Hazdahba Greatbridge
An Unparalleled Advancement
Across Baelonmor, countless scholars have attempted to achieve a feat that has remained unattainable for aeons: creating permanent portals. Whilst any reasonably talented mage can construct a fleeting gateway, even the most accomplished have found it impossible to maintain one for more than a few seconds. The secret to crafting permanent portals lies in three places: the Baelonmori Pantheon, the Enmanari invaders, and ever-volatile Primal Magic. These three powers are responsible for the scattered gateways between the planes, and are also the only ones who can seemingly seal a portal.
This age of exclusivity may be nearing its end. Deep within the bowels of Kravak, the flaming pit of Sarundel, a great mind toils. Glyranq, the Architect of agonies beyond number, works tirelessly on his latest vile project. On the fringes of his torrid home realm, across a roiling sea of molten rock, a colossal curtain of volcanic ash hangs in the air. Stretching out into it is the Hazdahba Greatbridge, the latest machination of the cunning Archdevil. The structure reaches towards the fringes of the world where the fabric of reality is more malleable, and where the genius sadist can test his hypothesis. If his calculations are indeed accurate, he will be able to tear open an array of portals leading to countless realms beyond Sarundel. Such an event would be catastrophic, as throngs of rampaging fiends would then be unleashed upon an unsuspecting world. Thankfully, the bridge is not yet complete, though it inches closer to realisation by the day.
Centuries in the Making
Glyranq began constructing this monumental structure long before the Enmanari arrived, and has made little effort to keep the project secret. The reason for which is simple - nobody ever expected it to work. First of all, the edge of Kravak resides over a long stretch of deep magma which is often assailed by a downpour of volcanic debris; building a vast bridge in such an environment seemed entirely unfeasible. Secondly, whilst Glyranq is renowned for his sinister intellect, the same cannot be said for the other Devils of Kravak. They are notoriously dim-witted, short-sighted, and prone to fits of rage. Many suspected that the Architect would be unable to maintain a workforce large enough to complete such an ambitious endeavour. Finally, the most prominent reason for why the Hazdahba Greatbridge was expected to fail was that Glyranq lacked the godly power required to create portals.
Since construction began, Glyranq has proven two of these three doubts incorrect. He has overcome the scorching sea and has maintained a capable workforce, but the final challenge still awaits. Whilst some folk are confident enough to believe that this stage will render the project obsolete, the Gods have offered great incentives for anyone who will interfere with the Greatbridge's development. If it had not been for the Enmanari's invasion occupying all of their energy, it is speculated that they would have intervened themselves.
Grand Plans
Whilst the completion of Hazdahba Greatbridge would be an undeniable detriment to Baelonmor, it is uncertain what the Architect's specific intentions are. The most obvious explanation is that it will be used as the spearhead for an infernal invasion of other realms, as it would allow Kravakian forces to be deployed en masse. Since the Baelonmori Pantheon are preoccupied with the Enmanari, quelling such an insurgency would become a monumental task that would likely fall to mortal hands. Alternatively, the structure could be used as a hub for interplanar travel. Glyranq might open the facility to any and all, so long as they can pay an appropriate toll. However, this payment will likely be dire due to the proprietor's fiendish nature.
Monument of Slave Labour
Within the depths of Sarundel, countless souls have been condemned to perdition for the sins they committed in life. Whilst generally the Devils delight in torturing the despondent shades, the wiliest fiends know of another way in which to extract value from their victims. They press captured souls into slavery, forcing them to work until they drop, with the threat of extreme reprimand for disobedience. Glyranq has often subjugated others to serve him and so it is no surprise that many of the bricks of the Hazdahba Greatbridge were placed by captive hands. These slaves faced harrowing conditions: meagre rations, scorching temperatures, and vicious overseers. Many would eventually fling themselves into the magma below rather than endure another moment of servitude.
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