The Noose of Ililsus

A brief overview of your recent trials and tribulations:

A return to Ttumal after your adventures at JKLK nets you a new friend...one of Silus' old buddies. This leads you to the captain of the Black Shrimp, which leads you to some old Skedics with a power boat. A journey back to the Temple of Ptelas, then the Briar Rose town, and now you have a complete set of dragon armor and dragon bone swords.

It seems that the items left at JKLK helped you unlock the curse/spell that had hidden away Esai's weapons and armor, although there is the lingering possibility that it is merely his return which allows these things to be uncovered. By now you have concluded that Styphon of Dragonwright fame is synonymous with Esai-En-Dar. And also most likely the cause of the Cataclysm. And the cause of the destruction of the Skedic homeworld. And...

Again you journey back to Ttumal where you confront Silus' friend about his local dealings and discover that this road leads back to Ililsus and Anskut at Marhund. These are names you haven't come across since your initial dealings with Hasder, Omunis, and Zog. You debate whether to pursue Esai or go for the "lower" level henchman (or even to pursue Echo). Since Ililsus is a high ranking bad-ass locust demon, Anskut seems like an easier target.

You drag DB to Marhund and set out to find Anskut. Instead, something finds Farallon and leads you all to a temple where, at the last moment, you decide to scoot out the back and avoid confrontation. The group concern was whether or not this was a trap. But whose trap?

As I understood your reasoning, Esai was luring you to his henchmen in an effort to reclaim parts of himself so that he might be more fully resurrected. Of course, this perspective was largely that of Farallon's. So, how do you confront Esai or his allies without risking giving him the power he seeks? Can these weapons be used against him? Could it have been someone else?

Maybe an even bigger questions: What is it that Esai/Styphon wants? Can this be used against him? If you have to fight Anskut (a Baalrog) how can you beat him?