The Harvest Moon Consortium

[Winterhawk99]

Mingzhu goes through the doorway and converts, Discern lies to Cure Critical Wounds on the devil. Xrochdyr is healed, he slowly gets up, hissing some, looking over where the holy water burned him. Somehow, he still seems like he's in some sort of terrible pain, clutching a hand over his chest as he walks on... "Thanks, sssk..."

Mingzhu asks, “What is your pain from?”

"Grahhh, hssskh... oh, you might not know. Holy water is extremely deadly to fiends. Of course that's painful." A wince from Xrochdyr... but it doesn't sound to her like it's a physical pain...

She looks back down the hallway then back to him. “There is more to it than that. Are you connected somehow to the other two? As in the further you are away from them the more it hurts?"

"I could have used abyssal fire instead, would have been easier to bear..." Xrochdyr mutters to himself
"No, it's not that." Xrochdyr shakes his head.

"Mingzhu, Xrochdyr just did something that was entirely incompatible with how baatezu normally behave." Silgara says, looking over at the fiend.

"There is something wrong here with this. I do not know what yet but will eventually figure it out." Mingzhu states.

"Besides /everything/ about this place? Ssskh..." Xrochdyr says.

Balan watching the whole thing nods to Silgara. "Gahhh! Fine... it's... when I first broke infernal law to free souls, it was like a... crack in my very being. A break... on the inside. Now it's gotten deeper, grahh... just... no, no, I still needed this. Just... hsskh..." Xrochdyr tries shaking himself, like it would help somehow

"Yes, and it has to do with the three of you that we found down here I suspect." Mingzhu says.

Balan asks, “You are not a normal Baatezu are you Xrochdyr?”

Xrochdyr looks over to Balan. "Well, I've knowingly and willingly violated infernal law and am out of compliance with the Pact Primeval, so, I wouldn't say I'm a normal Baatezu anymore. Why?" He raises an eye ridge.

Balan continues in matter-of-fact way, “You are much more durable and stronger.”

Xrochdyr waves that off, a claw wave. "If you must know, before Abaddazzar dragged me into his experiments, I was due for a promotion to Cornugon soon." He huffs, looks aside "Not going to happen now of course, though."

Balan doesn’t seem to believe the fiend, “I see… That is interesting.”

Xrochdyr stands, though he still seems a bit wobbly, like he's trying to stabilize himself with his clawed hands. "Right, are we ready to head back to meet the others, or did you want to ask anything else?"

Mingzhu scratches her head, "I don't know much about this western stuff. if we are done here and cannot go further then we need to head back.”

"I expect some of the wards are down, but I don't know which exactly it was tied to." Xrochdyr says.

Zsikhou looks around. There's the entry where they came from, there's also still a solid barrier on the left side (From where they entered) as well.

As they stand around, Quasziel and Zarasszia find their way to your position, evidently no longer hindered by the wards that were in place. Quasziel looks over "It seems some of the wards are down. I trust you are ready to proceed further."

“Aye but which way do we go when we return Zarasszia’s door or Quasziel's door?” Mingzhu asks.

Quasziel looks over, speaking up first. "Follow me then." Then turns around and beckons the party over.

Zsikhou hisses in his direction. "With all due respect, that isn't your decision."

Quasziel looks over to Zsikhou "Your continued pettiness is not endearing nor is it solving anything, evil mortal."

Zarasszia shrugs, "I suspect it ultimately does not matter."

Mingzhu goes over to Balan and whispers to him. "Do you think that somehow during their experiments their souls switched bodies?"

Balan shrugs then whispers back, “There is many strange magics, so I do not know.”

The spirit is supposedly somewhere behind Quasziel's door, let us then explore the other door first. The spirit may be sickened or weak. We wish not to engage in fighting when she is with us, I think. So, cleaning up everything beyond Zarasszia’s door makes sense to me."

"Aye, if we cannot proceed further beyond the first door, let us clean up what lurks beyond Zarasszia’s"

Quasziel seems irritated. Zarasszia gives an almost mechanical and detached nod. "Very well, follow me." They head back to the room they entered from; it looks like some of the wards are down, though the ones to the North (Quasziel's door) and Zarasszia's are still up. From the room you fought the Palrethee in though, the ward to the side is down, allowing egress that way.

Mingzhu watches the three outsiders closely. Her senses are telling her something is very wrong. T’kharr says, “Ah, we need to head deeper in via the first path then."

Xrochdyr still seems like he's in some kind of pain, but it's wearing off, or he's learning to deal with it. Quasziel just keeps that perfect, judgmental look to him. And Zarasszia seems detached. Mingzhu tries to sense the motivation of the Angel and why he’s always trying to order everyone around, but she gets no feeling from him.

Xrochdyr nods, "Right, this way then. I could cross this section before..., it's a ward against good, but it's down, so all of us should be able to pass now."

They head down the path. it looks like there's pathways straight ahead, to the left, and to the right. T’kharr asks, “Send Zsikhou to scout the various paths?”

Xrochdyr looks around again, huffing "Ahead was a ward against evil, to the right were wards against good and law separately, and to the left was a ward against chaos."

T’kharr comments, “Noted on the wards.”

Zsikhou nods to them and goes on ahead. After some time spent darting down various paths, Zsikhou comes back "So, the one to our left goes back to where we came from with some turn around, well, to the right of there, there's a section with three layered wards, seems like there were four before, but one's down. Ahead is a room with Yokai, but they can't cross. Left goes back to the entry.

"Off that way, Points north, or ahead in their case. "Looks like most of the wards are still up. Seems like there were some yokai in various rooms, but this one found a clear path to a room with a strange, damaged construct in it. And that way... " He points to the right of their current position. "Single room, seems like it just has some hostile Yokai there. Didn't see anything else of note there."

Mingzhu looks at Xrochdyr, "How did you know that. You could not go down this pathway before?"

Xrochdyr looks at Mingzhu. "I could bypass the ward against good, and the one against chaos. I could not cross the others here."

T’kharr accepts that, “Ok. Left, Left is back to the entry. Left, ahead leads to Yokai barred by a ward
Left, Right leads to a set of layered wards. Ahead is lots of wards, Yokai, and a damaged construct
Right is just a single room with some hostile Yokai. Is that correct?" she counts the paths out on her fingers as she narrates them.

“Yup, that's about right, though ahead has the most rooms. Ahead and left also has the layered wards again.” Zsikhou can't tell how the wards work though, only that he can bypass them.

"Were you able to tell how many Yokai are in left-ahead and right, and what lurks beyond the left-ahead Yokai, or do you think we'll need to clear out the left-ahead Yokai to get an idea if there's a path beyond them?" T’kharr asks the kobold.

"So, there may be things in the other rooms that we need to bypass the layered wards is that the game?" Mingzhu is thinking hard as she asks.

"That sounds like it, yes." T’kharr replies.

"If I'm not mistaken, this complex seems shaped like three layered wheels. I think the layered wards were at the center. Zsikhou says "If we keep going along this inner wheel in either direction, we'll run into groups of Yokai. The Construct can be reached by going ahead and to the outer wheel."

"If I'm not mistaken, this complex seems shaped like three layered wheels. I think the layered wards were at the center. Zsikhou says, "If we keep going along this inner wheel in either direction, we'll run into groups of Yokai. The Construct can be reached by going ahead and to the outer wheel."

T’kharr concentrates. “So, three rings?”

"I think so, yes." Zsikhou nods.

T’kharr thinks some more, “And the antechamber, if you will, is in the middle?”

"But the innermost ring is sealed off by those layered wards, on each side I saw." Zsikhou nods.

Quasziel looks over. "I can enter the room with the Construct. I expect we will need to go there."

"I think the big question is are we better off mopping up the inner ring's Yokai first then trying to explore the outer ring for more clues to the removal of wards, or trying to get a handle on the wards via the outer ring then move inward?” T’kharr says while trying to work it out.

"I think it depends T'kharr on where the spirit is, but we do not know that at this time." Mingzhu says. Silgara considers but doesn't offer an opinion here. Fwangzhu and Nor'vee just seem alert and watching for any hostiles. Mingzhu continues, “Ok, well there is a broken construct correct perhaps other rooms have parts that we need to fix it to functioning and we need it to do something. That would be my best guess as of now."

"Well perhaps you should see it before you make such presumptions, then." Quasziel says.

"I'm not presuming anything. I'm taking a guess based on the information we have." Mingzhu retorts.

"Come with me then and I can show you." Quasziel says as he prepares to move forward. She follows him. Balan follows her. They head further in and come to a segment. On the left are heavy wards, forward is a ward, and on the right is one as well.

Quasziel turns to the right, "This one wards against evil. The Fiends will not be able to follow us."

Xrochdyr and Zarasszia look over at the warded section, then a huff from Xrochdyr, opting to wait. Mingzhu stops following him and studies the ward. Also, on the side, it looks like there's some slight evidence of battle in this room. Mingzhu cannot make heads or tails of it. Silgara steps forward but she cannot tell anything about the battle damage either.

Xrochdyr chimes in then with a hiss, "If you're wondering whether that Deva is lying to you, then in this case, he isn't. That really is a ward that blocks out planar evil beings."

T’kharr is the first to step through the ward. Mingzhu looks back. "I'll step through and try to step back here. to see if it’s one way." She does that. She can. She then follows the gnoll.

There's a warded section to the left, and to the right. This room is largely unremarkable, though. It looks like there were some signs of battle here, but it's not clear who was fighting. Either way, Quasziel continues past the warded section to the left.

The rest of the group follows. In the next room, there looks to be a broken binding circle, and there's blood along the edges of it, dried, probably old by now. There's another ward ahead, but Quasziel just moves along through it. There is a broken looking construct on the other side of where they are. As they walk Mingzhu whispers to Balan, “I trust the Yokai better than the angel. I don’t know why." Blan gives a nod without answering.

Mingzhu looks at ward for a moment and pushes through then calls for Silgara figuring she would know more about this thing. "Balan, Silgara? Got any ideas?"

The party steps through. On the other side, it looks like a damaged construct creature, Silgara looks it over. The Construct, however, soon its eyes glow, and it looks up at the party. Silgara looks aside "That's a Marut Inevitable, it's damaged, though..." Quasziel is pacing around where the Marut is held in a binding circle.

Fwangzhu just looks aside. "So, what the fuck is a Marut Inevitable then?"

Silgara looks aside. "Inevitables are beings of pure law, typically enforcers of cosmic law. Maruts are supposed to enforce the law of life and death. Typically, they do things like hunt liches or undead, from what I have heard."

The Marut looks over the party, speaking in a mechanical, monotone voice. "Scanning, Scanning.... WARNING. VIOLATION DETECTED. THREE COUNTS." Its eyes suddenly spark, it fixates on Balan, then on Zsikhou, then on Silgara. "Mortals out of compliance with cosmic law. Termination required."

[Winterhawk99]

Zsikhou narrows his eyes at the construct, Siangham coming out. "...what?"

Balan scratches his head. “I am unsure what that thing means.”

Even Quasziel looks surprised at that. "Mortals, what have you done to anger a being of law so?" As he moves over to the party's side.

The Marut looks over at Balan. "Violation of law of life and death detected. Correction to anomalous state required. Termination of violators required to restore order."

Mingzhu steps in front of all three. "Whoever you are they are mortals and can be redeemed. You cannot know their future. There is mercy in the celestial court."

T'kharr joins at Mingzhu's side. "The Lord on the Rack extends the offer of his mercy to all mortal souls, for it is by His pain that our burdens are eased."

The Marut looks over to Mingzhu. "Scanning. Subject not in violation. Statements are false and incorrect. Determination of future is irrelevant. Mercy is irrelevant. Compliance with law of life and death is the only consideration. Interference with assigned duties will result in ancillary termination."

Mingzhu shakes her head. “Can anyone translate what that thing said?”

Then it looks to T'Kharr. "Analyzing. Lord of the Rack's mercy is irrelevant. Directives are to be resolved. Anomalies will be corrected."

T’kharr muzzle paws, “Lord ON the rack.”

Silgara sighs, "This Marut for some reason believes that the three of us have violated cosmic law and wants to kill us for it. Seldarine knows why it is doing that. None of us have embraced undeath."

Mingzhu looks at her queerly, “What does undeath have to do with it.”

"Unfortunately, Inevitables are extremely inflexible when it comes to their determinations." Silgara frowns.

T’kharr takes in a deep breath, “Can you explain the violations in detail?” inquiring with the inevitable calmly.

"They're ‘supposed’ to enforce the laws of life and death and hunt down those who cheat it. At least, that's what properly functioning ones are supposed to do." Silgara says.

"Aye. Hopefully some suitable inquiries can provide information useful to us to figure out what's going on." T’kharr comments.

The Marut looks to T'Kharr "Violators are in violation of Cosmic law Fszfzrsszt… crackle of static subsection 7538-C of cosmic ordinance concerning mortal lives. Violation requires correction. Termination of offending violators required."

Mingzhu studies it. “Is there a button on this thing?”

"Subsection 7538-C...can you recite that subsection to us? I'm sorry, I left that book all the way back at the monastery." T’kharr asks.

Quasziel looks over, thinking, before he steps forward. "I see. You are a construct of law. These mortals have somehow cheated death and you must restore proper cosmic balance. However, I do have a solution that will satisfy your directives."

The Marut looks at T'Kharr. "Request for information denied. Request for information pertaining to cosmic law subsections must be directed to the proper quadrone unit."

Zsikhou looks over at Silgara and Balan, confused. Silgara also looks over. "Did... the three of us cheat death somehow...? I don't recall that happening..."

T’kharr raises an eyebrow in thought. “What event should have killed them?”

The Marut looks over at Silgara. "Recollection of violation irrelevant. Violation must still be corrected."

Balan shrugs his shoulders, “I am unsure as well...The only time I could think is with the war scourge.”

Zsikhou looks to Balan, raising an eye ridge. "Was a close call there, but figured it was just that... what about myself and Silgara though?"

Balan shakes his head. “I am truly unsure.”

Quasziel looks over to the Marut. "There is a way that satisfies your directives. These mortals lived when the laws of the multiverse said they should not have. However, there is magic to rectify it, as well as oaths that can bring one in compliance. There is a way to solve this, if the mortals swear their lives to me, a divine being of law who can revive the dead in a manner that is in compliance with cosmic law, subject to the rules and restrictions thereof, then that will satisfy the violation, and they will be in compliance." The Deva just looks to the construct with that same, extremely intense look, not even bothering to look at the party as he says that.

The Marut then looks to Quasziel, seeming to run some calculations. A spark of static, resolving something, before speaking. "Proposed solution is acceptable for rectification of violation specified. Mortal units in violation will be required to swear binding oath enforced by cosmic law to Deva unit to be in compliance."

Mingzhu looks incredulous. “I would not do it. There is something wrong with this celestial. I cannot put my finger on it yet, but it is my belief it would be wrong."

Fwangzhu snorts, "What fucking tipped you off?" Nor'vee just nervously fiddles with his crossbow.

Zsikhou looks over to Quasziel, a death glare in the kobold's eyes. "I already have a master."

Quasziel looks over to Zsikhou. "I can already tell you have failed them. So no, you do not."

Balan grunts, “My god is the only one who has my binding.”

Silgara looks over as well. "Is this for real...? I don't even...?" She looks nervously between the Deva and the Marut.

The Marut looks to Balan. "Rejection of offered remediation will require fallback to termination of offending units. Do you reject compliance?"

Quasziel looks over to Balan. "Do not be selfish and fight an enforcer of cosmic law because you believe yourself above the consequences of whatever you did to break it."

T’kharr looks at the Marut again. “Can you describe what events these alleged violations consist of?" The Marut doesn't reply, seemingly focused on Balan, Zsikhou, and Silgara right now.

Mingzhu looks down at the circle the Marut is in. “If the other circles are correct. This thing cannot break its circle without going against its nature. Is that right?"

Silgara tries to inspect the circle... "Mingzhu that circle is broken..." She says.

Mingzhu stares at the machine. “So, you are saying it can get out?”

"Yes, it can." The elf says

The shamaness narrows her eyes and looks at the Deva. "You knew. even though you could not come here before somehow you knew."

Balan studies the Marut for a moment. While he is doing that, the Deva looks over at Mingzhu. “Do not make accusations of me, mortal. I could come here, yes. But I could never find a way to unlock the ward here. So, my presence here solved nothing."

The Marut looks over at Balan. "Do you accept compliance for remediation steps?"

Balan points to the Deva and asks the Marut. “Did you kill the human by that one’s command?”

Mingzhu steams at the Deva, “Yet you broke you're own cosmic law by bringing doom upon an innocent. Isn’t that, right? Why isn’t this thing after you too?"

"Negatory." The Marut says as he looks at the shamaness, "Potential violation committed by Deva-unit is outside the purview of this unit's jurisdiction."

“What have I done to break your cosmic law.” Balan asks.

The Deva looks over to Mingzhu. "My actions did not violate cosmic law, mortal."

The Marut looks to Balan "Violation There's a bunch of grinding static as it tries to articulate something, but it just comes out garbled subsection 7538-C. Occurred at More static, not making any sense, just garbled buzzing. Query irrelevant. Will you comply with remediation step?"

Balan shakes his head. “It is relevant. What is 7583-C?”

Silgara looks over worriedly. "I ... Inevitables operate under their own logic in terms of cosmic law, nothing else matters to them. Unless we can talk it down in those terms, I think our only way out of this one is by destroying it. Fortunately, it's already damaged so if it comes to that, it shouldn't be as strong as a normal Marut."

Quasziel looks over "There was some unspecified incident where you should have died, but you were spared. The three of you, that is. But that sparing of you went against cosmic law. So now the Marut's directive is to rectify that."

Fwangzhu snorts, "That or this big hunk of junk is just fucking broken."

"As Silgara said. It's damaged so it could be wrong all together." Mingzhu insists.

T’kharr thinks and asks, “How are damaged or malfunctioning Inevitables dealt with?"

Silgara shrugs "I believe they are sent back to Mechanus for repair, or... I'm not sure." She sighs
"Of course, if we want to prove to this Marut that it is somehow malfunctioning...."

Nor'vee looks over..."Is it bad Nor'vee is wishing that law-yokai was here with us now?... No, Nor'vee will get that thought out of head. Can't trust Yokai." The nezumi shakes his head.

Mingzhu bites her lip then says, “Think Silgara. I do not wish to fight this machine if we do not have too. I am not sure if it has a soul or not."

"At least as I understand it with planar beings, their souls and bodies are sort of... the same thing." Silgara considers, "I... " She tries to think of something.

The Marut looks over. "Stalling of resolution will not be tolerated."

Silgara looks over. "The only way I can think of getting out of this without a fight is to somehow prove to the Marut that it's out of compliance with cosmic law and can't therefore enforce it, but I have no idea what to say in that regard."

“If we were meant to die at one point and were sparred then it was of our gods will not the cosmos, so your judgement is invalid.” Balan says.

"Assertion invalid. Gods are prohibited from reversing death without proper channels being followed. If done this would put them in violation in addition to you." The Marut says. It remains fixated on Balan, Silgara, and Zsikhou...

“It’s a machine. if we just keep taking pieces off it will turn off wont it?” Mingzhu asks.

Quasziel looks over at Mingzhu with some irritation. "You are speaking of destroying an enforcer of cosmic law for your own selfish purposes."

“It’s obviously already broken.” Balan intones.

Mingzhu slaps her forehead, “It’s a machine. it doesn’t have feelings. it isn’t even alive.”

Zsikhou gets his Siangham ready. "Well unless one of us comes up with something clever, we're going to need to destroy this thing."

The Marut looks over to Zsikhou. "Aggression detected. Resistance will result in termination. Interference by non-violating parties with this unit's duties will result in termination."

"Well...we don't know if that'd drop a bunch of stuff from uh...Mechanus on us." T’kharr smirks.

Silgara sighs, "I don't know enough about the specifics of how Inevitables operate to adequately speak with them. I suspect the only ones who do in our immediate company are Quasziel and Xrochdyr."

Quasziel looks over. "I have already given you a way out that satisfies the construct's mandate. Be satisfied with that and take the deal, mortals."

Fwangzhu snorts, "Fuck it lets just trash this thing."

Mingzhu snorts, “I kind of agree with the badger. this thing doesn’t belong east of the dragon wall.”

"Jurisdictional claim invalid." The Marut says to Mingzhu. Then it examines Balan. “Prior remediation agreement: Accept {Yes/No}. Noncompliance will be handled by fallback procedure: Termination of offending units."

"Hm. If you can be quiet long enough to let me pray to the Lord on the Rack, I might be able to ask him to summon aid from Mechanus in making their...clearly off-kilter representative whole and sound in both body and mind?" T’kharr yells.

Silgara whispers aside, "I don't think they're going to give us the hours necessary to do that."

"Or do we move onward and leave this room behind for now?" T’kharr asks.

"If the three of us try to flee, I suspect it will attack." Silgara mentions. Quasziel also looks over at the group, seeming impatient.

The Marut looks over at Balan. "Awaiting response to prior inquiry."

“I am not willing to bow to this one.” Balan gestures to Quasziel It is a waste of my honor and time, and you construct are wrong of what you say.

"We will have to return later with an answer in any case." T’kharr pleads.

"Remediation rejected. Falling back on initial rectification procedure. Commencing termination." The Marut advances.

[Winterhawk99]

T’kharr comments as it goes on the attack, “By the Broken God...I hope we don't get a deluge from Mechanus for defending ourselves against this hunk of junk."

Zsikhou gets the jump on it and tries to strike it twice with his Siangham. The weapon does no damage. Silgara casts Grease on the floor. The Marut falls down in a prone position. Zsikhou tries to use that as an opportunity but slides by it like an ice skater before he can strike. Fwangzhu goes into a rage and strikes out with his halberd. He shears the knuckle bolts off of its left hand. Mingzhu casts Prayer on the group. Balan drives his blade into its knee but only catches metal he cant seem to break through to the wiring. Nor’vee shoots at it. Two bolts bounce off the Marut’s armor and one goes into an elbow gap. Sparks fly out of the hole.

The Marut attempts to get up. Balan and Fwangzhu take the opportunity to strike it again, but their weapons simply bounce off its metal pieces. However, the sheer weight of the blows puts it on its back. T’kharr casts Bless on the group. Quasziel looks over with some disdain, shaking his head, but not involving himself in the fight. "How disappointing, mortals."

Again, Zsikhou tries to chip away at the machine with his weapon. It hardly damages the outer surface. Fwangzhu takes another swing with his axe hitting it this time in the shoulder. Sparks and grinding sounds come out of the seam that he hit. Balan again tries to strike a gap in the knee, but his mark is off and the sword bounces off the knee cap harmlessly. Mingzhu dumps her canteen and casts Animate Water. A small water elemental is formed. She tells it to get inside and rust everything. Balan steps back several feet. He sheathes his sword and draws out his bow. Nor’vee shoots a bolt into its neck. More grinding of gears can be heard.

The Marut again tries to get up but both Zsikhou and Fwangzhu are ready. They both strike it. Fizzing and popping sounds issue from the depths of its body. Static electricity starts to spark all over it. T’kharr bonks it with her staff. It does nothing. Zsikhou stabs it again to almost no effect. Fwangzhu manages to bury his halberd deep in its chest. The Marut vibrates while the sounds of gears grinding against each other start to slow down. There is a huge crushing noise deep within its chest then the whole of it stops with a vivid smell of ozone mixed with gear oil smelling up the room. The Marut is destroyed.

Mingzhu dispels her water elemental. Quasziel scowls at everyone as the Marut is destroyed. "Well mortals, by your greed and disrespect for cosmic order, you have destroyed a servant of law."

Mingzhu looks him straight in the eye, “Your next if you don’t shape up.”

T’kharr sighs, “Well, it wouldn't let us take the time to address the situation properly."

"And what gives you the right to threaten me, mortal? Your arrogance shows." Quasziel sneers "I gave you mortals a way out."

“I’m tired of your own arrogance angel. We should contain you forever down in this dungeon. Silgara, can you do that?” Mingzhu asks while still looking at the celestial.

"I'm afraid I do not know the planar binding spell." Silgara says.

Zsikhou looks over. "I can always execute the angel if it is warranted."

Quasziel looks over. "And there you let your true colors show if you would side with an evil mortal over a servant of the heavens."

“You’re no servant of the heavens. Not anymore, and it shows.” The shamaness retorts.

"You have no place to make such a judgement, mortal." Quasziel says. Now that the Marut is gone, they can see what looks like a latticework of gears on the wall behind where the Marut stood. "In any event, it is done now. I expect there will be consequences for your actions, mortals." Quasziel says, "But for now, I still need to escape this place." He goes to grab one of the gears from the fallen Marut, then place it in the gearwork wall, a panel slides open and opens what looks like a lever.

Mingzhu watches and comments, “Could this be the way to bring the inner doors open?”

"Yes, this is one of the outer locks. If what I saw from before is accurate, two remain." Quasziel pulls the lever, shutting down the wards near this particular section.

"Funny how the angel knows just what gear to put into a device he supposedly has never seen before." Mingzhu comments accusingly.

"I did not say I could not be here before, Mortal. I said I could not resolve this myself." Quasziel says.
Eventually, Xrochdyr and Zarasszia enter the chamber. Xrochdyr's claws have some fresh blood on them.

T’kharr studies the devil. “Had to deal with an interruption of your own?"

Xrochdyr flexes his claws and stretches his wings "Ran into some maurezhi (a form of ghoul). Dealt with easily enough."

Zarasszia looks around, noting the trashed construct, then looks over "I see the wards are down, so I presume you were successful in what you set out to do here."

Mingzhu kicks the dead Marut. “We had to kill it as it wanted to kill three of the group.” Zarasszia looks over, then shrugs

"Aye, it was not able to explain the situation fully either. I will have to make inquiry with the Lord on the Rack in my next morn's prayers to understand what the heck it was prattling on about." T’kharr says.

Xrochdyr huffs, tail flicking "Not my first time dealing with Inevitables. The dumb things are so fixated on their instructions to the exact letter that they end up breaking what they're supposed to be doing more often than not." Xrochdyr raises an eye ridge, then shrugs "Welcome to dealing with Inevitables, then."
He looks over. "Perhaps I might be able to explain it? If you told me what happened."

Quasziel huffs, "We should not waste time consorting with fiends more than necessary."

Mingzhu says, “Well, the machine said that Balan, Silgara and Zsikhou were in violation of some rule it said a number. Avoiding death or something.”

T’kharr fills the rest in. “Aye, it refused to explain what situation put them in violation despite more than one inquiry by me into it. 7538-C was what it stated the party members were in violation of though.”

Xrochdyr looks at Mingzhu. "Marut Inevitables are supposed to enforce the laws on life and death. If they detect that a mortal has cheated death, they are dispatched to kill the mortal." He considers, thinking. "Of course they have a very specific, and oftentimes unrealistic perspective of what constitutes as cheating death..." He pauses, thinking, then huffs, “I'm familiar with that subsection and its clauses. Illegal method of revival or avoidance of death. Or in layman's terms, where someone or something interceded on your behalf to prevent death where it should have occurred."

"Or in other words, whoever interceded to save you screwed up their celestial paperwork? Given that none of the party are undead..." T’kharr states.

Mingzhu turns to her. “Is that so. Can we beat the ever-living crap out of the celestial if this is true? He tried to subvert Balan’s, Zsikhou’s, and Silgara’s wills by trying to make them pledge into his service.”

"According to the Inevitables, the avenues for mortals returning to life are extremely specific. If anyone goes outside those defined terms, then they're considered ‘in violation.’" He shrugs, "As in one is supposed to utilize proper forms of resurrection magic and not overstep or skip in requirements. And there are also laws for certain planar beings or entities in meddling with mortal affairs, such that if one intercedes and bypasses those requirements, then they and the mortal in question are in violation." He then considers, looking at the circle. "That or the Marut was simply mis-assessing, it's containment circle is broken, meaning that at some level it likely embraced chaos." Then huffs, then looks over to Quasziel, narrowing his eyes "That is.... /technically/ a remedy.... it's also something that would make most baatezu jealous. That is not something to be proud of." He hisses.

Zsikhou looks over to Mingzhu, then to Quasziel "Do you want this Celestial dead? Will carry it out. Right now, if you like."

T’kharr rubs her muzzle. “That was definitely a possibility I was considering. Had it been willing to give us the time to do so, I would have beseeched the Broken God to dispatch a unit from Mechanus directly to assess the situation and make any repairs needed."

Mingzhu smirks, “So, the angel is no better than a yokai like you then Xrochdyr?”

Quasziel glares. "You were in breach of cosmic law, and unlike this fiend who has broken it, I still have respect for it. And I offered you a way out, and instead you chose to strike down an enforcer of cosmic law out of selfishness. Do not judge me."

Xrochdyr huffs, "I expect I have done many, many more evils than this Celestial has." A flex of his claw, looking at Quasziel squarely. "It should not be a contest!" He hisses "Grah, just another reason cosmic law is a bad joke, always just ruins everything." He then looks over to T'kharr "Word of advice? Don't rely on beings from Mechanus. They're entirely inflexible and unless you know their procedures inside and out, it won't turn out well. Not because they're inherently malicious but because they're too devoted to following a broken system that it's just going to end in ruin."

Mingzhu then looks at the group. “What are we going to do about the angel. It’s obviously broken too.”

Zarasszia looks over to Mingzhu. "As am I and Xrochdyr, if that is relevant."

Quasziel looks over to Mingzhu. "For now what you mortals should do is keep working to get out of here. You should at least be able to comprehend that. Now if you are done whining, we have work to do."

Mingzhu replies, “At least you two function within a group. this so-called angel can’t seem to get it.”

"If you were less impudent and more cooperative and understanding of your situation mortals, then you would find that I do get it." Quasziel says.

Zarasszia looks over. "I believe that he is far too used to commanding respect among mortals just for being a Celestial."

Xrochdyr hisses, "It might have helped before if he ‘actually’ behaved like one."

Quasziel looks over to Xrochdyr "Your taunting is meaningless, fiend. Only corrupted mortals would listen to those such as you."

T’kharr shakes her head, “Respect is something that cannot be commanded."

Fwangzhu snorts, "Well ripping his fucking wings off is still an option if he keeps giving us shit, right?"

“Maybe you should consider your own situation without us you stay right where you are. I, Balan, and T'kharr can create food forever or just leave your sorry ass right here Quasziel. How about we do that.” Mingzhu retorts.

Quasziel looks over at Mingzhu. "You cannot and will not command me, Mortal."

Enraged Mingzhu states, “I want a feather from that angel.”

Silgara sighs, "Well, I can't put him in a binding circle. Regardless I am hoping that sending him back to Mount Celestia might end up repairing whatever spiritual damage he has taken."

Quasziel looks over to Mingzhu "And I will not give you one."

“Zsikhou, can you get a feather from it?” Mingzhu asks.

T’kharr tries to make the shamaness see some sense. She shakes her head at Mingzhu in a pleading way. Zsikhou gets out an unholy dagger. T’kharr almost pleads with the two, “Probably best not to aggravate them.”

Mingzhu retorts, “He’s already aggravated me.”

Quasziel looks at Zsikhou. "If you do attack me evil mortal I will have no qualms with smiting you." One of his hands goes to his greatsword.

Xrochdyr huffs, flexing his wings. "Aggravating as he is right now, we might still require him to get out of this complex. Unless you believe there is too large of a betrayal risk."

T'kharr steps between Zsikhou and Quasziel. "Stop, both of you, or else you both wind up on a dinner plate."

Zsikhou looks up to T'kharr, then slides the dagger away. "Fine."

Mingzhu says, “It’s alright, Zsikhou. Now we know the angel fears.”

Quasziel looks to T'kharr, annoyed. "You should know better than to threaten me, mortal. But clearly you do not." Then he looks at Mingzhu. "Do not think I fear you, mortals. But I will not allow myself to be sullied or attacked by an evil mortal."

"Anyway" T’kharr looks around for where they can head from here. "Shall we head back into the inner ring, or?"

Mingzhu smiles, “It’s alright Quasziel… I know your name. That should be enough.”

Xrochdyr looks over, "I expect there's another section now unlocked that we could not go to before. If the layout on this place is consistent, then the levers are all on the outer ring. I expect the lever room Zarasszia could enter can still only be entered by her, or we can go to the new path."

Calmed down a bit, Mingzhu studies the situation. “We should clear out this section then go to the new section. we should leave nothing that can use the situation to get behind us.”

Xrochdyr points left of where they entered the current room. "Should be that way. We don't know what's there, so stay sharp, sssk."

Mingzhu looks at the rest. “I said my peace. Anyone wish to take other options?”

T’kharr reasons it out. “Ah. Let’s clear out this section, yes, then move onto the next." The companions head back in to clear out the rest of this section. That is if there is anything left to be done before heading back to the outer ring.

[Winterhawk99]

The group sees some dead demons on the ground. They are ripped to shreds. Most figure they are the Maurezhi that Xrochdyr encountered to get to the rest of the group. As they pass the blobs of goo, they see more demons ahead. The demons see them. T’kharr nearly shouts, “Okay, looks like we have more to clean up here.”

Mingzhu steps ahead of the group and casts Protection from evil on herself, “I can take the first blow. Those of my friends that need to get out of my range do so.” The Bless spell is still functioning, but Mingzhu’s Prayer has waned. The group gets ready for the onslaught. Zarasszia casts Shield. Quasziel casts Divine Power.

A shadow demon is the first to engage. It goes after Mingzhu as she. Is in the lead. It strikes her with its pitchfork. A shiver goes down her back and she feels weak. One of the Nabassu is right behind and strikes her with its sword twice she takes two grave wounds but stands firm.

The other Shadow demon and Nabassu go after Balan. The shadow demons pitchfork glances off the dragonborn’s armor but the Nabassu’s sword finds purchase inflicting a light wound upon the paladin. Balan in turn swings at the shadow demon. His sword goes right through it as if it were smoke. It laughs at him. A chasme attacks Mingzhu. It gives her another light wound in the shoulder, but the damage is adding up. Before she can even cast, she’s in grave trouble. Zarasszia casts a Suggestion on one of the Zovvuts. It works and is under her command now. She says to it, “I suggest you attack your former compatriots.”

Mingzhu casts Order Wrath. Unfortunately, it doesn’t do much to the demons. The spell however does daze both shadow demons, one Nabassu and one of the Chasmes. Mingzhu then tries to make her way back behind Balan and the other heavily armored among the group. Silgara casts Haste on Balan. Fwangzhu goes into a rage and attacks one of the Nabassu. His halberd rips into it giving it too deep wounds. Zsikhou goes to stab the Nabassu on Mingzhu and give that one two good cuts.

Quasziel casts Holy Smite on the demons. One of the Nabassu, both Zovvuts, are gravely hurt and blind. One of the Chasme is smote to death. The other Chasme chases after the retreating Mingzhu. He puts a deep wound in the shamaness. She falls to the ground unconscious and starts to bleed out from her wounds.

Nor’vee now gets into the game and shoots at the sorely wounded Nabassu. He gives it a head shot killing it instantly. Xrochdyr attacks the other Chasme putting some fairly good bruises on its face. The Zovvut under the succubus’s suggestion uses its draining gaze of the other zovvut. But the other resists and attacks its brother. It hits it both times but only puts scratch marks on it. T’kharr rushes to Mingzhu but there is a chasme in her way. She tries to hit it with her staff but misses.

Both shadow demons attack Balan. One of them knocks Balan back spraining his shield arm. Meanwhile, Mingzhu continues to bleed out. Quasziel strikes out sorely wounding one of the shadow demons. A chasme turns and attacks Quasziel. It puts wounds in his arms and the blood refuses to clot. Nor’vee takes on a chasm killing it with one shot and then he turns his crossbow on the Zovvut sending two more bolts into their stomach and chest. Xrochdry gets a couple of glancing blows on one of the Zovvuts and the other attacks it too. The two fight and scratch each other up. Then one uses its draining gaze on the other. It resists the draining effect.

T’kharr manages to get to Mingzhu and heal her. Mingzhu’s eyes light up and she starts to crawl to the rear of the battle. A shadow demon attacks Balan but only manages to scratch him. Balan puts up a maddening attack on the shadow demons but only manages to connect once. The sword finally penetrates it, cutting it clean through its body. The smoky body fizzles away into smoke. Mingzhu converts Airy Walk to Cure Critical wounds and heals herself again. That finally begins to close the devastating wounds she received. Silgara brings out her bow and manages to down one of the badly wounded Zovvuts.

Fwangzhu attacks the last Zovvut with his halberd putting a good cut in its shoulder. At the same time Zsikhou stabs it in the back. Quasziel lends a hand and finally downs the thing. The other demons alive are trounced by the combine efforts of the devil, succubus and Nor’vee. Now that all the demons are dead Quasziel casts Cure Moderate Wounds on himself Mingzhu converts one of her Summon Nature’s Ally 3 spells into a Cure serious Wounds and heals herself again. With three heal spells now her wounds are almost fully closed.

Silgara looks around the chamber, then looks forward, “Are we set to keep moving?” Mingzhu just slumps over and sits in a corner as a response. Quasziel casts Cure Light wounds on Balan to stop his bleeding condition.

T’kharr looks at the group and says, “We may need to retreat slightly and rest. Those last two battles took a fair bit out of us." While Zsikhou shuffles over to Mingzhu. Nor’vee keeps looking around nervously.

Silgara looks over. "Hasn't been overly long since we last set up camp, time wise."

Mingzhu looks up, “Now that many of the barriers are down will we be safe anywhere?”

Xrochdyr looks over. "That's a good point. Where you came from does at least have a defensible position, but ssk, it's a fair point."

Zsikhou flexes his claws. "There are other Yokai around here too." He sighs, "Loose charges. Though maybe one of the warded rooms ahead will ironically be safer."

“Aye rest...That sounds like a perfect plan at this moment.” Balan agrees.

Xrochdyr looks around, flexing his wings. "Probably best we don't do it here. There's barriers ahead that hopefully some loose charges can't get through."

"Alright" T’kharr looks around. "I think we can press ahead if that puts us in a more defensible position." They regroup after a short rest then press ahead.

[Winterhawk99]

They come upon another barrier. This one blocks Quasziel from entering but everyone else can move through it. The angel huffs, “An anti-good ward, I will see if I can go around." He turns left towards the inner ring, then goes into another barrier.

They look around at their new surroundings. They are in a dusty room. Perhaps some fight took place here , but this part is a wreck. There are two wards. One is directly ahead and the other is to the left. Quasziel emerges from the left entrance rejoining the group. "There are mostly wards against good in this section, but the one behind me permits good or chaos." He says.

Zarasszia looks over, the ward forward seems to block her. "Hrm, this one appears to be a ward against chaos, but I suspect I might be able to head around. I also think that the room ahead is one of the lever rooms."

Mingzhu takes her canteen and breaths it all, allowing her gills to open and filter out the blood. Quasziel looks to the barrier ahead, looking back "We can advance through here, mortals. Let’s not dally."

Xrochdyr looks around. "This room is surrounded by wards. It is safe enough to camp here if you need to recuperate." Mingzhu doesn’t hesitate. She slumps back to the floor and closes her eyes. Just before she does, she makes sure Zsikhou is beside her as she doesn’t trust any of the outsiders. Zsikhou is glad to provide snuggles and comfort keeps a firm watch.

T’kharr also sits and rests. They have to wait some time before they can truly rest, given how they haven’t spent much time before the last, despite the intensity. Quasziel seems impatient, but Xrochdyr and Zarasszia stand guard.

During the time Zsikhou and Xrochdyr banter. "Yokai, you look like you're plotting something. Whatever it is you have in mind, out with it." Zsikhou hisses, staring at Xrochdyr

The Abishai looks back towards Zsikhou "If you want to know, mortal, I'm thinking about what the paladin asked of me. How to free the contracts I have, or rather - had under my name. I've come up with two plans to do this so far."

Zsikhou narrows his eyes. "Really? You expect me to believe that? There's always a catch."

Xrochdyr shrugs his wings, then a huff. "Well, if you ‘really’ want a catch, one of the plans is extremely unlikely to succeed, and the other plan is likely to be highly dangerous and something you mortals would consider potentially morally repugnant, since it would require working with a Tanar’ri I know. And before you ask, present company not included in that."

Zsikhou huffs, looking to Xrochdyr, "You're right, that does sound more believable."

Xrochdyr shrugs, then looks away. "Unfortunately, both would require an ally who is capable of casting plane shift. So, unless that happens, those plans I have are entirely academic. I just hope you didn't expect freeing any soul from Baator, even ones I have a semi-valid claim on, to be easy."

Zsikhou narrows his eyes at Xrochdyr, flexing his claws. "Not for a moment, yokai."

Nor'vee ends up striking up another conversation with Zarasszia. "Yokai there thought at all about their new appearance? From last time we talked?"

Zarasszia looks over to Nor'vee. "I have admittedly not given it much thought. I do however expect even if I don't want to that mortals might give lustful stares towards myself once I am out of here. This would raise complications and I would rather avoid this."

Nor'vee looks over, narrowing his eyes. "Nor'vee heard you say you severed yourself from desire. But you know what you don't want?"

Zarasszia looks over, that monotone voice still speaking. "Desire is... complicated. As are emotions. We have them, we can't really control them. I thought... hrm... maybe there is something to finding out what I truly want from trying to realize what it is I don't. Thank you, mortal. You are quite insightful."

Nor'vee's ears twitch but then takes some distance from Zarasszia.

They rest for many hours when it is over. T'kharr, in addition to her normal rest and prayers, meditates over the events with the Marut, seeing if Ilmater will grant her any insight into what the situation was. She finds no direct divine inspiration. Nor does she get any feeling that Illmater is dissatisfied with her current actions and course.

Mingzhu looks around. “We should move on there is a spirit to save somewhere down here.”

Zsikhou looks to Mingzhu, then ahead. "Into the next room ahead, then?"

"Aye, Zsikhou though I fear there will be more demons."

Balan stretches, bones popping. “Ahh, that’s better.”

"Want this one to scout ahead then? If they can't pass the barrier, I should be safe." Zsikhou says.

Mingzhu slowly nods, “I guess it would be best. Be careful.”

Zsikhou nods then skips off through the barrier. After a time, he comes back, looking to the group. "Saw the room, there's a binding circle, as well as a forcefield of sorts. In the binding circle there's a wolf-lady of some kind. Noticed me immediately when I entered but seems trapped in there."

“Well, let’s go find out what this thing is then. Hengeyokai, were wolf, some other form of yokai.” Mingzhu slowly gets up sore from the last battle.

Silgara nods. The party goes to move ahead. Xrochdyr and Quasziel can go through the barrier. Zarasszia can't but... it seems she can move around and enter the room from another angle.

The companions find themselves in the room though, a humanoid figure with the head and body features of a wolf stands in a binding circle. Despite it, it has a regal, kindly appearance, to it, and wears simple but somehow elegant clothing. Her legs are clearly wolf-like. There's no aggression or malice in her expression as she looks over the party. "Visitors? I was hoping that no mortals would be caught in this dark and dismal place." She looks over to Xrochdyr "Though it seems you keep interesting company. A fiend no less, and..." She looks to the side as Zarasszia enters from another angle "A succubus? Is she with your group as well?"

Mingzhu studies it carefully. "For the moment yes and now who and what are you? I am Mingzhu a shamaness of Shou Lung."

T'kharr looks over the wolf-lady with a dipped head in greeting.

"Greetings, Mingzhu. I am Jalyndae, as for what I am, I am a Lupinal Guardinal, from Elysium" she says.

Silgara looks aside, "I can confirm, she is indeed a Lupinal Guardinal."

“What is an Elysium is it part of the celestial kingdom?” The shamaness asks.

Jalyndae looks over at Silgara with a smile. "I see, you are knowledgeable, mortal. Alas, my ability to aid any of you is limited, trapped as I am in this circle."

Silgara looks over. "Elysium is one of the upper planes, a place of pure good and harmony. Apparently, it is so perfect, so wonderful, that any mortal who steps there ends up losing interest in leaving the paradise that it is."

"Ah. We were searching this place for a nature-spirit that was said to be trapped here, perhaps you've overheard something in your time here?" T’kharr asks.

Mingzhu thinks then says, “So, it is closest to my way of thinking most likely.”

Jalyndae looks over at T'kharr, considering, then shakes her head "Nature spirit? Apologies. I have not been able to leave this room, so I know little of what is going on outside."

Mingzhu asks Silgara, “Can we mar the circle and release her?"

Jalyndae looks over. "If you could, I would greatly appreciate it. Though the circle and its wardings are quite intricate. Including a rather potent circle against evil. It meant that the demons who were around could not harm me, but alas, I am trapped here."

Silgara looks over to the circle, considering it. "Whomever made this is far more powerful than I … I don't know if I'll be able to break it."

Jalyndae gives her a sad smile "It's alright, don't blame yourself for my current predicament. Just try to focus on escaping yourselves."

Balan thinks and says, “I may have something that could do such things.”

Silgara looks at Balan. "What do you have in mind?"

“There is a divine spell that completely conceals one’s alignment.”

"Hrm... maybe that could trick some of these wards? I don't know..." Silgara considers, "That doesn't usually work for breaking binding circles though."

“It is a divination ward correct?” Balan asks not quite sure.

"Correct, while these binding circles are conjuration based, and the ones around here are abjuration based." Silgara says.

“Then...In theory it should work but I can only do it once.”

Jalyndae shakes her head. "If you can spare the aid, I would appreciate it, but don't spend too much on trying to save me that you neglect your own needs. I wouldn't wish any of you to remain stuck here."

“I would need you to accept the spell to be cast.” Balan insists.

Quasziel looks around, looking at the Forcefield. "I suspect one of the levers is behind that field."

Jalyndae nods, "I'd be honored."

Mingzhu looks to where Quasziel is going. “We could try the levers Balan instead?”

Balan stalls himself, “if you want to try that first, you can.”

Jalyndae looks over to Quasziel. "Yes, there is a lever behind that forcefield. I do not know what it does however, nor do I know any way to lower that field. I cannot leave the binding circle, and others who were here were not able to bypass it either."

Nor'vee and Fwangzhu hang to the side, Xrochdyr and Zarasszia seem to be studying the intricacies of the room. They also seem to note the binding circle, and the forcefield. Balan holds waiting to see if anyone can breach the forcefield. It seems no one can… at least not directly.

Silgara however, seems to study the magic on it, then she looks to the binding circle. "Hrm... the Forcefield is tied to the binding circle. It's a Wall of Force, I expect nothing can bypass it. But it's designed that breaking the binding circle should lower the Forcefield." Jalyndae frowns at something, perhaps something uncomfortable comes to mind for her., but she says nothing.

Balan asks, “Then, I should use the spell?”

Silgara nods to Balan, "Go ahead."

Jalyndae nods "In that case, if it helps you, then, yes." Balan approaches the circle and casts Undetectable Alignment on Jalyndae. She nods, accepting the spell. Afterwards, she tries to move out of the binding circle... but it doesn't let her escape. She frowns, "A valiant attempt, I thank you for trying."

Xrochdyr and Zarasszia, and Quasziel keep studying the circle, and the forcefield... Mingzhu sighs, “Maybe we will find another way.”

T'kharr also studies the binding circle. Xrochdyr looks like something comes to mind for him, but... he looks around, narrows his eyes at Quasziel, and says nothing, before looking around again. Mingzhu says, “It will be a good test because I fear the guardian spirit will be within a circle too.”

Quasziel studies the forcefield, and the binding circle, before looking at Silgara. "It seems that the Forcefield is tied to the Guardinal being inside the binding circle, to be more specific. So, if the Guardinal is removed, then the Forcefield should go down."

Zarasszia also studies the forcefield and binding circle, but then she just steps away, hard to tell what she's thinking, given her near perfect look of detachment and disinterest. Xrochdyr on the other hand, subtly looks rattled, pacing around with their wings and tail twitching some, but the Abishai says nothing. Mingzhu looks around, “Anyone have any ideas?”

Silgara also notes something about the circle but keeps quiet for now. Everyone seems to get silent very fast...That is not a good thing. They follow each other’s gazes while studying it. Mingzhu and Balan try to pick something up from the symbols: seeing what is going on but to them it’s only a bunch of weird symbols.

Quasziel looks at Silgara. "What is it mortal? Tell me."

Silgara shrugs, "Nothing that would help us right now. Give me some time." Xrochdyr notably seems agitated, staying off to the side. Zsikhou eyes him warily, then goes back to watching the Deva.

T’kharr puts her focus on the circle. She can see that this binding circle is more intricate than others, there's a considerable circle of protection against evil warding whomever is caught inside. It also has the similar flaw to the other binding circles in this complex, namely this one is meant to keep a good being trapped, but it will free them if they willingly undertake a very evil action.

Balan disrupts the silence. “I could attempt another spell, but I am unsure if it would work.”

At the same time Mingzhu asks, “What has you so agitated, Xrochdyr?”

Xrochdyr looks over to Mingzhu, narrowing his eyes at the moment, calculating something, then a huff "Don't worry about it." He waves her off.

“If it helps us to release her then I will worry about it.”

"Hm. It seems to be designed in much the same way as the others" T’kharr frowns softly.

"Yes, in that an act of evil will free her." Quasziel replies.

“I don’t want another celestial ending up like the angel especially one that comes from a place more near to my heart.” Mingzhu replies to that.

Xrochdyr looks at Mingzhu, narrowing his eyes at something, then a huff. "In that case, I don't have a clean solution for you."

Jalyndae nods, a frown. "Ah, so you did spot that. Yes, I am aware of the condition of my binding circle. Whomever set it up seemed to want me to do that to break myself free. However, I have steadfastly refused."

Mingzhu makes a calculation, “Is it possible for someone to replace her?”

Xrochdyr twitches … Jalyndae frowns, looking toward Mingzhu, "I would not entrap another to save myself, and even if you could, the binding circle would only trap a being like me."

"Hm. What would protect the circle from simply being dispelled?" T’kharr asks.

Quasziel looks over. "In order to progress. The forcefield with the lever we need is tied to the Guardinal being in the binding circle. That means one of the mortals with us could be killed by the Guardinal, and that would free them."

The shamaness frowns, “No one is dying over this. We have seen too much death over the last year. whole islands of death.

Jalyndae looks over to Quasziel with a frown, "That you would even consider such a thing is immensely troubling. No, that is a thing I will not do. I would rather one of you strike me down here and now if someone truly needs to be lost for you to escape this awful place." She looks over, a sigh, looking over. "Yes, I'm aware my living in this circle is fueling that force field. If one of you were to slay me, the force field would go down."

Silgara's eyes widen, she does a double take. Fwangzhu snarls, huffing, "That is messed up."

T’kharr looks at Silgara. “Can you figure out what stops someone from just blasting the circle into oblivion with dispelling magic?"

Silgara looks over "I... expect the circle's caster is a lot stronger than I am. But I can try it."

“One would assume...Yes that.” Balan comments.

"It's definitely worth a shot!" T’kharr says beginning to get excited.

Xrochdyr looks over, a huff, "Try the dispels, cast as many as you can. Better than other alternatives."

Zarasszia looks over. "I would offer but I am afraid I have not manifested that spell. I cannot cast it."

Silgara takes in a deep breath, "Right, I hope this works then..." She casts a dispel magic at the circle.

Cracks appear in some of the symbols, but the circle holds firm. Silgara curses, "Damn it, I think I actually ‘can’... but I'd need to cast a lot of dispels at this..." She casts it again. This time nothing happens. She huffs, "Okay... not ideal... that was my last one. Do... any of you have a dispel magic prepared? ..." She looks around.

“I am not able to...If I could rest again, I may be able to help with your magic but...That requires six hours.” Balan mutters.

"Then in that case, there is another option." Quasziel steps forward, going to grip the hilt of his greatsword. "I can send her back to Elysium by blade. The binding circle won't stop me."

Balan casts Peace Bond on his weapon. Mingzhu nods, “I would have to rest Silgara to employ the spell.”

Zsikhou looks over. "If it becomes absolutely necessary, I can perform the deed as well."

"Hm. Are there other places we can check on then return to this room?" T’kharr asks.

Jalyndae looks over to Zsikhou. "I suspect you won't be able to. I expect it will be warded against you.” But..." She looks to Quasziel "As for you"...

Mingzhu gets and idea, “I could also cast dismissal after resting?”

Quasziel looks over at Balan, annoyed.

"Unless there's some sort of self-healing woven into the magic....we could keep returning here and banging on the circle with dispels on a regular basis." T’kharr adds.

Silgara nods, "If we have time to spare for that, yes. I expect the wards are going to be up in this quadrant, but we can explore other sections."

"That was my thought, we explore other sections and then return packing more dispels when the next chance arises." T’kharr nods.

Jalyndae looks to Mingzhu. "That... would send me back to Elysium. It would help, indeed."

"And we keep the Dismissal idea around as well; it's not a bad one either." T’kharr intones.

Mingzhu smiles, “Well, then next time I rest I will prepare that along with dispel magic.”

Quasziel huffs, narrowing his eyes "Very well. But don't dally too long here, mortals. We've already wasted time. And the evils outside will not stop while you are dallying here."

Mingzhu looks dead in the Angel’s eyes. “Perhaps two dismissals are needed.”

Xrochdyr hisses at Quasziel "Can't you cast dispel magic on that circle?"

“How long have you been here angel several hundred years by your clothing. What are a few more days, weeks or months.” Mingzhu hisses.

T’kharr glances at Xrochdyr. He may not have that blessing at hand any more than I do" small chuckle.

Jalyndae looks over to Quasziel. "I do fear. Not you, but for you. The path you are taking. You are damaging your very being by walking such a path. It will not end well for anyone."

Xrochdyr narrows his eyes. "Somehow,... I don't believe that." He huffs, then looks away

"But if he does...he risks naught by casting it no?" T’kharr looks on perplexed.

"I do not feel like wasting time and resources on something that will not work. I am expecting progress against the evils arrayed here, not more stalling." Quasziel says.

"Well then, let’s move on and circle back to this." T’kharr utters.

Zarasszia looks over. "Returning around the outer wheel and back to the entry to the lever room I could initially enter is an option, and, ah, I see, you already thought of that." She nods.

"Yes, let’s return to that room." T’kharr says.

Quasziel looks over to Jalyndae. "And as for you, I do what is necessary for the greater good and to stop evils. You as a being of the upper planes should know what is necessary."

“You could humor us Quasziel and maybe help save yourself at the same time.” Balan states flatly.

Jalyndae gives Quasziel a sad smile. "And if one corrupts themselves setting out to do that, then one has already lost." She looks over at the party. "Well, good luck, mortals. I do hope you can escape from this vile place."

"Especially considering how it reacted to Silgara's first dispel...I could tell it was straining under the load." T’kharr says.

Silgara nods, "I'd have to get lucky, but I think I can do it. I'd just... need to prepare accordingly."

T'kharr leads the party back to the basement's entrance to explore Zar's branch of the Scriptorium.

[Winterhawk99]

Balan comments, “If we can prepare Silgara, I have a spell that may help your Dispels strengthen or weaken depending on how well they affect it.”

Silgara nods, "I'd appreciate it."

“I will ask for dismissal and dispel magics next time we rest. That should help.” Mingzhu adds.

They head back to the first room. The barrier doesn't let Xrochdyr or Quasziel through, but Zarasszia is able to pass. "Ahead is the room with the lever. There is an Erinyes and an Excruciarch there (pain devil). To the right are a number of Tanar’ri I expect will be hostile on sight." Zarasszia says, "I can't pass that barrier, but I think there is a way to lower the anti-chaos ward from the other side."

"I reckon we dispose of the fiends in the room on the right first given that we're fresh to do that, probably lure them back to this room?" T’kharr says.

"They cannot enter. Neither can I." Zarasszia says, "It's a ward against evil."

"Ah. If they're no concern now then, we move ahead." T’kharr replies back.

Zarasszia nods, "Good luck."

All but Zarasszia pass the barrier. They see two devils, An Erinyes and an Excruciarch. They seem to be looking at three black mirrors on the far side of the room. Silgara looks back, there's apparently a panel that can disable the ward from where you came from, so Zarasszia can come in the room. As soon as they enter, the Erinyes turns from the mirror and looks at you. The Excruciarch soon follows suit.
"Ah, some mortals. Unexpected, but not unwelcome. Perhaps you all and I can enter a mutually advantageous transaction." The Erinyes says.

"How about Erin-NO for an answer?" T’kharr answers.

Mingzhu studies the Erinyes. “Oh, another succubus or something.”

"Erinyes. The hellish equivalent to a succubus." T’kharr corrects.

"That's an Erinyes." Silgara says, "They're like the devil version of a succubus."

Mingzhu casts Protection from Evil. “They are all yokai.” T’kharr wards herself with Shield of Faith.

The Erinyes scoffs, "Oh please, I am not like some lowly Tanar’ri whore. But if any of you fine ladies or gentlemen don't want to end up spending an eternity stuck in this dismal dungeon, perhaps you should listen to what we have to say, hrm?" She gives an alluring smile. Silgara looks back, perhaps wondering if she should let Zarasszia in.

T’kharr seeing the tell says, “Go ahead.” To Silgara.

The Excruciarch then chimes in, "I know much of mortals and pain, what I can show you is most exquisite. You may have heard of all the torture of the hells. I can show you them in lurid detail. Or not, depending on how you handle yourselves."

Silgara nods, going to disable the ward. As the ward lowers, Zarasszia enters the room. The Erinyes and Excruciarch both look at her with obvious hate and distaste. The Erinyes looks over to Mingzhu and T'Kharr "Really? You have a problem with me and yet you lapse around with that Tanar’ri whore there? My, you can certainly improve your standards and taste, you know."

“Oh, we also have one of those devils and a fallen angel with us. But they could not make it here.” Mingzhu comments in a matter-of-fact manner.

Zarasszia looks over, that same blank look, and monotone voice. "I can assure you that my partnership with these mortals is not of a carnal nature nor have I any interest in doing such."

The Erinyes looks to Zarasszia. "If you are trying some tactic of being alluring by being hard to get, I can assure you, that it really isn't alluring at all."

The Erinyes smirks over to Mingzhu. "Oh, well, if you're comfortable courting with devils, then you should have no problem working with us, hrm...?"

T’kharr snickers with a nearly audible eyeroll, "Doesn't have to be, she and her extraplanar companions are just here to try to sort this mess of a place out."

“Sooooo what is the problem you bunch are facing? And I am not comfortable with any of you yokai. You all give me shives.” Mingzhu states. “Though I am becoming more tolerant of your presence which makes me even more edgy.”

Zarasszia looks over to the Erinyes. "While you are not inclined to believe me, my behavior has nothing to do with desiring to be alluring as it is with the realization that such is ultimately meaningless."

“Meaningless for an extraplanar creature that is.” T’kharr says shaking her head.

The Erinyes looks over to Mingzhu. "Well now, what I can say is there is a method to lower the wards keeping us all from escaping here, but how to do that? Well, if you want me to divulge more, I think we ought to come up with a deal. I can prepare a contract now." She gives an alluring smile.

Zarasszia looks over. "I have known enough about manipulation to realize that you are currently trying to entrap my companions in a manipulative contract. You would be better served by abandoning such a pursuit since it will not engender trust nor will it be actually productive if you do want to leave this place."

"Aye, the way this place is set up, playing your usual cards will leave you stuck here forever." T’kharr retorts.

Mingzhu simply says, “No thanks. We will try to figure all this out on our own. I do not like the will of mortals being subverted by the domains of Yokai or Kami.”

The Erinyes gives a smirk to Zarasszia. "And see, there it is. A Contract is how we can establish boundaries, respect, and where our partnership goes. But a Tanar’ri would never understand that, would you? You can't help but destroy everything you would want with your desire for nothing but chaos."

"Not with the infernal mess that is infernal contracting" T’kharr makes a barking laugh, "So. Many. Technicalities."

The Excruciarch gives a smirk, is it a smirk? "By all means mortals. Figure it out. Spend years here if you must. The pain of frustration is an exquisite one, one you will feel in full, unless you come to us seeking release."

Mingzhu studies the Excruciarch. “I really think you and the fallen angel need to get together. He’s the impatient one. Besides, I’m spirit folk. I am immortal barring something killing me in a few thousand years I will turn into a full spirit of the seas. But I do not suffer natural death or age." T’kharr takes the opportunity to survey the room thoroughly whilst the excruciarch and the erinyes filibuster. She sees an exit on the far side, and the one they came from. There're also the three black mirrors...

"And would that extend to the rest of your mortal companions? The Gnoll? The dragonkin? The kobold? Even the elf? You will be stuck here for a long time. You will get nowhere. You will feel pain. Exquisite pain. I can make it so much more exquisite so you would beg for the agony. Or my partner can ease those pains all the way..." The Excruciarch speaks.

Mingzhu sighs, “So, if you are done trying to make deals perhaps, we can work together to get out of here?”

T’kharr studies the far side exit. She sees another ward. It’s hard to see what is going on the other side. She does figure out that the ward is Anti-evil. She returns to the others and indicates so and that she cannot tell what is beyond.

"Mmh, well alright. It's a puzzle room of sorts. It involves these mirrors. Now if you want more than that mortal, well..." The Erinyes smirks.

Zarasszia looks over "Perhaps it might be best if I studied these mirrors myself first. Maybe some of you can assist with this. I expect it would be better than asking these baatezu for favors."

The Excruciarch scowls, "Really? Give a Tanar’ri free reign? I would sooner subject her to the most painful, agonizing tortures of the hells until there is nothing left and she begs for the lash, or begs for death..."

Zarasszia looks over to the Excruciarch. "I am no strange to agonies and yet I find such is ultimately an irrelevant pursuit. An over fixation on such ends up causing blindness." She looks at the companions. “Can you cover me while I look at the mirrors? I would but I do not trust these baatezu not to attack me if I expose myself.”

“Something like men pleasuring themselves too much......I've heard the tales.” Mingzhu smirks.

Fwangzhu, Nor'vee, Silgara, and Zsikhou look over. T’kharr nods, “Sure.”

"Oh, let this Tanar’ri whore do the thinking for you? Well alright mortals. I'll be here when you grow some taste." The Erinyes smirks. Zarasszia just ignores her, as she and her companions go to the first mirror, looking at it. Mingzhu goes with her.

[Winterhawk99]

Mingzhu looks deep into the first mirror. She sees a sacred tome that has the teachings of many who have walked the path of enlightenment to the end and attained it. Zarasszia looks into it. She shudders, “Hrm… all I see here is… Emptiness. Zsikhou looks into it. He visibly winces and shudders as he sees the storm mark that was once on his forehead broken now.

Mingzhu stares at the mirror for some time. Then goes to the next. Zarasszia also moves along. The companions follow at a distance. Zarasszia remarks as she looks into the second. "How... curious... I don't see anything at all here either... just... silence." She muses. Silgara looks into it and sees a great spell book with an infinite number of spells and spell recipes.

The Erinyes scoffs, "Really? Now I know that is a thin lie, succubus. I know what it is ‘your kind’ want."

Zarasszia just looks over with that monotone voice. "You can look over my shoulder to see what it is I am seeing in the mirror here."

Mingzhu sees a peaceful village, idyllic, in perfect harmony with the forces of both nature and society. She looks away and walks to the third mirror. Zsikhou looks in the second mirror, there he is, surrounded by adoring kobolds, with a tribe, and with a Tun Mi Lung watching above, proud and happy for them. He seems quite shaken by what the second mirror shows, and clearly needs a hug he quickly goes to Mingzhu's side. Silgara looks over at the second mirror, it seems there's a sort of elven court, with some other sun elves being shamed, but still extended a helping hand. She shakes her head …

Mingzhu then turns toward the final mirror. It shows her someone… scared, powerless? But mostly scared. There is something uncomfortable about the reflection. She quickly turns away, sits down and meditates on all that she saw. Zarasszia seems to watch the mirrors with her usual detachment.... The others begin to peer into the mirrors too.

Fwangzhu looks at the mirrors, first one shows an axe for him, second, shows a nice, idyllic village, with no lords or rulers in sight, just people living in a community... and the third, shows a raging animal, not the hybrid form, just a rabid badger lashing out at everything. Nor'vee looks at the mirrors next, first one shows a pendant, richly engraved... the second, shows a colony of Nezumi, close, safe, prosperous....
Third shows shadows all around a foreboding emptiness...

Silgara looks into the third mirror, shuddering, then quickly turns away. "I think I'm starting to see the pattern. First mirror shows what one is, second shows what one desires the most, third shows what one fears the most?" T’kharr says glancing to the third mirror as Silgara looks into it. Silgara's third mirror seems to show her, a lone sun elf, forever outcast and broken. T'kharr takes a moment to put an arm around Silgara's shoulder after she returns from seeing the third mirror. Silgara looks at T'Kharr, gives an appreciative nod.

Zarasszia looks to T'kharr, a nod "Almost right. These all deal with desire. The first two, I believe you are correct. The third... the third deals with, I think, who one is if we were to lose our desires. What is left then."

Balan concentrates and asks more than says, “The mirrors are meant to break your soul then?”

"That is a good theory as well" T’kharr says to Zarasszia with a nod.

The Erinyes looks to the succubus, scoffing, "Ridiculous. That cannot be what the third mirror states. I know what we are willing to sacrifice to achieve our goals."

Zarasszia looks over to the Erinyes and Excruciarch. "Precisely why you could solve this room, and the puzzle, but could never accept it. It is clear that neither of you can or will give up what it is you crave, which is why the solution remains out of reach."

"Hm. If it wouldn't be too much for you Zsikhou, perhaps you can take a glance at the third mirror? Would help verify our theories." T’kharr asks. Zsikhou looks over, a nod, looking to the third mirror... He looks over, and sees a Kobold, in a dark cave, alone, forgotten, and shunned by the world around them, done everything they can, and now, there's no place for them in the world anymore.

Balan steps up to the third mirror first. He sees a dragonborn who is… not a paladin. Just an ordinary person. There is no great crusade against evil, no good fight, No holy symbol. Just someone with a sword gathering rust and forgotten. He sputters, “That is… That does attempt to break one’s soul.”

Silgara looks over. "So, what's the solution then? We each saw the mirror images."

The Erinyes smirks "Oh my, now you wish to know how to progress, then? Well, you can always deal with me."

Zsikhou snaps at the Erinyes, "Just shut up. I will stab you both." He seethes.

The Excruciarch looks to Zsikhou "What you saw brings you such exquisite pain. Even what you desire most brings you pain. Because you know you can never have it, no? Or maybe you could, with our help..." Mingzhu places her hand on the Kobold’s arm.

Zsikhou growls at the Excruciarch, like he really needs a hug is a step away from murdering them outright. Then he looks at Mingzhu, giving her a slow nod.

Zarasszia looks to Balan. "I believe, given the commonalities observed in this facility, you are right. All of us who were in proximity to this setup were beings of desire in some format. I, a succubus, who once craved stimulation and pleasure in all cases, an Erinyes who is similar in that regard, and the Excruciarch can only care about pain in all its forms, along with inflicting it."

Balan moves and sits with Zsikhou in silence. Zsikhou just remains quiet, moping some. Nor'vee looks over to T'Kharr "Well, what is the solution then?" Then he looks over at Balan and Mingzhu.

"I'm not sure what to...extract from what we know in order to progress. I can try the mirrors if that'd help us though?" T’kharr insists.

Mingzhu shakes her head. “It is an illusion my little friend, just an illusion. A reflection of giving you all you desire then crushing you with the loss of it.”

Zarasszia looks over to T'Kharr "If you wish, you can. I think I have enough information to solve this, though."

The Erinyes chuckles, "Oh this is rich. The Tanar’ri whore thinks she can solve it so quickly? Well, do go on then. When you fail, I'm sure these mortals will come right to us." Zarasszia looks to T'kharr to see if she has any input.

"I think that we can try solving it at least, and if we need more data, then I can make a go at the mirrors. So go ahead" T’kharr says to the succubus.

Zarasszia nods, "Right, the key is the third mirror. In my case, in the first mirror, I saw superficial things, appearance, pride, and I suspect that what I saw in the second mirror is gone because I have dissociated from my desires. Now for the third mirror, I expect the solution is a relinquishment of what it is one desires most, and what remains. So, if I go to the third mirror, believing and presenting that nothing truly matters at all, it should solve it."

Nor'vee looks over, chiming in. "Um, is Yokai-lady sure that is right?" He shuffles on his feet. "Given what we discussed about you choosing an appearance for yourself... are you sure calling everything meaningless is the answer?"

Zarasszia looks over to Nor'vee, considering, then simply asks in her monotone voice. "Possible. But do you have another solution?" Nor'vee looks to T'Kharr, Mingzhu, and Balan... perhaps seeing if any of them have input.

Mingzhu frowns, “I am unsure. To say truth. This is a cruel place. I would think you must embrace the third mirror to solve the puzzle or stand firm against it with the resolve of knowing who you are. Perhaps shattering the third mirror with your convictions and opening the barrier. Those would be my two best guesses.

Zarasszia looks over to Mingzhu, "What convictions are those, that you say I have?"

“I do not know your heart Zarasszia. you seem to be empty of purpose.” Mingzhu responds.

"I have given up on my desires because I know they are meaningless." She gives a noncommittal shrug. "Do you believe there is anything else?"

“Yes, if everything is meaningless to you then you have lost all purpose in your life. You are lost in a void that only you may be able to crawl out of.” The shamaness insists.

T’kharr mumbles, “I do not yet have another solution.”

Mingzhu asks, “Do you wish me to call a spirit? if so Balan needs to throw a zone of truth. and we must weigh the questions carefully.”

"Such a spell as I have observed is limited by what the called spirit knows and believes. Given where we are, I doubt they have any insights that could help, even if they could be made to tell the truth as they knew it forcibly." Zarasszia shrugs.

“That is very true Zarasszia.” The shamaness agrees.

“I cannot do that spell until we rest...And it would hinder my ability to help with Silgara’s dispel after that as well.” Balan reminds everyone.

"Fair. Let’s try what Zarasszia thinks the solution is. We should be able to gain some insight from the result even if she's off base, no?" T’Kharr suggests.

Nor'vee looks to Balan. "Spells aside, do you have any insights as to this... mirror puzzle for Zarasszia? Don't know if saying nothing matters is the only answer..." He squeaks.

“From what all have seen...It shows you are your worse fear and your best hope but being one’s self is the most important thing.” Balan suggests.

… Zarasszia looks to Balan, considering. "What is being oneself? I'm a succubus. My true self before was a monster that only cared about domination and my own pleasure at another's expense."

“Your true self is what lies in your heart now Zarasszia.” Mingzhu answers.

“And now you are not that. You are perhaps choosing a path you were not born into or put on.” Balan responds.

She considers... "What is that path then? If not the realization that everything is meaningless?"

Balan looks up a moment then goes back to her. “Perhaps just being humble with yourself and not giving into your fear or temptations.”

"By disconnecting myself from desire, I'm not giving into fear or temptation." Zarasszia replies.

Mingzhu shakes her head. “Let me ask you. Why did you disconnect yourself. What was the reason you did this? There are other reasons, other emotions than fear or temptation. for Xrochdyr it was guilt. He felt guilt and that is how he became broken.”

Zarasszia looks over to Mingzhu, considering for a time. "It was part of the experimentation that Abaddazzar put me through. But it was... I was shown no matter how much I craved or indulged, I never actually got me anywhere. I was trapped in a never endless cycle of indulgence without any meaning. And I came to the realization that it was only making me miserable. The only things that ever drove me drove me to not wanting to do that. So... that's how I broke."

The shamaness questions, “In other words he force fed you meaninglessness and so eventually..........you believed it.”

"It wasn't a matter of force feeding per say, it was more a matter of engineered scenarios where I ended up coming to the conclusion myself." Zarasszia replies.

Mingzhu stands. “Let me ask you then Zarasszia. A man saves a young boy from drowning in a river. That young man grows up, marries has a family and they have families. His protege grow to 100 then 1000 then 10,000 some become great engineers, wu-jen, city officials and because that young boy was saved it was imprinted on many of his prodigy that in having life one should help others grow, save others that need saving. Was that one act of saving a boy...…...meaningless?

... Zarasszia considers, it seems she has a tough time coming up with an answer... Mingzhu simply nods after Zarasszia's hesitation. “Life is not meaningless Zarasszia. It only becomes meaningless if you force it upon yourself...… or someone forces it upon you...... imprints it within you.”

"Hrm.... then... what is the answer here...?" Zarasszia considers. "The third mirror involves giving something up, or an assessment of what one is without their greatest desire. So, from that perspective, what is left in my case?" … The Succubus's normal monotone and impassive expression falters, like this kind of introspection is utterly alien to her, and difficult.