>>40265005

“I kind of meant to tell you earlier. But I guess I kind of like started waiting for the right time, and then I kind of forgot,” you say. “But the moral is, that I’ve... you know. Kind of like, you know, been learning a little bit of blood magic. Like. A little bit more than a little, I guess.”

Isaac drums his fingers against the table. “She saw you use blood magic,” he says. You feel that he’s not exactly happy to hear your news in the way he’s hearing it, and that feeling has a way of making the room feel colder than it is. (+3 Stress: 50)

You rub your teeth together. “Yeah,” you say slowly.

“You told me you were studying the basics,” says Isaac. “Blood magic isn’t the basics.”

“Well. I was, kind of. But Xanissil just does a lot of Zeshic stuff, and I started asking about it one day, and now I can do it too,” you reply. “So... the basics of blood magic were included in there, I guess, in retrospect.”

Isaac tenses for a moment, inhales deeply, and sighs. He forces himself to relax. You watch cautiously, trying to read meaning into all his little movements.

“She was pretty cool about it afterwards though,” you say, hoping the information will turn the scales in your favor. “I mean. I think she’s cool with it if you’re cool with it.”

“Count your many blessings,” Isaac says to himself. “I’ll talk with her. We can handle this.”

“About her though,” you say. You give him a brief rundown of what happened, including all details of crazed violence and collateral damage. “I get it why you didn’t want people like her coming in to save the place from Meckor. She’s insane,” you tell him. “You have to get her out of town. You’re the marshal, can’t you order her away or something?”

“I can, and I will,” says Isaac. “It’s not the way I wanted this to go, but this is where we’re at now. This is two close calls already, and I’m not chancing a third. She’s overstayed her welcome.”

>>40265014

Score. You think. It seems like Isaac is of two minds about this thing.

“I was going to head over to Waldric’s den and check in about the whole Axos situation,” you say.

“You’ve been a big help,” says Isaac, “but I think you should step off the gas on this one. Worry about your road trip, all right? Get out of town for a few days and give everything a chance to settle down.”

You snort. “That’s the plan,” you say. “Not like I’m going away forever, though. Gotta keep on the bleeding edge or whatever.”

“A highschool degree doesn’t mean you’re ‘all grown up’ yet,” Isaac says, rolling his scroll back out, his brow furrowed with thought. “Your biggest worry should be your portfolio for art school, not trans-planar political maneuvers.”

>Trying to get rid of me, huh? Well, it’s not going to be that easy. You’re getting postcards from every freaking gas station from here to St. Louis if I have anything to say about it.
>Don’t even go there. It’s summer, I shouldn’t have to think of school for at least like, five months.
>I don’t know, all this feels more real than college does. I mean, what’s college when you’ve got shadow superpowers?
>You were in bootcamp at my age. If you could handle that, I think I can handle the whole responsibility roulette.
>Hit the road. You have to get busy with stuff if you want to get out of here and on the road any time soon.
>Hey, you’ve been kind of busy with your whole magic cop thing, but I’ve been kind of wanting to ask you about something. I tried to get a straight answer out of Wolfgang, but he just said to talk to you.
>Other (?)

>>40265041
>>Trying to get rid of me, huh? Well, it’s not going to be that easy. You’re getting postcards from every freaking gas station from here to St. Louis if I have anything to say about it.

>>40265041
>Trying to get rid of me, huh? Well, it’s not going to be that easy. You’re getting postcards from every freaking gas station from here to St. Louis if I have anything to say about it.
>Hit the road. You have to get busy with stuff if you want to get out of here and on the road any time soon.

>>40265041
>>Trying to get rid of me, huh? Well, it’s not going to be that easy. You’re getting postcards from every freaking gas station from here to St. Louis if I have anything to say about it.
>Hit the road. You have to get busy with stuff if you want to get out of here and on the road any time soon.

>>40265041
>Don’t even go there. It’s summer, I shouldn’t have to think of school for at least like, five months.
>Hey, you’ve been kind of busy with your whole magic cop thing, but I’ve been kind of wanting to ask you about something. I tried to get a straight answer out of Wolfgang, but he just said to talk to you.

>>40265041
>Trying to get rid of me, huh? Well, it’s not going to be that easy. You’re getting postcards from every freaking gas station from here to St. Louis if I have anything to say about it.

>Hey, you’ve been kind of busy with your whole magic cop thing, but I’ve been kind of wanting to ask you about something. I tried to get a straight answer out of Wolfgang, but he just said to talk to you.

>>40265041
>>Trying to get rid of me, huh? Well, it’s not going to be that easy. You’re getting postcards from every freaking gas station from here to St. Louis if I have anything to say about it.

But seriously

>Don’t even go there. It’s summer, I shouldn’t have to think of school for at least like, five months.
>Hey, you’ve been kind of busy with your whole magic cop thing, but I’ve been kind of wanting to ask you about something. I tried to get a straight answer out of Wolfgang, but he just said to talk to you.

>>40265041
>Don’t even go there. It’s summer, I shouldn’t have to think of school for at least like, five months.
>Besides, trans-planar politics, violence, and intrigue is like my muse or something.
>Hey, you’ve been kind of busy with your whole magic cop thing, but I’ve been kind of wanting to ask you about something. I tried to get a straight answer out of Wolfgang, but he just said to talk to you.

>>40265041

>Trying to get rid of me, huh? Well, it’s not going to be that easy. You’re getting postcards from every freaking gas station from here to St. Louis if I have anything to say about it.

>Hey, you’ve been kind of busy with your whole magic cop thing, but I’ve been kind of wanting to ask you about something. I tried to get a straight answer out of Wolfgang, but he just said to talk to you.

> I can't just pretend this stuff isn't happening around me, you see. I can go focus on my portfolio, and then get wasted some day because of who my mom was, or caught by someone else like Sattler just because of what I am. Getting involved and staying involved seems like a safer way out than not being prepared.

>>40265041
>>Hey, you’ve been kind of busy with your whole magic cop thing, but I’ve been kind of wanting to ask you about something. I tried to get a straight answer out of Wolfgang, but he just said to talk to you.

So are we going to be riding in the car and pestering everyone by playing bad music or were we going to ride our motorcycle and get bugs in our teeth?

>>40265370
Car! And we'll be playing the greatest undiscovered indie music ever known to man!

>>40265370
Motorcycle! We can take turns with people in the car.

Where was Nevada's grave again?
Fresno or something?

>>40265041

>Trying to get rid of me, huh? Well, it’s not going to be that easy. You’re getting postcards from every freaking gas station from here to St. Louis if I have anything to say about it.
>Hey, you’ve been kind of busy with your whole magic cop thing, but I’ve been kind of wanting to ask you about something. I tried to get a straight answer out of Wolfgang, but he just said to talk to you.

>>40265041
We should ask Isaac if he wants to come to the axos debrief, see if he knows anything about that merman guys dealings

>>40265675
Near Fresno, yeah.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/39612961/#p39612982

>>40265041
> So, uh, by the way I kind of got made at the scene by one of the duchess' kids. Hehehe, uh, yeah.

Everyone is just going to gloss over the fact that we let this dude go? Maybe, just maybe we should deal with that so he doesn't fuck us over before going on the Beach Episode?

>>40265814
Though I don't think its stated if its Fresno California, Fresno Texas or Fresno Ohio.

>>40265041
>Hey, you’ve been kind of busy with your whole magic cop thing, but I’ve been kind of wanting to ask you about something. I tried to get a straight answer out of Wolfgang, but he just said to talk to you.

>>40265814
>>You’re surprised at where she’s at – someplace down near Fresno, by the looks of it. It’s a ways away.
>It’s a ways away.
>3-4 hours drive
>a ways away.

>>40265884

California most likely, considering its where the family seems to have been spending it's time.

>>40265907
What about >>40265884?

>>40265041
FUCK YEAH! HELLBORN QUEST!

>>40265867
No, we're doing the slice of life episode now. Wacky highjinks, Vikrama comes out to Rowan, and Baron dies because we protected our Cabal but not the people around us.. Also, Baron finally touches a boob.

>>40265929
As >>40265919 stated, California seems to be where the Beckhoff's where situated, so that is the most likely contender until OP provides more info.

You shouldn’t have to think about school for at least like, another five months. It’s summer. “Trying to get rid of me, huh?” you ask, smirking. “Well, it’s not going to be that easy. You’re getting postcards from every two-cent gas station from here to St. Louis if I’ve got anything to say about it.”

“You’re going to St. Louis?” says Isaac, sounding surprised.

“I don’t know, maybe,” you say. “The road plan is still in flux.”

“I have a couple old friends in St. Louis,” Isaac says. “You might have a place to stay if that’s your turnaround point.”

“Now when you say old friends, is this friends that are old, or friends that’ve been friends for a long time?” you ask.

“They’re often one in the same,” he replies, chuckling.

Old people creep you out. You don’t know if you’ve ever met anybody old other than your aunt, and she’s been dead for years. “I’ll bookmark it then, I guess,” you say, maybe unwillingly.

You think you’re about ready to leave, but then you realize you haven’t actually had much one-on-one with Isaac for a while. It’s always family stuff with other people around, and you have something you’ve been meaning to talk about. “Hey, you’ve been kind of busy with your whole magic cop thing, but I’ve been kind of wanting to ask you about something. I tried to get a straight answer out of Wolfgang, but he just said to talk to you,” you say.

Isaac makes a weird face that reminds you of Rowan’s when you crack your more off-color jokes. “You’re both adults,” says Isaac, cautiously, “and I know you like him, but there’s no rush. That part of yourself is... very special. And it sounds like Wolfgang realizes that, so don’t push him.”

>>40266028
The oath was for no actions against the fief. Baron is considered part of the fief, I think, because he's a resident of San Francisco.

>>40266103

“That’s... eughk, no,” you say, feeling somehow violated. “I meant you being demonbane or whatever, geeze. You and advice about things – that’s... I can figure that kind of stuff out on my own.” You shake your head to free yourself from the disgusted chills shivering down your spine. “Wolfgang’s just like. Really afraid of you. And he wouldn’t say why, and now I’m asking you why.”

Isaac’s eyes darken, and he kneads his brow with his fingers. “There’s no reason for him to be afraid anymore,” he says abruptly.

You narrow your eyes suspiciously. “Anymore?” you ask.

He frowns. “We weren’t always called demonbane,” he says quietly. “The real name for half-angels is nephilim – sons of gods.”

Huh. “So what’s that got to do with Wolfgang?”

Isaac is quiet for a moment before replying. “Some things happened a long time ago,” he says. “Things I’m not proud of.”

You feel a sinking feeling in your gut. “Things like...?”

“The kind of things that make a nickname like demonbane stick around for decades afterward,” he says gruffly, sounding somehow different than you’ve ever heard him. He gestures toward the door. “You should go check in with Waldric.”

>I’ll... go do that.
>Come on, you don’t trust me? All the crap I’ve done, and you don’t think I can handle whatever BS you’re sitting on?
>All right. You don’t want to talk about it, just say so. Maybe later, I guess. Or not. It’s cool.
>Hey. I mean. I guess I don’t know, but... you’re still you, whatever’s so bad. That doesn’t make you helping me out mean less to me or whatever.
>Other (?)

>>40266103
Hehehehehehe

>>40266129
>>Hey. I mean. I guess I don’t know, but... you’re still you, whatever’s so bad. That doesn’t make you helping me out mean less to me or whatever.

>>40266129
Can we roll to try to hug him?

>>40265907

You say this as if 'a ways away' can't mean different things to different people. If you live in Wyoming, you don't get anywhere in two hour's drive. California has a lot of things going on around the Bay Area.

>>40266129
>Hey. I mean. I guess I don’t know, but... you’re still you, whatever’s so bad. That doesn’t make you helping me out mean less to me or whatever.

>>40266129
>Yeah, ok. I know what it's like having stuff you don't want to talk about.

>>40266129

>Hey. I mean. I guess I don’t know, but... you’re still you, whatever’s so bad. That doesn’t make you helping me out mean less to me or whatever.

>>40266129
>I’ll... go do that.

>>40266129
>>Hey. I mean. I guess I don’t know, but... you’re still you, whatever’s so bad. That doesn’t make you helping me out mean less to me or whatever.

>>40266103
>Isaac makes a weird face that reminds you of Rowan’s when you crack your more off-color jokes. “You’re both adults,” says Isaac, cautiously, “and I know you like him, but there’s no rush. That part of yourself is... very special. And it sounds like Wolfgang realizes that, so don’t push him.”
This is perfect.

>>40266129
>“That’s... eughk, no,” you say, feeling somehow violated. “I meant you being demonbane or whatever, geeze. You and advice about things – that’s... I can figure that kind of stuff out on my own.” You shake your head to free yourself from the disgusted chills shivering down your spine.
This makes it even better.

>>40266129
>Hey. I mean. I guess I don’t know, but... you’re still you, whatever’s so bad. That doesn’t make you helping me out mean less to me or whatever.
>Also if you wanted to grill Axos about his dealings this Hauster this is your chance

>>40266129
>All right. You don’t want to talk about it, just say so. Maybe later, I guess. Or not. It’s cool.
>Hey. I mean. I guess I don’t know, but... you’re still you, whatever’s so bad. That doesn’t make you helping me out mean less to me or whatever.
>I’ll... go do that.

>>40266129
>>All right. You don’t want to talk about it, just say so. Maybe later, I guess. Or not. It’s cool.

>>40266129
>All right. You don’t want to talk about it, just say so. Maybe later, I guess. Or not. It’s cool.
>Hey. I mean. I guess I don’t know, but... you’re still you, whatever’s so bad. That doesn’t make you helping me out mean less to me or whatever.

I love you papa bear

>>40266160
I just want to poke fun at her whole city-girl disposition.

>>40266129
>Other (?)
...And nicknames like "The Butcher?"

>>40266129
Man. First Isaac's all "aww don't go to the conclave thing that's bullshit just go have fun and be a kid" and then we ask about this thing and he just wants us gone and suggests we go to the conclave thing because he goes from 0 to 70 with guilt in 2 seconds.

That's a feelhammer.

>>40266129
>Hey. I mean. I guess I don’t know, but... you’re still you, whatever’s so bad. That doesn’t make you helping me out mean less to me or whatever.
>Other (?)
>Y'know, you've told me that it's how you deal with your burdens that's important, and trying not deserve a name like that, well it matters.

You don’t like seeing this part of Isaac, but you guess you understand it. “Hey. I mean. I know what it’s like to have stuff you don’t want to talk about,” you tell him, not really knowing what exactly your point is. “But... whatever’s so bad, it doesn’t make you helping me out mean less to me or whatever.”

Isaac gives you a thin smile. “Will you be home for dinner?” he asks, expertly changing the subject. You guess he has a lot of practice with Ro and Harvey.

“We’re going to plan out the trip tonight, actually,” you answer.

He nods. “Keep me and Cass in the loop,” he says.

You take that as his cue for you to leave without it being weird.

You get off the desk and head for the door, leaving Isaac with his suped up crossbow. “Hey, if you want to grill Axos about his dealings with Poseidon or whoever, now’s probably your chance,” you say.

Isaac’s already back to tracing through the scroll, attempting to find the place where he left off. “I’m happy to have Waldric’s people loosen him up first,” he says. “I don’t have the time to spare for an hours long interrogation. But thanks for the thought.”

“Sure,” you say. “See ya.”

Isaac nods once, and you head out.

--

Helmet under arm, you head up to the Crowther house (mansion?) and knock on the door.

>>40266877

Emmaline, the Crowthers’ housekeeper, opens the door, dressed in sedate clothing. She’s not exactly pretty, but she’s not exactly ugly either. And on the sliding scale of young versus old, you guess she’s also kind of in the middle, probably in her thirties.

“Hello Sierra. Come in,” she says, allowing you entry.

You step inside, kicking your shoes on the floor mat a couple times before discarding your shoes altogether. “How’s things?” you ask.

“Fine. Thank you for asking,” she says. The housekeeper beckons toward your helmet, and you hand it off. She places it by the hat rack for you.

You hear voices, all of which you recognize.

>Where’s Waldric at? I need to talk to him about stuff.
>Is Lucifer here? And if so, he’s not in a coma or something, is he? Cause I kind of want to talk to him.
>I didn’t see Wolf’s car, but have you seen him around? I guess he might have teleported back here.
> Do you totally make bank working for the Crowthers?
>Other (?)

>>40266894
>Is Lucifer here? And if so, he’s not in a coma or something, is he? Cause I kind of want to talk to him.
> Do you totally make bank working for the Crowthers?

>>40266894
>I didn’t see Wolf’s car, but have you seen him around? I guess he might have teleported back here.
>Where’s Waldric at? I need to talk to him about stuff.

Priority one is finding hot, magic, college boyfriend and acquiring makeouts, using Stepping of the Corner in order to pounce him through a wall if possible.

>>40266894
>Where’s Waldric at? I need to talk to him about stuff.
>Is Lucifer here? And if so, he’s not in a coma or something, is he? Cause I kind of want to talk to him.

>>40266894
>Where’s Waldric at? I need to talk to him about stuff.
Might as well debrief him first, get a handle on the situation and demand sweet compensation for having to deal with satter

>>40266894
>I didn’t see Wolf’s car, but have you seen him around? I guess he might have teleported back here.

>>40266894
>Is Lucifer here? And if so, he’s not in a coma or something, is he? Cause I kind of want to talk to him.

>>40266894
>>Where’s Waldric at? I need to talk to him about stuff.

op die?

>>40267800
He's fighting the Lawn

>>40267800
Languid is a slow typer. It also doesn't help that he has to constantly do battle with her evil lawn

>>40267890
> her?

>>40267920
Typo
>Or is it?

You’re a little curious about what Emmaline’s story is. She just seems to blend into the background of this place. But before you can work up asking her about it, you figure you’ll ask later. Or not. You have important things to do. “Where’s Waldric at?” you ask. “I need to talk to him about important stuff.”

“Waldric is in the lounge with Mr. Crowther, among others,” says Emmaline, leading the way for you. You follow along.

A moment later, you come into the place where Moriah runs her games with everybody. Except Mori’s not here. Waldric, Crowther, Maviel, and Ulam are present, all unglamored save for the man of the house.

You claim the davenport for yourself. Regularly it would be called a couch, but here it’s a davenport. That’s how the Crowthers roll.

“The Mourning Star herself returns,” says Waldric, an uncharacteristic smile on his face. It’s probably because Maviel’s cozied up with him – Waldric’s like a different person when she’s around. “See, Maviel? Not a scratch on her.”

“No, she has a limp,” says Maviel. She looks firmly at you. “What happened?”

“Got shot a little bit,” you say dismissively, stretching out on the couch.

Maviel gasps, her split-jaw dropping just slightly.

“It wasn’t so bad,” you say, enjoying her overreaction. (-2 Stress: 48) “I’m pretty much already better, it’s just a little sore. Gunshot wounds are overrated.”

“This is Sierra’s element. She’s handled far worse without issue,” Waldric tells his fiancée.

“Wounded in flesh, the essence mended all, still whole in itself,” Ulam rumbles, joining the conversation.

“True that,” you say.

Mr. Crowther clears his throat. “I have heard report that Sattler interfered with your efforts,” he says, leaning forward in his armchair, his gaze piercing.

“Interfered isn’t really the word I’d use,” you say.

“This again?” Waldric asks, sounding impatient. “Someone is feeding her information.”

“Although,” says Ulam, “whose injury does the guilty party seek? Sakheris’s? Yours?”

>>40268002

“Or Sattlers,” Maviel suggests.

You snort. “Please, she’s pretty much the T-1000. She was all whistling and blowing crap up with the sound of her righteous fury and stuff.”

“You can hurt someone without resorting to violence,” says Maviel, seriously.

Crowther holds up a thin hand to stop the conversation. “Sierra, if you would tell us your experience and thoughts.”

You tell them pretty much what you told Isaac.

“So what’s next?” you ask. “And where’s Axos, anyway?”

“Axos is in a managed situation for the time being,” Mr. Crowther replies, smiling without warmth.

“We’ll use him as leverage against Ushologuissa when the time is right. Even if she has no love for him, he’s a valuable asset to her operations here,” says Waldric. “You did well in bringing him alive – and whatever brought Sattler to the Stygian den, the destruction will keep prying eyes from looking too closely, at least for a time.”

He seems pretty smug about all this, but you can tell Ulam has reservations from the way he’s adjusting the dangling star jangles on his super religious hat sombrero thing.

>Make comment (?)
>How’s Lucifer doing? He looked kind of beat up when we got to him.
>It doesn’t seem safe having Axos around here. I mean, he kind of knows some sensitive information.
>Where’s Wolfgang? I figured he’d be in here hanging out with you guys.
>Is Mori here? I mean, she probably is, but we’re planning something and she’s kind of important.
>I’m actually kind of just dropping in to check in. I checked in, so. Yeah.
>Other (?)

>>40268018
>>Where’s Wolfgang? I figured he’d be in here hanging out with you guys.
>>Is Mori here? I mean, she probably is, but we’re planning something and she’s kind of important.
>>I’m actually kind of just dropping in to check in. I checked in, so. Yeah.

>>40268018
>How’s Lucifer doing? He looked kind of beat up when we got to him.
>Where’s Wolfgang? I figured he’d be in here hanging out with you guys.
>I’m actually kind of just dropping in to check in. I checked in, so. Yeah.

>>40268018
>Other (?)
"Hey Ulam, what do you think?"

>How’s Lucifer doing? He looked kind of beat up when we got to him.

>>40268018
>How’s Lucifer doing? He looked kind of beat up when we got to him.
>It doesn’t seem safe having Axos around here. I mean, he kind of knows some sensitive information.
Tell them how Isaac is planning on telling Sat to leave as well
>Where’s Wolfgang? I figured he’d be in here hanging out with you guys.

>>40268018
>It doesn’t seem safe having Axos around here. I mean, he kind of knows some sensitive information.
>How’s Lucifer doing? He looked kind of beat up when we got to him.

>>40268018

>How’s Lucifer doing? He looked kind of beat up when we got to him.
>Is Mori here? I mean, she probably is, but we’re planning something and she’s kind of important.

>>40268113
>>40268103
These

>>40268018
>Where’s Wolfgang? I figured he’d be in here hanging out with you guys.
>Is Mori here? I mean, she probably is, but we’re planning something and she’s kind of important.

>>40268018
>>How’s Lucifer doing? He looked kind of beat up when we got to him.
>>It doesn’t seem safe having Axos around here. I mean, he kind of knows some sensitive information.
>>Where’s Wolfgang? I figured he’d be in here hanging out with you guys.
>>Is Mori here? I mean, she probably is, but we’re planning something and she’s kind of important.

>>40268018
>Make comment (?)
"Don't get too smug Wally, you're probably going to have to deal with whatever gets thrown at the fief next without my handy ninja skills."

>How’s Lucifer doing? He looked kind of beat up when we got to him.
>Where’s Wolfgang? I figured he’d be in here hanging out with you guys.

What is Lucifer anyway? Belphegoran? Something else?

>>40268018
>Make comment (?)
Well, I'm kind of glad that everyone one is happy how this turned out. To be honest, I thought I ballsed this op up something chronic, seeing as I was hoping that to do this with out anyone noticing.

>>40268018
>Make comment (?)
Axos was waiting for me with floodlights. Seems like people who want to start shit are trying to take into account that there's a Verwelken in San Fran. What else should I be prepared for in the future?

>>40268018
>“You did well in bringing him alive
Ha!

>>40268018
>Where’s Wolfgang? I figured he’d be in here hanging out with you guys.
>How’s Lucifer doing? He looked kind of beat up when we got to him.

>>40268018
>>How’s Lucifer doing? He looked kind of beat up when we got to him.

“Sattler’s not going to be a problem for much longer,” you say. “Isaac’s going to banish her or whatever.”

“Finally,” says Maviel, sighing with exasperation. “Why he didn’t put his foot down sooner, I’ll never understand.”

You glance over at Ulam, who still seems pensive. “What’re you thinking about, big guy?” you ask.

The Stygian inclines his head and steeples his thick, gnarled fingers in front of his chest. “Axos gave in easily,” says Ulam. “He still had strength and power to make an attempt. The likelihood of an escape was small, but not insignificant. His brood mother might indeed be pleased by the news of his capture.”

Waldric smiles slightly. “I know, Ulam. It’s a gambit on her part, a gambit we can exploit,” he says. “The Grand Wyrmwrither grows impatient with our steadiness before her attacks. It is no cheap thrill to wage a war of influence between planes. Her impatience drives her to risk her few remaining pawns.”

“It is possible Ushologuissa reasons similarly within her citadels of bone,” Ulam counters.

“All things are possible in the courts,” Waldric says, making himself slightly more comfortable. “Yet, there is a space between knowledge and action. The countess may know much of what happens here, but this does not grant her power over my city.”

Maviel is completely captivated by Waldric’s savviness, and gives him a light kiss on the jaw. “Our city?”

“If it’s anybody’s city, it’s mine,” you say, sniggering to yourself. “It’s on my land.”

“Quiet, you. It’s poetry,” Maviel replies, sticking her forked tongue out at you. Kind of like a snake’s.

Wait. How is this news to you? Unless Wolfgang’s got a glamor on his tongue? Whaaaat?

You try to rid yourself of this thought. “Uh. Anyway, how’s Lucifer doing? He looked kind of beat up when we got to him. He’s not dead, right?”

“Beaten, but not broken,” Ulam replies. “He is in the guest bedroom.”

“What is he, anyway?” you ask. “Belphegoran? Uh. What kind of demons live in Mardusia, anyway?”

>>40269054

“Mardusia is a curious place, adrift and neutral – save for this fief, Mr. Crowther answers, giving Ulam a cryptic look.

“Lucifer is Tataran, I believe,” says Waldric. “Though it’s difficult to tell when a birth defect or Stygian sneaks in under the door, may present company pardon my choice of words.”

“Forgiveness flows from within as often as without,” Ulam says. You’re unsure of whether this is meant to be a slick burn or not, but you smile either way.

“Well, I just came here to check in,” you say, “and I checked in, so... I’m checking out.” You stand and adjust your jacket. Thoughts of forked tongues spring to mind. “So... is Wolfgang around here anywhere? I mean, I kind of assumed he’d be hanging out with you guys if he was, but...”

“He’s helping Xan with Lucifer’s injuries,” Maviel provides. “Moriah is lurking around someplace as well. She’ll find you.”

Waldric glances knowingly toward you. “Be free, Sierra. I think I’ll manage somehow without you, at least for now,” he says. He turns to address Ulam and Mr. Crowther. “The real question now is how to best take advantage of the removal of Axos’s base of power,” he says. “The vacuum won’t last long.”

They begin discussion again. Bleh.

You go toward the back of the house, more into the darker regions. The lighting here is kept dim for thematic purposes, you guess. Anyway, you come to the door to the guest bedroom where Ranthix was put up when he was almost dead that one time. It’s firmly secured. However, you can hear people talking from the kitchen. Sounds like Xan and Wolf.

“It draws out the impurities,” says Xanissil.

“It’s a leech,” says Wolfgang.

“It is a generations old tradition,” Xan argues.

“Advil works too.”

“Mortal medicine!” she exclaims “And they wonder why their lives are so short.”

>Slide into Lucifer’s room and chat. Waldric’s kept him pretty well hidden for the while he’s been here.
>Pop over into the kitchen to chat up Wolfgang and Xan.
>Other (?)

>>40269074

>Pop over into the kitchen to chat up Wolfgang and Xan.

>>40269074
>>Pop over into the kitchen to chat up Wolfgang and Xan.

Literally pop in. Through the ceiling.

>>40269074
>Slide into Lucifer’s room and chat. Waldric’s kept him pretty well hidden for the while he’s been here.

>>40269074
>Slide into Lucifer’s room and chat. Waldric’s kept him pretty well hidden for the while he’s been here.

We can acquire hot snek-tongue makeouts in a bit.

>>40269074
>>Pop over into the kitchen to chat up Wolfgang and Xan.

>>40269119
Supporting.

>>40269074
>Pop over into the kitchen to chat up Wolfgang and Xan.

>>40269074
If tehres a bit of shadow, step a corner and scare the piss out of them

>>40269074
>Pop over into the kitchen to chat up Wolfgang and Xan.
>Mention forked tongues

>>40269163
>>40269119
this

>>40269074
>Other (?)
If we go to Wolfgang and Xan first, mention that we could probably test whether or not leeches remove tainted blood by seeing if leech treated blood tastes different.

>>40269074
>>Pop over into the kitchen to chat up Wolfgang and Xan.

>>40269119
I too would like to support this maneuver.

>>40269074
>Pop over into the kitchen to chat up Wolfgang and Xan.
"Advil's made from willow bark I think. Humans stopped using leeches like, centuries ago."

>>40269541

You may be surprised, but we havent stopped with leeches. mostly for recent amputations. they help keep blood flowing in the severed parts.
also maggots to remove necrotic tissue.

You can never resist making a grand entrance. You double back so you can get around the kitchen from the other way. Once you’re in the eerie empty hallway all by yourself, you head up to the corner that leads into the kitchen, and slide on through. (-2 PP: 39)

You step out of the poorly lit corner, condensing the shadows there to make it look like you’re emerging straight out of the abyss. (-2 PP: 37)

Wolf and Xan are bickering in front of you, Wolfgang keeping a good distance away from the bucket Xanissil holds in front of her.

Xanissil’s voice sounds angry and strident. “-never attempted it, so your scorn reeks of ignorance and –“ she flinches when she spots you, yelping suddenly. “Agckh!” Verwelken tricks get her every time.

Wolfgang is not so easily surprised, unfortunately. You get him every once in a while, but not today, it seems. He smiles warmly. “I had a feeling you’d drop in,” he says. “We’re just talking medicine.”

Xanissil takes a second to recover from the shock, but when she does, she unleashes a scowl of Ranthix-sized caliber. “Magic, not medicine,” she says, waspishly. “Sierra. Tell your toy he is wrong, and that I am right, and do this immediately, I pray thee.”

Wolfgang groans. “Let’s not get into this. Sierra, this is embarrassing, but I need to go get my car. Mind coming along?”

“Better yet,” Xanissil counters, smiling toothsomely and sloshing the bucket in her claws side to side, “assist me with Lucifer’s injuries. I shall show unto you the way of mending the innards of the immortal frame.”

As much as deep knowledge of arcana and stuff is cool, snake tongues are also pretty cool, especially after Young Wolf was all like, whishaw, teleport power, whoosh shwoom.

>Say stuff (?)
>Other (?)

>>40269595
Sure, but would she know that?

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>>40269644
Oh good lord. Sierra is really interested in this tongue thing, isn't she?

>>40269665
would Sierra know aspirin is a willow bark derivative? unless that statement was from Wolfgang.

>>40269644
>Wolfgang, do you have a forked tongue?
Down to business

>>40269644
>say stuff
"uh...f-forked tongue...?"

>>40269703
hey, she could have a LOT of fun with that, once she works past her nerves.

>>40269644
Snake tongue all day every day, whoosh shwoom!

>>40269644
>Say stuff (?)
"Actually, the mending innards thing sounds kinda cool. Count me in"

I'm kind of interested what kind of medical stuff can be achieved with blood magic. Could also let Sierra heal instead of harm.

>>40269644
Magic over snake tongues

>>40269644
"Sounds interesting, but I'd rather go make out with my boyfriend. Have fun with those leeches."

Proceed to go get the car and go over to Vik's place.

>>40269644
>>Say stuff (?)
>Snake tounge
>Help magic

>>40269644
Learn the way of mending the immortal frame

>>40269644
>Medicine Magic
I want snake tongue as much as everyone else but magic is more necessary right now .

>>40269644
"Is Lucy lucid right now? I wanted to talk to him anyway so I might as well help you out while I'm here"

Im all for snake tongue

>>40269644
"Why not both the leeches and the advil? One's to relieve pain, the other to draw out impurities. Why can't both work? "

>>40269884
Seconded

>>40269884
This.

>>40269884
I like it,

>>40269644
seconding the above Master gardener

>>40269644
>>Other (?)
Dip your finger in the bucket have a taste.

>>40269644
>>40269884
sure, why not this.

>>40269884
this, then snake tongue

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92 KB JPG

I was supposed to stay up for this AAAAAAAAAA

>>40270131
fucking nice

>>40270131
>"Satter, shut your grating, robotic, trash-eating, rat mouth, I have the stage now"

>>40270131
>Those eyebrows
Harry Potter is a lucky man.

Ugh. Your brain is full. Full of leeches and snakes. You can’t decide. You guess in a perfect world, you’d have both. “I guess this might just be me not knowing anything, but can’t you do Advil and traditional Inferian leech remedies?” you ask. “I mean. One relieves pain, the other draws out impurities. It’s a win win.”

Xanissil doesn’t look too happy with the unholy combination of modern medicine with medieval surgery. “I suppose it would do little ill,” she says.

“That’s the spirit,” you say, grinning.

Wolfgang throws his hands up. “Sounds like we have a replacement assistant for Dr. Xanissil,” he says, sounding relieved, and also kind of bummed. “Well. You guys have fun, but I need to get that car.”

“You’re not going anywhere,” you say, stepping over and punching him in the shoulder a little bit. “You’ve been lying to me.”

“What are you talking about? I’m pretty sure if I lied to you, you’d have no idea,” he says, chuckling to himself.

You punch him again, this time harder. “You’ve got a fucking forked tongue, man,” you say.

“As hellions are wont to have,” observes Xanissil.

“Ha ha. Fork tongued law student,” says Wolfgang, his expression flat.

>>40270131
Makes me think of Avas Demon.

>>40270466

“I’m fine with you having whatever tongue you’ve got,” you say, “but whenever we’re making out, it’s like, all along, it’s been like, oh ho ho, all this is the real deal – not!” You don’t know why, but this is making you mad. (+2 Stress: 50)

“This isn’t a big deal,” he explains, resting his hands on his hips. “I happen to like kissing that involves lips and things like that. You know, the kind of thing you’re into. It’s not that exciting without all the fleshy things in the way,” he says, pantomiming two skulls with his fists and knocking them clumsily against one another.

Xanissil watches the exchange, very interested in the outcome. She absentmindedly eats one of the leeches from the bucket, just like you might chow down on some Doritos while watching Harvey play video games.

>We’ll uh. We’re talking about this later, got it? Dr. Beckhoff has patients to attend to.
>I’ll be the judge of what’s exciting or not. And how can I be the judge if you never play tonsil hockey with your snake tongue?
>Okay, I admit it, I do like you having lips and stuff, I guess. We’ve all been collaborators here.
>Wait. Do leeches actually taste good?
>Shut up, Xan.
>Other (?)

>>40270494
>>I’ll be the judge of what’s exciting or not. And how can I be the judge if you never play tonsil hockey with your snake tongue?

>>40270494
>Okay, I admit it, I do like you having lips and stuff, I guess. We’ve all been collaborators here.
>Wait. Do leeches actually taste good?

>>40270494
>I’ll be the judge of what’s exciting or not. And how can I be the judge if you never play tonsil hockey with your snake tongue?
>Okay, I admit it, I do like you having lips and stuff, I guess. We’ve all been collaborators here.

>>40270494
>We’ll uh. We’re talking about this later, got it? Dr. Beckhoff has patients to attend to.
>Wait. Do leeches actually taste good?

>>40270494
>>I’ll be the judge of what’s exciting or not. And how can I be the judge if you never play tonsil hockey with your snake tongue?

>>40270494
>I’ll be the judge of what’s exciting or not. And how can I be the judge if you never play tonsil hockey with your snake tongue?
wasn't a big part of him picking serria that he didn't have to hide who he was? or amd I just lumping her not being glammored in with that?

>>40270494
>I’ll be the judge of what’s exciting or not. And how can I be the judge if you never play tonsil hockey with your snake tongue?
>Okay, I admit it, I do like you having lips and stuff, I guess. We’ve all been collaborators here.


>Shut up, Xan.

>>40270494

>I’ll be the judge of what’s exciting or not. And how can I be the judge if you never play tonsil hockey with your snake tongue?
>Wait. Do leeches actually taste good?

If nmothing else, eating one may squick wolfgang, and it will be priceless

>>40270494
Lead with
>I’ll be the judge of what’s exciting or not. And how can I be the judge if you never play tonsil hockey with your snake tongue?
But relent easily into
>Okay, I admit it, I do like you having lips and stuff, I guess. We’ve all been collaborators here.

>>40270562
him* god dammit

>>40270580
i like this

>>40270562
Yeah, but Wolfgang views himself as his glamoured form. IIRC there was a scene where he mentioned he sleeps with his glamors on because it feels right

>>40270494
>I’ll be the judge of what’s exciting or not. And how can I be the judge if you never play tonsil hockey with your snake tongue?
>Other (?)
>Seriously, like how long is it?

>Wait. Do leeches actually taste good?

>>40270562
He wanted to get with Sierra because she was a demon and human bitches a shit. This might relate to her being on the up and up with magic and him being a demon, but he's made it clear that he prefers his glamored form.

>>40270365
>>40270487

Hoho! I was wondering if someone would recognise it!

>>40270580
>>40270494
This

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368 KB PNG

>>40270683
>>40270365
Ah.
That would explain it.

>>40270683
Man, when will it update? It's been like, a month. Maybe even longer.

>>40270749
I know, right? There was a good speed going and then "Hiatus, attending con, attending con, con, con, books, kickstarter, patreon". I guess it's a good thing the artist is making dosh but goddamn.

>>40270494
>>Okay, I admit it, I do like you having lips and stuff, I guess. We’ve all been collaborators here.
>Shut up, Xan.
>Wait. Do leeches actually taste good?

“I’ll be the judge of what’s exciting,” you say forcefully. “And how can I be the judge if you never play tonsil hockey with your snake tongue?”

“Why don’t we talk about this later, like when Xanissil’s not standing three feet away?” Wolfgang says, attempting reason.

You don’t even care if Xan’s here or not anymore. “Okay, maybe you don’t deserve all the blame,” you say. “I admit it, I do like you having lips and stuff, I guess. I mean. But I didn’t really think about it, because you don’t think about it.”

Wolf scoffs. “Welcome to real life,” he says. “Nobody thinks about anything.”

“I suppose we’ve all been collaborators here,” you allow. “Can’t really foot the blame on any one specific party.” If you knew earlier though, maybe you wouldn’t be having this conversation. You guess you just didn’t realize you’ve been making out with a glamor this whole time.

Xanissil eats another leech.

“I thought you were supposed to be using those,” Wolfgang snaps, so disgusted by the display that he has to look away.

You wonder. “Hold the phone. Do leeches actually taste good?” you ask, kind of shocked with everything.

“No,” says Xanissil unconvincingly, through a mouthful of leech. She swallows, almost choking herself. Her eyes water. “That is. We cannot do away with any more leeches. The remainders are necessary.”

Wolfgang sighs. “Do your thing. I’ll be in the other room when you’re ready to go,” he says, walking out.

Once he’s gone, Xan gives you a furtive look, and offers you the bucket. “But just one,” she says.

--

You’re in Lucifer’s room, helping Xanissil stick leeches onto the demon’s yellowed, coarse flesh, but mostly on the big purplish bruises covering big splotches of his body. Lucifer’s built like a reed, with odd rivulets running through his skin that remind you of wood grains.

>>40271303

He looks like he’s been dried out, with withered, cracked lips, deeply recessed eyes, and a flat space over the skull where his nose should be. He’s got no hair or anything. Kind of reminds you of Voldemort, except for the weird, jagged way his mouth comes together, almost more like a jack o lantern than a real person’s.

He’s in bed with the covers drawn up to his torso, and you see bandages wrapped around his stomach. His chest is otherwise skeletal, the skin drawn tight over his pale ribs.

He breathes raggedly as you stick leeches onto him. He doesn’t look so hot. (Luce: 5/8 HP)

“The leeches draw out the bad blood,” Xanissil says. “This makes it easier to work with the good blood. Can you feel the difference here?” she asks, pointing you to a point on his flank. And you kind of do – the bruise feels kind of knotted up somehow, while the stuff around it kind of gives you a more flowing kind of vibe.

“I guess,” you say, closing your eyes and trying to understand the feeling.

“The next step is to equalize the burst vessels with the functional ones,” Xanissil says. “Utilize the power of the blood itself. Your power is only a catalyst for the real magic.”

She places a clawed hand over the wound, and murmurs an incantation. A scabbed inscription on her forearm hisses out with wisps of smoke, and when she moves her hand away, the large bruise is completely gone in the middle, leaving only a faint ring around the edges. She reaches in and plucks off the leech, tossing it back into the bucket.

>>40271321

You’ll probably need a whole lot more practice than just seeing her do the thing a couple times, but in the mean time, you can still be helpful. You measure out a couple Advil from the nearby bottle, pour a glass of water from the conveniently placed pitcher, and offer it to Lucifer. “Hey bud. Rise and shine,” you say.

His eyes flutter open, weakly, and you offer him the glass.

With a slow, pained motion, he takes the pills, drops them in his mouth, and takes a half-gulp of water. He coughs a couple times, and you quickly take the glass away before he starts spilling on everything. “Ah. My rescuer,” he says, his voice airy, with a raspy quality.

>That was actually more Wolfgang. He got you out. I just kind of made loud noises.
>You think I’m good now, wait for that Advil to kick in.
>You look like a corpse. Like, even if you weren’t all beat up.
>Ulam said not to underestimate you, since you work for Sulkrasph or whoever, but those Stygians grabbed you pretty easy.
>Wasn’t too hard with your blood on hand.
>Seems kind of dumb for Ushola to take potshots at your boss through you. He sounds like a scary guy.
>I heard Mardusia doesn't take anybody's business. Why are you guys risking your necks for ours?
>Other (?)

>>40271346
>That was actually more Wolfgang. He got you out. I just kind of made loud noises.

>>40271346
>You think I’m good now, wait for that Advil to kick in.

>Wasn’t too hard with your blood on hand.

>Seems kind of dumb for Ushola to take potshots at your boss through you. He sounds like a scary guy.

>>40271346
>That was actually more Wolfgang. He got you out. I just kind of made loud noises.
>Wasn’t too hard with your blood on hand.
>Seems kind of dumb for Ushola to take potshots at your boss through you. He sounds like a scary guy.

>>40271346
>>That was actually more Wolfgang. He got you out. I just kind of made loud noises.
>>I heard Mardusia doesn't take anybody's business. Why are you guys risking your necks for ours?

>>40271346
>You think I’m good now, wait for that Advil to kick in.
>Ulam said not to underestimate you, since you work for Sulkrasph or whoever, but those Stygians grabbed you pretty easy.

>>40271346

>That was actually more Wolfgang. He got you out. I just kind of made loud noises.

>>40271346
>It was a team effort, I was just the distraction.
>Wasn’t too hard with your blood on hand.
>Seems kind of dumb for Ushola to take potshots at your boss through you. He sounds like a scary guy.
>I heard Mardusia doesn't take anybody's business. Why are you guys risking your necks for ours?

>>40271346
>You think I’m good now, wait for that Advil to kick in.
>Wasn’t too hard with your blood on hand.
>Seems kind of dumb for Ushola to take potshots at your boss through you. He sounds like a scary guy.
>I heard Mardusia doesn't take anybody's business. Why are you guys risking your necks for ours?

>>40271346
>That was actually more Wolfgang. He got you out. I just kind of made loud noises.
>Seems kind of dumb for Ushola to take potshots at your boss through you. He sounds like a scary guy.

>>40271346
>>You think I’m good now, wait for that Advil to kick in.

>>40271346
>>You think I’m good now, wait for that Advil to kick in.

>>40271346
>Wasn’t too hard with your blood on hand.
>That was actually more Wolfgang. He got you out. I just kind of made loud noises.
>Seems kind of dumb for Ushola to take potshots at your boss through you. He sounds like a scary guy.

>>40271303
>Xan gives you a furtive look, and offers you the bucket. “But just one,” she says.
Xan a cute

>>40271346
>>>That was actually more Wolfgang. He got you out. I just kind of made loud noises.
>>You think I’m good now, wait for that Advil to kick in.

One question: was the leech good? will they be our new go-to movie snack? can we bring a bucket of leeches to family movie night? as a joke, of course.

>>40271548
Where would you find a bucket of leeches?

>>40271548
>SAN losses for everyone!

>>40271619
bait shop, catch them, buy them online from a supplier. lots of ways really.

>>40271638
Weaklings! Weaklings, I say!

>>40271638
Well, if they taste good why not?

“You think I’m hot stuff now, just wait for that Advil to kick in,” you say, smirking.

Lucifer almost seems to wither away before your eyes. He sinks further into the pillows at his back, more corpselike than before. Whatever little energy he had left was probably used up in grabbing that cup and almost choking on the drink. “The charms of mortal apothecaries,” he comments breathlessly, closing his eyes.

“The rescue thing wasn’t really all me, though,” you say. “Wasn’t too hard to find you with your blood on hand. And I kind of just made loud noises while Wolf – or, Ulfrael got you out.”

“Don’t play coy,” says Luce, slowly opening his eyes again to look at you. His eyes are deep, knowing. “You bested a Stygian prince in single combat and took him prisoner.”

Xanissil removes another one of Lucifer’s larger bruises, after which he seems to breathe easier.

“Well, he had it coming,” you say. “I mean. If not from me, probably from your boss then, right?”

“Pah,” Luce replies, almost smiling, but not really. “There are a hundred princes eager to take Axos’s place, should he have fallen. Archduke Sulkrasph prefers to cut straight at the root of the problem.”

You snort. “Sounds like a scary guy. Kind of dumb for Ushola to take potshots at him through you, all over some remote city a million miles away.”

“Perhaps she has convinced herself she cannot be his friend,” says Lucifer. “I do not pretend to comprehend the machinations of Stygian brood mothers.”

“Maybe she didn’t like the idea of Mardusia having something she didn’t,” you say, trying the idea out aloud. “Now that I think about it, why are you guys risking your necks out for ours? I heard Mardusia’s like, hell’s Switzerland or something.”

>>40272069

A feeling of deep fatigue seems to settle over Lucifer at your question. “There are risks the Archduke is willing to take,” he says softly. “It may have been a mistake to sever ourselves from this plane. The marvels you are familiar with here are but luxuries and wishes in Halth.”

“Sweet deals and trade agreements and stuff, then?” you ask.

“The opportunity is real,” says Lucifer. “There is no predicting what...” He glances at you. “Or who... you might find, delving into the mortal realms.”

You feel a weird nervousness in your chest. Is this guy hinting at what you think he’s hinting at?

Xanissil has finished with another bruise, and removes another leech.

>Are you talking about allies? Like Waldric? (Feign ignorance.)
>So you think you’ve found anything worthwhile yet, or what?
>Hey Xan, could you see if Crowther’s got any more leeches? (Might be better to get rid of her for a second.)
>If you had to hypothetically predict somebody you might find, what kind of person would you predict?
>I thought the last Imperiate kind of put her foot down on the whole ‘delving into mortal realms’ after the whole World War 2 incident.
>Other (?)

>>40272083
>Hey Xan, could you see if Crowther’s got any more leeches? (Might be better to get rid of her for a second.)

>>40272083
>If you had to hypothetically predict somebody you might find, what kind of person would you predict?
>So you think you’ve found anything worthwhile yet, or what?

>>40272083
>I thought the last Imperiate kind of put her foot down on the whole ‘delving into mortal realms’ after the whole World War 2 incident.

>>40272083

>I thought the last Imperiate kind of put her foot down on the whole ‘delving into mortal realms’ after the whole World War 2 incident.

>>40272083
>Hey Xan, could you see if Crowther’s got any more leeches? (Might be better to get rid of her for a second.)
>I thought the last Imperiate kind of put her foot down on the whole ‘delving into mortal realms’ after the whole World War 2 incident.

>>40272083
>Other (?)
>Aren't you Tataran types known for the whole future predicting thing?
>If you had to hypothetically predict somebody you might find, what kind of person would you predict?
>I thought the last Imperiate kind of put her foot down on the whole ‘delving into mortal realms’ after the whole World War 2 incident.

>>40272083
>I thought the last Imperiate kind of put her foot down on the whole ‘delving into mortal realms’ after the whole World War 2 incident.
>Hey Xan, could you see if Crowther’s got any more leeches? (Might be better to get rid of her for a second.)
>If you had to hypothetically predict somebody you might find, what kind of person would you predict?

I have to go to sleep. Don't do anything I wouldn't do.

Next thread sometime... sometime.

>>40272237
That doesn't leave much! Thanks for running mate.

>>40272237
Thanks for running

>>40272237
thanks for running!

>>40272083
>Otther: This Someone must be super important then, huh?
>Hey Xan, could you see if Crowther’s got any more leeches? (Might be better to get rid of her for a second.)

Man, it is so damn enticing to let everyone know we are the rising Imperiate, just for the fame, but goddamn if it isn't a bad idea to do so.

>Axos is half Stygian, half Inferni
>Realizing the implications
>Some infernus and a 30ft tall seafood monster did the horizontal monster mash

>>40272237
Thanks for running LawnGuy