The Harvest Moon Consortium

[Winterhawk99]

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.

[Winterhawk99]

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.

[Winterhawk99]

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."

[Winterhawk99]

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.

[Winterhawk99]

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...

[Winterhawk99]

Xrochdyr looks over to Jalyndae, a twitch of his tail, flex of his wings, hissing … "Let’s just.... Grah, focus on getting out of here first. Then..."

"Aye, let’s get things collected and focus on getting through whatever awaits ahead." T’kharr agrees.

Quasziel looks over to Jalyndae, "You should not waste time trying to redeem fiends."

Xrochdyr looks over to Quasziel, hissing in irritation. "Oh, don't think I hadn't noticed what your solution to Jalyndae's predicament was! Grahhh! At least I'm not the kind to expect commendations for basic decency by NOT sharing what I figured out could be done to free him there!" He huffs "Sometimes I don't know why I'm trying to protect you from yourself and your own worst impulses, Deva."

T’kharr peers down the hall to see if Silgara and Nor’vee have turned up anything else. Silgara collected other journal entries from the labs. Quasziel looks to Xrochdyr. "Of course one can expect manipulation and treachery from a fiend."

"I take it the journals are all that there is for notes, or is there anything else floating around for reading material?" T’kharr asks.

Xrochdyr hisses, lashing his tail. "These mortals are about at the point where they would want you dead anyways. I didn't need to tell them there was a way to free Jalyndae by sacrificing you back there."

Jalyndae looks at Xrochdyr. "That would still have been an act of evil for them to have done that."

Xrochdyr looks back to her. "Hence why I didn't tell them that I figured that out."

Silgara while cataloging all the notes says, “That's what I found, plus the door Nor'vee, Zsikhou, and Kastelli are working on. There's some... definitely interesting reading here."

"Aye. Definitely stuff to save for later." T’kharr says while looking down the hall to see if the party's rogues are making any progress on dealing with the door.

"Oh, I did find one more note, of note, regarding Mechanus... how easy the Inevitables are to break." Silgara shows it.

I have found that the beings of Mechanus are rather easy to end up inducing to break their own natures. As long as one knows how they operate.

They are beings of pure law. Not of perfect harmony, of law. They operate more like machines, and can only obey their instructions, as complex and intricate as they often are. They cannot go beyond those.
Unless they were to arise at a contradiction of their own being. A classic paradox trap. When they have to and can’t do something at the same time, or orders go in conflicting directions.

Once those rules become known, and where they can arrive at a contradiction or error, it’s simple enough to induce. Though this would follow that planar beings of law are easier to break than others, because one can always use those laws they are bound by against them. Should be further studied in regard to Celestials and Baatezu.

Mingzhu listens and thinks upon everything said. Xrochdyr looks over, snorting "Of course. It's not like those universal laws mean anything. Not when the system is constantly cheated without reprisal. Often enough that it becomes the norm."

“Noted.” T’kharr chuckles.

Quasziel looks over to Xrochdyr. "And yet you admit to undermining it further. You truly are a wretched Baatezu."

Mingzhu suddenly becomes enraged. “STOP FIGHTING! I'VE ALREADY GONE THROUGH THIS ONCE WITH TWO IMBECILES! IM NOT GOING TO DO IT AGAIN!"

Xrochdyr hisses back. "Oh, shut up! Maybe, just maybe if infernal law or any of the laws of the multiverse actually did what they were supposed to, which barely any of them actually do, maybe trying to uphold that broken system would do anything besides condemn more who shouldn't be." He sneers.

Silgara looks to Mingzhu "I don't think those two know about Fwangzhu and Minamoto's... rivalry." Fwangzhu just snarls, then huffs and moves to the door.

Xrochdyr looks over to Mingzhu, a huff "Ignoring problems just has a way of letting them fester and worsen. Just a thought."

"Sometimes there's no solution no matter what you try." Mingzhu growls.

Xrochdyr looks over at Mingzhu, as if analyzing her, calculating something. Then he speaks up. "Maybe. In that case, stop wasting effort on that particular problem, and focus on others. Or come up with an alternative solution. But it sounds like a rather personal matter."

"Some folk just can't see beyond their own eyeballs" T’kharr sighs, "Any update on the door?"

Quasziel looks over to Mingzhu "You should not bear such things to a fiend. They will only twist your pain further."

Eventually, the door opens, Kastelli on the other side. Nor'vee squeaks happily for her. Zsikhou huffs "Okay, no fair, you definitely cheated on that one."

Kastelli looks over to Zsikhou, no smugness in her face or voice, just acceptance. "It's alright, mortal. We all have our abilities and talents. I'm just glad I could aid you."

Silgara looks over "Looks like it's open now, let’s go?" Mingzhu is the first to go through. T’kharr next. The other side looks like an elaborate personal room or bedroom. A bed off to the side in a smaller area, with tables, experiment labs, and some personal areas for dining and storage. There's a rather hefty notebook on one of the tables. On another table, there appears to be four weapons arrayed in a circle-like pattern. There's also a stand nearby with some items, some robes, gloves, and bracers.
Finally, there is what looks like a... strange forge as well, in a corner.

"Check these things out, Silgara. Maybe we could use some of them.” Mingzhu asks the mage.

Off to the left, there is a stairway up, and there's also one that goes up to the right. Silgara nods, she goes to the book... The weapons on the table are a: Quarterstaff, a Katana, a Longbow, and a Shuriken.

"Aye. Definitely check over the equipment" T’kharr looks to Balan. "Maybe you should inspect the forge a bit?" then she Nor'vee and Kastelli, "You two want to scout the stairs up from here?"

Nor'vee and Kastelli nod, squeaking "Got it," They head off to the right one first.

Balan studies the forge while mumbling, “Aye, that is probably a good idea.”

Quasziel looks over the bow and Shuriken. "Those two weapons are vile."

Xrochdyr hisses. "I feel an instinctive aversion to that Longbow and the Quarterstaff there."

Zarasszia looks over the weapons. "Hrm, for my part, I feel an aversion to that staff and that Katana there. If I had to estimate from what I can observe of them... the Quarterstaff is a Holy Weapon, the Katana is Axiomatic, the Longbow is Anarchic, and the Shuriken is Unholy." Silgara reads over the journal, transfixed....

"Interesting. The last time I saw such a quartet, the staff was the Axiomatic weapon. We know who's getting the shuriken, though" T’kharr chuckles and looks down at Zsikhou.

Zsikhou looks over with a nod. "Might as well have something to better keep the Deva in line in case he becomes an actual problem rather than an irritation."

As Balan studies the forge it seems weird to him. There is some strange, pulsing, non-uniform matter inside of it that seems to deny shape, color and form, but it persists inside some magical containment field. T’kharr looks over it too. "I wonder if it's some sort of arcane apparatus instead of a mundane forge?"

Silgara looks over sharply to Mingzhu "Mingzhu... this journal, it mentions the nature spirit." Then she looks over to T'Kharr. "Do you want me to take a look?"

"What does it say? Yes, I do. I hope to have her restored." Mingzhu replies.

"A few things, I'll... try to summarize from the beginning." Silgara says. "First, the journal mentions equilibriums and beliefs, and where they intersect. Starting off with the premise that only Ubtao holds dominion in Chult, though that Kelemvor still handles matters of death there. Then it goes into exceptions, but then they mention going to Kara-Tur, where the beliefs and metaphysics are apparently quite different from the rest of the realms."

"He was the sage that went to Tzukine..." Silgara keeps saying. "Studying how the Celestial Court handles things on this side of the world instead of Kelemvor. And then noting the other regional differences, he started studying Yokai and other magical and spiritual beings..."

Mingzhu looks down a moment thinking before looking back up and stating, “Yes, it will take this one time to understand our beliefs and gods. that is one of our only advantages."

Mingzhu, he somehow broke the spirit. Broke its definition of what is natural." Silgara says.

"And once you're done with the journal, please do examine the forge" T’kharr says to Silgara. Then she stops as the words come to her. “Oh Dear!”

Mingzhu asks, “Can the spirit be brought back to its original form?”

Silgara nods... "Apparently the nature spirit is naturally of a dual nature, one side is nature's beauty and bounty, another it's brutality. But then by subjecting it to circumstances where the spirit had to constantly redefine what is natural, it broke." She pauses for a moment and shudders. “I … I don't know Mingzhu. It doesn't say how to fix the spirit, just what he did to break it. Unfortunately, I'm not familiar enough with such a being to really understand how they work or what drives them. This one might be on you." She sets the journal down, then moves to the forge. Zsikhou narrows his eyes, staying close to Mingzhu, then a heavy sigh.

Mingzhu looks down thinking then back up. "I may have to battle it. If I do, I may have to do this in the spirit world where others cannot help."

Zsikhou looks over at Mingzhu. "Is that even possible, given where we are?"

Mingzhu nods, "Yes in dream sleep."

Zarasszia looks over. "Would that help fix them either? It sounds like their break is over consideration of what is natural."

"I will try to convince it first. Convince it that it is wrong, was used. just an experiment." Mingzhu replies then adds, "I know Zarasszia. I do not know if something like this will work.”

Silgara considers the Forge but doesn't seem to know what is going on with it... Balan is way out of his league and just shakes his head. “This is too, esoteric. Strange...Magical but I am not sure.” It's definitely NOT a normal forge though, looks more like a magical device of some kind than something a smith would use. Xrochdyr takes a look at the Forge.

"Well, that's not something I expected to see again... Karach... a Forge made to mold Karach..." The Abishai explains.

Xrochdyr nods, looking over to Balan. "I wouldn't expect most mortals to be familiar with this kind of thing. The matter inside there at least, I have seen that before. Karach. The only mortals who truly know how to work that are the Githzerai who live in Limbo."

"What can they do with it?" T’Kharr raises an eyebrow.

Karach…. It loosely translates to 'Chaos Matter', but..." Xrochdyr clicks his tongue "The substance of limbo is made of chaos, ever shifting, changing, but the Githzerai have figured out how to, with force of will, shape it to their desires. Making monasteries and weapons. And probably other things, but the Githzerai don't share this knowledge easily." He looks over to the forge. "I expect Abaddazzar was trying to figure out how to replicate the process with this magical device. I expect it should work, though the Githzerai could likely do it better. Regardless, with the available Karach in the containment there, I should be able to shape it into something for one of you. Or possibly the Wizard could."

Silgara looks it over. "Now that the Baatezu mentions it, I think I could use this device. Maybe make a Holy Weapon for one of us, for whomever needs one."

Xrochdyr looks it over "I was thinking of a sonic-enchanted weapon, ssskh, but I could possibly do other things. Though I expect given my nature, I might not be able to make a Holy Weapon if that's what you mortals want."

Mingzhu considers, “How about fighting gloves or wraps?”

"That should be possible." Xrochdyr says.

Nor'vee and Kastelli come back from their scouting. Nor’vee is the one who speaks, "Right, got some information for you," Squeak. He motions to the stairway on the right. "Saw plants there, Nature Spirit is probably in that direction. We stepped back before we got too far though. Think she's guarded, and spirit might be crazy and bad now. Didn't want to get too close." He looks at the stairway on the left. "That one leads to the exit of this place." Squeak, "So we can leave when we want to."

Silgara goes about identifying the items arrayed...
Ecclesial Robes: +1 Level 1, 2, 3, 4 Cleric Spell slot
Gloves of Mercy: +1 Level 1, 2 Paladin Spell slot, +1 Additional use of Lay on Hands per day.
Bracers of Armor +4
+2 Holy Quarterstaff
+2 Axiomatic Katana
+2 Anarchic Longbow
+2 Unholy Shuriken

"Thank you Nor’vee. I will try to handle the spirit. Will try to bring her back to her purpose." Mingzhu states.

T’kharr gets a big toothy smile, “Definitely taking the staff. Not sure who wants the katana?"

Balan shakes his head. “I am not trained to use one.” Silgara eyes the Longbow. Zsikhou eyes the Shuriken.

"Gloves seem to be meant for you Balan." T’kharr insists.

“Aye.... I cannot take my eyes off them.”

"I'm quite sure they're not cursed, so if they are useful for you, go ahead." Silgara nods aside. Balan gives a nod and studies them for a moment. They look like well-made gloves, made of some exotic material. Silk of some kind? Hard for Balan to gage, might be something planar. There is a symbol of Lathander on it though.

"There is nothing here I can use.” Mingzhu sighs.

"Not even the robes or the bracers?" T’kharr exclaims. Mingzhu shakes her head. "If you cannot make use of the robes, I will take them as well then" The Gnoll sighs softly. Mingzhu nods.

Silgara and Zsikhou look over to the Bracers. Seems they can both use them. Xrochdyr looks over, seems he could use the bracers too, but he doesn't say anything. Same with Zarasszia. "If someone else wishes them, they are free to, unless you'd all rather, I take them" T’kharr grins.

Silgara shrugs. “It seems left to your discretion.” Zsikhou does seem interested in them though.

“Zsikhou tends to fight closer than Silgara.” Balan comments.

"He wears armor, so they won't work with that." Silgara says.

T’kharr sighs, “Ah, fair.”

Silgara sighs, a glance to Xrochdyr. "I suppose the Abishai could also use them, technically," She looks back to T'Kharr "Either way, your call on who gets them."

"Hm. I reckon you can have them then Silgara."

"If you actually trust me that much." Xrochdyr comments, he doesn't seem offended though.

Silgara nods and puts on the... , she realizes she already has bracers of dexterity on. "Erm, I think I prefer my current ones, actually." She shakes her head.

"Ah, fair, I'll take them then" T’kharr laughs. Silgara nods. Balan lightly chuckles.

Xrochdyr looks over "Anyways, now that you sorted that out..." He looks over to the Karach forge "Do you want me or the elf to work this? If so, for what?"

T’kharr sets a first-rank set of bracers of armor on the table. "I suppose someone gets my old ones. And I reckon that Mingzhu gets the benefits of the forge once she returns, since she wasn't able to make use of the bracers or the robe."

Mingzhu nods. “You are welcome to try to make wraps for my Xrochdyr.”

"Would you wish my old bracers, Jalyndae, or do you not have use for them?" T’kharr asks.

Jalyndae looks over, then shakes her head. "Those wouldn't help me, I'm afraid. Maybe Kastelli, or the Abishai with you could get some slight benefit from them."

"Ah, fair enough then. Kastelli can have them.” T’kharr says. Kastelli takes the bracers and clicks them on with a squeak.

Xrochdyr nods "Right, I'll see what I can do then." He moves over to the Forge and enters what looks like a meditative stance, a lotus position. After a while, the strange, glowing, multicolored so much that it is colorless and formless eventually takes shape, the forge powers down. Xrochdyr after that takes the hand wraps, now seeming solid and stable. He gives them a brief try, his claws seeming to thrum with sonic energy, before he takes them off and goes to hand them to Mingzhu "Here, ssk. I could use them, but sssk, so can you it seems."

Mingzhu nods slowly while taking her own wraps off. “Sonic the way of the sea. The denser the material the more effective." She puts them on and offers Xrochdyr her own +2 Kungfu wraps in trade.

Xrochdyr looks them over, his claws finger his amulet, then he shakes his head "sssk, maybe... I ..." He sighs, "Thank you." Then opts to take them.

"Now, what are we going to do with this katana...? I don't wield blades, and nor does Mingzhu....Balan's fighting style is wrong for that type of sword, and I doubt Silgara would be able to handle it any better than I could...maybe Fwangzhu would be able to use it as a foil, of sorts, to his existing halberd?” T’kharr scratches her head.

Fwangzhu snarls "I'd rather not touch that thing, thank you. Plus, I never trained with Katanas anyways. They break if you use them wrong around a table even."

"Fair, then." T’kharr exclaims with a chuckle.

Zarasszia looks over. "I get the impression that blade and that mortal would... not mix well together."

"Aye, that I grasped from his answer. Still leaves the question of who can deal with it...unless the forge could somehow be used again to reshape it into a more suitable form?" T’kharr asks.

Xrochdyr shakes his head "There was only enough Karach for one use, and I do not believe that blade was made from Karach, so it wouldn't work."

Balan looks at it and says, “Then we hold onto it for now.”

"Fair. We keep it then and it winds up in the hands of whoever we find who can wield it effectively. Anything else we've missed here?" T’kharr looks around.

Fwangzhu snorts "Could always shove it up Minamoto's ass if we find him again." T’kharr shakes her head slowly with a soft sigh.

Silgara shakes her head. "Unless you want to loot the bedding, I think we got what we could here."

"Nay, no need to strip the bed." T’kharr says, laughing.

Silgara nods. "Right, what's our next move then?"

Quasziel looks over. "We have secured the exit, then? We should depart."

Mingzhu looks at the ground and says, “We follow the flowers.

[Winterhawk99]

Silgara stops everyone before they get started. She turns to Mingzhu. "Look, this..." She sighs, "Do you have a plan for how to fix this spirit? I get the impression we may need to handle this very carefully, and we likely won't get another shot. You're the only one of us perhaps besides Zsikhou who has any degree of expertise on this."

"In all honesty Silgara I am not sure......will not be sure until we examine the situation the spirit is in."

Quasziel looks over. "We should not waste time with such if you do not even have a solution. At best we would need to put it down."

Mingzhu looks at the angel incredulously. “I do not worry about you Quasziel. You will abandon us as soon as you breath open air.”

"And once again you make presumptions while knowing little. Such mortal arrogance. But I am accustomed to seeing it from you." Quasziel says. Zsikhou idly toys with the unholy shuriken while looking at Quasziel.

"And I am accustomed to seeing your shallowness and need to escape above the affairs of others that surround you. Let us proceed then."

Silgara looks over, "It... might be best if you read the journal first, but if you want to go now, let’s proceed."

Mingzhu nods slowly, “Let us see it then. Silgara offers the journal to Mingzhu after she reads it she passes it to the next person. It reads:

Abaddazzar The Experimenter’s Journal 2

In my journeys across the realms, I have theorized that the material plane, such as it is, is kept stable by-in-large because there are many intersecting beliefs there that form a noted equilibrium. There’s many gods, each have their own visions and behaviors, but also the fact that so many, even opposing forces, hold to common beliefs. It’s part and parcel of why magic works as it does, arcane, divine, or other occurrences. Even the physics of the realms, and how other realms interact with it.

However, I have recently became aware of several parts of the realms where these laws of a reality in which we often depend upon are not, in fact, a constant. My first research went into the Jungles of Chult. In most of the realms, most of the gods have some form of claim on them and can interact with them freely. Yet, in Chult, there is only one God who holds dominion there, Ubtao. I have tested this and noted that no other god can influence the place at all. Ubtao does not seem to have interest in domain outside Chult, even clerics of Ubtao must seek another patron if they roam outside Chult. However, despite this dominion, Ubtao seems to follow most of the baseline expected metaphysics of the realms. Kelemvor still handles the souls of those departed there, after all. So, it is not too far out of line.

But I have found exceptions. The gods of the dragons and elves seem to take some degree of precedence and custody over their own, such that the normal metaphysics of the transfer of souls doesn’t apply to them. There are gods of death among their own pantheons. So, does their belief in those gods cause them to take precedence? Or some pact between them to split custody regarding such? Regardless, the function by in large follows expected guidelines.

But my research has found a realm where the very fundamentals of belief and the function of how the divine works is different, a separate pocket of the realms where the nature of reality can be called into question, because the belief and structure is so different.

Kara-Tur, that is where my next research project into the fundamentals of reality and belief will take me.
I’ve gone around as a wandering sage, discussing the nature of belief of the people here. They are a suspicious and superstitious group, and their beliefs are quite a lot different than what I have seen elsewhere. Yet, if my theories are right, there is truth to their belief.

The people of Kara-Tur believe in the Celestial Court that handles souls, not Kelemvor. They barely even know of the other gods of the realms, and many who have heard of them simply regard them as foreign spirits of little relevance.

The dead here do not speak of Kelemvor when contacted through divinatory means. Those few shades that could be questioned instead spoke of magistrates, celestial bureaucrats, ancestral judges, and a vast heavenly administration. More curiously, none regarded this as metaphor. They described it as a simple statement of fact. The souls of Kara-Tur appear to follow a different route than those of Faerûn, despite existing upon the same world. If so, then the destination of a soul is not determined solely by universal law, but by accepted metaphysical structure.

It does make me wonder if the people of Kara-Tur came to know this because their part of the world operated like this, or if the world came to operate like this because of their belief. Or it might be something cyclical, an anomaly is observed, superstition arises, codified and common accepted beliefs spread, the ones that are not dismissed and accepted mutate reality to accommodate, and they become in a sense, real. Naturally there are limitations to this, but perhaps it does suggest that reality in the materium is not as static as I once thought it was. It calls for further experimentation.

I’ve been studying creatures native to this region. What they call Yokai. They operate differently than planar or supernatural beings elsewhere in Faerun. Naturally every region has its variants and its creatures, but the operational frameworks in Kara-Tur seem wholly different. From dragons to creatures of lesser import.

I’ve turned my attention to a nature spirit of sorts, a provider and guardian of the people of an island named Tzukine. Their relationship suggests it is something of a symbolic pact between them that the nature spirit provides for their people as long as the island’s people uphold several obligations for them. Elsewhere I could expect such creatures to be benign or malign, but in this land, they operate on different fundamentals. The spirit is not regarded as good or evil but simply is. A dangerous being, but part of the world and accepted.

The spirit itself appears to be of something of a dual nature, like two beings combined into one. Nature’s beauty and bounty, combined with nature’s savagery and brutality. It embodies both as a sort of dual being conjoined into one, and swings between the two as easily as a man takes a breath. I have been experimenting with them. There is one defining concept that seems to root them, that of ‘nature’. So, I set up conditions where it would have to re-define what nature is.

Is a farm natural? Are the plants a gardener tends to natural? Is digging an irrigation ditch so that plants can flourish where they could not before natural? Or is it simply engineered nature and therefore unnatural? If a farm is unnatural, why is the dam a beaver makes natural? Do we say that the beaver is natural while the man is not? If the man comes from nature, is what they do therefore also natural, since man is following its nature? Man can plan and build like a spider builds its web. The spirit wouldn’t question the spider being natural.

Many things’ men can do are natural, but where does the line begin and end? One can ask many questions like this to such a being. Where does the line between natural and unnatural exist? Does it exist? Could a plant brought from another realm be considered natural? One can keep pressing on this until something snaps. As long as one keeps pressing on the idea, or concept, that a planar or supernatural being holds to, they appear to become mutable.

Bringing the spirit to this island and made to provide how it did before, is this natural? It can be, if one re-defines what one considers natural after all.

After everyone has read it T’kharr comments, “A curious question of metaphysics indeed, but...a real garden path when it comes to finding answers, I'd say."

"I had assumed that Kelemvor handled matters regarding the afterlife throughout all of Faerun... for Kara-Tur to be exempt is... unusual, I'll admit." Silgara says.

Zsikhou raises an eye ridge. "Kelemvor? One of your foreigner gods, this one takes it?"

Xrochdyr clicks his tongue, considering "It is a curious exception, isn't it? Almost like Kara-Tur is in some ways, cut off or operates on a separate reality to other parts of the mortal realms...." He looks over to Mingzhu. "How is it supposed to work, that you know?".

She takes a breath. “There is a barrier. A wall that separates east and west. It is called the dragon wall. It is not just a physical barrier it is a spiritual barrier that divides the two lands and the many faiths. Though spells and such can be casts one from the other the faiths, the gods, the servants of gods even the fey cannot cross that barrier unless they are mortal or a special situation applies. At least this is what my master taught me, my village being only a few hundred miles from the Dragon wall.

Silgara looks at the journal again, parsing over a section, considering, but listens intently. Mingzhu continues. “The Dragon wall lies deeply in the hearts and mind of my country it is to us a spiritual edifice that keeps the: how should I say this. The craziness of the west from infiltrating our own faiths."

Silgara looks over "There's... actually another section that touches on that in here... collisions of belief, he was looking at what happens when contradictory beliefs interact, such as with westerners here, and how that might impact reality. The author has a theory where that belief collision can cause reality to break down and become more mutable, like it is with the planes. He doesn't seem to have a lot of proof of it yet but... he mentions wanting to experiment with it... And that the policies of keeping foreigners out can possibly reinforce reality, if only because a unified belief framework helps keep things more stable." Silgara considers. Mingzhu thinks a long time then nods.

Xrochdyr considers, then nods "Sssk, I have seen souls taken from Kara-tur in Baator before, but less so than in the rest of the realms. I had wondered why. If the Pact Primeval was between the gods of most of Faerun, then it might not have as much impact in Kara-Tur." A flick of his tail, he's considering the implications.

Zsikhou looks over. "I expect the metaphysics can wait. We do have a spirit to save... somehow."

Mingzhu says, “We believe that hell is a place of punishment and redemption. It is not permanent. Once a soul is punished for the allotted number of years or centuries it returns to the living as a newborn, a spirit or even as a reincarnation."

Xrochdyr looks over to Mingzhu "That might be what Baator was or is supposed to be. Alas, Baator as it is now, exists to corrupt and condemn indefinitely, and they actively relish and do so. Baatezu work to undermine the very universal laws that hold us up, in order to steal more souls for ourselves." He huffs "Maybe the Ancient Baatorian weren't like that, but I wouldn't know. Most are in hiding; or dead. But it sounds like a different kind of hell than what I have seen throughout the realms." Xrochdyr considers.

Quasziel just shakes his head "Your people are not free of cosmic law because you want it to be so. Erroneous beliefs are just that, erroneous. It will not save you from condemnation should you court the hells."

Zarasszia considers, looking over "I expect it's possible that some of your people have ended up in the Abyss too. But usually, us Tanar’ri are too indulgent in more immediate carnage to really figure it out."

"We of the path of enlightenment believe that any wanton killing even a roach. Or even being taught how to kill will send a soul to hell for a period of time before it can be reborn and try again. Even in Wa and Kozakura where there are Samurais; a Samurai knows that by training and taking their vows to their lord, their soul is destined for hell." Mingzhu explains.

Xrochdyr huffs, "For your people's sake, I hope none of them actually ever end up in the nine hells for any length of time They will keep the souls indefinitely, torture them until there is nothing left but malice, cruelty, and obedience, and if they are set to leave, they'll move the goalposts, so they don't."

"That is the way of the west not the East Xrochdyr. Perhaps hell is different here or the rules are different for us. I honestly do not know as this is not my specialty. My specialty is community and the Oceans. Those are what I touch.” Mingzhu says.

"The condemned do not leave the hells, mortal." Quasziel shakes his head. "But it is not my purpose to educate mortals on this. You will presume what you want to regardless."

Mingzhu shrugs, "You will counter any opinion I have Quasziel even if I say the trees have green leaves. I am not surprised"

Quasziel looks over. "Once again you show ignorance. I know trees have green leaves, barring autumn where they change color in the case of most trees."

Zsikhou huffs, "Right then, do you have a plan, Shamaness, and a plan of approach in case this spirit gets... we probably don't want to set them off." He then says, “Can we get to planning before I decide to test my new shuriken on this fallen angel?"

"As far as the spirit?" Mingzhu thinks a long time. "I think I do. If I can remind it of the truth and its function within the truth perhaps, I can bring it back." She then smirks. And again, you counter me even though you do not need to oh high and mighty angel of the west."

Xrochdyr looks over. "I … hope your plan is more intricate than that. But this is your field of expertise. I expect if this goes badly, we may need to put it down, so we'd better make sure we get it right going in."

“Yes Zsikhou. What are your thoughts to my proposition? Anything specific you can help us with on the spirit. What are your thoughts?” Mingzhu asks.

Zsikhou considers, a breath out "This kind of thing is... out of my area of expertise. I'm an executioner, but...." He considers, straining hard. "Everything about this place we're in, it's all been about trying to turn yokai, kami, anything, to break their own nature and to become something they're not. Now we have three examples of that succeeding right before us. So maybe there are some parallels, though naturally they are different than the nature spirit. What caused them to break, and what can potentially bring them back?"

Zarasszia looks over. "I have no desire to go back to being what I used to be. If anything can be called a desire of mine, or rather, an anti-desire, since that is what I want least of all."

"I reckon it was having to create the trappings of nature within these...unnatural surrounds?" T’kharr surmises.

Xrochdyr huffs "I have no intent of going back to serve the broken rot that is Baator, no matter how painful rebellion is."

Silgara then looks to T'kharr. "That... is a theory. We'd have to take them back to their real home. But then again, given where we are..." Silgara considers, thinking.

Kastelli looks over. "I expect her chamber might be warded from teleportation or plane shifting. Forcing the issue may not work."

"Perhaps getting her home will be a start but I may need many weeks to work with her to get her back to her original intent." Mingzhu explains.

Silgara looks over. "Keep in mind we still won't have a way of escaping this island until we get it from the High Captain at the Corsair fort."

"What scares me more than anything. For one day bearing death I myself will be a spirit of the ocean. If this can be done to a powerful nature spirit, can it be done to another...… yes. being driven from your natural purpose. It scares me." The shamaness then turns to the mage. "I know Silgara."

Zsikhou looks over. "It... is a terrifying thought. We already have evidence that an angel has fallen, and then there are the two Yokai..." He hisses, "Now according to the journal, the Nature spirit was driven from its natural purpose by breaking its definition of what is natural. We also know that as it is, it's being made to create a sickly rice-crop in a place that should never be able to support natural life."

Silgara looks over "But the journal, and our companions, lack any data on how restoration could be possible."

Jalyndae looks over, speaking. "I expect if Quasziel were to return to Mount Celestia and have time to spiritually heal, he could become whole again and stop his fall from getting worse. I do not know if that will apply with this spirit, and we may not have easy means of getting them back to their natural home, but maybe a solution can be found from there." Jalyndae considers.

"Aye, it's our best shot, helping them escape this and returning them to their rightful home... it's somewhat akin to someone kidnapping a dryad or such perhaps, to use a western analogy?" T’kharr says.

Silgara shrugs, "Maybe..."

"So, I must convince her to come with us.......and then to return home. I may have to stay to monitor her if all this is done until her spirit becomes healed." Mingzhu says as she thinks hard on it.

Jalyndae frowns. "I'll admit, I do not know... it might be our best option, though."

Silgara looks over. "Then, our decision becomes if we want to try it now, or if we wait until we have means to escape and then come back."

Mingzhu sighs, "Destroying the pirates and finding a way back may have to take priority. It may take quite some time with the spirit."

Xrochdyr considers, "I am not fully aware of the tactical situation outside, but it may also benefit to plan ahead, and contingencies in case things go wrong. If things don't go well or we have to make a hasty retreat, we might not be able to get back here to rescue the spirit either."

Mingzhu becomes resolved. “No matter what happens I will come back to rescue the spirit or die trying. This is too important. More important than my own life."

Xrochdyr rubs his face, hissing. "Don't throw your life away needlessly. Martyring yourself won't always stop others from burning."

"My job is to be the medium between things of the spirit and the mortal realms Xrochdyr, and I have failed already too many times. I cannot fail this." Mingzhu states emphatically.

"I've heard that one before many times, mortal. Sunk Cost Fallacy. Because one failed or spent too much on a failed enterprise, they become desperate to keep trying even if it leads to ruin. And then becomes easy to manipulate." There's a pause "Fighting against those you have is difficult, for certain. But you don't want to fall into that trap too." Xrochdyr says, his tail lashing.

Quasziel looks over to Xrochdyr. "Stop trying to dissuade her from doing good and counseling cowardice, fiend. I expect even the mortal knows better."

Xrochdyr hisses aside. "I'm counseling neither. I am counseling for prudence and effectiveness, not cowardice or abandoning duty."

"What if we release the spirit now and inform it of the pirates that took her people and sold them into slavery?" Mingzhu suggests.

T’kharr nods, “perhaps the spirit could be of aid even?”

Silgara looks over. "I ... maybe. If they're at all sane currently. We know their nature has been corrupted."

"I am unsure T'kharr. We still do not know the spirits condition." Mingzhu answers.

"If the Journal is anything to go by, it's not good." Silgara says.

Mingzhu nods while thinking, “That is what I am afraid of.”

Quasziel looks over. "If you cannot help this being, then do not. You have more important evils to fight."

Zsikhou hisses at Quasziel, "Oh shut up already."

"Hey, Zsikhou, where does that stair at the end of the hall this set of rooms is off of lead?" T’kharr asks.

"Also goes up to the Spirit, I think." Zsikhou says, "If Kastelli hadn't burrowed around the door leading here, we would have had to go through there."

T’kharr thinks and says, “Okay. I think that we rest here, then we can head up and dispose of the piratical element, no? Before returning here to free the spirit. Once we know we can escape this island. Don't want to make the spirit a promise we can't uphold in the end." Zsikhou looks to Mingzhu at that...

Mingzhu considers the situation carefully. “If you have to leave quickly. Leave me here. I will do what I can for the spirit while still breathing then."

Silgara looks over at Mingzhu surprised. "I do not think splitting up is wise. The island is difficult to navigate and there are patrolling demons. If we separate, we might not meet up again."

"She speaks to a last resort, not a first choice. But I doubt we'll need to resort to a hasty departure." T’kharr explains to her.

"Aye that I do, Silgara it is a last resort." Mingzhu adds. Silgara nods back at her.

Zsikhou sighs, "Right then, we'll set up camp and prepare then..."

"Aye, camp here to rest for the next day's work." T’kharr agrees.

"Nor'vee calls dibs on the bed then!" Squeak.

"Anyone want a blanket?" T’Kharr laughs. The companions rest without incidence.

[Winterhawk99]

As they begin to rest Mingzhu sits down to speak to Silgara. The mage looks over to her. She seems to be studying books and nots. Mingzhu asks, “Silgara, you are the smartest person I know. Can you think of any way I can work with the spirit to accomplish the mission of restoring her to her duties on her island?”

T'kharr puts on her newfound robe before resting and meditating.

Silgara considers, a sigh "I... I'll admit I don't know. Everything going on here is very far away from established magical theory I know, and this spirit is not something I am familiar with." She pauses, considering "You know what she is like better than I do..." Another pause, "Lets brainstorm it though. You know what nature spirits are like. Start with our baseline and move up.

It depends. Some are vengeful, some like this one are guardians of islands, people, or an object. Some are councilors like the spirits of community that I work with. There are even spirits of knowledge that hold a vast reservoir of lore, legend, history, and even battle strategy."

"So, a guardian of an island. So, it wants an island to protect. As it is now, it's likely being forced to sustain life on this island." Silgara considers, "Trying to get it home to Tzukine in some capacity is probably the only way it's going to heal and return. But that doesn't heal their core break. If they work anything like the others, we may need to address that somehow. We do have a clue: Their definition of what is natural is broken. How to fix that though..." Silgara sighs, looking wearily over the notes she's gathered. "I honestly have no idea. We're lacking baseline data for something like this."

“Aye we are. All I can do is keep trying things with her. What about spiritual allies?

"And hope it doesn't make her aggressive..." Silgara nods ... "Spiritual allies? What do you mean?"

"Can the spirits of the ocean or community help me change her back to the right way of thinking?"

"We're apparently only able to reach corrupted spirits where we are now." Silgara says.

"Yes, but that is a different story back on her island." Mingzhu replies.

"If we can get her back to Tzukine, probably. But the first step is getting her back there." Silgara says.

Mingzhu thinks a long time on that. “Then that is the plan.”

"How do we get her back to Tzukine, though?" Silgara asks.

"We will have to convince her. Her people are above us. The people, though few, who she as cared for, for perhaps centuries or more.”

Silgara nods, "That's... something else to negotiate with. Do you think it will be enough?"

"Perhaps we will think of more as we proceed."

Silgara nods, "I expect we'll just have to do the best we can. All of this is... so far from established magical theory. I wish I had more answers." She frowns, deep in thought.

"I wish I had more answers too, Silgara. This is new to me. Perhaps because I came from so small a village. but thank you." She goes and rests after that. Silgara nods and goes back to her study.

Xrochdyr and Kastelli banter after Kastelli rests a bit. Kastelli asks him. "I overheard that you broke infernal law to save souls? That was a brave thing you did."

Xrochdyr hisses, "It was a simple choice once the hypocrisy of infernal law became clear. The whole damned system is broken, serving only to further condemnation and spread corruption. And even then, the Baatezu cheat it at every turn."

Kastelli looks over. "How did you come to that conclusion?"

Xrochdyr looks over. "I owed a Falxugon some favors, ended up getting called by Abaddazzar. Ended up looking over a lot of contracts that really shouldn't have been upheld if anyone cared to contest them. I tried to handle it procedurally. I ended up getting stalled and it went absolutely nowhere, in brazen defiance to how infernal law is supposed to works. How it actually works is the strongest devils can cheat and stall and get away with all sorts of nastiness and as long as no one too powerful cares? No one will stop them. I ended up finding out the only way I could get those souls where they should have been was to break infernal law to do so."

Kastelli looks over to Xrochdyr. "What will you do once you get out of here?"

Xrochdyr replies. "That... I have plans. No offense, but you don't want to be a part of this. I've got some nasty business I need to take care of."

Kastelli looks over. "That... I do hope you're not going to hurt the mortals you're travelling with as part of those plans."

Xrochdyr replies. "If they partake, they'll know the risks. I'm not going to lie to them about how dangerous this is going to be."

Kastelli nods. "Well, that's something. Thank you."

After 8 hours of rest the companions make ready. Silgara looks over to everyone. “If... we're all ready, are we set to strike against the fort?"

"As set as I'll likely ever be." T’kharr responds.

Silgara nods, "One other thing, we do have quite a number in our company. That fort is likely going to be large with a lot of hostiles on all sides. It may be prudent to split into two teams of six for this. Who will you want with you?"

“I wish to be with those near the water. I hope that if there is a ship there. I can raise or lower the water to make it capsize. flood in or ram the whole of it against the fort itself.” Mingzhu replies.

"Hm. If we're to split up, it's best we do it strategically, not arbitrarily." T’kharr says.

"Our groups probably shouldn't split too far." Silgara says. She nods ...

"That’s not arbitrary T'kharr the water is my strength." Mingzhu insists.

"I agree that your criterion is not arbitrary Mingzhu. I was speaking generally." T’kharr replies softly, "Zsikhou, do you feel comfortable...keeping our deva companion to mission and task, whatever tactic we might wind up employing? Or would you rather leave that job to someone else?"

Zsikhou nods, "If necessary, this one can do it. And execute them if they become a problem."

Quasziel glares, "Do not think that you can presume to command me, mortals. If anything, you should be thankful that I grace you with my presence. Or at the very least you should listen to my counsel."

Zsikhou sneers, "You are absolutely the last person who should be leading anyone in this group. That somehow includes the Yokai. Congratulations, you've sunk that low."

Zarasszia looks over, chiming in. "If you do need a... Squad Leader for a group, I know that Xrochdyr was a Platoon leader in the Blood War."

Xrochdyr huffs, "And ask them to trust their lives to a Baatezu, Zarasszia?"

Silgara looks over. "We can decide later I guess, shall we get moving?"

T’kharr nods to Silgara. “Aye, we can decide once we have a better idea of what we're up against. "That said, while we start moving out...how comfortable would either of you be with the tactical aspects of leading a skirmishing squadron?" looking between Zsikhou and Jalyndae of all people.

Jalyndae looks over. "We of Elysium do not often do skirmishes, we prefer gentler methods than combat and killing, but us Lupinal do know how to work with hunting teams."

Zsikhou huffs, "Before joining up with, you lot, I tended to work alone. So, your call on that. But you've seen my capabilities."

The party heads out. Thankfully, they remember roughly where to find the Corsair fort's gate. It takes about 2 and a half hours to get there. Before they go, Silgara casts mage armor on herself, T'Kharr, Kastelli, and even Xrochdyr, and an Ultravision for herself, Fwangzhu, and Nor'vee.

[Winterhawk99]

As the fort comes in sight Silgara calls out, “I did prepare a greater magic weapon if anyone needs it. Balan, do you want it?”

They stop a little ways away from the front gate. T’kharr asks, “Zsikhou, Nor'vee, would either of you be comfortable scouting for the best way around these walls?"

"We already went around these walls." Zsikhou says, "No other entrances, and they have a sea wall. That entrance is probably most heavily guarded."

T’kharr changes up her thinking, “So, you said Kastelli… dug her way around the door in the dungeon? What was that wall made of?”

Mingzhu tries to peer past the darkness toward the harbor for any ships but only blackness confronts her. She is too far away. She comments, “We need to scout the harbor out front. See if there are any ships.”

Xrochdyr looks over, he doesn't seem bothered by the gloom. "Two watchtowers by the gate, each has a sentry."

"Right, consistent with our prior experience." T’kharr replies.

Kastelli looks over. "Want me to get that gate open? Should be easier than the last one."

"If a ship goes down. I am about 100% sure they will open the gates themselves." Mingzhu says.

Zsikhou answers T’kharr’s questions, “It’s made of rock.”

"Opening the gate itself I'm sure would attract unwanted attention from the sentries. But if you could make a path under the walls.... that would be as good as gold, give us near total surprise" T’kharr insists quietly.

"Oh, I can burrow but I can only move myself by doing that." Kastelli says.

"Ah. Then burrow, emerge inside, and scout the inside of the fort the best you can before returning here, if that's possible?" T’kharr both orders and asks. Kastelli nods, she jumps up, then dives into the ground, and vanishes.

Zsikhou sighs "And she can see in the gloom here..." Nor'vee squeaks, though looks quite worried as Kastelli goes off.

T’kharr looks at everyone. "If we want to get that gate open without causing instant alarm, we're going to need to do that at the same time both sentries go down. I'm thinking, so far at least, that once Kastelli returns and gives a report, then can get in position, we dispatch Zsikhou and Xrochdyr to deal with the sentries. I can Dimension Door folks now, so that would let me launch Zsikhou right to one of the sentries and Xrochdyr can get to the other themselves, and then Kastelli can open the gate in peace"

About 30 minutes later, she returns "Okay, so, here's what I found... um, have a spare piece of paper anyone?" Silgara offers Kastelli a slip of paper. She starts drawing "Right, I couldn't get inside, but I did see a lot of buildings on the side. Far end has a harbor with ships, some coming and going. But in the center here and not far past the main entrance there's one particular, larger building, that seemed to be of greater importance. I could also sense a very strong evil presence from somewhere in that building."

Zarasszia looks over to Kastelli, then looks to T'Kharr. "That likely means that Ceraviyearnis is somewhere inside."

T’kharr asks, “Right, mind briefing us a bit on what that name means?"

Zarasszia looks over to T'Kharr "A Glabrezu I've worked with before, before my break. And one who's gotten himself involved in mortal affairs aplenty before. I am aware of several of his patrons. If you are familiar with what Glabrezu do, they are wish granters, they appeal to a mortal's desires for power, and grant them, albeit in a way that furthers chaos and suffering. And perhaps unusually for one of his kind, he is involved with a complex scheme involving an Arcanaloth, Neravithox. And if Xrochdyr is right, also a Falxugon named Lejargamael."

T’kharr rubs her muzzle with her hand. “A-ha. that puts a lot of pieces together then."

Xrochdyr lashes his tail. "I know some of what is going on from Lejargamael's side. He's got his hands in a lot of pots in the mortal realm. Runs businesses, has a network that goes through Dis. A whole organized operation for trading and acquiring goods, favors, and souls. He's also involved with the Arcanaloth, Neravithox. To what end, I don't know. I estimate he uses Ceraviyearnis to create chaos and then exploits it to further his ends. And Neravithox likely keeps them working together, or at least not explicitly attacking one another."

T’kharr looks back to Kastelli. “Were you able to gauge how much patrolling they were doing within the walls?"

Kastelli nods, "The place is crawling with evil mortals, I'm afraid. It wasn't easy going around undetected. They didn't seem alert to burrowers, but... I don't know if you could sneak by as easily."

T’kharr asks, “Hm. How armed and armored?”

Kastelli frowns. "I do admit I don't like the prospect of killing them, but..." She shakes her head "Oh, just about all of them. Um, they had a lot of Sabers and Main Gauches I think? And Crossbows. And lighter armor for the most part."

"Right. One other thing -- would it be possible for you to get not only the main gate open, but then regroup and get the door to that main building open as well?" T’kharr asks.

Silgara looks over. "We might need to have one team keep the wandering Corsairs off our backs while the rest of us move into our objectives."

"Right, that's kind of where I was going with this." T’kharr affirms.

Kastelli nods, "Shouldn't be a problem, though once the main gate is open, we're probably going to ‘go in hot.’"

"Aye, that's the idea. We get the main gate open, then go in hot, splitting into two groups in the process. Who here besides me, Mingzhu, or Balan can cast healing spells, or has some other sort of access to healing magic?"

"Aye, that's the idea. We get the main gate open, then go in hot, splitting into two groups in the process. Who here besides me, Mingzhu, or Balan can cast healing spells, or has some other sort of access to healing magic?" T’kharr asks.

"Nor'vee only has a little." Squeak.

Jalyndae looks over. "I can cast Cure Light Wounds three times per day."

Quasziel looks over. "I have a far greater compliment of healing magic."

"Alright. Me, Mingzhu, Balan, Silgara, Kastelli, and one other will form the inside-the-main-building party to take on the Glabrezu’s lair then....with Jalyndae leading the outside-the-main-building party to deal with the corsairs, having Xrochdyr as a resource if need be. Zsikhou, Quasziel, Zarasszia, and one of Nor'vee or Fwangzhu would round out the outside party, unless anyone objects strongly to that setup?"

Jalyndae nods. "Very well, I will lead this hunting pack then."

Silgara looks over. "Well, who's the one other going to be then?"

"That's a good question, and a lot of it depends on how well Quasziel and Fwangzhu cannot turn things into a head-butting contest." T’kharr says concerned.

Fwangzhu huffs, "Well if I'm away from you and the bitch Shamaness, maybe that will help my mood. As long as this fallen Deva doesn't give me any shit, I won't rip his wings off and shove them up his ass."

Quasziel looks over, "You are truly a lowly beast of a mortal if that is your thought process." T’kharr looks between Quasziel, Zsikhou, and Jalyndae to make sure that the other three are aware that beefing between the party Mingzhu, Balan and herself is not OK.

Jalyndae looks over. "Enough you two. We have a great evil to deal with. You both will need to focus. If you cannot rid yourself of sinful wrath, then temper it for justice against those who deserve it." Fwangzhu and Quasziel both seem to calm down some, for now at least.

"Alright, Nor'vee can come with us then." T’kharr declares. Nor'vee squeaks, nods, then forms up. Xrochdyr looks at Quasziel and Fwangzhu as they argue, but whatever the Abishai is thinking of, he keeps quiet for now.

Jalyndae looks over. "If you need to cycle anyone in or out, just let me know. I'll try to accommodate Anyways, the Sentries, I am capable of casting fly on myself or another if you need it." she offers.

T’kharr nods to Jalyndae, then glances at Zsikhou. "Would you rather fly up, or be zapped up?"

"I should be able to handle it." Jalyndae says.

"You want me to get the other?" Xrochdyr looks over.

T’kharr glances at Kastelli, “Do you have a way of signaling to at least one of the rest of us when you're in position to open the main gates? Aye, that's the idea, Zsikhou gets one, you get the other. and Kastelli opens the gate, basically at once."

Xrochdyr and Zsikhou both nod but Kastelli shakes her head. "Ah, I don't. I guess I'd ask Jalyndae or the Abishai to do that...?"

"We rush in, regrouping in the process, and Kastelli burrows again to bust our way into the lair-building while the outside party deals with patrolling corsairs. Ah, if the Abishai can see you when you're in position, then having them give the signal to start works too." T’kharr explains.

Jalyndae nods, "Alright then I'm ready."

T’kharr looks at Zsikhou for his answer on how he wants to travel. Zsikhou answers, “Not used to flying, admittedly..."

Jalyndae smiles, "It's alright, I think I and Xrochdyr can handle the sentries."

"If you'd rather handle them yourself, that's alright then." T’kharr says to Jalyndae.

She nods, casting fly on herself. "Let’s get this done then."

Jalyndae and Xrochdyr easily take out the sentries, after flying up to the towers. Kastelli jumps and burrows, then goes to the other side. A Major Image is casts near the group. An image of a gate opening. It must be the signal. The rest of the group moves in at this point.

Nor'vee locks and loads a bolt cartridge into his crossbow. "Time to get going," Squeak.

The gate is open Kastelli on the other side. "The Sentries didn't get an alarm off, but I don't know how long it's going to last until we're spotted. We have a clear run to the main building."

The companions pick up the pace, double-timing it for the main building gate, letting Xrochdyr and Jalyndae fly in to regroup while Kastelli gets to go underground for the main building. There is a door inside. It's easy enough to enter. Unfortunately, there's plenty of corsairs on the other side. There is no way to avoid a fight now.

[Winterhawk99]

At the last moment Balan breaks way from the main group and joins the other sending Jalyndae to replace himself. As she joins the group, she is the first to be attacked. A buccaneer lunges at her. He misses with his first strike and his second bounces harmlessly off her armor. Kastelli uses the opportunity to flank and surprise him. Biting him on the shoulder. A corsair takes offense to the action and tries to stab her. Stabbing her in the bicep with his gauche. Another buccaneer attacks her, but she manages to come off the blade of the dirk and weave her body around the buccaneer’s attacks at the same time.

Jalyndae meanwhile takes a swipe at the corsair on Kastelli. She misses with a bite attack but stabs him twice with her rapier. Another corsair comes in after Jalyndae. He gives her two light wounds. Another buccaneer forms up around the Lupine woman now fully surrounding her. He strikes out at her, but she manages to avoid his blade.

Another Corsair comes in. This one attacks Kastelli and she is nearly surrounded also. He stabs her in the guts. Kastelli winces in pain but manages to keep her feet just barely. A buccaneer comes in and now Kastelli is also fully surrounded but she manages to avoid his strikes.

T’kharr leaps into battle against the corsair that’s attacking Kastelli, going after him with her quarterstaff. She nearly breaks his collar bone. Another Corsair comes into battle and strikes out at T’kharr, but his blade simply meets cloth and armor. A buccaneer comes in as they try to surround T’kharr too. He strikes out with his blades but again her cagy fighting style avoids his attacks.

Silgara puts 2 arrows into the legs of a corsair, but his armor partially protects him. The heads only glance leaving trace blood lines underneath his leggings. Nor’vee, enraged about Kastelli being surrounded fires three bolts into a corsair fighting her. One of the bolts splits his heart and he goes down like a rock.

A buccaneer fills in the gap and fully surrounds T’kharr. He tries to stab her in the back, but her magic wards protect her, and his blade also bounces of her armor. That’s when Mingzhu casts Castigate. Kastelli and Jalyndae are immune to her spell. T’kharr and Nor’vee are not. However, both knowing that the shamaness holds the spell in her thoughts, the two are prepared and only take a portion of the deadly spell’s affect. 4 of the buccaneers and corsairs have to hold their ears for a second, the others are harmed by the spell but did not get the full force of it. T’kharr glances back at Mingzhu smarting from the terrible sound of the spell.

One of the buccaneer’s that did not get the Castigate full force on Jalyndae strikes out at her. His gauche is deflected by her armor. Kastelli tries to fight off one of the corsairs, but he dodges her advances. A buccaneer coming to his senses uses the opportunity to strike out at Kastelli but misses as the sound is still in his head.

Jalyndae trips up one of the corsairs attacking Kastelli while taking a bite out of his arm. As he goes down T’kharr crushes his skull with her staff. Jalyndae strikes out at another corsair that is stunned by what just happened. She breaks his jaw, but he comes right back but misses every time from the pain in his mouth.

One of the buccaneers’ attacks Jalyndae while the other goes after Kastelli. All of their strikes miss the pair fighting in the middle of the entryway. T’kharr breaks two ribs of the corsair on her with her staff. He and the buccaneer on her strike out in tandem but their blades either bounce off her armor or she avoids them. Silgara puts to arrows into the chest of another corsair. He goes down bleeding to death.

Nor’vee prioritizes on the buccaneers attacking Kastelli. He puts three shots into one of them killing him instantly. A buccaneer slashes at T’kharr but once again his weapon is completely ineffective. Mingzhu wades into the fight and performs a Falling Star Strike on him. She punches him above the nose and completely blinds him. The buccaneer on Jalyndae keeps winging at her. His strikes fall short as he sees his fellows are not doing so good. Kastelli reaches out to fight a Corsair that is accosting T’kharr. She gets him in the throat with her short sword. Blood sprays and he goes down.

Another buccaneer attacks Kastelli as she kills his friend. His attack is ineffective also. Jalyndae trips another buccaneer and nearly takes out part of his leg with her bite. He is immediately put down by Kastelli and T’kharr with staff and sword. Jalyndae kills another by putting her rapier in his diaphragm.

Silgara shoots giving another buccaneer a glancing wound. Nor’vee puts three bolts into one of the last two buccaneers. The bolts drive the man back. He is dead before his body hits the floor. Mingzhu is on top of the last one she says to him, “Ah, poor blind buccaneer, let me put you out of your misery.” She breaks his ankle with a kick then drives her sonic punch straight into his xiphoid process breaking the small bone and sending it into his heart case. The last pirate in the entrance way is dead.

The team moves into the building now that their welcoming committee is down. There are definitely more corsairs around and they probably heard the fight. The other team led by Balan are also most likely making a mess outside. They know they have to move fast.