The Harvest Moon Consortium

[Winterhawk99]

As they start to walk again the shoreline starts to curve to the right. The rocky outcrop seems to hit a corner. They veer to the right following the new heading of the shore. T’kharr keeps her shore to her left as they slowly turn.

As they walk slightly further Zsikhou sees it first with Nor’vee close behind. Then Balan and T’kharr. There is a flaming light in the direction they are headed. If they keep going, they will encounter it. Zsikhou looks to the others and softly says, "Yokai patrol. If we keep going, we'd better get ready to fight." All now are pretty sure they see a flaming weapon in the distance.

T’kharr holds the group up, stopping. "Aye, patrol" she says, speaking softly. "You think you could slink closer and get us some intel?" to Zsikhou. Mingzhu casts Shield of Faith, Endure Elements, and protection from evil on herself.

"Dangerous, but I can try." Zsikhou nods. T’kharr casts Shield of Faith, Resist Energy (fire), magic vestment, and Deathward on herself. Balan touches Zsikhou’s shoulder casting quietly, Resurgence. Zsikhou attempts to sneak off to collect information on the enemy patrol. It isn’t long before he comes back running for his life. He’s being chased by 4 demons.

A palrethee (A demon resembling a tall, emaciated humanoid with blood-red skin and white, bony, vestigial wings. Its body covered in flames) catches up to him and swings its longsword, but Zsikhou easily dodges it. Fwangzhu rushes to his aid, attacking the demon with his halberd. The halberd catches its wing and gives the demon a flesh wound but it shrugs it off.

Balan rushes to the other side of the palrethee. He strikes it on the shoulder, but its fire shield hurts him back. The Demon again goes Zsikhou striking him in the back and cutting him deeply. Zsikhou yelps grumbles and spins around Fwangzhu to try to flank it. He manages to stab it, but the blade doesn’t go in deeply and his hand gets burnt from its fire shield. A Babau (emaciated figure looks like a horned human skeleton smothered within a bone-tight hide of slimy leather.) comes into the fray and attacks the kobold but misses.

T’kharr running catches up to the next demon. She strikes it but it ignores her. As she did the acid on its skin sprays and hits her back. Her armor protects most of her, but she gets a light burn from the corrosive substance. Meanwhile, Nor’vee lines up and shoots at the Palrethee. He knocks it back with his cold iron bolts and spins it around. The missiles penetrating its skin deeply.

A second Babau comes into the fight going for Zsikhou, but the cagy kobold dodges the attacks his Mage Armor protecting him. Silgara lines up on the Palrethee but her arrows miss. Mingzhu casts Pray on the group and against the Yokai. One of the two Palrethees is affected by the prayer and both Babau are affected. The lead Palrethee hits Balan with his sword tearing a piece of his armor off and wounding him slightly. The wound cauterizes as the sword is on fire. Fwangzhu strikes the lead Palrethee with his halberd twice. He rips off an arm and wing with it. sending the demon reeling back. Balan tries to engage the other Palrethee but misses with both his swings. The demon ignores Balan and goes after Zsikhou. It connects sending the Kobold tumbling out of the fray. Zsikhou after getting away turns and throws shuriken back at the lead demon with its wing torn off. He sends the small wheel deep into its eye. The Palrethee falls and transforms into black goo.

The first Babau that hit the companions goes after Balan. He claws the paladin twice, but Balan shrugs it off. The other one goes after T’kharr. It hits her the acid burning more of her armor. She seems to shrug most of it off too at this point. Balan roars at the one on him. T’kharr tries to break from combat to heal Zsikhou who isn’t doing too well at this point. Nor’vee lines up on the other Palrethee. He sinks two bolts deep within its mid-section. Silgara backs him up with her bow. She puts two more arrows into it. The demon takes a step back as now it’s seriously wounded. Before it can get far Fwangzhu comes in with his polearm. He takes off the demon’s foot so it can’t run.

Mingzhu sitting back casts Bless on the group. Just after she does Balan strikes down the other palrethee and it turns into a puddle of black mud. The fire shield still burns Balan in the face as the demon dies. The paladin makes a quick cleave attack on a Babau. He gives it a light wound but now takes acid damage from its acid shield. Zsikhou now healed somewhat from T’kharr’s spell throws shuriken at one of the Babau. He hits it with one in the thigh.

The Babau turns its attention to Balan by striking out at him. It strikes him so hard that it stumbles the paladin backward severely wounded. T'kharr immediately moves to heal Balan while keeping him between her and the Babau to try to deny them a strike at her. Her concentration is ruined as the Babau strikes her, ruining her spell.

Nor’vee seeing all this aims at the Babau doing all the damage to his two comrades. He hits it, putting two bolts in its head and one in its ribs. It falls, its body fizzling into a pool of green acid. The single remaining Babau tries to finish Balan off. He misses his strikes. Silgara shoots hitting it in the arm and leg.

Mingzhu now decides to head into the middle of things. She tries to perform a Falling Star Strike. She connects with its forehead with her punch but takes burns to her forearm due to its acidic skin. She doesn’t blind it. Fwangzhu strikes out. Connecting with it once giving it another flesh wound. Balan pushes T’kharr behind him forcibly and takes up a defensive stance while Zsikhou throws shuriken at it. One of the throwing stars goes through a wing damaging it so the demon can no longer fly well.

Now that T’kharr is behind Balan she tries to heal him again. This time it works. Some of his wounds stop bleeding and start to close but he is still badly wounded. Nor’vee slams two bolts into the demon hard in the gut. The demon pivots and almost crumbles. Silgara puts two arrows in its face falling the demon once and for all. The demon’s body falls and fizzles into a foul-smelling pool of acid. Balan’s legs give out. His shield falls to the side, and he drops to the ground with labored breath.

Zsikhou pants, huffing. Nor’vee rushes over to the paladin’s side casting a Cure Light Wounds on him. T’kharr leans on her staff. “Aye, if that's the typical patrol we're to run into here, we're going to have to do some regrouping."

Fwangzhu huffs, growling, "Fuck this place is nasty."

“Understatement...of the last 20 years...” Balan rasps as he lies on the ground.

"Yeah, not used to running into stuff that can resist blows from an enchanted weapon." T’kharr remarks.

Mingzhu converts Speak with Sead to Cure Serious Wounds and heals Balan. Many of his wounds now seal up without scaring but he is not fully healed yet.

Silgara looks over "Tanar’ri usually require a cold iron, holy, or axiomatic weapon to harm fully."

“What of magic weapons Silgara?” Mingzhu asks.

She breathes out "Really glad we got that ammunition upgrade." Then shakes her head. "Isn't enough on its own. Though I think there is a cleric spell that will allow a weapon to be treated as a holy one for a short time."

"I do not have access." Mingzhu sighs.

"Hm, what circle is it?" T’kharr asks.

"I'm not sure..." Silgara shakes her head.

Balan gets up and starts to harvest the slime left from one of the Babau pools. T’kharr says, “Will have to switch out some prayers next I get the chance to then."

Zsikhou hisses, "Blasted things have good senses, and there's not a lot of cover here either."

T’kharr nods, “Aye, the lack of cover isn't helpful."

Silgara looks over, "I can take the ship out but... I don't know how safe it is to rest out there... that or we keep moving. Your call."

Balan says, “Shh… Help me.”

Silgara looks at Balan. "Do not touch that slime, it's still acidic even with the demon dead."

Balan smiles, “A druid would pay well for their essence.”

"I think a druid would want them to never set foot on our world." Silgara sighs.

“They would not want to, so it makes it more valuable.” He retorts.

Silgara just sighs.

Balan goes on. “Even in Holy Magic it is useful… apologies if it upsets you.

"I'm more worried about that goop melting your hands off if you're careless with it." Silgara says.

[Winterhawk99]

With the Palrethee/Babau patrol defeated the companions look at each other along the shoreline. They know they are somewhere lost on this island of midnight. T’kharr looks worried. "This is...concerning, at least, that this island is being patrolled directly by fiends and fiends alone. Makes me think it might be some sort of prison, instead of being a logistics hub the way the last one was?"

"We did see Yugoloths patrolling last time but... tanar’ri do not cooperate with others well," Silgara mentions.

T’kharr looks forward to the direction they were going. “Anyway, I think we can press on along the coastline at least, make sure there isn't like a port on this island." She continues leading the party in the left-hand search of the coast. It continues to be a long walk. They spend another hour walking finding only barren trump rock and the coast. Mingzhu follows along not sure they should continue on at this point.

They continue their journey for 2 more hours. T’kharr says, “We'll keep going until we find something different or find ourselves at that frail grass we found before; Or need to stop to rest." They go for another hour as the shoreline once again starts to curve to the right. It’s been 8 hours now. The Ultravision spells Silgara cast begin to wane. T’kharr stops again, “Do we want to stop and rest to regain our spells?"

Silgara looks over. "Up to you."

Mingzhu shakes her head. “Here? You want to stop here exposed along the coastline?"

"I can still cast light spells if we need myself, Nor'vee, and Fwangzhu to be able to see." Silgara says.

Mingzhu looks at her slightly incredulously, “Well, that’s good to know, but also Silgara, light will attract unwanted guests.”

"I'm aware." Silgara nods, "What's your call then?"

Mingzhu looks around at everyone in the group. “I think we are out classed here. I think we need to board the ship and figure out what to do."

T’kharr speaks up, “Aye, if we're to rest let us use the ship to do so. Can you pray for an Align Weapon blessing you can put on Fwangzhu's axe? I can cover myself with that, and that'd even the odds considerably I reckon, no?"

"What's your call then?" Silgara looks over. "We don't have the exit key, whatever it is..."

"My thinking is to use the ship to rest unless someone has serious objections to that?" T’kharr replies.

Mingzhu sighs, “The only think I have is Order’s Wrath, T’kharr. That I can ask for.”

"Hm. I can keep an Align Weapon in store for Fwangzhu, but it'll only be good for one battle or so." T’kharr comments.

Silgara looks over. "Well, for preparations, do we press on or use the ship to rest?"

"I think our best bet is to use the boat to rest at this point." T’kharr answers.

Silgara nods, casting a light so she can see to deploying the ship. "Right, everyone let’s get on then." T’kharr lets the rest of the folk board the boat first before she gets on. Silgara after she boards goes to get below deck, so the light isn't open to the whole plane. "One of you might need to steer it a bit off, take the wheel so we're not right on the coast. I'll adjust preparations accordingly. "The party boards the ship and begins to rest. T’kharr steers a bit off into the shallows so that they can rest uninterrupted… She thinks. They leave Zsikhou to stand watch.

T’kharr plans to switch out her Hold Person for Align Weapon after the rest. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen yet because after 3 hours they are all interrupted. A pair Vrock land on the ship. Zsikhou zips and zags down below to wake everyone up.

Fwangzhu is the first on deck charging one of the Vrock with his halberd in a rage for disturbing his sleep. He gives it a fairly deep wound. Silgara comes up and sees what’s going on and tries to hit it with Phantasmal Killer. The demon’s spell resistance causes it to die before it even gets to him. Nor’vee does a front roll to the side as he comes up right behind Silgara. He fires at the lead Vrock 3 times. He puts all three in its side. Balan jumps up on deck singing a tune and charging the same demon. He cuts it deeply with his sword. Zsikhou appears to the side of the demon and hits it with his weapon but is only able to make a small flesh wound.

The lead Vrock now sorely wounded releases its deadly spores. Balan, Fwangzhu and Zsikhou begin to cough and spit up pink foam as blood starts to froth in their lungs. Silgara becomes stunned. Nor’vee is able to take three more shots. Putting two more bolts into its back. It’s just barely standing. With his last bolt he hits it in the neck it falls.

Now everyone concentrates on the other demon. Balan is there first striking it with his sword giving it two flesh wounds. Zsikhou also manages to pierce it lightly giving it a flesh wound. The Vrock releases its spores causing more injury to Balan, Zsikhou and Fwangzhu while stunning T’kharr. It starts to turn and fly but realizing that it’s surrounded, decides not to do that. Instead, it goes after Balan. It ravages the paladin with its claws and beak. Mingzhu makes the deck and immediately casts prayer. All the demon’s shields disintegrate and her friends are encouraged.

Fwangzhu cuts fairly deeply into the Vrocks arm with his halberd. Silgara casts Magic Missile at it but the spell fizzles and dies. Nor’vee puts three bolts in the demon’s arms and leg. Balan misses while coughing up blood. Zsikhou also misses in the same state as Balan is in. The spores in their lungs bring even more pain to the three who breathed them in.

T’kharr throws spiritual hammer at the Vrock but it glances off its hide. She casts Cure Moderate Wounds on Balan. The demon shrugging off T’kharr’s spell now goes after her. Its claws sink deep into her flesh. The gnoll is also in grave trouble now. Mingzhu casts Summon Nature’s Ally 4 (Medium Earth elemental) Fwangzhu gets another light cut with his halberd. Silgara decided to screw the spells. She has her bow out now and shoots at it. putting an arrow in its shoulder. Nor’vee puts two more bolts into it. The Vrock wobbles and looks for an avenue to escape. There is none now. Balan calls up his last reserves and punches his sword into its belly. He pulls it out and beheads the thing. It falls into a pool of sickly greenish goo.

Even though the demons are now dead their spores are still working on Fwangzhu, Balan and Zsikhou. All three look sick and are coughing up drops of pink foam. Balan cries out softly, “The Hells...”

T’kharr looks at him oddly, “Something the matter?”

"Vrock spores, if either of you can cast bless do it." Silgara says.

T’kharr does and the spores dissipate, while Mingzhu explains, “I'm out Silgara used both Bless and Prayer.” T’kharr also hits Zsikhou with a Cure Light Wounds. He breathes a sigh of relief.

Silgara looks around, "We might need to get farther from the shoreline."

"Aye, let’s get a bit father from the coast and try that again." T’kharr says. She takes the wheel and sails straight out some more (Several hundred yards.) After all is done the companions are able to get a full long rest.

[Winterhawk99]

When the companions are up and ready again, T’kharr calls for them to land back on the island. "Right..." Silgara huffs.

Mingzhu comments, “Perhaps if we free the spirit, she will help us."

"Aye, once we return to the faltering grasses with the search of the coast complete, that will be our next objective." T’kharr answers. The left-hand search continues.

Silgara casts the Ultravision, Mage armors, and Greater Magic Weapons. Mage armor for herself, T'Kharr, and Zsikhou, Ultravision for herself, Nor'vee, and Fwangzhu. Greater Magic Weapon on her Bow. T'kharr sets up her Magic Vestment for the time being. After three hours of walking, they find themselves at what looks like a stretch of fortified wooden wall.

T’kharr studies it. "Looks like there's a port on this island after all." There doesn’t seem to be any kind of entrance from where they stand. The group starts to move around the wall wary of any sign of patrols or guard posts. T’kharr motions the party up to the wall, still looking up, then carefully leads the group around the wall, keeping the wall immediately on their left. The Fortified section does seem pretty big, but after a long walk, they do find a corner, but they would have to turn left to keep following it. On the shoreline junction the walled section extends out to the sea.

They turn the corner and walk along for a while. T’kharr then spots some plants on her right. And a gate along the wall to the left but it is locked. T’kharr calls out quietly so only the group can hear her, “OK, gate on the left, faltering plants on the right." Mingzhu nods while studying the plants. T’kharr continues. “Locked of course.”

Mingzhu says, “I see the plants.”

T’kharr looks up to see a pair of guard towers on each flank of the gate. They are more fortified than the khan’s palisade and are of better construction... There's a light inside each one, you don't see them but there's probably a sentry in each of them, or at least one. They don’t seem to see the companions yet… but it does look like this setup does have fortified windows. "Looks like they have sentries" T’kharr says in a hushed voice.

They move quietly to the other side of the gate just below the guard towers. Then T’kharr leads them away from the fort towards the plants then they go back to paralleling the gate and hugging the wall after they clear the guard towers. T’kharr keeps moving them along the wall now. They eventually find another corner. The group turns it. As they begin to move Fwangzhu gruffly mutters, “Yokai patrol, off that way.” He Points to the right. "We keep moving, they might spot us."

"How many?" T’kharr says to Fwangzhu softly.

"Not sure, Four? Five? Something like that." Fwangzhu huffs.

T’kharr rubs her muzzle, “"Hm. Fighting with our backs to this wall will likely attract the attention of whoever's standing watch at those gates. We might be better off pushing ahead to try to put as much distance between us and the wall as possible...is the patrol just headed straight for us, towards the fortification, or...?"

"Can't tell, but they're off that way somewhere." Fwangzhu again points right.

"Well then we go the other way." Mingzhu says.

"Which way then?" Fwangzhu asks.

"Zsikhou, can you get any closer to the patrol without being spotted?" T’kharr asks.

"Unlikely." Zsikhou shakes his head. "No cover and these yokai see a lot better in these conditions than I do."

"Hm. Pushing forward may be our best option -- going back is unlikely to be, because if the patrol isn't headed for us, I bet they're headed for the gates, not for the shore." T’kharr says.

"You sure? We push ahead they might spot us." Fwangzhu says. "Unless you feel like axing em." Fwangzhu shrugs.

"Let’s fall back then a bit, see if they come closer." T’kharr orders. All of them fall back to the corner. It doesn’t seem like the patrol has come closer. T’kharr waits at the corner but cannot see them.

Silgara looks to T'Kharr "It seems likely if this is some kind of pirate port layout, they have one gate, but their main entrance is sea-based... but that dock is likely heavily guarded too."

Mingzhu looks ahead at the leaders in the group. “Makes sense to me Silgara."

"Aye. that'd make sense." T’kharr affirms.

"What's our next move then?" Silgara looks over, keeping alert, seemingly quite nervous.

"We'll have to probe ahead again cautiously, I doubt they'll be staying in one spot for long if they're a patrol." T’kharr says.

"If you're sure..." Silgara nods, "Though if we get caught in a fight this close to the fort it might alert whoever is inside too..." Silgara says.

"Aye, that's my concern as well." T’kharr replies.

"Odds are what's ahead is symmetrical to what we saw on the other side." Silgara nods aside.

Fwangzhu huffs, "What's our move then?"

"Hm, can you make us invisible?" T’kharr asks Silgara, "That might let us slip out of this jam."

"I didn't prepare any I'm afraid." Silgara says, "That and most Tanar’ri have countermeasures for that."

“Fair.” T’kharr says softly as she has the party slink along the wall ahead again cautiously, eyes towards the right and where the demonic patrol might be lurking still. The Demons do not seem to see the group moving along the wall fortunately. They move along the wall until it hits the shoreline once more. T’kharr turns them and starts to follow the shoreline again.

Fwangzhu huffs, "We're going right to where those Yokai are, you ready for this?"

"Unless they've moved by now....it seems weird that there'd be a party of Yokai posted like sentries on some random outcrop of rock, no?" T’kharr huffs.

"Fuck if I know. But they're still there." Fwangzhu huffs.

"Let’s hold here for a bit then." T’kharr exclaims. The companions wait.

Fwangzhu huffs, "They're coming this way. I hear em."

The demon squad moves towards the party. "Guess we prepare and charge in then if they're not going to give us any space...." T’kharr says as she casts Death Ward and Shield of Faith upon herself and casts Lawful Align Weapon on Fwangzhu’s halberd and Spiritual Weapon. Mingzhu casts Shield of Faith on herself and Bless on the group.

The squad of demons find the companions. They charge.

[Winterhawk99]

Nor’vee is the first to react, taking shots at an Armanite (A demon in the form of a deranged centaur). He misses two of his shots, but he shoots the demon at the side of the rump with the last, enraging it. It’s on him before he can drift back behind Balan. It kicks him in the face sending him backward. Zsikhou stabs at it twice as it passes him. He sticks it in the side with his Siangham, giving it a long shallow wound upon its side. T’kharr also goes after it but misses with both her staff and spiritual weapon.

A Bulezau (A goat headed demon with rotting skin and a long-spiked tail) comes into the fray lowering its horns at T’kharr. It gores her in the chest than cuts her deeply with its ranseur. T’kharr is in serious trouble and another Armanite attacks her. It strikes her in the shoulder giving her a good cut. Now she’s deeply in trouble. Silgara goes tactical and hits the Bulezau and Armanite that are still charging in to engage with a Glitterdust spell. The Armanite shrugs it off, but the Bulezau is blinded by the spell. Fwangzhu charges that Armanite with his halberd. He slashes it twice, but the polearm bounces harmlessly off its armor.

The blinded Bulezau trained in fighting blind continues its charge and manages to gore Fwangzhu on the side of the ribs. Balan cuts one of the centaur demons deeply making it go into a frenzy. Mingzhu casts prayer in the center of it all. Her companions are fortified and of the demons both goat demons and two of the centaur demons’ shields disappear. Only one Armanite is able to shrug off her spell. One of the Armanites lunges after Balan but misses.

Nor’vee back on his feet finally shoots at the Armanite that hurt him. One bolt misses it's target, but of the other two one of them goes straight into its eye and through the brain. It immediately drops. Zsikhou pick on the blind, raging Bulezau. He stabs it twice only enraging it more. T’kharr tries to break combat to cast a Cure Critical Wounds on herself. She gets the spell off, but it gives Bulezau on her time to line up and gore her in the chest again. It reopens the wound that was closed by the heal spell. The Armanite, beside the other demon, goes after her as well. Thankfully the sword bounces off her armor. T’kharr’s spiritual weapon manages to hit it back before it can do more damage to her. Silgara also manages to put an arrow into the beast.

Fwangzhu keeps fighting with his Bulezau. He finally manages it cut it lightly, but it attacks him back. It lays into him giving him devastating wounds. The Badger is in grave trouble. Balan snarls and swing out at the same target. He lays two deep gashing wounds into it with his sword. It dies on his blade.

Mingzhu seeing how wounded some of her companions are makes a daring move. She casts Orders Wrath. A burst of energy springs out from her body. The remaining goat demon is dazed and hurt badly by the spell. The two Armanites left shrug off some of the spell but not all. They are lightly hurt by it. Fwangzhu is also hit and hurt with the spell. He snarls and looks back at her.

One of the Armanites goes for Fwangzhu but its concentration is messed up slightly by Mingzhu’s spell and narrowly misses him. Nor’vee takes aim at the Bulezau putting a bolt in its stomach and leg. Zsikhou attacks it too in support He strikes it twice, but its hide resists the blade He only puts flesh wounds upon it.

T’kharr stays back, letting her Spiritual Weapon go after the other Bulezau but it misses as her concentration on it faulters because of her wounds. One of the Armanites attacks her trying to put her out of her misery. It barely misses her in the charge as she moves out of the way. Silgara tries to hit the one remaining goat demon but misses both shots. Fwangzhu though puts two more light cuts into it. Balan also lands two more cuts with his holy sword, but the gashes are light and ineffective in putting it down. Mingzhu tries to turn them but her turning doesn’t work.

One of the Armanites attacks Fwangzhu in support of the Bulezau. It kicks him hard. Luckily, he’s an ornery son of a bitch and takes it in stride. Nor’vee puts two bolts in the Bulezau and two in one of the Armanites. He kills both. Zsikhou tries to flank and shank the remaining Armanite but in the heat of battle and the demon twisting and turning he misses. T’kharr is next but she’s still not healed and the pain causes her to miss the demon. She cast Cure Serious Wounds on herself to heal some.

Silgara puts an arrow into the demon centaur’s hind leg. Fwangzhu finally goes into a rage and breaks its neck with his halberd. It falls and dies right there. The last demon falls.

Mingzhu rushes to Fwangzhu who is the most sorely wounded. She converts Discern Lies into Cure Critical wounds a 1/3 of them up. He is still gravely wounded. T’kharr wipes the blood off of her and says, “Let’s get going, no time to waste" She leads the party away from town. "Don't want to have any more trouble headed for us, we can heal along the way." She starts walking along the shoreline.

[Winterhawk99]

The group now struggles slightly as T’kharr leads them. Some are wounded. Those that are not hurt help those that are. They walk for another hour away from the pirate enclave.

Zsikhou turns to the right, looking down that way... "Think there's something down that way if we move away from the shore, not sure what it is though, I don't have a good look from here. Some... structure maybe? Not sure..."

"Maybe you can skulk closer carefully and get us a report on what it is?" T’kharr insists.

Zsikhou squints his eyes. “No, not a structure, more plants that way." T’kharr squints and moves up about 10 feet. She sees them and they seem similar to the plants they saw before.

She rubs her muzzle and says, “Lets head inland at this point, I doubt they'd have a second port on the isle." They head inland. They spend another hour walking along. The plant life gets thinker as they go along, but it still looks withered and sickly. Mingzhu keeps a watchful eye out.

As they move further into the interior, they start to see what looks like a rice crop. It’s a severely malnourished crop... They also see what looks like a structure nearby, a... homestead of sorts, perhaps? The companions hear a few humans around, it looks like they're working the sickly rice crop that barely seems able to grow... They are also able to see a bit better here though, there's a few torch brackets around, parked where the workers are working...

Zsikhou sharply motions, looks like you have a few Daemon guards approaching. "Sssk, more of those... things we saw on the other isle. Get ready everyone."

"Let’s drop back, draw the fight away from the homestead. How many?" T’kharr both says and asks Zsikhou, as she starts the party backing up, preparing for a fighting retreat to bait the demons away from the homesteaders.

"Three." Zsikhou replies, "Two smaller ones, one larger one."

Fwangzhu snarls, "Those people there look like slaves..." Mingzhu doesn’t hesitate. She casts Summon Nature’s Ally 4 (Tiger)

A Canoloth (a giant skinned dog looking creature with a maw full of teeth in front and giant spiked tongue) charges at Balan. It strikes him with its long tongue paralyzing him. Mingzhu standing beside him punches it hard with a stunning fist. It doesn’t stun the creature, but the punch hurts it. Another Canoloth charges her, but she dodges the thing. Behind the two creatures a Mezzoloth starts to move in on the group.

Silgara looks over. "Damnit, Balan's paralyzed. Fwangzhu, get Balan's sword, it's our only weapon that will be fully effective on these." Fwangzhu rushes over and pulls Balan’s sword out of his hands. Mingzhu’s tiger pounces on the one she’s fighting. It rips flesh with its claws and racks its back.

Silgara casts Haste on Fwangzhu saying, “Hit the big one, Fwangzhu!" Nor’vee puts two bolts into one of the Canoloths, but the thick hide of the monster protects its vitals. Fwangzhu now with Balan’s sword charges the Mezzoloth. He puts three deep wounds in it. Zsikhou throws two shuriken at one of the Canoloths but the throwing stars only stick in their armor without penetrating. Mingzhu cries out, “Zsikhou get out of my range! Now!" as she is about to cast Castigate. She never gets the chance. The daemon slaps her with its tongue paralyzing her too. The other Canoloth, protecting its brother, attacks the tiger and slightly hurts it as it connects.

The tiger on top of the other keeps biting and clawing at the other daemon hurting it even more. Silgara tries to shoot at one of the Canoloths, but her arrows again just bounce off its armor. Fwangzhu slices the Mezzoloth twice and downs it. He runs to where everyone else is fighting the Canoloths.

The Canoloth with the tiger on its back looks like it’s on its last legs as it struggles to keep standing. T’kharr downs it with her staff. The other Canoloth attacks the Tiger on the dying one’s back. It gives the tiger a light wound. Fwangzhu wades into the fray and two hands the longsword swinging wildly at the daemon. He cuts off its tongue and jams Balan’s sword into its maw. It dies instantly. He huffs, “Going to give Balan his sword back after the paralysis wears off.”

Silgara looks over "We're clear for now, I think... by the gods..."

Balan stumbles a bit taking his sword back, “The Hells!” Mingzhu finally comes out of her paralysis.

"Aye." T’kharr sighs with relief as Mingzhu is able to recover from being paralyzed as well.

[Winterhawk99]

"They have Yulgoloth as well as Tanar’ri here..." Silgara shakes her head. "Right, what's our next move then?" Silgara looks around nervously.

"We're best off falling back and resting again, lest the slaves raise the alarm on us.... unless you think the spirit might be here, not within the fortress?"

Mingzhu frowns, “I think we should speak to the slaves. They are probably the villagers of Tzukine.”

"Ah. That is very possible, if you think we can manage that in our current state we can give it a shot." T’kharr agrees.

"Additional information would be helpful..." Silgara nods.

"If they're the villagers we'd better get them out of there." Fwangzhu huffs.

Zsikhou looks over. "What's your call, then?"

Mingzhu studies the area ahead. “Let’s try to get a couple of their attentions so we may speak with them.”

Balan says, “I have some healing available if anyone is injured.”

T’kharr nods softly, “Probably best you step forward first. Don't want to spook any of them."

Mingzhu stays low and moves forward of the group until she’s close to one of the field workers. The man she approaches looks tired, haggard, worn, like they've been regularly tormented and are barely functional, but just keep working... They only barely seem to register Mingzhu approaching. She whispers to him, “Hello, I am shamaness Mingzhu. Are you from Tzukine village?"

He looks over, shaking, stopping his labor. "Y... yes... shamaness ... and... one of our... did the Daimyo send a rescue team?"

“We have been trying to help the Daimyo for almost a year now in our own way. We found your village abandoned and the guardian spirit gone. We mean to rescue you.”

"Eight million, I don't know how long I've been here; I haven't seen the sun rise no matter how long we work here..." He shudders, "The spirit...? Our guardian...? Right... she was taken here..."

She nods, “How many are with you? is she alive and can she be saved?”

"There was some... sage... I think... brought her... I ... Not many... just what these... filthy corsairs needed to tend to these miserable rice fields..." The man says... Saved… I ... I don't know, that's beyond my knowledge, shamaness. I hope you can... maybe... There's a tree in the center of this cursed place, but it's... it's hollow."

“Our group has knocked out two corsairs so far. Rest easy we are doing our best, but I think we need to save as many of you as we can.”

"I understand. ..." He pauses, thinking "D...do you have a way out of here? ..."

“Yes, we have a ship that is hidden very well.”

"Gods be praised, there's more of us here, please, we're... waiting for a rescue... though the spirit... The Guardian spirit isn't with us. And she's not at the tree here either."

“Ok let me go back to my group and council. You gather all you can without being caught.”

"Look, there's... there's one more thing..." He speaks. She listens. "I found this... paper, and I have noticed some odd deliveries. Normally we deliver rice to the Corsair cove, but sometimes deliveries go somewhere else. Some... 'Scriptorium', I think..."

“Do you think it is here on this island......this scriptorium?”

"According to the paper found, there's an entrance on the other side of the tree, somewhere... but I don't know where... I'm sorry, that's all I really know for sure."

“Ok, I think our first priority should be to get all of you out of here but let me go back and speak to my group.”

"Eight million bless you, Shamaness..." The man weakly nods. She goes back to the companions.

When she gets back Silgara asks, “How did it go?”

"Ok they are the villagers of Tzukine. but there are not many. the man said around the tree there is something called a scriptorium. I think it might be an underground facility. The spirit is not with them but may be in the scriptorium. I told him our first priority is to get them out of here. Can we do that?” Mingzhu answers.

Silgara looks over, "Not without the exit key or some bypass."

T’kharr frowns, “Right.”

"We'd need some kind of portal key to get out of this plane." Silgara frowns.

“That’s right.” Mingzhu says as she remembers. Fwangzhu grumbles, cursing.

T’kharr tries to make sense of it all and says, “And we can't tow them around with us on our work here either. Best they stay put for now. It's not great, I know."

“The hat allowed us access would it not allow us to leave as well?” Balan asks.

"It won't, the entrance and exit keys are different." Silgara says.

Mingzhu asks, “What if we could put the villagers on the ship offshore with one of us while we find the key and free the spirit?”

"That's... risky. The Vrocks found us on our ship before. If they were caught like that, they'd be defenseless." Silgara interjects. Mingzhu sighs and nods.

Balan shakes his head. “It may be best they keep doing what they are, and we come back for them.”

Mingzhu looks at them all, “So, what do we do? The scriptorium or the fort?”

“I believe we may need to do both at a point...but which first.” Balan considers.

"If we need to do both... having the nature spirit as an ally in assaulting the fort would be a great boon." Silgara mentions.

Zsikhou nods, "Agreed, if they're a powerful nature spirit, they may be able to help with the other horrors here."

"Aye. Having the spirit on our side would be a boon, and it'd also mean we'd have more of an advantage of surprise when it comes to the occupants of the fort." T’kharr replies.

Mingzhu thinks of the situation then says, “The villagers are not sure where she is but I am theorizing she’s in the scriptorium.”

Fwangzhu huffs, "Odds are they're messed up from being captive anyways. Might as well knock down the fort."

Nor'vee just looks around. "Is unsure... what you want to do then?"

“I will go back to the villager and tell him we need to take out the fort and scriptorium before we get them out.” Mingzhu says. Silgara nods.

Mingzhu goes back to the villager. The villager looks up. "Are... just... let me know what I need to do..."

“Ok. Our group needs to take out the scriptorium and the fort. We need a key to get off the island. We also want to save your guardian spirit if we can. That means you need to stay here for a few more days and keep doing what you are doing. Once we are done, we will gather you up and take you back home.”

"I ... I understand. Do what you need to do and may the Eight Million be with you." He nods weakly...

“Can you give us any more information? Who is in charge of the farming? How many are there?”

"I... about eighteen of us in total. No one's really in charge... just... the Corsairs demand we work in these fields and get angry and the Yokai with them torment us for fun... " He shakes his head.

She nods, “Ok, well, we took out 3 patrols of yokai so far. So that’s several less you have to worry about.
We will return as soon as we can. Have faith.”

"I... I'll try. Eight Million be with you." He gives a weak nod.

She takes all the hard tack out of her own pack and gives it to him before she leaves. "Share it with the others. it will bring up their spirits." She goes back to the group.

As she does, Silgara looks over. "So, what do we go for, then?"

Mingzhu gives her report. “He says there are about 18 in total with him. It’s the corsairs that make them work while they yokai torment them for not producing enough.” Silgara and Fwangzhu grimace. Zsikhou's eyes narrow.

Nor'vee however looks over. "What's our next step, then? Scriptorium? Fort? Retreat?"

Mingzhu looks at him. “We need to find a place to rest even if its offshore so we can either attack the fort or the scriptorium. there will be men in the fort so it will be easier than these yokai. The scriptorium is something different I expect there are many yokai there. Again, just a guess but an educated one from the last island.”

"If it's like the last island, the entry chamber should be concealed, but we may also have a place to hide and recover once inside." Zsikhou mentions.

Mingzhu looks back to the slaves then to the group. “The man said the entry point was behind the hollow tree from our position to it.”

Nor'vee nods, "Right, let’s get tracking then? If we're set in that direction?" Mingzhu nods to him.

T’kharr seems to agree, “Lets head to the Scriptorium and scout the entrance at least. We may have to fall back to rest before we tackle it, though."

“We will need to be careful if we head to the scriptorium.” Balan warns.

"Aye, we definitely will" T’kharr affirms.

"Very much so," Silgara nods ... "If it's like that Conservatorium... similar naming convention, too..."

[Winterhawk99]

The group walks for about an hour when they come upon what looks like a tree. While walking along, they see more rice crops and plant life; plant life that looks starved, like it hasn't had any sunlight to grow, the resulting plant life looks brittle and worn... Mingzhu stops and examines it.

The tree looks like something that would be a magnificent tree, but this one is barely clinging to life, completely starved of sunlight. It looks exactly like the nature spirit’s tree along with the damage done to it. Mingzhu places her hand upon it. She prays with a short mantra and says in a whisper, "Hold on guardian we are on our way" in the spirit language.

Zsikhou eventually finds it. “Here, hidden entrance. Goes below ground. Shall we?"

"Perhaps you can scout ahead at this point?" T’kharr suggests. He goes down the passage. Balan watches behind the group.

After some time, he comes back up "Looks like there's an entry hall. There was a door that was locked, but I picked it. In that entry hall, there's three exits but two are sealed. Couldn't find out how to open them. There's a third on the left that goes further down."

"Okay. Let’s head down in if there's no sign of patrols within." T’kharr orders. Zsikhou nods. The companions head down. The door that was opened is quite ornate, but this place looks dusty, abandoned, and dry. No sign of life or movement at all here. Just plain rock. It is well made but perhaps very simple. Past the entrance, there's three doors, two are sealed, but the third on the right is open, and it seems to go downwards.

T’kharr studies the opening. “Alright, want to scout ahead again Zsikhou?" Zsikhou nods and goes off to scout. However, time passes, and he doesn’t return.

Mingzhu casts protection from elements on herself just in case. Silgara looks around "Shouldn't Zsikhou have returned by now...?" Mingzhu nods back to her. Balan focuses for a moment: detecting evil in the direction the kobold went. He reads nothing.

"I'd figure there'd be sounds of trouble if Zsikhou was in battle." T’kharr comments.

Balan says, “I’m reading no evil auras. No sounds of battle either… That’s… Shit. I can’t feel him.”

"That's...not great. I'm wondering if there's a portal down there?" T’kharr looks a bit fearful.

Nor'vee looks over, "Nor'vee can scout too, if needed."

T’kharr answers him, "If you feel comfortable doing so."

“Aye.” Balan agrees.

"If you see anything resembling a portal or such, report it back to us." T’kharr demands.

Nor'vee shrugs, "Nothing about this place is comfortable but will do what he can." He heads off...
Time passes and.... The nezumi doesn't return either.

T’kharr sighs, “Stranger and stranger. Guess we're heading into the maw then, unless someone disagrees?"

“We are to be on guard and careful...” Balan says as he steps forward as lead.

T’kharr nods, “Aye.”

The rest of the group heads down the spiral staircase. It’s quite a long walk. It feels like three stories down. "It's not like Zsikhou to just get sprung on by a trap....and we'd have heard sounds of battle were it an ambush..." T’kharr shakes her head while looking around.

As they head down through, they eventually start to hear voices bickering. "Oh, THAT is what you want those mortals for?! You could at least think about the danger that would put that in, unless that's been completely removed from yourself too."

"Do not judge me, fiend. You do not have the comprehension or status to make such a determination."

There's a third unknown voice, almost sounding monotone "That supposition also assumes that they even can help us. Which is potentially unlikely."

"Oh, can you quit that! That act is not appealing, and I would think any mortals that do find that kind of behavior attractive need their heads examined! Hssskh!"

Then a familiar voice cuts in, “Can the three of you /shut up!?/, I'm trying to figure out how to get back." It's Zsikhou.

"Do not give me commands, evil mortal. What you should do is what I have directed. The sooner I am free from this place, the better." Unknown voice.

T’kharr sighs in relief at hearing Zsikhou’s voice. "It's the same imprisoned-fiend setup as the conservatorium, I reckon."

Squeak, "Are you sure you are actually a Celestial? Nor'vee did not think they behaved like this." (Nor'vee's voice)

"Do not presume to know what it is that moves the heavens, tainted mortal. Now what you should do for the greater good is go on the paths we cannot."

"Oh for, quit it would you?!" An angry hiss, an unidentified voice. "Look, that stairwell there is one way. I don't know how it works, but we all tried it. It only works going down to the basement level here. If we want to find a way out of here, we'll have to go another way."

Silgara looks aside. "Well, proceed then? Or...?"

Mingzhu shakes her head in disgust and starts to walk forward. As Balan says, “If there is a celestial I can speak with it.”

Silgara nods "Right... lead the way, Balan?"

[Winterhawk99]

Balan steps down the stairs. As he does, he looks back. “One should stay on the stare.”

Balan and the others that come with him move along to see a very curious sight at the end. In a smallish room stands Zsikhou along with Nor’vee. There is also a Movanic Deva, one whose attire looks very worn, and so does he. He has a great sword on his back. There's also a White Abishai. There's also another they identify as a Succubus immediately, the wings and inhumanly beautiful features are a give-away, along with the demon-like eyes that somehow seem like a void. But this Succubus is dressed not in revealing or provocative attire, seeming to favor simple, but perhaps worn clothes that cover everything from the neck down. Dressed in black and a slight smattering of other dark colors.

Zsikhou looks over "Oh thank the Eight Million. Was worried when this one found they could not go back up the staircase. Some kind of magic, didn't even see the trap." A huff "Think these lot are driving this one to madness. Am not sure if they're not illusions." None of the outsiders are in binding circles. They all appear free to move around.

Balan looks at them all. “Stran….” His eye catches the succubus. “Even stranger.”

"So, there are the mortals who were with you. Good. Your fellow mortals have not been cooperative. You will need to progress further into this place and find a way to disable the wards so that I can escape from this prison." The Deva speaks to Balan, a look and appearance that's demanding, posturing, and a touch dismissive.

Mingzhu studies each in turn, “A kami, a yokai and I do not know what the woman is.”

"That's a Succubus." Silgara says.

Balan looks at the deva speaking celestial, “I am not yours to order.”

“What is a succubus is it Yokai or Kami?” Mingzhu asks.

The Succubus looks over to her. "That is correct. I am a succubus." Her voice is a strange monotone. "Please do not attempt to initiate any kind of passionate embrace with me. It is meaningless and would likely result in damage to your vitality."

Mingzhu cocks her head slightly. “So, this woman is like a fox demon then? A Kitsune?”

Balan almost laughs, “No, it is not Mingzhu. It is a lust demon that feeds off intimacy.”

Silgara looks over "Yokai. They're a kind of demon. They're temptresses that lure men into... no, I suspect that Fox Yokai is different."

Mingzhu squints her eyes, “Like a Kitsune, yes.”

Balan shakes his head, “No, much worse than a kitsune. Though that one seems to dress modestly for their kind.”

The Succubus then looks to Balan. "That is correct. However, since finding that such connections and activities are meaningless, I have disassociated myself from such. Of course, suspicion is entirely warranted since a succubus appearing as different or reformed is a way in which they entrap mortals."

The Abishai looks over "Hsssk, that at least she does. Now if she could correct her attitude about everything being meaningless.... oh, of all the ways she had to 'break.'

“My god dictates I should cut you down, but these circumstances might make you useful.” Balan says.

The Deva looks to Balan. "I am a Celestial and you are a mortal. If you do indeed serve anything good, then you should adhere to what I command of you."

The Abishai looks at Balan. "Do you let your god decide everything for you? Might work, depending on the god." He hisses and looks to the Deva. "Oh! Stop… trying to use these mortals as pawns! It's already bad enough that you murdered an innocent in order to free yourself already! That kind of behavior is exactly what ends up dragging souls down into Baator!"

Balan studies the Deva. “If we are trapped, we are trapped together and your commands that could get one killed are useless...I answer to my god not you.”

The Deva looks over to the Abishai. "Do you think the scant few souls that you rescued by breaking infernal law absolves you, fiend? No, it does not. And I expect the mortals are sensible enough to realize that."

Mingzhu casts know motivation on the Deva. After she studies the deva for two minutes, she then turns to the Abishai and then the succubus. She studies each one in turn to see if she can find out what is driving them and their emotions through the spell.

Balan’s voice bellows out loud, “ENOUGH ARGUING!”

The Abishai hisses in some irritation. "I've /never/ claimed that that action absolved me! Hssskh! What I /do/ know is that Baatorian law is an utter farce that only brings about more chaos than even the Tanar'ri do on a regular basis! Feh, the planes would be better off without the Pact Primeval and devils going around twisting everything. Already is no order to the planes because they ruin it from within."

The Deva looks at Balan, annoyed. "Do not command me, mortal. You and yours should be scouting ahead already rather than wasting time."

The Abishai hisses "Oh stop it already, Quasziel. These mortals aren't tools or puppets to use and discard for your own benefit." Then the Abishai looks to Balan. "Mortal, I expect you have a lot of questions about what is going on. If so, then, ask. Might as well share what I can."

Balan looks again at the deva. “If you sent an innocent to death like that one said you are not to be listened to so shut your mouth. Murdering an innocent makes you fall.”

"Hold on Balan for just a moment I’ve cast a spell." Mingzhu replies.

"Do not judge me, mortal. I do what is needed for the greater good. I can comprehend that. You may not have the means to comprehend the full scope of such." The Deva just looks to Balan, annoyed.

Mingzhu says to Balan. “They are too strong and blocking my efforts.”

The Succubus looks to the Deva. "Posturing and arrogance like that only sow distrust. Though in your case you likely deserve it."

Balan nods to her, “Would you all submit to me casting a spell and let it flow into you freely...It will not hurt you.”

The Abishai shrugs, "Go ahead, then."

Balan changes his attentions to the succubus then to the Deva. “And you both?”

The Succubus looks to Balan. "I expect the determination is irrelevant, so feel free to proceed. It likely does not matter."

The Deva looks over. "What spell, mortal?" He looks Balan over. "If you are going to detect evil, by all means. Proceed. You will see that these two fiends are not to be trusted by it."

“It’s not detect evil. Balan replies.

Mingzhu while concentrating says, “If I cannot see through them, I will call a spirit.”

“I know in this room who already fills that role just accept the spell it will not hurt any.” Balan irritates.

The Abishai looks at Mingzhu. "Or you could just... ask. Figure things out yourself. Or have some knowledge to base on."

“You may ask your questions freely in a moment Mingzhu.” Balan says.

The Deva looks over. "I do not know what kind of mortal arrogance you have to presume you have the right to make demands of the heavens like that."

“If you have nothing to worry of Deva, just accept it.” Balan almost smirks.

Mingzhu again studies the abishai and the succubus before the spell wears off. As it does, she frowns and shakes her head.

The Abishai looks to the Deva "Tell you what, why don't you go back to Mount Celestia to see what they think of your recent escapades."

"You should not be wasting time with this, Mortal. While I am imprisoned here there is much good that needs to be done outside. You and your other mortals should focus on finding a way to escape this labyrinth." The Deva says in an admonishing tone towards Balan.

Balan just shakes his head, “Just amuse this mortal of me for a few minutes.”

"No." The Deva says. "I do not exist to fulfill the whims and amusement of irreverent mortals."

Seeing Mingzhu frown Balan knows her spell did not work. He casts Zone of Truth. Mingzhu immediately casts Trance and commune with spirits.

The Succubus looks to the Deva "Establishing a healthy relationship is not possible without mutual respect. There is something to that in regard to trust as well."

The Deva looks to the Succubus. "Silence, temptress. Do not presume to think that your years of carnal indulgence gives you insight into anything true."

The Succubus replies in her usual emotionless monotone, "I am aware that such indulgences as I have done are ultimately meaningless."

The Abishai looks at the Succubus. "Then you can stop thinking everything is meaningless then? Even if whatever you did before was truly meaningless." The Deva looks to Balan, perhaps glaring, but goes silent.

The Abishai then looks to Balan. "Do be careful about relying on that, there are ways to skew it. But go ahead and ask if you are confused about anything."

A spirit is called to Mingzhu. It is, of course, a condemned spirit...

“Spirit you are within a zone of truth. If you lie, I will know. Has this succubus reformed?”

"Embrace her." The spirit replies.

The Succubus looks to the Abishai "I am yet to find anything that would quantify as a meaningful bond. That does not mean it does not exist."

“Aye there is, isn’t there. Tell us what you know about this place.” Balan looks across the three then stops on the Deva. “And that one.”

“Spirit! Has the Deva within this room fallen?” The spirit looks to Mingzhu... there's a pause as it struggles to speak, it was trying to lie.

"Who knows?" She relays the question and the information back to the group as she asks questions so that Balan can tell if it’s a lie or not. Balan nods to her.

“Speak Spirit! I demand you answer the question!” The spirit just stays there...

The Abishai looks at Balan. "Right... this place is called Scriptorium Omega, one of Abbaddazzzar the Experimenter’s laboratories. We're on the basement third level. It's a labyrinth of wards and bindings. The three of us have been trying to escape but with no success so far. Feels more like we're experiments rather than planar beings trying to escape at this point. If you want our names, I'm Xrochdyr, the Deva is Quasziel, and the Succubus is Zarasszia."

“Simple enough wasn’t it. Now tell me what you have found and done in trying to escape.” Balan asks.

Zarasszia nods. "Well met, Mortals. Though I do find it unfortunate that our meeting had to take place in what is essentially a prison."

“Spirit has Quasziel used mortals for his own ends to leave this place not caring if they die?”

The spirit again tries to shudder; it attempts to lie but can't. Instead, it says, "Perhaps."

Mingzhu looks at Balan, “He said perhaps.”

“Mingzhu ask questions that do not allow an open response.” Balan says.

Xrochdyr huffs "It's... it's a mess down here. Wards everywhere, many of them attuned to different planes. Some which I can pass are blocked to these other two, and the same goes both ways... why we tolerate each other for now."

“Each one has a path and must work together than to overcome the puzzle?” Balan asks.

Xrochdyr huffs, "It's... not that simple. This place is a mess, and I don't understand how all of the wards work. And you should be careful because we're not the only loose charges around. And they're not likely to want to talk. Or if they do, it's with ill intent towards you at their own expense in mind."

“Spirit is the guardian spirit of Tzukine in this Scriptorium?”

The spirit shudders again, then says "Yes..." With the last answer the spirit quickly exits floating through the wall.

Quasziel looks to Xrochdyr. "Of course that is what a fiend would say."

Mingzhu looks at Balan. “The spirit I called says the guardian spirit of Tzukine is in this Scriptorium.”

Balan looks back to her, “I had assumed as much. You are free to ask these 3 questions.
looks to the other two Has the celestial fallen? I think you could sense it.”

Xrochdyr hisses in irritation at Quasziel. "And maybe, just maybe, a complete indifference towards mortal lives can be just as bad as ill intent."

Quasziel looks over at Mingzhu. "If you are a servant of the Heavens, then you should stop wasting time with questions and proceed to attempting to find a way out of this place."

Xrochdyr hisses, a wince in pain, then a huff "/All/ of us are broken. Abbaddazzar's experiments, hssskh...."

Mingzhu looks the Deva dead in its eyes. “I will keep my own council to that of the Celestial Court, angel, not with you.”

Quasziel looks at Balan. "Seeking the counsel of fiends is not advised, mortal. You will only find your damnation that way."

Then Zarasszia interjects. "The three of us were bound by Abaddazzar, but all of our circles had a condition in them, in that if we were to do something against our natures, we could break free of it."

“Seeking council of evil beings is necessary when it is needed...Dragonborn paladins are taught this.” Balan retorts.

"In Quasziel's case, he murdered an innocent. In Xrochdyr's case, he brazenly defied and broke infernal law. And in my case, I have severed myself from desire." The Succubus says.

“Aye...I know these circles.” He eyes Quasziel. “We have seen them before.”

“Then second question is answered.” Mingzhu states.

Xrochdyr huffs, "Whether we're fallen or not, well, I think the proper term isss 'Broken'. All of us did something incompatible with our normal naturess... and I ... sssk, damn it, Cosmic law is a bad joke anyways! Only leads to more suffering and only leads in one direction, and that's to the lower planes." He hisses.

“Not always...Some can be redeemed that one knows it and is afraid to admit it.” Balan points to the Deva.

Xrochdyr huffs, "Redemption would require a lengthy amount of atonement for every evil that one has done to the multiverse. In my and Zarasszia's case, that is likely extensive and even if we were to do so, would take a time beyond any of your mortal lifespans." There's a wince there, a hiss. "We haven't done any of that, trapped here."

Zarasszia looks over "You did free several souls that were bound by an infernal contract and broke infernal law to do so."

“There is always time and perhaps this is punishment now to guide you on that path.” Balan replies.

Xrochdyr huffs, hissing. "That's because the terms were a complete farce! Infernal law ends up being whatever the strongest devil wants, only wrapped in many layers of hypocrisy and delusion. And all those layers so they can keep cheating the system and get away with it!"

Quasziel looks over "Do not think these fiends are at all redeemed or even on the path to redemption. How many mortals are fooled by thinking that a fiend has good intentions when they have none? And even fiends can do things temporarily good for evil ends. I suggest you don't rely on their counsel, mortal." He speaks, sternly.

“You have no place to speak you killed an innocent, so you are no better than they are now.” Balan says to the deva, irritated.

Backing him up Mingzhu says, “I would agree, Balan.”

"I have done what was necessary for the greater good, mortal." Quasziel retorts, "Do you really think I am equal to these fiends? These fiends that have spent longer than you have existed doing naught but evil? You are truly a fool if you believe that."

Balan stares at him. “You broke the code just as they did.”

Xrochdyr sneers, "Interesting fact, Quasziel. Do you know how many mortals end up thinking that way end up being condemned to the hells for it? A lot. Stop making excuses, Deva."

Mingzhu says, “Evil is evil, Angel. Any you have done evil.”

Zarasszia looks over tat Balan. "I would also caution you in that attempting to appear as virtuous to an unsuspecting mortal who believes they can fix a succubus is in the top one hundred techniques succubae utilize to tempt mortals into lowering their guard at their expense." She speaks in that detached monotone.

“My god would consider what you did as a sin against your soul...You killed an innocent to free yourself in greed on your own life.” Balan says to the angel.

"I do not accept your judgement, Mortal, and you have no place to do so." Quasziel replies to Balan.

Xrochdyr sneers "You know what? I can't return to Baator as I am now. Maybe you can go there, and I can go to Mount Celestia after and see how we're received."

Balan chuckles, “You will be judged when you return to your plane.”

Quasziel looks to Xrochdyr. "A poor attempt at a jest, fiend. And you if you dared set foot upon Mount Celestial would be smitten for all of the crimes you have committed across the multiverse and for what you are."

Xrochdyr shrugs, "Oh, for once, you say something I can actually agree with. I'm not expecting any warm reception among the heavens." There's a hiss.

“Can we keep on track to finding a way out then? Unless anyone else has questions...I believe the spell is nearly done.” Balan says.

“I don’t know Balan each has broken their mandates to their heavens or hells. It means they are weak and useless perhaps they should stay here forever to rot when we cover the entrances to this place like we did in the last place.” Mingzhu taunts.

Xrochdyr nods, a huff "Right... I believe this floor is a sort of containment for planar beings. Or perhaps something meant as a sort of open chaos experiment. I do know that there's several places where the wards can be deactivated, but... sssk, we're not able to reach them all as many of the wards deal with blocking certain forms of planar essence, which... even if broken, we still count as such for the purposes of how magic works."

“Perhaps if you stopped bickering and worked together you would have already been free.” Balan suggests.

Then Xrochdyr looks to Mingzhu with a snort, "Breaking my 'mandate' as you call it to Baator is the best and only good thing I've ever done. Do you really support what the Baatezu do or see it as somehow necessary for the multiverse? What the Baatezu do is corrode and twist law until it is ultimately meaningless. They say they spare the rest of the multiverse from the tanar’ri and are a bastion of order. On the former, sure, on the latter, they do more damage to order in the multiverse than almost anyone."

Mingzhu fires back, “Oh yes, and I am to trust in the words of a yokai.”

"Or perhaps you want me to go through every infernal contract I've seen that should be invalid but because they twist and abuse cosmic law, they're somehow allowed, or even broken but go uncontested because those with power either don't care or cannot start because of how cosmic law is abused? But I think we could be here for more years than you have if I were to do that." Xrochdyr's tail flicks, his wings flex.

Balan says, “Perhaps, free all your contracts.”

Xrochdyr snorts "Fair. I'm a Devil. I shouldn't be trusted." To Mingzhu, then he looks to Balan. "In my current state, I am out of compliance with the terms of the Pact Primeval. I literally cannot make any form of pacts insidious or pacts, certain that would be recognizable in any infernal court. Assuming of course they don't just abuse the system to recognize it in all the worst ways. Which they would." The Abishai clicks his claws, then a huff "As for any I currently have, they are now similarly invalid."

“If they are invalid then it will not hurt you to release them, yes?” Balan counters.

Xrochdyr considers, thinking.... "It wouldn't. And sssk, I should. However, there are some, shall I say... implementation problems. First, I would have to return to Baator, and I would be killed on sight there, I'm quite sure. Next, in case a pact holder is unable to perform their duties, they are then passed on to another baatezu higher in the hierarchy, so I would have to get them to notarize and authorize their transfer back to my custody, which they would not, they'd have me killed before I could file any motions and therefore keep them for themselves. Even if I followed infernal law to the letter, they are effectively not mine anymore after what happened to me. That and the fact that I have broken infernal law would make any and all contracts I have made or will ever make similarly invalid." Xrochdyr huffs, considering. "Going to Baator to correct that would never work. I would have to instead, find another power who can actually make enforcement to wrest such control. Which, isn't likely."

Balan casts Detect Evil and looks at each one of the. Zarasszia and Xrochdyr have a strong evil aura, Zsikhou's is faint. Quasziel does not show up as evil.

"But I would have to escape from here to even begin with that. As it is, I am unable to do that unless I am able to leave." Xrochdyr huffs... "Besides, you're trapped here too. I expect we all have more immediate concerns."

“Aye we need to get out of this maze...We will work together for the time being and...” Balan looks to Zarasszia. “No hugging.”

Zarasszia looks over at Balan. "I am uninterested in any meaningless forms of physical affection that serve no purpose and do not result in anything of merit. I hope you are not unduly attracted based on pure physical stimulus; it would not be healthy for either of us."

“Indeed...And I am not.” Balan answers.

"Thank you." Zarasszia nods to him.

“Shall we then...Since you three have already traveled some of this place please show us.” Balan asks.

Mingzhu sighs, “I do not trust these three, however I do not think we have a choice.”

Balan nods, “Agreed Mingzhu.”

“Let us find the spirit then and leave this ugly place.” Mingzhu replies.

Xrochdyr nods, "We don't have a full layout of this place, and there's some wards none of us were able to cross, but since you're mortals, I expect the anti-planar ones won't function on you, which may allow you to access some sections that the rest of us cannot. Right, if you're ready, let’s move." Balan creates 16 gallons of water and hands it out to everyone.

Xrochdyr looks over, a pause, before closing his eyes, a flick of his tail, then a huff. "Right, here's what I've found so far at least. There's a place in the center of this labyrinth that is most warded. I think there are several mechanisms to power down the wards, scattered about. If my estimations are right, there are three locations which I think correspond to corners of this place. Or possibly edges along a wheel."
"Now there is a room beyond this one, there's three warded exits. However, only one of us have been able to exit through each. However, Quasziel and I can meet up later along the path on ours. Zarasszia can't follow us."

Xrochdyr huffs, "Each of the exits has a ward of sorts, which seems to block certain planar essences. But there are shutdown switches on some of them. We've already disabled a few, but we haven't been able to access all of them. I expect we'll need your cooperation for that. I estimate the Corner rooms have something of import in regard to disabling the wards needed to reach the center room." Xrochdyr pauses to take a breath "Right, that's what is known so far. Or at least estimated"

Silgara looks over, mentioning "We've been up and about for some time now, I expect the eight-hour spells I had cast on us will only last about thirty minutes longer."

"Got it." T’kharr looks to Zsikhou "Perhaps you can find us a safe place to rest near here? Preferably with a close-able door between us and the three locals, to keep their bickering down to a dull roar."

Zsikhou nods, but then Xrochdyr looks over and huffs. "Here by this stairwell is probably safest. You don't want to rest further in, while the rooms we can access are clear, there are other rooms deeper in with their own loose charges that will likely attack you." The Abishai lashes his tail and huffs, "The room I sprung out of has some Palrethee neighbors on the other side. I can't go through that ward, but they can."

Zsikhou looks over, "I can try and confirm the Yokai's account."

Zarasszia chimes in and looks over, "I did spot some other Baatezu and Tanar’ri in adjacent chambers to the one I can access. I do not believe they can directly cross, but they could attack if you enter their chambers."

Quasziel looks over. "If you wish to rest here, I will ensure these two fiends do not harm your company. However, do not delay overlong." Quasziel says, his tone still patronizing.

Zsikhou looks to T'Kharr. "What's your call?"

"Resting here can work as long as the locals can pipe down to let us do so." Quasziel just looks to T'kharr with some degree of annoyance at that.

Xrochdyr huffs, "It's fine, I'll keep watch."

[Winterhawk99]

As everyone settles in Mingzhu casts Speak with Animals before she rests and centers her attention on Snout. “You ok little one? I know it a tough road for a long time.” Snout chooses not to speak. She sees he is completely terrified here. “Don’t worry Momma will get you through this like the other island. Snout very clearly doesn’t want to be here. She snuggles up to him protectively and rests.

T'kharr takes the opportunity to rest and meditate as well. Everyone else rests. Even Quasziel, Zarasszia and Xrochdyr take some time to meditate. It’s not clear if they even need to sleep. There is some banter as some of the companions are up and about. Silgara is up first and ends up bantering with Xrochdyr. "So, you're a broken devil who has turned against Baator, apparently. Allegedly. Yet such has never been recorded to have happened." She says, skeptically.

"There's a reason for that. Baator is very diligent about purging any rogue elements. Even potentially rogue elements. Or inconvenient ones. I can guarantee you just about any of the Baatezu who genuinely broke against Baator would not live long after the fact. Not just from the Dogai but from any who would gladly slay us." Xrochdyr says.

"Your argument is logical. And persuasive. And yet that kind of manipulation is what fiends excel at." Silgara says.

"Also, true. Though consider this. The Baatezu were originally celestials who fell to fight the Tanar’ri and became corrupted. Why do corruption of the planes only seem to go along certain fault lines? Don't ask me for an answer. You won't trust anything I say. But think about it." Xrochdyr says.

Sometime later, Quasziel and Zsikhou end up speaking...

"Evil mortal, there is something about you. There is something regarding your facial features. Something mortals of your ilk do not normally have. Tell me what it is." Quasziel speaks.

"What's it to you?" Zsikhou hisses in irritation.

"You are a defiant one, evil mortal. Is that why the sigil on your head no longer thrums with power?" Quasziel asks. Zsikhou narrows his eyes at Quasziel, looking quite irritated. "Ah, I see. So, what did you do to lose the favor you once had? How did you fail in your duties? You will tell me." Quasziel speaks, his tone still patronizing and demanding.

Zsikhou growls at Quasziel. "I answer to my master and to the Celestial Court, not to you."

Zsikhou growls at Quasziel. "I answer to my master and to the Celestial Court, not to you."

Quasziel replies. "I am a Celestial, one who is of the Heavens. So, if you did once serve the Celestial Court, you will answer to me."

Zsikhou huffs, "Haven't /you/ fallen in your duties as well?"

Quasziel replies. "You presume too much, evil mortal. However, despite your evasions. I have gotten my answers. You have indeed failed in your duties. I expect it is likely you will continue to do so. Or maybe you can still serve the greater good by answering to me."

Zsikhou growls. "Just shut up, will you?" There's an angry glare from the kobold at the Deva.
The conversation is over from there.

After almost 9 hours everyone gets up and about. Balan nudges Zsikhou awake when they are fully rested. “Don’t listen to Quasziel he will not be welcome back in the heavens with what he has done.

Quasziel looks over to Balan. "You as well, presume too much, mortal."

Mingzhu opens an eye, "The Kami is learning how to live better in the eyes of the Celestial court. That is the path I hope he walks. Leave him alone you that has fallen of your own accord and not from doing a noble deed like Zsikhou has done.”

Quasziel looks over to Mingzhu "Ah, so you are a witness. If what his deed was, was indeed noble, he would not have fallen."

“That depended upon his master. Not you and I will not tell you so you can use that information to torment one who has awaken to a possibly better life.” Mingzhu retorts.

Quasziel looks over at Mingzhu, seemingly annoyed. "Do not presume to tell me what to do, mortal. But you still have things to do. I suggest you prepare and get to it."

“In time I will command you and your ilk.”

Quasziel looks back to Mingzhu "You, like the other mortals here, presume much and understand little. But I am used to seeing mortal arrogance and greed." For now, though, He turns away.

Meanwhile, Nor'vee and Zarasszia end up having some banter. "What is Succubus-Yokai doing there? ... Not trying to attract Nor'vee. Not attracted to human looking lady." Nor'vee says.

Zarasszia looks over to Nor'vee, with that usual detached monotone, speaks. "I am not attempting to court you or initiate intimacy. As for my physical form, a succubus is capable of natural shapeshifting. If I cared to. I could resemble an attractive female of your species to you."

Nor'vee raises an eyebrow. "Can look like anything you like? Why choose that human look with wings then?"

This question actually seems to catch the succubus off guard, before she finally speaks and admits. "Because it was the form I had retained after my... break. I had not thought about taking a new form that I could truly call myself. Thank you for this conversation. I will need to think about this."

“That is interesting that you retain that shape.” Balan notes to Zarasszia. “Does it make you feel comfortable?”

Zarasszia looks to Balan. "I have not thought about it. I had just accepted what I was at the time. I would not say whether it makes me comfortable or not. I could retain this form or take another one. I do not see the relevance currently." There's a pause. "Or maybe there is relevance I have not considered yet. I do not know. But to a shapeshifter physical form typically is transactional than any deeper meaning."
However, despite her monotone voice, she sounds rather unsure of herself.

“If you have already broken away from your born path then take your time to shift into what makes you comfortable...” He turns to the rest. “We are to start a path soon to leave this place?”

"I expect that shifting into something comfortable may not be desirable for other reasons. But I will think about it when possible." Zarasszia nods.

Xrochdyr looks over, nodding "Yes. Now, after this room, we have three exits. I can cross the path to the right, Zarasszia the path to the left, and Quasziel the path ahead." He moves off. The next room over looks like a square, blank room, or at least is now. Maybe there was some fighting here, it looks like there could have been one. Mingzhu looks in. There doesn’t seem to be any symbols on the walls or floors. Each exit also seems to have a simmering force field of sorts coating it, with warding runs on the sides on the wall. She steps up to the one that Zarasszia can go through.

She carefully and slowly puts her arm forward to see if she can break the plane of the forcefield. The arm passes through it. She brings it back. "I can move through the field the yokai can step through. I believe that means mortals are immune to the shield.”

Zarasszia nods "Given these fields are designed to block planar energy, at least the ones we have seen so far, that fits."

Mingzhu nods, “I had to be sure, yes.”

Zarasszia nods, "Of course."

Silgara, after the rest cycle refreshes the spells. Mage Armors, Ultravision, and Greater Magic Weapon. She then looks around. "Right, which way first then?"

“I could ask about the spirit which door would lead us more directly to her if she is here?” Mingzhu states.

Silgara looks over. "Assuming the spirit will not mislead us, that is."

Xrochdyr looks over, raising an eye ridge "Spirit?" …

Mingzhu smiles, “We have Balan for that.”

Silgara shrugs, "Well, if you want to do it, go for it."

“Are there any questions any of you want to put to task? I will have two. I can ask two more.” Mingzhu says looking around.

No one says anything. They exchange glances but don’t seem to have any. T’kharr finally says, “Not offhand, no.”

"Guess we'll adjust based on what we hear. We may need some extras to counter any evasive answers." Silgara says.

Mingzhu sits in full lotus and begins to meditate. She still watches Balan, "Are you ready Balan to make it tell truth or at least not a direct lie?"

He nods and casts his spell. “You have 8 minutes.”

Mingzhu casts Trance and commune with spirit. A condemned spirit appears, not seeming happy, but waits for questions... Mingzhu begins, “Condemned spirit you are within a zone of truth. You cannot directly lie to me. I have 4 questions. The first: Is the guardian spirit of Tzukine within this Scriptorium?”

It's wriggling, seething, trying to lie, but is forced to answer. "Yes"

“Is the door that the demon girl can go through the easiest path to get to the Spirit of Tzukine?”

“No.”

“Is the door the angel can go through the easiest path to get to the spirit of Tzukine?"

“Yes.”

“Are the most enemy we have to face within the scriptorium through the door the angel can go through?”

It pauses for a while before saying, “No.” Then it fades.

Mingzhu looks at Balan before she relates the information. "Did it lie Balan and if so which questions?"

He can tell it didn't lie but... maybe it was making a few answers it wasn't completely sure of. He tells her, “Not a lie but maybe not a full certainty.”

She relays the information, "The spirit said that the quickest path to the Spirit is through the door where the angel can go through and it has less enemies than at least one of the other doors. The spirit did say that the guardian spirit was in the scriptorium. It struggled to lie to me. That tells me that that answer is absolutely correct.”

Xrochdyr huffs, "There's a group of Palrethee near the door I can go through. So, they may need to be fought if you go with me. Or... lure them into the room I can enter." He flexes a claw. "I've already killed one when they thought they could get the better of me." Then he looks to Mingzhu "Probably brought in as another experiment."

“I feel like we will need all three of these to progress fully.” Balan suggests.

"Well, just a matter of which we go through first then." Silgara speaks. "Where to first, then?"

“We should save the angels for last then so we can find the spirit and release her. as for these three. If we are to help them escape, I feel they should help us with the pirates and the key. We are doing a service for them. They should return a favor to us.” Mingzhu tells them.

Xrochdyr raises an eye ridge. "Pirates and the key...? Oh.... sssk... Zarasszia?"

Zarasszia looks over, considering. "Do you mean Ceraviyearnis' following?"

Xrochdyr huffs, "It's fine. We can help with that."

Quasziel looks over. "I will decide where I go after I escape. However yes, there are likely evils that need to be laid low outside."

Mingzhu answers Zarasszia. “If Ceraviyearnis is the demon that leads the pirates of this island, then yes.”

Zarasszia nods, considering. "I am not fully aware of going-ons outside this place since I was trapped here. However, what I know is that Ceraviyearnis is a Glabrezu that has integrated themselves into mortal politics, and also is scheming with an Arcanaloth named Neravithox."

Xrochdyr chimes in. "Neravithox, of course. Also involved with a Falxugon I have the displeasure of knowing. Lejargamael."

"Those would be consistent with what we have found out previously, yes." T’kharr intones.

“This Arcanaloth does it have a head like a jackal or a wolf?” Mingzhu asks.

Xrochdyr looks over. "Jackal, every time I've seen them. But keep in mind an Arcanaloth is capable of changing their appearance."

Mingzhu nods, “Then I believe our group has met this thing before.”

Quasziel huffs, "We are wasting time."

Xrochdyr raises an eye ridge, "Have you?... And lived to tell the tale. Or possibly, because he expected you were not relevant. His ilk are arrogant like that." He huffs, "It might be prudent to compare notes then, have we the time for it." He nods, wings flexing.

“The latter, yes.” T’kharr agrees.

Mingzhu adds. “I believe he thought we were... inconsequential even after we defeated the Khan of the other island.”

Zarasszia looks over. "That does track with what I know of his behavioral profile. The mortals are largely irrelevant beyond utility. It's their souls that are considered a more valuable commodity, and he likely already had custody of them."

Xrochdyr huffs. "But they still value resources. Their tendency towards nihilism can work against them. Or consider acceptable losses. I only have the perspective on what Lejargamael was doing with him though. Supplies, favors, influence in certain spheres, infernal and mortal."

Quasziel looks over, staring, but for now, remains silent.

Mingzhu thinks a moment then says, "I need to give everyone a warning. I do not have many offensive spells but have both castigate and Order's Wrath prepared. Zsikhou, Silgara if I shout 'get out of my range' that means I am preparing to use one of those two spells. both of you try to get out of range. Fwangzhu too.”

Zsikhou and Silgara nod in turn. Fwangzhu growls, "Yeah, fucking warn me next time."

Xrochdyr looks back to T'Kharr "A Falxugon I knew while I was in Baator. Irritating showman that loved to make a spectacle out of everything, and manipulative bassstard." He huffs, "Though manipulative bastard includes most Baatezu that aren't Lemures or other frontline fodder." He flexes his wings. "Though he did have connections and resources and knew how to make himself useful. I ended up trading a few favors with him. Assistance on the front lines of the Blood War for favors later. One of them involved answering a summons to Abbaddazzar. That's how I ended up here to make a long story short. Before you ask, no, as much as I prefer my new state of being, I'm not thanking him for it." Xrochdyr hisses and flexes his claws.

T’kharr frowns while thinking. “Seems consistent, at least.”

Silgara seems to take the information in, though for now, waits for further questions raised. Or to see where they go next. Mingzhu thinks a moment. "Tell me, can Falxugon shapechange?"

"Not directly, but they are capable of maintaining a near perfect glamour. I don't think even True Seeing works to get by it. If you're wondering if they can appear human, or even go by different guises, then yes, they can and do." Xrochdyr replies.

Mingzhu again thinks then asks, “Can they step within consecrated ground?”

Xrochdyr considers for a time. "It depends on how the consecrated grounds are warded. But I expect they likely can in most circumstances. Their Refuge of the Damned also makes them difficult for mortals to harm."

T’kharr raises an eyebrow, “Oh?”

Mingzhu squints not understanding. “Refuge of the Damned?”

"It's a protection afforded to Falxugons by the terms of the Pact Primeval. As long as they do not directly attack or cause harm to a mortal, they are protected by the refuge. As I understand it, it functions like a permanent sanctuary spell. Mortals, or any allies conjured through magic, must possess incredible willpower to attack them. Otherwise, they're unaffected. I have no idea why such a clause was ever agreed to, but Falxugons can use this to sow corruption in mortal circles with little fear of reprisal." Xrochdyr lashes his tail irritably. "And of course if they want mortals harmed, they can always call in other Baatezu or others to do it, and support them indirectly."

Quasziel looks over. "That protection does not protect them from immortal beings who are not called. So, I would be able to smite this fiend should I find them with no problems."

"That's...troubling to say the least." T’kharr purses her lips with a frown.

Xrochdyr huffs, then speaks. "Zarasszia and I can do the same." He flexes his claws. "If I got my claws on the bastard, of course."

"Well then door number 2 or door number 3?" Mingzhu asks.

The companions seem to leave that to Mingzhu, though once the conversation seems to hit a lull, each of Zarasszia, Quasziel, and Xrochdyr wait by the door they can go through. T’kharr finally says, “I think we take care of the known foe first, no?" Zsikhou looks up, a shrug, then nods, ready to follow whichever door they choose. Mingzhu chooses Xrochdyr's door.

[Winterhawk99]

T'kharr sets her Shield of Faith up as they start moving. Xrochdyr heads along with the party. In this room, it looks like there's a binding circle, though it's broken. Though it also looks like there's a lot of shredded paper in the room, like someone was either meticulous in destroying them or just really hated paper and tore it apart in a furious rage. On the left side, there's another warded door, as there is one ahead. The group can see some Palrethee through it. T’kharr tries to count them. She sees that there are 4.

"They might stay on their side of the barrier, or they might come over." Xrochdyr hisses, advancing. Mingzhu casts her Shield of Faith.

Soon enough, they see the companions, there's some gleeful speech in abyssal, as they start advancing.
"They're coming. Looks like they want to burn some mortals. Well..." Xrochdyr flexes his claws, some infernal frost coating them. "Time to rip them apart." He hisses. The palrethee all advance. T'kharr casts Align Weapon on Fwangzhu's halberd as they do.

Zsikhou opens the fray throwing shuriken. One hits but is deflected by the demon’s tough hide. Balan puts a light cut across one of the demon’s body and then shears a deep wound through its wing. His hand burns as his sword connects. Fwangzhu comes in on the same one and shears the rest of its wing off then flips his halberd around slicing it across its face. The palrethee is in bad shape now.

Xrochdyr goes in, slashing his claws and biting and tail whipping one of the Palrethee. His claws hit giving it deep wounds but is not able to grapple with the thing. T’kharr tries to use her Spiritual Weapon but she misses her target. One of the livelier demons goes for Balan. It cuts and burns the dragonborn deeply across his bicep. The other two go after Xrochdyr. Their swords connect on their first swing but miss on their second as the devil dodges them. Still, he takes two fairly deep wounds to his ribs.

Nor’vee shoots at a palrethee in the back. He puts 2 bolts in its solar plexus. Another demon goes after Balan. It lands two solid cuts on the dragonborn. Balan is in a bit of trouble now. Silgara fires off two shots at two of the demons but misses both. Mingzhu casts Protection from Elements (Fire) She moves in to use her kung-Fu.

Zsikhou again stays in the background throwing more shuriken. One sticks in the badly hurt fire demon. Balan goes after it to finish it off, but the demon is able to dodge his attacks. Xrochdyr goes into a rage and quickly ends two of the Palrethees’ lives, shredding them in a monk like fashion. T’kharr, aims her big spiritual fist as another of the palrethee but misses again. One of the two demons left, disengages Balan and attacks Xrochdyr. It strikes him with its sword, putting yet another wound in the devil.

Nor’vee puts another bolt into one of the demons. It attacks Balan, cutting him yet again. Silgara fires again with her bow but again misses both times. Mingzhu wades into the fight attacking but misses with both her hand and foot. Zsikhou fires off more shuriken one embeds itself deeply in a demon’s groin. It cries out in pain. Fwangzhu connects solidly twice with the demon he is on. Now both of them are on their last legs. Balan cuts the part of the other wing off on the one that’s on him. It starts to back off getting ready to make a run for it. Fwangzhu kills it with his halberd as it turns from combat. Xrochdyr manages to hook the last with his claw grappling it. He proceeds to shred it to pieces with a flurry of claw strikes. He waves off the ashes of the dead palrethee, seemingly not bothered at all by their fire shield.

T’kharr breathes a sigh of relief, “Alright, I reckon we leave our temporary companion behind and move ahead now unless someone needs healing first? Also…" turning to the fiend, and probably also Silgara as well. "Quick question -- do we have to worry about another one-way barrier further in, or has none of your lot found any more of such things?"

"The barrier ahead is two way, but it's an anti-law ward, so I cannot pass it. Not unless it's disabled from the other side." Xrochdyr mentions.

Balan asks, “If you cannot then I may not be able to as well, yes?”

"That I knew, but I just wanted to know if us mortals could backtrack freely to the lobby, as it were." T’kharr also comments.

Mingzhu looks a bit confused. “Sooo, someone can pass and turn it off?”

"It's attuned to block /planar/ law, I expect mortals can pass it just fine." Xrochdyr says, "I think so. Should be able to as long as there aren't any surprises I haven't seen on the other side. Which admittedly, there may be." he flexes his wings.

T’kharr looks at the barrier. “Fair. Inward we go then." She then looks to Balan to see how badly he's been beat up. Xrochdyr waits at the barrier's edge.

As the party goes through, they see a few things in this room. A lot of burn and scorch marks on the ground... Balan comments, “I am find T’kharr.”

There is an alcove ahead though. It looks like there's a piece of paper tacked there though. There's also another barrier, there's a Palrethee behind it, and also what looks like three translucent human looking figures. Soul shells or the like? Insubstantial. There's a lever behind that barrier. On their side of the room, there does look like a strange panel of sorts near the barrier where they came from.

"Alright then." T'kharr heads ahead, taking in the room on the other side of the barrier.

Silgara looks over to the Panel. "Hrm, I think I could use this to lower the ward and let the fiend we were with through... assuming we want to."

As Balan walks through something jumps out in his thoughts. White Abishai are normally a kind of lesser fiend, but Xrochdyr being able to beat three Palrethee like that... he's definitely not a normal White Abishai, and considerably stronger too. The paladin thinks to himself.

"Noted. As to the parchment tacked up?" T’kharr comments.

Silgara takes a look over to it, reading it over... "I... can't read this. I think it's in infernal."

"Ah." T’kharr pulls out an old Comprehend Languages scroll she had laying around and casts it on herself then proceeds to read the instructions on the parchment.

Balan murmurs to himself, “Something is different.”

Mingzhu takes note. “What Balan?”

He pauses in thought then says, “It is of no consequence at this time.”

Okay, it looks like the parchment has some instructions. The language is a form of dense legalese, normal to infernal, but it does say a few things of note. As the gnoll reads it out loud, it looks like the parchment has some instructions. The language is a form of dense legalese, normal to infernal, but it does say a few things of note. First, the barrier near it is one way. Two, the only way to get out and deactivate the wards around it is to use the lever, which will involve 'burning the self'. It seems like it will create something that will harm both whomever pulls it, and as a likely consequence, the soul shells trapped on the other side. T’kharr says, “Seems that we're dealing with another one-way door. I suspect that the ward that's keeping the Palrethee away from the soul shells will drop when the lever is activated, unless you can somehow finagle the other controls to make something different happen?" the last she says to Silgara.

The Palrethee seethes from the other side of the barrier, banging against it, but seems trapped. Silgara looks over. "The controls are on the other side of the barrier. I'm... not sure. I could let the Abishai in here in case we need him again."

“I still have my fire shield up, T'kharr.” Mingzhu mentions.

The Palrethee on the other side notably tries pulling the lever but... nothing happens. T’kharr notes it. “Hm. That’s odd.” It pulls it again in an angry huff but... nothing happens.

"Maybe you could try helping me interpret this?" T’kharr gives Silgara a verbatim translation of the note into Common.”

Mingzhu asks, “Can we shoot through the barrier?”

"I ... hrm..." Silgara considers. "I don't think so, Mingzhu. As for this... I'm... no infernal law expert, but I think by the wording, it has to be something that will actively burn the user. If the Palrethee is trying to summon fire, which it naturally relishes in and is not harmed by, it won't work." The Palrethee curses in Abyssal and keeps trying to pull it, it doesn't work.

Mingzhu looks over at them, “Well like I said if you want me to pull the lever, I still have protection from fire on myself.”

"I'm... not sure. Plus, there is the matter of the souls there. If we did call fire down on them, it would harm them, possibly destroy them." Silgara mentions. Mingzhu nods. Silgara considers, trying to come up with some ideas, but seems to not have any at the moment.

"Hm. Do we know what's holding the souls there, and what sort they are...?" T’kharr looks to examine that part of the situation herself.

"The paper doesn't say and, I would need to look at them closer to be able to even hazard a guess there." Silgara mentions.

Mingzhu walks up and studies the soul shells. The Palrethee pushes up to the edge of the barrier, hissing at Mingzhu. Unfortunately, she can't figure out what's going on here... it's intricate, and definitely not a normal setup. “Something is barring my examinations of the souls, T'kharr. I cannot figure it out.

Zsikhou clicks his tongue, then looks over "Letting the Yokai in is still an option, sssk." As he looks at Xrochdyr.

"I suppose that if we have no other options..." She takes a close look at the souls herself. She has no idea either, alas. Just that the Palrethee is there and very much wants out. And to hurt her. And the souls. Though, Hrm, strange that the Palrethee isn't torturing them directly... now that she thinks about it... "Why isn't the Palrethee just doing harm to them?"

Silgara looks over to T'kharr, considering … "Possibly they're protected by their bindings? Maybe the setup is that it's only supposed to be done through the lever? Though why would there be a setup like this...?"

"Maybe the same thing that's keeping us from examining them?" T’kharr suggests.

"Well, the only way to get closer to examine them in more detail is to cross that one-way barrier to inspect them more closely, where there's a Palrethee on the other side." Silgara says.

Mingzhu studies the palrethee seeing that it is armed. She thinks to herself, ‘Protection from Evil will not work.’ She then says, “I think perhaps the only way to do this is to pull the lever let the demon in take care of that but then there are the souls. It’s a test, I think. are you willing to kill the souls to move on.”

"We move in and take down the Palrethee, then examine the situation more closely?" T’kharr says.

Mingzhu frowns. “Someone should stay here for this lever.”

"Keep in mind that the barrier is one way and we won't have a way back." Silgara mentions. The palrethee tries to use it again. It does nothing.

Mingzhu watches the scene, “Because he’s not from the mortal world I would suspect.”

"That... wasn't in the terms of the parchment." Silgara says.

“What about the barrier behind us that the devil cannot get through?” Mingzhu asks.

"I can deactivate that." Silgara says.

“Let’s deactivate it so it can go through.” Mingzhu says.

Silgara looks at Mingzhu, then looks at T'Kharr and Balan, as if to ask if they're sure on this, but she does go to head to the panel. T’kharr says, “Okay, I reckon.”

Mingzhu explains, “My reasoning is that we will need these three to fight the pirates and the wish demon that controls them.”

Silgara looks to Mingzhu "And... your thoughts on the three of them? I know one is a tanar’ri and one is a baatezu, after all, and that Celestial..." She rubs a hand through her face as she works the panel.

"I know. We buried the last three we encountered so they could do no more evil in the lands, but we don’t know how many pirates there are and then there is a demon which is much more than a khan. Do you think it's too much of a risk, Silgara?"

Silgara sighs, considering "Honestly, I don't know... none of them are behaving in a manner that is consistent with my studies. And I know how tricky they can be. There's many stories where entreating with fiends ends badly. And only turns out well when you outmaneuver them in the rare cases you do or just fight them off. But there is also the logic that if a Celestial can fall, and it's clear that that Deva has, then a fiend could also break their nature too, right?"

Mingzhu nods.

Eventually, Silgara does deactivate the ward that is keeping Xrochdyr out, who steps forward, taking stock of the situation. "Right, I'm here. Sssk, what's the situation?" Xrochdyr says as he looks around, then narrows his eyes at the Palrethee, the captive souls, then looks over the parchment. "Oh, let me guess, you need me to read this for you?" Xrochdyr reads the infernal parchment, wings relaxed, tail flicking.

"We got a general idea...but the nuances probably got past me." T’kharr admits.

Xrochdyr nods. "I see. Let me guess, you want those souls freed. But whomever goes in and calls down something that burns them will likely harm them as collateral damage. Am I correct in that assessment?"

Mingzhu nods to him then turns back to studying the scene beyond the barrier. "I see." Xrochdyr nods, a rumbling hiss to himself, then he winces and puts a clawed hand to his belly, like he's in pain, before a hiss and a huff, shaking it off. "Right, I do see an exploit here." He looks aside. "And it doesn't surprise me that the Tanar’ri can't solve this. Or at least possibly solved it but can't do what is required to actually arrive at the solution. Right..." Xrochdyr closes his eyes, a huff. "I should probably handle what comes next alone. But before I do, I could use some healing for the wounds the Palrethee gave me in that last fight. Can you spare any?"

Mingzhu converts one of her Summon Natures Ally 3 into a Cure Serious Wounds and heals him. He's mostly healed up, Xrochdyr nods "Thanks, sssk... Right, I can handle this from here. Just... have some healing ready. I might need it." He rolls his wings, then steps off towards the barrier, and then he lunges at the Palrethee. He quickly shreds the Palrethee on the other side with a furious Flurry of claws, bite, and tail whip. Balan looks at Zsikhou out of earshot. “That one is much stronger than they should be, right?”

Zsikhou looks at Balan with a shrug. "Not sure? Not familiar with that kind of Yokai."

Xrochdyr looks over to the other side of the Barrier, speaking. "Right, be sure to have some healing ready for me in case this... is going to be... unpleasant... sssk..." Xrochdyr closes his eyes, resting a claw on the lever, like trying to steady himself for it, then yanks... Out comes a deluge of holy water, right onto Xrochdyr. It seems to phase right through the soul shells, who are not harmed, but it acts like a painful acid to the Abishai. An unholy hiss of pain as the holy water burns him.

Eventually, the deluge recedes, the barrier fades, and the soul shells free of their bindings, fade and disperse. T’kharr muzzle paws. “Had we thought of it being holy water..." Xrochdyr stumbles, still standing, albeit that was clearly an extremely painful experience, before collapsing on the ground in front of them.

Mingzhu looks at the nearly dead devil. “The trap was set up for him not us.”

"Exactly. We were thinking that the trap was set for all things, when it was meant for the fiend alone." T’kharr exclaims.

Silgara looks over to T'kharr. "It... I don't think it would have worked for you. It only worked for the Abishai because holy water burns infernal creatures. Or the Palrethee..."

Balan nods, “Of course it was.”

T’kharr asks, “Then why didn’t it work for the Palrethee.?”

Mingzhu asks, “If the barrier is down. Does it go two ways now?”

Xrochdyr winces in pain, the barrier is down, so you and he can cross it, though he's clearly pretty badly wounded by that deluge... He's still alive and conscious though. Silgara looks over, considering...

"I reckon it should now that the barrier's down, otherwise why have a lever?" T’kharr asks.

"If his estimate was right, I expect other barriers in this complex are down too." Silgara says.

“Right. Onward?” T’kharr asks.