A blessed homefront

[Ebiris]

"I put little stock in his methods, but the fear at least is real," Alicia says. "Bel and Gathgorian's ascensions are part of Hell's own plans to combat Shar, powers outside the structure of the nine lords, with more of a free hand. They can't rule over us if we're all dead, so the thinking goes. And they can't rule if they're dead, to put it in more simple terms of self preservation. Shar is no friend to Hell."

Which given all that happened early on in Aurora's crusade, they should all be extremely grateful she never reached out to them to lend a hand. Would have made the problems with Helm and Bahamut pale in comparison.

[Anastasia]

"There's an easy to follow logic there," Westwind agrees as that's mulled over.

"So succinctly, you need Aurora as a safe base inside of Shadow," Morniel summarizes, "That's the truth of it, and our aid is merely a happy addition to that?"

"Let's not undersell ourselves," Ebony speaks up here, "But I suspect you are not wrong. None of us could defeat Saint Alicia or Shar in a battle, or even come close. That does not mean we do not have a role to play, even if a primary point is Aurora's support."

"We can pretend to be hurt later," Sage Vul'lath says, tone sour, "We've known the entire time that Aurora itself is immeasurably valuable."

"It is as the wise sage says," Morniel agrees, "I mean no disrespect by my words. Properly defended Aurora makes a perfect foothold into any plane. It is a fact we have used to our advantage many times."

[Ebiris]

"Aurora is valuable as a safe harbour in hostile territory," Alicia nods. "The first of Shar's defences is the infinite shadow - imagine the most fearsome undead shadow you have ever faced, only it's an endless tide of them. Slaying one is a challenge for a solar, the sort of foe that requires a fight rather than a casual blow or single spell. And there's no limit to them, they can be killed over and over and it doesn't matter, they keep reforming with one appearing at will to attack every warrior on the field. An army is of no help against such foes."

[Anastasia]

Hanna's expression becomes drawn and pale at that, "That's the first defense?"

"This is no trivial battle," Ebony says, "Let us not forget that we have only faced the minions of the divine. Powerful they may be, but our rare encounters with the true evils remind us we are still mortal. The defenses of the divine at home, in their greatest strength, are vast."

"I've heard of it," Gisfal speaks up, "It's the same as the legions of solars you might fight if you seriously challenged Morwel, as well as the Children of Liberty. Whatever number two is, I'm sure it's worse."

[Ebiris]

"Balyss fought them recently, when Selune led an assault on Shar after she was chastised by the judgement of Daa-vid," Alicia goes on. "She survived, but barely."

"Unfortunately we don't have defences like that for our home, being new deities..." Marie begins before she gasps and puts a hand to her mouth. "Oh! Don't tell anyone I said that though."

"Anyway," Alicia gives Marie a sidelong look at her tension defusing attempt, "Such are the nature of Shar's defences. Aurora's nature makes it ideal for offering succour against such threats. You'll be able to help us with recovery and healing, but we wouldn't expect you to face such horrors on our behalf."

[Anastasia]

"You understand that we must discuss this amid ourselves," Morniel states, "Before we do, is there anything else to be added?"

Hanna smiles faintly at Marie's admission.

Ebony side eyes her, "We're working on it," She adds, "I understand Antenora's investigated Inevitable style legions of constructs and golems."

[Ebiris]

"Golems have worked well for Aurora," Alicia says after Ebony's comment before addressing the command staff. "We'll leave you to your deliberations and you can let me know your decision through Ebony. The timetable hasn't been finalised but this will happen within the month."

[Anastasia]

With that done you head out. Ebony follows you and once out of Aurora?

"Matters continue to grow more grave?" she asks, plainly.

[Ebiris]

"For all our successes, our enemy isn't idle," Alicia nods. "Things could come to a head faster than we anticipate. I'm hoping we can do more to tilt things in our favour before this attack - too much relies on it."

[Anastasia]

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Ebony kneels, "If I can take any of this burden, say the word."

[Ebiris]

"Come back to Sylica after Aurora makes its decision," Alicia says. "We need to plan for how to draw out some tricky prey and some extra insight will be valuable."

[Anastasia]

"I will obey," Ebony agrees.

[Ebiris]

Okay, lets go home and wait for Aurora to get back to us so I can get back to Mystra?

[Anastasia]

You return home and...

Quick d100.

[Ebiris]

[19:48] <@Ebiris> roll 1d100
[19:48] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=26 ]{26}