It was Glacian of the year 807AF when Overseer Jakda approached the gates of Mhaldor, intent on inspecting the work of her charges. After interrupting a discussion between Insid'ari Stheno Aristata, Zackery Aristata, and Reyson Aristata, the Insid'ari and several other Mhaldorians led Jakda to the deepest, most foul recesses of the City of Evil. Taking time to survey the recent construction, Jakda verified - with no small measure of relief - that the structure was satisfactorily wrought to specification.

Her part complete, the Overseer began to relay the final portion of her contract. She hastily explained to the gathered Mhaldorian citizens that the project would not be complete until the gaping pit was filled - with their blood. Satisfied that her instructions were clear, she departed and made her way to the nearest bar.

Taking up the task with the zealous fervour found only in those of the Red Isle, daggers flashed, wrists were cut, and blood began to flow. Over the course of many days, thousands of Mhaldorians young and old collapsed before the pit, their lifeblood offered willingly in the name of duty. Only when the blood of the faithful sloshed and lapped at their very feet did they consider their work done.

But it was not enough.

Drawing upon a mighty reserve of stolen Divine Essence, Insid'ari Ailea, the Ebon Adjutant, did perform the rite of Elevation upon Taryius Lichlord, raising her brother above all others of his kin to stand as an Avatar of Evil. Wielding the essence of Sartan Himself, Taryius willingly, eagerly, zealously let spill his blood into the pit - and the great pool roiled in exultation to accept it.

This great act of sacrifice drew the attention of the Malevolent Lord, who instructed Tyrannus Ysela Nithilar to gather the entire city before the great pit to bear witness and receive their reward. Making His presence known, Sartan commended their recent shows of strength and granted them a boon never before witnessed on the Prime.

Mhaldorians whispered amongst themselves, curious to know what was to come. Their curiosity turned to awe, as the blood pool before them shifted into a three-dimensional reflection of a battlefield on the Inferno. Within the vision, two armies entered into view: one orderly and armoured, efficient and prepared for the coming onslaught of the other, which was flowing towards them in a chaotic and ravenous state. As they watched on in shock, the scene before them shifted until the utterances of the Malevolent One rang through the cavern.

He spoke only two words: Azmodai. Begin.

The daemons emergence upon the battlefield signalled the Emaeldaon armies to charge into the fray against the advancing demons. Both sides immediately sustained significant losses, as the two waves crashed against each other. As the death toll continued to rise, an abominable form descended from the burning sky as the Demon Prince Caizehl, the Iron Lord took the field. Wielding a wicked blade known as the Black Sword, the demon wiped away many legions of daemons in single strokes, instantly turning the tide of the battle in his favour.

His true adversary revealed, the God of Evil entered the fray, facing down the Demon Prince and goading him into a one-on-one confrontation: a challenge to single combat with a God. The two beings - one indisputably Divine, the other elevated to a profound, almost Godlike stature by dint of being on his home plane - engaged in battle, their weapon swings sending shockwaves throughout the entire Inferno. Wanton destruction presided as immense amounts of power were brought to bear. Each gesture levelled mountains. Every blow, and parry, and subsequent countermeasure tore the very land asunder. Even the footwork of the two combatants was enough to send all onlookers hurtling into the Halls of Death - both ally and enemy slain indiscriminately, caught in the throes of the mighty clash.

The God and Demon Prince traded sharp words and many vicious blows, before Caizehl was able to discover an opening in the Lord of Evils defences and impale Him upon his Black Sword. Believing victory to be his, Caizehl towered before Sartan, unprepared for what was to come. Through sheer force of His domineering will, the God of Evil willingly impaled Himself further upon the blade, Divine blood spilling to the ground. Left stunned by the God's action, Caizehl let down his guard...

Seizing the opportunity, Evil Incarnate closed His hand about the Iron Lord's throat, using the other to gruesomely tear a wing from his shoulder. Screams of agony rippled across the Inferno entire, but the Evil One does not show mercy. Hefting the demon above His head, Sartan viciously subdued the Demon Prince by crushing him across His knee.

His foe vanquished, Sartan wrenched the demon's heart from its chest and instructed Regent Komari, the Ashen Scythe to deliver it to Mhaldor, and to restore their font. Speaking little upon his arrival, Komari hung the still beating heart within the depths of Mhaldor and left the citizens with many questions. Will their God survive His wounds? Who is Komari and what purpose does this Demi-god serve in the greater hierarchy of Evil? What of the Inferno, and its inhabitants? These may never be answered.

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Summary:

After the destruction of their font at the hands of the Tsol'Teth, Mhaldor gave of their own blood to fill a newly dug pit within the depths of Baelgrim Fortress. As a reward, they witnessed a brutal and Creation shaking battle between Sartan, the Malevolent and the Demon Prince Caizehl. After taking many wounds, some near fatal, Sartan stood triumphant over the demon, gifting his heart to Mhaldor to function as their new font.

Penned by My hand on the 23rd of Miraman, in the year 808 AF.