>Ask what we will be doing today
How do these monster lord fights even go down usually?

>>361728
>Ask about Euanthe
>Look for food

>>361728
>>Ask about Euanthe

>>363220
>>363233
>>363297
"So, I hope I'm not being rude, but what exactly are you?" You ask Euanthe.

"I'm a dryad from Greece." She says.

"That's cool, I'm from-"

"New Jersey. Hasan told me." She says before walking away.

"What's her problem?"

"Sorry about Euanthe " Serena says "She's nice, but she tends to dislike city people. She's also Hasan's girlfriend or somthing. It's complicated."

"Ah. So, how exactly do these fights between monster lords go down?"

"Well, normally Lady Beatrice makes a group that goes with her to attack the enemy, and a group that stays behind to defend the manor. I almost always end up on defense duty, because of my home water source and all. Gerald should be here soon to give orders."

"I'll go get some food then." You walk over to the center table and grab a bagel with a napkin. You hear Gerald's voice in the center room.

"Alright everyone, your assignments are as follows: Sergei, Annabelle, Diane, David, Hasan, Euanthe, you will be accompanying the Mistress in the away team. I want you all to begin the appropriate preparations. The rest of you will begin setting up defenses for any possible counterattacks from Rose. Stanley, could I talk to you separately?" He gestures for you to follow him as he walks into the hallway. You both walk until you are out of hearing range of the dining room.

"Mr. Morrison, Lady Beatrice has informed me that she wishes you to decide wether or not you want to join her on the attack team. What shall I tell her?"

What do you say?
>"I'll stay behind."
>"I'll go."
>"What do you suggest?"
>Write in

>>363653
>>"I'll stay behind. I'm still a bit green on this business, maybe next time."

>>363653
>>"I'll stay behind."

>>363653
>>"What do you suggest?"
I still don't know much about what I'm capable of

>>364646
+1

>>364646
+1

>>"I'll stay behind. I'm still a bit green on this business, maybe next time."

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>363664
>>363690
>>365131
>>366507
>>366549
>>364646
I'm gonna roll a 1d2. One to stay behind, two to ask for advice. I'm sorry I haven't written anything earlier, I just finished a really long drive. You guys really like to respond when I'm not here.

>>367338
"I think I'll stay behind. I'm pretty green in this business."

"A wise decision, Mr. Morrison. However, seeing as Mr. Rose is likely to launch some sort of counterattack, I believe some method of self defense is in order. Come."

You follow Gerald back into the dining room, and he leads you down through the mansion again. You recognize it as the path to the basement, and you actually walk past the room were Avery was questioned. David is mopping red liquid from the walls. He waves at you, and you reciprocate weakly. Gerald turns to a room that looks like a cross between a military armory and an exhibit on ancient weaponry. The man who looks like Zangeif but with botched hair implants who you saw last night appears to be taking inventory. Now that you're closer, you notice tattoos of what looked like serial numbers on his scalp.

"Sergei," Gerald says to the man "This is Stanley. Stanley, Sergei is our... quartermaster. Sergei, in lieu of recent events, I thought it might be best to arm Stanley."

Sergei grunts in what you assume is agreement before he writes a few things down and turns to you.

"Alright. You ever even held a weapon before boy?" He says. You can't tell if he means that as an insult, or if he is really asking.

"Um... I used to have a pistol for self defense."

"You ever used it on somone?"

"I've shot at people, but nothing with the intent to kill. Just bluffing and warning shots."

"B`lyad'! This is why she shouldn't hire fucking appetizers. Just choose somthing off the rack. Nothing explosive."

You turn to the weapons, slightly pissed. It's not like you want to be in this situation. Scanning the walls, you see enough weapons to outfit a coup or crusade.

What do you choose? You can name pretty much anything, If you have an idea for somthing on the more unique, please discribe it. After becoming a demon, Stanley is naturally proficient at weapons, but he is still somewhat a novice.

>>367466
Would Sergei have an idea which weapon would fit us? Else take a) a gun for ranged, b) brass knuckles and c) a melee weapon (sword, mace, spear or similar).

>>367466
Colt 44 pistol with silver bullets. And a sawn off shotgun

Can we have a primary and a secondary?
If so:
Primary: A good gun (don´t know guns, so one which another proposed

Secondary: Sword Breaker

>>367590
By sword breaker, do you mean the daggers that look kinda like combs, or the swords with slots near the hilt?

>>367700
exactly, let me search a picture

>>367510
>>367556
>>367590
I'm gonna go with Colt .44, a sword breaker (as in actual sword made to break other swords), and some brass knuckles as a backup or just in case.

I was thinking this. Daggers like that are more used in conjunction with a sword, which we could do instead if you want. Also it may be a bit before I get my next post in.

File: image.jpg (26 KB, 220x147)

26 KB JPG

>>367807
Forgot pic. It's just the hilt, but you get the idea

>>367810
jup this is perfectly finde

*fine>>367850

>>361728
Huh, I thought you'd died or something YOB, I should probably get a twitter or something just so I can actually keep up with quest schedules.

also supporting the sword breaker/ whatever that thing you posted is called

You look around, and a few things catch your eye. First, a gun you recognize as a Colt .44. That should be an easy enough gun to use. Next, you spot what appears to be a one-handed sword with long thin "teeth" at the end, which must be for catching swords. Your no fencer, but you should be able to use it. Lastly, you see some brass knuckles. Those should be useful if somthing requires a gentler touch.

"I'll take those three." You say as you gesture toward your chosen items. Sergei gives them to you, along with a holster, sheath, and a pouch of what you assume are silver bullets.

"Try to be careful with these, ther're not toys. Wear gloves when handling the bullets. And if you get any blood on these, clean it off before you return them. Now leave. I've a lot of work to do." Sergei turns around and returns to cataloging his arsenal.

As you follow Gerald back through the halls (you are really getting familiar with his back) you put the gun holster at your hip and your brass knuckles in a pocket, both hidden. You swing the sword around a bit before resheathing at your side. It's a bit light, but it moves through the air quicker than you expected. You have to admit, having these weapons on you makes you feel a bit badass. As you ascend into the mansion, Gerald speaks up again.

"You've met Jesula, correct?"

"Yea."

"Good. I would like for you to assist her in the preparations for a counterattack. Go back to the dining hall, and through the doors at the opposite end is the kitchen. She should be there."

"Got it." You say as you peel of and head to the kitchens. After walking for a bit, you realize this might be a good time to do somthing else. If there even is anything else to do.

What do you do?
>Obey Gerald
>Don't (write what you do instead)

>>368911
>>Obey Gerald

>>368911
>>Obey Gerald

>>368911
If there is a counter-attack and the manor is lost because we didn't help the witch, we've hell to catch.

>obey

>>368922
>>368928
Considering it further, there isn't really any reason for you to disobey Gerald. You make your way to the dining hall, and open the door to the kitchen. It's surprisingly large, and it looks like it was built to accommodate a full team of chefs at once. It is also ridiculously messy, with stains and other things that you don't recognize at all on the floor, walls, and sometimes bottled on the shelves. Jesula is in the center, her gnarled body bent over some steaming liquid in a large silver pot.

"Umm... Miss Jesula? Gerald sent me here to help you. Do you need anything?"

She lookes up from her mixing.

"Huh? Oh yes, the handsome little demon from yesterday. Hand me some of that jelly looking stuff to your left."

Beside you, you see a toppled jar with red viscous liquid oozing from the opening in the top.

"It's spilled."

"Well then scoop it back in."

"Is that safe?" She shrugs

"Can't be that bad. If you just bring me what's in the jar, it should be alright. But I would much rather I get as much as I can."

What do you do?
>Take what's left in the jar
>Try to scoop it in

>>368984
>Try to scoop it in

>>368984
>Take what's left

maybe i'm a pussy but i don't feel like fucking around with magical ingredients.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>368990
>>368995
I'll flip a coin to decide again. 1 is to scoop it up, 2 is to just take the jar. The next post will probably be my last before I sleep. I will finish this tommorrow morning.

>>369225
Since you really don't care at this point, you shovel the goop back into the jar with your bare hands. They tingle, but nothing feels too out of the ordinary. Strangely, the substance leaves no residue on your hands, and it feels damp and warm. You bring the jar over to Jesula, who promptly dumps it into the inky soup. Surprisingly, nothing happens.

"That's weird. I would have thought it would change color or som-" a small explosion of red steam explodes from the pot, interrupting you. Cautiously looking again, you sea that the liquid has become perfectly clear, the only indication of its presence a slight shimmer on the surface.

"So, was that stuff okay to touch or no?"

"Eh, you'll be fine. Just don't be spending 'quality time' with yourself for a day or two." The witch says, adding some shimmering powder as she mixes the potion.

"So, what is this anyway?" You ask. She turns to you, grinning

"Watch dis."

Jesula proceeds to draw a little blood from her thumb by biting into it with a sharpened gold tooth, and drops it into pot. The second the blood hits the surface, the whole thing seems to freeze over. Cracks in the surface are stained red, resembling veins. Slowly, a humanoid figure rises out of the pot. It bends over, and Jesula whispers somthing where it's ear should be. She kisses it on the forehead, and the golem lumbers away.

"We're gonna want about four more ah those boys." Jesula says, already hobbling over to some jars. "Go fill the pot about half with water, and bring it back here."

You dutifully lug the pot over to a hose. As it fills, you realize that Jesula may be one of the more knowledgable people in the manor. As you carry the pot back, you speak up.

"Jesula? Could I ask you about something?"

"Sure. But only one thing for now. This mixin requires a lot of attention."

What do you ask about?
> Salvador Rose
> Jesula herself
> Demons
> Your name
> Those things you're making
> Write in

>>369293
> Demons

>>369293
> Your name
Or at least the importance of your name. What are the consequences of someone else knowing it?

>>369293
> Your name

>>369293
>> Your name

> Your name
like: How can i find out my true name

>>369298
>>369333
>>369366
>>369579
"How can I figure out my name? What's the importance of all this name stuff anyway?"

"Ah. Let me explain. In magic, identity is what focuses raw power into things like what you saw me do. Many magical beings start formless, and then somone comes along and gives them rigid structure. Hand me that yellow powder over there, will ya?"

"So like Hasan and Serena? But once they get identity, they can be forced to do things." You say, giving her the vial.

"Exactly. Then you got the beasties like you and the Mistress, who weren't always so magical. The 'parent' who is responsible for turning them gives them a new name."

"Does that mean Beatrice gave me a new name?"

"No." Jesula pauses to bite into her pinky finger, and a similar thing occurs, this time a crystalline snake slithers out of the pot. "Now get dat blue stuff over there. The Mistress may have ordered the transfusion, but it wasn't her blood. And since the former owner is likely dead, I would say you inherited its name."

You hand her a jar of the blue liquid. "That's what that that thing in my head said." You say, under your breath.

"What was that dearie?" Jesula asks

What do you say?
>"Nothing"
>Tell her about not!you
> Make something up

>Tell her about not!you

>>369786
>>Tell her about not!you

>>369786
>>Tell her about not!you

>>369790
>>369791
"There was this... thing I dreamt about yesterday. It said it was me, and the previous owner of my blood. It wanted me to figure out my name and go full demon or whatever."

"Is that all?" Jesula says, giving you a strange look.

"Yea, I guess. I know it sounds crazy." You say. Jesula starts laughing. You're starting to regret telling her anything.

"Listen boy, your going to have to deal with stranger things. Hell, I've seen a man eat himself until he disappeared." She bites down again, this time into her index finger. This time, a large, bat-like creature flutters out.

"So I shouldn't really worry about it?" You ask.

"Oh, you should. But not as much as everyting else dats happened to you. You should be counting your blessings that's all you got out with, mentally. Get me that bundle over there."

As you retrieve the bundle, which feels like a bunch smooth sticks beneath the cloth, you speak up again.

"So how do I figure my name out?"

"Well, there are plenty of magical ways to divine such a thing. But they all involve sacrifice in some way. If you want to go da more mundane route, I suggest you just research some old books in the library. Try and find demons with similar traits to yours. Somthing may turn up." Jesula says as she unsheathes the contents of the bundle, which look like spider legs. She the begins to snap them open, pouring in a black substance. You idly wonder if Annabelle would disapprove. With some blood from her middle finger, and a puff of smoke, a crystal spider skitters out of the pot. You dutifully grab the cauldro to fill it up once more.

"What will happen if I learn my name?"

"You'll get stronger. Right now, your just a pale imitation of a true demon. Learn your name, and you'll be the real deal."

You both continue work in relitive silence, until Jesula adds the blood of her ring finger. A dog-cat-possum thing crawls out, and goes off to wherever.

"Now," Jesula says "I'm gonna do more preparations. Your free to join me, but I think the others gonna need help. Besides, I'm not gonna be able to talk much for these next few steps."

What do you do?
>Stay with Jesula
>Go find somebody (who)
>Go to the library for some research
>Write in

>>369835
>>Go to the library for some research

>>369842
I'll back this.

>>369835
>Go to the library for some research

>>369883
>>369842
"I'll just go. Thanks for all the information."

"Bye dearie. Stay safe." Jesula responds, already preparing somthing new.

As you walk through the dining hall, you think about what Jesula said. It might be a good idea to go to the library while everyone else is busy. Judging by what you've seen of the manor so far, the library is probably in the west wing. Luxuries and other things of that nature seem to be located there. You spend a bit of time wandering around, until you finally open some ornate doors into an extremely large library. It seems to be located on two floors separated by a balcony, with virtually the rest of the walls being taken up by bookshelves and artifacts, from taxidermy to paintings. The task of trying to find somthing in here suddenly seems very daunting. You scan signs and labels, and see that the library is seperated into multiple sections. Out of all of them, only two seem as though they will be any use: Historical Nonfiction, and Magical Biology/Alchemy

Which do you choose?
>Historical Nonfiction
>Magical Biology/Alchemy

>>369921
>Magical Biology/Alchemy

>>369921
>Magical Biology/Alchemy

>>369921
>>Magical Biology/Alchemy

>>369929
>>369950
You decide that the biology section would be the best. You slowly narrow it down to a subsection on Demonology, and you see a few books that might help you determine what exactly you are now. Since you should technically be working right now, it would be wise to only try and read one for now.

What do you want to read?
>[i]Demons: A Biological Hierarchy[/i]
>[i]Field Studies in the Infernal Plane[/i]
>[i]Basic Demonology 101[/i]
>[i]How to Survive a Demonic Attack[/i]
>Look elsewhere

>>369979
Fucking italics.

>>369979
>>[i]Basic Demonology 101[/i]

>>369979
>>[i]Basic Demonology 101[/i]
It's always good to start at 101, we need to learn the most basic first.

>>369979

>>[i]Basic Demonology 101[/i]

Basic Demonology 101

>>369979
>>[i]Basic Demonology 101[/i]

>>369983
>>369986
>>369991
>>369993
>>370011
Since it would be good to learn the basics first, you grab Basic Demonolgy 101. It's surprisingly thick for a book that's supposed to cover the simple stuff. You open to the table of contents, and you scan the numerous chapters for anything that may be useful.

Which chapter do you start with?
>The Nature of Demons
>Demonic Classification via Morphology
>Demon's Blood
>Demonic Power
>Demonic Mentality

>>370026
How about we read it cover to cover? It will take more time but we will learn a lot about our kind, we need to know all aspects of being a demon.

>>370026
>Demonic Classification via Morphology
though i'd like to read the whole book

>>370030
I can do that. I just didn't want to give a huge block of text like tend to. Keep in mind, reading it completely takes time.

>>370026
>>Demonic Classification via Morphology
Start with this then move on to the rest of the book

>>370026
>Demonic Classification via Morphology

>>370030
>>370034
>>370065
Demonic Classification via Morphology seems like the best thing to start with. You flip to the page listed. It is filled with a combination of sketches and text.

Demons are profoundly unique creatures in the sense that none are exactly alike. While categorizing them may at first seem to be an impossible task, once populations are viewed with a large enough scope, patterns emerge. Demons unique traits stem from their roles in the infernal realm. Each of the following categories can be seperated further into numerous subcategories, but these will go largely unexplored for the sake of brevity.
LORDS- Lords are demons who command over large tracts of the Infernal Realm. Many culturally popular names, Satan, Azriel, Beelzebub, fall under this category. Simultaneously one of the smallest categories and one of the most monstrous, Lords are the easiest to identify. On of the most commonly shared traits is an appearance based around intimidation, and Lords are often adorned with trophies and jewelry. Remember: this display, while largely a result of hubris, is not at all unfounded. The highest precautions should be taken around them, if not avoided altogether.
(cont.)

>>370140
SERVANTS- Servants make up the bulk of extra-demonic interaction. They often work directly under Lords or other masters, and form heavy webs of loyalty and intrigue in demonic society. Each Servant is mentally torn between a desire to serve and fulfill obligation, and advance in rank. Fittingly, Servants are the most likely candidate for ascension into status as a Lord. As previously stated, Servants are most likely to interact with non-demons. While the reason can vary wildly, from acting as ambassador to teacher, Servants almost always take on a humanoid form in order to breed sympathy from others. These body structures often clue into what role a servant fills in higher infernal society: One that holds extremely physically attractive features is likely a sort of courtesan, while one with appendages that aid in mobility and efficient elimination is probably an assassin.

(Cont.)

>>370329
DREDGES- Dredges are demons who are tasked with most manual labor in the infernal realm. As a category that normally prizes physical strength over intelligence, they are the soldiers, builders, torturers, etc. that ultimately make up one of the largest portions of the demonic population. Physically, they can be identified by horribly mutated body parts to fill their purpose. Spiny lumps for fists, horns that spin like drills, and bloated stomachs that belch acid are only a few examples. If encountered, Dredges will likely resort to physical violence rather than words, and negotiations often end with a Dredges suspicion culminating in rage.

BEASTS- the fourth and final primary catafory of demon are Beasts. Beasts are largely belived to make up most of the creatures in the infernal plan, due to their uncountable feral numbers. Lacking almost any sort of universally defining characteristic, Beasts are best defined by their lack of sentience. Many Beasts can be found working alongside Dredges as beasts of burden, and some are even considered demonic delicacies and kept as livestock. Usage as mounts and seige weapons can also be observed in the constant battlefield that is the infernal realm. Depending on their rarity, certain Beasts are even kept as pets by Lords and Servants with higher status.

In conclusion, demons are a race as diverse as they are devious. Although individual types may be of a "lower class" none should be underestimated.

You think about all the stuff you just read. While most of it was about the biology of demons as a whole, but at least you're a bit closer to figuring out your name. According to this book, you're considered a "Servant". It also sheds some light on what not!you was talking about when he was talking about the "joy of servitude". Hopefully, the last owner of your blood was notable enough to be recordered somwhere in this library.

What do you do now?
>Read the rest of the book (I'll give you the clifsnotes)
>Read a specific chapter
>Read a different book
>Look in a different section
>Leave
>Write in

>>370425
>Read a specific chapter
servants

>>370425
>>Read the rest of the book (I'll give you the clifsnotes)

>>370425
>>Read the rest of the book (I'll give you the clifsnotes)

>>370425
>>Read the rest of the book (I'll give you the clifsnotes)

>>370476
>>370497
>>370510
You decide it would be best to skim through this book for any useful information. Maybe you'll have some time to read the other books.

After a long, tiresome stretch of speed reading, you recall some notable facts:

-Servants become physically stronger and more independent as they advance their standing under their master.
-Ultimately, they will try and challenge their master for their independence.
-This almost always does not end well for the Servant, but Lords generally try to stunt the growth of their Servant
-Most Servants serve Lords, and their as a bit of a stigma around those that serve other non-demons.
-Their are 7 primary Lords in hell who stay in power by directly channeling one of the seven deadly sins.
-There are other, minor lords who channel lesser sins.
-Lords fight a lot, and are always trying to get channeling rights to better sins
-Most demons are formed from "pits" of condensed sin and lost souls in Hell
-Hell is nonlinear spatially, and changes depending on the state of this realm, and is potentially infinitely shitty
-Demons can invoke certain powers based around what sin they channel, and are good at magic in general.
-They are pretty much genetically predisposed to be assholes
-Demon's blood contains their essence
-If the demon is strong enough, it can be used to revive them in another host.
-Hosts that sinned a lot work best, and are even better if it was that demons particular sin
-Theoretically, if given enough time, a Beast could become sentient, however there are no recorded incidences of this happening

>>370623
You take a deep breath. It's weird learning about your own biology like this. It feels like your in middle school anatomy again. It also depresses you that you may innately be worse of a person now. Could you even tell if somthing like that was happening? And God forbid you actually start to feel devoted to Beatrice. And if demons take over hosts better depending on sin, what kind of a demon is in you now? Probably something substance related. And should you even be trying to figure out your old name? Your life for the last few days seems to just be and endless stream of questions and confusion. Looking over at the clock, you see it's already 3:30 PM. Dinner is probably going to happen soon. You should probably head over.

And that's the last post for today, as this thread is going to permasage in a couple of hours. If you guys have any questions, comments, complements, or concerns, please give them now. I also apologize for any spelling and grammar errors, I had to do this entire chapter on my phone.

>>370664
do you have a shedule?

So far i really enjoy this quest.
Good Job

>>370672
I don't have a rigid schedule now, mainly because I've been really busy this summer. I will probably be doing somthing about once a week though. Thanks for the compliment!