Knowledge shall lead the...

[Corwin]

Seira lets her divine will out, ensuring that the war room they are gathered in is absolutely secure from eavesdropping and visitors.

"Thank you for coming," she tells Xera and Zariel. "The reason I've asked you to come as soon as was feasible was because we've had several breakthroughs on our end. If all goes well, I expect we'll be making our move to rescue Yemimah from the Iron Tower in two weeks' time." She nods at Amaryl, adding, "These are the members I was thinking for the rescue party, especially since Zaphkiel believes stealth will be paramount. We could invite Kascha or Oraga, or even both, but I don't know if we need a larger group to sneak around. Do any of you have an opinion on this matter?"

She doesn't stop there, however. "As for the reasons why this is now feasible, due to high-level diplomacy between Zaphkiel and Asmodeus that I was involved with, we will be receiving entry into the Iron Tower, a limited key to get around there, protection from Dispater's detection and, most importantly, Asmodeus will be sitting this one out."

[Anastasia]

Xera nods calmly, "Then we have a huge advantage."

"Yes. All we need to reckon with is the Lord of the Second and his many minions," Zariel retorts sharply, "As well as the Iron Tower itself. But - it is a huge advantage."

To this Amaryl agrees with a little nod before, "I believe it will come down to Dispater, and if we avoid him or not. Do you agree, Seira?"

[Corwin]

Seira nods her agreement. "Zaphkiel doesn't believe I can take him down at this point, especially within the Iron Tower. I tend to agree, but there are two exceptions to this general idea. I believe I can negate if not outright take out an avatar of Dispater, given that I was able to hold my own against an avatar of Shar on Shadow. And secondly, I'm considering bringing Arondaaq."

That depends on whether a suitable sheath could be found within the time remaining, of course, but it does provide them with some scary options.

"Also, this is not all the advantages we have. I've done some networking, and gained several leads. I would like you three to pursue them within the next two weeks. The first is a name, Melcharda. Apparently, he lives very quietly on Fire, in a free community of salamanders called Ssslar. My information suggests that he's an malebranche who had a messy divorce with Baator. He's not the slightest bit reformed, but he's tolerated because he extracted a favor of protection from Imix. He sells information to the highest bidder, and my source was very confident that Melcharda has information about Dis. His information network is apparently good enough that a few mercane houses come to him for purchases."

A pause to allow Amaryl, Xera and Zariel to process this, and Seira says, "Syrea in Limbo is another possible information source. My information suggests that she has information about the Iron Tower."

Seira materializes a glass of fruit juice and takes a long sip out of habit rather than a true need before proceeding. "Next is a matter of getting across once we're within the Iron Tower. Another of my sources suggested that while the Iron Tower has a network of portals, but they are mostly a meaningless diversion. However, he has heard rumors of a second network, as well as an entire city hidden in the Iron Tower. I will attempt to secure that information, but the above two contacts may provide us with the required information. What I do have at present is a path into the Iron Tower, and I'm hopeful that it gives us a decent starting point to plan the rescue.

"Finally, I am providing half a million Cauldron Golds to bankroll you, as well as temporarily redirecting a full fourth of the realm's resources to provide you the added pull you might need with the various contacts."

[Anastasia]

"I've heard of him," Zariel says, "Of Melcharda. I'll have him approached properly."

"I'll handle the one in Limbo. Is it a slaad or something else?" Xera asks.

To the last Zariel considers, "I've heard wild rumors of what's inside and how far it goes," she says, "Even devils who have served there, if they dare speak of it, don't agree."

[Corwin]

"I realize we may not have enough information to make a perfect plan, but let's do our best to prepare with what we do have."

Seira uses her divine power to see whether more information about Syrea can be made available. A race, a face, maybe a narrowed-down location?

Alter reality or miracle to get a variant on the various knowledge spells that appeal to deities. Let's see if I can get something. Boosted knowledges (taking 10) are over 120 in case that also works.

[Anastasia]

Just as a refresher, did you get anything on him besides a name before?

[Corwin]

She, and no. The Authority of Portals told me that she might know more about the second portal network in the Iron Tower.
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104349.msg1161782.html#msg1161782

[Anastasia]

It is a beautiful slaad, dressed in red to match green-red skin. Tall too - taller than Hanna at the least, but slender. It's froglike, alright, as you'd expect.

Syrea isn't a true slaad, but a mortal who became one. She's technically a unique outsider and mostly keeps to herself, as well as earning her living by selling information.

[Corwin]

"Oh! A mortal who became a slaad. Looks great if pretty generic for the species, green-red skin, prefers to dress in red. An information broker, so finding her on Limbo won't be difficult even though she's a bit of a loner. And if you Send to her to arrange a meeting to purchase information, I suspect that becomes even easier."

[Anastasia]

"That can be done," Xera agrees, "Is there anything else we need to know, mother?"

[Corwin]

"Nothing relevant to the expedition, Xera. However, if you get the chance, work on your force of personality and how to project it. I've recently discovered some esoteric uses for it that I should be able to teach you once we have more free time."

[Anastasia]

"Oh?" Xera asks at that, "It'll be done."

[Corwin]

"Let's get this done," Seira tells all gathered.

If there are no further questions, let's regroup with Donald and Ranbar!

[Anastasia]

Getting Donald and Ranbar together isn't dreadfully hard and...

Go ahead, what's your aim here?

[Corwin]

"It's your time to shine," Seira tells the pair without preamble. "You've been waiting for it, haven't you, Donald? And you've been thinking of ways to gain strength, Ranbar, isn't that right?"