The Heavenly Mountain, rises majestically and alone from a tranquil sea, which itself is separated from the astral only by a thick, silvery mist. The deva of the Mountain, and possibly the Mountain itself, like others of the Wheel, are dedicated to the great work restoring oneness to the divided multiverse. The Mountain is the Path by which Unity may achieved by the abnegation of ego, one soul at a time.
The path isn't easy. Few are those that start upon it, and fewer still those that reach it. Only rumors return regarding the final trial: the pilgrim must gain admittance from the four Heavenly Archons, and then cross a bridge as narrow as the edge of a blade, beneath which yawns a chasm that extends to The Abyss. What lies beyond is even more uncertain and variegated in the telling.
The beginnings of the path in the first of the Seven Cities of Heaven is more certain. Many visits have crossed the Astral into the pearl-bright sea that laps against the white sand beach and the marble quays. Beyond, the Silver City climbs onto the foot of the mountain beneath a night that seems more like a velvet drapery decorated with bright jewels than the cold void.
The Silver City is a very hospitable place. Its pedestrian thoroughfares and atria are garlanded with paper lanterns and strings of glowing orbs with firefly light, are full of soirées. It's central garden is decorated with alabaster sculptures of heavenly bodies and magical symbols, inlaid with moonstone. It is here the ruler of the city, a silver sphinx, holds court. The wine shops and cafes are open all night, indeed there is never anything but night in the Silver City. Many a visitor intends to leave in the morning, to continue their ascent at first light of dawn. Few ever do. This is the Trial of the Silver City: it tests Resolve.
Only the stalwart few take the path out of the Silver City and continue their trek up the Mountain.
4 comments:
The Silver City's trial seems to select for uptight tea-totaler types, which probably says something about lawful good types. I suppose the self-righteous ones will get stopped a bit farther up, but it's still kind of funny that the best-known trial encourages aspirants to be party-poopers* their whole lives to avoid temptation.
Also have to wonder how long the place lets you loaf around enjoying the festivities before you're thrown out on your ear for not paying your bar tab and hotel bill. I suppose the city (and plane) must make followers of other alignments uncomfortable at some fundamental level or they'd be overrun with chaotic neutral types looking to party at the eternal mardi gras going on here.
*That's "party-pooper" in the sense of being a downer at social events, not the more D&D-specific literal term, as inevitably follows after a purple worm manages a TPK.
Ha! Well, I hope a party in Heaven encompasses more than alcohol consumption. Teetotalers should still be able to find something to do. Now, introverts and misanthropes might be more challenged.
I suspect Heaven doesn't charge, so that wouldn't be an issue. Really chaotic sorts would likely be ejected if they got out of hand, and perhaps tepid sameness of Lawful God parties might drive them out of their own accord. I guess I view it less of an eternal mardi gras (which is pretty chaotic!) then an eternal gala.
Good point. An eternity at a church social doesn't sound like it would appeal to the average mardi gras reveler. :)
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