Mingzhu follows behind Quasziel in case a feather falls off his wings. They go into the room. There are three binding circles. One has a Red Slaad, one has a Blue Slaad, one has a Green Slaad. In a circular... rolling thing? There's an easel that seems to be able to be passed between them in front of their binding circles. Each of them has a supply of paints, the easel looks like a... chaotic mess, colors all over with no rhyme or reason. There's a painting stand on the far side of the room.
"Green Bamboo Mystery Peanut!" Croaks the Red Slaad.
"I think the idea was to try to get them to paint something coherent together" T’kharr laughs.
"Shoe fins actualize radishes Greenly!" Croaks the Blue Slaad.
She continues, “And… We see how badly it’s working.”
"No! Tequila on Petzel!" The Green Slaad seems to try to grab the easel from the others, which swings over to him, as he puts some random paint on it.
"I'm gonna eat your salad, Dave!" Croaks out the Red Slaad.
"Do we just want to turn all three of them into Slaadi salad at this point...? It's pretty clear that whatever the challenge is asking of them, it's not going to happen for a very long time" T’kharr comments.
"I'm... admittedly not sure how these binding circles would work in regard to what happens if we attack them." Silgara muses. Mingzhu studies the scene.
"Bees everywhere while Molasses cycles in tiiiiimber!" The Blue Slaad says, while taking the easel from the Green Slaad.
"Bees! The feeling of little pig boy getting green!" Says the Red Slaad.
Xrochdyr huffs. "That is an option, admittedly I don't know if killing them, as much as they are senseless irritants, would help us." He hisses, lashing his tail "At least with Tanar’ri they have some degree of sense. But no one can ever maintain bargains with the Slaadi."
"I think I may have an answer." Mingzhu chimes in.
Quasziel looks over. "They are beings of utter Chaos and should not exist. But they are not blocking our egress. So, unless there is something we need here, we should not waste time."
Silgara looks at Mingzhu. "Yes?"
"Is there anything that is controlled by this room?" T’kharr looks around. Silgara and Zsikhou look around while Mingzhu steps up to the three Slaadi.
The Slaad look over to her. The blue speaks first, "It's white! Bleach brings fish from wells!"
"I'm sorry I can't do that Dave! You have to think of the bushes!" Says the Red Slaad.
The shamaness waves her hands. “I have an answer.”
"The answer is a stream going up and down! And counterclockwise!" The Green Slaad says.
Zsikhou looks over at Mingzhu. "Looks like there's something behind this nook here, I think this wall can slide open. I don't know what triggers it."
Silgara considers. "Probably one needs to hang a... completed painting on the wall to do it."
"The Cache has cash! And Machetes! Machetes that grow on trees!" Croaks out the Green Slaad.
Mingzhu points to the paint then the red Slaad. “Red lobster.” Then she points to the blue, “With blueberry sauce.” Then to the green. “Topped with a pile of green mint.”
"Blue lobster! Covered in goooooo!" Says the Blue Slaad.
"Pincers pinch, pinch, while going to sing music to azaleas!" Says the Red Slaad. Mingzhu shakes her head and chuckles.
"No! I'm Orgoch this time! You can't have Orgoch!" Says the Green Slaad, as they take the painting back, painting something random and nonsensical, that just looks like a blob of paint on a crazy canvas.
"I said I was Orgoch! You're Orwin this time!" The Red Slaad ribbits, then takes the painting, also painting something nonsensical.
"See what I mean?" T’kharr tells Mingzhu with a hearty chuckle.
"Worms coming out of the face! With ooze! All of the ooze!" Says the blue one.
"I see. this could be quite fun." Mingzhu smiles.
"You can't have all of the ooze! Some of it needs to go into the pitcher!" Says the Green Slaad.
Xrochdyr huffs, flexing his wings "Well the solution to this puzzle seems pretty simple. They'd need to collaboratively create an actual painting and hang it on the wall. Which they could do if they could actually cooperate or gain a single measure of sense in their heads for more than a single moment." The Abishai huffs, "And knowing how this place is set up, I expect we can't just do it for them."
"Art is FREE! Peazel!" Says the Blue Slaad, as they take the painting and start painting on it.
“How do you think we could help, Xrochdyr?” Mingzhu muses.
Xrochdyr considers flexing his claws. "I... " He hisses in some irritation. "Honestly don't know. I've never heard of Slaadi ever doing anything besides destroying. Eventually their impulses lead them to violence, and they're driven by entropy of anything ordered. Unlike Tanar’ri, they don't have a sense of self-interest one can appeal to either. The only way I can see us getting whatever is in that hidden compartment is to bypass it somehow. But I expect that won't be easy."
Quasziel looks forward. "The wards ahead do not impede us. We can leave these lowly creatures of chaos to their nonsense."
Mingzhu suggests, “What about have them make a painting together that doesn’t make sense." Like two flamingos getting married on a carriage on the top of a mountain."
"Oooon top of the world! Which means rotating on a squeezel self-actualizing!" The Red Slaad says, while taking the painting and making something else nonsensical.
“Something their nonsensical minds would understand.” She adds.
... Xrochdyr looks over, a huff. "Somehow I expect even that is beyond them."
"Marriage? Exchange napkins! And throw rings at the eyes! Then you can breathe a storm of rings!" Says the Green Slaad, they take the painting, just splattering on something more or less random.
Mingzhu tries to wave to get their attention points to the red one. "You paint something give to blue frog. He adds something He gives to green frog. He adds something he likes."
The Red looks to Mingzhu. "I paint and PAINT! Art is FREE! Vomit makes for chunky colors!"
The Blue Slaad looks over "Streams like creeping yellow! Barnacles and boobs, bobber and like boomerang boom!" They take the easel and start painting again.
"I'm on a ton-ton!" Says the Green Slaad "Can you see my haaaaaaayyyy!!?"
"He did it! No! He did it! I got the brain! Nuh uh!" Says the Red Slaad, they take the painting and start... it's not clear what it's painting. If it even is anything.
Mingzhu looks at the Red Slaad. “How about painting a tree?”
"Tree! Did you see how the tree was made when you threw him at a well?" Replies the Red Slaad.
"Trees are BLUE! With purple streams dangling! Did you see how they swing going up and down and all around?!" Says the Blue Slaad.
Mingzhu suddenly keys into something they are saying. She asks, “How was it made? I wonder?”
"Peazel!" Says the Blue Slaad as they take the painting and begin work. Or nonsense. Probably nonsense.
T’kharr huffs, then sighs, “"Perhaps you could scout beyond this room while the experimentation is going on?" to Zsikhou. Zsikhou nods, then scurries off.
"It was made because Dave had his salad eaten!" The Green Slaad says "No! I'm painting Dave!" The Green Slaad takes the painting.
"What about home? Can you paint your home. It would be nice if you three had a picture of home." Mingzhu asks.
"Jack be nimble jack be quick! Jack sit on the candlestick!" Says the Red Slaad.
"I don't think Limbo's...comprehensible enough to make a serviceable painting? But I could be wrong." T’kharr intones.
Mingzhu jumps up and down. “Yes! Yes! That’s it. Paint Dave in his home.”
"I'm frankly impressed that they can get a grammatically correct sentence out of their mouths." T’kharr chuckles.
"It's a plane of pure chaos. “It’s...” Silgara says, "I don't think it's well explored, it's so completely nonsensical that it's hard for anything to live there."
"The Candle goes in his butt! Butt fires! Now burp it!" The Blue Slaad says. T’kharr muzzle paws.
Mingzhu says, “Yes, and you add Bart holding a fart.”
"Bart fart slartibartfart man!" Says the Red Slaad, taking the painting.
Zsikhou returns "Not much farther ahead, ran into the room with Jalyndae. Looks like we've circled around, sssk."
They can all see Mingzhu is getting a kick out of this as she envisions working with 5-year-old children. "Uuuuuuurp! Scuuuse me! Rur hur hur!" The Blue Slaad takes the painting next.
"Mop work does a mop! Mop on his head! Says Bweeeeeee!" The Green Slaad shuffles the painting then takes custody of it, starting to paint... something?
Zsikhou huffs, looking to the Slaadi, "Well this is a productive evening for these idiots. Well, what do we do now?"
"Perhaps you can scout to see if there's anything beyond the room with the mousy Guardinal in it?" T’kharr says to Zsikhou.
Quasziel huffs, "We are wasting time here. This room does not have one of the levers we need. I shall proceed forthwith to the room with the last lever." Zsikhou nods and moves off.
"What about behind the wall? Mingzhu asks.
"Which room would have the last lever in it? If you're referring to Jalyndae, then we are going to return to that room; come the morning time." T’kharr responds.
Quasziel looks over "There may not even be anything there. And yes, that is the one with Jalyndae. Now stop wasting time, I'm going there." He moves off. Mingzhu doesn’t trust Quasziel. She follows him.
She Came from the Sea: Book 2
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Winterhawk99
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Winterhawk99
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- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
Mingzhu blows a kiss to the Slaadi, “It’s been fun but wish there was some sun.”
"I wish there was some Boogers in the starlight!" Says the blue slaad.
"Snotspill! I want the Snot to spill! With the Molasses!" The Red Slaad takes the painting.
T’kharr also follows Quasziel. The rest of the party turns and follows. Xrochdyr does too, keeping his eyes on the Deva. Quasziel needs to go around a few rooms, he can't enter directly from this angle, Xrochdyr does though, entering the room with Jalyndae.
"We are not going to just chop down a Guardinal. We have no cause to do so when we have other solutions and no shortage of time." T’kharr declares rather loudly. Zarasszia finds the group on the other side as well. T’kharr continues, “Worse comes to worse, Mingzhu can Dismiss her once she gets the chance to pray for that blessing.”
Quasziel looks over at T'Kharr. "Do not presume to give me commands, mortal. However, if you want to waste more time, do so. Go ahead and prepare yourselves then."
"You know what I suspect? That that painting scene actually contains the key to getting Xrochdyr into the room with the mousy Guardinal, no?" T’kharr asks, "Unless it's off this lever instead."
"Mousy Guardinal?" Quasziel looks over at T'Kharr. "You must mean a Musteval. What is in that room?"
"Musteval, yes. There's a setup in that room which requires the Guardinal and a devil to pull levers at the same time. She was imprisoned with several hellcats in the room with her." T’kharr explains.
Mingzhu puts herself between the Guardinal and the fallen angel. "Ah. I see. Still, I do not see the point. A Musteval is one of the weakest of the Guardinals. I expect they will be minimally helpful in escaping this place and bringing down the evils therein. We can leave them behind safely." Quasziel replies.
Nor'vee snaps at Quasziel "You shut up! You worthless excuse of a fallen Kami!"
"What we need isn't power at this point. We have plenty of that. What we need is more knowledge of the maze." T’kharr insists.
Xrochdyr eventually rejoins them as well. "We already know what we need. Pull the lever past Jalyndae, then the center room will open. There is only one remaining. We can solve this now, or you can take your time to prepare and work for it. It matters not to me." Quasziel says.
“Then we wait until we can rest. After that Silgara and I can take care of the circle properly and hopefully I can dismiss the angel in the circle with no blood." Mingzhu says staring at the angel.
"We are best off taking our time and preparing. I'm expecting there to be trouble in that center room anyway, so we shouldn't go into it unless we are fully arrayed. Haste makes waste, and that's even true for someone as short-lived as I." T’kharr insists.
Quasziel huffs, "Very well then."
Zsikhou looks over. "Seems like the bulk of this place is clear for now, we just have those two Guardinals, and the Slaadi."
Zsikhou looks over. "Seems like the bulk of this place is clear for now, we just have those two Guardinals, and the Slaadi."
Silgara sighs, "Right, I'd best get to preparing spells then."
"The Slaadi are ignorable unless you can find a way to bypass the painting thing." T’kharr says.
Silgara considers, "I'm not fully sure how all the mechanisms work, I expect releasing the binding circle may just make the Slaadi hostile. I also have the feeling killing them won't open it."
“The Slaadi...They need to create something together without messing it up so that will be near impossible.” Balan nods.
Mingzhu laughs, "I love them they are like 5-year-old children. I wish I had more time with them." She gets a lot of incredulous looks at her at that.
Xrochdyr flexes his wings. "I've never heard of anyone getting anything useful out of Slaadi beyond just pointing them at something in battle and letting them wreak havoc."
“If we could charm or control them with a spell that may be the trick.” Balan suggests.
"That is a good idea." T’kharr comments seriously considering something like that.
"Unfortunately given the anti-chaos wards I cannot enter that room to cast a Suggestion on them." Zarasszia says.
Balan thinks about it for a moment. “Are you able to do such a thing from the doorway?”
"No, the wards would block spellcasting beyond them." Zarasszia says.
“Would Enthrall work on them?” Mingzhu asks.
“I am not familiar with that spell.” Balan says.
Silgara looks over. "How long would it last?"
Mingzhu thinks a moment, “About an hour.” T’kharr nods in agreement.
Silgara considers, thinking. "I'm pretty sure all that would do is force them to focus on you, it won't actually compel them to do anything you want them to do. So, it won't compel them to actually make a sensible painting."
Nor'vee looks over. "Are we setting up camp then? Or...?" He squeaks.
"Setting up camp, yes, possibly for a longer than normal period of time." T’kharr promises. Nor’vee nods.
Zsikhou looks over "Maybe some of us should keep watch on Jalyndae to ensure that Quasziel doesn't try anything..."
Silgara looks over "Any preferences on where we set up camp? I think we've cleared out most of the roaming hostiles, at least."
"If you wish to do that, please go ahead. I have no preference except for not being by nattering nabobs that won't shut up." T’kharr says referring to the Slaadi.
Quasziel looks over to Zsikhou. "You should not speak of such to an actual servant of the heavens."
Xrochdyr huffs "We can keep quiet so you can rest...." He shrugs his wings. They set up camp.
During the rest period, T'kharr does go off to speak with the Musteval and Jalyndae. Nor'vee goes to visit the Musteval. The two come into the room with the mouse like creature. T’kharr calls out, “Would you happen to have any knowledge of what the levers in your rooms do?"
"If I'm not mistaken, they'll lower the binding circle, as well as the wards around this room. I see two of them are against beings of law, one is against beings of evil. So, both kept the Baatezu out. Unfortunately, I don't know what is beyond here."
"Okay. Do you know if there's anything else that'll lower the wards around this room, or even just one of them?"
She shakes her head. "Apologies, not that I know of."
"Okay. I have a plan B in mind that should get you homeward bound once me & my colleagues are able to rest and recuperate." T’kharr insists.
"Thank you, mortal." She smiles, "I appreciate it."
"Anyone who says rodents are useless has never seen the life brought to a land by a beaver dam." T’kharr chuckles.
Nor'vee and the Musteval both look at T'Kharr. "I apologize I haven't been of more help. Ah, was there anything else?" The Musteval squeaks.
“That is all. Thank you.” T’kharr makes her way back to the group. Nor’vee stays with the Musteval.
Jalyndae looks over at T'Kharr when she approaches. "Ah, how can I help you, Mortal?"
"I was hoping you might have some knowledge of what the lever in this room controls, or perhaps of any other remaining...controls for that matter? Just checking a few things before we rest up and get you unstuck." T’kharr answers.
Jalyndae thinks on it, considering. "I can tell that that particular lever involves controls outside this room and section. As to what specifically it does connect to, I am unsure. I can sense there are many layers of wards around here. The ones around this room are set up with conditions. Beyond that, I can only speculate, I'm afraid."
"Fair. I think that is all, then, thank you Jalyndae.”
"Of course. May your path be blessed, mortal." Jalyndae nods.
"Come to think of it" T’kharr addresses the party before they bed in "Can Undetectable Alignment fool the wards in this place?"
Silgara looks to T'Kharr. "We tried that with Jalyndae, it didn't work."
“Aye we did.” Balan mutters softly.
"Like with the binding circle directly, or one of the door wards?" T’kharr asks.
“I had tried it when one was trapped in a circle.” Balan insists.
"We should try it on Xrochdyr to see if we can slip them by the door wards then.” T’kharr suggests.
“We could always try dispelling the wards together.” Balan says to Silgara.
Silgara nods, "Of course. I'll be preparing... a lot of those."
“I will prepare my own spell that would aid yours.” Balan mentions.
Mingzhu thinks a long time, “I will be preparing two dispels and two dismissals. but I must admit I am not the best with spell craft and the like."
"Thank you." Silgara nods, "If I put everything into them, I should be able to prepare nine. I hope it will be enough."
Balan nods, “Mine will only help once if memory serves.”
"We'll have to make it count then." Silgara nods.
"I will prepare two dispels and a dismissal myself." T’kharr declares.
The companions begin to rest. During the time. Mingzhu shakes Zsikhou awake. “Have you thought about some of the things I have said, Zsikhou. About, how good and bad emotions and doings affect your soul? You are free now. You have choices. You can be a better person if you want.”
Zsikhou huffs, looking to Mingzhu "Really? Is this the best time for this? ..." He flexes his claws, closing his eyes. "Really, do you think there's something I've been doing wrong while I've been with you? I spared her. What more do you expect?" There's a huff.
"No, I don't think you are doing anything wrong, In fact, I think you are beginning to walk a better path. These are things you can think about while walking with us."
"I'm doing what I set out to do. Come what may, I will see this mission through." Zsikhou says.
"I only wish to encourage you to see what is happening around you. What wanting better for others can bring."
"I have been paying attention, Shamaness." Zsikhou says. Mingzhu nods.
"I just.... I am not sure. There is something but I think it best when others are not around."
"We can step off to the side if we need to." Zsikhou says.
"I must think on it more, first."
"Of course." Zsikhou nods.
"I wish there was some Boogers in the starlight!" Says the blue slaad.
"Snotspill! I want the Snot to spill! With the Molasses!" The Red Slaad takes the painting.
T’kharr also follows Quasziel. The rest of the party turns and follows. Xrochdyr does too, keeping his eyes on the Deva. Quasziel needs to go around a few rooms, he can't enter directly from this angle, Xrochdyr does though, entering the room with Jalyndae.
"We are not going to just chop down a Guardinal. We have no cause to do so when we have other solutions and no shortage of time." T’kharr declares rather loudly. Zarasszia finds the group on the other side as well. T’kharr continues, “Worse comes to worse, Mingzhu can Dismiss her once she gets the chance to pray for that blessing.”
Quasziel looks over at T'Kharr. "Do not presume to give me commands, mortal. However, if you want to waste more time, do so. Go ahead and prepare yourselves then."
"You know what I suspect? That that painting scene actually contains the key to getting Xrochdyr into the room with the mousy Guardinal, no?" T’kharr asks, "Unless it's off this lever instead."
"Mousy Guardinal?" Quasziel looks over at T'Kharr. "You must mean a Musteval. What is in that room?"
"Musteval, yes. There's a setup in that room which requires the Guardinal and a devil to pull levers at the same time. She was imprisoned with several hellcats in the room with her." T’kharr explains.
Mingzhu puts herself between the Guardinal and the fallen angel. "Ah. I see. Still, I do not see the point. A Musteval is one of the weakest of the Guardinals. I expect they will be minimally helpful in escaping this place and bringing down the evils therein. We can leave them behind safely." Quasziel replies.
Nor'vee snaps at Quasziel "You shut up! You worthless excuse of a fallen Kami!"
"What we need isn't power at this point. We have plenty of that. What we need is more knowledge of the maze." T’kharr insists.
Xrochdyr eventually rejoins them as well. "We already know what we need. Pull the lever past Jalyndae, then the center room will open. There is only one remaining. We can solve this now, or you can take your time to prepare and work for it. It matters not to me." Quasziel says.
“Then we wait until we can rest. After that Silgara and I can take care of the circle properly and hopefully I can dismiss the angel in the circle with no blood." Mingzhu says staring at the angel.
"We are best off taking our time and preparing. I'm expecting there to be trouble in that center room anyway, so we shouldn't go into it unless we are fully arrayed. Haste makes waste, and that's even true for someone as short-lived as I." T’kharr insists.
Quasziel huffs, "Very well then."
Zsikhou looks over. "Seems like the bulk of this place is clear for now, we just have those two Guardinals, and the Slaadi."
Zsikhou looks over. "Seems like the bulk of this place is clear for now, we just have those two Guardinals, and the Slaadi."
Silgara sighs, "Right, I'd best get to preparing spells then."
"The Slaadi are ignorable unless you can find a way to bypass the painting thing." T’kharr says.
Silgara considers, "I'm not fully sure how all the mechanisms work, I expect releasing the binding circle may just make the Slaadi hostile. I also have the feeling killing them won't open it."
“The Slaadi...They need to create something together without messing it up so that will be near impossible.” Balan nods.
Mingzhu laughs, "I love them they are like 5-year-old children. I wish I had more time with them." She gets a lot of incredulous looks at her at that.
Xrochdyr flexes his wings. "I've never heard of anyone getting anything useful out of Slaadi beyond just pointing them at something in battle and letting them wreak havoc."
“If we could charm or control them with a spell that may be the trick.” Balan suggests.
"That is a good idea." T’kharr comments seriously considering something like that.
"Unfortunately given the anti-chaos wards I cannot enter that room to cast a Suggestion on them." Zarasszia says.
Balan thinks about it for a moment. “Are you able to do such a thing from the doorway?”
"No, the wards would block spellcasting beyond them." Zarasszia says.
“Would Enthrall work on them?” Mingzhu asks.
“I am not familiar with that spell.” Balan says.
Silgara looks over. "How long would it last?"
Mingzhu thinks a moment, “About an hour.” T’kharr nods in agreement.
Silgara considers, thinking. "I'm pretty sure all that would do is force them to focus on you, it won't actually compel them to do anything you want them to do. So, it won't compel them to actually make a sensible painting."
Nor'vee looks over. "Are we setting up camp then? Or...?" He squeaks.
"Setting up camp, yes, possibly for a longer than normal period of time." T’kharr promises. Nor’vee nods.
Zsikhou looks over "Maybe some of us should keep watch on Jalyndae to ensure that Quasziel doesn't try anything..."
Silgara looks over "Any preferences on where we set up camp? I think we've cleared out most of the roaming hostiles, at least."
"If you wish to do that, please go ahead. I have no preference except for not being by nattering nabobs that won't shut up." T’kharr says referring to the Slaadi.
Quasziel looks over to Zsikhou. "You should not speak of such to an actual servant of the heavens."
Xrochdyr huffs "We can keep quiet so you can rest...." He shrugs his wings. They set up camp.
During the rest period, T'kharr does go off to speak with the Musteval and Jalyndae. Nor'vee goes to visit the Musteval. The two come into the room with the mouse like creature. T’kharr calls out, “Would you happen to have any knowledge of what the levers in your rooms do?"
"If I'm not mistaken, they'll lower the binding circle, as well as the wards around this room. I see two of them are against beings of law, one is against beings of evil. So, both kept the Baatezu out. Unfortunately, I don't know what is beyond here."
"Okay. Do you know if there's anything else that'll lower the wards around this room, or even just one of them?"
She shakes her head. "Apologies, not that I know of."
"Okay. I have a plan B in mind that should get you homeward bound once me & my colleagues are able to rest and recuperate." T’kharr insists.
"Thank you, mortal." She smiles, "I appreciate it."
"Anyone who says rodents are useless has never seen the life brought to a land by a beaver dam." T’kharr chuckles.
Nor'vee and the Musteval both look at T'Kharr. "I apologize I haven't been of more help. Ah, was there anything else?" The Musteval squeaks.
“That is all. Thank you.” T’kharr makes her way back to the group. Nor’vee stays with the Musteval.
Jalyndae looks over at T'Kharr when she approaches. "Ah, how can I help you, Mortal?"
"I was hoping you might have some knowledge of what the lever in this room controls, or perhaps of any other remaining...controls for that matter? Just checking a few things before we rest up and get you unstuck." T’kharr answers.
Jalyndae thinks on it, considering. "I can tell that that particular lever involves controls outside this room and section. As to what specifically it does connect to, I am unsure. I can sense there are many layers of wards around here. The ones around this room are set up with conditions. Beyond that, I can only speculate, I'm afraid."
"Fair. I think that is all, then, thank you Jalyndae.”
"Of course. May your path be blessed, mortal." Jalyndae nods.
"Come to think of it" T’kharr addresses the party before they bed in "Can Undetectable Alignment fool the wards in this place?"
Silgara looks to T'Kharr. "We tried that with Jalyndae, it didn't work."
“Aye we did.” Balan mutters softly.
"Like with the binding circle directly, or one of the door wards?" T’kharr asks.
“I had tried it when one was trapped in a circle.” Balan insists.
"We should try it on Xrochdyr to see if we can slip them by the door wards then.” T’kharr suggests.
“We could always try dispelling the wards together.” Balan says to Silgara.
Silgara nods, "Of course. I'll be preparing... a lot of those."
“I will prepare my own spell that would aid yours.” Balan mentions.
Mingzhu thinks a long time, “I will be preparing two dispels and two dismissals. but I must admit I am not the best with spell craft and the like."
"Thank you." Silgara nods, "If I put everything into them, I should be able to prepare nine. I hope it will be enough."
Balan nods, “Mine will only help once if memory serves.”
"We'll have to make it count then." Silgara nods.
"I will prepare two dispels and a dismissal myself." T’kharr declares.
The companions begin to rest. During the time. Mingzhu shakes Zsikhou awake. “Have you thought about some of the things I have said, Zsikhou. About, how good and bad emotions and doings affect your soul? You are free now. You have choices. You can be a better person if you want.”
Zsikhou huffs, looking to Mingzhu "Really? Is this the best time for this? ..." He flexes his claws, closing his eyes. "Really, do you think there's something I've been doing wrong while I've been with you? I spared her. What more do you expect?" There's a huff.
"No, I don't think you are doing anything wrong, In fact, I think you are beginning to walk a better path. These are things you can think about while walking with us."
"I'm doing what I set out to do. Come what may, I will see this mission through." Zsikhou says.
"I only wish to encourage you to see what is happening around you. What wanting better for others can bring."
"I have been paying attention, Shamaness." Zsikhou says. Mingzhu nods.
"I just.... I am not sure. There is something but I think it best when others are not around."
"We can step off to the side if we need to." Zsikhou says.
"I must think on it more, first."
"Of course." Zsikhou nods.
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
Nor’vee is notably absent from camp. Xrochdyr is the first to notice... "Sssk, where is the rodentlike mortal...? Doesn't he know it's dangerous to roam around...?"
Zsikhou looks over to Xrochdyr. "Speaking of roaming around, I do want to hear what your plans were to free the souls you ensnared."
Xrochdyr looks over to Zsikhou "If you want to know what I have in mind? Fine. My first plan is to go to Mount Celestia and find an Astral Deva to appeal my case. Astra Devas can venture anywhere in the hells without hindrance on legal matters, if they wish to bring up custody disputes regarding souls. So, I would need to enlist one to do this task. But I'm not expecting it to work. Even if a Deva could intercede on my behalf, the courts of the Hells are heavily rigged."
Balan opens an eye. “He is most likely with the other mouse.”
Zsikhou looks over. "And your other plan, if that one is so likely to fail?"
Xrochdyr looks over. "Other mouse? ... Gah, fine...." He flexes his wings "Anyways, since it's likely any Astral Deva, I could enlist the aid of, even if they did fully cooperate, it would end up getting stalled and going nowhere. So, my other plan was to contact a Tanar’ri squad leader I know and fought against several times in the Blood War and enlist their aid to steal the contracts and effectively, the souls from where they are held in Baator."
Mingzhu half paying attention asks, “If a Deva has fallen would these devils know about it?”
Xrochdyr looks over. "If you mean Quasziel, he's a Movanic Deva, not an Astral Deva. He wouldn't be suitable. And odds are, yes, they probably would. Baatezu were once Celestials who fell after all."
Mingzhu sighs, “So Quasziel will be unwelcome in both the heavens and hells.”
Balan has a thought. “Silgara, couldn’t you use your Dimension door to bring one of these into a room they can’t walk into?”
Silgara looks over. "I don't think so, I'm afraid. I think the wards come with a dimensional anchor of sorts."
"Astral Devas can only freely roam the hells while effectively as you would understand it, on official business. While they are an advocate for a soul in legal matters, they can come and go freely. Beyond that, they should not expect a welcome. As for Quasziel..." He flexes a claw, considering, then a sigh, "The Heavens are a place of redemption too. Maybe Quasziel would be welcome in that capacity..." The Abishai considers, a wince, but he's thinking about something. "I expect if Quasziel went to the hells, the other Baatezu would either rip him apart, or some might want to corrupt him fully. Either way, he would not find any true welcome there." Xrochdyr says, flexing his tail... "Nor would I..." he huffs "I wouldn't be welcome in the Heavens either." He looks back, thinking, quieting down.
After they rest for 9 hours the companions pack up and get ready. Silgara casts her usual Mage Armor, on herself, Zsikhou, and T'Kharr, Ultravision on herself and Fwangzhu. Greater Magic Weapon on her bow. She Sighs, “Well, Nor'vee isn't here. I suspect we all know where he will be though. Anyways, where to first? To Jalyndae or to the Musteval?"
Mingzhu says, “I think Jalyndae first.” Quasziel looks over but doesn't interject. Silgara and Balan nod.
Jalyndae looks over as the party moves into his room once again. "Welcome back, mortals."
Silgara looks over to Balan. "Right, whatever spell you had in mind, let’s do it?"
Mingzhu says, “We will attempt to free you now.”
Jalyndae nods, "I see, thank you."
Mingzhu gets ready to cast dispel magic with them. Balan nods, “Right it will last over an hour, but it can only be time...It’s like a luck spell if you will.”
"Of course, go ahead and cast it, then." Silgara nods. He places a hand on Silgara’s shoulder speaking a prayer for a full round casting Benediction. Silgara begins casting her dispels. Mingzhu is with her but will only cast her first with Silgara’s first, saving the other for the mouse like angel. The circle resists their casts. Next Silgara casts another alone. The circle cracks and breaks apart. Cr...ack... the circle's magic is disrupted, Jalyndae steps out. The Forcefield around the lever goes down as well.
T’kharr grins broadly, “I knew you could do it.”
“Now we know that does really work...Are you okay Silgara?” Balan asks.
Mingzhu is more practical. She asks, “Do you wish to go home now or stay with us?"
"I'm fine, yes... I think I got lucky with that." Silgara says.
"Aye, sometimes it's just a matter of taking enough shots with such things." T’kharr chuckles.
Jalyndae looks over. "I do not have means to depart here on my own right now. So, I suspect I might as well aid you with whatever you need here. By the light of Elysium, we may escape this dark place together."
"If you wish I could try a dismissal on you, Jalyndae." Mingzhu explains.
Jalyndae looks over, shaking her head, "No need for now, at least. I'm willing to brave what dangers there are in this dark place for your sake."
Mingzhu nods, “Let us go to the other circle then.”
"Before we do... you should probably tend to that lever there. And as for me..." She looks around... then goes to a small cache that seemed hidden in the wall, pulling something out. "My armaments, before being taken from me. I suspect given what we might find here, I might need them." Jalyndae looks over "Though before we go, I am curious, I saw you travel in the company of two fiends. Why do you do so?"
Balan says, “It seems they are required to escape this maze.”
"Aye, let us walk together then" T’kharr gives a soft smile to Jalyndae "And ah, I was just about to inquire if you needed equipment or supplies of some sort. And they were there at the entrance to this place alongside the deva -- the three have been local guides, if you will, to this maze"
"Because they were trapped just as much as you were. They all broke their circles by doing something against their nature. The angel too. He killed an innocent." Mingzhu flatly states.
“Indeed.” T’kharr nods backing Mingzhu up.
"It could help, although..." Jalyndae looks over "A bow here, not mine, but it will do." She takes it.
"Let me know if you need a hand with any of that, by the way" T’kharr says to Jalyndae, regarding her equipment.
"If you have anything to spare, it is up to you."
"Mind spotting her some of your cold iron arrows?" T’kharr asks Silgara.
Jalyndae looks over. "Ah, if you are worried about my ability to harm demons, any weapon I wield would be as if it were a holy weapon." She pulls out a quiver filled with arrows from the cache.
Balan digs around his pack. “I have a rapier of that is of aid?”
“Ah, yes, that is good thinking.” T’kharr smiles.
Jalyndae looks over, a nod, "Of course."
Balan hands her a +1 sonic rapier. “Oh...you may need a shield with that...” He hands her a Mithril small shield.
Jalyndae takes it, a nod "I'll do my best to use it well." And takes it as well.
"Off to the other then. We'll see if the lever dropped any wards that might let more of our acquired companions into the room, at least." T’kharr states, then leads the way.
Silgara nods, "Right, this way then."
Zsikhou looks over to Xrochdyr. "Speaking of roaming around, I do want to hear what your plans were to free the souls you ensnared."
Xrochdyr looks over to Zsikhou "If you want to know what I have in mind? Fine. My first plan is to go to Mount Celestia and find an Astral Deva to appeal my case. Astra Devas can venture anywhere in the hells without hindrance on legal matters, if they wish to bring up custody disputes regarding souls. So, I would need to enlist one to do this task. But I'm not expecting it to work. Even if a Deva could intercede on my behalf, the courts of the Hells are heavily rigged."
Balan opens an eye. “He is most likely with the other mouse.”
Zsikhou looks over. "And your other plan, if that one is so likely to fail?"
Xrochdyr looks over. "Other mouse? ... Gah, fine...." He flexes his wings "Anyways, since it's likely any Astral Deva, I could enlist the aid of, even if they did fully cooperate, it would end up getting stalled and going nowhere. So, my other plan was to contact a Tanar’ri squad leader I know and fought against several times in the Blood War and enlist their aid to steal the contracts and effectively, the souls from where they are held in Baator."
Mingzhu half paying attention asks, “If a Deva has fallen would these devils know about it?”
Xrochdyr looks over. "If you mean Quasziel, he's a Movanic Deva, not an Astral Deva. He wouldn't be suitable. And odds are, yes, they probably would. Baatezu were once Celestials who fell after all."
Mingzhu sighs, “So Quasziel will be unwelcome in both the heavens and hells.”
Balan has a thought. “Silgara, couldn’t you use your Dimension door to bring one of these into a room they can’t walk into?”
Silgara looks over. "I don't think so, I'm afraid. I think the wards come with a dimensional anchor of sorts."
"Astral Devas can only freely roam the hells while effectively as you would understand it, on official business. While they are an advocate for a soul in legal matters, they can come and go freely. Beyond that, they should not expect a welcome. As for Quasziel..." He flexes a claw, considering, then a sigh, "The Heavens are a place of redemption too. Maybe Quasziel would be welcome in that capacity..." The Abishai considers, a wince, but he's thinking about something. "I expect if Quasziel went to the hells, the other Baatezu would either rip him apart, or some might want to corrupt him fully. Either way, he would not find any true welcome there." Xrochdyr says, flexing his tail... "Nor would I..." he huffs "I wouldn't be welcome in the Heavens either." He looks back, thinking, quieting down.
After they rest for 9 hours the companions pack up and get ready. Silgara casts her usual Mage Armor, on herself, Zsikhou, and T'Kharr, Ultravision on herself and Fwangzhu. Greater Magic Weapon on her bow. She Sighs, “Well, Nor'vee isn't here. I suspect we all know where he will be though. Anyways, where to first? To Jalyndae or to the Musteval?"
Mingzhu says, “I think Jalyndae first.” Quasziel looks over but doesn't interject. Silgara and Balan nod.
Jalyndae looks over as the party moves into his room once again. "Welcome back, mortals."
Silgara looks over to Balan. "Right, whatever spell you had in mind, let’s do it?"
Mingzhu says, “We will attempt to free you now.”
Jalyndae nods, "I see, thank you."
Mingzhu gets ready to cast dispel magic with them. Balan nods, “Right it will last over an hour, but it can only be time...It’s like a luck spell if you will.”
"Of course, go ahead and cast it, then." Silgara nods. He places a hand on Silgara’s shoulder speaking a prayer for a full round casting Benediction. Silgara begins casting her dispels. Mingzhu is with her but will only cast her first with Silgara’s first, saving the other for the mouse like angel. The circle resists their casts. Next Silgara casts another alone. The circle cracks and breaks apart. Cr...ack... the circle's magic is disrupted, Jalyndae steps out. The Forcefield around the lever goes down as well.
T’kharr grins broadly, “I knew you could do it.”
“Now we know that does really work...Are you okay Silgara?” Balan asks.
Mingzhu is more practical. She asks, “Do you wish to go home now or stay with us?"
"I'm fine, yes... I think I got lucky with that." Silgara says.
"Aye, sometimes it's just a matter of taking enough shots with such things." T’kharr chuckles.
Jalyndae looks over. "I do not have means to depart here on my own right now. So, I suspect I might as well aid you with whatever you need here. By the light of Elysium, we may escape this dark place together."
"If you wish I could try a dismissal on you, Jalyndae." Mingzhu explains.
Jalyndae looks over, shaking her head, "No need for now, at least. I'm willing to brave what dangers there are in this dark place for your sake."
Mingzhu nods, “Let us go to the other circle then.”
"Before we do... you should probably tend to that lever there. And as for me..." She looks around... then goes to a small cache that seemed hidden in the wall, pulling something out. "My armaments, before being taken from me. I suspect given what we might find here, I might need them." Jalyndae looks over "Though before we go, I am curious, I saw you travel in the company of two fiends. Why do you do so?"
Balan says, “It seems they are required to escape this maze.”
"Aye, let us walk together then" T’kharr gives a soft smile to Jalyndae "And ah, I was just about to inquire if you needed equipment or supplies of some sort. And they were there at the entrance to this place alongside the deva -- the three have been local guides, if you will, to this maze"
"Because they were trapped just as much as you were. They all broke their circles by doing something against their nature. The angel too. He killed an innocent." Mingzhu flatly states.
“Indeed.” T’kharr nods backing Mingzhu up.
"It could help, although..." Jalyndae looks over "A bow here, not mine, but it will do." She takes it.
"Let me know if you need a hand with any of that, by the way" T’kharr says to Jalyndae, regarding her equipment.
"If you have anything to spare, it is up to you."
"Mind spotting her some of your cold iron arrows?" T’kharr asks Silgara.
Jalyndae looks over. "Ah, if you are worried about my ability to harm demons, any weapon I wield would be as if it were a holy weapon." She pulls out a quiver filled with arrows from the cache.
Balan digs around his pack. “I have a rapier of that is of aid?”
“Ah, yes, that is good thinking.” T’kharr smiles.
Jalyndae looks over, a nod, "Of course."
Balan hands her a +1 sonic rapier. “Oh...you may need a shield with that...” He hands her a Mithril small shield.
Jalyndae takes it, a nod "I'll do my best to use it well." And takes it as well.
"Off to the other then. We'll see if the lever dropped any wards that might let more of our acquired companions into the room, at least." T’kharr states, then leads the way.
Silgara nods, "Right, this way then."
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
They head over to the room with the Musteval. Nor’vee is there. They are sitting together in the binding circle. Fwangzhu looks over, taking a sniff, then huffs, "Always knew you were a lucky bastard, Nor'vee."
Nor'vee Squeaks "Oh, you're back. Um... Can free her now? Please?"
Silgara looks over. "Right, dispels first, then the dismissal if that doesn't work?"
T’kharr adds. “Unless we can get the Abishai in the room now.”
They find that the wards are down now. They can get Xrochdry in the room. Balan slowly steps into the room. “Sorry, were they doing something?” Zarasszia looks over to Balan but just keeps a poker face and says nothing.
"Let’s have Xrochdyr try the lever alongside the Musteval." T’kharr suggests.
Xrochdyr moves over, "Right, uh..." He hisses. Xrochdyr and the Musteval try the simultaneous pulls again but.... it doesn't seem to work.
T’kharr sighs, “Dispels it is then. It seems tailored to the specific type of devil they placed in the room."
Xrochdyr inspects it, a huff, "Ah, damn it. It seems that the lever in Jalyndae's room broke this device when it was pulled."
"Oh. An interlock." T’kharr sighs.
Silgara nods, "Dispels it is then..."
“It was probably meant for that cat demon to be able...” Balan tapers off as Xrochdyr interrupts him.
"Probably. Abaddazzar was trying to set up circumstances where planar beings could break our own natures. I expect he was meticulous about not allowing clear workarounds."
Silgara uses a Dispel. The circle disintegrates on the first casting. The Musteval steps outside.
Mingzhu says, “I offer the same to you. If you wish to go home, I can cast a Dismissal on you?”
"That's... thank you, mortals." She squeaks and smiles. Nor'vee stays by her closely. "I would like to go home, yes. But I expect you all likely need assistance. So, I'll stay as long as you require my aid." The Musteval says, "Oh, my name is Kastelli."
Mingzhu bows slightly, “As you wish Kastelli.” Balan gives her a nod. Nor'vee smiles at her but stands by Kastelli protectively.
Balan looks to Nor'vee. “What is she your mate or something your awfully close.”
Xrochdyr looks over "I expect the center room, the inner ring, is likely open now. Let’s be ready."
Nor'vee squeaks irritably at Balan. "She's someone I won't let get hurt further here!" Squeak.
Balan shrugs, “I’ll take that as a probably then.”
T’kharr casts Death Ward on herself, as well as Magic Vestment. "Right then, to the center room then? Unless we wish to do anything with those Slaadi. But I expect not." Silgara says.
Mingzhu smiles, “Could I adopt them?”
T’kharr shakes her head. “No, I doubt they’ll be of aid at all.”
Zsikhou plugs his ears and yells, “NO!” at the shamaness.
T’kharr looks at the doorway. “To the center room then.”
The group is able to reach the inner ring, there's four entrances, but they're all powered down now. It looks like there was a fight in this room, a pretty big one, but you don't see any signs of survivors, but the usual stink of dead demons and other unpleasant stuff. There are nine circles around what looks like a spiral staircase in the center, going upwards.
Silgara looks down. "It appears whatever was in this place is... inactive now."
Mingzhu looks around. “What about the Nature Spirit?”
"Up the stairs I presume." T’kharr say’s while looking up the stairwell.
Mingzhu hesitates then nods. "We should look around to make sure we have cleaned the entire level out. There may be more that need our aid."
"Aye, let us take the time and double-check to make sure we haven't missed something important.” T’kharr agrees.
Xrochdyr looks over "I have been keeping a mental map of this level. We have indeed cleared out everything except the Slaadi. But if you want to be thorough, go ahead." Some scouting and looking around does indeed, make it seem like on this level, everything's been cleared out except for the still trapped Slaadi. Mingzhu waves good-bye to the three Slaadi as they walk by.
Kastelli casts a protection from evil and see invisibility on herself, though also casts it for the rest of the party. Jalyndae casts Blur on themselves. They seem to be able to refresh it indefinitely. They head up the stairs.
Nor'vee Squeaks "Oh, you're back. Um... Can free her now? Please?"
Silgara looks over. "Right, dispels first, then the dismissal if that doesn't work?"
T’kharr adds. “Unless we can get the Abishai in the room now.”
They find that the wards are down now. They can get Xrochdry in the room. Balan slowly steps into the room. “Sorry, were they doing something?” Zarasszia looks over to Balan but just keeps a poker face and says nothing.
"Let’s have Xrochdyr try the lever alongside the Musteval." T’kharr suggests.
Xrochdyr moves over, "Right, uh..." He hisses. Xrochdyr and the Musteval try the simultaneous pulls again but.... it doesn't seem to work.
T’kharr sighs, “Dispels it is then. It seems tailored to the specific type of devil they placed in the room."
Xrochdyr inspects it, a huff, "Ah, damn it. It seems that the lever in Jalyndae's room broke this device when it was pulled."
"Oh. An interlock." T’kharr sighs.
Silgara nods, "Dispels it is then..."
“It was probably meant for that cat demon to be able...” Balan tapers off as Xrochdyr interrupts him.
"Probably. Abaddazzar was trying to set up circumstances where planar beings could break our own natures. I expect he was meticulous about not allowing clear workarounds."
Silgara uses a Dispel. The circle disintegrates on the first casting. The Musteval steps outside.
Mingzhu says, “I offer the same to you. If you wish to go home, I can cast a Dismissal on you?”
"That's... thank you, mortals." She squeaks and smiles. Nor'vee stays by her closely. "I would like to go home, yes. But I expect you all likely need assistance. So, I'll stay as long as you require my aid." The Musteval says, "Oh, my name is Kastelli."
Mingzhu bows slightly, “As you wish Kastelli.” Balan gives her a nod. Nor'vee smiles at her but stands by Kastelli protectively.
Balan looks to Nor'vee. “What is she your mate or something your awfully close.”
Xrochdyr looks over "I expect the center room, the inner ring, is likely open now. Let’s be ready."
Nor'vee squeaks irritably at Balan. "She's someone I won't let get hurt further here!" Squeak.
Balan shrugs, “I’ll take that as a probably then.”
T’kharr casts Death Ward on herself, as well as Magic Vestment. "Right then, to the center room then? Unless we wish to do anything with those Slaadi. But I expect not." Silgara says.
Mingzhu smiles, “Could I adopt them?”
T’kharr shakes her head. “No, I doubt they’ll be of aid at all.”
Zsikhou plugs his ears and yells, “NO!” at the shamaness.
T’kharr looks at the doorway. “To the center room then.”
The group is able to reach the inner ring, there's four entrances, but they're all powered down now. It looks like there was a fight in this room, a pretty big one, but you don't see any signs of survivors, but the usual stink of dead demons and other unpleasant stuff. There are nine circles around what looks like a spiral staircase in the center, going upwards.
Silgara looks down. "It appears whatever was in this place is... inactive now."
Mingzhu looks around. “What about the Nature Spirit?”
"Up the stairs I presume." T’kharr say’s while looking up the stairwell.
Mingzhu hesitates then nods. "We should look around to make sure we have cleaned the entire level out. There may be more that need our aid."
"Aye, let us take the time and double-check to make sure we haven't missed something important.” T’kharr agrees.
Xrochdyr looks over "I have been keeping a mental map of this level. We have indeed cleared out everything except the Slaadi. But if you want to be thorough, go ahead." Some scouting and looking around does indeed, make it seem like on this level, everything's been cleared out except for the still trapped Slaadi. Mingzhu waves good-bye to the three Slaadi as they walk by.
Kastelli casts a protection from evil and see invisibility on herself, though also casts it for the rest of the party. Jalyndae casts Blur on themselves. They seem to be able to refresh it indefinitely. They head up the stairs.
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
They head up the stairs. They are met with silence. At the top there is a stairway ahead. Down the corridor, there's what looks like rooms on the left and right, three on each side, six in total. There's a hallway after two sets of rooms that goes to the left, or you could keep going straight ahead. Their rather sizable procession moves with them. Zsikhou looks over "Shall this one scout ahead again?"
Mingzhu looking down the corridor says, “Yes, Check the rooms.”
Zsikhou nods and goes inspecting. After a while, he returns. "Looks like these rooms are a Wu Jen's laboratory rooms. Found those circles, some apparatuses, and some notes. Off to the hallway to the left, I found a door, couldn't open it. Ahead is a stairway upstairs."
"Can Nor'vee pick it? Mingzhu asks.
Nor'vee squeaks. "Am not a lockpicker."
Kastelli looks over. "I could give it a try."
"Let’s have Silgara collect the notes, and Kastelli take a look at the door." T’kharr asks.
Zsikhou looks over. "Didn't even see a lock, but good luck." Kastelli nods, Nor'vee follows after her.
"Right then..." Silgara goes to check one of the rooms. She finds a bunch of them. "First set of notes here..." Silgara reads them over. "It's talking about Succubae, there's also a list of names... Asharzraelle, Persepthalys, Mistress Grace, a few others..."
Zarasszia looks over "I have heard of some of those names. All of those are Succubi who have broken their natures."
Silgara reads the first notes out loud:
Something about Succubi. Why is it that they are so prone to breaking their demonic nature, especially in comparison to other demons? If my current theories are right, it has to do with cross-sections and intersections of belief. Some of the ones I have studied can’t be replicated, since their change came about from perhaps it being forced upon them by a being of much greater strength. But Succubi, unlike most demons, are appealing physically and are more social rather than overtly dangerous. I expect that in cases where beliefs collide and intersect, that sometimes the belief that a Succubus can in fact be redeemed ends up becoming reality. And if the Succubus wears the lie for long enough, it could become truth.
But something would still have to break out of them being social in a purely predatory way. So, there would, in theory, have to be some shift within as well, not just without. It may be possible to induce this by introducing an internal contradiction. A succubus craves pleasure, connection, they’re hedonists by nature. So, if they were to arrive at a situation where they could only indulge in such by denying their own desires, then it would introduce a contradiction. Tricky, because Succubi can be patient social predators. But perhaps with the right setup and conditions…
Mingzhu stares at Zarasszia. "As you can see, he imbedded those ideas into you. Played you like a fine-tuned instrument."
Zarasszia shrugs, "Perhaps he did. Though I think I prefer my current condition to what I was before." Mingzhu nods in response.
“That means you are growing as a...person in a way...” Balan insists.
Zarasszia looks over to Balan, she considers... "Maybe... I've existed far beyond mortal lifetimes, yet my existence has been, up until recently... static. Perhaps there is something to finite time to being able to grow... I don't know."
Silgara moves onto the next set of notes, reading it over … "This section... it deals with Celestials falling... and the history of how the first Baatezu came to be."
The first of the devils were once celestials, led by the Archangel Asmodeus, before he became Archdevil Supreme and lord of the nine. It is perhaps, the largest scale falling incident where planar beings betrayed their natures.
The story goes that they ended up becoming monstrous as their host went to fight against the swarms of tanar’ri, yet I have the instinct that such a corruption already existed within them. In Asmodeus himself, if maybe not all of his host. Asmodeus had made the Pact Primeval with the gods, but had he already become an Archdevil by that point? The terms in his pact with the gods where he and his host would fight the tanar’ri, and he tricked the gods and made those infamous words “Read the Fine Print”. Such behavior is out of line with an extant archangel. So, at some level, some evil perhaps already existed within those Celestials. And all of his host, save the ones irrevocably lost in battle, fell to become the Baatezu with him.
However, I have a new hypothesis. Fallen Celestials can fall, as long as they believe to themselves at some level that their actions are for the greater good. Asmodeus and the nine have never stopped fighting the Tanar’ri after all. So even after becoming the Baatezu, that original belief that they are doing good for the multiverse by fighting the Tanar’ri, despite their many evils, exists in them ingrained at some level.
So that does mean in theory that a Celestial can end up accepting evil as long as they continue to believe that their actions serve the greater good. It seems that the more rigid and law-bound Celestials are more prone to corruption, as I expect that Guardinals or Eldrin are more flexible when it comes to their methods. Nevertheless, to test this, maybe this can be induced if the right circumstances are set…
Quasziel just stares... Xrochdyr considers "Interesting... I had never considered that Asmodeus might have made the Pact Primeval while still an Archangel. It's a compelling theory..."
Mingzhu smirks, “Perhaps someone needs to repent. Before they too become a baatezu or whatever you call it. We call them Yokai."
Silgara looks at the notes, then Quasziel, rather pointedly. "Perhaps indeed."
Quasziel looks back. "I know what you are presuming mortal. Do not think you have the wisdom or clarity to make decisions for me."
Silgara shrugs, "Thank you, Quasziel, for proving our point far better than we ever could."
"All beings must make their own choices and those choices they make have both good and/or bad consequences. What will be the consequences of your decisions Quasziel?"
"I will do what is needed for the greater good and to curtail evil. But I need not explain or justify myself to you." Quasziel says.
Jalyndae looks to Quasziel at that. "And in doing so you are following Asmodeus' path already. Or do you really want the mortal who bound us here to be right about you?"
"Ah that sounds just like what this Azmodeus did when he fell." Mingzhu says shaking her head.
Quasziel glares at Jalyndae "Abaddazzar will answer for his many crimes. You can be sure of that." Then he looks at Mingzhu "Do not think you have the years or wisdom to make that judgement of me."
Balan snorts, “Get over yourself fallen.”
Xrochdyr considers "Assuming he wasn't rotten in the first place, which he very well may have been. The tale often told is that the Celestial Host became monstrous by fighting the Tanar’ri. Or maybe all that was needed was a push, or pull, or something to help draw it out. One doesn't become like Asmodeus out of nowhere. Someone like Asmodeus doesn't set up what he did without careful planning after all." He flicks his tail "Quasziel, you don't have nearly the degree of cunning Asmodeus had. You should stop ruining yourself."
Mingzhu thinks a moment then says, “Ah.........Pride..........Self-love.........I hear it’s a Yokai's favorite sin."
Xrochdyr sighs, "Because that is exactly how many mortals come to a fall indeed." He nods to Mingzhu.
Quasziel looks over to Balan. "I do not need your counsel on such matters. That you listen to this fiend over a Celestial says all I need to know about what wisdom you have."
Balan grimaces, “I have heard nothing but self-preservation from your mouth since we have met...that is not the way of a celestial being.”
Jalyndae watches over the two, then looks at Mingzhu and Balan. "I... think I am beginning to see what has been going on with your group. How you view the falling Celestial is quite clear, but what of the fiends in your company?" She looks over to Quasziel "I say falling and not fallen because you can still redeem yourself. Return to the chorus of the heavens and accept the light of Elysium, you can make yourself whole again."
“They did something to redeem themselves though I do not commend any of them for what they have done but I deal with their presence. Bahamut has taught that any can redeem themselves in their life time and if the fiends keep traveling the path their on maybe there is a chance.” Balan states.
Jalyndae looks over. "Perhaps if they have truly broken from such, they could find their way to Elysium after this, and we could help them acclimate."
“Jalyndae I simply listen to what these three have been saying all along the way since we met them. In truth, just with dealing with them I trust the yokai more than the Kami at this time.” Mingzhu says.
Xrochdyr hisses, "Grahhh! No, I ... " There's a pause, like a double take, like he's struggling with himself, something internally painful "Blast it I broke infernal law precisely because it's a gigantic, hypocritical mess and those pacts never should have been able to be made! How many times did infernal law break itself like... hssskh! No, I only did it while I was bound and I …" Winces "Okay I deluged myself in holy water to save those souls, but I NEEDED TO, to get out of this miserable place!" he hisses.
Jalyndae looks over to Mingzhu, considering. "I... think I can see why." He looks to Xrochdyr "It sounds like you're trying to come up with some selfish justifications for selfless things you did. Maybe you can open yourself to that instead."
As silence starts to surround them, Silgara reads the third set of notes which are lengthy:
Attempts to try and produce any results from the chaotic beings of Limbo has so far not gotten any progress of note. The Slaadi who are native to Limbo (maybe Pandemonium? The existence of some Slaad that lean into evil and none that lean into good suggest that.), resist any kind of order imposed on them at all. There is a reason deals are not done with nearly anyone regarding the Slaadi. Their chaotic natures mean that they are incapable of holding onto them. Or doing anything beyond their own chaotic impulses. And unlike the Tanar’ri, who are bound by self-interest, or beings of the upper planes that combine such chaos with a desire to do good, Slaadi seemingly have no comprehensible degree of self-interest and are in fact, entirely willing to do random things even if self-destructive.
Perhaps the reason why some Slaadi veer towards evil should be studied. If they are truly random and chaotic, they should be just as destructive and creative, but Slaadi are purely destructive creatures from observation. Maybe another base creature of pure chaos will be needed for analysis. It’s known that Celestials have become Baatezu. I have not seen any instances of a Baatezu becoming a Celestial. It could simply be because Celestials do not purge deviant elements, and the Baatezu, even with all of their laws, are very prone to infighting. Any Baatezu who comes close to having an epiphany and being away would probably be killed.
But maybe the lawful nature of a Baatezu could be self-imposed on them to cause a break. Similar to the beings of Mechanus, there could be a contradiction that arises if they are caught in an impossible situation between two laws. Of course, most Baatezu caught in such a circumstance would likely be killed, and Baatezu are driven by nature to twist law to their own advantage every time. Still, maybe with the right conditions set up, a contradiction could be induced. Of course, most Baatezu would simply kill one who fails to resolve one, so that will need to be considered to. But it should be possible.
Since it is known that the Celestials who fell became the Baatezu, I wonder who the original inhabitants of Baator were? It was certainly not the Baatezu, the plane existed before they did, I’m quite sure.
Yet you would be hard pressed to find native Baatorian, or perhaps Ancient Baatorian, who are not part of the current Baatezu hierarchy. I would surmise that Asmodeus and his host likely hunts down these Ancient Baatorian, and attempts to have knowledge of them expunged, so that only his are known as the inhabitants of Baator.
There is something as well about the Tanar’ri. It’s also known that they are not the original inhabitants of the Abyss either. Those are the Obyriths. Far more ancient and terrible beings of chaos and evil. Yet, it is also observed that the Obyriths have much less interest in spreading outside of the Abyss. Unlike the inhabitants of Baator, the Tanar’ri don’t seem interested in exterminating the Obyriths beyond the usual infighting of such a plane, possibly because of their inherent aversion to any organization. Still, there are noted differences between the Tanar’ri and the Obyriths. Still beings of pure chaos and evil, but a vastly different interpretation.
It does make me wonder if this is true of the other planes as well. Are the Yugoloth the native and first true inhabitants of Hades? Are the Slaadi truly the original natives that embody Limbo, or are they also an invasive being that has chased the true originals into obscurity? What of Mechanus as well?
For the upper planes, it seems unlikely that any original Celestials have truly been replaced. One could say they’ve lost many of their own to falling.
Still, it is something that bears more analysis. Maybe in consultation with an Ancient Obyrith, they may know more about the original inhabitants of the other planes, despite their lack of interest outside the Abyss. Of course, that’s going to be a dangerous pursuit for sure...
Mingzhu looking down the corridor says, “Yes, Check the rooms.”
Zsikhou nods and goes inspecting. After a while, he returns. "Looks like these rooms are a Wu Jen's laboratory rooms. Found those circles, some apparatuses, and some notes. Off to the hallway to the left, I found a door, couldn't open it. Ahead is a stairway upstairs."
"Can Nor'vee pick it? Mingzhu asks.
Nor'vee squeaks. "Am not a lockpicker."
Kastelli looks over. "I could give it a try."
"Let’s have Silgara collect the notes, and Kastelli take a look at the door." T’kharr asks.
Zsikhou looks over. "Didn't even see a lock, but good luck." Kastelli nods, Nor'vee follows after her.
"Right then..." Silgara goes to check one of the rooms. She finds a bunch of them. "First set of notes here..." Silgara reads them over. "It's talking about Succubae, there's also a list of names... Asharzraelle, Persepthalys, Mistress Grace, a few others..."
Zarasszia looks over "I have heard of some of those names. All of those are Succubi who have broken their natures."
Silgara reads the first notes out loud:
Something about Succubi. Why is it that they are so prone to breaking their demonic nature, especially in comparison to other demons? If my current theories are right, it has to do with cross-sections and intersections of belief. Some of the ones I have studied can’t be replicated, since their change came about from perhaps it being forced upon them by a being of much greater strength. But Succubi, unlike most demons, are appealing physically and are more social rather than overtly dangerous. I expect that in cases where beliefs collide and intersect, that sometimes the belief that a Succubus can in fact be redeemed ends up becoming reality. And if the Succubus wears the lie for long enough, it could become truth.
But something would still have to break out of them being social in a purely predatory way. So, there would, in theory, have to be some shift within as well, not just without. It may be possible to induce this by introducing an internal contradiction. A succubus craves pleasure, connection, they’re hedonists by nature. So, if they were to arrive at a situation where they could only indulge in such by denying their own desires, then it would introduce a contradiction. Tricky, because Succubi can be patient social predators. But perhaps with the right setup and conditions…
Mingzhu stares at Zarasszia. "As you can see, he imbedded those ideas into you. Played you like a fine-tuned instrument."
Zarasszia shrugs, "Perhaps he did. Though I think I prefer my current condition to what I was before." Mingzhu nods in response.
“That means you are growing as a...person in a way...” Balan insists.
Zarasszia looks over to Balan, she considers... "Maybe... I've existed far beyond mortal lifetimes, yet my existence has been, up until recently... static. Perhaps there is something to finite time to being able to grow... I don't know."
Silgara moves onto the next set of notes, reading it over … "This section... it deals with Celestials falling... and the history of how the first Baatezu came to be."
The first of the devils were once celestials, led by the Archangel Asmodeus, before he became Archdevil Supreme and lord of the nine. It is perhaps, the largest scale falling incident where planar beings betrayed their natures.
The story goes that they ended up becoming monstrous as their host went to fight against the swarms of tanar’ri, yet I have the instinct that such a corruption already existed within them. In Asmodeus himself, if maybe not all of his host. Asmodeus had made the Pact Primeval with the gods, but had he already become an Archdevil by that point? The terms in his pact with the gods where he and his host would fight the tanar’ri, and he tricked the gods and made those infamous words “Read the Fine Print”. Such behavior is out of line with an extant archangel. So, at some level, some evil perhaps already existed within those Celestials. And all of his host, save the ones irrevocably lost in battle, fell to become the Baatezu with him.
However, I have a new hypothesis. Fallen Celestials can fall, as long as they believe to themselves at some level that their actions are for the greater good. Asmodeus and the nine have never stopped fighting the Tanar’ri after all. So even after becoming the Baatezu, that original belief that they are doing good for the multiverse by fighting the Tanar’ri, despite their many evils, exists in them ingrained at some level.
So that does mean in theory that a Celestial can end up accepting evil as long as they continue to believe that their actions serve the greater good. It seems that the more rigid and law-bound Celestials are more prone to corruption, as I expect that Guardinals or Eldrin are more flexible when it comes to their methods. Nevertheless, to test this, maybe this can be induced if the right circumstances are set…
Quasziel just stares... Xrochdyr considers "Interesting... I had never considered that Asmodeus might have made the Pact Primeval while still an Archangel. It's a compelling theory..."
Mingzhu smirks, “Perhaps someone needs to repent. Before they too become a baatezu or whatever you call it. We call them Yokai."
Silgara looks at the notes, then Quasziel, rather pointedly. "Perhaps indeed."
Quasziel looks back. "I know what you are presuming mortal. Do not think you have the wisdom or clarity to make decisions for me."
Silgara shrugs, "Thank you, Quasziel, for proving our point far better than we ever could."
"All beings must make their own choices and those choices they make have both good and/or bad consequences. What will be the consequences of your decisions Quasziel?"
"I will do what is needed for the greater good and to curtail evil. But I need not explain or justify myself to you." Quasziel says.
Jalyndae looks to Quasziel at that. "And in doing so you are following Asmodeus' path already. Or do you really want the mortal who bound us here to be right about you?"
"Ah that sounds just like what this Azmodeus did when he fell." Mingzhu says shaking her head.
Quasziel glares at Jalyndae "Abaddazzar will answer for his many crimes. You can be sure of that." Then he looks at Mingzhu "Do not think you have the years or wisdom to make that judgement of me."
Balan snorts, “Get over yourself fallen.”
Xrochdyr considers "Assuming he wasn't rotten in the first place, which he very well may have been. The tale often told is that the Celestial Host became monstrous by fighting the Tanar’ri. Or maybe all that was needed was a push, or pull, or something to help draw it out. One doesn't become like Asmodeus out of nowhere. Someone like Asmodeus doesn't set up what he did without careful planning after all." He flicks his tail "Quasziel, you don't have nearly the degree of cunning Asmodeus had. You should stop ruining yourself."
Mingzhu thinks a moment then says, “Ah.........Pride..........Self-love.........I hear it’s a Yokai's favorite sin."
Xrochdyr sighs, "Because that is exactly how many mortals come to a fall indeed." He nods to Mingzhu.
Quasziel looks over to Balan. "I do not need your counsel on such matters. That you listen to this fiend over a Celestial says all I need to know about what wisdom you have."
Balan grimaces, “I have heard nothing but self-preservation from your mouth since we have met...that is not the way of a celestial being.”
Jalyndae watches over the two, then looks at Mingzhu and Balan. "I... think I am beginning to see what has been going on with your group. How you view the falling Celestial is quite clear, but what of the fiends in your company?" She looks over to Quasziel "I say falling and not fallen because you can still redeem yourself. Return to the chorus of the heavens and accept the light of Elysium, you can make yourself whole again."
“They did something to redeem themselves though I do not commend any of them for what they have done but I deal with their presence. Bahamut has taught that any can redeem themselves in their life time and if the fiends keep traveling the path their on maybe there is a chance.” Balan states.
Jalyndae looks over. "Perhaps if they have truly broken from such, they could find their way to Elysium after this, and we could help them acclimate."
“Jalyndae I simply listen to what these three have been saying all along the way since we met them. In truth, just with dealing with them I trust the yokai more than the Kami at this time.” Mingzhu says.
Xrochdyr hisses, "Grahhh! No, I ... " There's a pause, like a double take, like he's struggling with himself, something internally painful "Blast it I broke infernal law precisely because it's a gigantic, hypocritical mess and those pacts never should have been able to be made! How many times did infernal law break itself like... hssskh! No, I only did it while I was bound and I …" Winces "Okay I deluged myself in holy water to save those souls, but I NEEDED TO, to get out of this miserable place!" he hisses.
Jalyndae looks over to Mingzhu, considering. "I... think I can see why." He looks to Xrochdyr "It sounds like you're trying to come up with some selfish justifications for selfless things you did. Maybe you can open yourself to that instead."
As silence starts to surround them, Silgara reads the third set of notes which are lengthy:
Attempts to try and produce any results from the chaotic beings of Limbo has so far not gotten any progress of note. The Slaadi who are native to Limbo (maybe Pandemonium? The existence of some Slaad that lean into evil and none that lean into good suggest that.), resist any kind of order imposed on them at all. There is a reason deals are not done with nearly anyone regarding the Slaadi. Their chaotic natures mean that they are incapable of holding onto them. Or doing anything beyond their own chaotic impulses. And unlike the Tanar’ri, who are bound by self-interest, or beings of the upper planes that combine such chaos with a desire to do good, Slaadi seemingly have no comprehensible degree of self-interest and are in fact, entirely willing to do random things even if self-destructive.
Perhaps the reason why some Slaadi veer towards evil should be studied. If they are truly random and chaotic, they should be just as destructive and creative, but Slaadi are purely destructive creatures from observation. Maybe another base creature of pure chaos will be needed for analysis. It’s known that Celestials have become Baatezu. I have not seen any instances of a Baatezu becoming a Celestial. It could simply be because Celestials do not purge deviant elements, and the Baatezu, even with all of their laws, are very prone to infighting. Any Baatezu who comes close to having an epiphany and being away would probably be killed.
But maybe the lawful nature of a Baatezu could be self-imposed on them to cause a break. Similar to the beings of Mechanus, there could be a contradiction that arises if they are caught in an impossible situation between two laws. Of course, most Baatezu caught in such a circumstance would likely be killed, and Baatezu are driven by nature to twist law to their own advantage every time. Still, maybe with the right conditions set up, a contradiction could be induced. Of course, most Baatezu would simply kill one who fails to resolve one, so that will need to be considered to. But it should be possible.
Since it is known that the Celestials who fell became the Baatezu, I wonder who the original inhabitants of Baator were? It was certainly not the Baatezu, the plane existed before they did, I’m quite sure.
Yet you would be hard pressed to find native Baatorian, or perhaps Ancient Baatorian, who are not part of the current Baatezu hierarchy. I would surmise that Asmodeus and his host likely hunts down these Ancient Baatorian, and attempts to have knowledge of them expunged, so that only his are known as the inhabitants of Baator.
There is something as well about the Tanar’ri. It’s also known that they are not the original inhabitants of the Abyss either. Those are the Obyriths. Far more ancient and terrible beings of chaos and evil. Yet, it is also observed that the Obyriths have much less interest in spreading outside of the Abyss. Unlike the inhabitants of Baator, the Tanar’ri don’t seem interested in exterminating the Obyriths beyond the usual infighting of such a plane, possibly because of their inherent aversion to any organization. Still, there are noted differences between the Tanar’ri and the Obyriths. Still beings of pure chaos and evil, but a vastly different interpretation.
It does make me wonder if this is true of the other planes as well. Are the Yugoloth the native and first true inhabitants of Hades? Are the Slaadi truly the original natives that embody Limbo, or are they also an invasive being that has chased the true originals into obscurity? What of Mechanus as well?
For the upper planes, it seems unlikely that any original Celestials have truly been replaced. One could say they’ve lost many of their own to falling.
Still, it is something that bears more analysis. Maybe in consultation with an Ancient Obyrith, they may know more about the original inhabitants of the other planes, despite their lack of interest outside the Abyss. Of course, that’s going to be a dangerous pursuit for sure...