>>2167641
>Signal her to stop at once. We'll play their game for now.
A good lich is the one who keeps peope unsuspecting and fooled. Really, if we do end up in cuffs, we can easily rust and rot them away.

>>2167641
>Show them that you are, indeed, a powerful mage. But, we'll warn them first.

>>2167642
Fool them with what? If we stay too long our cover will be blown.

I thought there would be more people.

>>2167641
>Show them that you are, indeed, a powerful mage. But, we'll warn them first.

>>2167641
>Show them that you are, indeed, a powerful mage. But, we'll warn them first.

>>216764show them you are a powerful mage

>>2167641
>Show them that you are, indeed, a powerful mage. But, we'll warn them first.

>>2167641
More of a “I will not be cuffed like some common criminal” response. Basically remember how any archmage worth their essential salts acted, and use that as our cue.

>>2167695
We could just ask them to ask their questions right after, too. It's not like we need to go anywhere to answer their dumb suspicions and we can be selective all we want.

>>2167700
Mostly I’m thinking of how a noble would normally react to some pissant town guard cuffing them. Like, not even the Captain of the Guard, just some no-name sergeant.

>>2167681
>>2167677
>>2167661
"You'd best rethink this decision, boy. I will not be shackled like some common criminal. You will let me go about my business or you will know why I call myself powerful."

The boy hesitates at your words, stepping back before being prodded with the back of a spear. He looks back to see one of the militiamen pointing towards you. Finally, with a gulp of air, the boy attempts to handcuff you.

"Y-You are under arrest for suspicion of... Uh... not being apart of our... Uh, community. It is... Um, for that... Reason? That you be placed under arrest for... Possibly being a spy for our former enemies." The boy stammers out as the militia men ready themselves.

In an instant, their spears shatter in their hands as they dive for cover. You raise your hand to your face, pretending to care for your fleshy disguise. One man is covered in splinters, too shocked and in pain to move from his current position. Another man twitches slightly, the tip of his spear embedded in his skull. The boy who went to cuff you looks down at his splinter ridden legs before falling down. The other guards run for the safety of cover and begin to scream in terror. However, before the larger man begins to blow his horn, a hooded figure appears from the shadows. The hooded figure slaps at the air as the horn goes flying. It steps closer and closer, his arms opened as if expecting an embrace. He reaches for his hood and pulls it down, revealing the face of a person you have not seen in a long time.

>An old colleague of mine that shared the same views I had. Though you wanted to become one with the dark powers, he was simply content on harnessing them to summon demons and binding them to his will.
>An old apprentice that had simply taken to secluding himself off from me after discovering the elder ones. His knowledge on the void gods has given him extremely powerful abilities at the cost of his sanity.
>My brother, who took to learning under the fey. He had wanted to learn how to enthrall those he had affections for, including the woman he had loved since a boy.

>>2167723
>An old colleague of mine that shared the same views I had. Though you wanted to become one with the dark powers, he was simply content on harnessing them to summon demons and binding them to his will.

>>2167723
Can we get an old apprentice who went with the fey? swap the people in b and c?

>>2167723
>>An old colleague of mine that shared the same views I had. Though you wanted to become one with the dark powers, he was simply content on harnessing them to summon demons and binding them to his will.
Though the brother is also interesting.

>>2167723
>An old apprentice that had simply taken to secluding himself off from me after discovering the elder ones. His knowledge on the void gods has given him extremely powerful abilities at the cost of his sanity.

>>2167723
>An old colleague of mine that shared the same views I had. Though you wanted to become one with the dark powers, he was simply content on harnessing them to summon demons and binding them to his will.

>>2167728
Personally I'm more interested in the Void worshipper. I wonder if he has magic to counter divine magic.

>>2167733
Each one has disadvantages.

The colleague
>Pro: not too ambitious, thinks like us, have a common enemy
>Con: might try to usurp us, potentially is known by the Churches and Orders so associating with him will bring heat down on us

Apprentice
>Pro: subordinate, has access to a type of magic we don’t, likely isn’t well-known among the Church or Orders
>Con: insane, might betray us to his void gods, the gods here will come down on him HARD if they get wind of him trying to manifest his gods here

Brother
>Pro: access to magic we don’t have, potentially good relations with him
>Con: fucking FEY

>>2167740
The Void gods probably offer some bitchin architecture.

>>2167750
Depending on how we want our character to be, we could joke around with our old colleague.

>>2167753
Consorting with the void gods for more power is kind of more my speed.

>>2167723
>An old apprentice that had simply taken to secluding himself off from me after discovering the elder ones. His knowledge on the void gods has given him extremely powerful abilities at the cost of his sanity.

>>2167723
>An old apprentice that had simply taken to secluding himself off from me after discovering the elder ones. His knowledge on the void gods has given him extremely powerful abilities at the cost of his sanity.

>>2167781
>>2167778
>>2167729
"Good morrow, my old master. It would seems you are a person of interest to these..." The old man shivers and laughs. "Rabble."

One of the militiamen looks up and runs towards your old apprentice. "You... You know this fiend, Arch Mage Kalmedus?" Kalmedus laughs to himself and caresses the cheek of the man. The man begins to giggle before falling over, grabbing his head.

"I never told you to approach, good sir. Let madness show you the error of your ways." Kalmedus says in a grim tone. He looks up at you and bows. "What brings you to this... Place of joy and laughter?" He chuckles to himself and then raises his hand to prevent you from speaking. His eyes roll back into his head as he nods, as though listening to instructions only he can hear.

"I see. So you've done it... Glorious." Kalmedus looks you up and down before reaching into his robes. He pulls out a watch of some kind and shakes it a bit. He growls and turns towards the palace in the distance.

"Insufferable girl... But, perhaps..." He slowly turn to look at you. Kalmedus waves his hand towards the man on the ground. The man jumps up and slowly backs away from Kalmedus, apologizing with each step.

"It would seem that you may be of help to this kingdom for sure. If you wish it to be, I may arrange an audience with Queen Azletia... Assuming she isn't too busy looking at her many mirrors..." Kalmedus says, bowing his head towards you.

>How about we reconnect. It is good to see an old apprentice and I would like to know what you have been up to.
>Yes, I would enjoy an audience with her.
>No, I wish to view this city before making any real actions. Perhaps another time, Kalmedus.

>>2167797
>How about we reconnect. It is good to see an old apprentice and I would like to know what you have been up to.

>>2167797
>How about we reconnect. It is good to see an old apprentice and I would like to know what you have been up to.
They let anybody be an Arch Mage these days, sheesh. At least he has humor.

>>2167797
>>2167811
second

>>2167797
I suppose we should actually ask him some questions about the greater view of things, too, not just what he's been up to since our descension into ascension.

What kingdoms and peoples surround these lands, why haven't other places taken advantage of this kingdom's weakness, what sort of resources they have if any, what empires dominate now, any big bad named mages to corrupt be afraid of, other organizations like that paladin's, bigger picture stuff etc.

>>2167797
>How about we reconnect. It is good to see an old apprentice and I would like to know what you have been up to.

Glad to see you've been practicing.

>>2167802
>>2167811
>>2167853
>>2167877
He chuckles and reaches into his robes. What he pulls out can only be described as a red eye.

"Not here." He says as he puts both hands on the eye. He pushes upon both sides of the eye and you can feel the reality around both you and your guards being pulled into the eye. You blink and see that you are within a stone room. You can see many different items ranging from simple stones to eldritch creatures in jars. You guards are at full guard before they quickly fall limp to the floor. Suddenly, hooded creatures begin to form around them, taking them to another room.

"Do not worry, my old master, they will not be harmed. I simply dislike others that are not as... talented as you and I to listen in on our discussions of the olden days." Kalmedus says as the room around you begins to lighten up. A window a few feet from you begins to clear as you look out to see the ruins of the city below. While the more common areas of the city are destroyed, the noble quarters are relatively untouched by the previous war.

"A pity, isn't it? A city so happy that it knew no sadness until you cracked open shell to expose the true nature. Though the outside world saw this city as a jewel of the civilized world, it was always plagued with ineptitude ever since the queen took over. Now, one year after the war, people are beginning to see its true self, a pathetic city where only the well connected can ever achieve anything. A city of refuse can cover itself in jewels, but you can still smell the refuse." Kalmedus twitches a little as a hooded creature brings him a cup of hot tea.

"Now, please, ask away. A curious raven, you always were. But now, you are something more, are you not?"

>Yes, that was the first thing I wanted to ask you. I had hidden myself quite well, yet you knew what I was as soon as I ascended, didn't you?
>My my, Kalmedus, you've certainly made a name for yourself. And it would seem that you are an advisor to the queen. How is that?
>This queen I have heard about, what is she? I hear there is a rebellion and a plague, yet I've only seen the plague side of things. I half expected to see people roaming the streets, preaching about their soon to be savior.

>>2167973
>Yes, that was the first thing I wanted to ask you. I had hidden myself quite well, yet you knew what I was as soon as I ascended, didn't you?
We definitely need to ask him how he became an advisor to the Queen, but how he saw past our defenses comes first.

>>2167973
>Yes, that was the first thing I wanted to ask you. I had hidden myself quite well, yet you knew what I was as soon as I ascended, didn't you?

>>2167973
>Yes, that was the first thing I wanted to ask you. I had hidden myself quite well, yet you knew what I was as soon as I ascended, didn't you?

>>2167973
See now this is what a dangerous (former) apprentice of ours should be capable of. Let's keep him.
Ignore the obvious.

>Yes, that was the first thing I wanted to ask you. I had hidden myself quite well, yet you knew what I was as soon as I ascended, didn't you? You've certainly made a name for yourself. And it would seem that you are an advisor to the queen. How is that?
The second question mostly because somehow his magic is acceptable to the royalty or at least the queen? I guess they don't discriminate it into dark arts which is nice.

>I see that you've grown your power excellently. Kust how much have you grown since we last met?
>Remember to smile proudly.

>>2167973
>>Yes, that was the first thing I wanted to ask you. I had hidden myself quite well, yet you knew what I was as soon as I ascended, didn't you?

>>2167973
>>Yes, that was the first thing I wanted to ask you. I had hidden myself quite well, yet you knew what I was as soon as I ascended, didn't you?
>>My my, Kalmedus, you've certainly made a name for yourself. And it would seem that you are an advisor to the queen. How is that?

can we also conjure our favorite beverages while we speak?

>>2167982
>>2167985
>>2167987
>>2167990
>>2167992
>>2167999
Kalmedus chuckles to himself and walks over to his desk and sits behind it. He brings the cup to his lips and takes a sip. Placing the cup on the desk, he places his pointer finger to his forehead and taps it.

"They gave me clarity. Through my storm of a mind, they let a being of darkness shine within my mind's eye. They showed me your puppets and..." His grinning faces turns into a scowl. "That elven whore that calls herself a mage." His hands begin to shake as he sits back into his chair. "Maila, the whore who thinks herself the better one. She is simply like my 'queen'. Narcissistic and arrogant, my last act as your apprentice should have been to rid you of that pest."

His scowl quickly turns into a smile. He takes another sip and chuckles. "A kind girl, at times. But, our personalities clashed too much, in the end, I suppose. Ah, I remember our little disputes that turned to..." He chuckles and shakes his head as he looks out the window. "Maila... Oh, how I miss you. I should have whisked her away when I had the chance, but it would seem that she had helped you in your ascension. So, I guess I am glad I did not." Now, he is silent as you take in the view outside.

"My old master, may I ask you something?" Kalmedus asks. His face solemn and worried. "Are you thinking of taking this kingdom?"

>Aye, and if you're here, I would like it if you aided me in this task.
>Aye, but I do not require your help.
>No, this place is too battered to be of use to me.

>>2168074
>>Aye, and if you're here, I would like it if you aided me in this task.
Gotta start somewhere, and a kingdom ripe for revolution is one of the easier targets.

>>2168085
This

>>2168074
>Aye, and if you're here, I would like it if you aided me in this task.
He's obviously attached to this place, at least a little bit. Surely he'd appreciate a change of rulership.

Good to know that not just any mage could see through our illusion, except for someone half-mad and void touched.

>>2168074
>>Aye, and if you're here, I would like it if you aided me in this task. Unless, you have some plans of your own for it.

>>2168074
>Aye, and if you're here, I would like it if you aided me in this task.
Let's also offer him a favor, maybe he'd like us to produce a clone as apprentice for him or something.

>>2168120
Second.
Or also an even better position of power within the empire we form.
Unless we have a reason to be witholding, I can't think of one atm.

>>2168074
>Aye, and if you're here, I would like it if you aided me in this task.
>Depending on your price, and what your new masters want, of course
Remember that he doesn’t serve us, but new eldritch masters.

>>2168085
>>2168096
>>2168098
>>2168104
>>2168120
He smiles and leans back in his chair.

"To serve under you once again... it brings back memories. Of..." He shakes his head and looks at you, exhaling through his nose loudly. "I will aid you. But, I must warn you... The queen is-" Three loud knocks are head deep within the tower. Kalmedus growls and bears his teeth. He curses under his breath and quickly stands up.

"You'll see right now." Kalmedus growls as he stands up.
=======
"She... Wants you to go to her now, Arch Mage. She was very insistent on that matter." The maid says. She grips her apron and looks down at the ground as Kalmedus shouts in anger.

"I am no common house pet! Her father left me in peace and only called upon me to have me examine magical artifacts his armies would bring to him! I expect she wants another show of mirror images of herself to admire! That narcisistic-"

"You speak of our queen, Arch Mage. Mind your tongue least you lose it." A woman in white and blue armor yells as she steps forward from behind the maid. You can feel Kalmedus' fury growing within him before it subsides as he murmurs to himself, nodding as he did before. He smiles a mocking smile.

"Of course, I apologize, Captain Eliza. I would dare not insult your... Friend." Kalmedus says in a mocking tone. "Tell her that I will be within the halls in a few moments. Will these images be lace and silk or leather and ropes." The captain sighs and shakes her head.

"Ten minutes, Kalmedus. She expects you soon." The captain says before walking away with the maid.

Kalmedus closes the door and closes his eyes.

"Now you see why I despise this new queen." Kalmedus says as he leans back upon a marble pillar.

"Why serve her then?" You ask.

Kalmedus points to the sky and looks at you. "They tell me patience, do not act yet. They say that you will deal with her soon enough."

>And they are right, I will deal with her soon. Let us go see her.
>But not right now, I must look upon the city. I will be back soon.
>I have no intention to deal with her soon. I must know more about this place before I can act.

>>2168175
>But not right now, I must look upon the city. I will be back soon.

>>2168175
>>And they are right, I will deal with her soon. Let us go see her.
we could potentially arrange a meeting with her and our mind mage later on.

>>2168175
>But not right now, I must look upon the city. I will be back soon.

>>2168175
>But not right now, I must look upon the city. I will be back soon.

>>2168175
>>But not right now, I must look upon the city. I will be back soon.
We need to go find a Hero. Someone we can use to get people rallying to our side.

>>2168234
Why not use our prisoner? She wants to feel useful and with the right brainwashing(and powers we could lend her) and training could posse as a hero to the people.

>>2168244
She's kind a too needy to be a hero, and doesn't have much in the way of charisma. We need someone who can stand alone as a figure head, not a wallflower.

>>2168244
Well now that I think of it a female, especially a beautiful one, might be a good choice here since the queen is quite vain and likely to get jealous.

>>2168187
>>2168209
>>2168213
>>2168234
"Then I must bid you good day, my old master. I must attend to other matters." Kalmedus nods at you and opens the door. Outside, you see your guards, looking around frantically for you. Aegis looks at you and rushes towards you.

"Where are we, Master? We went sleep?" Aegis asks. You hear a groan from Kalmedus behind you.

"And, if you can, please teach them proper common. I feel as if that will be annoying after a while." Kalmedus says as he walks out the door. Aegis sputters out some words before stamping her feet in frustration.

"You are mean person! We talk good!" Aegis yells. Kalmedus waves goodbye without looking back at you.
=======
After finding your way out of the palace grounds, you find yourself in the noble quarters. As you have seen from Kalmedus' tower, it is very well kept. Guards wear well crafted armor and patrol in groups of three, noblemen and women walk around in expensive clothing, and masons build a statue of their queen in the noble square. One woman looks towards your group and hides her face behind her fan. She whispers something to another woman and she nods her head as she grabs the attention of a guard. The guard walks over and beckons you to meet him half way.

"Excuse me sir, are you lost? The residential quarters are-" The guard reaches out a hand towards you to grab your shoulder. Ella quickly grabs his hand and shakes her head slowly. He pulls back his hand and back away.

"N-Nevermind. As you were, citizen." The guard says as he walks away, holding his hand and looking to Ella.

From what you can gather from gossips and talking to some guards, there seems to be a few places of interest in the noble quarters.

>The Noble Gardens, a place where nobles and merchants may spend their time admiring the view. It seems that this is also a place for conspiring against other nobles.
>The Crypt of Heroes, a place where the mightiest of heroes are buried. It seems there is a gathering to remember the heroic deeds of a recently fallen hero of the city.
>The Gilded Arena, a place where local warriors and noblemen and women can settle grudges through duels of honor. It seems a particularly vain woman has challenged a man for control of his house.

>>2168309
>>The Crypt of Heroes, a place where the mightiest of heroes are buried. It seems there is a gathering to remember the heroic deeds of a recently fallen hero of the city.
We might find fresh prospects here. Either alive or dead.

>>2168309
>The Crypt of Heroes, a place where the mightiest of heroes are buried. It seems there is a gathering to remember the heroic deeds of a recently fallen hero of the city.
>The Gilded Arena, a place where local warriors and noblemen and women can settle grudges through duels of honor. It seems a particularly vain woman has challenged a man for control of his house.
One of these.

>>2168326
The woman at the Gilded Arena also sounds promising.

>>2168309
>>The Crypt of Heroes, a place where the mightiest of heroes are buried. It seems there is a gathering to remember the heroic deeds of a recently fallen hero of the city.
You know what people like? If their recently dead hero turns out not so dead. If we get a bit of a sample, we can seize quite a bit of popular support.

>>2168309
>the arena

we need some fighting experience, and its a chance to blood out guards while gaining favours

>>2168338
Admittedly the Crypt offers that as well.

>>2168351
favours among the living, but point taken.

a little bit of fame on the side as well, and while we can get that in the crypt, this type isn't likely to get us killed

>>2168309
>The Gilded Arena, a place where local warriors and noblemen and women can settle grudges through duels of honor. It seems a particularly vain woman has challenged a man for control of his house.

>>2168309
change>>2168335
To
>The Gilded Arena,
Better to have a noble house under our control now, as we could probably go and loot the crypt later.

>>2168387
The problem is the corpse won't be as fresh.

>>2168309
>The Crypt of Heroes, a place where the mightiest of heroes are buried. It seems there is a gathering to remember the heroic deeds of a recently fallen hero of the city.

>>2168387
>>2168380
>>2168338
>>2168328
I'm going to be away till around 5:30 or so CST.
=======
The arena is loud with cheers and banter. Nobles are being fitted for armor so they may fight in the arena, some heroes walk over to the registration area to sign up to fight for easy money as they see it.

"The fight between Lady Axtia and Lord Mayben is about to begin. Please place your bets before entering the arena!" A crier yells. He holds up a banner detailing the fight and its reason. It reads as such...

"LADY AXTIA AND LORD MAYBEN WILL FIGHT FOR THE FUTURE OF THEIR HOUSES! WILL AXTIA TAKE ANOTHER HOUSE OR WILL MAYBEN FINALLY DEFEAT THE LADY OF DEATH!

AXTIA, THE BEAUTIFUL DUELIST, VOWS THAT MAYBEN'S HOUSE WILL BE PLACED UNDER A MORE COMPETENT LEADERSHIP!

MAYBEN, THE MASTER FENCER, SAYS THAT AXTIA'S DANGEROUS PERSONALITY WILL FINALLY BE WIPED FROM THIS LAND!

BETTING BEGINS THREE HOURS BEFORE THE FIGHT!"

People begin to flood into the arena, laughing and cheering the name of their favorite fighter. It seems that each fighter is accepting visitors to their rooms before the fight. You only have time to visit one.

>Visit Lady Axtia.
>Visit Lord Mayben.
>Just enter the arena to watch.

>>2168395
If we had the chameleon girl we could send her to go steal a leg or something while we do other things. Or the brain.

>>2168416
>Visit Lady Axtia.
Let's try to get to know her better. I think she'll be useful.

>>2168416
>>Visit Lady Axtia.
She seems ideal for our purposes. has resources, and authority. Make her act more generously to the small folk and we have a possible queen.

>>2168416
>>Visit Lady Axtia.
lets just be careful. From a first glance it seems like she won´t bend as easily to our will.

>>2168434
Why would it matter when we have the cloning vat?

>>2168450
With how much mutation the vats cause, It would be ideal if we could get the original onside. Maybe get her take on mind mage as a handmaiden or something.

>>2168450
because we have other resources. For example, we can take control of the current queen´s mind with our mind mage and avoid all the hassle that bringing a hero to create a revolution so we can take control creates.

>>2168458
>>2168475
The big problem with the mind mage is the potential to lose control of her. I wonder if our former apprentice has anything to ensure no problems.

>>2168489
We can just establish ourselves as a friend for now. Once we sort out loyalty in our own house we can start influencing the people we are close to.

>>2168458
The mutation problem has been eliminated.

>>2168424
>>2168428
>>2168434
Lady Axtia is sitting within her room, sharpening her sword. Every once in a while, she would take a small leaf from a bowl next to her and place a small part of the leaf on the edge of her sword. The leaf would be cut without any effort. She finally nods and looks up at you. She sighs and sheaths her sword.

"I do not have time to talk to any more spectators. Say what you must and then leave." She says in an annoyed tone.

She double takes as she notices your guards. You can see her face go from annoyance to worry as she grips her sword.

"What business do you have with me?" She asks in a cautious tone. "If this is an attempt to have me forfeit the match, then you will know that I will never concede my right to rule Mayben's house. He is a weak man who does not know what true power is or how to use it."

As she begins to take a combat stance and reaches for her shield, you begin to see how she can be considered a grand fighter. Her stance shows confidence in her abilities and defiance against the odds. Her eyes dart from each of your guards, waiting for them to make the first move. Her armor, though sleek and clean, seems strong and expensive. She is a good fighter.

>I am only here to tell you that if your ambitions out grow controlling minor houses, I could have you control and entire kingdom. Find me after the match.
>Hmmm, a fine stock. I look forward to having more of you for my army. Have your guard subdue her.
>How do you feel of the queen?
>She seems problematic. Kill her.

>>2168676
>>How do you feel of the queen?

>>2168676
>How do you feel of the queen?
Start with this
>I am only here to tell you that if your ambitions out grow controlling minor houses, I could have you control and entire kingdom. Find me after the match.
And move on to this.

>>2168676
>if your ambitions out grow controlling minor houses, I could have you control and entire kingdom.

>>2168703
>>2168696
don´t start with how she feels about the queen. It can be interpreted as treason.

>>2168712
And just flat out suggesting she rule the entire kindgom won't be?
Having grievances with current affairs is not treason. Suggesting someone else rule is.

Forgot to put my name in. Deleted it for some reason.

Remember, this thread goes on until Saturday before I archive and let it autosage till Thursday.

>>2168676
>Other: How do you feel about the kingdom's recovery?
Let's keep to our cover of "Powerful archmage that's thinking of helping the kingdom out and potentially gaining political power".

>>2168946
support

>>2168676
changing my vote from >>2168707 to >>2168946

>>2168676
change>>2168696
to>>2168946

>>2168946
Sure

>>2168946
here here.

>>2168946
>>2168956
>>2168972
This one is better and reminds me I should put an other option in case you guys want to go a different route. If I forget to put one in during dialogue options, just assume that is an option as well.
=======
"I..." She looks down and to the side as her grip loosens. She slumps back down and sighs. She is silent for a few moments and then shakes her head.

"Why do you want to know? A better question, why are you asking me this?" Axtia asks, her voice barely croaking out her words. It would seem she is suddenly tired.

"If you are grabbing power for yourself, it would seem that you think recovery of your kingdom is proceeding too slowly for your tastes." You state as you walk further into the room. Your guards take note of the conversation and stay outside, closing the door behind them.

She hesitates before nodding. "It... It is... A kingdom with a populace that cannot support itself while its elite wine and dine while others die and starve is a kingdom doomed to fail..." She looks over at her house's crest. It shows an eagle soaring while it grips an olive branch and a sword in both talons. "My house, during the reign of King Edwards, was one of the people. We would give the poor our surplus of grain, we would give medicine to the sick, we would even patrol the streets at night during times of hardship to ensure that the citizenship were safe. Now..." She looks down at her sword. "The Queen has decreed that all houses provide a tithe of food for her stocks, our nightly patrols are now routed to ensure that none of the peasantry can enter the Noble Quarters. Our medicine is taken to be distributed to those with minor sicknesses..."

"So you hope these houses can help you turn things back to the old ways. Before the Queen." You say as you circle around her.

She is silent, but you have your answer.

>I can make sure that your past is restored, if you become an ally to my cause.
>A noble cause. A cause that may fail, if handled poorly.
>You grasp at straws. Perhaps this kingdom is doomed to fail, no matter what measures you take.
>Other

>>2169073
>>A noble cause. A cause that may fail, if handled poorly.
>I can make sure that your past is restored, if you become an ally to my cause.
How convenient for us. They already have a rep for being kind to the small folk.

>>2169073
>>Other
>I have certain interests, one of which would be greatly aided by the support of the people and by proxy, you their savior. I seek to gain access to components and materials that only a position of power can grant, and you seek to aid the populace restore their homes and state of being. Uniting the house under yourself I can do, but in return I only wish for access to otherwise uncommon components.

We gotta keep up the old archmage act we've already established, but no one does anything for free and saying as much might make her suspicious. If we seem like we are getting something out of it, it will help ease her into the idea because she already believes she knows what we're after.

>>2169115
But we also don't want it to seem blatantly like a power grab on our part. If she thinks we have the same goals, she would be less on guard about what exactly we would be doing, than if she thinks we're using her as a pawn in some greater scheme.

>>2169131
Anyone who says they want the same thing as you and will help you without question is a liar. Everybody wants something. Someone in the political game like her would know that.

Also we aren't grabbing for power, we are simply asking that she provide us with materials that we cannot otherwise obtain. Having a goal that is clear and requires her to put in effort we can't or won't makes it more believable. If we just say "Hey I hear you wanna help the peasents? GREAT! So do I." It's gonna come off as super fishy, but if we tell her we wanna exchange services she wants for something that would be a pain in this ass for us to get on our own, it comes off a business deal, something a major political player like her would understand, in which she still gets more out of.

>>2169153
Except we, a complete unknown, are coming up to this lady, offering to make her dreams come true, in exchange for unspecified stuff for unspecified reasons. That just sounds like we're involved in some illicit conspiracy, and very untrustworthy.

>>2169073
>I can make sure that your past is restored, if you become an ally to my cause.
And add to that
>I could tell you more but first I want to see your competence in the arena to insure I am not supporting a weak fool with only delusions

>>2169073
>>2169094
second

>>2169195
As opposed to doing it out of the goodness of our heart? Everyone has a motive. We can give here an idea and if she asks to elaborate we can. But if we just say "I'll help you but you owe me one." It comes off as even more shady than "I'll help you but in return I want some expensive materials." Either way it's fisher but giving some details rather than none is slightly less. Either way if she asks we can always elaborate.

>>2169245
I completely agree with you but can we first see how worthwhile she is with the duel?

>>2169260
I heard there was betting. Let's bet on her.

>>2169245
Wanting to make your kingdom not shit is a perfectly reasonable motive. Especially if we frame it as us recruiting like minded individuals who can prevent society as a whole from breaking down.

Also, it isn't "I'll help you but you owe me one.".
It's "We can work together to achieve our mutual goal" then we can frame future requests in the context as being for the good of The Plan. This is important for a trust based relationship that avoids scrutiny by her that could lead to our more nefarious plots being discovered.

>>2169073
>>A noble cause. I can make sure that your past is restored, if you become an ally to my cause. Meet me after your fight.

>>2169272
Just the fact we are using her for a nefarious plot could lead her to discovering it.

>>2169272
that sounds shady as fuck. Just imagine if someone you didn't knew came to you, and gave you a a new car under the pretence that it would "achieve our mutual goals". Either it sounds like some crazy terrorist that wants you to do their dirty job for him, or the dude stole it from someone dangerous and now wants to get rid of the evidence, or something similar.

Its better if we tell her that we want some concrete palpable thing instead of some shady vague goal.

>>2169290
Well obviously.
But making a relationship without trust make her more guarded, and thus more likely to discover that we are not who we claim to be. Its the difference between how much you suspect your friends, or your business partners.

>>2169306
Yes but she isn't our friend. She's a stranger that we are offering the world because we want to. Over time she may become a friend, but starting it off as a friendly business relationship makes it more believable than just "Hey stranger I like the cut of your jib and what you'll do with it so here's everything you've ever wanted"

>>2169297
Ideologues like ideologues. They do not like people trying to profit of their work. They don't like silent partners with their own goals. Presenting ourselves as ideologically like minded will go further than presenting ourselves as a predatory lender.

>>2169318
We're a stranger that only one person in the entire city knows.

>>2169323
She's also a powerful noble who would know there is no such thing as a free dinner. Everything is a ploy or a deal. If we aren't making a deal than we are plotting. It's just politics.

>>2169333
Can confirm. Even ideologies are just tools in the end to get what you want and it will become very clear that we want more than just fixing the nation.

>>2169344
Better to make her feel in control. She used to deals and so will feel more comfortable and confident in it.

>>2169323
I completrly agree with you with the "Presenting ourselves as ideologically like minded " thing, but we should have a different end goal from hers. Like >>2169153 said, someone who helps you without question is a liar, or has an ulterior motive. We have to present her a similar but different end goal that makes us require her abilities, so in that way she doesn't distrust us so much.

>>2169333
Then we frame it as us also ending with a bunch of power after the revolution, coming out on top of those fools in court. Not like we're seeking to taking advantage of her good wishes.
Right now, we want her to believe that this is a partnership, not a Faustian bargain.

>>2169351
She's going to distrust us no matter what, she is a politician who deals with politicians on a regular basis after all, the goal now is to get her distrust as low as possible. A business deal would be something she would be both familiar and confident with. I believe that a monetary or personal gain based motive will lower her suspicions far more than one of altruism.

We need to remember that this is just the beginning of a relationship. We can still use this to become close enough to her over time for her to call us a friend.

>>2169366
How is asking for resources a Faustian bargain?

>>2169375
That's exactly what i was trying to post. Thanks.

File: Explosive Thumbs up.png (112 KB, 316x400)

112 KB PNG

>>2169384
I clicked the wrong image initially and almost posted dat sweet 2d pussy.

>>2169375
Why not use the motive of fucking over other people? She would understand putting dumb nobles in their place, especially since she probably has a bunch she would like to see fall.

That way we have something to gain- vengeance/justice, and so does she. Especially since we're not noble and we can frame it as us being snubbed for it even though we had good ideas for the kingdom.

>>2169401
Mostly because personal gain is a pretty neutral request. It hurts no one but still gives us something. Actively fucking people over makes our intentions seem more than just self serving. If we are willing to fuck over those nobles, how long until we stab her, a noble, in the back?

>>2169094
>>2169196
>>2169198
Her eyes light up as she looks at you before shaking her head and stands up.

"I don't need pretty words or long winded speeches about the past and righteousness. If you can prove that you can you will be able to restore our city to its glorious past, then do so. If not, please step aside, I have a fight to win." Axtia stands up and begins to walk out of the room.

"I can and will prove that I can change this kingdom. I only need your resources and influence to make it so." You say, without turning to face her.

"Empty words from an old man. You can do things your way, but I will do things my way."

>Reach into her mind and change it for her.
>Ice grip her back into the room.
>Quietly strengthen her body.
>Weaken her so she may lose in the arena.
>Simply wish her good luck and take your place in the spectators area.
=======
Last one for the night. I'll be back around 1:30 cst tomorrow.

>>2169429
If it's about personal gain, and we're committing borderline treason because it gets us stuff, how long until we fuck her over because it's become more profitable? A relationship with a mercenary foundation is not one loaded with trust.
She would be more likely to deal if we want something that has treason as the only way to succeed. Screwing the powers that be is one such thing.

>>2169468
>>Simply wish her good luck and take your place in the spectators area.
Very well, time to move on.

>>2169468
"Ahh but old dogs know many tricks."
Openly strengthen her body.
"I'll be betting on you~"

>>2169468
>>Quietly strengthen her body.

>>2169494
>>2169495
don't do that, that just will bring unwnated attention to us.

>>2169514
She's dismissive of us, we've already gone with the whole archmage cover story anyway, and wasn't the whole point to gain her attention.

>>2169522
we have other options to take control of the zone. Also this was just a reconnaissance trip. we don't need to move all our plans at once. or act upon the first half baked opportunity that appears.

>>2169468
>Quietly strengthen her body.

>>2169552
I'm not saying move ahead to stage 10, but use this chance to at least get ourselves stuck in her head. We can always fuck off and then reappear at our leisure.

>>2169566
well, judging from the last post, she seems to value personal power more than help from others and might even feel insulted if she feels or has proof that we helped her win in her match. we really shouldn't take that chance right now.

>>2169592
Call me petty, but she called us old. As much as I would like to believe she laid eyes upon our wizened beard and wrinkled knowledge holder and saw great wisdom and knowledge, I pretty sure she just insulted us. A trade of insults couldn't hurt.

>>2169610
...ok, that actually feels like something our character would do.

>>2169614
If she likes it, we're in. If not, fuck her we don't need her she would just shoulder some of our plot.

>>2169610
>>2169614
Remember, pettiness is the number 1 reasons why Evil Overlords fail. Picking our battles means knowing which battles don't need to be fought.
We do this, if nothing comes of it, we try another method of achieving revolution. If we make enough waves, then she might come to us afterwords.

Can we delegate Miz to be a teacher to teach common properly?

>>2169658
This is relatively harmless pettiness though if personal power is the problem then kicking her ass in a duel should solve it.

>>2169468
>Simply wish her luck....
>Do remember this conversation young lady.

>>2169468
>Simply wish her good luck and take your place in the spectators area.

>>2169468
>Quietly strengthen her body.

"Every duel you do is a chance roll of the dice, and if you lose even a single one those, those that you lead will lose their leader and your cause will end. You do know right that there is far more optimal ways to go about acomplishing what you seek"

>>2170820
>>2169926
>>2169493

I am back and will be posting till later tonight, depending on others.
=======
She nods and walks out of her room with grim determination. You guards looks back into the room and form behind you as you leave the room.

You can see Axtia holding something close to her chest as she walks away.
=======
"PREPARE FOR COMBAT, NOBLEMEN AND WOMEN! LET THE BETTER NOBLE WIN!' The announcer yells as you walk into a spectator booth. There are not as many people in this one, compared to the rest. Perhaps most nobles want to be as close to the fighting as possible.

"Lady Axtia, are you prepared for combat?" The announcer asks She nods as she unsheathes her sword. The announcer grins as he looks over to Mayben.

"Lord Mayben, are you-" Mayben draws his sword and throws his sheath to the ground, pointing his sword at Lady Axtia.

"You insult my family, call my wife a Exton whore, and publicly call me a coward! I will put you in your place, Axtia!" Mayben yells as he walks out into the arena. Axtia smirks as she saunters into the arena, swaying her hips as she raises her sword to eye level. Mayben goes to a ready stance and waits for his moment.

As he does though, you can feel a small amount of energy building in Mayben's sword. It is an energy that you are very familiar with, dark energy, and it has been infused with the blade. It is a subtle spell, but a deadly one. With one cut, Lady Axtia will drop dead to the ground, her souls torn to shreds. You calmly look around the arena to see if someone is actively attempting to hide the presence of such a spell. Within the crowd below, using your magical sight, you can see a thread of magic that is forming around the blade. You follow the thread to its source and you can see that it is close. It comes from a wild eyed woman who is whispering to herself.

>I will not do anything, I will see how this plays out.
>If this woman would dare to ruin my plans, then she will be dealt with. But first, the magical enchantment on the sword.
>Lady Axtia is more useful to me alive than dead. But, I only require a puppet. Subtly edit the enchantment to bind her will to yourself.
>If Mayben is complacent to cheat, then perhaps it is time to aid Lady Axtia. Place a similar enchantment on her sword as well.

>>2171185
>sever the enchantment, and have our guardians remove the mage, unconscious or not.

we should try not interfere with the duel other than that, but if she is about to lose grant her strength, preferably with a surge of pleasure. get her hooked on our power and boom, one more sycophant for our collection. and a willing person is better than a bound one. greater hights of loyalty

>>2171204
do this.

>>2171204
this. But either keep it subtle, or if that's not possible, call her out as a witch using our archmage cover story as a token.

>>2171185
>>2171276
Save her, hopefully earning her gratitude. If the witch is left alive, have our minions hunt her down so she does not come back to haunt us later. Ensure that they are discrete, we do not her death linked to the archmage.

>>2171317
We don't want the death of a witch, who cursed a nobleman's sword, on us? Why not? That seems like something that would make us look good.

>>2171380
If she dies here and now, then you are right.
If we have to hunt her down afterwards, we do not want our assets linked to our archmage persona.

>>2171204
>>2171209
>>2171276
You quietly begin to cast a small spell that quickly and quietly unravels the spell. You look up to see the woman is now looking up at you, fury in her eyes. Then, as though she can see through your disguise, horror covers her face as she begins to run for the exit. Aegis is the first to run out to meet the woman. You motion the other guards to chase the woman down as well, you have much to ask her.
=======
Your guards have the woman cornered in a small alley way behind the arena. She shivers as bits of her skin break off with ice, her face covered in burn scars and parts of her legs are covered in wood as she steps heavily back from your guards.

"L-Lich... P-" Before the woman can cry for mercy, she quickly chokes on her own blood as she begins to spasm. Aegis is tending to Ellisiete while Iko and Adara part ways as you move towards the woman. A necklace flashes out at you and you grasp it closely, still maintaining you spell upon the woman. It feels familiar, almost as though it was a symbol of power to you. Black glass in the shape of a skull, with certain features highlighted with gems. The woman looks at you in absolute terror as she tears at her throat.

Now you know.

You feel another presence behind you as your guards back up towards you. The hooded figure walks towards you and pulls back her hood. Her face is badly scarred and her eyes are clouded.

"You never should have left your lair, monster."

With every great villain comes a hero that will do everything in their power to hunt you down and destroy you. This is that hero.

>CHOOSE ONE

>She is a disgraced paladin that, despite being ordered not to, has decided to dedicate her life to hunting you down. Her path led her down many dark places: using innocents to draw you out, sacrificing children to scry your location, and even turning against her fellow paladins if they got in her way. Sometimes her rage allows her to be tricked into aiding you when she least expects it.
>She is a hunter of the dead. A crypt stalker that has sworn her life to eradicating the undead menace, though she has used the undead to aid her in her quest. She no longer cares about laying the lesser dead to rest and only cares about seeing you destroyed before becoming a lich. You can feel her on the brink of fully turning to the dark energies and possibly becoming a valuable ally, if you can find her last strand of humanity.
>She is a simple child that had lost her family to your rituals. She sold her soul to a demon to grant her the powers to take her vengeance. However, the demon dislikes mortals and her contract may have a secret flaw within. If only you could figure out what it is...

>>2171686
>>She is a hunter of the dead. A crypt stalker that has sworn her life to eradicating the undead menace, though she has used the undead to aid her in her quest. She no longer cares about laying the lesser dead to rest and only cares about seeing you destroyed before becoming a lich. You can feel her on the brink of fully turning to the dark energies and possibly becoming a valuable ally, if you can find her last strand of humanity.

>>2171686
>She is a disgraced paladin that, despite being ordered not to, has decided to dedicate her life to hunting you down. Her path led her down many dark places: using innocents to draw you out, sacrificing children to scry your location, and even turning against her fellow paladins if they got in her way. Sometimes her rage allows her to be tricked into aiding you when she least expects it.

>>2171686
>>She is a disgraced paladin that, despite being ordered not to, has decided to dedicate her life to hunting you down. Her path led her down many dark places: using innocents to draw you out, sacrificing children to scry your location, and even turning against her fellow paladins if they got in her way. Sometimes her rage allows her to be tricked into aiding you when she least expects it.

not only is it good thematically, but fallen paladins in most settings tend to be shittier warriors due to being disgraced by god(s)

>>2171686
>Paladin

and the fact she is stuttering in fear is absolutely pathetic. so I propose we death touch her, no climatic battle we be a smart villain and kill her...........provided no deus ex goddess revives her, but eh that gives it flavour

>>2171821
She wasn't stuttering, the dying witch on the floor was. Plus from the description, that paladin lost god's favor long ago.

>>2171821
Well for one thing, the whole enchanted blade thing was probably not about us- We didn't even know we would come here until we did.
So it seems like she has many irons in the fire right now, which probably includes some contingencies that make just killing her where she stands unlikely. Dark magic artifacts and the like.

>>2171838
well fuck my reading ability, and tell our girls to back off. one we should be sporting here and two if we can grab agro they can flank

>>2171686
>She is a disgraced paladin that, despite being ordered not to, has decided to dedicate her life to hunting you down. Her path led her down many dark places: using innocents to draw you out, sacrificing children to scry your location, and even turning against her fellow paladins if they got in her way. Sometimes her rage allows her to be tricked into aiding you when she least expects it.
Dammit, we need the witch alive. Magic users are more valuable to us alive as progenitors for the Cloning Vats than dead.

>>2171712
>>2171717
>>2171821
You smirk as you turn to the paladin. She draws her longsword and prepares to charge you before being cut off by your guards.

"Landra, I never expected to see you in such a civilized place. Still using others as bait, I see." You say to her, watching her face grow red with anger.

"You drove me to this. The others did not see the threat you posed to our order and they still believe that you are nothing more than a nuisance. They have not seen what I have seen, monster! And I will make you fall here!" She yells, gritting her teeth as she eyes each guard that circles around her.

With your power, she could easily fall. The only reason you had not in the past was because of what you saw growing within Landra. It was the same darkness that you called upon in the past. Now, it is as though you are looking in a mirror. A mortal who would stop at nothing to achieve her goals. Perhaps, with enough pushing and shoving, you can cause Landra to fall soon. But, not right now. For now, the biggest threat she poses to you is exposing you to the populace. You are lucky that everyone is watching the fight. Otherwise, this may have caused a big scene. Landra, seeing that you are lost in though, charges forwards towards you, only to be met by Aegis.

"You will not hurt Master! Bad lady get hurt instead!" Aegis yells as she forms a barrier around you. The barrier grows spikes as Landra pushes herself off the barrier. A flurry of ice bolts fly from Iko, each one making a wailing sound. Landra quickly rolls out of the way, only to find herself bound to the floor after her roll. Ella timidly puts her hands upon the ground as thorny vines spurt out from the ground, catching Landra after her roll. Landra, however, cuts the vines and charges you once again.

"Hmmm, I need time to think this over." You say to yourself. You put your hand up and Landra freezes mid-air. She struggles to come free as she floats closer to you.

>I wonder if your spunk and attitude will transfer to your 'daughters'
>I could kill you here and now. So, answer me this, why am I not tearing your soul into tiny pieces?
>You have failed to kill me once again and I despise failure. I feel as though tearing your mind from your body is enough punishment for today.
>No, this charade goes on no longer. Say hello to whatever divine being cares about you now.
>Other.

>>2172040
>I wonder if your spunk and attitude will transfer to your 'daughters'
>I could kill you here and now. So, answer me this, why am I not tearing your soul into tiny pieces?
As amusing as it would be to continue to play with her, she can expose us, and that is a threat to the larger scheme that can't be allowed.

>>2172040
>>Other.
What were you planning here anyways? Why help Mayben win in a petty quarrel between nobility? It's not exactly going for the throat.

>>2172040
>Other.
"Landra I'm going to level with you. I could do so much worse than kill you right now, hell I could have done so in the many times we've done this before, but I haven't. What exactly do you see in me that your peers don't? I'm just curious, what real harm have I actually done?

>>2172040
>>2172058
do this then if she is no longer amusing, kill her

>>2172040
>>I wonder if your spunk and attitude will transfer to your 'daughters'

>>2172040
>I wonder if your spark and attitude will transfer to your 'daughters'

>>2172052
>>2172073
>>2172206
Wait, does her Order still keep tabs on her?
Could her disappearing make her Order reconsider their opinion of us?

>>2172211
possibly, Right now they don't see us as a threat. Killing one of their own, even a disgraced one may make them reconsider.

>>2172211
That's why I went with just questioning her.

>>2172211
Quite possible.

>>2172206
>>2172073
>>2172052
"You... What are you planning...?" She grunts through the pain and she slowly moves her hands towards you throat.

"Persistent, as always. I wonder if that will rub off on your daughters as well. Unless you can give me a good reason why I shouldn't experiment on you, I will send you into the darkness below, never to see light again." You say as you twist her body to its limits. She yells in pain as her spine is twisted and bent.

"If... If you do not release me... I will... I..." Her eyes grow cloudy as she faints from the pain. You release your grip on her as she falls limp to the floor. The guards pick her up and bring her closer to you. She barely regains consciousness as she begins to mutter.

"Ez... Ezzy... Ezzy, I..." She murmurs before fainting once again.

Ezzy. So, the fallen paladin has someone she cares for. Perhaps she is here in the city. Either way, you will know soon enough in the lair below. For now, you tell two of your guards to restrain her in your lair below. You will question her soon enough.
=======
The crowds seem hopeful, for lack of a better term, as they exit the arena. They smile warmly as they look back at the arena and look up at the palace with disdain. It would seem something interesting happened while you were away. Of course, there are also other sights to see.
>Let us see what The Crypts are up to right now.
>The Garden seems like a perfect place to unwind right now and gather gossip about current affairs.
>Let us examine what happened in the Arena.
>No, I want to question Landra as soon as possible. (FINISHED EXPLORING)

>>2172280
>>Let us see what The Crypts are up to right now.

>>2172280
>Let us examine what happened in the Arena.
What happened to the witch? Is she dead? She should be taken to the Cloning Vats as well.

>>2172297
Do the cloning vats work on the dead?
This is actually something we should figure out quick.

>>2172280
>>Let us see what The Crypts are up to right now.
Either our prospet won or she didn't. Lets see about acquiring some hero bits.

>>2172218
They dont have to relate it to us. After all, she did make connections with shady people. Its probable that the order will assume that some third party got her.

>>2172280
>i want to question landra.

our guards carrying an unconcious body will bring questions. We can explore later on.

>>2172302
Very true. If the dead work, then we could try combining the best of the dead into supersoldiers and supreme commanders.

Just make sure to not go ahead with Sun Tzu’s sample Or we’ll end up going Full Cobra.

>>2172280
>>Let us examine what happened in the Arena.

>>2172409
>Just make sure to not go ahead with Sun Tzu’s sample Or we’ll end up going Full Cobra.
I don't quite know what that means.

>>2172280
>Find out what happened in the Arena. But send Landra back to our lair.>>2172432

>>2172454
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serpentor

Is this quest dead. I was hopingfor a good necro quest...

>>2172409
>Just make sure to not go ahead with Sun Tzu’s sample
This should be "not go ahead without".

>>2180705
People need to sleep, dude. Give it time.