File: kceon-nika-8.jpg (682 KB, 1500x2195)

682 KB JPG

Your eyes open and quickly take in the darkness around you. It is not noise that aroused you from slumber, nor the light of morning which streams in through the window, but a sensation felt from far away. At first, because you were asleep, it felt as though it had happened to you, but after a moment you realize that it did not. It was a slap, a hard one at that, right in the face.

Specifically, as your consciousness fully awakens, you realize it was Merriam who was slapped. The brand upon her has communicated the stinging palm's strike across miles to your bed, where you sit up and concentrate. 'Merriam, slapped? Is she in trouble?' You await for further sensations to come, but none do. Clearing your mind, you hone in on her mental state, another small benefit of the link you share with her. This empathic ability makes clear that Merriam is in a great deal of stress, but does not appear to be in physical danger.

'I wonder what that is about,' you think as you slip out of the bed and walk over to the immaculately-carved oaken desk, upon which sits your crystal orb. Picking it up and using it as a focus for the arcane spell of divination you weave, your gaze penetrates the great distance between you two as easily as though you were looking through a mirror.

Merriam is in her room, alone, nursing a red cheek. A small line of tears can be seen running down her pretty face, almost thin enough to be missed, but they are there. Her lip quivers in a way that tells you she is nursing more than a sore cheek, but also a bruised ego. Perhaps someone was cruel to her?

>Talk to Merriam through the spell
>Let this incident slide; but if it happens again, you'll take a personal interest
>Learn where Kaylessa is
>Stop divining and get ready for the day
>Other

>>1868299
>>Talk to Merriam through the spell

>>1868318
Support
And good night

>>1868299
>>Talk to Merriam through the spell

File: merriam1daf20d4d4f9bb4196(...).jpg (55 KB, 564x812)

55 KB JPG

>>1868318
>>1868366
>>1868387

Words come easily, and to her they are like an echo. "Merriam. Speak to me."

She blinks in surprise. "Si--I mean, Mary?"

"You may whisper; I'll hear you. What happened?"

"N-nothing," she quickly insists. She shifts her eyes nervously from one corner of the room to the next, as though expecting you to pop out of the shadows.

"Merriam. Don't lie to me."

Her shoulders slump somewhat. "There is a girl here... highborn. A noble, like you. And she... She's trying to make my life horrible, because I come from a farm."

"What has she done?"

"She's making up rumors... I confronted her about it, and she... Well. You probably already know."

"She hit you."

"I'm good at magic!" she suddenly insists. "I'm keeping up with my studies, and learning new things, and--"

"Merriam, you don't need to convince me. Let me think for a moment."

>Let her handle this bully
>Get more details; names, places, times
>Intervene and put an end to this
>Get some dirt on this noble girl
>Other

>>1868408
>Get more details; names, places, times
>Get some dirt on this noble girl

>>1868408
>Get more details, names, places, times
>Get some dirt on this noble girl

Welcome back

>>1868419
>>1868466

Give me some 1d100s.

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>1868473

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>1868473

Damn we're rusty haha need to shake off the cobwebs and get our grove back

>>1868520

Random generation doesn't really need high numbers, only numbers. Combat is where high numbers count the most.

Holy crap, this is back.

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>1868473
Oh, almost forgot.

>>1868521
That's true, one of the aspects I enjoy about this quest

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>1868473

File: 15251795_1040001599462048(...).jpg (25 KB, 480x480)

25 KB JPG

>>1868485
>>1868493
>>1868558

The girl's name is Sophelia, a half-elf (leaning more on the elf side of things). Merriam describes her as beautiful but arrogant, conceited and cruel, preferring to pick on lesser students. She surrounds herself with admirers and lackeys, relying on her superior status and superior numbers to intimidate others. The teachers put up with her due to familial connections in the school; apparently, she is related to the Second High Mage of the academy, though not directly.

'Common enough,' you think to yourself. 'Mage bloodlines tend to carry lots of influence. I certainly used mine to great effect back at the Alakaz Academy. This Sophelia sounds rather like me in those days.'

Sophelia has honed in on Merriam due to her low status. Though she has made a few friends here at the school, others like herself, Merriam is technically the lowest on the totem poll as far as Sophelia is concerned. This makes her a prime target for her crueler moments, and has openly declared that she doubts the legitimacy of her enrollment.

'That's not good. If this girl finds out that Merriam got in with a forged scroll meant for Francis, the operation is over. But what about dirt?'

Unfortunately, the girl is clean as a whistle; nobody can touch her. Except for the boy she has eyes on, that is. 'There's an angle I could work with.' The top student at the academy, an arcane prodigy named Nathaniel, is the eye of every girl, Sophelia included, but none have won his heart over. 'Quite an enviable position for a young man. Francis would like him.'

What to do?

>Promise to arrive in Youngwater soon and help Merriam
>Teach Merriam a spell to help her
>Make a plan to assume Merriam's identity temporarily and put Sophelia in her place
>Merriam will have to deal with this situation herself
>Other

>>1868580
>Teach Merriam a spell to help her

Also offer this,
>Make a plan to assume Merriam's identity temporarily and put Sophelia in her place
But encourage her to stand up to her or find away to subvert her. If things get worse, we'll deal with her

>>1868580
seconding this
>>1868603

>>1868580
>>Teach Merriam a spell to help her
Something powerful so she can publicly beat her down
>>Other
Teach Merriam more subversive methods to get back at her too like revealing embarrassing secrets or destroying something she holds dear. This will be necessary if she's gonna deal with nobles from now on.

>>1868603
>>1868625
>>1868635

Alright. What manner of spell should we teach our girl?

https://pastebin.com/3KtAZiTt

>>1868639
Darkweave

She can use it to seduce this Nathanial. What better revenge then for her to take the one thing this noble girl doesn't have

>>1868635
She's said Sophelia is squeaky clean- she's just a bitch. It would have to be blackmail or something emotionally devastating that Sophelia wouldn't be able to trace back to her or get revenge for.

>>1868657
Getting Sophelia to take revenge is the best part about it.
If she seeks open confrontation she will look like the agressor so Merriam can beat her down publicly.

>>1868639
something like fire bolt or arcane strike that will leave a permanent mark that will remind her of her failure.

>>1868655
>>1868675

Any more suggestions?

>>1868714
Just a moment...

>>1868714
What other spells does Merriam know

I was thinking something that she can't disprove or nullify. Something that affects her on a cerebral level that is quick, repeatable, and noticeable to her but not necessarily to others. Something to rattle her head badly.

>>1868769

Merriam's been focusing primarily on illusionary magic, but has been branching out into conjuration and restoration. In these categories she knows basic spells, but nothing awe-inspiring yet.

>>1868773
Hmm I stick with Darkweave but maybe teach her Web or Glitterdust. Next time noble elf gives her crap bam and darkweave for fore mentioned purposes

>>1868655
>>1868675
>>1868796
>>1868771

I don't really have a consensus here. Do I have one person out there who can break a tie? Otherwise I'll make the call myself.

>>1868815
do >>1868796
Thralldom magic won't work in wizard college and fighting doesn't solve bitch. More likely to get Merriam expelled.

File: girl-redhead-art-1.jpg (340 KB, 1920x1200)

340 KB JPG

>>1868796
>>1868818

"Alright, I'm going to teach you some spells," you tell her. "Get out your book."

She wipes a hand across her eyes and reaches over to her shelf, taking out a clean, new-looking book from it. "Okay."

"Now, open your mind to me, and let me do the writing."

"I don't understand..."

"You won't need to. Just relax..."

Using your connection to her, you subtly guide her hand. It isn't control, so to speak, but you are essentially causing her to mimic your hand movements. Upon a parchment in front of you is inscribed your spells of darkweave, web and glitterdust, and so it is also copied within her spellbook.

"Practice these," you tell her. "They're a bit more subtle and might help you out."

"I will," she promises. "Thank you. I love you!"

You smile. "I do too. I'll be in touch."

Taking your hand off of the orb, you are brought back to the Silverwind Estate. A gentle knock at the door and a voice on the other side from one of the servants informs you that breakfast will be served outside near the fountain in less than an hour.

>Join Lady Silverwind for breakfast
>Scry on someone else
>Meet up with Faye
>Plan your day
>Other

>>1868874
>>Join Lady Silverwind for breakfast
Now let us slowly embed ourselves into her good graces and confidence.

>>1868874
>Join Lady Silverwind for breakfast

>>1868874
>Join Lady Silverwind for breakfast

>>1868874
>>Join Lady Silverwind for breakfast

File: silverwind 4.jpg (72 KB, 700x525)

72 KB JPG

>>1868888
>>1868892
>>1868893
>>1868922

After getting properly dressed for the day and cleansing yourself with purifying spells, you leave your room. You note, with a smug sense of satisfaction, that you no longer require a permanent escort within the estate. Pleased at your current level of confidence from the lady of the estate but wanting to further embed yourself within her good graces, you hurry along to breakfast. The scene outside is serene and fit for a portrait, though the mood is terribly somber.

There are several other guests, personal friends of Lady Silverwind who have remained to comfort her in this time of grief, and all are arranged around the table. The head of the table seats the lady herself, and she sits tall and straight, eating slowly from a leafy plate. Her face is soft of expression and her eyes are far away; despite this, she exudes an aura of nobility, remaining dignified and refusing to surrender to despair.

A special place has been reserved for you at her side; a great honor for someone she only recently met. As you approach, Lady Silverwind turns and looks at you. "Lady Beaumont, thank you for joining us."

"Of course," you nod politely before sitting. A light wine and breakfast are placed before you; mostly leafy things and some eggs.

You eat in silence, knowing it wouldn't do well to converse at a time like this. Lady Silverwind, however, initiates conversation. "I am told the captives will be in the capital within three days to face trial. I will have to travel there myself in time to testify before the court of judges." She looks at you. "I would like you to accompany me, if you would. Your own testimony would condemn them even further."

'Considering I plan to break them out before someone can put an axe to their throat, I doubt it very much,' you think.

>Accept
>Politely decline
>Ask about the courts in the high elven capital
>Ask about their current whereabouts
>Other

>>1868962
>>Accept

>>1868962
>Accept
>Ask about the courts in the high elven capital

>>1868962
>Accept
>Ask about the courts in the high elven capital

>>1868962
>Accept

File: Silverwind 1.jpg (164 KB, 723x885)

164 KB JPG

>>1868974
>>1868975
>>1868986
>>1869029

"I would be happy to do so. As I am from further south, I find myself unfamiliar with high elven courts. Is there anything I should know?"

"Elven justice is simple and swift," Lady Silverwind explains. "The trial will not take long. The judges serve life terms, and are trained from childhood to arbitrate all manner of cases. Very rarely does a trial last longer than three days; most are judged upon the first."

"It sounds very efficient."

"Elves have had a very long time and long lives to practice and streamline the law," she nods, but resumes staring far away as she does. "I am confident my husband will find justice." Her voice wavers and she resumes eating to cover it. You do not further press the issue.

Further down the table, Faye sits. You make brief eye contact, but both of you are otherwise silent.

At the conclusion of breakfast, Lady Silverwind apologizes and retires to her private quarters, explaining she needs some time to herself and that she will return by midday. You and Faye return with the others to the halls of the estate.

>Talk with Faye
>Search the estate more deeply
>Talk with some of Silverwind's other associates
>Retire to your room for now
>Other

>>1869065
>>Search the estate more deeply

>>1869065
>>Search the estate more deeply

>>1869071
>>1869080

1d100s, if you please.

Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>1869110

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>1869110

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>1869110

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>1869110

File: 50f4a5a1d7cb2629b035a865b(...).jpg (13 KB, 236x295)

13 KB JPG

>>1869116
>>1869144
>>1869158

You pass by many fantastic works of art; an ancient bronze vase with jeweled dragons carved onto its sides, a book with a golden cover and steely paper, a ball of shining silver that floats in the center of a glass case, a gilded peg-leg with amber stones set in its side that once belonged to a pirate who stole great works of art and smuggled them across the sea (its placement in the collection something of a historical irony, given its origins), but these are all things you have already seen in your initial tours of the mansion.

Now, without anyone watching you closely, you are free to use your arcane sight to hone in on the truly powerful artifacts. There are several, and each is behind several layers of protection and magic, but now that you are deeply probing the mansion for hidden gems you discover a trail that leads you to a dimly-lit hallway.

Faye follows, equally curious and using her own sight-augmentation spells, as you hone in on a strange aura. The nearer you grow to it, the more familiar it seems, but the strange thing is that it appears to be hidden. You approach a wall with four portraits upon it; Lord and Lady Silverwind's parents evidently. But you sense something more, and it isn't in the paintings: it is beyond them. Or, to be more specific, behind them.

Looking up at a candle on the wall that is not lit, Faye reaches up and delicately pulls on it. You both step back as the wall swivels, spinning perfectly in place until it is set in its exact opposite facing, revealing a mirror. Surrounded by swirls of gold, this mirror is large enough to reflect both of you, taking up the entire wall from floor to ceiling; effectively the entirety of the surface of the spinning wall.

And it is positively brimming with some kind of magical power; you just don't know what.

"Could this be related to the mirror realm?" you speculate, and Faye touches its surface. Nothing happens.

"Perhaps," she says. "I sense it too... familiar, yes? But it may need to be activated."

"Some magic words?"

"I couldn't begin to guess," she replies.

>Hide it for now
>Attempt using some magic spells on it
>Inquire about Faye's research into getting home and if it may relate
>Ask Lady Silverwind about this mirror
>Other

>>1869219
>>Inquire about Faye's research into getting home and if it may relate

File: Villainous Vixen.png (15 KB, 194x461)

15 KB PNG

>>1869231

"That gold you said you needed... what was it for, exactly?"

"Essentially, to make a new mirror," she explains. "There are these pandimensional mirror-beings from a reflective realm that exists outside normal reality, disconnected from our world and its mirror self but operating on many of the same principles, and they were the ones I got in contact with. They want the money, and they can make me a mirror through which I can freely travel between my home dimension and this one. Such things are very rare, and there are only a handful of them across both realities."

"What would they use all that money for?"

"I don't know. But as I understand it, it's a small sum for them; it's the exchange rate from gold coins to celestial mirror-diamonds that makes the amount of gold so large."

"Fantastic. But if this is a mirror to the mirror dimension, we won't need to accumulate all that gold, so I think we should exhaust this possibility first."

"I agree! It's been so long since I last set foot in my home plane!"

You look up and down the hallway to make sure nobody else is around. "Let's stop talking about it so loudly," you chastise her. "First thing's first is figuring out how it works."

>Search for clues along its surface and sides
>Hide it for now
>Attempt using some magic spells on it
>Ask Lady Silverwind about this mirror
>Other

>>1869364
>Search for clues along its surface and sides

>>1869364
>>Search for clues along its surface and sides

>>1869372
>>1869392

I'll take some 1d100s, but then I'm off to bed.

We'll resume in the morning.

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>1869575
Thanks for running. Nice to have you back

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>1869575

Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>1869575

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>1869575

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>1869575

File: r169_457x256_16876_Wisp_M(...).jpg (20 KB, 400x224)

20 KB JPG

>>1869579
>>1869588
>>1869648
>>1870120
>>1870233

You and Faye work on opposite sides of the mirror, searching for any clues. Your delicate fingers trace up and down its wavy golden frame as your eyes carefully scan its surface. Faye, however, finds something first.

"Look," she urges, pointing at one of the golden lines. "It's in elvish. A bit of an older style, but if I'm not mistaken... 'Before, after, and all between; by blood spilt, all seen.' What do you suppose that means?"

"It means blood will activate it," you say, taking out a small pin. You experimentally prick your finger with it, drawing only a small drop of blood, then you touch it to the mirror.

Rather than smear upon its surface, the reflective glass seems to absorb it. The blood spreads out as though in water, swirling to some unseen current, and the image in the mirror begins to change. It darkens along the sides and you and Faye both vanish from its reflection as a white glow begins to appear, taking the form of a wisp-like woman. She is elven, but more like a spirit, with a dress that turns to mist and flows about her lithe form. She turns her head and stares at you with eyes that burn white.

"Speak," she whispers, though you hear her in your head as clearly as if Faye had said it alongside you.

"You can show me things?"

"Before, after, and all between," she replies.

"Past, present and future," you mutter. "Hmmm..."

>Show me the past
>Show me the present
>Show me the future
>Ask her questions
>Other

>>1870569
>Show me the present

>>1870569
>Show me the future

>>1870569
>Show me the present

>Show me the present

File: afe44f3006794e58ec05ec491(...).jpg (70 KB, 564x846)

70 KB JPG

>>1870571
>>1870584
>>1870632

"Show me the present, then. The now."

The image of the mirror changes, slowly twisting into another place. Your eyes squint as you try to take in the details of a ruined village. 'Wineleah...'

A lone figure is approaching down the narrow road from the south. He is hooded, and appears rather plain, but you suddenly realize that this is but a ruse. It is the Witch Hunter. Before your thoughts can go to what this may mean, he is stopped when a figure steps into the road ahead of him and calls for him to halt. "Turn around," the wild elf says.

You recognize him as Arradon, the leader of the wild elf refugees you rescued. The Witch Hunter looks up at him.

"I mean you no harm. I am on the trail of prey; surely you can appreciate that, as a fellow hunter."

"You are no fellow I know, and no fellow of mine, though hunters we may be," he says. "I have arrows trained on you. This place is ours."

The eyes of the hunter dart around before centering once more on the elf. "You don't understand: I too serve the sorceress."

Your eyes widen. How could he know? This lie could disarm them, he could get vital clues from them...

The wild elf's eyes narrow in suspicion. "I know not of what you speak."

"Of course not. Just as you know not that your life was spared when a mysterious woman intervened, altering the course of events... or, perhaps, you do know that."

Arradon straightens, caught off-guard by the man's knowledge. "If she sent you, then for what purpose?"

'Damn, that confirms it for him,' you think, your mind rapidly spinning.

"You'll know soon enough." The Witch Hunter turns around and begins to head south.

Arradon does not call out for him. Instead, the swirling vision ends and the normal reflection returns, showing the distressed look on your face. Faye looks over. "What did you see?"

"You didn't see it?" you ask, and she shakes her head. "The Witch Hunter somehow knew I saved four wild elves and approached them. He was able to get their leader to confirm that he served a sorceress, but he doesn't have any proof that it is me yet."

"So what are you going to do?"

"I'll have to be careful in contacting the elves. Now that he knows they are working for someone, he may keep an eye on them. Then again, this may be useful; I could use them as a distraction, or to somehow lure him into a trap. But the fact that he knew I saved their lives must mean he has some degree of divination magic, so I'll have to take extra care..."

"Why don't we just fight him?"

"He killed two Witch Queens already. I'm not foolish enough to give him a chance."

>Use the mirror again
>Attempt to scry on the Witch Hunter
>Have Faye use the mirror
>Return the mirror to its original position and keep note of it for later
>Other

>>1870647
>Attempt to scry on the Witch Hunter

>>1870647
>Attempt to scry on the Witch Hunter

>>1870647
>Attempt to scry on the Witch Hunter

File: bf8ef0a4b766cf1248b791744(...).jpg (108 KB, 564x1101)

108 KB JPG

>>1870656
>>1870665
>>1870666

Taking out your orb, you hold it before your eyes. "I'm growing tired of this man shadowing my steps. I want to learn more about him."

Focusing on his face, you begin to hone in on him with your magic. Your spell of scrying works, but only initially, because something quickly goes wrong. The image that returns is distorted; you can see a forest, but the figure you are trying to view is obscured.

The shape of the man turns and looks back with two piercing eyes, directly against the angle you are viewing him from. Alarms suddenly go off in your head as you realize he is attempting to counter-scry you, but you have defenses against this just as he does.

What this results in is a situation unlike any you've found yourself in: two beings with anti-scrying magic attempting to scry on each other, meaning that both of you can communicate but neither knows the identity or location of the other.

"The Witch Queen, I presume," he speaks, his voice nearly as distorted as his image.

Knowing that your own voice will be masked by the dual-interference, you decide to reply. "The Witch Hunter. A pleasure."

"Though not the first, I think," he replies. "You attempted to scry on me, which means we've met before. That narrows things down for me, so I thank you."

'Damn. He's sharper than most. If I don't choose my words carefully I could reveal much to him, much that I do not wish him to know...'

>Immediately hang up
>Threaten him
>Attempt to convince him that you haven't met face-to-face
>Try to get some information out of him
>Other

>>1870684
>Try to get some information out of him
>Attempt to convince him that you haven't met face-to-face

"Im afraid not. Merely became aware of your presence due to you meddling with some of my underlings" Or something to that effect.

>>1870684
>Attempt to convince him that you haven't met face-to-face
>Try to get some information out of him

>>1870684
>>Attempt to convince him that you haven't met face-to-face
>>Try to get some information out of him

File: 3515107f47035ebbd8e5377eb(...).jpg (74 KB, 401x514)

74 KB JPG

>>1870687
>>1870693
>>1870745

"Im afraid not. I've been aware of you for some time now; after all, I knew the dangers this title would bring. You are the one who has revealed yourself to me."

"I'm not exactly trying to hide. But you are. What does that say about which one of us is afraid, I wonder?"

"I don't fear you."

"Neither did the others."

"They weren't as resourceful as I am, clearly. You seem to be having a hard time finding me."

"Then perhaps we should meet and skip the game of cat and mouse."

"Why would I do that?"

"Because I want to meet you. I think you're fascinating."

"Oh do you now? Do you really think flattery will make me expose myself?"

"It's worth a shot. You are unlike the others. Your methods have differed from them. I haven't been able to discern your true motives or pattern."

"And you think simply asking me to meet with you will get you results?"

"It's worth a try. I'll tell you where I'm going to be exactly three days from now. I want to see what you'll do with that information."

'What game is he playing at?' You look at Faye, who is watching with rapt attention. "And if I simply do not show up? Or if I send my minions instead?"

"Then that will tell me you're not curious about me, either. But my gut tells me you are. I want to meet you. What if I promised to not kill you?"

"Your word means nothing to me."

"Three days from now, I will be at the gate between the forest and the swamp, northwest of Bridge Town. I will not kill you, unless of course you mean to kill me. But I'd rather just talk. I hope I'll see you there."

Before you can reply, he closes his eyes and ends the conversation. Your orb flashes white, stunning your eyes for a brief moment before it returns to its normal state.

"What could he be planning? He obviously means to kill me."

"Maybe not," Faye replies. "I think he's being honest. In fact, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you've sparked his curiosity. Maybe even his interest."

"Of course he's interested. He wants to kill us."

"What are you going to do, now that you know where he will be?"

>We're not going.
>I'll go alone.
>You'll go alone.
>We'll go together.
>Other

>>1870756
>We'll go together.

But before anything else. We should try to see if we cant get the noble elf lady under us. We could bring back her husband or provide her with Kay to give her that child she so desperately want.

>>1870756
>We'll go together.
Why am i only NOW finding out this thread was out?

>>1870756
>We'll go together.

>>1870569
>Show me the past

File: Silverwind 5.jpg (65 KB, 1000x625)

65 KB JPG

>>1870764
>>1870769
>>1870776

"We'll go together. But there's the issue of us being expected to testify in a few days."

"But there won't be a trial if someone 'rescues' the captives, right?"

"Precisely. First we need to address this issue with Lady Silverwind; she already trusts us, but I want her to be even more loyal so that she can be a useful asset in the future. What to do?"

"We could bring her husband back to life."

"Perhaps, but we lack his soul. That makes that process slightly more difficult."

"Hmmm... Well, you said she wanted beautiful children, right? Let's get her a pretty new boy-toy elf. In fact, we already have one."

"Kaylessa? A possibility. But he's with Merriam. If we pull him off of that assignment, she'll be by herself in Youngwater."

"True. We could assign someone else, perhaps. Or we could always seduce her ourselves. We're good at that."

"I'm thinking," you say, turning around with your chin in hand.

>Resurrect Lord Silverwind
>Hook up Kaylessa with Lady Silverwind
>Seduce Lady Silverwind
>For now, continue as normal
>Other

>>1870817
>Hook up Kaylessa with Lady Silverwind

>>1870817
>Seduce Lady Silverwind

>>1870817
>>Other
Use the mirror again.
We don't know if we'll ever get such an opportunity again.

>>1870817
>Seduce Lady Silverwind
desu I really don't wanna take a pass at the poor widow, but I don't like the idea of Kaylessa having access to puss outside of our control, and Finding Lord Silverwind's soul would be more effort than it's worth.
So the Harem Grows

File: silverwind 2.jpg (70 KB, 600x849)

70 KB JPG

>>1870828
>>1870840

"Rather than introduce unknown elements, like Kaylessa or the husband, we'll stick with the situation as is and work on getting closer to Lady Silverwind. VERY much closer."

"I like the sound of that," Faye says with an enthusiastic nod. "But so soon after her husband kicking the bucket?"

"Not immediately. She's an elf, after all, and will take some time to win over. Then again, I do have some new spells..." Your mind goes to the erasure spell you learned from Vincent, that makes a target unaware of the use of thralldom magic. Faye doesn't know about it, and for the time being, that's probably for the best.

You look back at the mirror and consider if you should use it again.

>Use the mirror
>Return it to its hidden position
>Have Faye use it
>Go find Lady Silverwind
>Other

>>1870894
>Have Faye use it
>Go find Lady Silverwind

>>1870894
>>Use the mirror
Maybe we'll find out something about the moon elves.

>>1870894
>>Have Faye use it
Sharing is caring

>>1870894
>>Have Faye use it
>>Go find Lady Silverwind

And obviously hide it back after use.

>>1870894
>Return it to its hidden position

>>1870895
>>1870901
>>1870929

Alright. Faye's past, present or future?

>>1870946
Future

>>1870946
Future

>>1870946
can we see how the moon elf was originally defeated?

>>1870946
Future

>>1870946
Future

Let's hope this future vision doesn't involve Sirena standing over Faye's dead body or something silly like that. I mean, really.

File: saucy_mage.jpg (261 KB, 1024x1474)

261 KB JPG

>>1870961

Unfortunately not, as Faye wasn't around for that.

>>1870957
>>1870960
>>1870962
>>1870973

Deciding to use the mirror one last time, you hand Faye the pin and watch as she pricks herself. "What do you think?" She asks. "Future? Past?"

"Hmm... Future. I'm curious."

She touches the surface of the mirror with her blood and watches as the surface changes. Now that you are the one observing, you see that you do get a glimpse of the spirit-like elf within the mirror, but that you cannot see what Faye sees, which falls in line with what she said earlier.

Faye tells the spirit she wants to see her future. "I can show you a glimpse of a potential future," the mirror explains. "The future is an ever-changing tapestry of--"

Faye cuts her off. "Yeah, yeah, make with the vision."

The image of the wispy woman fades and Faye takes in the sight of a potential future for herself. You look at her expression as her eyes widen and her expression brightens. When the vision is ended and she pulls back her hand, she stares at it as though some great truth had been revealed.

"Well? Don't keep me in suspense."

"I saw myself as a god," she whispers. "Ruling my worshippers from a grand castle in the sky! I had warriors, servants, slaves, a harem, and power beyond compare... and at the top of my throne, Nadromax's head!" She is about to jump in joy when you put your hands on her shoulders and make her calm down.

"Shh. Let's not attract too much attention. Was it the mirror realm?"

"I think so. Don't you know what this means? It means I will get my revenge, and everything else we talked about!"

"It means you MAY," you remind her. "A potential future. Now think: did you see anything, anything at all, that could help us now? Some information, perhaps?"

Faye thinks and thinks hard. "Hmm... I had a book. I think it was the Codex Arcana, but I couldn't be sure. It was in my lap. Oh, you should've seen my throne! I like it so much better than the one in Aran."

"Are you sure it was the Codex Arcana?" you press the point.

"I think so."

"Then Francis may yet have a role to play in our futures," you mutter. "Mastering that book may just be the key to it all... But we're not powerful enough yet to even come close. Still, this is a good clue." You take a moment to pull on the nearby candlestick and reset the mirror to its hidden position.

>You and Faye will remain at the estate for now
>Send Faye off somewhere else
>Attempt to get some alone time with Silverwind
>See if you can't get the other guests to all leave
>Other

>>1870998
>>Attempt to get some alone time with Silverwind
>>See if you can't get the other guests to all leave

>>1870998
>Attempt to get some alone time with Silverwind

>>1870998
>Attempt to get alone time with Silverwind

>>1870998
>Attempt to get some alone time with Silverwind

>>1870998
I mean. Just how dead is her husband exactly? After all if she just wants a kid she doesn't really need his soul, just his seed right?

And Francis has that spell that guarantees conception.

So I mean if we could revive just his body then we could swap our gender or just magic up a dick and plant his seed in her.

>>1871281
Well If we had a "grow a dick" spell I can see it being useful when seducing women.

>>1871281
His seed doesn't work. Bringing him back wouldn't change that he was sterile.

>>1871376
And If we had seed, It would be human seed. Maybe we can go to Kaye and masturbate him into a turkey baster. Then he isn't involved, but we can make an full-elf baby.

File: silverwind 3.jpg (46 KB, 736x920)

46 KB JPG

>>1871001
>>1871002
>>1871030
>>1871169

You and Faye split up; she plans on keeping the others distracted while you focus on Lady Silverwind. She starts by getting rid of the two servants in front of the door she's behind. Approaching her personal quarters, you delicately knock on the door. She opens it, surprised that it is you who knocked.

"Lady Beaumont. Is something the matter?"

"Of course there is. You are in great pain, and could use a friend."

"In my state, I would make for rather poor conversation."

"Conversation doesn't matter. Your feelings do. Let me help."

She considers your words, then opens the door wider to allow you within her room. Like much of the rest of the estate, it is decorated beautifully, with an equally-impressive wardrobe to match. Items of luxury like jewelry and perfumes can be seen, but do not seem to be her focus at the moment, as she sits upon her bed.

You sit next to her and take her hand. She nods at you, offering a small smile. "We don't have to talk about anything you don't want to," you tell her. "But I am here."

"I appreciate it. I never thought I would lose him this way... Our marriage had its difficulties, but he was sweet. He didn't deserve this fate. All because of that ring." She looks around. "I confess, sometimes I wonder if it truly is worth it, keeping all of these works of art. I feel a great sense of duty to them, to protect them, but if I can't even protect my family..."

>Offer her your protection
>Perhaps she should move
>Give away her art to others, perhaps?
>Use thralldom magic combined with erasure to manipulate her
>Other

>>1871408

>Offer her your protection

>>1871408
>Use thralldom magic combined with erasure to manipulate her
>Offer her your protection

>>1871408
>Offer her your protection
and
>Use thralldom magic combined with erasure to manipulate her

>>1871408
>Donate the art to a museum?

>>1871408
>>1871530
This but

> Maybe she would like to try making some art with us. It could be therapeutic to create something instead of worrying about protecting it.

>>1871482
>>1871507

Can we check if she's warded or anything for this first? She's a noble and an elf. could backfire badly.

>>1871588
You don't thrall out of the gate, anyway. That's just poor form.

File: darkbook.jpg (187 KB, 533x796)

187 KB JPG

>>1871421
>>1871482
>>1871507

"And what if I could protect you?" you ask, slipping in a slight spell of suggestion. You watch her eyes slightly glaze over as she looks back at you.

"What do you mean?"

"I captured the criminals at the party last evening. I could do more for you; I could ensure that nobody would ever threaten you again. My magic is potent, more potent than most, and nothing would make me feel better than knowing that it would be used to keep you safe."

"You... would do this for payment?"

"I don't care about money. What I truly desire is your companionship."

"I will need time to consider," she replies. "But I think I would like that. Perhaps I do need greater protection, as you say. But I can't ask such a task of you. Surely you have your own affairs."

"I'm very good at multitasking," you assure her. "Let me stay here and I'll ward your mansion in all sorts of ways. What do you say?" you ask, knowing full well that your suggestion spell will make her say yes.

Slowly, she nods. "I would like this, yes. Let me show you something..." She walks over to a nearby shelf, removing a book from it before opening it to show you its pages. It is a combination spellbook and floorplan of the entire estate. "When this place was built, it was warded in a number of ways, but some have faded with time. With this, you can reactivate the spells and place new ones."

"This will be very useful indeed," you note, taking it from her hands. "Rest well tonight, my lady. You will be safe."

You leave her and get to work.

>Reactivate the old wards
>Place new spells of your own
>Create an Aran teleportation circle in the estate
>Show this book to Faye
>Other

>>1871853
>Create an Aran teleportation circle in the estate
>Reactivate the old wards
>Place new spells of your own

>>1871853
>Reactivate the old wards
>Create an Aran teleportation circle in the estate

>>1871853
>>Reactivate the old wards
>>Place new spells of your own
>>Create an Aran teleportation circle in the estate

Of course, make sure we have full user privaledges to the security.

File: 2 supernatural_by_evolvin(...).jpg (166 KB, 900x900)

166 KB JPG

>>1871888
>>1871893
>>1871908

You spend the rest of the day placing new wards and protective spells within the mansion, reactivating the old ones and creating a teleportation circle to Aran in one of the lesser-used rooms on the bottom level. Having accomplished these tasks, you now set yourself to the goal of further influencing Lady Silverwind. The high elf is very pleased with your progress, and agrees to host you and Faye for an additional night.

It is in the evening, when you are in your room scheming, that you detect something strange, another sensation from one of your minions. This time, however, it is Ben who is in pain.

Taking out your orb, you quickly scry upon him. He and Amber are both at a campsite, likely from traveling south after slaying the werewolves. Ben is in his bedroll and is shifting uncomfortably; something is wrong with him. You feel through him a great and growing pain in his chest, causing him to clutch at his stomach and let out a cry.

Amber, who had been sleeping in her own bedroll, rushes over to assist him. "Ben? Ben, what's wrong?" Her voice is full of worry, but he cannot respond. His eyes open and he looks up at the moon, letting out a feral grunt that sounds more like a growl.

Though you do not feel the pain yourself, you know what he is feeling. It is something you have only read about in the past: a lycanthropic transformation.

'Oh, no,' you realize. 'Ben must've sustained a deep wound from one of the werewolves, and now, having slain them all...'

>Contact Amber and tell her to get out of the area
>Contact Amber and have her subdue Ben with rope
>Attempt to prevent Ben's transformation with magic
>Watch and see what happens
>Other

>>1871984
>>Contact Amber and have her subdue Ben with rope
>>Attempt to prevent Ben's transformation with magic

>>1871984
>>Contact Amber and have her subdue Ben with rope

>>1871984
>>Contact Amber and have her subdue Ben with rope

>>1871984
>Contact Amber and have her subdue Ben with rope
>Attempt to prevent Ben's transformation with magic

>>1871984
>>Contact Amber and have her subdue Ben with rope
>>Attempt to prevent Ben's transformation with magic

>>1871984
>>Contact Amber and have her subdue Ben with rope
>>Attempt to prevent Ben's transformation with magic

>>1871984
>>Contact Amber and have her subdue Ben with rope
>>Attempt to prevent Ben's transformation with magic

File: werewolf_by_joe_roberts-d(...).jpg (114 KB, 600x840)

114 KB JPG

>>1871993
>>1872002
>>1872005
>>1872076
>>1872174
>>1872178
>>1872446

You switch focus to Amber and quickly alert her to the situation at hand. "Amber! Listen to me! He is transforming -- becoming a lycanthrope!"

"What?!" she gasps, equally surprised by the news and who is delivering it. "But what can we do?"

"Get some rope and tie him to a tree. Now!"

She does as you command, dragging Ben over to a tree and quickly securing him to it. He is thrashing at this point, in terrible pain as his body begins to change. As she does this, you begin to think, and think hard, about what you can do. You close your eyes as your mind races.

Then, an idea springs to your head. It may not work, but it is worth a shot. Focusing intently, you funnel your shadow magic through the conduit of Ben's mark to cast an illusion spell upon him; a globe of darkness. Ben and Amber are both suddenly completely obscured, hidden from all sight -- including that of the moon.

Ben's body begins to calm down, and you quickly assure Amber that everything is alright. Cut off from lunar light, Ben lacks the magical energy required to fuel his change, and so his body is returning to its normal state.

"You must return to the tower as soon as possible," you instruct her. "Leave at first ray of light and do not stop until you have reached home."

"Will he continue to transform?"

"Until he learns to control it or we cure him, yes. If you cannot get back in time, you must seek shelter, but it is very important that he not see the moon nor be touched by its rays. I'll have to start looking up avenues of dealing with this issue, it seems..."

"But will Ben be alright?"

"Hm? Oh, yes, he'll be fine. He probably won't even remember changing, but he'll be sore when he wakes up."

"Should we tell him?"

>Yes, we'll let him know he's a werewolf.
>No, keep it a secret for now.
>Let Amber handle it.
>You'll break the news to him next time you see him.
>Other

>>1872495
>>Let Amber handle it.

>>1872495
>Let Amber handle it.

>>1872495
>>Yes, we'll let him know he's a werewolf.

>>1872495
>>You'll break the news to him next time you see him.

>>1872495
>>Let Amber handle it.

File: I ran out of Faye picture(...).png (22 KB, 433x527)

22 KB PNG

>>1872507
>>1872508
>>1872618

"I'll let you handle that. Try to break the news softly, he tends to overreact."

Taking your hand off of the orb, you let out a sigh before rubbing the sides of your forehead. 'Oh, every day it's something else... When I get my revenge, I swear the first thing I'm going to do is take a much-deserved vacation.'

A knock comes from your door before Faye lets herself inside. "Trouble?"

"Ben's a werewolf," you mutter.

"Oh. Was that before or after I slept with him?"

"After, much after. He was infected last night, why?"

"I don't want to give birth to a litter of puppies, that's all."

You stare blankly at her for a moment. "Don't tell me."

She places a hand on her belly. "My own little Cutter, growing within me. I've just started feeling the signs."

Another sigh escapes your lips. "Faye, this is why you need more control. You're too impulsive, and now you have a massive issue on your hands."

"What? No I don't. Magic will solve my problems."

"Oh, really now? And what spells do you intend to cast to rid yourself of this responsibility? You're going to get rid of the child?"

"No! That's just inhumane. I don't kill CHILDREN, I corrupt them. Their minds are more easily influenced. What I also don't want to do is deal with nine months of pregnancy, so I'll just speed things up."

"You know such a spell?"

"No, but I know such spells exist. There are a few ways of doing advanced growth: time magic and transmutation are two, but I'm more fond of the latter."

Despite her callous attitude towards the miracle of life, you find yourself intrigued. "Do go on. What does such a ritual constitute?"

"Well, it needs a good deal of preparation, and payment in shaving nine months of your life total off, but it's worth it. Instant birth, without having to carry the weight for so long and getting fat." She sticks out her tongue. "Gods, imagine me with such a figure. I wouldn't even go out in public! Don't get me started on not being able to enjoy a summer beach. Plus, it has the added benefit of not taking me out of comission for so long. If you ever decided to become with child, I recommend it."

"I'll keep that in mind..."

>Ask about the nature of this child due to its dual-realm parentage
>What are you going to name it?
>I think you should get rid of it completely.
>Let her deal with it; it's her body, after all, even if it's exactly like yours.
>Other

>>1872687
>I think you should get rid of it completely.
>Let her deal with it; it's her body, after all, even if it's exactly like yours.
too much of a fuss in my opinion. But ultimately Faye's choice

>>1872687
>Let her deal with it; it's her body, after all, even if it's exactly like yours
This could be a good experiment, in case we get preggo

>>1872687
> Offer to help her and subtly thrall the child in her womb

>>1872687
>>I think you should get rid of it completely.
>>Let her deal with it; it's her body, after all, even if it's exactly like yours.
It's up to her.
But I don't like it.

>>1872687
>>Let her deal with it; it's her body, after all, even if it's exactly like yours.

File: 716788 - Broquest Mega_Mi(...).png (22 KB, 394x455)

22 KB PNG

>>1872696
>>1872710
>>1872734

"Well, I still don't like it. Children get in the way of revenge. It's your body, but I think you should get rid of it."

"You haven't even met it yet. Besides, it's Ben's child, too. How can you so readily condemn an innocent life?" she asks in a teasing tone.

"Don't suddenly play the moral one of the two of us," you sneer. "I'm just being pragmatic."

"We have an entire realm of people who can raise a kid. Plus, there are our families."

"I don't imagine I'm exactly on speaking terms with my family at the moment. "

"Couldn't hurt to try."

"On the contrary, Faye, it could hurt a lot. They might want to sell me to the kingdom to save face."

"Sure, but if they could be persuaded to join us..."

"Easier said than done. You know how powerful magic runs in our families. They wouldn't be easily swayed or fooled."

"Perhaps so." She stands up and stretches. "I'll be returning to my room. I'm sleeping for two, now." She gives a light wave and leaves you to think.

'Foolish girl. Hard to believe that she would be me if I had less self-control. Still, she's my most valuable ally, by virtue of being me. I'll need to continue to try to reign in her more impulsive actions before she has an entire nursury's worth of children running around.'

>Sleep
>Scry on someone
>Check on Lady Silverwind
>It's time to put your plan into action and bust those criminals out
>Other

>>1872919
>>It's time to put your plan into action and bust those criminals out

>>1872919
>It's time to put your plan into action and bust those criminals out

>>1872919
>It's time to put your plan into action and bust those criminals out

>>1872919
>It's time to put your plan into action and bust those criminals out
I would like to make sure Lady Silverwind isn't a problem, fuck it

>>1873024
Maybe we can implement the escape while tending to Lady Silverwind. Can't be held accountable if we were with "our" lady

>>1872928
>>1872956
>>1873013
>>1873024

Alright. The initial plan was to appear to Supremia as her sister, use her stolen knowledge to gain her trust, then brand her. Do we want to make any changes or additions to the plan?

What of the changeling who accompanied her? Leave him, or bust him out as well?

>>1873121
Hmm the initial plan is solid. As for the changeling, might as well make an offer. Could be a liability if we the Elves suspect anything

>>1873121
Nah that seems fine.

>>1873147
>>1873162

So be it. Sorry for the delays today; I'm busy doing a lot of house-cleaning. I'm going to try and finish it all up tomorrow, so expect occasional updates.

Have a good night, folks.

>>1873231
Night. Thanks for running

>>1873121
Keep the plan

Offer to bust out the changeling.

File: Drow_Huntress.jpg (43 KB, 469x854)

43 KB JPG

>>1872928
>>1872956
>>1873013
>>1873024
>>1873147
>>1873162
>>1873753

Taking out your orb, you set yourself to work. It is a trivial matter to scry upon the location of your master thief in captivity, and the level of security she has been placed under. Closing your eyes, you cast your spell to completely disguise yourself as Alicia. Focusing on the cell Supremia is trapped in, to your dismay it is surrounded by wards preventing magical interference. You'll have to speak to her in person.

You step to the window, open it up and take flight as a raven, soaring into the night sky. The prison is beneath a guard outpost to the north; she is likely being kept there temporarily until secure transport for her trial in the high elven capital. Guided by the placement of the stars, you soar towards the keep and land upon its walls. Guards patrol regularly and are quite disciplined. The prison and the cell within it are located below the main structure, with no direct access to the outside. Security is tight, to say the least, with several heavy doors and regimented rotations of its staff.

You'll need to come up with a plan...

>Get close enough to speak with Supremia
>Attempt to cause a distraction
>Figure out a means to teleport her out of her cell
>Instead, try to rescue her when they move her for the trial; that's the most vulnerable time in their security
>Other

>>1874355
>Figure out a means to teleport her out of her cell
>Get close enough to speak with Supremia

Find a way to enter the cell then grab on to them and use our twin teleport to Faye.

>>1874355
>>Get close enough to speak with Supremia
As a master thief, she probably already found some holes in their security.

>>1874355
>Get close enough to speak with Supremia

>>1874360
Supporting this

File: 6346423525236.jpg (155 KB, 1024x1485)

155 KB JPG

>>1874360
>>1874436
Something tells me that teleporting her back to the estate she was originally captured in, right next to one of the two responsible, would break the lie we're trying to initially weave.

>>1874360
>>1874361
>>1874395
>>1874436

Remaining in your raven form, you cloak yourself in shadow and sneak into the fortress, taking advantage of opportunities in the rotation to get into the dungeon. As you skulk along the ground, you approach the cell of the dark elf and see her sitting with her back to the wall. The only other cell currently occupied is by the changeling, who sits in the shadows in the corner of his own.

You get her attention with a low sound, tilting your head slightly. You begin to realize that you could, in this current form, slip right through these bars, but the question then becomes a matter of being able to use magic once inside. It's possible that the cells themselves are only magic-resistant around the bars, but it may be more likely that the cell itself has a nullifying quality for arcane spells.

Checking to ensure there are no guards, you transform from your raven form into the guise of Alicia while her sister watches with wide eyes.

"Alicia..." she whispers. "It can't be."

"Didn't we promise to always come for each other?" you say, using her stolen memories to play on Supremia's love her for sibling.

The thief's eyes narrow somewhat and she cryptically replies, "The widow waits in her web..."

You smile at her. She means to ward off potential fakers by speaking a passphrase that only her sister would know. Of course, she cannot suspect that you have drained her of her memories, and so you say to her, "but the only thing she finds in her web is solitude."

"Alicia!" she says, springing to her feet. She reaches through the bars and touches your face. "I knew you would come for me."

"Just as you would for me. But now we need to get you out of here."

"What are you planning?"

>Steal the keys from the guard
>Find a way to counter the wards on the cell
>Get into the cell and teleport her out
>You'll wait until the guards move her
>Other

>>1874487
>>Other
Ask if she has noticed any holes in their security we could exploit.

>>1874499
Supporting

>>1874499
This

File: 86339.jpg (118 KB, 400x1055)

118 KB JPG

>>1874499
>>1874504
>>1874505

"Tell me what you have seen. Any weaknesses in their defenses?"

"Last night, I could hear water running beneath me. I suspect there is some manner of drain pipe or natural river beneath this cell. If you could get into it, and break me out from below, we could follow it to its outflow and escape."

"Not a bad idea... But I would need to find it, first."

For the first time, another voice speaks up. "I know where it is." You both turn and look at the changeling, who stands up and moves into the light. His grey skin and blank eyes stare at you; the uncanny valley of his slightly-human looks unnerves you slightly.

"A friend of yours?" you ask her.

"My partner," she replies. "He's a shapeshifter. What's that you said about knowing where the water goes?"

"I've been in and out of this region before. I once impersonated a guard here for three days. It is, in fact, an underground river. The guards know about it and how to reach it."

"Then tell me," you say to him.

"One condition. You break me out as well."

Supremia nods. "He's useful. Almost as good as me."

"Alright, I agree to your terms. Now tell me how to make it happen."

"It can be reached by the keep. Through those doors over there," he points, "you go across the hall. That door is locked, and leads to a stairwell. It's not exactly a sub-basement, but it opens up to an underground river. There's usually a boat stored there. It's meant to be used as a means of emergency escape for the guards or anyone important, and I know for a fact that it runs right beneath these cells."

"So, I get down there, then devise some means of getting through the stone of your cell floors, and we all ride out. Simple enough."

"That's if we don't make any noise, because there are guards posted at the cave mouth the river flows out of. They don't want anyone using the river to sneak into the outpost either. So if we go out that way, we need to try to do it quietly, because if the outpost alerts them with an alarm then we'll have a fight on our hands. We may have a fight on our hands regardless, but at least we can have the element of surprise if they don't know we're coming."

>Go with this plan
>Come up with a different idea
>Secure the keys to their cells instead, and then take the river
>Wait until they are transferred
>Other

>>1874855
>Go with this plan

>>1874855
>>Go with this plan

>>1874855
>Go with this plan

>>1875124
>>1875167
>>1875181

Let's have some 1d100s, if you please.

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>1875184
Here's hoping.

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>1875184

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>1875184

Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>1875184

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>1875184

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>1875184

File: 440699b437b1e53dceabb6549(...).jpg (545 KB, 900x1200)

545 KB JPG

>>1875187
>>1875197
>>1875205
>>1875217
>>1875230
>>1875380

"Alright... I'll be back soon."

Turning back into a Raven, you make your way to the locked door leading down to the river tunnel. Over the next hour, you spy upon the guards, until you discern the identity of the guard who holds the keys to that door. Using your natural prowess of stealth in this sleek form, you swipe the keys from his belt without him noticing. You turn into your disguised self and unlock the door, slipping down into the underground river. You find yourself standing in a small alcove that is half worked stone and half natural cavern; clearly, the passage you are in was built into the river's cave.

Sure enough, there is a boat here, which you untie from a small stone dock. Through the use of divination magic, you are able to detect where both cells are in relation to your position beneath them. Now the only question is how to get them out.

'I should've studied up more on transmutation,' you think with a frown. 'Turning these stone blocks to sand or water would be a trivial solution to this problem. I'll have to make a note of that for later...'

You summon up your spellbook and flip through its pages to find a solution within your immediate grasp. You look up, knowing you are directly beneath the cell containing Supremia, and cast a spell of weakness detection upon it, determining the weakest point of the floor. There is a single point, where she heard the water through last night, that you could begin with.

>Arcane Strike: Cut your way through
>Forceful Push: Dislodge the stones
>Manipulate Plants: Control nearby roots
>Web: Cast it on the floor and pull
>Go back upstairs
>Other

>>1875422
>>Manipulate Plants: Control nearby roots

Man, those druids, wild cards the lot of them. Not like us, a nice evocation wizard.

>>1875422
>Manipulate Plants: Control nearby roots

>>1875422
>>Manipulate Plants: Control nearby roots

>>1875422
>Manipulate Plants: Control nearby roots

>>1875489
>>1875446
>>1875438
>>1875435

Writing now.

Thanks for the patience today, folks; like I said, I'm doing a LOT of housecleaning and some major re-organization. My place has been a mess for a while so it's good to finally dust around and move stuff.

File: 754635252345.jpg (114 KB, 715x800)

114 KB JPG

>>1875435
>>1875438
>>1875446
>>1875489

As you scroll through your spellbook, something particularly off the norm jumps out at you, planting itself in your mind. You look over at a nearby wall and see every large roots stricking through the cavernous ceiling, and smile to yourself. 'I'll have to remember to personally thank Jenna the next time I see her.' As your mind recalls the pleasurable time spent with the druid, you raise your hands and cast her spell of plant manipulation.

The roots come to life, animating under your control. Raising your hands even higher, they twist towards the ceiling and begin to burrow between the stones. This has the added benefit of both dislodging the stones and also providing a means to catch them as they loosen, preventing significant noise. You work for several minutes, moving stone after stone, until you breath the buttom of Supremia's cell. Commanding the vines to begin to retract, they pull the remainder down with them, leaving a neat hole through which she jumps down.

Supremia lands next to you and gives you a strong hug. "Hahah! I knew no prison could stop us, sister. Now let's get going."

"What about your changeling companion?"

Knowing that he can't hear her over the water, she says, "Him? He's not worth the time we could spend getting away. Besides, we're the only two that really matter. Let them have him for their trial."

>I gave my word; we're freeing him
>Let her lead on
>Convince her that having a changeling indebted to us is valuable
>Let her go on; you spring the changeling anyway
>Other

>>1875650
>Convince her that having a changeling indebted to us is valuable

>>1875650
>>Convince her that having a changeling indebted to us is valuable

>>1875650
>Convince her that having a changeling indebted to us is valuable
Not like we personally give a fuck about "honor among thieves," anyway, but leaving the changeling behind is likely to be a wrench for us later.

>>1875650
>>Convince her that having a changeling indebted to us is valuable
If he isn't taken with us, he'd just snitch on us as soon as he gets picked up for trial.

File: Young_Dunmer_by_s0fus_snk.jpg (102 KB, 514x566)

102 KB JPG

>>1875657
>>1875659
>>1875664
>>1875705

"Come now, sister. Having a changeling indebted to us could be very valuable. How much were you paying him?"

"We were going to have an even take on that last job. I'm convinced he's the one who gave us away; I was playing my part perfectly. He's the one who's a bad actor. He can look the part, but he can't fake it."

"Having him with us is more valuable than not," you insist. "How much about you does he know? And he'll implicate me if we leave him. I don't want a loose end."

"Fine. I can appreciate that. But hurry up!"

"Don't take that tone with me," you warn her. "I'm the smart one, remember?"

"Yes, but you're not as good looking as I am," she snidely teases back.

'Ah, sisterly banter between a dupe and a fake,' you think with a grin. You and she both get in the boat and float further down, just beneath his cell, where you begin to use the same spell to loosen the stones above. It takes several minutes, but eventually you are able to spring him free. He slipds through the hole and nimbly lands in the boat, and then the three of you are off.

"Much obliged," he says. "I am Obarrai." He shifts his form into that of a dark elf, likely hoping to fit in more with his company.

"Well I didn't do it for free," you remind him. "You owe me your life now."

He holds up his hands. "Of course. But I won't be able to start repaying you until we all escape."

You look ahead. Unfortunately, there is no flat ground to draw a teleportation circle on. Teleporting back to Faye with the power granted by the Codex Arcana is out; then the game would be up. For now you'll just have to continue on.

"I have a safehouse not far from here, well-hidden," Supremia relays. "We could be there before dawn."

>Head to the safehouse
>Stick to the road
>Hide in the forest
>Head back towards the estate under the pretense of finishing the job
>Other

>>1875751
>>Head to the safehouse

>>1875751
>Head to the safehouse

>>1875751
>Head to the safehouse

>>1875751
>>Head to the safehouse

>>1875751
>>Head to the safehouse

File: 35d04cb23e1774f28af2e4279(...).jpg (129 KB, 754x881)

129 KB JPG

>>1875770
>>1875776
>>1875808
>>1875831
>>1875883

"Lead on to the safehouse, then," you tell her.

"We've still got two more guards to get through," Obarrai reminds you. "Hopefully, they haven't been alerted."

"Who cares," Supremia says. "Alicia, you can handle them. I would, but I don't have a weapon."

"Yes, I'll handle it, like that time back north when we were children."

"You don't mean the time I stole the hourglass? I got us out of that one."

"No, I mean the time you stole the book from father's grave. I'm the only reason we got out of that one alive." Your knowledge of their lives runs deep, and as Supremia laughs in fond memory you know that she has utterly bought your disguise.

"Fine, I'll give you that one. But I'm the one who secured us passage south."

"The cave entrance is ahead," Obarrai interrupts you both, pointing forwards. You both look and see the entrance coming closer with each second, and beyond it you know are two guards. You'll have the element of surprise, at the very least.

>1d100 and an action!

>>1875943
what sort of magic did Alicia know? What would she use in such a scenario?

>>1875953

These were the spells we ripped from her that we did not have previously.

>Water Stride
>Water Breathing
>Whisper on the Wind
>Calm Emotions
>Disenchant Item
>Feign Death
>Stone Blood
>Leaden Transformation
>Color Spray
>Twist of Space
>Dimension Door
>Expeditious Retreat
>Levitate
>Charm of Protection
>Web
>Glitterdust
>Summon Succubus
>Suspended Duel

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>1875943
stone blood them and keep running

Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>1875943
Glitterdust the shit out of those guards.

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>1875943
cast sleep on them, one after another.

>>1875988
Colour spray

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>1876124
Fixed dice

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>1875988
Whisper on the Wind and Calm Emotions

File: b76012b7ccfe10287a6a329a1(...).jpg (97 KB, 637x1000)

97 KB JPG

>>1875990
>>1876013
>>1876059
>>1876125

Gritting your teeth, you see the light of the moon and stars beyond, and prepare two spells. Before your boat even reaches the cave mouth, you case a spell of stone blood. The area of the spell encapsulates more than enough space to affect both soldiers, who are taken by surprise and drop their weapons, clutching at their arms, legs and necks as small particles form in their bloodstreams.

"Close your eyes!" you warn the other two. As soon as your boat hits the exit, you cast a brilliant spell of glitterdust. Caught unprepared as they were, they are blinded by countless specks of golden dust covering everything in the area.

The boat hits the shore and the three of you take off running into the night, leaving the golden guards behind to deal with their problems. Blinded and incapacitated as they are, they haven't got a chance to pursue or even know which direction you are travelling in. Once you hit the forest, you're golden (but not literally, like they are).

It takes about two hours to reach the safehouse. Along the way, you chat with your 'sister' about a great many things. After going on about her last few successful heists, boasting about her prowess as you know she usually does, she changes gears and asks you a question.

"So, how did that contest end up going?"

>I won. I'm the new Witch Queen.
>I didn't end up going.
>I'll tell you later.
>Would you like me to show you?
>Other

>>1876175
>Would you like me to show you?

>>1876175
>I won. I'm the new Witch Queen
Throw in a war story or two about the foes we defeated. And that we need our dear sister to help defeat the witch hunter.

>>1876175
>I won. I'm the new Witch Queen.
We wouldn't be alive if we weren't, and we're technically not wrong.

>>1876175
>I won. I'm the new Witch Queen.

File: raven mask 2.jpg (132 KB, 511x640)

132 KB JPG

>>1876209
>>1876225
>>1876236

"I won, of course. I'm the new Witch Queen. Would we be having this conversation if I had lost the Black Gauntlet?"

"I suppose not," she admits. "Impressive. For a mage, of course."

You tell her about the Black Gauntlet and some of the wild mages you encountered within, leaving out the important detail of her sister's demise of course. This takes up the remainder of the time spent getting to the safehouse, which is a hidden cabin in the woods that appears abandonned. The real safehouse is the hidden basement underneath, which contains equipment, stored food and other supplies.

"So, what is our next move?" the changeling asks.

"Laying low until the heat from this botched heist blows over," Supremia says, sliding a dagger into a holster alongside her boot. "And plotting revenge on that bitch that foiled us."

With an amused grin, you say, "You're a master thief, not an assassin."

"Oh, it's no different than taking a necklace from a noblewoman's neck," she explains. "Only I'll be taking her life when I slit her throat."

"Laying low first," Obarrai insists. "She already stopped you once. We'll need time to plot our next move. We don't even know her name and she was wearing that mask."

"Yes, she was," Supremia replies. "That raven mask..."

>Take them to Aran
>Feed her false information about your Beaumont persona
>Speak with Supremia alone
>For now, leave them here to lie low
>Other

>>1876277
>>Speak with Supremia alone
Maybe we could convince her that the brand is some Witch Queen magic that will make her stronger.

>>1876277
>>Speak with Supremia alone
Incest is Wincest

>>1876277
>>Speak with Supremia alone

>>1876277
>>Speak with Supremia alone

File: Dark_Elf_by_nJoo.jpg (99 KB, 541x700)

99 KB JPG

>>1876325
>>1876337
>>1876342
>>1876343

Taking her by the hand, you lead her into another room where you can speak in private. "Supremia, I must tell you, it was only thanks to my new powers as the Witch Queen that I was able to find you and get you out. But there is still more that I can do."

"Like what?"

"What if I told you that there was a way that I could link us? A mental link, fueled by my magic. It would allow me to know if you are in pain, and help you understand what I have become."

"You know I've never been good with magic, Ali."

"You won't need to be. This will be something I can give you. All I need is for you to believe in me completely."

She takes your hand. "Of course I do. We're the only thing each other has ever had."

"And now we'll have even more," you assure her, telling her to close her eyes. You reach up with your hand and place it upon her slender neck as you prepare to mark her. You encounter no resistance from her; she's ready.

With a smile of supreme satisfaction, you brand her with your mark. Her eyes flutter open as she experiences the change; it is a subtle thing and she isn't quite sure what it means.

"Was... that it? What's changed?"

>Reveal yourself
>Keep your identity hidden for now
>Take her to Aran
>Seduce her
>Other

>>1876519
>Keep your identity hidden for now
We still have an elf to win over and a changeling to grab as well.

>>1876519
>>Keep your identity hidden for now
>>Seduce her

>>1876519
>Keep your identity hidden for now
>Seduce her

>>1876519
>Keep your identity hidden for now

>>1876519
>Keep your identity hidden for now

Remind me, that mark is just kind of a 'where are they' tag, or is it a binding?

File: Drow_Woman___Nimdre_by_evion.jpg (90 KB, 450x900)

90 KB JPG

>>1876528
>>1876537
>>1876541
>>1876710

"Nothing's changed," you assure her, inspecting the new brand upon her bare neck. "We're linked, closer than ever."

"I do feel somewhat different," she admits. "How do I activate it?"

"It's not quite so obvious. I wouldn't worry about it. Now, give me a kiss."

It was more of an experimental order than anything, but even so she leans forward and plants her lips on your own before pulling back. "Ah! Alicia! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to--"

"It's fine," you wave it off. 'She doesn't even know she can't refuse my demands. Quite amusing.'

Her cheeks burn a deep violent. "I don't know what that was. It just sort of came over me."

"Well, you love me, don't you?"

"Of course. You're my sister."

You place your hand on her cheek. "Indeed. Then how could it be wrong?" Stepping closer, you look deeply into her crimson eyes. "Do it again."

She obliges, leaning forward to kiss you. This one is softer, more tender, and lasts longer. When you pull away, she lets out a sigh. "I guess you've really missed me. I missed you, too."

"I know how hard that is for one as proud as you to admit, so I appreciate it. I'm looking forward to our new lives together."

You both part and leave the room, finding Obarrai looking over a map. He turns to look back over his shoulder. "Care to let me in on what's going on?"

"Just something between sisters," you say with a knowing smile.

>They will remain here for now; you'll return to the estate
>Take them to Aran
>See if you can brand Obarrai
>Remain here for the night
>Other

>>1876761
>>They will remain here for now; you'll return to the estate

>>1876761
>They will remain here for now; you'll return to the estate

>>1876761
>They will remain here for now; you'll return to the estate
Throw in a demo of the raven and state you're searching for the woman.

...When we reveal ourselves she's going to be so broken she's gonna kill herself out of despair. Well. Attempt to.

>>1876794
Not unless she's so wrapped around our finger she doesn't care. Or maybe we can gift her a blank slate sister love slave to smooth things over.

>>1876807
...Wait, do you mean 'Unless', and not 'not unless'?

>>1876811
maybe. I don't know. You get the point anyways. Get her so fucked up she gives 0 shits about who's bossing her around.

>They will remain here for now; you'll return to the estate

File: 30cc695496c67f9b7f8a7ed3e(...).jpg (70 KB, 564x909)

70 KB JPG

>>1876782
>>1876784
>>1876791
>>1876934

Alright, done.

I'll update tomorrow when I get home from work. Thanks for being patient, guys, I managed to clean pretty much everything and my car today.

Thanks for playing so far, and I hope you're enjoying it! I'll be off to bed in a bit.

>>1876942
Thanks for running. Enjoying the story as always. Looking forward to see what the aftermath of the escape and Ben & Ambers situation

>>1876942
This has got to be my favourite quest. Thanks for running, Damashi.

File: 7aJdq45.png (184 KB, 300x300)

184 KB PNG

>>1876782
>>1876784
>>1876791
>>1876934

"It would be best for you to lay low for the time being," you say to them both. "Is this safehouse protected from scrying?"

"It is. I hired hedge mages to protect all of my hideouts with wards."

"Let us hope their work is sufficient. I have some business to attend to elsewhere. I'll return with some additional supplies."

"I detest waiting," Supremia mutters. "But with that fiasco at the outpost, the countryside will be swarming with those accursed high elves, searching for us. As if they didn't have bigger problems."

"As it is, I shall take care to not be seen. As the Witch Queen, I have new enemies. Not only would others like to claim my title, but I have the self-righteous set upon me as well."

"Then you should stay here with us," she suggests, but you shake your head. "How long until you return, then?"

"Soon," you say, then turn to leave. You walk out of the cabin above and take to the skies as a raven. Within the hour, you touch down upon the window perch of your guest room at Lady Silverwind's estate, change and sleep. So much has happened in the evening that it is now well into the morning hours, and so you only sleep for a short period of time. Upon waking you rejuvinate yourself with some magic to give yourself energy and freshen your spirit.

You and Faye spend the day with Lady Silverwind, goind over her estate's new and reactivated defenses. It is in the afternoon when a lone rider bearing a message arrives, and before it is even presented to the lady, you know its contents. Keeping your amused and elated state hidden behind a mask of concern and support, you listen to her read off the letter informing her of the escape of the two criminals.

She isn't able to finish reading. "I will have no justice," she says, barely above a whisper. "My husband will have none..."

You place a hand upon hers as she sits still, quietly lamenting her situation. She remains strong, but her resolve is clearly shaken.

>Assure her that someone will find them
>Promise to deliver them to her
>Advise her not to dwell on this difficult subject
>Use thralldom magic to make her break down and look to you for support
>Other

>>1878342
>Advise her not to dwell on this difficult subject

We will of course provide all the emotional support we can.

>>1878342
>>Use thralldom magic to make her break down and look to you for support

>>1878342
>Assure her that someone will find them
>Advise her not to dwell on this difficult subject

>>1878342
>>Advise her not to dwell on this difficult subject

File: 899dd8dcd5def405c7c354405(...).jpg (47 KB, 564x564)

47 KB JPG

>>1878353
>>1878390
>>1878619

"My lady, it would not do well to dwell on such unfortunate things," you say in a soothing tone. "The matter is beyond your control. It is unfortunate, yes, but such is life."

After a moment of quiet pain, she nods. "I understand this, yes. It still hurts, but I think you for your wisdom and understanding. Truly you are a good companion."

As the others also try to assuage her grief, you continue to comfort her. Faye throws you a knowing glance, and you return it before anyone can notice.

As she is feeling more sociable in the interest of distracting her from recent events, he rest of the day is spent with Lady Silverwind; you talk of politics, history, art, anything that keeps her mind busy. When evening draws on, some of her guests depart, though you and Faye remain.

>Remain here at the estate
>Return to Aran
>Check in at the tower
>Focus on Lady Silverwind more
>Other

>>1878799
>>Focus on Lady Silverwind more
Lets try to lock down some loyalty before we leave.

>>1878873

I feel like we've been tip-toeing around the notion, and this is a sandbox, but let's decide on a plan for Lady Silverwind so I can start actively working towards it. I know we want her as an ally due to her connections and placement in elven society, but let's establish the extent we want the relationship to be.

>Seduce her, focus on loyalty through physical means
>Thralldom, turn her into a willing/unknowing slave
>No seduction/magic, just building up trust
>Brand her so she becomes another servant
>Other

>>1878901
>Seduce her, focus on loyalty through physical means
>Thralldom, turn her into a willing/unknowing slave

Personally I think a mix of this.

>>1878901
>>Seduce her, focus on loyalty through physical means
>>Thralldom, turn her into a willing/unknowing slave

>>1878972
I agree. a little of both would wear down her independence nicely.