was last time they duel, no words was needed as everything felt more real and more serious. She died and when she did Arthfael then bowed to her and thanked her for being his mentor. This way centuries lasted lie turned into a truth and he took her scimitar into his collection.<br/><br/><em>Green Rayblade</em> (http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTGiicCJTdOP__ag_nMBN_W3IrsitnKMfjslsGgTqgMFas8InQY&amp;t=1)<br/>The wielder of this blade appeared during time when Arthfael expanded his dominion and it included also minor presence to one prime world where one cultist had managed open a rift gate which through his valkyries could fly and spread havoc and teachings of Arthfael to that world. Then suddenly many key lieutenants started to be returned abruptly with a nasty stab wounds and some were outright killed in the prime world. It eventually drawed attention of Arthfael himself enter through it and he then found his opponent; a halfling guerrilla warrior who used this same blade to seal travel abilities or banish his followers. He fought the masked halfling fiercely for days, this was second time for someone so easily injure him as the piercing tip of the blade along with sneaky tactics of halfling caused this to be his second toughest battle to overcome. But he triumphed in end and he defeated the halfling by tricking him he was weak when he was not and after finishing halfling he took the blade with him as reminder to never underestimate his foe, despite their size or size of their weapon as with trickery you can achieve very far.<br/></div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Minions</div><div class="spoiler_body">Base CR 26, drop max CR to 20 (32 CR twenty guys). I splitted numbers between other less numerous demon types but same CR as the main purchase.<br/><br/>CR 20: 6 Balors<br/>CR 19: 5 Molydeus<br/>CR 17: 15 Mariliths, 15 Sorrowsworn<br/>CR 16: 5 Fallen Planetars, 15 Goristro<br/>CR 15: 20 Mature Nabassu, 5 Sibriex<br/>CR 14: 15 Fallen Trumphet Archons, 15 Fallen Astral Deva, 90 Nalfeshnee, 30 Ragewalkers<br/>CR 13: 35 Glabrezu<br/>CR 12: 40 Lilitus<br/>CR 11: 25 Hezrous, 20 Retrievers<br/>CR   9: 220 Fallen Valkyries<br/>CR   7: 65 Succubus, 130 arrow demons<br/>CR   6: 70 babaus, 140 Mezzoloth<br/>CR   5: 75 Bar-Iguras<br/>CR   4: 100 Hound Archons, 60 Guecubu<br/>CR   2: 180 Quasits<br/></div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Layer 540; Crimson Spires of Agony</div><div class="spoiler_body">The layer 540 which was former domain a demon prince, a Baphomet's spawn, is known as Crimson Spires of Agony. It takes that name for the fact that whole place is in essence aeons old graveyard, abyssal graveyard that is. The place has ocean of acidic blood which occassionally rains (causes 2d6 acid dmg) and denser rains can be harmful to most demons and outsiders (4d6 dmg). Also place is wracked in constant restless storms with strong winds blowing in the air, making flying a hard strenous pursuit and also lethal as skies are wracked by bright green ligthning bolts (6d6 dmg on small random chance). Sometimes ligthning reaches all way down to ocean floor. The place where lightning strikes causes a deafening boom (4d6 sonic dmg and failed fort save deafens for 5 minutes and failed reflex save blinds for 5 minutes).<br/><br/>Besides blood ocean there is....land somesort. But land is made from countless bones. Biles upon biles of bones. Largest bones are made from titans who rebelled against gods and who fell all way down to Abyss in their defeat. Their broken ribcages form tall towering sharp spires which cloud landscape made from fossil and bones. No plant life expect parasitic kind lives in this desolated land and there is only prey found in few fiendish animals and weaker small demons who make this area as their home.<br/><br/>Now since arrival of Arthfael and defeat of the former lord of this layer he had made layer as his home. As he likes the atmosphere as he calls it despite it's unhospital expect to most hardies of demons or clever ones. When he arrived with flock of valkyries they suffered the acid rains but overtime generated resistance for it, countless of valkyries perished in thousand year era until they developed their immunity. Also there has been flock of demons inspired by Arthfael's raw might and come study under him and some pledge wealthy for him or reason or another join his cause. Interestingly enough the few celestials who came to try defeat him, small forces, he either defeated or converted to become his followers and they now serve him despite daily their lives are endangered by demons who despise their celestial background. Arthfael encourages bloody competition between his fallen celestials and demons, saying only fit to serve him are the strong ones and it has resulted that daily murder is everyday matter. But he made only one rule; all fights must be one against one. So duels to death are common sight as are duels where male demon defeats female gendered celestial to get right to rape her. A brutal unforgiving exchistence.<br/><br/>When he started to get non-outsider pupils they first lived in acid resistant tents or had items to help against rain and lightning. But overtime Arthfael bothered build his stronghold; called <em>Ivory Keep of Scarlet Glory</em>. Place was mix of open sky coliseum, fortress and monastery. It has been build so that five hands of ancient titans form foundation pillars and outstretched hands form it's fiftheen spire towers and countless skulls formed the walls of the place. A material which was plenty of supply in <em>Crimson Spires of Agony</em>. It is big enough fill in three times of size of his present army and it was made expansion in mind. Many demons who could polymorph other objects strengthened the walls and bones become hard as rust and acid resistant steel or black stone.<br/></div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Goals</div><div class="spoiler_body">What is Arthfael's goal after thousand years? Same as in day one; bring war which redefines terms <em>carnage</em>, <em>slaugther</em> and <em>massacre</em>. He attacks anyone; demon, devil, angel, archon. He is no one's side expect his own. But he knows he cannot create such war alone, that's why he has gathered followers and created society in Abyss which is eguilevant of figthing/warrior societies in prime material plane but with abyssal ruthless theme. He teaches demons, angels and anyone who cares to, love bloodbath. Love violence for it's own sake and seek kill always greater and better targets or kill more than ever before. But he also teaches perfection of martial arts, as besides love for blood he loves how perfectly it's executed. He loves egually clean sliced cut depactictated head same as one cut off with rusted saw bladed cut which leaves ugly cut marks. He is not picky very least but he desires to achieve perfection how execute specific kinds of harm and death. Besides these two he enjoys also good combat, unlike other demons he is not afraid of skilled opposition who manages harm him through his natural toughness or healing. Rather he grows excited by it and what closer he gets to death that greater near sexual kind of thrill sends into him.<br/><br/>Besides these grand passions he has little interest anything else besides collect weapons of destruction. May they be maces, spears, swords and so forth. He prefers bladed weapons for obvious reason because they spill blood. But he can keep and collect other weapons too so long they are excellent or unique or has interesting history in them. He occassions takes lovers but he selects them only when he has been aroused greatly by bloodshed than aroused by beauty.<br/><br/>Now his primary goals to achieve his grand passions are; Improvement of self (collect souls, generate and grow worship of his cults, find artifacts of great power), Improvement of his Army (resources, recruits), Conquest for more territory (serves both first goals, espionage and inteligence for layers to conquer)<br/></div></div></div></div>