Potions and things (Afina)

[Ebiris]

Was Willah one of those nymphs that only flourished in a crowd, that forever defined herself by the enchanted reflection in the eyes of her of paramours rather than creating an identity for herself? Or is she just sad that she doesn't have a horde of pretty fallen angels to boss around anymore? Afina's curiosity on the matter is purely academic, regardless. "Probe her thoughts, then," she asks, fluttering alongside the wizened githyanki. "Find out what she knows of Bleakcrest Fortress and Harkin's defensive arrangements."

[Anastasia]

Vul'lath makes a strange symbol with his hand and utters twisting words of draconic. "It's done. She's not even resisting the spell," Vul'lath says, "Excellent."

"She knows that she hates it being such a stereotypical evil name," Vul'lath chuckles dryly, "The work of a boring mind. He has considerable defenses but she's not intimately aware of them. Hellfire Engines, though they're often away or held back of fear of you," His lips curl up into what could be a smile.

[Ebiris]

Fear of her? Harkin rather overestimates her then, since her anti-golem capabilities are fairly limited. Though since those aren't immune to magic she can do more with them than she can with a lot of other golem types. She does roll her eyes at Willah's commentary on the Bleakcrest name, though.

"This from the woman that renamed the Gloaming Wood as Nymphburn? What about his defensive pacts, what aid will he call on if pressed?"

[Anastasia]

"He will call on devils and aides," Vul'lath says. "They have been ordered not to summon one another in such a situation."

[Ebiris]

"Who are Harkin's most powerful aides and devil supporters, then? What are their capabilities?"

[Anastasia]

"Several," Vul'lath says, "Several cornugon who are also unholy paladins," Vul'lath says, "Erinyes sorcerers of natural talent and power. A diabolical speaker dedicated to Hell's agenda and priesthood. All are ordered to be on standby for his summons, in case of Aurora attack. Not to mention whatever other soldiers are nearby."

[Ebiris]

Honestly nothing that sounds terribly threatening, though Gathgorian showing up would of course be the real danger. The other thing to get would be geographical information, though just as Afina's local knowledge was vital during the attack on Soulsworn Gorge or whatever overly edgy name Willah had given the place, perhaps they have someone here familiar with the place. "Ask her what Bleakcrest Fortress was before Lifasa fell?"

[Anastasia]

"Oh, now this is interesting," Vul'lath says, ":It's in the middle of an artificial lake on an artificial island," he says, "Though it's not terribly far from the ocean."

[Ebiris]

Afina's own geographical knowledge of Lifasa outside of her home isn't the best. "Is this an artificial lake that was made after the invasion or before?" she asks.

[Anastasia]

"After," Vul'laths ays, "I should be able to pin it down with a map and a few spells, I'll handle it."

[Ebiris]

"Thank you, I think we have enough from her," Afina nods. "We'll find out where it is, get some information from people who lived there before, then see about making a decision."

[Anastasia]

Okay, next move?

[Ebiris]

While Vul'lath does his side of things I'll check through all out other prisoners to see if any of them have ever visited Bleakcrest Fortress in person, see if we can get some specifics about its layout that way.

[Anastasia]

> roll 1d100 luck check
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 luck check --> [ 1d100=5 ]{5}

Luck is with you. A prisoner from has, Vul'lath scanning them, "This one's promising, he served there," Vul'lath says, as the barbazu glares ahead hatefully, but does not move or otherwise react.

[Ebiris]

"That simplifies matters," Afina says. She could use planar binding to abduct someone that's there now, but that could tip Harkin off. "Have him draw a map - or pull the layout from his mind to draw yourself if that's simpler. Dignitaries quarters, guard posts, escape tunnels, spellwork. Don't worry about specific guards, I don't expect that to be current but the structure shouldn't have changed much."