Options and hopes (full party)

[Anastasia]

Moore takes the time to cast divination. He receives the following phrase: "Stand ready."

[Nephrite]

Easy enough to do! Moore'll stay on guard for what will inevitably an interesting time.

[Corwin]

Having provided the Gate for Aurora to expand and travel to Astral, Jaela remains in the war room. Unlikely as it is that they will need another Gate for a swift escape, she should be there to provide for the possibility. And with the room's scrying ability, she could monitor the situation outside the walls and direct reinforcements should those be needed far more efficiently than from anywhere else.

[Merc]

Ithea awaits near the gates with Afina, wanting to get a close personal view of the destruction that will surely follow in short order.

[Anastasia]

Jaela prepares in the war room. Adrian is with her, leaning against a nearby wall with his arms crossed. His gaze is dark and lingers on Jaela for a time, but he says nothing.

As Moore watches by a window, "Who the fuck are you?" The voice is female, strong and rather annoyed.

Afina and Ithea are at the gate. They're joined by Sylvie, while the entirety of the Graceful Blow, including Mirima and Misalea, hang back just a bit. The entire army is in a state of readiness, waiting in case they are needed.

With all in place, Baleruk leads the golems into the Astral Plane. The shredstorms falter and stop once out into the Astral, unable to advance. The others aren't slowed down at all, racing ahead and lead by the prismatic dragon. Like a tidal wave they rush into the fortress. Baleruk's fivefold breath tears into it as he crashes through walls, golems spreading out around him. A scene of carnage plays out before you, the fortress being smashed before your eyes. There's no sign of immediate response. Not even lesser devils erupting from the fortress to challenge the attackers.

[Corwin]

"Left as a trap, probably," Jaela says softly to Adrian, observing through the war room's interface. "Afina was right on the money."

[Anastasia]

"Like...son of a bitch." Adrian straightens suddenly, "'Small guerrilla tactics, bait and carefully planned traps. This is starting to remind of us our strategies."

[Ebiris]

natural flight doesn't work in the astral?

Afina sighs and goes to collect the shredstorms via floating disc while keeping an eye on the destruction before her.

[Corwin]

"While we're growing overconfident," Jaela agrees grimly. "Let's focus on that part in the near future, while training the troops. We're a lot stronger now than while starting out, but we're still the underdogs where it comes to the devil higher ups."

[Nephrite]

Moore's attention is turned from what's going on outside to the voice. He turns, smiles and offers a small bow, even before he really has any idea who the person is! "Hello! My name is Moore. I'm here to assist Aurora!"

[Anastasia]

It does not, Afina. Your movement is equal to your Intelligence score * 10. Mindless creatures can't effectively move in the Astral.

"I like to think we've had the advantage for a little while. Not even the traitors are an overwhelming threat now." Adrian turns to watch the images of the fortress, each strike tearing it down further, Baleruk and the golems heading towards the green spire. "But there's still whole other realms of power. We need to remember our strengths and know when to run rather than to fight."

The person behind Moore is indeed a woman. She wears heavy stone full plate armor and has short cropped brown hair. Her gaze is defiant, a hand on her hip, "Then why the fuck are you in here instead of out there? Get your ass moving!"  She strides forward, towards a nearby portal.

Sylvie joins Afina and helps gather the golems. "Haven't awakened them yet?" she asks quietly.

Meanwhile Baleruk and company are tearing more and more into the fortress. It's a slow but steady grinding, the outpost being reduced before your eyes.

Listen check, Afina and Sylvie.

[Nephrite]

"Oh, um... Well, I was given orders last time, but I can go with you, Miss...?" Moore trails off as he goes to follow the intense woman.

[Anastasia]

"Dana," she snaps, "Now stop pussying around and drag your pixie dust dripping ass out there!" She grabs Moore by the arm and starts to march off to the portal. "Shit, I'm two minutes late and I find people treating it like a mother fucking stage play!"

[Nephrite]

"Sorry! I'm kind of new at all of this, I'm not really an official member yet -- well, nevermind the details. You lead, I'll follow, Miss Dana!" Moore yells. "Two minutes late for what, though? I thought the dragon and those constructs were doing everything."

[Anastasia]

"Like that'll stand. Besides, don't you want to be close to the fucking action?" Dana demands as you go through the portal, ending up in the entry hall. She heads out of it at a brisk walk. "Now come on!"