[h2]The Hi-Hat Crew, Nox[/h2]

Once again, Shivani orc'd out at any opposition from anyone. This "do what I want or you'll get me sword" nonsense was [i]not[/i] endearing anyone to her. Xiangshi was nearly done with this shit, but decided to pointedly ignore Shivani as she vented, lashed out in impotent rage, and cried at what appeared to be a crude sketch of a family of catpeople.

Once Hi-Hat was sure that everyone was through the portal, he called over the teleporter. As the device flew through the portal, the portal closed with a disappointing "wop". Hi-Hat gingerly picked up the teleporter and turned to face the group.

"Alright, guys: we'll split up into two groups. Doctor Facilier, you're with me and Xiangshi. We'll head to the castle, and warn the people inside of Shadow Eternity. Shivani, hunter guy, you're with Shazay. You'll head into the forest with [i]this[/i] bag of salt." Hi-Hat procured a decently-sized pouch of rock salt and tossed it to Sir Frederick Selous. "Find some good tactical positions, so we know where to open the portals. Once they're placed there, we'll wait for Shadow Eternity to attack before opening them and sending the necromancer forces in. It'll be a two-pronged attack: one from the castle inhabitants, one from our forces. With any luck, Shadow Eternity will either be slaughtered or bug out."

Xiangshi nodded. It was good to be away from Shivani, though this meant that she wouldn't get a chance to covertly give her her comeuppance. However, Shazay was a nice enough fellow. Maybe she'd learn to calm down and understand humility if he saved her from some spooky forest creature. Maybe.

Shazay nodded. He particularly liked Sir Frederick Selous, though the dirty looks he kept giving all the black people in New Orleans was sort of unnerving. It might have just been his imagination, however.

"Unless you've got any questions, we'd best move out," Hi-Hat said, moving in the direction of Castle Tepes's immense gate. "c'mon, Facilier. Let's hope the king of this castle understand the meaning of 'volunteer work'."