Set in

We're at Old Bae with the Oceanic Ate on retainer for one day, alongside "The 58" (actually 53). Zedd has left the Freelanders to serve Hrothulf in Cleaveland, but first gathered intel on the Black Castle. The castle sits on newly terraformed, potentially unstable land with a ¾ mile radius of desolation around it. The structure has a glasteel dome top and is built on a large cooling plate with no subterranean access. The Codex mentions an incomplete solar cannon meant to attack the gods, but it was dismantled. Ego suspects some Teresiases may have supported the cannon builders. Darnit, a Blue Veil test subject, confirms it only works for one person at a time. The castle, possibly Vardum-infused, has only front and back double doors for entry, plus second-floor balconies with iron spikes. Slenn maintains control through fear and holding hostages in the castle. Attack plan: - Dorinda and Serafina will plant invisible bombs at the doors and do recon - Hrothulf will give an inspiring speech on Poyraz or a firemare - The Magpeople (The 58) will launch a frontal assault - When bombs detonate, Hrothulf will swoop over on Poyraz while the rest enter through the dome (requiring two bombs) or other entrances on griffins - Goal: Find and destroy the control center quickly Hrothulf believes Slenn's overconfidence will work to their advantage, though The 58 will face significant danger. Speed is crucial for success.