>>1477685

And so it is a week after your 17th birthday, in this setting of ye olde medieval fantasy, having now decided that you won't come of age and still remain mommy's evil little prince. Of course she doesn't know, as your similar attempts in the past have always been foiled by her. So this time it will be a secret, as best you can manage.

Taking this as a parting goodbye though, you don't imagine it to go lightly. You don't want to escape, only to be dragged back by one of her henchmen or monsters. So if you're going to leave, you want to make sure you can stay left by pilfering things of worth and proposing loyal servants to defect, in order to help your departure! The obvious goal though is to obtain what valuables and allegiances you are able to within a short window, the same one in which you plan to escape. The more you can carry off and with whomever at your side, and in the shorter amount of time you can do it, the farther you can get from here and the better your chances.

Currently it is late in the day, in the dread castle from which the evil queen rules with an iron fist. As none know of your plans to escape though, except maybe the high diviner, you currently have the freedom to travel about the dark citadel as you please. Attempts to leave though, will of course be prevented as you are not allowed beyond the outer walls. The queen doesn't want her heir being kidnapped by enemies, after all.

>What are you interested in taking with you, for your grand escape this night? The riches and support of the evil queen are unmatched in these lands, so you are in many ways like a kid in an evil candy store.

>>1477702
Some armor, a couple of weapons, money and gems, food for a week, and finally a horse.

Tomes and artifacts of necromancy. It'll let us travel lighter and also be able to construct our own minions and hencmen from the naturally replenishing resousrse pit that are cemeteries and such.

Also someone who is dumb, loyal, and good in a brawl. Maybe a guard you have a close relationship with?

>>1477724
This, let's be the ambitious mage. Plus practical necromancy is awesome. I will add though, if we get the trusty meatshield. Do get some potions, or scrolls of healing.

>>1477724
As long as we also get provisions, I'll go with your suggestion.

>>1477717
>>1477724
Ah yes, all fine ideas that you make note of. Perhaps you are getting a bit ahead of yourself though, and may consider your own capabilities.

As you know, the evil queen is no fool and she sought only the best for her heir, in raising him to be the evil king worthy of her domain. Unfortunately to her distaste, you always had a preference towards a certain area of improvement over others. What was that, again?

>Mind, the propensity for intelligence and thus the capability for magic
>Body, the propensity for physicality and thus prowess in combat
>Spirit, the propensity for charisma and thus a good sense of others and able to sway them

This isn't something you need to establish at the moment, just something to consider in the meantime until you need to decide. For now though it seems you are more interested in pilfering physical items rather than luring away servants. So are you more interested in the armory with items of war, or the arcaneum with items of magical power?

>>1477741
True. Food, bedrolls/tents, gold, etc. Good looking out.

>>1477748
>>Mind, the propensity for intelligence and thus the capability for magic

Arcaneum. Always Arcaneum.

>>1477748
Spirit

>>1477748
I would say magic, cause anyone who doesn't willingly join us can just be killed and raised.

However, charisma is needed to get the people whose powers don't follow them after death. So charisma could be good to. I just like the practical necromancer idea a bit more

>>1477748
>>Mind, the propensity for intelligence and thus the capability for magic
We are sorcerers and sheit.

>>1477755
Supporting

>>1477748
>Mind
>Pilfer the arcanum, get a few different subjects of magic

>>1477758
It's not like we can't endeavor to be more personable. This is just our first focus, which the mind is always best. Objectively. Maybe.

>>1477755
We're going to need charisma if we're going to convince mom's lackeys

>>1477770
Yeah

>>1477770
Unless we find the dumbest one. Or someone who's just more trusting.

>>1477770
Use thralling magic to get lackies, magic is more utilitarian, more practical

>>1477781
And again, this is just the foundation. Magic is solid, you can raise a dead individual and they do things, simple.

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Quite a lot of different considerations as to what sort of skillset you most prefer, but again, it's all to consideration for now and can be decided on later.

What does seem to be agreed upon though is going to the arcaneum to see what you can "collect". So leaving the edge of a particular corner tower of the outer wall that you prefer, thanks to the view of lands beyond, you carry yourself through the dread castle at a decent pace. More than once are you stopped by servants or courtiers who wish to greet or hold your attention, but in some way or another you are able to shrug them off. Yes, your sights are elsewhere, not to be asked how your day is, or if you would like to be presented with a gift or marriage proposal.

The arcaneum! The largest if not the highest tower in the evil queen's stronghold, housing not just the library and space for study of magical arts, but also a store of potent and dangerous magical items and even an observatory for the diviners to ask questions of the stars! Normally you would be able to walk right on in, but due to a recent accident involving a demonic book, security has been tightened.

Blocking your entry to the arcaneum is Sithrys the demilich, a small collection of bones (most prominently a skull) seated upon a decorative and floating magic pillow. He, a least you've always assumed him a "he" says that the queen has decreed that you are not allowed inside. She thinks it not safe enough yet, at least not for you. You of course know this to be nonsense, but you will need to find a way inside by your own means.

>>1477776
>>1477781
A Charismatic Necromancer okay?
Both brimming with charisma and excelling in necromancy

>>1477786
Are you posting more or is this a
>Prompt
Anyways
Make smalltalk with him white looking around for possible entry points

>>1477786
I will hazard a guess that Sithrys doesn't need to sleep. Hmm, since I don't know anything about him, let's take a stab. Maybe he's a lech as well as a lich? Give him our prized lewd material (every youngin has em) to look away/distract.

>>1477792
Yes
>>1477786
Use faux flattery, to distract him.
While you look for a way in.

>>1477794
Well you actually know more than one way into the place, but this was a chance to potentially convince one of mother's servants to your service, should you be interested in this, or this servant in particular. Other such chances will arise, over the course of your grand theft and escape. Worth noting though, if you decide now on the personal preference that you are Spirit focused (and so charismatic) you will have an easy time of luring away servants to your employ, and you will also be able to gather more of them.

If you have no interest, or wish to chat with the magic pile of bones however, you can either distract him for a way in or simply gain entry by one of the secret ways you know.

>>1477805
Chat and ask advice for gaining power, maby a spell or two.
Lets not waste an opportunity to gain knowledge and insight.

>>1477807
Supporting
>>1477805
Does mother tell us about our father?

>>1477805
>talk with him and flatter him
>find out what his skills are
An teacher in dark arts would be most usefull for us, and I am in more favor of Spiritual side for ourselfs

>>1477807
Support
>>1477823
Also curious about dear old dad. Is our mom the black widow type or is dad still getting those cigarettes?

>>1477807
>>1477833
You converse with Sithrys for a time, about this and that. He does take to flattery, and decides to let you pass. Not before he imparts some knowledge to you though, and informs you of an interesting spell which allows you to direct a rat to a location and then explode.

As for the demilich himself, you've known him for some years. His skills are mostly in magic, being able to render himself as his current deathless state. He does have a strong knowledge of history though, general history of the lands at least. Maybe not so much on the forbidden side though, that's more the archivist's thing.

>>1477823
Some dead courtier or suitor who managed to get as far as having a child with her, but failed to maintain her favor beyond that. Dead by her hand like so many others, you never cared much to know about him more than that.

>>1477855
Ask him if he wishes to view the land, to see it in it's current state.
Say that he could learn about the human condition, by how it has changed since he first learned about it.

>>1477855
Welp, Dad only got lucky i guess
Talk about traveling the land in search for new knowledge! Who knows what has happened since his last time outside?

>>1477867
Learned about the land.
And make a joke bout stretching one's legs.

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>>1477857
Stealing him maybe not be best for long term, buttering him up maybe better.

Such as promising him a new body for knowledge and training because being an over glorified door lock probably is boring as watching paint dry. Clearly mother must have a grudge against him for giving him such a mundane task that a low level deny entry spell could solve. I would be rather miffed if I were such a loyal servant treated this way. And as a demilich I doubt he dodged death to become a talking directory/card catalog

>>1477882
True, and those are good arguments.
Hisssss, that was deleted

>>1477867
>>1477876
>>1477877
Before you enter the arcaneum, you make your proposition to Sithrys about leaving the dark castle to travel the land. He of course asks if this is another one of your foolish schemes to escape again, though your humor catches him off guard, and he says he'll consider it for sure before you enter the place.

And so, the arcaneum! A big tower for which the main levels are taken up by a vast library (and which you see far above many levels), the top floor is for the direct study of magic and the arcane, and the sub levels are for magical storage and safety. You have been here enough to know your way around, but there are some places even you have never been. An example being the forbidden magic safety storage.

Either way though, you smell the musty air of the great library, seeing as the occasional scholar or visitor peruses the shelves both near and far. And aside of them, just simple animations such living brooms cleaning the place, or spellbound books shifting and floating about the place to sort themselves or answer needs. Of the three levels, which are you interested in stealing from, and what might you be after?


>>1477882
A very cruel point, but one which may win him over you think. It's probably worth a try on the way out as a final convincing argument to make, if indeed you want him to come with you.

>>1477882
We can take him with us, but lets first look through the archives

>>1477895
>top floor, search for advanced books to teach you animation and ice magic...some necromancy too if we manage

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>>1477895
Just to make things cleat, we are a mage wearing armor, right?

We are royalty, after all.

>>1477895
Let's steal from the library itself because knowledge is power... or so the early Saturday morning entertainment has taught me.

And let's convince Sithrys to join us, clearly mom isn't the best boss. I doubt she even provides dental

>>1477895
Magical safety floor first, find some armor before we go rummaging around dangerous magic items.
Then go to the top floor and look for some practical tomes, then to the item holding floor and see if we can get a sword and other weapons.

Yello

This quest is happening now?

>>1477946
As far as I know.
>>1477943
See if there is a magic means of travel, like a rug.

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>>1477907
You personally own a bag like that, a little leather satchel that can hold much more than its size. However these sorts of things are really only good for non-magic contents. They are able to store minor magical things to an extent but contents too powerful and the bag will burst open. For mundane items though it's a wonderful tool.

Spellbooks are also simple enough to obtain, up to a general aptitude level. Anything more advanced though, or more dangerous will either be at the top floor or bottom floor respectively.

Weapons meanwhile will be in the armory, even magical ones. The arcaneum storage area for items, is more specific either to those which assist with magic, or those which are simply dangerous or powerful artifacts.

>>1477920
>>1477943
It seems a preference to the top floor first, after that you can work your way down. Finding a magical lift to the top floor then, you are similarly encountered by yet another of mother's servants. Sir Gerald is a haunted suit of armor, and something of the safety system of the top floor, by nature of his anti-magical properties which are useful in case of magical accident.

He is not one to stop you like Sithys may have been charged as, but he does remind you not to bother the diviners, and to steer clear of the visiting magister. Otherwise feel free to explore around. The place itself though is always inviting to you, as the air feels energized with the crackling of magical energy and the high domed ceiling resembles the starry sky. Spread about in several places are a few visitors testing out or experimenting with various magics.

>>1477936
You could be. At this moment though you're at "home" so you're just in normal clothes.

>>1477965
Lets look for a beginner and advanced book for necromancy and cryomancy. Then lets see if we can find a focusing crystal.

>>1477965
Search tomes about thought reading, basic offensive elemental spells and healing if we have them
Then start studying them

>>1477975
Healing a good idea too.

>>1477965
If Sir Geraldine is about our size why not ask if he could become our armor and impart his skill onto us. Surely being coped up in this tower must be boring.

Also let's steal some tomes on necromancy, elemental and thralldom

>>1477965
>Healing, Necromancy, and divining books.

Honestly, good guy Guard here. Give him a pat on the back of something for being good.

>>1478017
>>1478012
>>1477977
>>1477975
>>1477973
So making a rounds of the study tower portion, you collect what books of these you can, probably most too advanced for you but in time you could always learn perhaps. Or at least, you could sell them for a pretty penny. None of them are on the forbidden level of knowledge for these things, as in supremely dangerous, but they would make any wizard jealous for sure.

And so you shove them all in your bag, content with your haul. You don't have enough time to really pour through them if you want to escape this night, but you feel confident with your haul, based on your understanding of the arcane arts.

Before you descend then through the tower, have you any other interests on the top level?

>>1478012
You make a good case for him to come with you, and like Sithys, he does consider it. However, he won't be able to be worn as you are imagining. He'd just be his usual self, though of course assisting you.

>>1478035
Do we have any actual friends or only servants trying to be nice?

>>1478035
>Get to that forbidden good stuff son. Also anything for animation like soul magic or making suits work.

>>1478038
Support

>>1478036
Not really, unfortunately. Over the years you've found, every attempt or chance at friends your mother has sabotaged. Either directly by disposing of your best childhood friend, or indirectly by hiring actors to pose as your friends.

The only one you could say is nice to you and you could consider a friend is the top thief of your mother's. Ironically you don't know her name though or what she looks like, you've only seen her in her "work" gear and clothes which conceal her identity. A sad statement that it is what you would consider your only friend.

There are others whom seem genuinely nice to you, rather than being paid to do so, but you wouldn't think of them as a friend. Someone you could sit down and have an enjoyable conversation with, about things you both like, or do some activity together which you both enjoy.

>>1478038
Do you want to skip the library portion of the tower then, and just head straight to the sub-level storage?

>>1478059
Did she kill our friend or merely dumped him somewhere far from us?

>>1478064
Years later you found out that some she killed, some she didn't but all had it bad in the end. After the first few friends up and leaving or vanishing altogether, and later finding out what happened, you obviously became very wary of having friends.

>>1478059
Could we try using divination to find our friend? Kinda need a thief to round out the party

>>1478073
That sucks
Anyways I don't have any preference about the forbidden stuff so I'll let anon decide what does he want to take, if he doesn't respond lets look for mom's Thief

>>1478089
You could certainly attempt to try and find her, though if you want to use magic like that you'll need help. Most likely as you are imagining, from one of the diviners.

>>1478092
If you have no preferences you could always roll a d100 die to see what you randomly turn up. Or you could just seek out the top, forbidden tier type of magic, from the books you've already stolen.

Or of course always just seek out any servants down there. The arcaneum is certainly one of the more oddball gatherings of nefarious types whom work for the evil queen.

>>1478059
I dunno what is listed in here that we could so sure.

Also theif around or stalking us?

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>1478104
Lets go find her

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>1478104
Ask a diviner for some help, tell that someone has caught our attention.

Also random looting

We should avoid having to many people be aware or suspicious of our plans, lest we risk one of them in forming mother

Also, do we hate our mother? How is our relationship apart from the smothering?

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>>1478105
The evil queen always has someone to stalk you. Currently it's the master assassin, a changeling. She's actually within plain sight, and has been following you around all day, like she always does. Probably will report on your activities too, but that's still better than the master spy, who currently is absent on a mission which is why you're deciding for real to finally escape; because of his absence.

>>1478118
>89

You can devote this roll to locating her, if you wouldn't mind holding off till you leave the arcaneum? Otherwise it will require leaving the place early.

>>1478119
>38

Unfortunately you are not able to get the attention of one of the head diviners. You can get the help of one of the assistants though, a young mage by the name of Nadira. You ask of her help, and learning that you are the evil prince, she commits to helping you in a panic. Speaking of your interest, she attempts to find the master thief, however by her lower skill level she can only determine the room the person is in; the conservatory. She apologizes profusely, pleading that she did her best and is nearly in tears.

She did her job enough you think though, and if the thief remains in the conservatory it will certainly help.

Anyway so finally you head to the very bottom of the arcaneum, the sub level for storage. As usual you're met by one of the evil queen's servants, Sephaly the gorgon. It's her job to guard the items down here and in particular will not let you into the forbidden storage. Though you imagine you might be able to find a way past her, same as with the prior servants.

The storage itself is separated into three areas; "safe" items like endless decanters of water and flying carpets, assisting items which specifically help magic users (basically the mages version of the armory), and finally the forbidden area where dangerous items are. The first one you have free access to, the second you'll be under the watchful eyes of Sephaly, and the third she will not let you enter. For each you can either specify what you may be after, or just randomly roll (each player can make a roll, for each area if they like and can gain access) to see what you turn up.

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>1478183
Search in the first one

>>1478195
For healing

>>1478147
The evil queen is sure to know of your plans, the trick is just how you pull them off and what you can keep secret. You've attempted escapes before and always been foiled, this time though you are absconding with wealth and seek help. Hopefully that, along with some other differences like the master spy being gone, will allow for a successful escape this time.

As for the relationship, it's complicated. You wouldn't say you hate her even though she has given plenty reason to over the course of your life, just as she's given plenty reason to love her. At the end of the day she's The evil queen, but to you she's always been mom. The main problem is she doesn't treat you seriously, and essentially controls and runs your life. The older you get, the more you question which is greater, her love of you or her love of her rule and dynasty and continuing it through you. Even down to the point of determining who you will wed, by way of several propositioned, arranged marriages over the years both declined and outstanding.

It seems your growing independence only disappoints her, and your want of freedom she considers a threat. All you want is the chance to stand on your own, the chance to fall and pick yourself back up, but if she won't give it then you don't want to end up having lived your life like her most beloved puppet. Perhaps this escape of yours and what you do with your freedom, will show her how you feel, though you're not just doing this to act out and prove her wrong. At least you don't feel that way.

So no, you don't hate her but you hate her plan, her methods for you. If she had it her way, you'd always be her evil little prince.

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Also it's getting pretty late so I will probably end things here for tonight. It will also give players a chance to make more rolls for looking for things they might want, so when play continues later today or tomorrow depending on where you live, there will be a lot to choose from.

This >>1478195 and others will be were things continue from. Until then, thank you all for playing, and look forward to next time!

>Pic related, and unused Sir Gerald pic

>>1478183
Another fine explain of mother putting good talent to waste. Guarding magical items is no job of a gorgeous gorgon such as her. Sephaly should be turning traitors to stone, not the occasional rat.

Snag ourself a spell focus like a crystal or a wand, can't be too big to conceal. Casting ingredients and other bits and bobs maybe helpful too

Oh and let's thank Nadira for her time as well and ask about a way to block being divined, for hypothetical reasons of course.

>>1478209
Question that Rose up in his studies, his Tutor being rather adamant we needing to know such niche knowledge.

>>1478204
Later op

>>1478225
Or we could just ask for her to come with. As smart as we are someone with a even a slightly higher base knowledge of magic would be a huge boon. The way I figure it right now we are cherry picking our future party and advisors so more diverse the better. On the other hand her inexperience could slow us down or cause more mistakes.

>>1478241
On the other other hand, we're a seventeen year old boy who hasn't had a chance to have a meaningful social interaction, and this girl seems low enough on the pecking order to not be missed in the grand scheme of things in the castle.

She might be cute

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>>1478255
This is a valid point. I see no flaws in this logic.

We also have the thief with the whole "our only friend" thing going. She also could be cute.

>>1478266
Hmm, panicky nerdy girl, or older childhood friend. Tough choice

I say nerdy girl. Less chance of betrayal

>>1478270
I say why not both.

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>>1478279
I don't trust thief girl to be honest XD

Also, I imagine that for the diviner

>>1478266
>>1478284
Honestly, I was thinking why not take the Nerd, Thief, Lich and Armor. We could pass ourselves off as an adventuring party while we set up long term funds and find a lair.

>>1478318
I am all for this. I still don't trust the thief. I surprisingly trust her less than the Demilich and the armor

>>1478318
What I was envisioning possibly with this gorgon if she takes to being buttered up

>>1478183
>Grab some thick bitching armor ment to aid us in defense and survival. And a Staff blade. Also the forbidden stuff said uptop.

>>1478318
I'm done with that.

>>1478318
Supporting

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For all y'all consideration as far as necromancy goes.

We should either go all in on ravening hordes or low number of monstrous undead. Y'know either go full WC3 or go full Frankenstein with powerful monster corpses.

I return, let me catch up so we can resume.

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>>1478195
>70

Just perusing around the "safe" area, you turn up something interesting. A small lens which when looked through, reveals any and all hidden or obscured sights. So invisible things are revealed, shapeshifted things are seen as they truly are. Out of curiosity you try testing it out in here, but nearly blind yourself since the place is full of magic.

You also find a refilling bottle, currently storing a healing drought.

>>1478209
A steady wand you can locate no problem, and what more this one can store one particular spell and perform it freely.

You can attempt to lure Sephaly into your service, but unlike Sir Gerald and Sithys, she requires more promises than just getting to travel the land. She's not opposed to going with you but will need something to sweeten the deal.

Nadira is another possible person you could bring with you, though she similarly will need some greater incentive. More out of fear of your mother though, and crossing her, than anything.

>>1478318
As you are normally, without any incentives and just on your own, you'll be able to attract three followers to your cause. If you decide that you're favored of spirit, then you can attract double that, six followers.

You may be able to go above the limit, but you'd have to know just what it is that specific person would want, and could drag them along with you.

>>1478477
Any sort of armor you'll find in the armory. As for the forbidden stuff, of the magical kind, you'll need to find some way past Sephaly, or to convince her to let you pass.

>>1480243
Take the refilling vial and the lens, it will probably be useful later on
And don't bring the gorgon, we're going to get weird looks wherever we go

>>1480243
Supporting
>>1480265

And lets not forget to go searching for our only friend.
>>1478118

>another faggoty necromancy quest

gay

>>1480307
>implying any last

>>1480243
>>1480243

I guess getting stared down by statues would be a bad thing. Let's just try having her just gather info for use then.

For Nadira telling her that we will deal with mother. It's only natural for the old to overthrown by the young. And with her mangerial skills she'd probably have the best trackers and assassins on dish duty anyways

Let's got get the thief and make a stealthy escape

>>1480363
And tell her that first hand experience would make her more valuable as an assistant, and escorting the prince would only make her more valuable.

>>1480243
We need to find out the desires or incentives that would get the people we want to join us. The lich seems handled, but that forbiddon archive of magic seems to good to pass up to be honest.

Though, her job is to cover and protect the artifacts, so perhaps causing a small disturbance may be able to distract he rlong enough to aquire an item from the forbiddon section. Perhaps a small fire, or less destrutivly, a knocked over shelf?

>>1480394
Also, possibly hint at the dangerous world that the castle is, and how we've seen assistants and apprentices disapear due to their masters, our mother, or any number of the dangerous magic that resides within.

>>1480301
>>1480265
So are you fine now leaving the arcaneum then to look for your friend?

>>1480428
Yes, and try to convince the girl with
>>1480363

>>1480406
A distraction like that could work, or just providing some incentive to her, so she'll let you past.

>>1480416
That can certainly convince her to try and overcome her fears of the evil queen. She still would need some incentive though to go with you, since her purpose here is to learn and build experience. Going with you would mean leaving her place of schooling, effectively.

>>1480452
Aren't we trying to bring the demilich too, he/she can definitely help with her learning of practical and theoretical magics.

>>1480464
Sithys the demilich was on your list of potential servants to bring with you.So far you'd just been waiting to see who else you could meet and may be interested in, in case you'd prefer them.

If you're dead set on the demilich though you can resolve to bring him, no problem.

>>1480475
How many can we bring with us?

>>1480481
Without any specialty, you can probably attract three to work for you. If you decide that Spirit and charisma is your forte though you could bring six.

As well you may encounter a couple individuals who with the right offered incentives, will come with you irrespective of the "limit" on who you can bring.

>>1480481
Seconding.

>>1480490
Okay
The demilich, Nerd girl and Thief friend

>>1480475
using Demilich asd a new teacher, as well as helping her yourself (since we are likely above her in terms of magical knowledge due to our mother's education) will provide her plenty of teaching and knowledge, which will be made even more effective with field experience.

also, what sort odf things could be used to incetivize the Gorgan? what do we know of her?

>>1480504
And talk to the gorgon before we leave.

>>1480504
>since we are likely above her in terms of magical knowledge

That's true if you settle on being Mind-focused. Nadira is a generally accomplished mage on her own though, she's just a novice in divining, which is her purpose for coming to this place.

For Sephaly, you can come up whatever incentives you think may work, and then just go about obtaining them. From what you know of her though she's not too sociable for obvious reasons, but she definitely doesn't like being cooped up down here. Much more she prefers the gardens of the castle, and the outdoors. In the outside world she wouldn't be able to seek such things, having to hide away like other gorgons.

>>1480528
You can speak to her about whatever you like. She's standoffish and cold, but you know she likes company and has a soft spot for things like gossip and friendly gestures.

>>1480542
We could offer to find a way to magically alter her appearance, nothing permanent, but something that would allow her to walk around with freedom.

As for Nadira, hmm. Idk what we could offer her then. Any ideas guys?

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>1480542
Maby we could find a pair of magic lenses that could negate her stone ability?
I'll roll for it.>>1480591
Glasses

Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>1480593

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>>1480591

>>1480613
That sounds like a promising idea

Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>1480593
Rolling a centrino die.

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>1480593

>>1480591
>>1480593
That's just insulting to her, she doesn't want to hide or have to hide who she is. And she has not a need of any glasses since her stony gaze is selective, on her will.

>>1480613
Ha, well maybe if you had the charisma that might work. She's not a human though but a drow, so you'd need to talk a good game. Or offer her something quite worth her attention.

>>1480689
Didn't know that, apologies.
>>1480689
Drow?
Offer her bondage gear a chance to make some slaves and torture new creatures.

>>1480689
Have we picked our focus yet? If not, I definitely advocate going spirit. I full on wanted intellect to start, but anons seem to want to get all the squishy people and wafus. So, we need extra party space. Also, please people don't forget Sir Gerald. Always good to have an experienced fighter.

>>1480689
Than why hide at all? If she were afraid of the people's reactions, traveling with us will make that a none issue through she power or fear of retribution from us. We could offer to escort her if she so desired. There's honestly not much we can go on here.

As for nadira being a crow, it still applies. We know nothing and thus can really make an interesting offer.

>>1480706
She's not that kind of drow, or at least insists she isn't and left those ways behind when she came to the surface world. Of course you can still offer her those things but it will embarrass her greatly, she's a reserved and proper type.

>>1480715
It could be chosen at any time, ideally for when players reach a majority having discussed their preferences. The final say will have to be given before dinnertime this eve though, the last thing you'll attend before enacting your escape plan!

>>1480715
I honestly am only going with this cause everyone is pushing for it. With magic we can just get followers later, necromancy providing us all the meat shield we'ed honestly ever need.

>>1480689
As for Sephaly, she wants to be out and about but obviously we can't bring her into a "civilized" town. How about, when we set a base and she has free roam of it? a garden of her own, etc. What are her strengths?

>>1480729
I still vote full magic. Charisma can't be gotten later easy, magic is harder but way more utility

>>1480729
Charisma
>>1480307
>>1480313
Necromancy is over done

>>1480738
Seems reasonable. Hell, we can promise to get whatever she desires for the garden. Shouldn't be to hard, and a garden is a great way to show off how well we're doing

>>1480747
Supporting
>>1480738
Also. This

>>1480747
For clear reason, it's extremely efficient

>>1480730
Necromancy is soooo over used, why not enchant old armors into followers? And statues. Heck, enchant skeletons to do our bidding, and when enemies try to dispell the necromancy, it won't work.
>>1480747
Agreed
>>1480738
Also agreed

>>1480747
>Over done
>Yet again, How many have ever lasted.

>>1480741
Me too pal. I was all om board with the magic train. We could have skullbro, armorbro and thiefgirl. Boom, get our stuff, in and out.

>>1480723
Sephaly takes to the idea of roaming freely with you, unlike Sithys though for an example comparison, she doesn't want to be sleeping in a tent or having to walk to get from place to place. If you can offer her some decent accommodation, and make good on the promise that she can move about freely with you without worrying about getting attacked, then that's a reason enough for her to agree to go with you.

For Nadira, her incentive would be some sort of offer of being able to continue her magic study, ideally better with you than here. Like if you stole some divining item of power, or some great magic artifact that could assist her, that would appeal to her enough to risk going with you.

>>1480738
Yes, something like this would very much appeal to her. Her strengths, well she's fairly intelligent and has a good bit of ritual magic skill. Obviously her being a gorgon has natural benefits, and stereotypically she is a good archer.

>>1480741
It's true that magic can be harder to improve (unless you get some great artifact which gives those sorts of benefits), it's also would be easier to attract the support of magically gifted people to you.

With any deficiency you might have, supporters can always help pick up the slack, worth noting.

>>1480762
No gorgon to make into statues?
We could then turn the statues golems.

Well anyway, while discussions continue, at the very least it seems everyone is content to at least leave the arcaneum? You've stolen a fair few magic items and met some interesting folks, if there's any last things you want you could perhaps return once more after dinner during your big escape to do a last minute snatch and grab.

Assuming you are fine with departing the arcaneum then, you wanted to head to the gardens, and conservatory? The thief seems to be on your mind.

>>1480747
>>1480759
All you guys being short sighted. We're not in other quests. We're here. What do you think when you imagine dark magic and immeasurable power? Necromancy. Add in a boatload of practicality, since we aren't some kinda muhahahah villain yet..and we have a lot of room to explore and grow. I believe qm even said it's just our starting focus, not the end all. Just think about the seemingly endless applications of skeletons/zombies and the sky is the limit.

>>1480794
When I think Dark and EVIL, I think mind bending power, the power that can warp reality and twist the truth.

>>1480794
Im down for magic, elemental and stuff, necromancy's pretty boring imo and possibly a banned art unlike the more common offensive elemental magic
>>1480793
Yeah, leave then Thief

>>1480807
The kind that puts into question reality itself, the kind that can take a planet and hurl it into the sun.

>>1480807
So a magic user, that dabbles in charismatic pursuits. Not a rogue that has a bit of magic yea?

>>1480822
Yeah, that sounds right.
Primary Magic, secondary Charisma.

>>1480794
I'm actually cool with the animate items and statues idea. Gollem making sounds fun

Also, think we'ed be able to steal anything that would make our journey more comfortable? Like a bigger on the inside carriage?

and those divining stuff and spells should be easy to grab. After that than yeah I'm cool with leaving

>>1480822
Yeh

>>1480827
Support.

>>1480838
Let's start a tally then with the Qm, Magic first and foremost. Since figuring our focus is still a big deal. Necromancy, pyromancy, whatevermancy is a means to an end.

>>1480853
At the end of the day, any magic has a lot of utility. I just like being able to have some way to favricate minions

>>1480853
We can enchant elemental magics into stuff. Heck with enchanting, you can even make necromantic like golems and items.

>>1480871
>>1480871
Enchanter/golem maker sounds freaking awesome

>>1480892
A glove that goes off and retrieves stuff for you? Maby a glass eye that that you can see through?
How bout a pair of wings to fly with?
Shit, I am now upset I don't have magic.

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>>1480822
A sorcerer then, able to bend both the magical energies, and the hearts of others to your will? You are possessed of a keen intellect and a shady charm, your mastery of magical arts backed up by confidence and a bad boy demeanor. Or in this case, evil prince demeanor.

>>1480817
So once again you head through the castle, tailed by the changeling. To the gardens you are headed though, open air amid the walls and enchantingly beautiful if the place weren't so deadly. The place is like the arcaneum guarded, this case by a rather mad druid but capable in his dark arts, at least enough to keep contained the dangerous beings and plants which dwell here.

It's the conservatory you're after though, a fine structure of magic glass. Therein is the royal menagerie of the more exotic and prized creatures, as well as the more delicate and rare plants. This place has higher security even for you, and is guarded by a arachnid-born, Miranid quite good at her job in catching and keeping out unwanted guests. Like Sephaly, she's charged with keeping even you out of this dangerous and enchanting place. You know your thief friend is in here though, so may want to come up with some means of getting by Miranid.

>>1480904
How bout ask her to relay a message to the thief person? That way we won't have to sneak in, and she won't have to worry about us trying.

>>1480904
Supporting
>>1480916
We just wanna talk with her

>>1480916
She would agree to that, but seems confused and says that the thief is not in the conservatory. She would know if anyone was, and prides herself on this.

You don't feel that Nadira was wrong though, and it would be in a thief's nature to sneak around unnoticed.

>>1480904
Yes! Dark side Sorceror a go!
>>1480916
This might work

>>1480932
Thank her, then look for another way in. Might as well not tell her she is wrong, don't want her upset enough to call the guards or something.

>>1480948
Use the lens we acquired to both try and find the thief, and discreetly spot the changling?

>>1480932
What's pur thief pals usual modus operandi? Pose as someone else? Hide in rafters? Floorboards?

>>1480967
Maybe plain sight?

>>1480967
Our, not pur.

>>1480948
There are other ways in you could find, though it will be hard to avoid attention since webs are strung and spun all over the conservatory. It's not impossible though, you'll just have to roll the attempt to get by.

>>1480964
The changeling is right there like ten feet away from you, she's not bothering to hide and usually doesn't. You can use the lens to see her true form though of course, and much the same you could find the thief with them, if you can get past Miranid.

>>1480967
She's definitely an infiltrator sort, deft at sneaking into places to steal things. Probably the case here, she might have climbed in through the roof or something and managed to avoid the webs, traipsing about the place to steal something.

>>1480984
Can we approach the changling for assistance? Cause since she is a spy, it would be easier for her to get in.

>>1480984
How loyal is this changeling? Maybe grease some palms use some nice words?

>>1480984
How affectionate are we towards our mother?
Are we a mommy's kid but rebelling now? Or do we hate her and she knows it?

>>1481005
>As for the relationship, it's complicated. You wouldn't say you hate her even though she has given plenty reason to over the course of your life, just as she's given plenty reason to love her. At the end of the day she's The evil queen, but to you she's always been mom. The main problem is she doesn't treat you seriously, and essentially controls and runs your life. The older you get, the more you question which is greater, her love of you or her love of her rule and dynasty and continuing it through you. Even down to the point of determining who you will wed, by way of several propositioned, arranged marriages over the years both declined and outstanding.
>It seems your growing independence only disappoints her, and your want of freedom she considers a threat. All you want is the chance to stand on your own, the chance to fall and pick yourself back up, but if she won't give it then you don't want to end up having lived your life like her most beloved puppet. Perhaps this escape of yours and what you do with your freedom, will show her how you feel, though you're not just doing this to act out and prove her wrong. At least you don't feel that way.
>So no, you don't hate her but you hate her plan, her methods for you. If she had it her way, you'd always be her evil little prince.

Reading is magic anon.

>>1481011
Yeah but
How do we behave with her? Is it bittersweet? Do we get in arguments and make up a few hours later? Nice chats and a few mean sentences here and there when she pisses us off

That kind-of thing

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>>1481005
See
>>1478203

>>1480999
She's actually an assassin (the top one of the evil queen) more than a spy but you can certainly approach her.

>Something like this, style of changeling which imitates others in all ways including appearance, often perfectly

>>1481003
She's more loyal than most to the evil queen, or at least it seems that way, it's hard to tell or know anything about her. Though like most any servant, there is probably something you could offer her for loyalty.

If you're not trying to win her to your side though, you can of course just ask her for help, and she's obliged to give it.

>>1481020
I guess we'll find out. I'm all for striking out and building a power base, to show up our ma though. An occasional marvel-style team up can work too.

Does the lens offer any superior ability to find a way through the webbing? Since she is a magical creature, maybe her web is magical enough for the lens to help us see and avoid it?

>>1481025
Just talk to the changeling, ask for help, and in return, we'll listen to her suggestions. Not necessarily follow them, but we'll listen.

>>1481025
>>1481020

>>1481036
Why not this? It's not like we're doing anything wrong by asking.

>>1481020
>s it bittersweet? Do we get in arguments and make up a few hours later? Nice chats and a few mean sentences here and there when she pisses us off.

That's a pretty good approximation. Things can get prickly between you and her, especially the more you rebel/independent you try to be. It's never so bad that you can't make up though and are closer for it. She thinks her way is best, you don't, and disappointment, arguments, even fights can result, but you'll always be her little boy. Something which annoys you the older you get, as you fear it may always be the case. You want to be her son, not her baby.

>>1481051
This is adorable, and I appreciate it all the more

>>1481034
The lens would help for sure, as to places her webbing was less of.

>>1481036
>>1481047
You approach the changeling then and initiate conversation. Currently she's just posing as one of the kitchen staff, body and voice. Asking for her help, she gladly obliges and says she would recommend scouring the outside of the greenhouse since the thief always has backup exits for herself in case things go poorly. If you find one, you can just wait there for her.

Alternatively, the changeling could also change into someone with higher authority, even the queen if need be and just gain entry along with you.

>>1481058
Yea, let's kick some serious ass. Then we can rule the world with ma, it'll be similar to how Vader wanted Luke to join him. Without being a quitter like Luke though. It was just a hand. He got a sweet robot hand in about an hour anyways.

>>1481069
Surprisingly helpful of her. Don't honestly trust her, but we can't really escape her right now.

>>1481069
>Alternatively, the changeling could also change into someone with higher authority, even the queen if need be and just gain entry along with you.

It's always better to make an entrance over waiting it out.

>>1481069
Changling is op.
Have her go in, and we'll wait near an exit.

>>1481077
We don't need to trust her. Her job is a token one. We know she's there and why. May as well use her. Spys are practical, be practical.

>>1481085
I honestly have a hard time trusting the their or the changling, but whatever is the best route I suppose.

>>1481104
You just gotta look at things in a different light. A thief will always be a thief, that's just their nature. So, instead of constant worry about em, we have them focus their talents on larger goals. If they steal a little bit here and there, oh well, as long as the bigger picture isn't compromised. Same with a spy. It's a game, we just play it better than em.

>>1481083
>>1481080
So deciding to keep things simple, you just ask the changeling to enter into the greenhouse to find the thief for you. She agrees, and ducking out of sight of Miranid, her form changes and shifts to that of the captain of the guard. Approaching the entrance in your stead then, she speaks with the arachnid guardian and clears up the confusion as to why she's dressed like kitchen staff.

After that, she's gone for awhile, till you hear a loud crash, followed by a brilliant violet magical explosion, shattering much glass of the place. Miranid in a panic, rushes back, further into the conservatory to find the cause. What matters to you though is that your friend the thief quickly emerges, smoking and covered in magic soot, carrying some exotic bird under her arm. She makes for the backup escape route she had which you found, and ends up bumping into. Obviously surprised, she says she can't stop to talk right now as the changeling is after her, though if you want to tag along with her you can. You'll have to be able to keep up though.

Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>1481136
Tag along, try to keep up.

>>1481136
Follow, shenanigans are always fun. Maybe we can be a little bit of a thrill seeker?

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>1481144

>>1481136
Wait, do we need to roll?

>>1481154
Would make sense, with smother always nipping any fun in the bud

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>1481136
Screw it.

>>1481163
Did you just pun on accident? Because a mother who unintentionally smother her child could totally be called a Smother.

>>1481160
Only if you want to flee the area with her. You could try to convince her to stay though, or whatever else. She just thinks she's in danger and wants to get out of here.

>>1481173
Smothers. Ugh, apologies. Booze.

>>1481178
What do we think fellow malcontents? Bail, and possibly ditch our changeling tag-along? or convince theif-pal all is well?

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>1481144

>>1481173
Nah, was on purpose XD

>>1481194
Oh man, if this isn't best of three you're the mvp.

>>1481192
Ditch the changling, best chance to get rid of that tag along

>>1481196
That means you're an individual of patrician taste. Good to know. Puns are awesome.

>>1481200
That's what I was thinking. She made a mighty fine scene. Would be a shame not to take advantage.

>>1481200
If the changling was that easy to convince to help, we could get both to follow.

>>1481209
That would probably mean waiting at the backup escape area. Which people will find.

>>1481216
We did, and the thief left the atrium that way. Just tellher we sent in the changling because WE wanted to talk to her.

>>1481221
And the changling isn't actually after her.

>>1481209
Well you can always try this later, the changeling will find you again for sure. She always does.

>>1481194
>88

Opting to tag along with the thief, you run after her out of the gardens as best you can, back into the castle proper. She sneaks along for a bit which you try to match, till eventually she cones to a stone stairwell and within the sill one of the windows she reveals a very small trapdoor. Both of you have trouble fitting in since it's a small space, cramped, but it is privacy.

While looking over the bird, she asks what you're up to today and how you're doing?

>>1481221
She's already bolting though,"can't stop to talk" as it were.

>>1481223
True, but the changinling is one of mothers MOST loyal servants. I'm cool with all the others, but I don't want to deal with with the changling selling us out. Auntie Changling can just have fun with the spider girl while we run off. Besides, we're already approaching max capacity on people, and I doubt we can incentivize gangling to join us and betray mother

>>1481223
>she says she can't stop to talk right now as the changeling is after her

>>1481237
To clarify, that's just what she thought. She was in there stealing things, and all of a sudden there comes the changeling approaching her.

>>1481226
Nothing much, just planning another escape, actually we were looking for you, seeing how you're or only friend here we'd like to ask if you'd like to come with us and see the world!

Imagine all the treasure to be found out there, we could build a fort of our own once we make enough scores

>>1481242
Look boss, I'm just trying to move it along. Also, this way is much more fun and crazy.

>>1481232
Well if she is with us, we can clearly say we were under mother's watch, even though we are doing stuff she doesn't want us doing.
>>1481226
Ask her if she wants to tag along on an adventure or trip, and explain there will be plenty of chances to steal things.
>>1481243
Pretty much this.

>>1481226
"Same old stuff, getting cabin fever in the Smother castle. Got to talk to some people at the Arcanium, met this drow girl. She actually helped me find you. You're getting a bit rusty I guess huh?"

Proceed to use familiarity and closeness to try and get her on our side, also, ask about the bird at some point.

>>1481243
I mean, we could probably go all eloquent...but she's our best friend (that isn't dead) she knows us fairly well I bet. Opportunity for adventure, filthy riches, shenanigans. Good times!

>>1481256
Agreed, still, it'd be weird if we didn't pull out the charm. Just who we are after all XD

>>1481260
You're saying we can't pull off our charm while also being truthful? We just be passionate and truthful to what we want, while appealing to every single avaricious weakness we know she has.

>>1481243
>>1481248
>>1481251
She finds your continued attempts to escape humorous, but is clearly flattered that you wouldn't consider leaving without her. She tries to think it over for a bit and then decides to toss reason to the wind and laughingly agrees to go with you if you do one thing for her. She naturally fears retribution for helping you, and your mention of how you found her worries her terribly. If you will obtain for her a null mantle, a type of anti-magic cloak then she will gladly do everything she can to help.

Obviously you wonder why she can't steal it, but it's in the forbidden section of the arcaneum and she may be the best thief around but she isn't a magical one by most means. The mummy guard inside will surely sense and attack her, though he wouldn't harm you. Probably.

Other than that, she asks if you want something to eat, she's got some food in here. She can also help you steal more mundane stuff before your departure if you wish. And naturally she has secret ways in and out of the castle.

>>1481278
No, I'm saying we do just that. Be a charming little shit and speak the truth. She is our friend after all XD

>>1481279
First. Never turn down a friendly meal. Second, let's deal with a mummy, while she gets our mundane supplies in order. I feel like this will work out, we can have our head in the clouds so to speak...she can ground us.

>>1481279
Welp, looks like we need to get past the Gorgan. Her knowin ways out and being our friend has sold me on her

>>1481286
Meals are good, and when we leave, lets wait for the changling to show back up. We can thank her for her help. Then its off to the arcanum, again.

>>1481279
What Is she wearing?
Her identity masking suit?
Can she take it off so we can eat and hang out?

>>1481296
Arcanum to get the good stuff.

>>1481352
Agreed

I'm back, sorry for the short delay. Catching up.

>>1481286
>>1481296
>>1481318
You sit together in the cramped secret space, basically side by side as you eat and talk for a little bit. After all these years you're still curious about her, though she's never let on details of her identity. Her clothes for example are all black, layered and with many pockets so you can't tell much about her. Even her name you don't know.

You of course think to ask, which she seems conflicted about. Finally she says if you manage to escape successfully, she'll tell you.

>>1481296
>>1481352
So you eat for awhile, and in talking learn that the bird she stole is valuable because its feathers can open locks with ease, even magic ones.

Finally when you finish catching up, the two of you squeeze out of the small space and she asks what if anything you want her to take care of then in the meantime till the escape? You're set to go to the arcaneum of course but she could go almost anywhere.

>>1481383
Um, wait In our room? We'll get her after supper when it's time to leave

>>1481383
Procure some food and nessetiies, maybe a couple weapons ?

Also ask for one or two of those feathers to borrow?

>>1481383
Get some magical weapons if she can, and maby even a cart or carriage.
>>1481395
Seconding on the provisions and weapons.

>>1481395
Mundane things like that she can handle no problem, though things like magical weapons or armor she'd suggest you take the chance to choose yourself.

And she's fine giving you some feathers of the bird, even if the bird doesn't like it.

>>1481399
A cart or carriage, she won't be able to sneak out via the secret ways she knows. Maybe you could get one of the other individuals you intend to take with you to get a carriage or something outside the castle, and together the rest of you secretly escape to it.

>>1481423
Sounds like a plan. Though who would be able to get said Carriage?

>>1481440
Stable person? But we would need to be outside first. How bout getting the divinator girl to procure the carriage? We are heading to where she is anyway.

>>1481442
Sounds like a plan. Any ideas on how to get her to join us? An incentive? Maybe she wants something from the forbidden section?

>>1481440
As long as they are an actual servant, rather than a visitor or guest, they could get even a basic magical vehicle. Anything by ground at least. Something like a flying vessel, or the tunneling machine, only a more powerful servant could take out. In theory you could as well, but you're not allowed out of the castle anyway.

>>1481445
She wants further studying, so maby a scrying mirror? Or ask her if there are any artifacts there she might want.
>>1481446
Magical carriage it is, maby one that is bigger on the inside?
And wouldn't that satisify Sephaly's request?

>>1481454
Luxury road trip is what Gorgan wants, and to be honest we want that to. This is just us trying to go on a road trip while mom is distracted XD

>>1481454
All right, the gorgon theif, changeling, and the divinator, who else do we want on our team?
Maby a straight fighter person, and the demilich.

>>1481460
>>1481462
Meant to link here. Oh and find a spell or two to hide from scrying, like what the thief wants.

Question, do we have any distinctI've or otherwise clear indicator in our physical appearance that makes it obviouse we're the queen's son?

Might also wanna get some clothing that doesn't scream evil prince if possible

>>1481454
Well a nice road trip she would like, but she really wants a nice place to live.

Anyway, heading back to the arcaneum once again you make another stop at the top floor to find Nadira. Again you proposition her to come with you, asking her what she wants. She does some thinking, and finally whispers nervously if you could get her one of the grimoires from the forbidden section in the basement, she'll go with you.

Your understanding of magic though, you know this is no small request. Tomes of immense magical power and knowledge, even the evil queen for all her power only has three in her possession. If you do manage to obtain one for Nadira, you'd better hope you can defend yourself because if anyone were to find out, it would make you a ripe target in order to obtain the book(s).

>>1481462
That's 4 people you listed, and considering more. Without a focus in Spirit you can only take three, apart from special circumstances. In this case the thief counts as special because she's your friend.

Also on a potentially related note, you've spent much of the day with your escape plans and stealing things. The sun is setting beyond the dark mountains, and you expect dinnertime for the castle soon. You will have to attend, so it would be best to make your final preparations before that.

Anything after, will have to be done on the fly and at great risk to the overall plan.

>>1481470
Should we share with her or steal our own as well?

>>1481470
Talk to the gorgon on the way to the forbidden section, and tell her about the carriage, then go and get the grimoire and the cowl, and maby see if there is anything we might want there also.
>>1481487
Share, anymore and the likelihood for trouble increases.

>>1481483
After we have everything, set up a meeting point with our companions to escape then head to dinner with Mom

>>1481495
This too.

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>>1481492
>anything we might want there also.

Anything in particular you might be after? Otherwise you can random roll to see what you find.

Either way you return back to the storage room, meeting Sephaly along the way and talking about your plans. Her cold demeanor seems to thaw a little as for the first time you've ever seen, she smiles with anticipation. With her allowing you past though, into the forbidden area, it's actually a transition point into a false dimension of sorts. Basically able to be entirely cut off from the normal world if things get out of control. The place itself is not too scary, just stay away from the edges.

The guardian of that place though, a mummy by the name of Manad-hotep similarly blocks your path. Like Miranid, he is quite adamant about his role and protection of the place, protection of you by not letting you peruse around. You'll similarly need to find a way around him, or past him.

>>1481516
Then ask him to show us around, on the condition that we'll listen to him and not touch shit, if he accompanies us to get what we need. That fulfills the roll of not letting us gust search willy nilly, and he can protect us.

>>1481521
This actually will work on him you find, and the prospect of showing someone around his place brightens his day and he rather quickly drops his hostility. You strongly doubt though that you will be able to easily steal anything, or that he'll just let you take them and walk out of this place with them.

>>1481521
Also we should look for stuff that involves animating objects, and also that Mantel for the thief. Maybe some thing cool for us, as well as the grimoire

>>1481526
Welp, it worked the last time, ask him if we can take some items for study and work. And let him know up front that our mom doesn't know we're here. We would like to learn magic, but she is overprotective of us, and to live in under her shadow, we need to be able to protect ourselves.
>>1481527
Look for the items yes.

>>1481539
Your excuse in some sense falls upon deaf ears. He is fine with you wanting to learn, and to some extent will let you use items in this place. Some though like the grimoires as a particular example, he won't let you have, and nothing at all will he let you take.

It's a difficult situation you're in because apart from like, the treasure chamber, this is the highest security and most strictly run place in the castle.

>>1481547
Should we kill him? I mean, I assume since he stands here for eternity, no one checks on him yes? We could ask to see an artifact, use it to kill him, then the place will be ours for the taking. We are evil after all, and this guy is already long dead.

>>1481552
We could try and shove him off the edge, maby someone could rescue him later.

>>1481547
well might as well learn the theory for some top tier magicks so we can use t when we get stronger in the future

>>1481552
>>1481554
So will it be death, or exile? Either one will take a roll for success.

>>1481556
From him? Or from something here?

>>1481554
Ask to test an object, go to the edge to avoid damaging anything, shove guy off edge

>>1481564
Idk how to role on mobile, but I choose whichever gets him out of our way the easiest

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>1481564
Don't really want to kill or exile him, but he is in our way.
Rolling dastardly dice.

>>1481569
Fucking murdered

>>1481569
>>1481565
>96

A big concern of yours is that he will curse you for your actions against him, as mummys often do. However you have to try, and during the "tour" settle on some item and ask how it works and to test it out.

The item itself is a magical object called a "Jet Engine" which propels objects through the air as long as it has plenty of the special drink it needs. Waking it up, the two of you marvel at the device as it makes a huge racket and strains against the magical chains holding it in place. Quickly then taking your chance, you point out something on the item so that he moves in front and looks closer, after which you quickly uncouple the chains. You hoped something helpful would happen, but you're shocked by the actual result, as the item the rough size and dimensions of a battering ram blasts off of the frame it's on, taking the mummy with it off into the void beyond this room. It happens less than the blink of an eye, you don't even hear his angry screaming or cursing. The object and him are there one instant, the next they're not, just a trail of smoke, foul smelling fumes, and you (as well as plenty of items) scattered across the floor.

So for the time being, you have free access to the room. You don't really know the layout well though and what all the items are, but you can look for something particular or just try to randomly pick and choose.

>>1481583
Look for a book shelf, then someplace that might hold a cowl or cloak, finally look for a staff.

>>1481585
Make a roll, not too difficult but who knows!

>>1481585
Could we use the lens to find the grimoires due to their excessive magical energy?

Also, we should find something to unclear ourselves, just in case.

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>1481592
Rolling the inquisitive dice.
Unclear?

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>1481595

>>1481593
That will probably blind you to do that in here, everything is so magical. For unclear though I assume you mean to prevent being divined?

>>1481595
>62

That's more than enough. You slink around the place like you own it, examining with glee all the items of such power in their respective containment boxes or cages. You come to a stop though when you see easily the third or second most impressive display in there; a pair of three books of different sizes and condition, each housed and contained multiple, multiple times in various safeguards, both physical and magical.

Luckily the mummy was removed so quickly that he didn't have the chance to secure the "keys" if you will, the multi-step tool (itself a magical item) which unlocks each book. You can take the chance to look at them, or if you want to hurry you can just grab one of them at random, grab a null mantle or two on the way out, and be done with this strange place.

>>1481608
Look at them. Don't want to accidental grab a cama sutra book for Cthulhu.

>>1481614
The three available, and what you know about them are;

>Liber Somnis, a text of seeing beyond the veil and knowing fate
>The Third Book of Avareus, the third of a series of books written by a figure of legendary wealth
>The Grand Truth, probably the most well-known grimoire and quite a famous bit of history, the mark of victory of the evil queen over a dread lich. A general compendium of magic, focused on the core nature and understanding of it

Of the three, if you're just concerned for Nadira, the first is probably to her greatest interest.

>>1481630
Grab the first then

>>1481630
Did she specify which grimoire?

Though I guess having a super diviner might be cool.

We are mages to though, so is gaining power would be a big plus

>>1481630
The first two.
First one for Nadira, and the second for us.
Then we need to get that mantle and skedadle.
Good night yall, stayed up too damn late.

>>1481636
She actually didn't, because she probably didn't know which grimoires the evil queen owned. Obviously the first book would suit her best since she's a diviner, but she could make use of all of them.

You personally probably would benefit most from the third because it's more generally magic focused, but she could help you with the others if she's a mage worth her salt. Or anyone well-gifted in magic really.

>>1481630
first advanced diviner recon is a go

>>1481641
Hmm, I say go with the all rounder third one. The money one would bring to much suspicion, and the divining one is to niche. The all rounder will no doubt help her regardless, just not as much as the more niche book.

Also, are there any staves or such that would have the power to animate objects? Just wanna make sure we're all good before we leave forever

>>1481641
>>1481644
Get both the first and third.
Now actually Good night.

>>1481644
There could be staffs like that, but they would be in the second area, items to assist mages and casting. You'd just run by and grab something like that on the way out, same as the null mantle.

And I understand your concern about wanting to get the best you can, just a fair warning that time has run on so after this, you'll have to head to dinner.

>>1481658
Welp alrighty. Fuck it, mom's already gonna be trying to hunt us down. Let's go with intrepids idea. All we have to do is not be total idiots and flaunt it and it should be easy enough to hide. Than grab a couple Null mantels if possible, stash that shit in one of the thiefs hiding spots or with Gorgan, and then head to dinner

my view is the diviner will give us advanced warning of people chasing us whether they are coming for us or the grimora and our mother would probably be less pissed off at losing this one over the third which sounds like her personal book

>>1481660
Very well, you can go along with this. It's pretty late here so I'll end things for now, and when things continue later today/tomorrow depending on where you are, I think it will be a fair chance for people to discuss the book choice more, or even another possible magic item choice.

Either way, when next things continue, you'll make your final grab from the arcaneum, and head to dinner. So prepare for the final confrontation with the evil queen, and the grand escape. The final chance for solidifying plans and choices, before things continue.

>>1481663
Woop woop!

>>1481661
That is a fair point Anon, it does hurt us in term of early power gain though. Hmmm, we'll need a consensus on this for sure.

https://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/fireemblem/images/6/66/Leo_portrait.png/revision/latest?cb=20170120215844

What I imagine we look like

I return, will continue things here shortly.

>>1481718
No evil prince can have blonde hair!

>>1481665
>>1481661
So is there a final agreement on the books, and which if any or all, to take?

Otherwise it seems there was a greater interest towards the third one.

>>1482994
First

>>1481661
>>1483018
Very well, first book it is then. You grab the associated "key" for it, and watch as the various safety mechanisms in place either physically remove, or magically dispel. In the end you can pick up the book itself, not all that large or heavy, rather old and worn, but magically you get a strong sense from it. After that you rush out of there, grabbing some null mantles on the way out, where you're back to the normal storage area of the arcaneum. Sephaly is there, clearly quite surprised you managed to accomplish what you did, and though curious about your dealing with the mummy, she figures it better not to ask.

So shoving the book in your normal bag, you exit the arcaneum where shortly after you are found again by the changeling, as she says you'll want to come along to dinner now. You know you can't do otherwise lest the evil queen be upset, so you follow after to the banquet hall. before your own entry, you get stopped by the sudden appearance of your thief friend where you make a quick item exchange. Happy to get the cloak, she says then she's ready to help and ready to escape. Just in case, you also give her the grimoire since it would be noticed with you if you took it inside. Besides that, she informs you that she got the basics of everything you would want and need for the escape and travel, besides transport, and money since she can't steal from the treasury. With the basics covered though she asks if you've any last requests (since she won't be attending dinner) and wishes you luck either way.

>>1483101
Have her steal some more stuff from the arcanum, could be useful trade items or negotiation tools.

Have we decide on absolutely on mind or spirit?

>>1483101
This
>>1483206
But not too much, don't want her to be noticed
And i vote for Spirit, we need that Charisma to pull a Samurai Jack on Mom when we have friends