Moontalk (Moore, 85 days left)

[Nephrite]

Moore laughs at that. "Don't worry, I've been taking to remember exact details for these sorts of situations."

He will repeat 27's message for her and, once done, make his own commentary again.

"It should be no surprise Afina is going to face Gathgorian, but I think if he's denied access to his help she can beat him without any trouble." Moore says. "There are a variety of concerns in the message, especially about the days we have."

[Anastasia]

"That one troubles me the most," Balyss concurs, "Hell may be planning something, they know we're on a clock now."

[Nephrite]

"Let's see... a score of something is 20, right? So half of that is 10. So if we started with 90, then that would be after 80... So we have 5 at least. Either way, I don't think anyone was going to wait until the final day for our operations... but still, that's something to pass on to Gisfal and the others, I think." Moore says. "Still, it'd be good to know exactly how much time we -do- have so we can try and preempt anything... do you think Selune could shed some, aha, moonlight on that?" He asks.

[Anastasia]

Balyss kneels and closes her eyes, silent for a time. When she speaks it is in another voice, one cool and calm. She glows with gentle moonlight as she intones, "Bel has bet everything. His throne is not secure, not any more."

[Nephrite]

"So he is racing to not just defeat us, but also to fight back against those who are taking advantage of the situation." Moore says with a nod. "In such a race, he is likely to make follies... but we can't bet on those... Would you say fortune would be with us if we strike in the next week, or do the likes of Taelfagn cloud that too much?" He asks. His tone is quiet -- respectful.

[Anastasia]

"Strike when you are ready," Balyss says, starting to float up off the ground, face glowing so brightly that you avert your gaze. "Use the absolute light if you must, but triumph."

[Nephrite]

Moore blinks. "I... ..." He clears his throat, then simply nods. "...Are we still safe -- well, as safe as we can be, to attack Salem Dizal? I mean to say, is Hell still in operation there?"

[Anastasia]

"Hell is there, but Hell was there," Balyss says, "Strike as you will."

[Nephrite]

He nods again. "Is the Grim Fiend one of Asmodeus' direct servants?"

[Anastasia]

"Yes," Balyss says, silver moonlight filling the chapel, surely shining outside of it now, spilling out. "Beware the Grim Fiend Aesmadeva, for he stands at the right hand of the King of Hell. Beware him, for he is the personal blade of the Lord of the Ninth. Prepare for the Ashmaida he leads. Prepare for war should they come."

[Nephrite]

Moore nods, noting the names. They'll have to... do something about that.

Take 10 on K:P for 76, are the Ashmaida likely the other eight to round out the 'nine of the nine'?

[Anastasia]

Correct.

The Ashmaida are the Executioners of Hell. They serve to destroy those who have personally offended Asmodeus. They are nine Nessian Pit Fiends of the highest stature lead by Aesmadeva, the personal bodyguard and confidant of the Lord of the Ninth. They have slain arch-devils, demon princes and even the occasional high celestial or slaad. They are direct, immensely powerful and a threat of the highest caliber. In addition, each carries a shield made from one of Tiamat's scales. Except for Aesmadeva, they are identified by the color of the shield they carry. The Azure and Sapphire Ashmadia, the Emerald and Jade Ashmadia, the Ebon and Onyx Ashmadia and the Ashen and Sallow Ashmadia.

[Nephrite]

Then all they can do is prepare. "Is there any avenue we have yet to explore that we still have time to? It seems like almost all of our allies are stepping in, but I wonder if we have left a stone unturned in our focus." Moore admits.

[Anastasia]

"Prepare yourself now, not others," Balyss says, then slowly descends to the ground. She stumbles backwards as the light goes out, Stille dashing to her to catch her.

[Nephrite]

"Thank you, Moonmaiden, for your endless blessings on us." He says with a smile and a bow. "Hopefully one day I can wield my own light the way you do." Moore says as she leaves, looking over to Balyss afterwards.

"That can't be easy. I'm sorry." He says with a frown.