16.0 The Black Gate

General Rule

Finding and destroying the Black Gate is the goal the party must achieve to win. The Black Gate is guarded by Demons and by The Nameless One. During combat, the Black Gate has its own phase, during which it attacks with the "Explosion" spell.

Procedure

Once the Black Gate is found, roll 2K3+1 to determine the number of Demons guarding it, then set the monster order, with Demons occupying the front ranks, The Nameless One placed in the last rank of Demons or behind them, and the Black Gate itself all the way at the back (in the third, or even fourth, rank).

During its phase, the Black Gate attacks with the "Explosion" spell regardless of which rank it occupies, casting it three times during each phase. The Black Gate pays no cost for casting this spell, and all three casts in a single phase may be aimed at the same character, or split among several.

The Black Gate retains its ability to cast spells for as long as The Nameless One lives. Once he dies, the Black Gate loses its power, and all Demons vanish. Once The Nameless One and the Demons are killed, an attempt may be made to destroy the Black Gate. It must be made by a character with the relevant ability. The attempt consists of rolling 1K6 and comparing the number rolled to the value of that character's "Black Gate" ability. If the number rolled is less than or equal to the ability, the attempt succeeds, and the Black Gate crumbles to dust. Failure means the character making the attempt suffers 1 wound. Attempts may be repeated until:

• a. one succeeds, or
• b. every character capable of making the attempt is killed, or
• c. the party gives up and withdraws.

In case c., the party will find the Black Gate in the same place during future adventures, but once again guarded by Demons and The Nameless One.

The Nameless One and the Demons can only be fought; the rules for negotiation and bribery don't apply here. There is always only one Nameless One; the number of Demons is determined purely by a die roll; it is not affected by the level the Black Gate is on, although both The Nameless One and the Demons are subject to all the other modifiers from table 6.7 "Maze Levels". The "Black Gate" ability cannot exceed 5 points.