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

70 KB JPG

You don't know how far north you have travelled in the span of a single night, constantly hounded by demons, mechanical devices and other magical means of pursuit from your traitorous family. Fleeing on steeds of unnatural speed, dogged by monsters and magic at every turn, your adrenaline-fueled mind didn't even think to use your twin-teleport once you were out of the storm. In your mind, images of your family home still burn as surely as it did in real life when you rained down bolt after bolt of lightning upon it. The face of each member of your family is cemented firmly within your mind, as well as that of your hated nemesis Mordrax. Not only was he content in taking your public life, he took your family as well! Everything that you have done to them and your home is his fault.

The only innocent one is Edgar. You swear to rescue him, eventually.

For now, the important thing to do is survive, and you have done so thanks to the keen instincts and skills of your current companion and tentative ally, the Witch Hunter. He is the one who spirited you away on summoned steeds, and it is his cabin, presumably, that you are now taking refuge in, somewhere in the woods north of your family's land. You crossed several other family properties during your escape, but it was night and your trail was lost somewhere after the fifth manor. Now you stand in front of the cabin's window, staring out at the morning light, tapping your fingers impatiently upon it.

"You should move away from the window," he advises, sitting next to the small fireplace. The sparsely-furnished cabin in many ways reminds you of himself; simple, efficient, rugged. You take his advice and slip away from the window and put your back to the wall, sliding to a sitting position.

"Curse you, Mordrax," you whisper. There is a nearly-constant buzzing in your head, brought about by your anti-scrying magic field, indicating that your family is still trying to find you. "You think they would give up on that already..." you say, rubbing your forehead.

"Perhaps they think you will give up and let them in just to stop the headache."

"My will is strong," you reply. "As is my resolve. And now that I know Mordrax is behind the curse and is going to use it for his coup, I couldn't be more adamant in my desire to destroy him."

He pokes the burning logs with an iron stick. "Thank you for revealing this plot to me, Sirena. But it is a little beyond my paygrade."

>All you care about is money?
>I'll make it worth your while beyond any sum.
>If we were to team up, we could destroy Mordrax together!
>If you aren't going to help, I'll find someone who will.
>Other

>>2667452
>I'll make it worth your while beyond any sum.
>If we were to team up, we could destroy Mordrax together!

We are the best chance to end this.

>>2667452
>>I'll make it worth your while beyond any sum.
>>If we were to team up, we could destroy Mordrax together!

>>2667452
>If you aren't going to help, I'll find someone who will.
We may be self-centered and obsessed with vengeance, but even we don't want a world war breaking out, at least not anything we can't control.

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

74 KB JPG

>>2667459
>>2667492

A smile slowly makes its way to your lips and you crawl alongside him, giving him a sultry look. Lying next to him, making no small attempt to flaunt your gorgeous body, despite your wet and torn dress. "I'll make it worth your while, beyond any sum."

He smirks, but doesn't look at you. He continues to poke at the fire. "That sort of thing doesn't interest me."

"I thought you had experience dealing with Witch Queens."

"You'll have to forgive me, but I'm more into hunting witches, not laying with them."

"We could always change that. And there are more rewards than just the physical, you know. There could be a lot of money in saving the country."

He nods. "There could." His smirk goes away but he still doesn't look at you, taking on a more serious tone. "I mean no offense, but dealing with a Witch Queen is one thing. This is something else entirely."

"You're saying Mordrax is more powerful than I?"

At that, he does give you a sidelong glance. "Are you saying he isn't?"

You frown and look into the fire. "He is very powerful, and well-entrenched. He possesses many artifacts and his knowledge of arcane lore surpasses my own. But he isn't immortal." You look back at him and say, "Together, we could destroy him."

"I doubt it."

You sit up, shooting him a disappointed and somewhat judging expression. "You mean to give up, then?"

"I never said that. I can't turn my back on this situation. What I doubt is the two of us being able to stop him on our own."

"I have gathered many allies."

He closes his eyes and chuckles. "Again, I mean no offense, but I've looked into them. I don't doubt their sincerity, but all of them lack experience. That barbarian king you've got stored away somewhere, he might be of help."

"My allies have come through for me when I need them to. But I concede that I had hoped to build them up more before confronting Mordrax, which was always the plan. I knew from the very beginning that he was going to take over the kingdom, but now he's advancing the timeline. We only have so long before the common folk learn of this curse and his plan is put into action."

"That's why we need help, and a plan. I don't know how much experience you have in battle or war, but I'm guessing it isn't much. If that's what this country is heading towards, we need a very, very good strategy." He turns his head to face you fully. "Together, we might both have power, and you may have ambition, but you're not the only one with allies."

>So, you have friends?
>I'm not interested in revealing myself to other Witch Hunters.
>I have more than allies, I have an army.
>Let him speak
>Other

>>2667530
>>So, you have friends?

>>2667530
>So, you have friends?
>I have more than allies, I have an army.

Unless plan on sending messages to the elven and human kingdoms to tell them the truth and hopefully find allies with the anti-war/Anti-Mordrax crowd.

>>2667530
>So, you have friends?
>Let him speak

>>2667530
>I'm not interested in revealing myself to other Witch Hunters.
Our "army" isn't much to boast about right now.

>>2667537
>Also plan on sending

Was what i meant to write.

>>2667537
>>2667545
Trying to get ahead of this has a very real chance of being the spark for the powderkeg no one knows is waiting for them. Plus, Mordrax is too entrenched. War against him is still war against his kingdom.

File: 222a8a1f11bb2fcf181cf30e8(...).jpg (42 KB, 564x862)

42 KB JPG

>>2667534
>>2667537
>>2667541

"So, you have friends?"

"In a sense." He looks back at the fireplace. "What we are, are members of an organization with no name. And we have no shared names, even among each other, outside of titles. I am the Witch Hunter."

Your eyes light up a little. "Ahh... so it's not just me you don't tell your name to, then?"

"I'm afraid not. No one knows my true identity, not even those I work with. I don't know theirs, either. The Silent Knight, the Northman, the Grey Ranger, the Bearer-of-Burdens, and others. We're all bound by a mutual code of anonymity and working towards a brighter future without evil."

"And yet you still accepted large amounts of money for killing the older Witch Queens?"

"You can fight evil and still get paid for it. Most of us do, in our own way. Each member of our group takes different tasks upon themself, targets specific things. Mine is witches, hags, covens, that sort of thing. Sometimes we help each other, sometimes we see each other in public and never acknowledge each other. The public doesn't even know we exist."

"Then why do it at all?"

"I thought, given your exile, you'd understand the value of keeping a low profile. We're not interested in being heroes of legend, the subjects of songs, or otherwise. We do our job and we do it without caring about thanks or being known for doing it, and we keep doing it until we retire, either in battle or by age." He turns over a log, then sets the iron rod aside. "As for why I, specifically, do it... someday, I want to have a family, and I want the world to be a safer place when I do. All the money I'm making now is set aside for that day."

You stare at him as he becomes strangely vulnerable, revealing why he does what he does. Studying his face intently, you detect no hint of lies or attempts to garner sympathy; he is simply telling the truth. "You trust me enough to tell me all of this?"

"Whether I like it or not, we're in this together. Your enemy is my enemy. Fighting each other isn't going to get us anywhere, and as I come to understand you, it's only right that you should understand me as well."

>I want the same thing, someday.
>Who among your friends can help us?
>The first step in our plan is figuring out what resources we have available to us.
>You might not like all of the things I do.

>>2667567
>I want the same thing, someday.
>Who among your friends can help us?
>The first step in our plan is figuring out what resources we have available to us.

>>2667567
>You might not like all of the things I do.
>The first step in our plan is figuring out what resources we have available to us.

>>2667567
>>You might not like all of the things I do.
Might as well be honest.
Mention that if he however wishes for a safer world that there are even worse threats than Mordrax.

>>2667614
>>2667581
This.
The True enemy (or ally if we can convince her to maybe stand down on this genocide thing) is the Moon Elf.

>>2667567
>>The first step in our plan is figuring out what resources we have available to us.
>>You might not like all of the things I do.

>>2667621
Don't forget the father and his unliving armies

>>2667626
I thought he was working with Mordrax. Maybe Im remembering wrong.

So, if modrax is that much stronger than us, then that makes him the final boss. if so, which of the two others are the mid boss?

>>2667649
I'd say Mordrax and the father could be on a similar level.
But we can't really asess the father's strength yet since we don't know enough about his connection and the numbers of his servants.

File: f7013c72084b93b4f0cd54357(...).jpg (62 KB, 564x797)

62 KB JPG

>>2667581
>>2667614
>>2667622
>>2667571

Bringing up a hand, you cup his cheek and turn his face to stare into his eyes. "You might not like all of the things I do," you whisper to him. "After all, I am the Witch Queen."

"I'm taking a gamble on you, Sirena, and hoping it pays off. I've learned some potentially disturbing things in studying you, and I don't know how true they are. Part of me doesn't want to know, because you and I are both on the same side. The other part of me doesn't want to ignore it, wants me to find evidence that will lead to me killing you." He is silent for a moment. "Part of me wants to learn more about you, but for other reasons, ones that I'm not comfortable getting close enough to a witch to explore."

"Which side is going to win out?" you ask with a smile, running your hand down his arm.

"I'm not going to say I'm a saint and have done no wrong in my life. I'd like to believe I'm working towards a common good and that sometimes I have to get my hands dirty, and that you're doing the same, just in different ways." He leans in close, his face inches from your own. "I'll say this once, Sirena: don't make me regret not killing you."

Your smile slowly fades. "Understood, Witch Hunter."

He pulls back and looks into the fire. "I'll need to contact my people. Set up a meeting. You'll be there, under my protection, as our key witness linking all of these things together."

"The first step in our plan should be figuring out what resources we have available to us. How many friends do you have?"

"Not many, but we're all the best in our fields. Some of them are like you, you know. One is a necromancer. Calls himself the Misunderstood. Always talks about how he wants to revolutionize the modern world with a working class of undead serving as farmers, miners, and other things. You'd probably like him. So don't think I'm unwilling to work with someone who uses questionable methods."

"I'm glad to know that. When can I expect this meeting to happen?"

"I'll be in touch as soon as possible."

You stand up and stretch. "Then I should be off, I suppose." You pause, looking down at him, wondering how you should say goodbye.

>Thank him for coming to your aid.
>Say goodbye and simply leave.
>Leave without saying a word.
>Kiss him.
>Other

>>2667691
>Leave without saying a word.
>Kiss him.

Love being a tease

>>2667691
>Thank him for coming to your aid.
Keep it professional.

>>2667691
>Thank him for coming to your aid.

File: Seduction.png (20 KB, 572x372)

20 KB PNG

>>2667701
>>2667707

"Thank you," you say to him. "For coming to help."

He straightens, looks at you over his shoulder, and nods respectfully. With that, you disguise yourself as Mary, twin-teleport back to Redford Tower, and fall straight into bed between two sleeping figures, who quickly aren't sleeping anymore.

As you plop into the bed between Faye and Amanda, both of them shoot straight up. In equal states of nudity, Amanda quickly grabs the sheets to remain modest and cover her chest; Faye doesn't and doesn't really care. You sit up and look at them both, first at Amanda, then shooting a nasty look at Faye.

"What?" she asks with a shrug. "Don't give me that look."

"What is the meaning of this?!" Amanda demands.

You roll your eyes and sigh. "Sorry. I didn't expect for that to happen. Experiments with teleportation magic, you know? Sometimes things go wrong." You give her a sheepish grin and a shrug.

Faye smiles, quickly deciding to make the most of the opportunity. "Well, it sure is nice of you to drop in on us, though..." Her hands run up your sides. "Care to join us for some 'breakfast'?"

Amanda seems shocked, but not against the idea. You, however, are in no state for any such activity. You grab the white-haired vixen by the ear and yank her next to you. "Faye, I need to talk to you, outside, as soon as possible." She protests with a small howl and you let her go, crawling out of the bed. "Amanda, nice seeing you. Sorry for, ah, intruding."

The paladin gives you a small wave. "Nice seeing you too, Mary."

You exit and close the door behind you and let out a sigh. 'Should've expected that one.'

>Go to your room and take stock of your resources
>Wake up Alex
>Wake up Amber
>Wake up Bargum
>Other

>>2667773
>Go to your room and take stock of your resources
>Wake up Alex
>Wake up Amber
>Wake up Bargum

>>2667773
>Go to your room and take stock of your resources

>Wake up Amber
Get stock of our adventures/mercs

>Wake up Bargum
See if he got anything useful

>>2667773
Actually lets invite the Paladin as well. She and her order could prove useful

>>2667773
>Go to your room and take stock of your resources

>>2667773
>>Go to your room and take stock of your resources
>>Other
Get to Aran fast and plan assassinations of LeDoux branch family members and associates .

File: d7451557e3de632227f40018b(...).jpg (57 KB, 564x775)

57 KB JPG

>>2667781
>>2667784
>>2667791
>>2667799

Walking up to your room, you waste no time in taking stock of your complete list of allies, minions, resources and various holdings. You haven't done this in a while, and use various notes you have taken throughout your time in the north, as well as your spellbook with its pages disguised as that of a diary, to form a complete list of absolutely everything and everyone you have a hand in.

Current Capital: 59,382 coins

>Marked Minions:
Ben, Werewolf and Aspiring Hero
Merriam, Mage in training
Bruut Fasebash, Half-Orc Troublemaker
Supremia, Drow Master Thief
Lady Silverwind, High Elf Noble

>Allies and Party Members:
Faye Le Scivias, Mirror Twin
Francis Langley, Perverted Archmage
Alex Shepherd, Boy Cleric
Kaylessa, Girlish Elven Archer
Amber Graves, Tsundere Warrior Girl
Brutus, Minotaur Warrior and Lumberjack (Currently at Cutter Farm)
Krom, Demigod Barbarian King (Currently with Valasca and the Amazons)
Bargum, Dwarven Runepriest
Amanda Lightguard, Female Paladin
The Witch Hunter, Mysterious Mercenary

>Other Minions:
Sheldrake, Butler of the Umbral Citadel
The Red One, Leader and Speaker of the Witch Queen's Council
Boris, Undead Abomination, Guarding Dragon Eggs
Xerro, Kobold/Swolebold, Caretaker of the Eggs
Xiax'zas the Lich, Scrying Duty
Vorkath, Shade Captain of the Guard
Toldy, Moldy and Scoldy, Goblin Minions
Ir'as the Desert Priestess, among the Lake Men
Komortha, the Northerner
Perilynth, Formerly-Headless Revenant, infiltrating Le Doux family
Alicia, Mind-Wiped Drow, Sister of Supremia
Ushugna the Orc, Amongst the Orcs near Bridge Town
Nebulia the Fishwoman, Sent to the Great Lake, working with Ir'as
Sumiko the Catgirl, Sent to the Desert Men
Alura, Sweet Succubus (Summoned with Spell)
Eremba, Raven Spirit
Raniya alha Hala'Sharradhir, Djinn-ala, Warrior Genie

>Associates:
Cutter Family (Jan, Fred, Todd and Mark)
Digger Family (Samson and others)
Jed Cutter, Mayor of Bridge Town
Lucia Rose, Bridge Town Teacher
Angelo, Suave but Dubious Devil
Angela, Sexy but Shady Devil
Captain Jean Lamont Eristan of the Queen's Avarice
Solomon, Peace-Seeking Golem
Pearl, Playful Kelpie
Vilgiziax, Gnome Tinkerer and Salesman
Obarrai, Changeling partner-in-crime with Supremia
Leon, Down-on-his-luck Loser, Working in Digger Mine

>Teachers:
Elder Grey and Old Man Grey, Married Necromancer and Diviner
Albert, Masked Nercomancer
Vincent, Vampire Thrallherd
Jenna, Kind and Cheerful Druid, and her P'orc Friend Hamlet
Trixie, Gnomish Illusionist

>Business Partners:
Samson Digger, Owner of Digger Mine
Sanzir, Dwarven Matriarch, Owner of Bridge Town Brothel
Urist, Dwarven Mechanic, Captain of the Fist of Urist
Frederick Northingshire Jr., Gentlemen Pugilist and Lieutenant of the Mercenary Guildhall

File: 12-8a-scroll1.jpg (970 KB, 1958x2611)

970 KB JPG

>>2667831

>Living Assets:
Aran Enshrouded Population: 7,985
Aran Shade Population: 1,477
Aran Shadow Demon Population: 245
Aran Servitor Population: 100
Witch Queen's Royal Guard: Vorkath, 10 Warriors, 100 in Training
Giant Ant Queen, Producing Shadow-Ants, Current Count: 70
Green Dragonspawn Eggs (25), kept in Incubation Chamber
Usai the Lizard Assassin, currently held in Aran
87 Goblins of the Shadoblin Quarter
Sorn, Centaur Warpriest, and his 142 Centaur Warriors
Shaedara, Shadar-kai Shadowcaster, and her 305 Shadar-kai
Corus, Kenku Monk Assassin, and his 56 Kenku
Crew of the Azure Serpent, River Pirate Gang: 23 Men, Captained by Bruut (Current Wenches: 3)
Wineleah Elves: Arradon, Mormaraleth, Jinarra and Torethel

>Souls with Bodies Preserved in Storage:
Red Dragon: Body still alive, pregnant with Francis' child.
Eastwoman Taunter
High Elf Evoker
Goblin Elementalist
As-Of-Yet-Unnamed Servant Messenger from Le Doux Estate

>Corpses in Aran:
Giant Greenspawn Snake
Amazon
Barbarian Woman
Green Elf
Harpy
Battlemage
Night Elf
Satyr
Serpent Woman
West Woman

>Aran Cults:
Children of Twilight, Food Creation and Distribution
Penumbrians, Sacrificial Rituals
Midnight Souls, Shadow Demon Bonding
Witch Queen's Daughters, Sex Cult
Servants of Shadow, Shadow Demon Servants
Faithful of Aran, Creation of Shades
Hearers of Silence, Eldritch Lore
Umbrian Brotherhood, Eldritch Lore
Cabal of Darkness, Training Warlocks
Night Temple, Custodial Guardians
Phantom Church, Ghosts and Spirits
Antumbrian Order, Sex Cult
Walkers in Sunlight, Infiltration and Conversion

>Associated Property:
Redford Tower and Keep
Cutter Farm
Digger Mine
Bridge Town Brothel
Bridge Town Mercenary Guildhall
Realm of Aran (Umbral Citadel, Thrones of Midnight, Lost Library, Divining Pool)
Riverside Landing, Pirate Gang Hideout

>Permanent Teleportation Circle Locations:
Aran (Central Hub)
Redford Keep
Bridge Town Brothel
Francis' Tower
Riverside Landing
Bad Luck Mine
Silverwind Estate
Le Doux Estate

>Captives Brought to Aran:
16 Men
5 Women

>Ben Pregnancy Scorecard:
Faye
Amber
Jenna
Lady Silverwind

>Active Foes:
Mordrax, Royal Court Wizard and Hated Nemesis, Object of Vengeance
Le Doux Family, Traitorous Kin
Jonah, Cutter Family Friend and Axe Murderer
Blackfeather Coven, Demon-Worshiping Hags
Demon of Vengeance, Patron of the Blackfeathers
The Lich, Patriarch of an Undead Army
Albert, Necromancer, Son of the Lich
Vincent, Vampire, Son of the Lich
Albert, Alchemist, Son of the Lich
Green Dragon, Mother of Monstrous Spawn
Black Dragon, Lives in the Swamp
Sebastian Ignus Oberhan the Second, High Priest of the Order of Light
Sigmund Venstroyer, Paladin Lord

>>2667836
>Ben Pregnancy Scorecard:
Faye
Amber
Jenna
Lady Silverwind

nice list

>>2667849
Christ this is overwhelming.

File: 1395079561488.jpg (280 KB, 780x1080)

280 KB JPG

>>2667836

In a way, it is almost liberating to chart all of this down, and look upon your progress. You have come far and accomplished much, but there is still much more to do. As you finish jotting down the last of your notes, Faye pushes up the trap door and enters. "You wanted to see me?"

You set the scroll down and turn to look at her. "I have a lot to catch you up on."

Faye listens to your story in relative silence, carefully taking in every word. You fill her in on everything; after all, she's your mirror-twin, and as deeply embroiled in this struggle as you are. She asks few questions and, in the end, takes a few moments before speaking after you are done.

"So, we're going to kill our family, then?"

"Even if they begged for their lives to me, they willingly joined Mordrax. I've no love for them anymore, if I ever even did."

"And what about your list?"

You hold it up and briefly scan your eyes up and down. "There are several items on here that are in a state of relative disuse. Some of our allies can be made stronger, some of our assets put to greater use, some of our properties expanded and some of our enemies pruned or turned to our advantage. I don't know how much time we have before Mordrax makes his play, but we need to do everything in our power to turn everything on this list towards the ruination of his plot and his ultimate destruction."

"That sounds like fun. Oh, I've been waiting for this day! And now we have our own army. I'm so excited!" She springs up to her feet. "So, what's first?"

"Let me think for a moment..."

>We need to take care of some of our lesser enemies.
>We need to start turning our living assets into weapons of war.
>We need to make our allies and associates stronger.
>We need to strengthen our minions and support their missions.
>We need to get to know the cults worshipping us and see what they can do.
>We need to expand our properties and business partners.
>We need to make use of those corpses and souls we haven't touched yet.
>Other

>>2667875
>We need to get to know the cults worshipping us and see what they can do.

>>2667875
>We need to get to know the cults worshipping us and see what they can do.

>>2667875
>We need to get to know the cults worshipping us and see what they can do.
>We need to make use of those corpses and souls we haven't touched yet.
>We need to make our allies and associates stronger

>>2667875
>>We need to make use of those corpses and souls we haven't touched yet.

File: Isseal.jpg (95 KB, 310x750)

95 KB JPG

>>2667884
>>2667886
>>2667890

"It is high time we got to know some of the cults that worship us in Aran," you tell her. "I've never had any direct contact with any of them. I think we should change that."

"That sounds like fun. Cults always have the best parties."

She stands up and prepares to follow you downstairs when you suddenly hear a loud shriek from your window. Both of you turn to behold a crow standing there, staring at you.

Your eyes narrow and you touch the coin containing the raven spirit. "Is this one of yours, spirit?"

"No," it whispers to you. "I have no power over it... that is no crow!"

You are about to cast a spell when suddenly it shapeshifts into a perched human, all in the blink of an eye. You and Faye look upon her with suspicion and guarded stances, ready to defend yourselves. The woman has white skin and a featureless face, with white eyes surrounded by dark recesses. Her body is shapely in all womanly aspects, and her skin is smooth like the finest marble. You have seen this manner of creature before: a changeling.

"I am not here to harm you," she says with a mischievous smile. "I come bearing gifts."

"My mother always told me not to accept gifts from strangers."

"Well, you're not exactly on good terms with her anymore, are you?"

Your eyes widen. "Speak your name, your purpose and how you know this before I kill you where you stand, intruder."

"Calm yourself," she says, sitting on your window. "My name is Isseal. I am a servant of the gods."

"Which ones?"

"Sycroph and Cermine, husband and wife, rulers of the Veiled Realm, gods of cunning and deception. I am their messenger, their servant and yours."

"And why have these gods seen fit to send a changeling into my room?"

"That was me. I've been studying you for some time, as have they, and they wish to bestow upon you their blessing." She places a hand on her chest, above her rather generous bust. "I am the physical vessel to deliver this blessing, and your servant."

You slowly lower your hands. "When you say 'servant,' what exactly do you mean?"

"I am yours, as commanded by my lord and lady, Master and Mistress of Change and Trickery. If you wish to know why, I came to be their servant not through worship, but through a game. I lost, and now their will is my will, and if their will is for your will to be mine, then it shall be so."

>I reject this blessing and this servant.
>Have you spoken with these gods?
>Tell me about this blessing, and about yourself.
>I accept this blessing and your service.
>Other

>>2667997
>Have you spoken with these gods?
>Tell me about this blessing, and about yourself.

>>2667997
>>Have you spoken with these gods?
>>Tell me about this blessing, and about yourself.

>>2667997
>Tell me about this blessing, and about yourself.

File: medousa_by_takihisa-d5if22w.jpg (74 KB, 894x894)

74 KB JPG

>>2668003
>>2668026
>>2668041

"You know this because you have spoken with these gods?"

"If I have ever spoken with them directly, I would know it not. They never show their true selves, and often work through servants of servants, like myself. If you wish to have proof, look no further than this."

She holds up her palm and there is a marking upon it, that of an open eye. "This eye is a gift from the gods, the blessing I have been told to pass onto you. I have carried it but am not worthy to keep it."

"And I am?"

"So they say. This bond here is the Eye of Unveiling, and it brings with it many gifts."

"Tell me of this blessing." You pause, then sit in the comfortable chair before your mirror. Faye places her hands on your shoulders. "While you're at it, tell me of yourself."

"I was born in a faraway city, raised as an elf. If you did not know, when two changelings mate, the child is born in the form of the mother. They were disguised as elves and so I was born looking like one. I discovered my true nature in childhood, and was delighted. The games I played in youth were many and wonderful, until I recklessly exposed my true nature to the wrong people. They murdered my parents and I ran. It wasn't hard to hide; it never has been. But I didn't want to hide. I wanted revenge."

You lean forward with a smile. "Go on."

"I knew all of them, and planned my revenge. It was long and sweet, and far-reaching. I made a man fall in love with another woman, only for her to no longer exist. His family life destroyed, he took his own life. I pretended I was another's daughter, then faked my own death, all the while having kidnapped her. I didn't want to merely kill them, I wanted to give them such pain, such anguish, my own despair reflected in them a thousand fold. This campaign of pain is what brought me to the attention of the gods."

"What happened next?"

"They wanted to know if I could beat them at their own game. I couldn't. For all my clever plotting and planning, manipulation and seduction, I failed to discern which of them was which. When I guessed wrong, I knew I was defeated, and became their servant. Through them I have gained power and seen many places and people, and now I serve you... because of what you plan."

"The gods know of this?"

"The gods always know what is going on down here. Some more than others. Some ignore it, some have a hand in it, some only look upon it with mild interest and usually boredom. That's the thing about gods: they usually have their own things to worry about. That's why they have servants like me."

"I see... Now, tell me about this blessing."

She once more holds up the eye. "This eye will reveal truths to you that are hidden. Not just illusions, but lies as well. It will allow you to know a person's deepest desires, the things they hide away from others, and how to make them yours. But more than that, this eye will let you see things that you could not see before, and I don't mean just the physical."

>>2668113

>I accept this gift.
>I don't accept gifts from gods.
>I can do all of that with other magic.
>Am I expected to do something for them in return?
>Other

>>2668118
>>Am I expected to do something for them in return?

>>2668118
>Am I expected to do something for them in return?

>>2668118
Am I expected to do something for them in return?
Will this give me a 3rd eye?

>>2668118
>>I accept this gift.

File: Changeling 1.jpg (80 KB, 600x835)

80 KB JPG

>>2668124
>>2668126
>>2668138

"Am I expected to do something for them in return?"

"Only to keep doing what you are doing. They don't have a stake in this fight; they'll be around either way. But they like you. Perhaps all the things you have done has earned you their respect, such as it were. I know that you've earned mine."

You stare into her white eyes for a moment before asking, "You mentioned that you have been following me? Have we ever spoken?"

"No, never in person, and never indirectly. I've kept my distance. You see, unlike other changelings, whose transformations are limited to humanoid beings, I can take a great many forms. A painting, a chair, a cup, a rug. Perferably not those last three, especially the second and fourth, as they involve me being sat and walked on. Perhaps a demonstration?"

Before your eyes, she turns into a cloth, slipping onto the floor. You and Faye watch as she glides over the ground, underneath the your bed. Two white hands emerge, pulling herself out from beneath, and now she is in her true form again. She smiles. "See?"

"I'm impressed," you admit. "What is the process?"

"Merely shake my hand."

"You serve a goddess of trickery. How do I know this isn't a trick?"

Isseal stands before you, then kneels. "Perhaps it would please you to brand me? Then you could command anything of me and I would tell you the truth."

You fold your legs and consider her offer. "I require complete loyalty for my brand to be placed."

"You already have it. You just don't know me very well, which I can understand. We'll get to know each other better as time goes on."

>Brand her
>Don't brand her, accept the gift
>Don't brand her, reject the gift for now, accept her service
>Don't brand her, reject the gift, reject her service
>Other

>>2668213
>Brand her

>>2668213
>Other
Would Sycroph and Cermine not be upset if I were to take you from them in such a way? I know not how the gods think or if they consider me...pretentious.

>>2668213
>Brand her

>>2668213
Brand her

File: 1cc6v8kli_1520538378056.jpg (125 KB, 624x770)

125 KB JPG

>>2668219
>>2668236
>>2668259
>>2668268

You raise your hand, then hesitate. "Would Sycroph and Cermine not be upset if I were to take you from them in such a manner? I know not how the gods think or if they would consider the act... pretentious."

She smiles. "If they didn't want it to happen, it couldn't. Shall we find out?"

You hesitate a moment longer, then smile back at her. "Let's."

You place your hand upon her forehead. "Swear your ultimate loyalty to me."

"I swear it," she says without hesitation.

"From this moment forth, you belong to me. You understand this an accept."

"I do."

"Then you are mine." Before your eyes, the brand appears on the right side of her neck. You immediately establish a mental link with her, feeling her added to your collection of marked minions. You take your hand off of her head and sit back as Faye grins, rubbing your shoulders in anticipation of your newest plaything.

"Tell me, Isseal -- why were you so quick to give of yourself to me? Did you truly serve the gods?"

"Serving you is serving them, in their own words, though not directly. And it helps that I am not truly my own person."

"Oh? Explain."

"When you can be everything, you can feel like nothing. No goals, no dreams, no ambitions. I achieved my revenge and was satisfied, but when the world was open to me... I knew not what I wanted. I wandered for so long until I found my purpose. And I enjoy it."

"I am satisfied. Bestow this blessing upon me."

She holds up her hand, and you take hold of it. You feel a strange energy connecting you to her for a brief moment, then it is gone. The passage is simple and quick, and when you look at your palm, you now see the Eye of Unveiling staring back at you. It is but an image of magical ink, yet it seems almost more, as though it were truly looking back at you.

>Travel to Aran to meet with your cults
>Test the eye out on one of your companions, see what it can do
>Give Isseal a task to accomplish
>Turn the eye upon yourself, and see what you learn
>Other

>>2668305
>Test the eye out on one of your companions, see what it can do

>Give Isseal a task to accomplish
Send her to the Capital.

>Travel to Aran to meet with your cults

>>2668305
>Turn the eye upon yourself, and see what you learn

>>2668305
>Test the eye out on one of your companions, see what it can do

>>2668312
Let's keep Isseal around for a little while. We can find out more about what the gods are interested in and can get more insight on how to be a sneaky cheeky cunt.

>>2668312
>>2668333

Who?

>Faye
>Amber
>Alex
>Bargum
>Amanda
>Other

>>2668338
>Bargum

>>2668338
>Other

Merriam

>>2668338
>Amber

>>2668338
Amanda

>>2668346
Merry's not home. She's at college, remember?

>>2668348
>>2668349
>He doesn't want to mess around with the resident dwarf who we barely talk to anyway

>>2668350
Ah. I thought it was a see over distant kind of eye

Changing to
>Amanda

File: Amanda Lightguard.png (24 KB, 359x486)

24 KB PNG

>>2668359

"I want to test this," you say, turning towards Faye. She suddenly looks a little nervous.

"On me?"

You smile. "No. I want you to talk to Amanda. Nonchalantly, simply. I'll observe from a distance and learn what I can do."

She gives you a bright smile. "Okay! I can do that."

Several minutes later, you are downstairs, eating breakfast with the others. Amber made a delightful meal, if an extremely plain one, that Alex helped season. Bargum offered to share his personal brew with everyone at the table, but only Amber took him up on it. Amanda respectfully abstained and Alex dutifully replied that he was too young to drink. That earned him a hair-ruffling from you, which he enjoyed.

As for your newest servant, she demonstrated what is perhaps the most amazing of her abilties: the fact that she changes in weight along with shape and size. You are wearing her out in the open as a new, sparkling necklace laced with gemstones, and nobody -- not even you -- would know better. You gently touch one of the stones, feeling its smooth surface, as you eat and observe.

While you politely and reservedly dig into the plate of eggs and sausage, Faye looks across the table at Amanda. "So, Amanda," she begins, "will you be leaving us today?"

"It would be best to return to the chapel in Bridge Town," she says with a nod. "After that orc attack not long ago, people aren't feeling quite as safe. They come to the chapel with prayers and the sight of a paladin can make them feel safer, even though the town has guards."

Beneath the table, you open your palm and point it at her. Her words enter your ears, and though you understand them perfectly, other meanings accompany them. She feels great regret over something in her past, which causes her to seek to repent by protecting others. She is conflicted over her sense of duty and her deeper, lustful desires. She punishes herself with a form of self-flagellation for her sins.

'Interesting,' you think, drinking deeply from a small chalice. 'It seems like she is terribly conflicted. She desperately wants to maintain the appearance of a noble and strong paladin of her faith, but on the inside is tortured because she doesn't feel like she truly is. What a burden she must carry. Perhaps someone should relieve her of it...' You look down at the eye in your palm and smile. 'What a useful gift indeed.'

>After breakfast, seduce Amanda and use your magic to make her let go of her reservations
>Leave this for later. Head to Aran after eating.
>Tell Alex about her conflicting feelings and have him help her with therapy.
>Have Faye use this to her advantage and twist Amanda into a willing slave.
>Other

>>2668451
>Have Faye use this to her advantage and twist Amanda into a willing slave.

She will be the first step to have a Paladin Order dedicated to the Witch Queen.

>>2668451
Have Faye use this to her advantage and twist Amanda into a willing slave

>>2668451
>Have Faye use this to her advantage and twist Amanda into a willing slave.

>>2668451
>>2668477
Actually i think it is a team effort. We should both do it.

>>2668516
change to this

>>2668451
>Tell Alex about her conflicting feelings and have him help her with therapy.
Even if we can wrap Amanda around our finger, the fact that she's a paladin does wonders for us. It wouldn't be good for her to revoke her faith.

>>2668539
Not revoke it. Merely guide it over towards us.

>>2668477
>>2668487
>>2668479
>>2668516
>>2668518

Shall we do it before or after going to Aran?

>>2668554
Before. Good thing to get it out of the way. Will only take an hour or two.

>>2668554
after

>>2668554
before

>>2668554
Before, while it's still a little fresh.

File: paladin_by_drjamf-d4b8vcm.jpg (157 KB, 1024x768)

157 KB JPG

>>2668556
>>2668561
>>2668566

So, how do we want to do this, from a general approach?

>As she leaves, you'll flood her with guilt over what she has done, then Faye will console her.
>Have Faye visciously break up with her, then you'll swoop in for the immediate rebound.
>Both of you will mutually seduce and convince her that she doesn't need to feel ashamed of what she is doing.
>You and Faye will get her vulnerable, then break her mind with magic, then brand her.
>Other

>>2668579
>>Both of you will mutually seduce and convince her that she doesn't need to feel ashamed of what she is doing.

>>2668579
>Both of you will mutually seduce and convince her that she doesn't need to feel ashamed of what she is doing.

Then we brand her.

>>2668579
>Both of you will mutually seduce and convince her that she doesn't need to feel ashamed of what she is doing.
At the end of the day, she wants to save lives and do good, and nothing is stopping her from that. We would love for her to continue that. But paladins are people, too, and they need to rest like anyone else.

>>2668579
>Both of you will mutually seduce and convince her that she doesn't need to feel ashamed of what she is doing.

>>2668579
>Both of you will mutually seduce and convince her that she doesn't need to feel ashamed of what she is doing.

File: 1358175686766.png (373 KB, 617x1046)

373 KB PNG

>>2668581
>>2668584
>>2668585
>>2668641
>>2668667

After breakfast, you send Alex up to his room to study, while Bargum and Amber decide to train outside. Whispering your plan to Faye, you and she wait until Amanda is about to leave the tower when you spring your trap.

With her armor back on, she is about to head out of the door, only to encounter Faye, putting on a sad face. "When are you going to visit us again?"

Amanda smiles. "Soon, my little white dove." She brings a hand up to her chin and cups it, tilting her head back so she may lean down to kiss her. Faye moans into the kiss, wrapping her arms around Amanda's armored shoulders.

When she breaks the kiss, she rests her head on Amanda's breastplate. "Oh, I don't want you to leave... you aren't ashamed of our time together, are you?" She rubs a finger in a circle on the steel.

Amanda is slightly stunned. "W-what? No! Of course not. It's just that I have duties..."

Faye's lip quivers. "I know how it is. Always putting work before love."

"It's not that," she insists, bringing up both hands to hold her shoulders. "I've sworn oaths, I have a duty to the people, I need to maintain the chapel. Truth be told, I shouldn't have even stayed these last two nights, I--" She stops herself as she beholds Faye's pained face. "No, I, I didn't mean that, it's just that I--"

"I understand," Faye says, wiping a tear from her eyes. "You love your job more than me."

"It's not that!" she insists, becoming somewhat flustered. "I love our time together, more than I should!"

That's when you make your move, appearing from behind. "What do you mean by that? 'More than you should?' I'm curious."

She looks back, her eyes wide. "Ah! Mary... Were you listening to all of that?"

"You say you aren't ashamed of your time with Faye, but deep down, that's not exactly true, is it?"

"No! It isn't! I..." Her voice trails off.

Faye turns her head to face her. "Not of your time with me... but of your time spent indulging in yourself," she whispers, staring deeply into her bright, blue eyes. "I know you know I'm right, Amanda, because I know you."

You step up to her side. "You don't have to feel ashamed of what you've done. There's nothing wrong with enjoying yourself, or those around you."

Amanda closes her eyes and shakes her head. "It's not... Of course I enjoyed it all, but it's not proper. It's not disciplined. Gods, Faye, those things I did to that first night, I was out of control."

"It's okay," she says, rubbing Amanda's cheek. "I liked it. All of it."

"She talks about it often," you say, whispering in the paladin's ear as you stand on your tip-toes. "I must admit, I've found her stories... vexing."

Amanda gulps. "I... should go."

Faye doesn't budge. "No... you should stay. With us."

You move closer, wrapping your arms around her arm and pressing your breasts against her armor. "And enjoy yourself." Your ruby glows brightly and your eyes flash with a seductively charming spell.

File: c9d8db8919199864b12328f30(...).jpg (75 KB, 564x800)

75 KB JPG

>>2668702

"Don't you shouldn't feel ashamed at all," Faye adds, before leaning up to kiss her. The kiss is short and passionate, and as she breaks it off, she turns Amanda's head to face you and you swoop in for the next one, planting your lips firmly against the tall, strong paladin's. Her lips are not as full and soft as Faye's, nor Merriam's, somewhat thin and plain, but strong. She yields to your touch, giving in immediately as your tongue meets hers, moaning lightly into your mouth before she stops and pulls away.

She is conflicted, torn between what she wants and what she thinks she wants. "Mary... I..."

"I'm willing to take Faye up on that offer from earlier..." you whisper, your eyes bright as you cast your lewd suggestion. Already under the influence of your magical kiss, and worn down from your and Faye's combined assault, she is utterly under your control. You just need to seal the deal.

>You, Faye and Amanda go upstairs
>Have Isseal take your place; you conduct your business
>Summon your succubus, have her take your place; you conduct your business
>Super purity-corrupting orgy focused on pleasing Amanda; you, Faye, Isseal and the succubus make her never want to leave
>Other

>>2668703
>You, Faye and Amanda go upstairs

Begin making the moves to Brand her and start getting her and her paladin order to serve us.

>>2668703
>>You, Faye and Amanda go upstairs

>>2668703
>You, Faye and Amanda go upstairs
With Isseal watching in the way that changelings do, it'll help her learn our habits and mannerisms in case we need a body double.

>>2668703
>Have Isseal take your place; you conduct your business

>>2668703
>>Have Isseal take your place; you conduct your business

File: 1486323331841.png (1.31 MB, 1200x1697)

1.31 MB PNG

>>2668705
>>2668708
>>2668711

Alright, Sirena and Faye will do it themselves.

We'll resume tomorrow, but as a forewarning, updates will be sparse, but only on Friday. That's why I wanted to start the thread today to get it going to make up for any lost time tomorrow.

Thanks for playing so far. If you couldn't tell from the list I finally got around to making in >>2667831 and >>2667836, this thread will be focused more on all of our allies and assets so far. After railing the paladin, we'll travel to Aran to meet our cults and see what they can do for us.

Take a look at that list and come up with some ideas of what we can do with everything on it, particularly things like our assets, minions and allies. This thread will have plenty of opportunities for us to get new powers and empower our minions as we begin to prepare for taking on Mordrax and the Le Doux family. Share your ideas here in the thread or in the discord channel!

Discord: https://discord.gg/HBz5u9v

Once more, thanks for playing, and we'll resume tomorrow. See you then!

By the way, for anyone who didn't notice, some new smutbins have been completed and are live. Check them out here: https://pastebin.com/u/Damashi

>>2667451
We fuck anyone?

>>2668805
Get Amanda and her Paladin order under our control.

Empower the current spells we have.

Get time chamber-thingie to mass produce our Shadow Goblins and Red Drakes.

Contact Anti-War/Mordrax people to ally with. Mark them if we have to.

Have our river pirate go on a recruitment spree.

See if we can get in contact with Krom and his Amazons to help us.

>>2668820
A bunch.

>>2668837
I like this quest.

>>2668840
Let's just say our main character is not above using her body like any other tool in the pursuit of ultimate power.

>>2668824
>>2668805
Oh and start spreading out Cults throughout the lands. Both human and none-humans. Get followers.

Give Alex hair ruffles and mommy kisses.

>>2667691
> Always talks about how he wants to revolutionize the modern world with a working class of undead serving as farmers, miners, and other things.

I recognize this.

>>2668824
>>2668805
Supporting.

>>2668824
i like these plans.
>>2668905
Indeed the cults are a good idea and start.

And we do need to spend more time with Alex

>>2668805
While others have strong plans for the recruitment drive I can offer a bit of tactical ideas that might help us. Give me a bit to draft my proposals, hopefully they'll be of use for the events to come.

File: bricktop.jpg (41 KB, 650x400)

41 KB JPG

>>2669238
Alright, sorry if I'm over thinking any of this, just hoping this might help with our war efforts.

First off, lets look at the basics of military organization: Bred, Lead and Fed. (thank you World War Z)

Bred: We need bodies but this is being taken care of and we've been consolidating our forces for sometime. Still wouldn't hurt to have our forces get proactive on their side of things.

Lead: We need to ensure whom ever we put in charge of these forces are loyal and capable, regardless of how decentralized they maybe.

Fed: Logistics is something we need to also secure while we are gathering forces. The more 'living' troops we have, we'll need to be able to have food, supplies and resources to we give them so they can accomplish any task instructed.

Next step: Intelligence.
We need to get our spy network to beginning gaining important information. Enemy forces numbers, locations, how quickly they can respond to an attack, how well equipped they are, which ones could be turned (if necessary)

Enemy allies: Who are they talking to, who should we be on the look out for, and who can we 'disway' from backing them. If we can turn these forces or sever production/trade lines (by funding independent bandit groups that cant be traced back to us) we can force our enemy to have to expend resources to combat on too many fronts.

Sabotage: where are enemies are getting their resources, is it best to destroy or steal them, will it effect the local populous (and can we effect public opinion against them.) Staging local distress, riots and such, that will cause them to waste resources and man power to keep things on the home front in order.

These are just our preparations, mind you. We need to factor in that the enemy will make the first move. Hopefully we wont have to worry about this but it leads to our my next up coming suggestions.

Skirmishers - Our first responders/advance scouting force. These groups will act as harassment if we can make the first play and a 'speed bump' for when the enemy makes their first move, allowing us to mobilize a counteroffensive.

I recommend these forces be 'disposable' units like say, undead skeletons. We have them harass our enemy but make it look like random incursions. Have them hit targets of opportunity (convoys, supply trains, under defended depots or outpost). Make them paranoid but not convinced that we are behind it. Also paying off local bandits, through 3rd party brokers to pull some jobs to harass or assassinate loyal minions, to keep the heat off of us.
Lets up them on a figurative 'witch hunt' instead of a literal one.

I've got more but i figure that can wait until full scale war.

>>2669271
> Look Shadowsword is back!

Actually I'm just really drunk.

>>2669238
If Alex is a messiah or whatever he is, he would actually be important in getting the church on side. For most people in these types of eras, the faithcan have almost as much power over the people as the nobility. If the Church denounces Mordrax and his actions, his popular support would wither.

>>2669271
>Leaders
We don't really have anyone with military experience, so I would suggest reviving generals from past ages to ensure they don't have any allegiance.
>supplies
We don't really have much of a stable income except for the pirates' booty. Aran doesn't have any resources or and there is no demand for our services either so we have nothing to export.
>Intelligence
Probably our most developed aspect so far.
we have spies in different lands but none of them seem to be in any position to learn of more than surface level stuff.
>Assassins
We do have the Kenku monks. We should immediately start sending some of them out to take out allies of the LeDoux family (we should know them).

There are a few possibilites for increasing our power.
First there's using our army to for raiding.
We can either go for lightning fast attacks in secure areas and disappear back into a portal to aran before there can be any response, then there's the possibilty of simply striking badly protected border towns, which would mean less risk but probably less loot as well.
If the circumstances are favourable we could even outright invade isolated communities like some small islands or even a very minor realm.

As for getting more heavy hitters, I advocate looking for either ancient human or moon elf ruins, because these two seem to be more powerful than anyone around right now and maybe we can even learn how the moon elves were initally defeated.

Stealing more power from that which never sleeps is also an option.
Dabbling with the eldritch is certainly not safe but we do know that the entity has or had at least one follower so we can assume it wont turn us insane immediately.
Maybe just ask Francis about it and disregard any warnings he gives us. Because what does he know?

>>2669486
Use the not! Dark Eldar guys to work with the pirates to up their reaving. We can keep the WH off our backs about it by targeting towns to draw away troops from preparing for the war.

Also we should rob our family.

>>2669492
I think we could tip off Supremia about a few of our family's prized posessions.

Might be a good idea to send a fake spy to our family estate and let it be killed to secure our current spy's safety. I could imagine them being sure that we would send a spy but if we dont they may come to the conclusion that we already have.

>>2669522
Eh. I feel like she's safe enough after not helping us escape or anything in arguably what's been the most dangerous situation we've been in so far.

> When the QM gives you a skill to let you know when to run away

Honestly we should have bounced right when that maid got killed. We are not nearly paranoid enough, we've gotten overconfident because of our powers.

Also, really didn't think our family would sell us out like that.

>>2669567
yeah no they would

>>2669567
>Also, really didn't think our family would sell us out like that.

Really ?

I mean. I pretty much returned with the thought that this was all a setup

>>2669582
>>2669587
Well you should have voted different then.

>>2669587
I assumed it was a setup, but not that they were subservient to Mordrax and he would show up. I thought it was a ploy to curry favour, or redeem the family name.

>>2669620
>I thought it was a ploy to curry favour, or redeem the family name.
Technically, you're not wrong.

I return! Updates will resume shortly.

File: 9ddd8cf356f1bccc58ccfa542(...).jpg (76 KB, 1264x1920)

76 KB JPG

>>2668705
>>2668708
>>2668711

Once behind a locked door, you place Isseal upon a table along with the rest of your clothing. You and Faye strip Amanda of her armor and proceed to do everything she has ever dreamt two beautiful women could do to her. Working in tandem, attacking every square inch of flesh with hungry tongues and massaging fingers, you bring her to the height of pleasure no less than three times. And all the while, you whisper sweet things into her ears, casting your spells and weaving your web of seduction. Amanda, the strong and noble paladin, having already fallen for Faye's delicious wiles, is delicious prey for you, helpless against your feint whispers.

She had regrets about her oaths; you erase them. She doubted her strength as a servant of her gods; you convince her that there is strength in serving her needs, and that she should heed them. Above all else, she was ashamed of the things she did to women and wanted women to do to her; you teach her how to be shameless. She had surrounded herself in walls of faith, discipline and duty, and you and Faye break through them all until she is nothing more than a moaning mess, begging for more, her body and mind craving your touch.

The experience is magnificent, an exquisite exercise of the powers you have obtained. Amanda was far from the purest being, but even so, a paladin of the First Faith reduced to her basest self, a lustful woman seeking only the touch of her lovers, is quite a catch. Now that you have broken through her barriers and, in effect, broken her, you must decide how you want to build her back up.

>Brand her, and make her yours.
>Keep her as she is, for now; you'll work on bringing her into your service over time.
>Convince her to renounce her faith of her own free will.
>Let Faye keep her for her own, a personal bodyguard, lover and plaything.
>Other

>>2669976
>Brand her, and make her yours.

>>2669976
>>Brand her, and make her yours.

>>2669976
>Brand her, and make her yours.

>>2669976
>>Keep her as she is, for now; you'll work on bringing her into your service over time.
We really should save brands for very special servants, she's just a paladin here guys

>>2669976
>Keep her as she is for now

>>2669999
we have a limit? i don't really remember

>>2670003
No limit.

>>2669976
>>Brand her, and make her yours.

>>2669976
>>Convince her to renounce her faith of her own free will.
We should have her trade up for that list goddess (think it was a goddess)

>>2669976
>>Brand her, and make her yours.

>>2670003
no it's not about a literal limit, it's just that we shouldn't hand out this very important thing like candy so soon. We're planning on being queen of aran for a long fucking time, it just gets logistically crazy to have so many branded... as i'm sure you've seen with the above logistics

>>2670093
*lust
Damn autocorrect

File: Raven Symbol 3.png (60 KB, 487x494)

60 KB PNG

>>2669986
>>2669987
>>2669998

Knowing that you can brand someone without them knowing exactly what it is, as you did to Supremia, and driven by your curiosity to see if you would be able to do it to Amanda, you crawl up her body and cup both sides of her face.

"Do you love this?"

"I do," she breathlessly replies.

"Do you want more?"

"Yes!"

"I wish to give you a gift," you whisper, staring deeply into her eyes. "It will connect you with us. If you take it, you will be part of us on a deeper level, spiritually. And I promise you that if you take it, we will share many nights and more just like we have this morning."

She listens, enraptured with your words. "I desire it," she admits. "I desire you both..."

"Then you shall have us, if you willingly accept my gift."

"I accept it," she pleads. "Give it to me!"

You smile. "My lovely Amanda... I shall." You kiss her and brand her, placing it upon the small of her back, right above her previously-uptight ass. You smile against her lips as you feel the connection establish. Now she truly is yours, body and soul, even if she doesn't truly know what she's gotten herself into. But she'll learn, eventually.

Satisfied with having accomplished your goal of making a minion of the paladin, you slip out of the bed and straighten your hair as Faye busies herself with Amanda. Your mirror-twin is ceaseless in her appetite for carnal flesh, but you have your limits. Not for lack of energy, mind you, but there is much wearing on your mind. There is much business to be conducted in revenge, after all.

You dress once more, picking up Isseal, and leave the room. "Entertained?" you ask her.

"Intrigued," she replies. "Your technique is quite refined."

"I've had some practice," you nonchalantly reply. You would like to travel to Aran now, and deal with your cults. Having been distracted by Isseal and Amanda, you are ready to travel there, but wonder at who you should bring with you. You could take along Amanda, but it might be best to break things to her slowly, even if she has already accepted your mark.

>Head to Aran alone; leave Isseal here
>Take Faye with you to Aran when she is done, bring Isseal as well
>Take Faye, Amanda and Isseal to Aran
>Travel to Aran with just Isseal
>Other

>>2670101
>Take Faye with you to Aran when she is done, bring Isseal as well
we dont have time for shenanigans, let's tell her to hurry up

>>2670101
>Travel to Aran with just Isseal

>>2670101
>>Take Faye with you to Aran when she is done, bring Isseal as well

>>2670101
>Take Faye with you to Aran when she is done, bring Isseal as well

>>2670101
>Take Faye with you to Aran when she is done, bring Isseal as well
Amanda did say she had things to take care of; let’s see where her new outlook take her and how it effects her responsibilities.

>>2670101
>Travel to Aran with just Isseal

>>2670118
This'll be important, seeing how she acts when she returns to her duties.

File: Sheldrake, Badass Butler.png (17 KB, 509x534)

17 KB PNG

>>2670104
>>2670108
>>2670109
>>2670118

You wait for several minutes, then find yourself finally growing impatient. You nearly storm back into the room to tell Faye to hurry up; the two of them, locked in an embrace of passion, quickly straighten themselves and promise to be out in a few minutes.

Ten minutes and a glass of wine later, you see them coming downstairs. You set aside the glass and put on a friendly face as you lean up to give Amanda a kiss goodbye. "Do come back soon," you whisper.

"I will," she says without hesitation, not realizing that she has been compelled to obey your commands. She leaves the tower and you look back at Faye who is trying to get her bodice even; half of her bust is hanging out. You sigh and walk up to her, grab both sides and yank upwards, managing to get it up to hug her large breasts. "I swear, Faye, it's like you have no sense of priority."

"Hey, it was your idea to sed---"

You clamp a hand over her mouth and look up the stairs. With your new sensitive hearing, you can tell that Alex is at the door, listening. You put a finger over your lips and tell her to be quiet. The last thing you need is Alex knowing that you and she fucked Amanda for the past hour and a half. He likely doesn't suspect anything, as he just moved up to the door, meaning he didn't hear anything up until this point.

Ushering Faye downstairs, you and she quickly use the teleportation circle and travel to Aran. You bring Isseal with you. Once within your dark realm, Faye continues, "YOUR idea to seduce her!"

"I know. And we marked her, I'm very pleased, and curious to know what it will be like for her to return to her duties with our brand. But still, time is short and we need to turn all of our attention towards empowering ourselves, our minions and our cults."

"We have her as a servant now," Faye shrugs. "I think it was worth it, and it was very enjoyable. We should do it more often, and with more!"

You don't feel like explaining to your perpetually-horny other self that you value revenge more than sex, and that the latter is a tool to get closer to the former. Instead, you turn away and summon Sheldrake.

"My queens," he says, stepping out of a nearby wall.

"Sheldrake, I wish to know about our cults."

"Shall I summon the Red One? Your council has the most interraction with the people through the representatives of the cults."

"Make it so."

You and Faye sit upon your thrones as you await for the Red One to appear. She marches into the throne room on swift and bare feet, stopping to kneel before you both. Her cloak, still tattered and bright crimson, conceals almost all of her form save her hands, feet and face when she looks up.

"You have summoned me, o Witch Queens?"

You lean forward slightly. "Yes. It is high time I got to know some of my cults. How has my initiative for promoting fertility amongst the people been faring?"

File: red one 21.jpg (209 KB, 500x707)

209 KB JPG

>>2670237

She looks up. "Your desire has caused the cult known as the Witch Queen's Daughters to become the largest in Aran."

"Tell me of them."

"They gather in the Chapel of the Longing Shadow, and their congregation is... well... not very strictly formal. Their leader, a woman known as the Matchless Companion, oversees their gatherings, some of which are in the hundreds."

"And what do they accomplish?"

"They are a sex cult, my lady."

"...And?"

"And they have lots and lots of sex, usually in large groups."

From the corner of your eye, you catch Faye bounce up and down slightly. "I think we should visit them!" she says with excitement.

You hold up a hand. "Patience... What do they do for me, exactly?"

"Ever since you have proclaimed that you support rites of fertility and healthy babies, they have strived towards making more children for your realm. While I have not... personally... attended their gatherings, it is my understanding that they have many rituals and spells that enhance... copulation."

You smile at her attempts to remain professional while speaking of such a profane topic. "Do go on. What are these rituals like?"

The Red One clears her throat. "Well... I have had it described to me by their leader that the initiated of the cult, once with child, are taken care of with as much luxury as they can afford. They are waited on, hand and foot, for they have been blessed to further the goals of their queens."

"Do they pay a tithe?"

"In a manner of speaking... They offer the children as tribute. To other cults, and to our palace. The rest they keep for themselves, to be raised as future acolytes for their rites."

You cock a brow. "What do we do with these children?"

"Whatever needs be done. Some are sent to families without children, some are to be raised here in your citadel as future servants, and others find their own place in society."

You sit back and cross your legs. "I am glad that they are gaining in popularity, but how can that be their tithe? How fast could they possibly be producing children?"

"I am told by the Matchless Companion that they have rituals that not only ensure multiple children result from a single pregnancy, but that they have a ritual which shortens it."

At that, Faye is extremely interested. "You don't say?" she asks, then looks at you. "I think we should visit them," she says again.

>Don't visit them. Just tell them to keep up the good work.
>Faye and I shall grace them with our presence.
>I want to change a few things about their methods...
>Are there any other sex cults?
>Other

>>2670240
>>Don't visit them. Just tell them to keep up the good work.

>>2670240
>>Don't visit them. Just tell them to keep up the good work.

>>2670240
>>Are there any other sex cults?
Let's get all the info before we decide who to visit

>>2670240
>Don't visit them. Just tell them to keep up the good work.
We'll make a courtesy call later. At least their gameplan is working, it seems.

>>2670240
>Are there any other sex cults?

Start having them spread to our world. Operate in the outskirts of the human kingdom and use Silverwinds Estate as base of operation in the Elven Kingdom.

>>2670240
Wait. WE also need to visit them and get to learn their secret to faster pregnancies. WE can use that to enchance our shadow goblin army and red drakes.

File: Red One.jpg (26 KB, 295x400)

26 KB JPG

>>2670259
>>2670261
>>2670267

You give a small, dismissive wave. "There's no need to visit them yet. Just please pass along a message to them to keep up the good work."

Faye pouts, and the Red One nods. "What else would you like to know?"

Placing your chin in your palm, you think for a moment. "Do we have any cults that produce warriors? Fanatics, at the very least?"

She thinks for a moment. "The Night Temple exists to train custodial guardians. They protect areas of importance, and are hired by other cults as protection against their rivals. As you recall, sometimes the cults fight amongst themselves, and with the new beings you are bringing to the realm, sometimes vital areas are in need of guards. But they are also custodians, keeping clean the streets, temples and other public places. I believe your citadel employs several of them to guard its lower depths against intrusion."

Sheldrake turns towards you. "This is true, but we pay them nothing. To serve the Umbral Citadel directly is an honor for them."

"I am pleased to learn this. Are there any others?"

The Red One continues. "The Cabal of Darkness trains warlocks who follow the shadow pact. I understand their numbers are few, but they are powerful in their own right. The Faithful of Aran are one of the cults that create shades out of those willing to become one. The Midnight Souls and the Servants of Shadow are both cults that deal with shadow demons that lurk in the deepest reaches of Aran, and through them wield power, and there are the Hearers of Silence and the Umbrian Brotherhood. Both of them deal with entities from beyond, but are not warriors."

You nod as you listen. "Anything else of note?"

"There is the Phantom Church, who deal with the dead and spirits. There may be power to be found there. There are also the Penumbrians, who perform sacrificial rituals in your name."

"I recall them... they were battling with another cult over a church, and I told them to share it. How goes that?"

"As I understand it, there have been no incidents."

"Good."

>Tell me more about the cults that deal with shadow demons
>Tell me more about the cults that study eldritch lore
>Tell me more about the cults that provide warriors
>Tell me more about the cults that work to improve life in Aran
>Other

>>2670293
>Tell me more about the cults that work to improve life in Aran

>>2670293
>>Tell me more about the cults that work to improve life in Aran
We really need to bring all the cults into our 1 centralized authority. The infighting is wasted resources

>>2670293
>Tell me more about the cults that work to improve life in Aran

>>2670306
There will always be sects that exalt different aspects of the Witch Queen.

>>2670293
>Tell me more about the cults that work to improve life in Aran

>>2670317
I'm not saying destroy the cults. But force them to work together. Give them tasks relevent to their interests that don't lead to infighting

File: faye54353.png (33 KB, 154x278)

33 KB PNG

>>2670298
>>2670306
>>2670317
>>2670329

"What about cults that try to improve Aran?"

"The Children of Twilight, those who previously clashed with the Penumbrians, work to grow and distribute food amongst your realm. Their leader, the Fifth Chanter, has spoken much with the council of his attempts to feed all of Aran. He has gardens of mushrooms and other plants that grow without light, as well as a slaughterhouse which produces meat."

You tap your fingers on the arm of your throne. "What manner of meat?"

"I believe he has access to a species of large docile bird that he breeds and slaughters. From what I understand, they are blind and fat creatures, aimlessly wandering and breeding until they die."

"And are they tasty?"

"I have often found the flesh to be bland and without taste."

You look over at Faye. "We should get some spices in here or something. Has Angello sent that contract over yet?"

"Not yet," she replies, sharpening her nails with a file. She sounds bored, but you ignore her tone.

You turn back to her. "I think we could use some more animals in Aran."

"Aran is not a healthy place for animals. People live here because they can endure."

You sigh. "Well, how do we go about making this place better?"

Sheldrake cocks a brow. "A sun might help."

You look over at him. "A sun?"

He straightens. "I believe suns cause things to grow."

You hold out an empty hand in a shrugging gesture. "Yes, but that's not all of it. I'm not much for agriculture, I admit, but I know you need water as well. Does Aran have water?" Sheldrake nods. "Well, that's a start."

Suddenly, an idea pops into your head. "Druids! We should get some druids, have them green this place up. Make it habitable for animals that aren't fat, blind birds. I know a druid back in the mortal realm, I should talk to her about it."

The Red One waits for you to finish. "In addition to the Children of Twilight, there is the Antumbrian Order. They also seek to increase the population of your realm and... bridge the gap between your various new immigrant species."

"...Meaning?"

"They, too, are a sex cult, but with a different kind of goal. They specialize in crossbreeding. Evidently several of your goblins have joined the cult, to mixed results."

"...Was that a pun?"

"No, my mistress. I mean results between completely successful and an utter failure. The Antumbrian Order does not have as many numbers as the Witch Queen's Daughters, but work with what they have."

"Why crossbreeding, specifically?"

"I do not quite know, my queen."

>Let's see how we can help with food, health and babies.
>Tell me more about the cults that deal with shadow demons
>Tell me more about the cults that study eldritch lore
>Tell me more about the cults that provide warriors

>>2670387
>Tell me more about the cults that deal with shadow demons
>Tell me more about the cults that study eldritch lore
>Tell me more about the cults that provide warriors
Honestly, just info dump everything

>>2670387
>Tell me more about the cults that provide warriors

>Tell me more about the cults that provide warriors

And if Faye is bored,
>Let's see how we can help with food, health and babies.
baby making sounds like up her alley

File: witch_queen_by_katrinayon(...).jpg (73 KB, 752x1063)

73 KB JPG

Off to a movie and a dinner. We'll resume in a few hours, thanks for your patience.

>>2670293
>>Tell me more about the cults that work to improve life in Aran
>>Tell me more about the cults that study eldritch lore
Might as well learn something about it if they're already doing it

And back. We'll be resuming shortly.

File: 141d04a47dca29aba5228e8a6(...).jpg (97 KB, 620x535)

97 KB JPG

>>2670396
>>2670399
>>2670417

"These warrior cults you mentioned. The warlocks, the shades, the shadow demons... I want to know more."

The Red One stands, evidently tired of kneeling. She tilts her head. "May I presume to inquire as to the meaning behind suddenly taking such an interest in your cults, my queen?"

Faye looks up. "Is it your place to ask such questions?"

You hold up your hand. "I'll allow it," you say. "After all, I'm interested in getting to the heart of the matter. What I require is power, Red One. I want to know which of my cults can benefit me the most. I would like all of them turned towards my purpose, but time is short. There is a crisis brewing upon the mortal plane and I must stop it, for the object of my vengeance is at its heart." You pause for a moment. "And I suppose helping improve my public image would also be useful. And... saving the innocent, and what have you."

The Red One smiles. "I see. If I may be so bold, my queen, I think there is another avenue of power you haven't considered, or if you have considered it, you know not the way to unlock it."

"Speak."

"Your cults worship you both as they would a god -- or goddess -- but there is one quality that a deity possesses that you do not."

You look at Sheldrake, who stands silent and immobile. Meeting her gaze, you ask, "Well? What is it?"

She puts a hand up to her ear. "You do not listen. They pray, they invoke your name, they perform rites for you, but you are concerned only with yourselves."

"Careful," you warn her. "Choose your words carefully."

"I am," she says, taking a step closer. "I do not fault you, my queens. You could ignore them for all time, but the true thing that turns a mortal to a god, if not literally than in the minds of those who worship them, is that on occasion a god listens and answers. A mortal from your world may pray for rain for his crops, or the death of an enemy. Sometimes these things do not come... but sometimes they do."

You hold up your palms. "I'm afraid I don't understand. I can't hear anyone."

"Because you have never tried to listen. There are thousands within your realm, and though not all of them pray, they turn their thoughts towards you. There is an untapped resevoir of power there, of thought and will and hope. You can strengthen it, and eventually, tap into it. This is what turns a mortal into something more... something divine."

You listen to her words, and are silent for a few seconds. Taking a contemplative breath, you purse your lips and then ask, "How?"

"Simply try," she advises. "There are many in your realm. Surely at least one is praying to you, right now. Listen... and if you desire, answer."

>Witch Queen Power Unlocked: Heed Prayer

>Roll 1d100 to randomly generate a prayer!

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>2670947

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>2670947

File: istvan-suveg-13-final.jpg (148 KB, 1000x1400)

148 KB JPG

>>2670955
>>2671010

You look at Faye, who seems curious, but is waiting for you to try first. You shrug. "Well, here goes nothing."

Closing your eyes, you listen. For about twenty seconds, you hear nothing but your own breathing. Just when you are about to get frustrated and give up, possibly berate the Red One for making you waste your time in so foolish a manner, you hear something very faint and far away. Crying.

Your brow furrows as you try to focus on that noise. It grows louder in your head, until it is as though you are right in front of the person who is crying. It is a woman, that much you know from the voice alone, but somehow you know more... You know she is holding a child, a baby boy, and that he is dying.

"Oh, Witch Queens, I beg of you," she says between sobs. "My child is sick and there is no cure. Please, he is all I have in this world, he is my world, my everything... If he should die, I, I would fade, I know it, I would lose all that anchors me... Please, I know there is so much, so much despair and quiet, but I beseach thee, do not abandon my child... I know he could grow up and be a loyal, strong servant! Don't let him go, please, please..."

Your eyes snap open and you let out a gasp, bringing a hand to your chest. "What was that?" you whisper.

"Was it one of pain?" the Red One asks. "Listening to one such as that can cause you to feel as they do. Sometimes beings pray for good health and good fortune, before a meal or before bed, or even at times of worship, and they make these prayers in safety and comfort, but many pray in times of pain."

Faye leans over her chair's arm to give you a concerned look. "What's wrong?"

>Ignore it.
>Answer the prayer and cure the child.
>Is there sickness in our realm?
>Have the woman and her child brought before you.
>Other

>>2671023
>Answer the prayer and cure the child.
>Is there sickness in our realm?

>>2671023
>Answer the prayer and cure the child.
>Is there sickness in our realm?

>>2671023
>>Is there sickness in our realm?

>>2671023
>Answer the prayer and cure the child.
>Is there sickness in our realm?

Okay, so...I gotta ask. Are we a massive asshole or not? I've been reading up on this quest and we seem to vacillate between 'selfish cunt that only wants revenge and will do anything to get it' and 'actually kinda decent-hearted when push comes to shove'.

>>2671074
Selfish. But it depends on who its about.

File: 1488273980927.jpg (78 KB, 572x768)

78 KB JPG

>>2671036
>>2671038
>>2671066
>>2671074

"Just... just give me a moment," you say, taking out your orb. You focus on where you heard and felt the woman, and within moments, you are staring at her through your orb. Raising your hand, you hone in on the child, staring at the small creature. Working your magic and weaving it through the orb and across Aran, you cast the only spell you know relating to disease and poison: your Gift of Beautiful Purity, meant to purify his body.

Within seconds, it seems to work. You observe the child for any changes, and upon casting your spell of detect weakness, determine that it no longer has illness within its veins, as its only weakness is the fact that it is a small and fragile baby. On top of everything else, the baby's hair and skin have never looked better.

You banish the image from the orb and sit back with a sigh. "Alright. I cured a baby that was sick. When do I become a god?"

The Red One chuckles. "Not overnight, my lady. Nobody became a god by curing only one sick child."

After thinking for a moment, you look up. "Is there sickness in our realm?"

"There is sickness where there are living beings," the Red One replies. "But Aran has a draining effect on most life. Those who fail to resist it fade away. It is one of despair."

"Yes, but that child was physically ill. So I ask again: is there an illness? Can we get rid of it? I don't need my people sick, not when I might have other uses of them."

"I shall investigate this matter," the Red One promises. "Is there any other means of which I may be of service to you, my queens?"

>I want to learn more of the cults.
>I want to meet a cult leader.
>I want to visit a cult.
>That is all for now.
>Other

>>2671074
Ever read The Prince? We're a selfish cunt, but we treat our things, anong them people, well.

It's like owning a car. You drive it, but you also maintain it. Still, if it's more trouble than it's worth you replace it.

>>2671091
But that doesn't answer anything if it's 'depends'. Unless I'm misunderstanding the answer, which is likely.

>>2671092
>>I want to visit a cult.

Let's SURPRISE INSPECTION some peeps.

>>2671092
>I want to meet a cult leader.

>>2671092
>I want to meet all the cult leaders.

Make them all compete then offer them individually a boon of power. To be given in a sexy fashion along with a brand once they complete their tasks.

Fuck off with answering every prayer individually, time to delegate.

>>2671074
>Okay, so...I gotta ask. Are we a massive asshole or not? I've been reading up on this quest and we seem to vacillate between 'selfish cunt that only wants revenge and will do anything to get it' and 'actually kinda decent-hearted when push comes to shove'.
Sirena justifies everything she does with the idea being that there is a chance it will factor into her favor for her revenge. To this end she is both selfish and selfless at different times, helping herself and helping others. Rarely has she ever gone out of her way to punish someone that did nothing to her, but she also isn't fond of unwarranted suffering and collateral damage.

I think a big part of it is that from the beginning of the quest's events, she has been accused of being a traitor and forced into hiding. This has caused her to do things she may not normally have done, and to better hide herself, she has performed good deeds, but she's never done anything purely out of the good of her own heart: she's always aimed to get something for herself out of it, be it power, pleasure, or a piece on the chess board for future use.

She is selfish and manipulative, ultimately seeing all others as beneath her and looking out for number one, but on some level she is a realist and recognizes that you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar, and her exile has made her realize that it is good to have friends (and minions).

>>2671092
>I want to visit a cult.

>>2671104
>>2671106
>>2671109
>>2671133

We can do a combo, and hold something of a cult gathering, in which many of the leaders and their highest-ranking acolytes would show up. Yay or nay?

>>2671156
yay

I'd like a series of 1d100 rolls, please.

Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>2671184
Bippity.

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>2671184

Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>2671184

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>2671184

File: naked-woman-with-wavy-hai(...).jpg (18 KB, 626x417)

18 KB JPG

>>2671189
>>2671191
>>2671192
>>2671193

"Yes... I want as many cult leaders as are available to come to the Umbral Citadel, now."

She seems a bit surprised. "My queens, on such short notice, not all of the cults will--"

"That's fine," you cut her off. "I want to know which ones will come when I immediately call them. That will give me a good first impression."

"...Understood. It shall be done."

Less than an hour later, and the first cult leader arrives. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it is the leader of the Witch Queen's Daughters, the woman known only as the Matchless Companion. She is beautiful, undoubtedly so, clad in thin black silk and brought before you by her personal attendants, also women of great beauty. Her skin is pale like that of moonlight, her eyes a sultry and warm amber color, and her hair is like threads of gold. She appears human, but has something of a strange, ethereal quality to her.

When she is presented, she is carried upon a couch of soft cushions, and set before you. She strikes quite a figure, looking as if the silk she wears could slip at any moment to expose her intimate flesh. As she looks upon you, she parts her lips and bows her head, rising from her relaxed position to properly pay her respects.

"My queens, it is an honor."

"You're certainly a sight," you say with an intriqued grin. "You are the Matchless Companion? Quite a title, but I can see that none in Aran that I have witnessed match your beauty... save for myself and my twin."

She smiles. "My queens, your beauty does not match my own... it exceeds it. I am but your humble servant, and my apperance is as the Daughters have made it. The Matchless Companion is a title that many have shared, for it is held by only the most beautiful among us, until our beauty fades."

"I see... and then, you are replaced?"

"It is a viscious cycle and one that reminds us that life is not forever, and that all things fade. The face of our cult must be only the most youthful and striking, for it is an effective means of attracting new members."

"I can see where they are coming from," Faye says.

>Wait for the next cult leader to arrive
>Ask her some questions
>Give her your favor to continue her work
>Ask for knowledge of their powers and spells
>Other

>>2671278
>Give her your favor to continue her work
>Ask her some questions
I know we wanted the population of Aran to expand, but we didn't expect you to be so, well, hands-on about it.

>>2671278
> Wait for the next cult leader to arrive
> Have her stand waiting until we are ready.

Honestly it would be just as bad if say the Warrior cult leader was hanging around instead of doing his job.

The important thing is that they are out there fulfilling our will instead of trying to curry favor in our court. We will be often absent in the future as it is.

> What is the cults opinion on the results of childbirth on the body? Has she given birth to any children herself?

>>2671281
I'd prefer to keep the questions about just her personally until the others arrive.

That way we don't have to repeat ourselves, and they'll get a good idea of each others roles and abilities too.

>>2671290
She's the leader of the biggest cult in Aran, and the biggest sex cult at that. Literally, their calling is to fuck in the name of the Witch Queen. It's not like we'd be cutting anyone out of the equation on that line of thought.

>>2671278
>Ask for knowledge of their powers and spells

>>2671297
We should still wait for everyone else to arrive. Get a better sense of the competition. biggest doesn't mean best. Sometimes just means oldest.

>>2671278
>>Ask for knowledge of their powers and spells

>>2671278
>Ask for knowledge of their powers and spells

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

15 KB PNG

>>2671332
>>2671437
>>2672011

"Tell me of your group's powers and spells. I am interested."

"We have swelled in number ever since you gave your favor to our efforts," she says, "and with growth came new knowledge. We always possessed certain rituals and rites, but never have we had so many to test them upon, and so we have perfected some that before only had the most minor of effects."

"Such as?"

"Rituals that increase fertility, lower inhibition, extend stamina, lower rest times between sessions, make coupling easier and the body more ready for it. Furthermore, we also practice several non-magical methods of 'setting the mood' as it were. Certain scents, oils, and other substances heighten the experience. Of course, nothing compares to the pleasure one receives from fulfiling their dedication to you, my queens, merely by engaging in the most primal of acts. A union of body, mind and soul."

"I see..."

Faye leans in. "I have been told you know of a spell that hastens pregnancy. Is this true?"

"There are some rituals we haven't been able to master yet," she admits. "But we are trying, and we have no shortage of test subjects. That ritual in particular, however, is... difficult to test."

She wrinkles her nose a bit and furrows her brow. "Why?"

"Performed incorrectly, there is a chance of losing the child. As our purpose is to provide children for you, my queens, we have only very cautiously and conservatively attempted this ritual, and it does not always work. Sometimes it fails and the mother loses the child. It is a devastating thing... they feel as though they have failed you."

Faye thinks for a moment. "You just need someone with more magical experience and raw power," she says. "Like me!" She looks over at you. "I want to try it. I think I can master it."

You meet her gaze with a frown. "You're not exactly known for being the most patient."

"But I've already studied up on this kind of ritual! Remember, I told you about it in Lady Silverwind's estate? I know the basics, and they have the materials. I'm great with rituals, I summon extraplaner entities all the time. Let me try."

>Give them your blessing to try
>You're a big girl Faye, make your own decisions.
>We will speak on this later.
>No, I don't want this ritual used.
>Other

>>2672127
>You're a big girl Faye, make your own decisions.

File: 1350621617951.jpg (132 KB, 769x1000)

132 KB JPG

>>2672137

"You're a big girl, Faye. You can make your own decisions."

She shrugs. "Alright. But later. Looks like someone new is walking in..."

You follow her gaze towards the entrance of the throne room, and in strides a figure in full plate armor, painted black with silver trimmings. His helm completely covers his face, allowing only a narrow slit through which to see, and a thick, dark cloak hangs from his shoulders. He approaches silently, his armor sounding heavy yet somewhat subdued, though you hear each step. Strangely, your hyper-sensitive ears do not detect any breathing coming from beneath his helm.

There is something strange about this figure. He looks almost familiar...

The Matchless Companion has her attendants move her to the side as he walks up to kneel before you, lowering himself onto a knee. When he speaks, his voice does not sound muffled by his helm, but rather an echo.

"My queens, I bid you greetings. I am the Ardent Steward, lord of the Night Temple, first guardian of Aran, and at your service."

You lean forward in curiosity. "Well met, steward. Do you have a name?"

"It has been lost to time."

"How old are you?"

He looks up, and now that he is close, you can see more clearly into his helm's visor; there is only darkness within. "That, too, has been lost to time. I do not age."

"What manner of being are you?"

"I am what you see before you," he says, reaching up to remove his helmet. You eyes widen slightly as he does, for once he sets it in his lap, there is nothing. No head, only an empty shell.

"A spirit, then?" Faye asks. "Or an animated suit of armor?"

"I was the guardian of the first Witch Queen," he explains himself. "I was not created by her magic, but came to be her protector in her youth. When she ascended to the Throne of Midnight, I followed, and vowed to protect her realm. She is gone, but her realm remains, and so the Night Temple endures. We are guardians, silent watchmen, and custodians."

"You are warriors?"

"We are defenders."

"I see."

>How many of you are there?
>I wasn't aware of your existence. Could you augment my royal guard?
>Tell me of your powers.
>Your armor looks strangely familiar...
>Other

>>2672175
>Tell me of your powers.
>Your armor looks strangely familiar...

>>2672175
>>How many of you are there?
>>Your armor looks strangely familiar...
>>Tell me more about the first witch queen

>>2672175
Your armor looks strangely familiar...

File: 104753.jpg (58 KB, 400x798)

58 KB JPG

>>2672185
>>2672186
>>2672200

You study him from head to toe, taking note of every detail of his intricate armor. "Your armor looks familiar, but I can't quite place it..."

"I have lived in Aran for so long that I have become a part of it. Some Witch Queens have used this essence that the realm has taken from me to form a protective suit of armor around themselves."

You snap your fingers. "That's it! The Armor of Aran, my power. I was never aware that it created a copy of your armor."

"Not quite a copy, but a projection of my living essence that has infused with the realm, a physical manifestation of it."

"Fascinating... I wish to know more."

It seems he is about to reply, but he halts and turns his head. You look towards the entrance and see someone approaching, but their footsteps make no noise. It is an elf, which would explain the gift of stealth, but there is something else that accompanies him, a strange whispering sound that you cannot quite place, but it unnerves you slightly.

The elf is tall and thin, with cracked skin in places and bright eyes. He is dressed in ornate armor, but the armor seems enshrouded by an aura of darkness that has robbed it of any lustrous quality it may have once possessed.

The Ardent Steward rises. "My queens, I would caution you. This one listens to many who do not serve you."

"I will introduce myself, hollowed one," he says in a somewhat shrill voice. He stands before you and Faye, holds his hands out wide, and bows. "Witch Queens of Aran, I am Shreverthos, the Noble Attendant, master of the Servants of Shadow."

"And what do you do?"

He rises. "We act as intermediaries between your people and the demons of shadow that lurk below. As the armor so rudely pointed out, the shadow demons do not serve you, but they do not act against you. Your realm is an ideal place for them and their growth, and they use it as a base of operations."

"And what do they bring to my realm that warrants keeping them around?"

"They offer much, and we act as agents that oversee their deals with your people. They are often approached by those who wish to obtain something, and the demons can make it happen if they are willing and able to pay the price of their services. In exchange for allowing them to live within your realm, they pay large sums of gold. Our organization contributes more coin to your treasury than any other."

>What is the price these demons demand of those who seek their services?
>How can I be certain these demons are not acting against my interests?
>I am wary of dealing with demons.
>For the time being, I shall allow your group to continue its purpose.
>Other

>>2672205
>>How can I be certain these demons are not acting against my interests?
>>I am wary of dealing with demons.
We should note that we're not hostile towards them but rather just uneasy about not knowing if they can be seen as loyal.

>>2672205
>>How can I be certain these demons are not acting against my interests?
>>I am wary of dealing with demons.

>>2672205
>How can I be certain these demons are not acting against my interests?

>>2672205
>How can I be certain these demons are not acting against my interests?

>>2672205
>>What is the price these demons demand of those who seek their services?
>>How can I be certain these demons are not acting against my interests?

>>2672205
>>How can I be certain these demons are not acting against my interests?
>>I am wary of dealing with demons.

File: 4e482cf7caf6afad9661d1ec4(...).jpg (84 KB, 490x600)

84 KB JPG

>>2672213
>>2672228
>>2672259
>>2672280
>>2672361
>>2672431

"I am wary of demons," you say with a stern tone.

"As you should be, my queen. That is why we do what we do, to ensure that the delicate relationship between your realm and them is maintained. They like to see it as mutually beneficial."

"I must say that I question the judgment of any demon, when they seek only to benefit themselves. How can I be certain they are not acting against my interests?"

"We serve you, and we ensure that all deals that are made with them do not go against your desires and the safety of the realm. There are, on occasion, individuals who would seek to damage this place they call home. We ensure they never get the chance to meet with any demons. In addition to this, no one group is more adept at warding demons away. Many places in Aran cannot be traversed by the demons because of spells that we have cast. Not only do people come to us to speak with the demons, but they also come to us for protection against them."

"You don't say." You are about to ask more of him when two more figures enter the throne room.

They do not appear to be together, but merely arrived at the same time. One is a woman dressed all in white, who appears at once both physical and non-physical at different moments, as though she is phasing in and out of reality. Her flowing dress seems to hover above the ground, spreading out in a spectral manner, with wispy tendrils of fabric continually caught in some unknown breeze.

The other is perhaps just as strange, if not stranger. He is in what appears to be some kind of coffin or sarcophagus with only his head exposed. He is pushed from behind by a tall man wrapped from head to toe in obscuring straps of leather.

They present themselves; the lady bows, and the man does not, because he is unable to. He is able to bow his head only.

You give them a respectfully interested glance. "And you are...?"

The woman goes first. "My queens, I am the Speaker of the Dead for the Phantom Church. It is my place to commune with lost spirits, guide them to your worship, and give them purpose both in life and death."

The man now speaks. "And I am the Celibate Lord of the Antumbrian Order!"

"Is there a reason you are locked away like you are?" you ask, noting the series of chains and locks wrapped around his tomb.

"I must lead my people with a clear mind, untouched by the pleasures of the world."

"Ah... That's right, you must be that other sex cult," you say. You look at the Matchless Companion. "Do you know each other?"

The much more beautiful being scoffs. "Theirs is a strange cult, my lady. They seek only to create hybrids, while we do not restrict ourselves as such. Our rules are that all couplings are sacred, while theirs say that only two who are different may breed."

File: Christopher_Pike,_2267.jpg (372 KB, 1357x1080)

372 KB JPG

>>2672465

"That is not true!" he defends himself. "Our work is about combining the best qualities of different parents, be they of the same species or not! Someone who is strong and someone who is fast may have a child who is both!"

She rolls her eyes. "When you create children out of experimentation rather than love, all you are making are freaks."

You hold up a hand. "Enough, I don't desire debate about who makes the most children around here or what kind of children they are." Two more figures enter the throne room. "Hold those thoughts for later."

The first introduces himself as the Bloody-Crowned Lord of the Penumbrians before shedding his dark cloak to reveal a body covered in scars. "Long have we given ourselves to those who have shared your throne," he says. "We shed blood in your name."

"You commit sacrifices?"

"Willingly so. Our order sees it as the highest honor and those who are selected are given up to you as the ultimate payment."

You look at the one who entered alongside him, a woman dressed in a dark and concealing outfit that looks professional, neat and clean. Her hair is well-kept, her skin unblemished, and her eyes strangely without color. She wears a pair of spectacles and stands completely straight.

When she speaks, it is in a soft, monotone voice. "I am the Witness to Nothing, of the Umbrian Brotherhood."

"And what do your people do?"

"We study the infinite reaches of the void between worlds and the arcane energies of the eldritch machines and beings who dwell there."

"Ah, those who see beyond. I know a thing or two about such beings, and how dangerous and maddening it can be to study them."

"We are removed and detatched from such frailties as consciousness and emotion. It dulls the effect the void has upon the mind, and acts as a safeguard against its entities when we make contact with them. We record all knowledge in texts that are kept in our library and yours. Our research has been very extensive."

At that moment, Sheldrake approaches you from the side. "I believe this is all of the cult leaders who were able to arrive on short notice, my queens. There are a few who are indisposed and I sense no further beings approaching the citadel."

"This will have to do for now," you say, looking at them.

>I want an end to all conflicts between cults.
>I want to know what powers your cults can offer me.
>I want to know which among you are most deserving of my favor.
>I want to make some changes to the cults.
>Other

>>2672468
>>I want an end to all conflicts between cults.
Aran is one nation, under one banner. I will not have Aran's people killing each other when they can be killing it;s enemies

>>2672468
>I want an end to all conflicts between cults.
>I want to know what powers your cults can offer me.
By serving Aran, you serve me. Quibbling does not serve Aran and thus does nothing for me. Healthy competition is one thing, but there will be no outright conflict.

>>2672468
>>I want to know what powers your cults can offer me.
>>I want to know which among you are most deserving of my favor.

>>2672468
>>I want an end to all conflicts between cults.

>>2672468
>I want an end to all conflicts between cults.
>I want to spread the cults to our own world

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

70 KB JPG

>>2672488
>>2672490
>>2672524
>>2672522

"Now here this," you say, standing and getting all of their attention. "It is my will that all conflicts between the cults cease. By serving Aran, you serve me. Quibbling does not serve Aran and thus does nothing for me. Healthy competition is one thing, but there will be no outright conflict. Aran is one nation, under one banner. I will not have Aran's people killing each other when they can be killing its enemies, and make no mistake, we do have enemies."

You hold up your hand and continue, "You all proclaim that you serve the Witch Queens, and soon you will be called upon to prove your loyalty. Very soon, there will come a time when I will need to call upon the power of Aran to fulfil my ultimate goal: revenge. I will need an army, I will need power, and I will need resources. Once I have obtained my revenge and destroyed my hated enemy, I will focus on bettering Aran, and those who have stood by me will be greatly rewarded."

Faye also stands up. "What she said!"

The Ardent Steward kneels. "The Night Temple awaits your command, my queens." The others all follow his example, each professing that their powers and people are yours to command.

You lower your hand and place both upon your hips. "Those who desire my immediate favor may tell me what power they can bestow upon me to further my quest for revenge."

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

184 KB PNG

Which cult do we wish to obtain power from first?

Penumbrians
Specialty: Sacrificial Rituals
Leaders Title: The Bloody-Crowned Lord
Ritual Name: The Beseeching of the Violent Body
Tithe: Blood
Official Members: 99
Total Attendants: 308

Witch Queen's Daughters
Specialty: Sex Cult
Leaders Title: Matchless Companion
Ritual Name: The Plea of Vengeful Serenity
Tithe: Female Babies
Official Members: 485
Total Attendants: 669

Servants of Shadow
Specialty: Shadow Demon Negotiators
Leaders Title: Noble Attendant
Ritual Name: The Violent Request of the Demonic Image
Tithe: Gold
Official Members: 102
Total Attendants: 257

Umbrian Brotherhood
Specialty: Eldritch Lore
Leaders Title: Witness to Nothing
Ritual Name: The Acquiescence of the Infinite Reach
Tithe: Texts
Official Members: 240
Total Attendants: 464

Night Temple
Specialty: Custodial Guardians
Leaders Title: Ardent Steward
Ritual Name: The Righteous Denouncement
Tithe: Guardians
Official Members: 164
Total Attendants: 378

Phantom Church
Specialty: Ghosts and Spirits
Leaders Title: Speaker of the Dead
Ritual Name: The Edict of the Illogical Spectre
Tithe: Souls
Official Members: 17
Total Attendants: 213

Antumbrian Order
Specialty: Sex Cult
Leaders Title: Celibate Lord
Ritual Name: The Adoration of the Aberration
Tithe: Half-Breed Children
Official Members: 267
Total Attendants: 428

>>2672557
>Night Temple
We need some straight combat power.

>>2672557
>Witch Queen's Daughters

Maybe we can use the power to counter Modrax infertility. The amount of influence we could create in the none human realms would be insane.

>>2672557

For reference, since it was asked, "Get power from" in this context means learning some useful things, perhaps a few spells, or getting a buff or spell-like ability, maybe a ritual learned.

>>2672543
>Umbrian Brotherhood
Eldritch power and lore

>>2672488
I like this.
Aran nationalism best nationalism

>>2672566
change for this, but i kinda wanna knowledge

>>2672596
Just ask the umbrians for some tomes

File: dark_queen_by_drake7018-d(...).jpg (194 KB, 734x1087)

194 KB JPG

>>2672566
>>2672596

You look upon the Matchless Companion and smile. "I find the Witch Queen's Daughters to truly be after my own heart, as though you are truly our children. Not only am I glad that my will to bring about a new generation is going so well, but I find all that I have heard of you and your group very pleasing."

She bows. "We live to serve and I am honored to have your favor."

"I have a situation that I feel you may be able to assist me with. My homeland is currently afflicted with a curse of infertility and I have a powerful archmage looking into the matter. Every non-human species is unable to breed."

Nearby, the Celibate Lord cries out, "By the Thrones of Midnight! What monster would do such a thing?!"

"The one I seek vengeance upon, incidentally. The common folk do not yet know of this curse, but when they learn, it will be chaos. I must cure it and undo the plot of my nemesis before he uses the coming chaos to his advantage."

>Have Francis work with the Witch Queen's Daughters.
>Move several acolytes of the Witch Queen's Daughters to the Mortal Plane.
>Have them teach you several powers related to fertility.
>The Witch Queen's Daughters and the Antumbrian Order must join forces.
>Other

>>2672644
>>The Witch Queen's Daughters and the Antumbrian Order must join forces.
>Have Francis work with the Witch Queen's Daughters.

>>2672644
>Have Francis work with the Witch Queen's Daughters.
>Move several acolytes of the Witch Queen's Daughters to the Mortal Plane.

>>2672644
>Have Francis work with the Witch Queen's Daughters.
>Move several acolytes of the Witch Queen's Daughters to the Mortal Plane.

>>2672644
>>Have Francis work with the Witch Queen's Daughters.
>>Move several acolytes of the Witch Queen's Daughters to the Mortal Plane.

>>2672653
>>2672657
>>2672663
>>2672675

"It is my desire that you join forces with the archmage known as Francis Langley. He is the one looking into this curse, and he is working towards accomplishing my goals."

"He shall move here, then?"

You put your fingers to your lips and think for a moment.

>I shall see if Francis wants to come to Aran.
>I want some of your acolytes to move into his tower.
>I want to establish a base for your cult at the Silverwind Estate, in order to begin influencing elven nobles.
>I want some acolytes in Francis' tower and at Silverwind Estate.
>Other