Tor and his Previous Incarnations in the Afterlife

Tor is slain by by Ronin Thighstrider, friend of the party, who has been corrupted by Sidax. As he's a changeling in reality, his many past lives manage to pass into Mobius and he speaks to Denizen, God of Death, before he is resurrected by Ida.

The foul scent of Sidax's prison tower suddenly vanishes and is replaced by the fresh, earthy aroma of an evening breeze. Moments ago you were in the heat of battle, plunging javelin after javelin into a canid ourok. Now in the blink of an eye, you are standing in a vast field of wheat. The sky is orange at the horizon with three suns preparing to dip below and out of sight.

You glance around and quickly realize that you aren't alone. Behind you stand a crowd of people who take a multitude of forms. An orc wearing the robes of a scholar, a beautiful centaur woman with a bow on her back. Firbolgs, gremlings, and behind them all is one supremely large and sturdy-looking woman whose skin is adorned with scripture. You recognize her from Chlorinthus' memories: Caligra. She looks at you with curiosity from over the heads of your shorter incarnations.

You hear a voice from behind you. "Heya, folks. It's nice to finally meet you all." You turn to see a tall, skeletal figure adorned with a polished iron halo. Thick metal wires dangle from his wrists. "My name is Denizen," he continues, "And you must be Stinky's friend." He reaches a hand out to you in greeting.

"It's going to take some untangling to sort you all out. I enjoy my role, as every soul I meet gives me new insight into a good friend of mine, but I'm not used to welcoming so many folks at once. Let's start with that former archfey."

Denizen approaches Caligra. She smiles politely and takes his hand. "Lady Caligra," Denizen begins, "You have the run of the place. The originator of written language would be more than welcome with me in my domain, with Tir Frig, with Verthag, and hell, as a fey the domains of chaos are open to you as well. Where would you like to spend eternity?"

Caligra does not hesitate. "You," she says, "bring me to the Archive of the Truth."

Denizen seems pleased. "I was hoping you'd say that." He turns and gestures at the horizon. A triangular door appears in the air.

Caligra approaches the door with hesitation written across her face. "Is Chlorinthus there? Will he be there?"

Denizen shakes his head. "Chlorinthus doesn't belong with me. Don't worry, though, the purpose of the domains isn't to divide. Your bonds will remain intact, drawing my great archive closer to wherever Chlorinthus ends up. That's the fundamental beauty of this world."

Caligra looks reassured. She steps through the doorway and disappears.

Denizen moves to the others. "Betti-Steve: Primordius has claimed you. I'm told there's a cloud giant there who's eager speak with you." Panic flashes across the Gremling's face. "Don't worry, little lady," says Denizen with a chuckle, "grudges don't survive in this place. I think he'll be happy to see you again."

She steps through her doorway.

"Becki, hunter and survivor. Pep has a fondness for you. I think you'll find her frigid domain to be quite a rewarding challenge. Have fun out there."

"Olga Rabbit Racer," he says to a homely firbolg woman, "Abednego has asked for you by name. He says he seldom sees such charitable aspects pass though the mortal gates. It's an honor to guide you home."

"Brak!" Denizen shouts at the studious-looking ourok. "Record keeper! Historian! You worshipped Azahina throughout your life, but you do not align with her. May I suggest a newer deity who may be more up your alley: Verthag. He was born long after you died, but I think you'll take a liking to him. If it doesn't work out, hey, you're more than welcome with me or the elf-father."

And so Denizen continues down the list of Tor's many lives before finally reaching Tor himself. "Alright. Time for the main event. Your friend Stinky speaks very highly of you in her prayers. She's a good kid. Reminds me of another good kid I used to know, before all of this." Denizen's hollow eye sockets tilt slightly towards the setting suns on the horizon.

"You died in honorable combat. That gives you a pass to the realm of Azahina, should you wish to spend eternity on the infinite battlefield. Or, perhaps you feel a kinship to the Father of the Giantkin, Primordius. They've taken notice of you. So has Fafph, in fact. Watched his ugly mug crack a smile when you learned the art of smithing. Really, your options are almost as open as Caligra's. So, which of the realms calls to you?"