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>>2182493

At the moment you, Amelie (your mortal disguise for your true demoness self), only just murdered a kindly older gentleman whom welcomed you into his home as a charitable gesture. Hoping to leave these grounded lands for one of the skybound floating towns, he was taken by your feigned act of being a happy young couple soon to be married, you and your devoted faux-fiance Lucas. The arrangement had seemed to be that if the both of you took well to living in the gentleman's home for a year or so with him, then he'd be amenable to transferring the property to you for the meager amount of funds you have. No kith or kin to speak of and hoping to retire to bluer pastures, it would have been a nice last act of charity to a fellow noble, which he believes you to be. Another lark, of course.

Ah, but yourself a demoness, you couldn't allow a good deed to go unpunished! Why wait a year or more when you could have it all in a day? With just a murder... a rather shoddy one to be fair, the fellow now lies dead in the other room and you're poised to take everything of his for yourself. Now, if only the appropriate documents you forged hold up under scrutiny, if only you have a plan, excuse and good "story" for the death and the body, and if only all loose ends are dealt with, then you may well have your home. Your own little despoiled chateau from whence to grow and spread your power and corruption of the mortal realm.

>How do you proceed?

>A link to the previous thread;

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2145189/

>>2182502
Obviously we are far off kin, he sent us the papers by letter, he said to meet him here but we haven't seen him since we arrived, Oh how we miss our dear sweet uncle.

Toss the body in the river.

>>2182521
Are you planning on using his name? On the one hand it could help your case but on the other, it could tie you to it.

>>2182521
That sounds too suspicious imo, let's go with the post of the previous thread about getting some wolves to eat the corpse, he went on a walk and didn't come back

>>2182533
Yeah, it is pretty suspicious
What to do with Lucas, then...? Whisper to him in his ear and tell him not to worry? Erase his memory of the event?

>>2182540
If we can let's do it

>>2182540
>>2182546
You have enough influence over Lucas that you can manipulate his mind, that he can think or forget what you wish him to. Though it raises a good issue of your honesty towards him. Are you planning on keeping him in the dark indefinitely? It's possible, but best to settle on a decision before skirting back and forth on the subject.

>>2182567
Would he actually care what we are at this point? If not we might as well shed the skin with him.

>>2182567
Alright, let's just go over the facts then, plan from there.
This guy lives here
He is currently dead, with a broken chair and some marks to show he was murdered.
Lucas knows he's dead.
We copied some documents to make it official, but his handwriting is different after a certain point
There is a guy coming to check on him, but we don't know when? I think? Only that he shows up every few months.
We can control animals and summon a creature or familiar.

>>2182573
It depends, right? Of course you can just manipulate him, but left on his own it could vary. If you shed your disguise in a hellish fury and compel him to submit then he’ll likely care. If however you’re sweet about it, and make him want to not care, then maybe eternal damnation might not seem so bad.

>>2182593
Mostly correct, though for the caretaker, from what you understand he doesn’t exactly show up to check on the guy. He just shows up and sees to the grounds, but you could imagine he doesn’t specifically need to see the guy. Just get paid and told what to do, if by him or a liason.

And yes you have a range of demonic powers, though the more your own power, the more the range of powers will grow.

>>2182601
Hmmm... not sure if it's within our powers, but any chance we can check his hand for old injuries?

>>2182616
Looking at his hand is probably too difficult for us to pull off currently.

>>2182622
We can manipulate flesh, so perhaps we could examine it? Seems within our purview. Not entirely sure on that.

>>2182627
And I thought I turned you off.

>>2182616
Whose hand?

>>2182641
Dead guys.

>>2182601
Can we defile the body to have power over it? Carve a demonic symbol on him then have the marks disappear?

>>2182651
Is there something you’re looking for in particular?

>>2182653
Indeed, yes you can. The soul is gone, nothing to resist your manipulation now. Easier to do though if you make a ritual of it, but same end result.

>>2182704
I say we erase the marks and then dispose of the body on a nearby trail then call some wolves over to gore the body

>>2182712
And the next day we "find" the body and report it, show the forged deed and give the money to whoever it may concern, hopefully it'll work

>>2182704
Old bone fractures or the like. Just want to see if the change in handwriting was because he was replaced or had a hand injury.

>>2182720
That's a clever idea. You can check though, nothing which would indicate such a thing. And as you check over the writings as well, you've no reason to believe it came from a change in hand either, else you'd expect to see at least some smudge marks from a left hand.

>>2182717
>>2182712
This could work if you wish to undergo the attempt, you can make a roll for the effort. A d100, to perform the ritual, and whatever you may wish to do to the body.

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>2182729
Clear away all traces of our struggle.

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>2182729
So he really did replace the previous owner... a mystery, indeed. Now what could this mean...?

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>2182729
>>2182731

Supporting this

>>2182738
>>2182736
>>2182731
>78

So you prepare an open area of the room the body is in, making an inscribed circle as well as defiling the body with demonic markings. Eventually after the right preparation and enacting, you're able to manipulate the body as you see fit, in this case choosing to remove signs of the struggle. Just in case anyone should care to look for such a thing. Takes about half an hour, but after that you think the body looks rather convincing. Saturated with corruption, but unless you're planning on burying him at a church it shouldn't be a problem.

>>2182765
Ok now leave him outside and summon a few wolves to maul him. Tomorrow report that he's been missing since last night to the sheriff or mayor or whatever this town has.

>>2182765
Let's go dump the body nearby, call some wolves to leave it mangled
Can we corrupt one of the wolves so they blame it?

>>2182772
>>2182773
Any specifics on how far to dump the body? Off the property, or somewhere on the grounds?

>>2182773
You can definitely pin it on a wolf in particular if you like, so they have a maneater to put down. May draw focus even from the killing.

>>2182802
Somewhat near the main grounds, make it look like he died trying to get back

>>2182802
Edge of the grounds. Old man wouldn't have time to run away from wolves.

>>2182816
>>2182809
In your current form you won't be able to lug it that far, care to change, or manipulate Lucas into doing it?

>>2182824
Lucas! Help me move this corpse!

>>2182824
Either one sounds risky let's send Lucas, fuk it, we can erase his memories either way

>>2182831
>>2182825
You manipulate Lucas again though, probably for something easy like him thinking it's a sack of potatoes or something. Either way, together you haul the body off across the grounds to the far edge of the forested side and dump it. You can send him back after that with some sweet lie, as you wait a little while for the others.

Creatures of the night, a few wolves gather to your bidding, very keen on greeting you. Loyal beasts, you stroke their fur, thank them for their service, and urge them to eat. The sight of them ripping into the body is all the more sign of your likely success. Not too much though, you want there to be something to find and to be identifiable. But to your heart's content the body is ripped as to be sure the sign of death.

After that, well, it's up to you how you proceed. Very late, early even, you imagine a long day ahead.

>>2182838
Go to sleep, we'll find it in the morning.

"Well officer, he left around noon last night, he said he was going for a walk around the grounds. When he didn't return I thought he may have gone into town for the night. I never thought *realistic crying noise* he d-died."

>>2182838
Check our surroundings then go home and take a bath in our newly acquired house and if Lucas is lucid enough have some celebration fun

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>>2182856
A bit weird if you expected him out, or he went out, and you just happened to find him the next day.

>>2182862
Seems clear to you, the wolves can disperse as easily as they came though you mark one in case you need a scapegoat. After that you return home. Lucas is out cold after your constant waking him and sending him away, manipulations and hard work. You're totally free though to enjoy your new house, most of all the bath. An actual tub at that, not just a big wash basin. An actual metal tub in it's own bathroom, hot water, and cleaning supplies. An actual sponge, and actual soap!

This guy may not have been very wealthy, but he knew how to live well on his budget. That is, if indeed it was his budget. In any case you can enjoy a good bath and get clean, dwell in the hot water with your thoughts for a time. Such a marvelous feeling, the lady of your own little estate. You look forward immensely to when you needn't any disguise and can live and appreciate everything here available to you, as your true self. But in the meantime, just Amelie the human woman (by appearance at least) appreciating a nice bath. Anything particular you care to do, or settle back to bed after that, to wake up at a more reasonable time and figure out what to do about the dead body?

>>2182898
Some midnight fun with Lucas

>>2182906
Come on let the poor boy sleep.

>>2182898
Fun time with pushy farm girl almost best girl.

>>2182935
She ain't here, it's just Lucas

>>2182941
Oh shit she isn't. Well it's midnight here I'm going to bed. Much love, sex Lucas.
-Peace

>>2182898
I don't think it's weird, and we didn't just happen to find him. He went for a late night walk, we realized the next morning he never came back, we went out looking and found a corpse.

>>2182949
Peace
-Peace

>>2182906
>>2182935
>>2182941
You consider letting Lucas sleep after constantly waking him up all night, but instead figure why stop now? So after the bath, you retire to bed with Lucas and wake him up for some fun. Not like he could complain anyway, and you've not had a chance at intimacy since that first time, so you have some fun together. A nice way to finish out the evening in celebration of, as you hope, becoming the new owner of the estate.

The next day though Lucas is exhausted after the worst night's sleep in ages. You jump up all spry and happy, ready for the day and feeling good early in the morning, but unless you push him otherwise he'll probably sleep till afternoon at least. But yes, a new day, what to do first?

>>2183002
Let him sleep in we'll head into town to check on the girls and report the missing old man

>>2183008
Agreed on checking the girls, but maybe we should wait till tomorrow for reporting the man?

After all, it would be weird if we said he is missing after only one day (supposing they can tell the date of his demise by looking at its corpse).

Now, which supplies would be valuable to us as a demon? I mean in things like alchemy.

Also, the which is like bug source of corruption, right?

>>2183029
Yeah, probably should wait a bit

>>2183008
>>2183029
You leave him to sleep then, as you have a quick breakfast, get dressed and ride the horse into town. It doesn't take too long to find the other two, Merryl having slept in and Mila not left the inn yet. You're not sure about reporting the death yet, but at least you can inform them that you've got proper accomodations now rather than just letting a room for the time being. Both are naturally quite happy with this news, though some logistics concerns for what they're supposed to do in the way of a job if the house is as far out of town as it is?

>>2183029

>Now, which supplies would be valuable to us as a demon? I mean in things like alchemy.

Not exactly sure what you mean by this, at least not the second sentence. As for Merryl (I assume you mean), yes she's been a witch for a number of years so is herself a walking beacon of corruption. Best she not go near any church, but just being near her you feel more powerful in your mortal form.

>>2183049
Ok, did we also get lands and his money? Because if so, we should be able to life of having farmers work our lands, that is, if we don't go for crime and corruption, which I suppose we will.

>>2183049
They can get a job that doesn't need them there in the morning, do we know the schedule of our job at the inn?

>>2183095
You haven't really taken a chance to dig deeper in to what the former owner had, but as far as you know it was just the estate. From what you saw, there's probably enough unused land available to maybe have one farm, but it's not like there's one built and ready to produce, to your knowledge. Though of course there's other ways to make money off of the plot of land you own.

>>2183117
Well a job like that is kind of a luxury. For your own job at the inn, if you're intending to keep it, you have to be there pretty much all day to be able to cook and serve for anyone who comes in or is staying there. In these times, structured shifts aren't exactly a common thing. If you have work, you're expected to work most if not all of the day pretty much.

>>2183123
We should look for another job closer to our place if we can't negotiate anything with the owner at the inn
Also does Merryl know more things in alchemy other than drugs and stuff? Normal stuff we can sell

>>2183132
Those are things she can sell though, she used to get work as just a mere healer or common ailment treater. She can also make minor magic items, though she’s never been able to really sell (market) those sorts of things. She’s capable of learning more of course but that’s just her current skillset.

As for your own work, you could maybe try to negociate with the owner if you really want the job but still want to commute from out of town. Otherwise you could specify what alternative job you may have in mind and search somewhere closer to home.

>>2183169
Become alchemists.
Spread degeneracy with a designer drug.

>>2183169
Well i want to keep the job, a lot of people must pass through an inn so we have a lot of potential to meet more people there and we'll get Merryl alchemist equipment when she moves in with us
For now they'll have to stay in the inn for a few days

>>2183200
If you want to take the inn, then probably best to get used to living at the inn for the time being. Seems that’s actually the case with everyone, having a job. So you may end up owning the house now, but maybe not get use out of it for awhile. Oh well, strange ways and all that.

>>2183193
Well you personally can learn whatever you need to very easily thanks to your demonic aptitude, though Merryl would need a teacher or at least something to study from.

>>2183215
I'll wait on the other anons opinion on this
Goodnight op

>>2183231
I don't think it's that great an idea. We'll have to work basically all day, leaving us only the night to do our activities. And, since a lot of people walk in and out of an inn, the chanceof just straight up being outed as a demon is higher than usual. It's not a bad choice, really, but I'd like to consider our options first.

>>2183848
So... Look for a place closer to us?

>>2183868
Could take some time looking around for a job first. Otherwise, the inn is always open.
Really, a desk job would be nice. Copying documents or working at a library or something. Well, maybe... city's got to have an archive, right? Maybe there

>>2183964
Working as an alchemist apprentice would help both Merryl and us, at some point we could make our own to sell them

>>2183990
well, I know we're in ye olde fantasy setting, but how is alchemy viewed? Just a normal thing? Cast under suspicion? Something like drug dealing? moderated by law/church? Those kinds of things.

>>2183996
We should ask op
>>2183215
Is alchemy a normal thing? Is healing in the same branch?

>>2183964
Being a scribe is a pretty honest profession, not a lot of chance to corrupt people but certainly an inconspicuous job that’s less likely to get caught. Also easier hours depending on how well you work, and not as likely to discriminate against a woman.

>>2184018
>>2183996
Alchemists might give the craft a bad rap, but the practice itself isn’t seen as bad for the most part. People may regard it with suspicion and superstition, and certainly there’s cases where negative responses are warranted, but nobody can deny the practicality and use of the craft. Thusly, folks may not want to be your neighbor for risk of explosions or errant golems, but as long as you’re not doing blasphemous things then at the end of the day they’ll still come knocking for cures to their ills.

In the larger sense though, the (often) supernatural practice of alchemy is losing favor to the developing, practical science of chemistry. The typical and traditional “village alchemist” isn’t going to risk losing his job anytime soon, but institutions, royal academies, foundations and the like, are more interested in what a study of logic and convention has to offer rather than difficult and dangerous semi-magical practices.

>>2184058
Are there any known ot reputable alchemists/healers in town?

>>2184092
You can ask around, or go looking for yourself sure, with a roll. Might turn up nothing, might find a willing teacher.

Though for youself, alchemists tend to have some magical skill so it may be risky for you personally to get involved with one. But that’s only a chance, could just as easily be safe.

Considering that we are literate, can do math, and have a noble's property, we should probably start working with merchant guilds and properties.

First, we search the mansion in search for the previous owner's funds.

In case we don't find them or they aren't a considerable amount, we get a loan. I would recommend doing do in a shady way, since the impurity of people working on such deals should let us influenciate them (right, op?)

Once we have this loan, we can enter the world of business and corruption, which is... kind of complicated.

The rough idea is to give the business that we support (because they are ours or pay a fee four or services) protection and contacts while dealing with the competence in ilegal and legal ways to raise our status as a noble.

Now, the thing that thanks to our nature, we can ensure loyalty without the need of investing great amounts of money or demonstrations of power, among the leaders, at least.

The objective would be to control every leader of importance and make a monopoly, giving us ridiculous founds and, thus, political influence. The trick staying hidden to the point in which we can fight the church from the shadows and thus leaving the people less protected from our influence.

At that point we would basically govern, and thus, be able to get a lot of souls.

Hell, if we run our territory well and treat the peasantry in a good and appealing way (devils like using tentativo, after all), we could basically be a nation run by the shadow (at least until our 'nation' could wisthstand all the other nations that would come after us should they learn we are a devil).

At that point we could basically just offer all criminals wither to day or become our servants, aka, give us their souls; as well as other methods, but I don't feel like writing everything I can think about.

Also, we can just get some artisans or work es and let them work their craft for us in exchange of hosing and protection, you know patronage.

Of course, then we can make the work for free after their are corrupted enough.

>>2184104
Merchant work was also an idea I had. Been a bit busy today so I couldn't do a right up, but it was similar to the way you were going.
See about doing some accounting for a merchant. Use our powers to pursuade his contacts and the like. Attempt to buy our means of production/but our other businesses. Use that influence to get an in with the nobles, while also using the money to pay off/build up our own mafia. Monopolies are fine in this era, so that's all we have to do. Then from there it would snowball.
Reason I went records first was because I was thinking of finding off the book deals and missing money to blackmail some merchant to take us as a part time apprentice while also still having access to the archives, since more information is always great.
Only problem is the vhurch, which would also have large sway, and the more power we have (unless we stick to the background and continue to puppet from the shadows) the more likely we are to get noticed. And even then, playing puppet master has its risks.

>>2184122
Records/tax work also has the plus of seeing which nobles/merchants/peasants have been skimping out, and finding those that have been corrupted by vices or are on hard times (enough to possibly give their soul over maybe?). And once the corrupted upper class are weeded out, all that's left are those very good at hiding their vices (good puppets to take over) or pure souls.

>>2184152
>>2184122
>>2184104
Either way, doesn't matter, right? Could be a merchant, corrupt whoever is working the tax office, or could work at the tax office, and corrupt a puppet merchant~~!
And, rather than having a private mafia, couldn't you propose having a privatized police force for the city? Dear nobles, I know that your coffers could be larger, so I have gathered some strapping young crimi- I mean, gentlemen, to squeeze out that tax money they owe you! And while they rot in jail, we can offer things for their souls~~! Even though they're going to die anyway. Unless they're useful. And we could toss a noble in the gulag too! Just have to turn the rest against just one, and we'd have our own pocket noble!
Speaking of nobles, there's still that lose end with the dead man... who was he? He's an entirely different person, it seems~~!

>>2184184
I don't think any local lord's gonna be to happy about some newcomer shaking people down for taxes. How does he know your not cheating him?

>>2184184
I suppose it doesn't.
>>2184203
I'd assume what he's talking about is getting on the good side of said local lord before doing so. Point out skimping on tax plans to him, corrupt him a bit, butter up his palms, assure him we're only doing this to help him, then present such an idea.

So we're looking for an accountant job under a noble?

I sure wish op would tell us when he has to leave

>>2184504
I sure wish he would separate answers to questions and the story posts so its easier to catch up

>>2184504
>When he has to leave

Except I didn’t? We start around this time though, and will do soon enough.

>>2184594
Blame /qst/ for making such long time between posts.

>>2184253
So you’re looking for a writing position, are you aiming for a noble though or a merchant?

>>2184775
I guess a noble?

>>2184899
Make a roll for the search then, unless you have a specific lead in mind. You might get lucky, or at least discover an opening.

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>2184923
welp

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>2184923

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>2184923
Do we even know any nobles other than the old dude we killed?

>>2184923
Hmm, one that obviously isn't too related with the church.

And I would assume that nobles would have control over the guilds to they technically employ the merchants. So I will go for the noble.

>>2184974
Is this good enough to get a job from the local lord? That would be awesome.

>>2184974
>>2184960
>>2184925
>98

Know, you don't know any by person, but with a roll like that you have a pretty good idea of where to look. The lumber seller you helped several days ago, Gaspard, has a fair bit of wealth from what you saw and probably has some connections.

>>2184993
You could get work from a particular noble, or try as high up as the predominant lord in this area, yes.

>>2185007
Hit up Gaspard then for some contacts. Not the predominant lord, too prominent too soon.

>>2185020
And check if there's any close to our place

Also anons we gotta sort the murder business out, are Mila and Merryl going to be living in the inn or the new place?

>>2185048
Well, if they move in to the new place right now, might seem suspicious. But, if we were to say we asked our friends to help search for him... if we ever go that route of getting all the official documentation.

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>>2185020
>>2185048
The original plan was the one you're sticking to. You already know someone, so best to go that way.

"Amelie, my dear! I take it visiting to Lucas's parents went well? How may I be of service to you, then?"

"Oh Gaspard, you wouldn't happen to be acquainted with any nobility in need of a scribe?"

A quick enough trip over to the lumber yard to find the owner, and ask of a favor. It's not such a steep one either, not as though he owes you anything but you're ever so innocent and sweet about it that he's only happy to help. As it turns out, being in the local business scene he does know a few folks whom might be open to a pleasant young lady around to manage paperwork. The choice is yours as to whom he could introduce you to;

>Corentin, a fairly successful farm manager whom owns a few steads in the area. He doesn't directly have a hand in controlling them and assigns people to do so, but he has a lot to keep track of and would welcome a secretary type to handle things so that he can take to his lucrative hobby of magical beast husbandry.
>Margot, a widowed madam whom oversees the businesses of her late husband, mostly textiles for which there are a few workshops in and near town
>Lorenzo, the closest in terms of location to "your" house though he's more of a retired fellow who in his spare time just manages a winery and vineyards. Some distance away, to the southeast, but probably the easiest workload and most carefree pace.

Some potential for sure...

>>2185153
Whoops, small mistake in the written and pasted parts, Corentin is the closest by location, not Lorenzo.

>>2185153
>Lorenzo, the closest in terms of location to "your" house though he's more of a retired fellow who in his spare time just manages a winery and vineyards. Some distance away, to the southeast, but probably the easiest workload and most carefree pace.

No magical beasts, they might be able to pierce our disguise with their magic. I think wine has more potential than textiles, plus some anon wanted drugs and this is close enough.

>>2185207
Supporting this
Although a widower also sounds good

>>2185153
First option: no
>Margot, a widowed madam whom oversees the businesses of her late husband, mostly textiles for which there are a few workshops in and near town
This... This is kind of? Risky. Everyone needs clothes. Including nobles, the church, the peasantry... does she service all? Does she take specialty orders? Will we just be quietly working away in the shop, or be more in front of one of the stores? This one seems best for going from low to high, I think, unless it's a specialty kind of shop, or has special stores to go from low to high. This one has the highest chance of screwing up, but also the quickest to get at what we want, I'd think.
>Lorenzo, the closest in terms of location to "your" house though he's more of a retired fellow who in his spare time just manages a winery and vineyards. Some distance away, to the southeast, but probably the easiest workload and most carefree pace.
This seems good, but at the same time, I don't know exactly what religious connotations wine has here. Is wine related to the church at all? If so, does he make any for the church? Aside from that, it's a but far away, but really thr only ones who'd buy wines would be those with the money to afford it. Meaning merchants, nobles, and peasants who wish to give something to their romantic love interests. This one is probably the top to bottom route, but would probably be slower...
Option 3 seems best, but I'll hold my vote until others have chipped in.

>>2185207
>No magical beasts, they might be able to pierce our disguise with their magic.

A very valid concern. May or may not be a risk but why take it?

>>2185273
>Will we just be quietly working away in the shop, or be more in front of one of the stores?

For the most part, her workshops and stores are for making large amounts of textiles for shipping off to trade, however she does sell to the local area and does some charitable work in supplying the needy with basics. So yes she does accommodate all buyers for the most part. If you worked for her you wouldn't be working behind a desk though, Margot herself is quite busy and enjoys a hand in running things so you'd be like her assistant going around with her to different places and keeping notes and handling paperwork so she doesn't have to.

>>2185273
Wine has a place in the church as well as for festivals, particularly of the lesser gods. And certainly Lorenzo supplies that, again often as charitable acts, but he sells mostly to those whom can buy. Also since he is himself a foreigner, he ships a lot back to his home country for sale there. The wines of the southern regions of this country are pretty famous and coveted, Gaspard himself merely relates that Lorenzo apparently always had a special taste for them so in his retirement came here to try his hand at the business itself.

>>2185351
HMMMM
Both Lorenzo and Margot sound really good imho
What do y'all say anons?

>>2185400
There are pros and cons to both. I need some info on their personalities, really. Which of the two are more likely to pet? Not care for situations? If we played the shy girl, would one of the two say 'ah, he's a nice guy, just go inside the church and hand off the bottle/clothes! I won't take no for an answer and he's a valued friend and customer!'
Not that we couldn't use our abilities on said employer, but I'd rather go with someone more amenable.

>>2185409
>more likely to pet
I forget what I was trying to type there...

>>2185400
The thing which may or may not be a dealbreaker though, to work for Lorenzo means traveling some distance. It's about a day or two ride to his place, according to Gasparde. So not a distance where you could just get up in the morning and be there for work by noon. You'd either have to get accommodations out there, or work most of the week and find days off to go back and forth, and if it wasn't obvious, your friends can't come with you. At least not all of them.

>>2185409
That's something Gaspard can't answer much to, since he's only met or dealt with them in passing. For what it's worth though, Margot is often enough in and around town so you could meet her and get an impression. Lorenzo, that's a bit more of a leap.

>>2185421
Ehhhhh, Margot sound better to me now but i dunno about the other anons

>>2185444
She does. The pros of being far and being in contact with the upper echeleon more often are kind of outweighed by travel distance, relations to the church. Can't exactly mess with his product without alerting the church, either, so that route is a but of a bust.

>>2185456
>>2185444
Very well then, it sounds like you prefer to work for Margot? Have you an idea on how to introduce yourself and get a chance at the job? Gaspard can find you where she is and have you meet, but a good impression is on you to make.

>>2185499
I have no idea. I mean, we can read, right, we are very good at calculations, our stamina is nothing to scoff at, we're a pretty face, so she doesn't have to worry about us turning away customers, we also happen to be persuasive... we also wouldn't be scared away from a heavy workload. We'd have to just keep it short. He said she was a busy woman, so giving her a while speech while she's busy probably is not a good idea...
Anyone else have any ideas? I'm not sure offering her any good or drink is a very good idea. 1, bringing food to a textiles place isn't something I'd consider good, and 2, I'm not sure she's accept or has particular tastes.

>>2185499
>>2185542
We're a common peasant girl looking to get a job to earn money for our upcoming wedding then the most important bits of
>>2185542

>>2185584
>>2185542
Well off these two, you rely on Gaspard to seek out Margot and take you to her, and as it turns out she's currently at a potter's store looking to buy a set of dishes as a gift apparently. They exchange a familiar word and he tries to put in the good word for you, but it's up to you to land yourself the job.

"Amelie then, is it? Gaspard here says you're skilled with letters, and you can read? And so young, at that."

"Yes madam, I have had a great deal of experience though I am but a commoner myself. I had hoped to earn a wage as to contribute to marriage expenses."

You speak all properly and show respect, curtsy and all. Speaking well of her, she seems to like this for sure, and you've at least got her attention with your story rather than her just dismissing you and only listening for Gaspard's sake. The thing you notice most however, she's got a definite darkness about her, enough that you can pick up on it and even sense a little about her. She definitely has pride from your deference towards her, but that's not it. Something wicked which she isn't even regretful over, or else it wouldn't be so prominent.

In any case, you've definitely got your foot in the door. Anything you want to try, or roll if you care to, in order to seal the deal?

>>2185812
Oh no
I bet she has some sort of authority fetish or she's a serial killer
Prolly killed her husband

And um, i don't think so? Unless anyone else wants to chime in

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>2185812
Since shes already kinda corrupt, can we manipulate that at all? I think we've got this anyway.

>>2185854
Is that really a good idea? Right off the bat? We should wait a bit when we're better acquainted with her and somewhat close to start digging

>>2185854
>>2185943
>52

Well it's not terrible, maybe don't try to grab ahold of her soul off the bat, but you can at least sense what appeals to her and try to match that.

In the end you put on a good show for her, and she's pleased with the prospect of you as an assistant. She asks of course when you can start, how long you can work for, and how well you're hoping to be paid?

>>2185971
... do we know what the rate of pay is? Damn, should have asked that from what's his face. Being able to read and write should at least equal to a high paying job, but we're starting with her and are 'unexperienced' along with basically having no connections. She might attempt to lowball or straight up shortchange us on pay. I'd be fine with taking a slightly lower than average pay to start, just because the connections are more valuable. As for work... I don't know? How long do we want to work? I doubt she runs around all day, but she'd probably leave us with a stack of documents or whatnot to go over after she's done wondering around. Does medieval fantasy land even have regular work ours? Do the task, dinish, we'll help if we're available after, but I must see my soon to be husband to prepare dinner for him or something like that?

>>2185971
Tomorrow, we're available past midday since where we're staying at is out of town and we don't know the rates for an assistant, we'll trust her with our payment rate

>>2185995
>>2186008
She's fine with tomorrow then, and if you can start earlier she can let you off earlier too. Like mornings, then get off afternoons. It'll mean having to get up extra early to be in town by the time she is though, but sleep is less of an issue for you. As for pay, well it sounds fair to you but you can't be sure of course because you've never had a job otherwise.

In any case, it seems you got the job yes. If you're planning on starting tomorrow, then you've the rest of the day free to yourself. Maybe not a bad idea to get some things which might help with the job but otherwise, your last day of freedom so to speak.

>>2186026
Let's go help Mila get a job, take Merryl too to hang out

>>2186026
Probably need a writing utensil, a journal/same papers, some kind of bag, sometsomething to snack on (not for us, but to offer to people... And sometimes for us in order to keep up appearances), hmmm.... anything else?

>>2186042
What kind of job for her? She's mostly farming experienced, but under the assumption that she'll end up as another minion, your choice of job for her may be different. Merryl of course doesn't really need a job, she can support herself with her skills as-is.

>>2186047
Those are all pretty reasonable and fairly cheap, you don't even need to roll to rustle them up. And it will most certainly make a good impression on Margot for showing up prepared for the job.

>>2186063
You said she had an idea of what she wanted to do, i wanted to go and look with her and Meryll

>>2186074
She does, I was just checking if you wanted to intervene considering the new plans relating to the house and the job.

You very well can gather them up though and let Mila proceed as she would have, letting her to look and choose while you just tag along.

>>2186063
Well, you mentioned those other two jobs. We could we try and get her a job at the vineyard or working with animals, maybe?
Otherwise, we can try to just get her a job at a nearby farm. Or is our defense large enough to grow and sell some animals at home?

>>2186087
... i hate hate hate typing on my phone. Meant demense. But whatever, I screwed up my words on my previous post too. Anyway, thought it'd be nice to at least mention the two to her, rather than force the desicion on her.

>>2186096
>>2186087
Oh yeah, if you care to you could try buying some animals, a bunch of chickens maybe. The estate might not be set up for farming or have much room for it, but tending to a bunch of animals you can buy would be relatively easier and have much quicker returns.

That is to say, it’s not impossible that you could become self-sufficient or even make money on the property, with the right purchases and money use.

>>2186135
I say we wait a bit on that, until it's legally ours but let's go with Mila and Merryl for now

>>2186159
Well, we could pitch the idea to her, at least.

Earlier start today, going to resume here in a bit.

>>2186159
>>2186189
You're content to spend the rest of the day with the girls, and seek them out. Merryl as it turns out was just wandering around town and getting used to civilization again after being away for many years, since she doesn't need a job and can subsist on her own. Mila by contrast, ironically landed herself a job as an assistant cook for the larger inn of town, after the former assistant cook never showed up to work. In meeting up though, there's not anything particular you have to see to after having already gotten some basic supplies for your own work.

You do think it worthwhile to bring up the idea of buying some animals though to Mila, who wouldn't mind that at all. She wasn't too fond of her job tending to livestock before, but that was when it was for other people's livestock. If they were her own or the collective "you's" then she'd be glad to. She echoes a similar sentiment, that getting a bunch of chickens at first could make up costs pretty quick, though she has always wanted to tend to some more supernatural livestock if possible.

The three of you are of course free to spend the rest of the day though in town as you see fit. Merryl is just happy to be there if a bit overwhelmed by all the people, while Mila loves it. "City" living, just what she always wanted!

>>2187609
I was going to suggest getting Meryll supplies so she can start working on healing stuff but I'll hold on on that until we have a steady income

Does Merryl want to do anything in particular?

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>>2187764
She would tell you no, that she's fine, but you can read her well enough. A longtime desire to see a theater production, as she's heard wonderful things of those however Rocheau, this town, isn't big enough for a proper theater. There is a stage at the town green but it's not exactly the same. Could still just go to a show though, you doubt she'd really discern the difference all that much if she's never been to a theater in the first place.

>>2187802
>C'mon Merryl, you know you can't lie to me
Let's go see a Show! Bring everyone! Keep an eye out for any corruption

>>2187817
Yeah, why not go see a show with all of us, if it's within our budget.

>>2187821
>>2187817
Well Lucas is not actually present but the three of you can go, sure.

>within our budget

Showings on the green are free! Or well, it’s nice if you donate some after to the actors but it’s not required. Care you to attend the show, are you trying to spy on any atendees? Or just enjoy things?

>>2187861
See of there's any corruption, the actors are bound to have some, they probably have to do "favors" to some noble to get to where they are now

>>2187861
I'd keep an eye to see which important figures are attending, if there are any. And if there are any sources of corruption in the crowd or on stage.

probably can't contribute much more than this today. I'll see if I can try.

>>2187873
Indeed the actors do, one actor in particular. Otherwise though it’s an enjoyable time, some actual mortal entertainment for you to appreciate. An interesting diversion from what you’re used to, some story about a fisherman losing his wife and boating across the sea with the help of an orcish pirate to find her. You think it could do well with a lot more cruelty, suffering and debauchery, but it does occur to you that’s your inner demon playing up. On it’s own you’re sure it’s plenty nice enough a story, and perhaps in time your appreciation of such things could become genuine. Merryl of course is simply enthralled the whole time and overreacts several times, shouting out to the actors in excitement over things the character wouldn’t be aware of or that she wants to happen. Though there’s others in the audience to do the same, but all in all she loves it and thanks you tearfully with a hug at spoiling her so.

In any case it’s a nice time, and lets up late afternoon, whatever next you care to devote yourself to.

>>2187955
Send them off and tail the one we could sense

>>2187955
Well, there's still the issue with the dead body. Not entirely sure what to do with that, or wether to deal with it now or later. Could head back, set up the basement for various things. There's so much to do now... i don't know where to start. There a library or public records place around?

>>2187948
The only important figures to attend that you’re aware of (recognize) were the town mayor, and a minor noble family on an outing.

>>2187969
Sure enough you can send off Mila and Merryl then, telling them not to get too separated this time. You meanwhile focus on said actor before, wandering your way over to the stage, and with some looking around the preparation area at the back. It’s only a small, open building so you can just walk in as you notice a few folks doing. Mostly to give thanks or personally devote some coins. Is there a manner in which you care to approach the actor though? Maybe to give praise, or as some fawning fan? Or whatever else you may have in mind...

>>2187992
Indeed there is the body, the longer you leave it the more likely normal wild animals will come along and finish the rest. Though it’s not like anyone’s there beating down your door over the guy’s death. Maybe give it time, but then again maybe he really didn’t have any family left, or friends.

In any case, there is a library, mostly frequented by local magic practitioners as you understand it. The public records are kept by the church, however, but that’s not to say they’re impossible to reach of course. Just that you personally would have a hard time of going to get them yourself.

>>2188011
Why not both? Coins and thanks for the show for our friend then leave to tail him from a hidden position

>>2188043
Make a roll for the attempt then, see how good you are at following without being noticed.

Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>2188054

Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>2188011
>magic and the church
Oh man.
So that's off the table for a bit...
Maybe we can corrupt a nun in the future.
>>2188054
Might as well while I can still type

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>>2188068
That doesn’t mean the library itself is magic, just that without any sort of proper magic institute in town, the library is the next best thing. Not that there’s so many magic persons here to begin with.

>>2188068
>>2188061
>82

Quite good, the fellow doesn’t suspect himself to be followed and you’ve only your clothes on so nothing much to distract or make noise. You follow him for awhile after he bids the other actors farewell for the day. Eventually he hits up a tavern down on the riverfront, a rather dirty and unpleasant place build out of the waterside basement of a building where you get a strong sense of corruption. From the general customer base, not like it’s a den of criminals but the folks down here, are not the friendliest of people.

In fact, although you tailed the actor well enough, you don’t make it far inside beyond a quick look before you get grabbed and pulled back out. A big orc fellow, his hand enough to grasp your whole shoulder and probably a bouncer, blocks you from reentry.

”You lost little girl? This isn’t the sort of place for the likes of you.”

>>2188107
HMMMMMMM
I say we go in, there must be a lot we can do in there

>>2188144
>Go in

Except, you know, the orc blocking your path.

>>2188168
I know
I'm voicing what i wanna do so others chime in and post what they want to do

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>>2188189
do u tho

>>2188204
Seems like we'll need an invite of sorts to get in. Might have to investigate that later. We'll have to remember this location though.

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>>2188204

>>2188235
>>2188239
So take your leave for now then?

>>2188274
Yeh, carve a demonic symbol on one of the places walls if we can

>>2188280
Finally, a connection
That doesn't seem sound. Like, for what reason would we even do That? We already know where it is. It just seems like a superfluous action designed to get attention. Especially since it might draw the wrong kind of attention.

>>2188280
That’s easy enough, you demonically mark a wall in an inconspicuous place and then take your leave. Probably worth returning to, but anyway you’re. back up streetside now. The sun is setting, so if there’s anything left you want to wrap up the day with you can. Assumedly, besides finding Mila and Merryl and returning home?

>>2188324
Um, i don't think so I'm fine with returning home

>>2188371
Very well then, you find Merryl and Mila again and together rustle up some goods to take home. After that, well you can’t all ride the horse so you pack the goods for him to carry while the three of you walk with. It’s much longer this way but you can still reach the estate by nightfall, expecting and finding Lucas there to welcome you all. Merryl and Mila are absolutely dumbstruck by the house and the grounds, neither ever having seen let alone imagined such a lovely place. And it hasn’t even been done up yet. They both hug you happily with a cheer, both for dragging them out of the dirt where they had been and to a place such as this, though happy for different reasons.

After tending to the horse then and moving all the food and goods inside, you all can get used to using the kitchen now and make dinner for yourselves. A nice evening together in what may be your home, yes? Quiet and pleasant, and then a good night’s rest for work, no doubt.

>>2188417
If anyone asks they're staying while helping us find the owner

I don't have anything in mind but i dunno about the rest

>>2188417
Well, have we had a short meeting of what we've accomplished today? Could do that, get everyone's affairs in order and on what we're all planning on doing. Start dinner, talk to merryl for a moment, then tie her up for the night and finally have some night fun with the other two.

Whew, New Years is over now! Going to be able to resume again regularly now, continuing in a bit.

>>2188487
You’re sure you can pass off the other two as help or guests, though you’re not expecting anyone to question them much anyway.

>>2190481
Over the course of dinner then you can have a decent conversation about everyone’s progress made so far. Most everyone has managed to land some work, with Lucas doing his usual work with horses, Mila as a cook at the inn and you as an assistant. Merryl will just stay to mind the house, hoping she doesn’t burn it down or sabotage you, while going about her usual witchy work. The hope is that you won’t all be working menial labor jobs indefinitely, but for the time being at least it’s a decent start.

So after dinner and cleaning up you take things easy for awhile, the others finding their own ways to occupy time. In particular you talk with Merryl till it starts getting late, and you figure to have her tied up which she doesn’t oppose of course. After that, well everyone would have retired to bed since there’s enough rooms, but you have an idea. It’s your house now, right? So why not live as such, and you decide to break in the master bed, bringing the other two along. Together you share a pretty intense time and certainly stir up a lot of corruption, before settling to sleep together, genuinely exhausted. Seems like your “improvements” of Lucas are really starting to show. Still all under your human disguise, but itself getting more powerful the more corruption you sow.

—

You’re awakened the next morning as usual by Merryl making a racket about needing to be untied. Getting up to do so, you leave the other two snug in the big master bed, of a mind to get right back but of course there’s things to do, a new day. Free to act as you are, but three of you have work now to look forward to...

>>2193172
Well, we're going to have to see to merryl. And now that we have a semi-stable base, we're going to finally be able to see about acquiring those souls... don't know how though. Might as well head off to work, unless someone else wants to chime in with something.

>>2193303
Nah, work is good

>>2193303
Well there’s the consideration of how invested you want to be when you’ve got your own place. Whether you want to maintain an active mortal presence by having an job and going around town, or if you want to exercise and practice your demonic will and power within your private domain. Assumedly if you gather more friendlies, they could work for you to generate income and influence in town, or you just predate upon them demonically.

>>2193346
Work it is then, you want to get ready and leave as soon as possible or give someone else a chance to ride into town on your horse with you. A reminder that you have two, including a cart (from the former owner).

>>2193399
I'm really just trying to figure out a way to get souls. So, may I ask the different methods used to acquire them?

>>2193415
The most traditional, or at least the most common way is to offer someone something (like a deal) that they would exchange their soul for. Like they sign their soul away in a contract and you grant them a wish. Though a little more complicated since you’re material now.

Other ways are as simple as convincing someone to pledge or give their soul to you, whether it’s out of devotion, trickery, or assumed salvation. It was brought up earlier, like predating upon those to-be executed, the desperate might do foolish things like offer their soul to a demon in hopes of something better.

Lastly you can try to forcibly take a soul through sacrificial ritual, but that’s obviously harder and also not as effective as a willing transfer. Otherwise there may be other ways, if you’re creative to imagine other ways, but these are just the usual “common” options.

>>2193448
Getting souls is hard...
Well, going to work sounds fine for now. Just to get our bearings on what's usual before delving into wicked deeds.

>>2193458
Very well then, you get up and ready for the day, dressed and all. You’ll take your horse while Mila and Lucas can take the other when they have to get into town.

Not so long of a ride on your own, and finding a place to put him up for the day. You show up to the agreed upon place then with plenty of time to spare, and when Margot does arrive she appreciates your being there on time. Seeing you ready, she goes over just a basic itinerary for the day before departing, assumedly with you in tow. First up is checking on her stores in town, you’re just accompanying her and being useful then, nothing out of the ordinary?

Make a roll either way for your performance.

Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>2193549
Cmon, let's do good!
I'd hope to keep out for anyone with any significant corruption, or very little. Also any homeless. We can use those...

>>2193564
Well, that was a terrible roll.
Here's to whoever else rolling getting something better.

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>2193564

>>2193598
>>2193564
>88

Pretty great for your first day! You impress Margot with your skill to keep up with her even without prior experience, and how quick you are to learn. What she doesn’t know is how much you’re learning overall, such that by the end of shadowing her you could probably do her job as well as she could. A few more days, and you could do even better.

In any case you accompany her for much of the day, first through town and then via a carriage to a few outlying workshops. Rather than business secrets or practices though, you’re much more interested in anyone you could exploit. As expected you come across a few needy people whom Margot isn’t much interested in helping, but in particular a few workers and work/shop owners or foremen whom seem pretty corrupt. None so much as Margot herself though, but it’s a good chance to give you some perspective.

Unaware of your greater schemes though, she’s merely thankful for your presence, and very appreciative. Enough that she offers to take you along to a fancy early dinner type arrangement. Another chance to get to see a side of the business she also handles. Entirely optional of course, she understands if you’ve other things to do.

>>2193672
Well, we'll need to know where it is, who usually goes to these dinners, and check in with our husband, maybe... I'm almost on the side of accepting, but my paranoia says to ask those first two questions first

Question, do witches deal in souls? Any other kind of being? Or is it solely demons? You did mention there were other ways to lose ones soul, so....

>>2193672
I say we go, we get a chance to reveal what she's hiding and next time we could get to know these corrupt men

>>2193695
>>2193683
You can ask her about it easy enough, it’s just a meeting between a few privileged families at one of their houses in town, not a proper event or gathering just like a little social meet and eat. If you can’t make it because you’ve got something else to do or would rather not without your “husband” that’s fine. It’s not something required for the job anyway, mostly she’s just going to meet her son and see how he’s been handling things on the other side of the business.

>>2193683
Some witches deal in souls sure, really anyone or anything could. Demons and some others are particularly known for it, but they’re certainly not exclusive to the practice. The most likely after that, are beings which wouldn’t have a soul normally and so seek them. In any of these cases you could track them fairly easily given your own inherent hunger for souls.

>>2193766
I see. well that should be fine then.
Still seems pretty suspicious on who could show up, but It'll let us in on who's who and who to influence/corrupt

>>2193766
And keep an eye on the servants too, maybe we'll find another diamond in the rough

>>2193772
What’s the harm then? You accept to tag along, wouldn’t want to make a bad impression on your new employer, and so not too long after returning to town you find yourself following after her unto a relatively more upscale home. Must be of some family whom has a business within the settlement itself or else they’d likely be living outside otherwise.

Fortunately it seems most of your worries had been misplaced, and it’s not too many people nor is it too formal. Just three families about, plus you, Margot and her son Roland whom you’re introduced to. On this Margot is quite eager, and you get a sense of her trying to at least get him interested in you. Maybe not so quick to play matchmaker, but you’d guess to make a connection with someone outside his usual group of acquaintances. A bit spoiled because of how Margot dotes on him, but he seems pretty competent overall you think. Nice enough to you at least, even if it’s just to be polite.

The other guests, nothing too radical other than what you’d expect of local minor nobility. Some folks less upstanding than others, though one lady you get a very strong pang of evil from. Not as much corruption (though she’s probably concealing that) but actual evil, from you to her, recognizing that. Strange, she seems so elegant and proper, and pretty to boot.

Mostly though you can keep to yourself, unless you have something particular in mind.

>>2193841
Yes, the servants. There’s a few in and out. If you’ve got a particular eye to them, you can make a roll. See if there’s any who stand out.

Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>2193972
Evil? Mind explaining what defines evil in this sense?

>>2193987
Well corruption in the practical sense means committing sinful acts, usually without regret. Something evil though in this case is near enough irredeemable. Not that an evil person cannot be redeemed but that they either refuse or choose not to be, or that they could not be of their own volition. Usually a life of wickedness and sin without remorse leads down this path, rather than just a corrupt person whom sins now and then but has some sense of moderation.

In this particular case though, a demon for example could abstain from sin but in their existence they are simply evil by nature, like their very composition is evil down to their flesh and bones. Thus is the situation here; this noble lady present may be direly sinful, but aside of that her very physical form itself is evil. At least by the measure of the theology you hail from, like if either of you walked into a church you both would suffer. Perhaps alarmingly, chances are high that as you can detect a fellow evil entity, so too can she towards you. A possibility, though if so she is choosing not to act differently despite this.

>tl;dr something like muder may be sinful the whole world over, but to your particular theology of angels and demons, you fall on the “evil” side of the scale as does this other lady

>>2194001
That... huh. Interesting. Very interesting... we'll have to make note of her.

Fuck, i didn't roll in time
Shit

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>2193972
Oh wait, nvm i can still roll

Also she's probably another creature like us

>>2194012
>39

Nothing much from the servants, other than a fellow whom you can tell is stealing things from the household, and a girl who has some sort of romance with a noble son. Nothing serious though.

In any case you just keep to Margot’s side then, and take note of things as she expects, and keep an eye out for anything of interest. The little event doesn’t last too long, that she’s planning on leaving after a couple hours. Letting you know, if there’s anything last you wanted to do before leaving you can. Though, since she’s considering that it for the day, it’s not like you have to leave with her when she does.

>>2194025
Let's ask her about that woman. And one of the other guests, just to make it seem like there was more than one interest point.

>>2194029
Supporting

Also going to sleep, G'night Y'all

>>2194033
Hopefully some more people will return once new years ends.
Night

>>2194033
>>2194029
To answer your curiosity, you ask Margot about a few of the guests including the one in particular. The others you don’t much care about, but it’s Lady Bourdillon that’s your focus. Margot speaks quite highly of her, though you can sense already that much of it is something like false memories which she’s simply reciting when asked. Roland is the same way, and you’re pretty sure the other guests would be too.

Hypnosis? Magic? You’re not sure but the suggested story is that she’s a fine and fancy young lady whose noble father is fighting “in the wars” abroad. Apparently they’ve all known her for years but their memories of these times are vague at best, whatever that may mean...

>>2194038
Hmmm
She's either another demon or a mindflayer, or something that can mess with people's mind which makes me worried but she could be a valuable asset if handled properly

Do we have any mind-magic negating abilities/spells?

>>2194914
If you can exert your influence over someone, then you can manipulate their mind, including negating the effects of it from others. Unless the cause is from a power greater than you, but you seriously doubt this other woman is like, a greater demon or something akin.

>>2194959
so... as an evil creature, she managed to worm her way into minor nobility and do what we wanted to do before we did it? Bah... Well, she might be an obsticle, an ally, or a non-issue... but We need more information. We always need more information. Arg.

>>2195009
>>2194959
I say wr go over to her and try to see what's up, worse case scenario she makes us believe she's our friend

>>2194959
Aaaand, caught up!
>>2195068
Well, if shes evil, she probably feels we are too, right, QM? So might as well talk to her. There are so many ways this could go wrong, but can't do anything without taking risks~~!

>>2195077
I think I said, but it’s a possibility that she can similarly sense that you are evil. If she can however, she did nothing towards that and acted normally.

>>2195087
Got It! But aside from ignore her, not really much else to do. So I want some plot, wether it be bad or good, by at least meeting with her. Who knows? She could wind up being business like or some such. Worst we could do is make her our enemy. Which would be terrible and suck and we'd have to restart somehow, but I think we could profit from each other.

>>2195087
Lets wait and give her a chance to approach us.

>>2195109
Oooh, yeah, we should let her approach us first.

>>2195116
>>2195109
Well you can wait and hope she approaches you, are you staying or leaving with Margot however?

>>2195141
well, waiting a day or two for a response from her seems fine before confrontation.
Leaving with margot sounds good. Got to be courteous, after all. Give us another chance to talk and learn about her, and if she'll let something slip.

>>2195146
Well leaving in this sense of leaving the little get together, not like she’s taking you home with her... unless you try for something like that.

If you want to try and weasel something from her though or her son, you can describe your attempt and make a roll. Or just leave and go do your own thing, you’re not on the clock any longer so to speak.

>>2195161
ah, alright, better to just head home then.

>>2195161
It's tempting but i dunno

>>2195184
>>2195163
Nothing wrong with playing it safe then, as you go get your horse and then return home. The distinctly weird feeling that you’re being followed and watched though.

In any case you arrive home to the expected warm welcome of the others. Normally you wouldn’t get there after Lucas and Mila whom have “normal” jobs working all day, but that get together kept you. They’re both taking it easy though after a long, first day while Merryl ostensibly cooks for them but is relieved when you get home because she can hardly cook to save her life and was hoping you’d return home soon enough to save her from shame and disgrace.

>>2195190
If we feel like we're being watched, then we're being watched. Anything we can do about that with our demonc powers?
Let's save dinner.

>>2195190
>being followed and watched
So, she probably does know! What to do~~?
But first, save dinner! And teach her how to cook... she's a witch, alchemy and cooking are two halves of the same whole! She should know how to do this kind of thing!

>>2195190
Let's help and teach her if we can and keep an eye on the windows

>>2195205
>>2195203
>>2195196
Well at the very least you can save dinner and try to show her how. She’s not a demon though, nor a particularly great witch so learning will take time as you’d normally expect. In any case together you make a pretty decent dinner for which Merryl gets the credit, and you all enjoy yourselves.

Well, for the most part. You’re of course paranoid about being watched and trying to keep an eye out. The weird thing is that it’s not as if you were being like, physically stalked by someone. You’d be able to sense them if they were, same with something supernatural like if it were a ghost. Hence why it’s a little disconcerting, you’re not afraid because what would you have to fear, but it’s a little worrisome that you’re not able to make sense of it. All the while you ponder ways to impede it perhaps, and certainly there are ways you can think of... if you knew what the source was. Just the sense that you’re being watched isn’t enough to do anything about, unless you go as far as an obscuring ritual where you quite literally shroud yourself or the house in supernatural darkness.

The others at least are blissfully unaware, talking among themselves and asking how the day was. You notice Merryl in particular, getting along well enough for her, a positive change you can tell from her reserved self before being made to spend time with Lucas and Mila. They’re friendly enough and it’s rubbing off on the witch.

>>2195259
I don't know the kind of magic they have here... Maybe some kind of scrying orb or spell? It's localised on our person... hmm... maybe we can shift it on to something or someone else? Or we could just deal with it.

Or take a brief jount to the forest. If whoever's spying on us knows we're off alone and waiting, they might show iup

>>2195269
Going out in the forest is a bad idea. The guy we killed is still out there! Go somewhere else secluded.

>>2195269
Supporting this, we should see if they try to contact us

>>2195315
>>2195308
>>2195269
So the idea seems to be to promt an interaction, but maybe not out in the woods randomly? Or take the risk?

>>2195316
Someplace secluded, but I'd she tries something then it would look bad on her. Like a park or something.

>>2195323
A bar could work.

>>2195331
>>2195323
Well it’s already nightfall. Unless you want to ride into town again to pick a spot there, either your own courtyard or somewhere on the grounds of your estate are the best chance at seclusion.

Though maybe a bar dive isn’t the worst place to meet a spy.

>>2195336
Well... I don't know. Anyone else want to chime in?

>>2195336
I say either in the forest or the state grounds, maybe announce we know something's out there

>>2195355
>>2195341
Out in the garden then, a fair middle ground. You make up an excuse for going outside with a lantern, and go for a little walk. Finding your way among the little gravel path some distance away from the house, among the dead cultivated plants overgrown with wild ones and weeds, you find an old decaying bench and wait for awhile for your spy.

Admittedly it’s pretty boring but you get the sense of being watched. It takes awhile to figure out for sure since there’s definitely no one there, but you’d think it would be more obvious if it were magic. You feel like slapping your head then when you get the sense for the real thing; a bat. You only even become aware of it because you can control creatures of the night, being a demon, so you notice the bat resisting your influence when you get bored trying to control things. That explains why you weren’t able to detect a person, nor magic, it’s just a mundane bat being controlled.

You can of course try speaking to it or interacting with it if you wish, but as far as you can tell it’s just a normal bat. The one holding the leash so to speak, is probably waiting for it to return.

>>2195441
Suppose we could tie a note to it. Don't know what to write though. 'Hello, would you like to talk, rather than spying on me?' Or something.
... perhaps shes a vampire?

>>2195447
Supporting, add something like "we could work together you know?"

>>2195456
>>2195447
Yes that could very well work if you’d like to do that, just write something along the lines of wanting to meet?

>>2195477
Something like that sounds good~~!

>>2195477
>I don't know if you're the same one from the meeting but given your ability to control that bat I'm sure we could work together or at least peacefully coexist, you could even come here during the night if you feel like it

>>2195491
>>2195504
Very well then, you use your power to enact your schemes further. You can’t control the bat belonging to another, but you can just “blast” it with your will and cause it to flop to the ground. Then you just grab it, bring it inside, write and fasten the note to it and then let the animal go.

Not a bad answer to a potential problem you think, as you recline in the nice big chair in the study. So assuming that matter to be dealt with then, how do you care to spend the rest of your evening? The others are busy cleaning up after dinner, and will find things to do unless you involve them.

>>2195553
I suppose we could talk to merryl. Not on her plans, but to get her out of severe incompetence range. Although that might be preferable for now...
Or we could... wait, no, that's just asking to get us kidnapped/shanked. I was going to suggest going to the poorer areas of the city at night, but...

>>2195553
Push Merryl into lesbian sex under the guise of a girls-only bath :^)

Um, we could hang with Merryl and try to find a cookbook so we can both learn

>>2195575
That's a good idea if we want to get raped and recruit our rapist and there must be a lot of corrupt/fucked up people there too, it's a good idea but for another day when we don't have to meet a potential ally

>>2195583
Find an ogre/half orc body guard, added to the list.

>>2195575
Nothing stopping you from making a little rat’s nest for yourself in the poor part of town, to come back to time to time, and corrupt from there.

As for Merryl’s incompetence, well unless you act to manipulate and improve her, some people are just inherently incompetent.

>>2195583
Yes you could just spend the time with Merryl trying to “learn” some “””things”””. If you want to get corrupt though, well you’ll have to plan it out, how such a situation plays out.

>>2195601
So, next time we can we go downtown to get raped and recruit :^)
>>2195614
Her incompetence makes her Merryl, when we get her soul back we could try something

I got an idea but did the owner have cookbooks and stuff?

>>2195626
The study has a small library’s worth of books, so yes you can easily find a few cooking manuals.

>>2195601
For what it’s worth, you can always improve Lucas to be physically competent and skilled enough to make a formidable bodyguard. Unless you want to abandon him in favor of a newer and better champion.

>>2195630
He's our escapegoat should we get caught, our bodyguard will be an orc so no one suspects the above average everything attributes

>>2195630
Lucas is our front. He's the 'good' guy. We take him to do shady dealings, that ain't so great. Doesn't mean we cant beef him up though.
Better to keep shady people on the shady side.

>>2195635
>>2195642
Very well then, looking for a mortal bodyguard it is, next chance you get. Probably easy, if for example you wanted an orc fellow, that you could make your disguise as an orc lady.

Anyway, so spend the rest of the evening just try to help improve Merryl’s cooking and your own in the process? An then to bed for an early night’s rest?

>>2195630
>>2195664

>THE Plan
>Start off with some simple desserts/whatever we have ingredients for
>Let her do most of the work while we closely stand behind her with the book in one hand
>Grab her arms from time to time to "guide" her on how to do it properly
>Whisper instructions
>Gib compliments
>Let her stew
>Make sure things get messy so we have an excuse to go take a bath together

>>2195664
Well I'm going to take hands off approach to whatever we do with merryl, but
>>2195670
Seems fine

>>2195670
Incompetence will surely result in such a thing even without our aid!

>>2195670
>>2195698
Why not take a chance to learn some and make further use of your new house? So you get the water warming up while you take to the kitchen with Merryl, and break into one of the cooking manuals with what supplies you have. She isn’t aware of what your scheme is so cooperates, though you ever so sweetly and innocently work your way to standing right behind her, against her so that you can instruct and physically guide her with your own hands, your own body. She accepts the help but as close as you remain and the contact you keep with her, unnerves her terribly and stirs up such complicated and frustrated emotions that she can’t deny. Worse because she knows that you’re aware of them.

She starts off alright, but your presence and contact making her nervous and clumsier than usual, just makes a big mess of things. You of course complement her and tell her it’s alright, but it does nothing to make her feel better or settle her feelings, when you do things like get some spilled flour or jam off of her with a lick and a kiss here and there. The perfect chance to use the bath now, yes? The water should be hot and ready.

>>2195734
Yeah, sure, why Not?
And after that we can work on possible defenses. What can we set up that would tell normal people "Don't notice me" or "go away?" Or hide corruption in general?

>>2195734
Of course!
Take her by the hand and keep teasing her on the bath!
It's a one man bathtub or is it big enough for more people?

>>2195749
It could fit two people comfortably, or three people snugly. For now it seems just the two of you though? Merryl can’t really refuse you, as you take to the bath together and wash clean. She clearly eases up once in though, as you come to sense why; it’s probably the first real bath, with hot water, that she’s had in years. You’ve an interest to tease her, but she cleans up well which ends up occupying your focus.

>>2195745
Defenses, what kind? Like personal ones?

If you don’t want to be noticed or avoided, that’s something you can impress upon other people, better if you’ve a source of corruption around you like some friends or servants. Some items from the Hellscape could also help if you care to bargain for them.

Though the surest method of all would be to steal a soul and adopt a true human form, rather than a disguise. It would completely obscure your nature, but there would also be some drawbacks.

>>2195828
Argh. Always back to this soul business. Getting souls is hard. If only it were easier... also, drawbacks?
Well, time to finish up for the day.

>>2195828
Hug her and tell her we're here for her
And then turn in for the day

>>2195835
Drawbacks, well the process entails more or less becoming human, so you’d have all the drawbacks a typical mortal would have. So no direct demon powers, the chance to actually suffer physical harm, things like that. But, nothing stopping you from entering a church, for example.

>>2195837
So you share a nice moment together, a close connection, then go through the motions of tying her up for sleep. You retire to bed shortly after, finding a spot to snuggle next to Lucas, Mila on the other side.

—

Next day then, your usual wakeup call of Merryl stirring up a ruckus in order to be free of her bonds. Though you can go about whatever business you please.

>>2195874
Check around the house for any response of the bat controller and we should probably go report the owners disappearance

>>2195902
Seems fair.
Is there a concept of adventurers of people who'd accept quests here? Might be avle to pull up a job listing on some big fellow we could slowly corrupt to our side.

>>2195902
Not as though you’ve set up a perimeter about your “domain” but as far as you can tell, no one or nothing has been by the house. You can set Merryl on it though, to search about while you’re gone.

In the meantime then you can get up for the day, get ready and head into town. Take your horse, be there for your job later.

>>2195930
>>2195902
How do you care to report the former owner’s disappearance then?

As for adventurers, you can imagine there’s some around. Maybe not in Rocheau however, but wandering mercenaries are a common enough thing. Big fellows, local bullies will never be in short supply though. Depending on what you’re looking for, and how tough or skilled, your effort could make all the difference. Be that just putting up a job listing, going looking for yourself, or some other method you could imagine. Or just summon one up from the Hellscape, however you please to seek a busybody.

>>2195967
He invited us to live with him after we told him we were looking for a place before getting married so in the future we would buy it from him for 150 gold but in the first night after dinner he went out for a walk and wasn't at home the next morning

At first we thought he left to where he said he would but last night we heard some howling and we're worried something might have happened to him

>>2195992
A bit on the nose but honesty can’t hurt, no? Make a roll for selling the attempt.

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>2196017
>I know it looks bad but...bad timing?

Anyone wanna write anything else or change some?

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>2196017

>>2196020
Well, honesty and half truths are the way I like to play things. Straight up lies can be unraveled. Truths? Well, a truth is a truth. Could also try to show those strange documents. I... don't know If that would help or hurt? And then there's those documents we forged. All they do is say we own the house, right?

>>2196086
A half-thruth to mask a greater lie!

I think we should keep the change in the docs hidden, and i think so, we forged the will and deed i think

>>2196103
Might be a bit strange then. Wouldn't you need some kind of official or lawyer to go through those documents? In other words, he updated his will and deed the day we met him, then instantly died. Unless it doesn't have to go through such channels here.
Well, whoever comes over we could try and convince otherwise if the initial story doesn't work out. And there are some back-up stories I have in case things go horribly wrong...

>>2196135
Unless he had a personal go-to official they don't have a way to know if he did we could also say we day him write it over dinner and said he would go deliver it when the time was right

>>2196143
>>2196135
>>2196103
>>2196086
>78

The situation with the documents is one thing, but it’s unlikely that the sheriff for example needs to know or would care about any of that. Paperwork and the like is fodder for the local notary, the sheriff just cares about crimes. Well, supposedly. The excuse to him isn’t the one, or even the version you need to go by with anyone verifying any documents. At least not the whole version.

>>2196187
So
Um
Are they going to look into it?
The post didn't really respond to
>>2195992
>>2196020

>>2196216
I wasn’t sure if that was the agreed excuse you were giving when reporting him missing to the sheriff?

>>2196216
Supposedly cares about crimes... hmmm... well, if he's as corruptable as most law enforcement seem to be, we may be able to do something with that...

>>2196247
Let's go over the basics. 1, we met him recently. 2, he said that, since we were recently married, he'd sell his house to us. 3, one night, he just went out and didn't come back, and we're worried about him.

Saying that we'd get his house is just a telling as not saying anything about getting the house. It's honestly really difficult to come away from this without seeming guilty in the eye of the law. Rather, it'd probably be easier to 'get to know' the law enforcement first, and then report the incident in a couple of days, maybe... I don't know. That might just cast more suspicion.
Well, the truth is the truth. I suppose if we play up the innocent maiden act...

>>2196256
Eh
This sounds better

>>2196258
>>2196256
>78

So you decide to just play it innocent and sweet as usual. Folks, guys, are always less likely to suspect a simple young lady who is maybe a bit of an airhead, but kind and pretty. At least that seems to be your impression. So you seek the local authorities in town, which isn’t much just a local sheriff who rustles up guards and help sometimes to deal with crimes. You present your case to him and the situation you’re faced with, and...

”Ah well I’m sure he’ll turn up eventually. Maybe I’ll get around to it, but we’re very busy lately with headless rider terrorizing the roads. I’m sure by then... well, his next of kin will show up eventually? If not, I suppose the estate is yours unless the local baron has something to say about it.”

A bit underwhelming, considering how worried you might have been. It seems the authorities as represented by this fellow, don’t much care. Certainly not enough to mount some kind of investigation or anything. You get the impression this isn’t even strange, after all for the most part in these times most problems just get dealt with by the people involved. There’s little in the way of a “police” force or anything like that, as you’ve seen, just the sheriff really trying to keep track of things with help from the city watch or guards levied by nobility.

A weight off your shoulders at least, perhaps. Anything else you want to do to possibly solidify your hold over the estate, or just get to work?

>>2197070
Welp
Kek

Do we have work today?

>>2197070
headless rider? who is this headless rider? Should we be worried? Is tihs rider a murderer? If he is, do you think he might have done something to the man we're searching for?

I suppose we could continue to play the ditz and ask what could we do to the officer. And say we'll come back if he doesn't return, sometime in the future.

This rider feels like it might relate back to that noble from earlier...

Also, this lackadaisical attitude... There's potential here. We should make not of him as a point of interest.

>>2197070
All that worrying for nothing~~!
>>2197088
As paranoid as ever, I see. Always asking questions... well, couldn't hurt to ask those before leaving!

>>2197092
Information is power. I NEED IT.
And it isn't paranoia if the inquisition is going to be breathing down our neck. And the rest of the world, for that matter.

>>2197092
>>2197099
When are we planning on getting that Orc bodyguard or safehouse at downtown/ the slums

Tonight after work?

>>2197111
I'm now worried about that headless rider deal. Getting a bodyguard at night is a risk. Let's ask our employer. She might have some connections and know where to find some good meat shields.

>>2197086
What a silly question, you have work everyday you slave.

>>2197088
You should be worried if you have a head, so the sheriff says. You feel safe in assuming it to be a dullahan, an evil supernatural being. Not of the same theology you are though, so you would be at odds. Like two school bullies passing each other by in the hallway; could get in a fight, but best to save the energy for the nerds.

>>2197125
>save it for the nerds
HA. Maybe we should get it under our employ... would be great. Hey, that could be our bodyguard! Except it's also an evil creature... Ugh...
... abd unless it's already under someone's employ...

>>2197116
We could also try to return more info from Margo about that fake noble, see if she knows or remembers enough to go contact her
>>2197125
>Everyday
Nice
Belittle me daddy, I've been bad

>>2197133
Gotta make sure fake noble lady isn't behind this first

>>2197134
That's a decent idea.
>>2197140
Yup! Need to see to that. Only one top evil being around here! Or at least offer truce until then.
>inb4 3 way evil gang war

>>2197070
Not sure what we could do, we have the will and documents forged.

Let's get to work.

>>2197088
It’s less lackadaisical and rather he’s very busy with relatively much more important things to really care much about some lone old guy going missing or turning up dead.

>>2197161
You head to the usual place then and wait for awhile till Margot arrives, ready to work again. Make a roll for your effort at the workday!

Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>2197163

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>2197163
Rolling~~!

Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>2197163

News of that headless rider must have made us distracted.
Unless someone else rolls.

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>2197163

>>2197169
>>2197167
>>2197166
>>2197196
>42

Eh, not so great. You perform the job well enough, but hit a major roadbump when Margot has charity matters to see to at the church, and naturally you cannot accompany her. You have to make up some excuse about why you can’t, which she buys, but it doesn’t make her any less cross about you shirking your duties. She’s the sort to be bothered by that, so even by the end of the day you can feel she’s still bitter about that and will remain so.

Only slightly does she lighten up when meeting up with her son, again trying to shove you together. Otherwise though, no fancy get together today, you finish up the normal expected time of late afternoon, free to act.

>>2197201
Can we fish out some extra info about that fake noble lady?

>>2197201
We need souls. Anons have been suggesting offering deals to prisoners, let's see if we can visit whatever passes for a jail here.

>>2197201
Alright, let's fish up that todo list:
Get souls
Get a bodyguard
Find out about that fake noble
find why and how the handwriting changed
get to know the nobles
find some scum to get some underworld connections going
get an in with the legal system to get a soul farm going, maybe through that officer.
get in contact with our associates down below, preferably after we've gotten some souls
get witches soul back and get her to not be completely incompetent.

so, so much to do...

guess we could go back to the officer guy, see if he wants our help dealing with paperwork, since he seems to be on edge. could help us get an in... Not sure if that's exactly what he needs help with though.

>>2197220
That is certainly a todo list. Forgot to add "have fun" with our three roommates, turn Lucas into an Adonis incarnate, and upgrade ourselves to have more power~~
The noble lady is important, but I'm sure we won't rdig up anything on her by just looking for information. Prisons a good place to start as any

>>2197208
You can certainly try, your proximity to Margot at least is giving you some small influence over her. You can make a roll to try and squeeze anything else out.

>>2197211
There is a little brig here in town yes, if you want to go and visit.

>>2197220
A job change to helping the sheriff? He certainly looks like he could use a secretary, if you were interested in such a role. Maybe have to make a case though, as dealing with crimes even by proxy (through documentation) is no business for a lady.

>>2197242
would that count as a job change? We have some free afternoons, thought we could just drop in and ask if we could help out from time to time...