A storm on the silver sea (Everyone)

[Anastasia]

"I have explained the situation to celestial agents of Domiel," Morniel says, "They understand it was an unforeseen accident by all sides - even that of the devils. I am not aware precisely how much other forces know," Morniel says.

[Corwin]

"Let's tell the other major allied party, at least," Jaela voices. "I also wonder if calling it an accident is a good idea. It sounds similar to what Lixer's minions did at the Crypt. If this is their usual tactic, they could employ it again, so this is a good chance for us to get the insight of pretty much everyone involved in how to shut it down and fast next time."

[Yuthirin]

"That was us. Sorta. We made a short-lived rift into Limbo that SHOULD have just interrupted spellcasting with wild magic but the devils and did SOMETHING and then there were explosions and we tried to get away and then suddenly everything smelled like the number eight and then we were in the astral." Calleigh explains. "But it's nice to see the relationship between the yugoloths and the Devils deteriorating. The Adversary wanting to keep the rift open can't possibly bode well for further cooperation" she says carefully. " Or something like that."

[Nephrite]

"It feels to me like we should at least send some contingency force against the astral dreadnoughts. They seem like the most likely candidates for disrupting attempts at sealing the rift." Moore says. "Perhaps some coordinated attack against them to drive them off between our group and possibly Sir Domiel's?" He suggests.

"But, even beyond that, we should certainly take steps at eliminating whatever of Hopelorn is left over. There's no good that can come of their continued existences." Moore says with a small frown. "That's what I think so far, anyway."

[Anastasia]

"It will be done," Morniel replies to Jaela.

"Agreed," Gisfal rumbles, "Time is of the essence. We need to move and strike swiftly."

"In light of that," Morniel looks around, "Are there any more questions?"

I'll move this along tomorrow if no has any.

[Nephrite]

"For what it's worth, if there's a diplomatic endeavor to perform, I'll help out if we don't have other people assigned." Moore says. "Other than that, no, but I'll leave the planning to everyone who's actually in charge." He says as he settles down to await further instructions.

[Merc]

"I have none. Switching out with Afina seems pretty straightforward, I can fill the desired role easily enough," Ithea replies.

[Corwin]

"How far into the rift are we moving Aurora, before we split into groups?" Jaela asks. "All the way to the center? Staying just outside and spreading out to cover dozens of miles doesn't seem doable. And if we're heading in as one huge group, do we keep Smith in reserve even in the event of devil attack? Do we respond just with Anvil?"

[Ebiris]

"Anvil guards Aurora, the rest sortie into the rift either to hit the centre and close it or to support our allies by engaging targets like those dreadnoughts," Afina says. She doesn't like taking a mere support role but delaying has sacrificed their ability to take charge here.

"We can't take Aurora into the rift itself, there's too much risk of the corruption of the astral spreading into our demi plane. It's too slow besides."

[Anastasia]

"Agreed," Morniel murmurs, "I have been in discussions with Elena and Galariel about it. They do not think it likely, but a rift of this size is something Medi never saw."

Okay, I'd like a revised battle plan, y'all. If this is contingent on coordinating with allies and diplomacy first, say so.

[Ebiris]

Quick and dirty plan assuming no coordination with allies: Hammer and Smith go into the rift, fight their way to the centre, spam miracle/wish/dimensional anchor. Anvil guards the base.

But that will probably be changed by new facts on the ground and the need to help allies who are probably further along on this plan than we are on ours, so yeah. Plan subject to change basically as soon as we arrive.

[Corwin]

Let's arrive next to Celestia's forces and see about pushing on.

[Anastasia]

Alright then.

From there, the party travels to the Astral. The trip shakes - a strange melange of images blurring past outside Aurora as it travels. Strange things, disturbing and disorienting. Then Aurora floats in light, the Silver Sea all before them. Ahead is black and whirling energies, a massive rift throbbing and pulsing. You can see celestials charging in and out of it, troops constantly on the move. Besides Aurora floats a large chunk of land, buildings and tents taking up all of it. Celestials - archons and angels mostly - cover everything there, working away.

"We have arrived," Morniel announces, "Shall we make contact with Celestia?"

[Ebiris]

"I'll remain here to command our defences," Afina says, excusing herself as she rises up from her appropriately sized chair.

[Anastasia]

"Very well," Morniel says, "Who will come with me?"