<br/>(https://heavenawaits.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/image98.png)<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>And thus you neatly highlight the multi-horned dilemma we encounter. Any demon lord of sufficient status to earn us respect for attacking is also strong enough that we will not be able to withstand a focused all-out retaliation assault. Malcanthet could pose us a grave danger directly, and if she is persuasive enough to convince Demogorgon to intervene on her behalf, we are utterly doomed. On the other hand, the status gained by such a raid is rendered impotent if we cannot claim credit, so I leave the particulars of this element of the plan up for discussion.<br/><br/>Regarding the inner defenses, there is one potential informant I intend to question personally - Xinivrae, formerly a rival for Malcanthet's throne and now bound and imprisoned within the Dreaming Gulf. She may be able to tell us much about Shendilavri's inner defenses and guardians. The Radiant Sisters and Malcanthet herself are the two primary dangers we must counter aside from the palace's innate protections.<br/><br/>Very loosely, a two-pronged assault would appear to be our best chance of success, comprising of an infiltration group and one or more diversionary forces. The infiltration group would enter the palace itself disguised or otherwise undetected, and be charged with the actual penetration and looting of the vaults. The diversionary group or groups would serve to draw and keep the attention of Malcanthet and her attendants by presenting a threat or challenge - the entire Abyssal layer extends far beyond the palace itself, and wreaking sufficient havoc among the verdant paradise she has built there would demand a response. Finding a countermeasure to the powers of her throne would be ideal, but luring her outside to defend her domain would also suffice as long as she perceives no danger to the palace directly.<br/><br/><br/>