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/qst/ - Quests


We are Sirena Le Doux and we seek revenge against our former master. So far, we've grown powerful enough to become the Witch Queen, but there is much more to learn. With our list of allies and teachers ever expanding, we won't stop until we've reached the top, because that's where our former master waits.

Last time, we managed the affairs of our realm before appointing Isseal, our new changeling minion, as steward to act in our interests (and in our guise) when we are not present. After tricking a clan of ogres into captivity, we were suddenly reunited with our ancient ancestor, the last of the moon elves, and conversed with her briefly. However, her split personalities soon began to manifest, turning the encounter from cordial to violent! We managed to trap her in Aran, slowly sapping her of strength, and now we plan to delve into her mind to see what we may learn from the past...

Current Spells and Inventory: http://pastebin.com/YnqXjSpm
Past Threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?searchall=evil+sorceress
Pastebin: https://pastebin.com/u/Damashi

Shill Stuff:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DamashiKonquest
Discord: https://discord.gg/HBz5u9v

Our story continues!
>>
After studying a book of rituals provided by one of your cults, you find a spell similar to the one Francis once cast upon you. With your connection to the Codex Arcana, and with Faye's assistance, you are able to perform the ritual upon your ancestor, still held captive by your conjured tentacles and unconscious.

It is decided that, due to your formerly weakened state and Faye lending you her strength, only one of you will travel into her mind at full power, rather than both at reduced might. Faye is disappointed by this, but relents, promising to watch over your sleeping form. Several acolytes assist with the ritual, in which you are placed within a runic circle and magically enchanted into a deep, deep slumber. But rather than lose true consciousness, you find yourself subtly drifting, weightless and through a haze of cloudy thoughts, towards an unknown destination.

As you enter the dreamscape of the Moon Elf, you gently touch down upon a solid surface. There, you look down as you open your eyes and behold the surface of the moon, but there is something strange: there is light in the distance casting shadows upon it, and it is not from the sun. You must be standing upon the dark side of the lunar sphere, for all around you is darkness, until you look at the source of the nearby light.

It is a city, grand and magnificent, with architecture unlike any you have ever seen or imagined! Towers of glowing yellow stone and great domes of sparkling purple crystals, thin walkways that twist and turn between the many buildings and dancing lights of all colors play upon every surface. It would be enough to take your breath away, if you were truly breathing. Your body is an astral projection, invisible to all entities within the dream, but consequently you will be unable to interract with any of them. After your experience in the dreams of Brutus, this was deemed a necessary precaution.

>Approach the city
>Fly up into the sky
>Search for moon elves outside of the city
>Attempt to commune with Faye to let her know you have arrived
>Other
>>
>>2961489
>>Fly up into the sky
>>
>>2961489
>Fly up into the sky
>>
>>2961489
>>Fly up into the sky
>>
>>2961489
>Fly up into the sky
>>
>>2961497
>>2961506
>>2961511
>>2961513

Lifting up your chin and hands, you levitate into the sky before floating towards the city. Boundless in your ability to move in this world of dreams, you observe this ancient city from on high with awe.

'This city existed ten-thousand years ago,' you think as you look upon its splendor. 'The civilization of the moon elves, perhaps the very first one to exist. This must have been at the height of their power. It is amazing...'

You soar over the city, not daring to get too close. Not out of fear, but out of a desire to take it all in at once, to absorb as much of the incredible sight as possible. In a way, you feel like a child having a dream of your own and a wonderful giddiness fills your soul. Something about merely witnessing a glimpse of this magnificent work of art, even just a dream of a memory of it, is enough to make you forget about your purpose in being here. Only for a few blissful moments is your heart stolen by the sight, for then you notice the streets of this place, and its corpses.

Stopping, you squint and peer down and you realize that bodies litter its streets. Pale moon elves in black and gold clothing, men and women and children, dead where they lie, some in groups and some alone. You descend to one of the streets, the beauty of its buildings now nothing more than a distraction.

You kneel down alongside a moon elf female; she was tall, with narrow cheeks and sunken eyes. The moon elves were pale, nearly chalky in tone, with eyes that were nearly all black save for pinpoints of white. Their clothing was immaculate and clean; it is clear that their society, from its buildings to its fashion, was dominated by a strict adherence to order, but there was beauty as well.

'I wonder how they died? Plague? Some sort of spell?' You stand up and look around. 'Yet this is a dream... it may not be how it truly happened at all, only a version of it, the false memory of one of her personalities... I must be careful so as not to be misled.'

At that moment, in the distance, you can hear a noise growing louder and louder. It sounds like the chanting of a large group of people.

>Approach the noise
>Fly back up and observe from afar
>Investigate the immediate area for clues
>Contact Faye
>Other
>>
>>2961615
>>Approach the noise
>>
>>2961615
>Approach the noise
>>
>>2961615
>>Approach the noise
>>
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>>2961622
>>2961625
>>2961665

Seeking the source of the cacophony, you round a corner and walk upon a winding path, lit on both sides with golden orbs of light, until you come upon a dramatically different sight: hundreds, perhaps thousands of moon elves, all gathered to stand before a mighty chapel-like structure, the spire of which extends up into the lunar sky, piercing the darkness like a lance of glowing light.

And in front of this chapel, standing upon a silver platform, is your ancestor, dressed like a conqueror and wearing a mighty crown.

"The gods have spoken!" she cries, holding aloft her staff as she calls out to the masses, and the moon elves cheer. Her voice, amplified by some spell, reaches all corners of the massive city square. "They have made known to us the ultimate path towards ascension!"

Again, they cheer. You stand among them now, staring up at the queen, intensely studying her. Outwardly, she resembles the moon elf you have come to know, albeit dressed more elaborately.

She holds up her hand to signal for silence. "We now know what must be done. There can be no question! The heretics upon the blue and green world below must perish! They are impure, faithless, heathens! They know not the true gods! They toil within the world of light! They have angered and insulted the gods, and so they have given us this trial, and upon its completion, ascension to their glorious realm has been promised!"

The elves all cry out for war, to make the green and blue world stained red with blood.

And at the head of them all, your ancestor continues to stoke the fires of hatred within them. "We shall descend upon the world we once left behind, and wipe it clean of the heretics! We shall let none survive! To war! To glory! To ascension!"

She basks in their adoration for several moments before she turns to head inside the chapel.

>Follow her.
>Follow the nearby elves.
>Contact Faye.
>Attempt to influence the dream with your magic.
>Other
>>
>>2961744
>Follow her.
>>
>>2961744
>>Follow her.
>>
>>2961744
>>Follow her.
>>
>>2961754
>>2961809

You make your way through the crowd, quite literally passing through many of them, until you reach the front doors of the magnificent chapel, which are sealed shut. Holding up a hand to test your capabilities, you find that you can phase right through it, and so you step through the obsidian-like material into the black void beyond, and much like when you stepped into the scene with the crowd, it is now as though you are in an entirely different dream. You briefly wonder if the place you were just in even exists anymore; the dreamscape may be changing constantly, with you along for the ride.

You cannot know for certain if you are inside the chapel or not, but you are now within some manner of chamber, surrounded with red cloth and dimly lit. At its center is your ancestor, upon her knees and holding something. She is crying and her wails fill the chamber.

"Forgive me!" she cries, though to who you do not know. "I wasn't strong enough, I couldn't, I..."

Her words are lost in sobs as you drift closer to inspect what she is holding: a bundled baby. The child, asleep, looks like its mother, only with slightly different features... For example, the ears are not as prominent, nor is its skin quite as pale as hers.

'It is a half-elf...' you realize. Then, another realization sets in, followed by a third: 'This child was the first link in the chain that led to my bloodline ten-thousand years later... this child is the very first half-elf!'

"Gods!" your ancestor cries, looking up into the starless void above her, an endless river of tears streaming down her cheeks. "I will not let you have him! He is mine! You will never take him, never! The life of every elf, the very moon itself, none of it matters before him! You can take everything but him! Do you hear me?!?

Suddenly, there is a great rumbling, an ethereal yawn that seems to make the very ground quake. She gasps and holds her child close to her, crying and cursing the gods as a black portal opens overhead, threatening to swallow her whole. With the life of her child at risk, she quickly goes to cast a spell, a moon gate!

You watch with rapt attention as she withdraws a crystal, then screams out her incantation. Even with the vortex swirling around you, and the shrill manner in which the spell was cast, you hear her words and commit them to memory.

The moongate opens before her and she runs through.

>Follow her to learn more
>Enough, I have what I need
>Be swallowed by the abyss and see where it goes; you can still escape if need be
>Go back the way you came
>Other
>>
>Follow her.
>>
>>2961926
>Follow her to learn more

Interesting. Maybe send a message to Faye about the crystal and incanentation.
>>
>>2961926
>>Follow her to learn more
>>
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>>2961927
>>2961940
>>2961946

'I want to see where this is going!'

You enter the moongate, fully expecting to find your ancestor where you end up, but again the scene changes. You fall through a tunnel, passing by countless images and sounds, an incomprehensible mess of information that receive only glimpses of: men, elves, dragons and things you do not recognize. When you fall out of the moongate, it is once more not the same dream.

Now, you are in the midst of a war, having accompanied a group of elven soldiers onto the battlefield through the use of a moongate. They rush to flank a human regiment as it clashes with their brothers. You stand up and gasp as you take in the sight of an epic battle raging all around you. Countless humans and elves are warring with each other, clashing swords and shields, painting the ground with red and purple blood.

You look up to the sky, seeing it filled with spells that crash and explode with too many effects to take in all at once. Fire, lightning, ice and other elements are flung upon the two armies to such a scale that you can scarcely believe such magical power ever existed. The sky itself, wreathed in unnatural darkness by the red eclipse of the moon in front of the sun, is pierced by beams of holy light as angels battle each other in the clouds, the agents of the gods of man and elf.

As you survey the battlefield, seeing great and unbelievable feats of magical and martial prowess on display all around you, something else catches your eyes, a force of mechanical constructs aiding humanity. They stand tall and bulky, at least eight feet or more, and move with strong, if somewhat jerky, movements. These war machines tear through the elven lines and are seemingly immune to magic, as all spells bounce off their mighty tower shields as they bring their lances down upon the elves. They are incredible to behold, a product of ancient technology and magic merging into the first fighting machines in the history of the world.

'Such power... this must have been the first war between man and elf! The one that preceded the great darkness...'

Your eyes are stolen from the incredible display of human might and elven magic to behold the two leaders of the armies fighting a battle of their own. Your ancestor calls upon her incredible magic, against which even you were unable to triumph, against her foe, a single man. But there is something about him, something legendary and awe-inspiring. He stands tall, strong, unyielding in the face of her power, armed with only a magic sword, repelling her spells with his gleaming shield. A titan among men, he seems as though a god in flesh, even mightier than Krom and far more noble, a king of kings with a gaze that could pierce your very soul.

This hero battles the queen of the elves fearlessly, inspiring all who look upon him to fight harder. It is clear that humanity is going to win this battle with him at their head.
>>
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>>2962082


Your ancestor seems to know this as well, and so she tricks him, trapping him in a portal and whisking him away from the battlefield, along with herself.

>Follow them
>Attempt to learn more about the machines
>Leave
>Contact Faye
>Other
>>
>>2962086
>Attempt to learn more about the machines
>Contact Faye
>>
>>2962086
>>Attempt to learn more about the machines
>>
>>2962086
>>Attempt to learn more about the machines
>>
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>>2962096
>>2962104
>>2962105

As you turn back towards the battle and focus on the machines, again the dreamscape seems to change. You watch as the mechanical men remain in focus, but change in action, going from battle to being assembled. You blink and now find yourself in a grand factory, staffed by humans in thick protectively clothing, watching as they go about their work manufacturing machines of war. The factory, a massive place of turning gears, roaring forges and filled with the ringing of anvils, is full of hardy men and burly, stocky dwarves, as well as numerous humanoid automatons who are assisting with the creation of their own kind.

The machines come in all shapes and sizes, each suited to different functions. Some are workers, while others are meant for war. As you go down the line, you see that they get larger, until eventually you come upon their greatest works, truly magnificent creations that would put to shame any modern device a dwarf or a gnome tinkerer or artificer could shape. You gaze upon juggernauts of metal, with massive slabs of steel plating for protection, each a living siege weapon with a fiery forge built into its rounded chest. These titans of industrial might could crush an elf with one step of their man-sized feet, or pound one into a bloody pulp with a single punch.

And there are several in this factory alone.

'This is the kind of power I must have,' you think, looking upon these marvels of engineering. 'There isn't a force that exists today that matches the might of these ancient machines...'

Enthralled as you are by the sight of them, you hadn't considered why you are able to see this factory in your ancestor's dreams. The ceiling suddenly erupts in flames and gears come tumbling down as a force of elves invades the factory, striking at the heart of production. As the men and machines rush to defend it, you see your ancestor leading the charge. Your heart sinks as you realize that even if this wasn't the only factory that existed, others may have been destroyed as well.

'But some remnant of them may yet endure to this day... I must find some clue!' You rush to a nearby office as the elves begin melting the machinery with powerful spells of heat, managing to find an ancient map. You study it intensely, realizing that it conforms to a simplified version of the world you know. It has several points upon it, and though you do not have long before the dreamscape changes, you attempt to commit as much of it as you can to memory.

>Get out of the dream
>Contact Faye
>Follow the next thread of thought
>Attempt to commune with your ancestor
>Other
>>
>Attempt to commune with your ancestor
>>
>>2962203
>>Attempt to commune with your ancestor
>>
>>2962203
>Contact Faye
>>
>>2962213
>>2962215

Give me some 1d100 rolls to generate which of her personalities we end up speaking to.
>>
Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>2962244
>>
Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>2962244
>>
Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>2962244
>>
>>2962244

dice+1d100
>>
Rolled 100 (1d100)

Yeah, not my proudest moment of fucking up.
>>
>>2962268
Could be worse.
>>
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>>2962245
>>2962251
>>2962254
>>2962268

As the image of the factory bleeds away, you close your eyes and focus. 'I think it is time we had another chat.' You now relent on some of the protective measures the ritual placed upon you, enough to reveal yourself but not enough to force you to leave nor prevent you from doing so if you desired it.

The mind of your ancestor is fragmented and cracked; different personalities with different memories and different versions of her memories all share the same mindspace. As you drift through her dreams, you see more of what happened, or what may have happened. All the pieces seem to form a coherent story.

It seems the elves once lived upon the earth, then travelled to the moon through the use of the moongates. They believed that the moon itself had been made by their gods, and living upon it would bring them closer to heaven. After much time, the gods decreed that the elves must return to the world below to exterminate the races left behind, and your ancestor led the charge. But when she came to blows against the king of men, she fell in love, and whisked him away and bore his child, the first union between man and elf. As the high priestess of her people, she had committed the highest form of treason, and the gods demanded the life of the child. She refused, and so the retribution of the gods was swift: the death of every elf upon the moon and the ruination of their civilization.

You do not yet know exactly what happened to her when she escaped to the world below, or how she became trapped, or what happened to the child who would eventually continue the bloodline that would result in you. As you drift through the dreams, you find something strange, even by the standards of this place: a calm in the center of the storm.

Here, you discover a little pale elven girl playing with a pair of moonrocks. She is dressed in white and her dark hair is tucked behind her head. As you approach, she looks up and beams a wide smile. "Hello!"

You pause, realizing that this is some aspect of your ancestor's many personalities, and wonder which one it may be. Childlike innocence? A deceptive ploy of manipulative intent?

>Greet her back
>Ask where she is
>Ask if she knows about her other selves
>Say nothing
>Other
>>
>>2962327
>>Greet her back
>Ask if she knows about her other selves
>>
>>2962335
+1
>>
>>2962327
this>>2962335
>>
>>2962335
>>2962340
>>2962346

You stop near her and put on a friendly smile. "Hello," you say, sitting on a nearby jutting rock. "What is your name?"

She shrugs. "Would you like to build a moon man?"

"How does one do that?"

"With rocks!" She begins collecting rocks and piling them, forming a blob of a shape that could be vaguely called man-like. As she works, you observe her, asking your next question when she pauses to appreciate her work.

"Do you know about your other selves?"

She nods. "They don't like me very much."

"Why is that?"

"I don't know," she says in a completely nonchalant, innocent tone. She goes about trying to decorate the face of the rock-man.

"What can you tell me about them? Other than that they don't like you."

"There are about twelve of them I think. Some are nice, some are very mean, and one is the meanest ever."

You nod. "I think I may have met that one..."

"They don't get along either. They all think they're the real me."

Your eyes narrow. "You're the real one?"

"Of course! But ask any of the others and they'll say the same thing. They're all bigger and stronger than I am. But I can hide better than any of them."

"So you don't fight them?"

"I can't! Look how little I am!"

"Fair enough. But they fight each other? For control?" She nods. "Constantly?" Again, she nods. "So sometimes control switches from one to the other?"

"Only when the meanest one is too tired," she replies. "She's the strongest one. Some of the others are mean, but not like her. She wants to do bad things. Very bad things. Sometimes, the others have to work together to put her to sleep, so one of them can take over. But not for very long."

"How long does this 'sleep' usually last?"

She shrugs. "Until she wakes up. Time is funny here."

"I suppose that makes sense..."

>Is there a way to permanently seal the mean one away?
>Tell me about the book.
>How long has this fighting been going on?
>Attempt to drain her memories
>Other
>>
>>2962481
>>Is there a way to permanently seal the mean one away?
>>
>>2962481
>Is there a way to restore balance?
>>
>>2962481
>>Is there a way to permanently seal the mean one away?
>>
>>2962497
>>2962527

"Tell me... is there a way to permanently seal the mean one away?"

She grows quiet and still. Slowly she turns and looks up at you from her knelt position. Her question is given in a soft tone. "Are you real?"

"Yes," you whisper.

"If you are, then you shouldn't be here. She might wake up soon."

"I can keep her asleep."

"If you try, she's going to get very angry."

"Please. I need your help. Tell me if there is a way to restore balance."

For a moment, she is quiet again. She appears to be thinking very hard before she speaks up. "If you break a pot, can you put it back together again?"

"Of course. There are ways to do so. Magic, or just some clay or glue."

"But it wouldn't be the same," she says. "It wouldn't be a pot, it would be a pot that used to be broken. You wouldn't use a pot that was broken before, would you?"

"Well, if it still worked, I wouldn't have a problem with it. Besides, some things are more beautiful for having been broken. Tell me: is there a way to put it back together?"

She shakes her head. "It wouldn't be the same."

You sigh as she goes back to playing with her rocks.

>Leave.
>Ask her some more questions.
>Insist that you will find a way to seal away the mean one.
>Insist that you will find a way to put her back together into one.
>Other
>>
>>2962613
>>Insist that you will find a way to seal away the mean one.
>>
>>2962613
>>2962619
support.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kintsugi
>>
>>2962619
>>2962681

You stand up. "I'll find a way to seal away the mean one. I promise."

As you turn to leave, the little girl speaks up. "It was a human spell."

Looking over your shoulder as you stop, you say, "What?"

"Humans didn't know much or any magic until the elves came back from the moon. Some of them got captured, forced to give up the secrets. Humans used it in new ways once they knew how. They did things the elves never did, or would, or could. Of course, we did bad things to them, too."

You return to kneel alongside her. "What was a 'human spell'?"

"The one that put us away in the book," she replies. "We don't know it. But I know where it is."

"Tell me," you whisper.

"The king was the one who knew it. When we left the moon, and everyone here died... all we had was the little baby. The darkness followed us to the world. We went to the king and tried to make peace, tried to explain. They took the baby and put us in the book, said it was all our fault. They were right."

"That was a very long time ago," you tell her. "If they had the knowledge then, I doubt they have it now."

"Some things don't ever go away," she replies. "We didn't. Not until someone found us." She looks up. "That was you, wasn't it?"

"Yes."

"The baby survived, then?"

"It must have. I'm here."

The child looks down and smiles. "I'm glad... that gives me hope."

You stand up, and having nothing more to say, release yourself from her dream. You slowly fade from the dreamscape, having gotten what you came for, and return to your body. But it is not a pleasant wakeup. In fact, you are shaken into consciousness.

"Sirena! Wake up!" It is your voice; Faye's voice. She sounds desperate. You are still waking up, but you can hear people running and shouting in the distance.

"Wha, what, what?" You blink a few times. "What is going on?"

"Well, there's no easy way to say this, exactly... we're under attack! Aran is under attack!"

>What? How? Who?!
>I leave for FIVE minutes, and this happens?!
>Run to the balcony to look out at the city
>Mobilize our forces! Protect the people! Get someone who knows what they're doing!
>Other
>>
>>2962763
>>What? How? Who?!
>>Run to the balcony to look out at the city
>>
>I leave for FIVE minutes, and this happens?!
>>
>>2962763
>>I leave for FIVE minutes, and this happens?!
>>
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>>2962802
>>2962911
>>2962794

You groan. "Oh, I leave for five minutes and this happens?"

Faye helps pull you to your feet. "You've been in there for three hours!"

"Three hours?! But it felt like--" You suddenly remember the child's words. 'Time is funny here.' You sigh as you realize that you spent more time in there than you had thought.

"Sheldrake is helping defend the citadel," Faye explains. "We're being attacked by demons!"

"Demons? How many?"

"Uh, all of them, I think."

"Helpful."

As you walk forward, a dark form suddenly rises from the floor in front of you. You and Faye both step back as a shadow demon manifests before you, preventing you from leaving. It stares at you with bright red eyes set beneath twisted horns as it cackles in malevolent glee.

"The Witch Queens of Aran! You should've known not to rock the boat!"

"What boat?" Faye asks, looking in your direction.

You scowl. "Is this about me cutting off ties between my people and you demons? I should've known you'd react like spoiled children."

"You're the spoiled child here, Sirena!" the shadow demon mocks you as it points a long, black finger. "That's why we let HIM in to deal with you!"

Your eyes narrow in spite. "Him? Explain yourself, before I banish you back to whatever hole you crawled out of."

"He came to us, seeking entrance to your realm with his army of demons! He'll get rid of you for us. Once you're gone, we'll go back to the way things were. You didn't think you could just take over and change things around here, did you? Not when we can just get a new Witch Queen when you're dead! It's worked before!"

You raise your hand and send an arcane blast at the demon, who laughs and slinks back into the ground, his voice echoing down the hall.

"Damn," you whisper. "An army of demons? I think I know just who is behind this." You approach a nearby window and look out over the city, seeing winged demons flying over its rooftops as others rampage through its streets. There, poised upon the back of a large lizard-like beast, is your brother. "Looks like I'll be taking care of you first, Jeaneus. You were a fool to think you could strike at me here in Aran."

>Summon Sheldrake
>Gather your palace guard
>Contact your minions and faction leaders
>Head out to confront him directly
>Other
>>
>>2963002
>>Gather your palace guard
>>Contact your minions and faction leaders
>>
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I'm off to bed for the night. We'll resume tomorrow! Thanks for joining us so far.
>>
>>2963002
>Gather your palace guard
>Contact your minions and faction leaders
>>
>>2963061
>>2963587

Turning back inside, you mutter under your breath, "Demons. Should've known this would happen. We should've exterminated them from the beginning."

"So, how do we fix this?" Faye asks.

"We have minions, we use them," you reply.

Within the heart of the citadel, Vorkath is issuing orders to your guards. Several custodial soldiers are here as well, along with Shaedara and Corus. Nearby, the Red One is conferring with Sheldrake. As you enter, all heads turn towards you and your twin.

"Give me an update," you command, to no one in particular.

Vorkath approaches and kneels in front of you. "My queens. Demons are running amok out in the streets. They came up from below, let into your realm by the shadow demons."

You look over at Sheldrake. "I thought this kind of thing was impossible?"

The butler betrays no emotion as he stands tall and immobile. "There are paths into Aran that only they would know of. Long have they existed in its most hidden depths. But, your majesty, how they got in is a matter for after they are dealt with."

"I agree, but it will be dealt with." You turn back to your captain of the guard. "Is the Umbral Citadel safe?"

"The shadow demons are able to slip inside, but they appear to be holding back. I believe they are coordinating with the more powerful demons outside, looking for weaknesses in our defenses."

At that moment, a nearby door opens and several more of your minions enter. Xiax'zas the lich, Anastrianna the high elven revenant, the ogre Gezug, along with the goblins Toldy, Moldy, Scoldy and the female revenant Jinxy, followed by a group of servitors.

You glance around the room. "Where are Sorn and his centaurs?"

Vorkath answers, "I believe they are already out fighting."

"At least they were ready to go," you reply.

Vorkath nods and bows his head. "All of us stand ready to battle. What are your orders, my queens?"

>Focus on defending the citadel
>Split your forces; half for defense and half for offense
>We shall march out and meet them head-on
>Focus on defending the people of Aran
>Other
>>
>>2963772
>Split your forces; half for defense and half for offense

We will lead the offense
>>
>>2963784
This
Get parts of our sublte forces to scout out the demons' entrance into aran, this way we'll cut off their reinforcements.
Assemble a strike force to take out high value targets
>>
>>2963784
>>2963969

You bring a hand to your chin and think. "If he breaches the citadel, he could ruin all of my projects and plans. But we can't just wait for him to mobilize and attack us. We're not going to let Sorn and his warriors fight alone."

Faye looks over. "So, we go and fight?"

"Half of us will," you tell her. "Faye, I want you to stay here. I'll lead the offense."

"Aw, that's hardly as much fun!"

"I'll make it up to you later!" you nearly shout at her to quiet her whining. You look back at your captain and liuetenants. "Muster your forces. Half will go out with me and half will protect the Umbral Citadel. Is that understood?"

Vorkath immediately nods and goes to follow your orders to the letter, splitting up his forces and those of the Night Temple. Shaedara withdraws her weapons. "My shadar-kai stand ready to serve."

Corus, however, reminds you, "We will need payment in gems for this battle."

"You'll have it when this is through," you tell him.

The Red One approaches you. "I cannot recommend this course of action, my queen." She leans in close to whisper so that Faye will not hear. "If you die, we'll be left with your twin. And she is not as... rational as you are."

You smirk. "I know. But that's my brother out there leading the demons. Once I take care of him, this problem will be dealt with. It's a family matter." Looking over at Sheldrake, you point at him and order, "Find out about the entrance the demons are using to Aran. When I get back, I want to know how my brother got in, and have it sealed."

He nods. "As you wish, my queen."

And so, minutes later, you stride out of the front entrance of the Umbral Citadel, flanked on all sides by soldiers, servants and minions. The dark skies of Aran are littered with demonic filth flying in every direction while its streets swarm with footsoldiers and monsters of all different varieties. They clash with the centaurs and shades who serve you while the people of Aran struggle to escape.

"You're going to pay for wasting my time with this nonsense," you say to yourself, knowing that your brother Jeaneus is somewhere out amongst the horde. "You should've known better, brother."

A large group of demons takes notice of your force and moves to charge.

>Waste no time and turn into your ultimate form and call him out
>Command the battle from the ground and take on the demons as they come
>Your force will serve as a distraction while you slip away and search for Jeaneus
>Charge back at them and fight them head-on; cut through their ranks
>Other
>>
>>2963991
>Command the battle from the ground and take on the demons as they come

First we break the first wave of demons then we head for our dear brother. He shall serve us.
>>
>>2963991
>Command the battle from the ground and take on the demons as they come
>>
>>2963991
>>Command the battle from the ground and take on the demons as they come
>>
>>2964001
>>2964170
>>2964206
Writing now.
>>
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>>2964001
>>2964170
>>2964206

As your force takes up position around you, you command them to halt and let the demons come. You raise your hands, casting several protective wards around yourself as your royal guards move in front of you, holding aloft their shields to repel any attack that comes your way. Very few of the demons are interested in ranged attacks; a few fireballs here and there, for the vast majority of them are solely focused on charging into melee combat, hollaring with mad abandon as they collide with your first rank.

The battle begins as steel and claws hack and slash against each other over the chorus of demonic screams. The savage creatures throw themselves upon the weapons of your soldiers, not caring for their own lives, only for the thrill of battle. Your first rank manages to hold as the second rank attacks the demons with polearms and other long-reaching weaponry; the shadar-kai in particular are fond of bladed whips.

You begin throwing out spells of your own, but it quickly becomes apparent that the demons are not acting without a plan of their own. The first demon wave that hits your forces are small ones, easily dispatched, but you can imagine that the larger demons and their winged brethren are waiting for their turn once the weaker demons have worn your warriors out. Under your breath, you curse at your lack of knowledge of spells that effect large groups of people at a time; most of your battles up until this point have only involved a few individuals, but this is a proper battle, something you have very little personal experience with.

You need to find a way to quickly turn the tide...

>Call for more reinforcements from the citadel
>Try to get Sorn and his centaurs to join you by attacking the demons from behind
>Cast your new daily spell, Elemental Maw, on the horde of weaker demons
>Use your wind magic to push back the weaker demons and keep them at bay
>Use as many of your summons as you can to bolster your ranks
>Summon the Storm of Aran and fry these demons
>Other
>>
>>2964371
>Try to get Sorn and his centaurs to join you by attacking the demons from behind
>Cast your new daily spell, Elemental Maw, on the horde of weaker demons
>>
>>2964371
>Use as many of your summons as you can to bolster your ranks
>>
>>2964371
>>Use as many of your summons as you can to bolster your ranks
>>
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>>2964424
>>2964445

Reaching deep within and drawing upon your power of shadow, you expend some of your might to summon a group of wraiths. Here in Aran they are at their strongest, for this is where they were created from the souls of loyal servants of Witch Queens past. Ten of them rise from the ground, black shapes of tattered cloth barely containing raw necrotic energy. The souls within these hollow forms are only hinted at with a pair of glowing eyes set beneath a flowing hood, and their limbs are long, ending in wicked fingers. The wrathful spirits possess no legs, humanoid only from the waist up, their spectral forms trailing and dwindling into nothingness the further your eyes travel down.

But you are focused on their targets, not the wraiths themselves, and so you command them to surge forth. They drift through your soldiers and attack the lines of demons, clawing at them and visciously tearing them apart. At the sight of your wraiths, your other servants cheer, the undead figures inspiring them rather than instilling fear as they normally would.

After this is done, you next conjure forth your succubus, Alura. She emerges from a hellmouth, prepared for pleasure, but is instread greeted with an order to join the fray. To her credit, the devil merely shrugs, summoning up a pair of blades and diving almost gleefully into the horde of demons, finding her own pleasures in battle. Once she is set upon them, you reach into your belongings and withdraw a small bag of holding, pouring out its contents: a full human skeleton. A simple spell reanimates the bones into a servant that pieces itself together and you send flying into the demonic frenzy; not a powerful minion, but a distraction nonetheless.

Finally, with some more shadow-energy, you draw from the stables of the Umbral Citadel and summon a mighty warhorse, a Mount of Aran, which manifests beneath you. You rise up in its saddle as the great beast, black of mane and coat, rears upwards and kicks its mighty hooves up into the air, letting out a great cry. You grip it tightly by the reigns and command it to charge, rallying your now-bolstered ranks to move with you.

The smaller demons are trampled beneath the powerful steed, and your wraiths cut a swathe through the remainder, pushing towards the city that surrounds the Citadel. Your soldiers, shades and shadar-kai, along with the kenku augmenting your forces, follow as you prepare to meet the next rank of larger demons. Creatures larger than men, some burly and others lithe, roar as they now rush in to meet the challenge of your force resisting their invasion. These creatures are much stronger than their smaller cousins, each capable of tearing a man to shreds.

>Hold your ground and fight off the demons
>Annihilate the larger ranks of demons with your most powerful spells
>Have Sorn and his centaurs flank them from the side and charge through
>Search for Jeaneus while the battle rages
>Other
>>
>>2964530
>>Have Sorn and his centaurs flank them from the side and charge through
>>
>>2964530
>Have Sorn and his centaurs flank them from the side and charge through
>>
>>2964530
>>Have Sorn and his centaurs flank them from the side and charge through
>>
>>2964537
>>2964749
>>2964750
Had to go get some groceries. Writing now.
>>
>>2964537
>>2964749
>>2964750

Now that you have pushed forward and confronted the larger demons in the city itself, an opportunity presents itself and you smile inwardly as you reach out with a spell of long-distance telepathy towards the centaur warleader, Sorn. You impart several orders into his mind before refocusing on the battle in front of you. Several minotaur-like creatures rush your front line, unhindered by your summons, crashing through your warriors. Your mount rears up once more as one of the beasts roars at you, but you blind it and others of its kind with a spell of glitterdust, covering them in gold. Not only does this prevent them from seeing, allowing your forces to regroup as they flail wildly, but they make a perfect gleaming target for the next stage of your plan.

Sorn and his warriors charge from the east, a tidal wave of hellborn centaurian fury. The greater demons, blinded and enraged, do not hear the charge until it is too late. The centaurs crash through their ranks from the side, a flanking manuever that any warlord would be proud of, using heavy lances, axes and their sheet bulk to tear into the horde. Their weapons and hooves rip and tear the flesh, sending gold-glittering blood soaring into the air. A beautiful sight to behold; a shame that none of the demons can appreciate it as you can.

Once Sorn and his cavalry complete their charge, rushing past the remainder of the demons, you and your force immediately move in to finish the job. Whatever demons weren't killed, merely trampled, are finished by blade or by spell. The kenku particularly perform well at this task, leaping onto prone demons and slashing at their necks and spines to put them out of your misery.

With this second wave defeated, you command your mount to turn to look back in the direction you came. You see the Umbral Citadel under siege by the flying demons, swarming like insects buzzing about a plate of food. You are about to rally your forces to attempt to draw them away when you hear a piercing cry: "SIRENA!"

You turn your steed and look down the street, honing in on the voice of your brother. Jeaneus stands upon the back of his own steed, a demonic lizard with boiling saliva dripping from its black-toothed maw. Your warlock sibling is surrounded by a host of summons, clearly his most powerful demonic patrons, creatures of both size, strength and arcane power. You pay them little attention and stare squarely into your brother's red eyes beneath his bloodstained white bangs.

>Talk
>Charge
>Challenge him to a one-on-one duel
>Retreat to the citadel
>Other
>>
>>2964902
>Talk

Surrender and join me and i will spare you.
>>
>>2964902
>Talk

Idiot attacks us where we are strongest
>>
>>2964902
>>Talk
stall while were powering up for the fight
>>
>>2964530
>Annihilate the larger ranks of demons with your most powerful spells
>Have Sorn and his centaurs flank them from the side and charge through

Do these at the same time. Focus on hitting more Demon Leaders than worrying about fully annihilating them so they can't respond to the charge and rally their troops
>>
>>2964902
Start playing with our Lucky Coin and flip it while talking.

Also, we should consider using Storm of Aran if we have to pull back.
>>
>>2964902
We also have Elemental Maw, Dark Cloud (1 SP) which doesn't harm us.

Should we use a SP to enhance our Witch Queens Aura?

Alternatively we could try to gank him with Suspended Duel since he's mostly summons focused.
>>
>>2965016
Why don't we use suspended duel to dominate him? Why waste a useful asset
>>
>>2965028
Because I assume someone who deals with Demons has really strong will, and while we're attempting that he could hurt us.
>>
>>2965048
We are the witch queen of aran. He will serve.
>>
>>2965053
Well, like I said we can consider augmenting our Queens Aura. Maybe get in close enough to hit him with Curse by touching him like we're pleading or something to weaken his willpower.

There's also Spirit Rend.

The issue is that I expect him to have defenses against those sort of attacks.
>>
>>2965068
>The issue is that I expect him to have defenses against those sort of attacks.

Which is why we will give him a trashing first to weaken him
>>
>>2965053
honestly, I'd rather publicly execute him and plant his head in one of our relative's beds.
>>
>>2964923
>>2964937
>>2964956
>>2964979
>>2965016

You trot forward, a smile gracing the corners of your lips. "You are a greater fool than I took you for. You dare attack me here? Where I am at my most powerful?"

He doesn't seem impressed. "You're the fool. You turned down an offer to rule at your family's side in the coming Arcane Empire."

"What a nice name. Did you come up with it yourself, or did your pathetic masters tell you to call it that?" You reach into your darkwoven robe and take out your lucky coin, staring at it briefly before looking back up at him. "I would never stand with Mordrax, not even if the world itself would be destroyed and only he and I could stop it."

He scoffs. "You're an arrogant child, incapable of seeing the bigger picture."

"I see it just fine. I see myself holding the picture. And you, along with all of the others who wronged me, will be within my grasp. But I not without a heart of my own, brother, so I'll tell you what: just as I was given an ultimatum, I present you with my own: surrender and join me, so you may be spared, or die by my hand for daring to attack my realm with your pitiful demonspawn."

He shakes his head. "I've already made my choice, Sirena. Mordrax has made you into a trial, and I intend on staying within his good graces."

"So be it," you say, flipping your coin. As you catch it, you assume your most powerful form, combining your strongest spells into one, turning your skin white and covering your body in dark armor as great, raven-like wings emerge from your back. "I was merely distracting you with conversation regardless."

He smirks. "So was I, dear little sister. Thank you for leaving for leaving your citadel."

Just then, a great rune appears, encircling your entire force. Your eyes are drawn to a nearby rooftop, where a hooded figure stands, casting an exceptionally powerful spell --- it your brother, Guilhem!

Their trap sprung, the spell is cast, freezing everyone within the rune by magically paralyzing them. Protected as you are by your ultimate form as well as your magical coin, you find yourself sitting atop a petrified horse. You spread your wings and fly upwards, looking down at your minions, helpless and unable to defend themselves.

"You did this to yourself, Sirena," Jeaneus calls out with a cackling laugh. "Don't worry, we'll make sure you are buried in the family plot, where you belong!"

He sends his demons forth to tear apart your army. Meanwhile, Guilhem prepares another spell. Your mind races as you have mere seconds to come to a conclusion...

>Attack Jeaneus
>Attack Guilhem
>Attack the demons; save your army
>Retreat to the citadel
>Other
>>
>>2965108
>>Attack the demons; save your army
>Storm of Aran, Annihilate them
>>
>>2965117
this
>>
>>2965117
>>2965108
This.
>>
We should probably twin telepathy our twin now that they've shown their hand.
>>
>>2965117
>>2965122
>>2965129

You grit your teeth and raise your hands to the sky, letting out a terrifying cry as you summon forth the Storm of Aran. Here, in the realm you rule, the storm manifests nearly instantly as the dark clouds of the sunless sky are already waiting for you to command. Determined to not let half of your army perish, for it would severely weaken your power for when you plan to confront your former master, you focus on the demons charging towards them and call down the lightning to smite them. Flashes of light and rolling waves of thunder follow each bolt as you rain your power down upon them, utterly annihilating them with a near-constant barrage of electricity. The smell of charred demon flesh rises as their bodies burn beneath your assault; even the largest of their number falls and is destroyed.

However, this is not without cost. Focusing on the demons has left you open to attack from your brothers, a fact they were counting on. Guilhem's glowing hands twirl as he finishes casting his ritual, a halo of power circling around his head as he thrusts his palms towards you, capturing you in a spell of teleportation. You struggle against his wizardly might, your wards offering you some resistance to his magic, but then Jeaneus adds yet another complication in the form of his own magic. Holding aloft his dagger, the implement of his warlock power, he sends a red beam of magical energy your way, blasting against your armor, continually sapping the power of your ward, weakening it. He seems to be drawing power from your shield with his spell, emboldening him to raise his other hand and cast a second spell, conjuring forth spectral skulls that fly towards you with batlike wings which explode on impact.

Caught in the grip of Guilhem's spell, you push back with your hands in both of their directions. You feel the arcane force of both simultaneous assaults and it is having its toll upon you; the pressure is immense. Jeaneus' continual beam and explosive summons are causing your wards to lose their potency at an alarming rate, and when your armor goes, you will go with it. Letting out a cry of frustration, you attempt to bring lightning down upon them both, but it appears that Guilhem has cast protective wards upon them both, and you are running out of concentration to spend on weakening them. There must be something you can do.

>Roll 1d100 and describe an action!
>>
Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>2965239
Hold them off till our army is in safety then twin teleport
>>
Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>2965239
Call for Faye using our bond, she could over power them while they were focused on us.
>>
Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>2965239
Get in contact with Faye
>>
Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>2965239
supend duel with Jeanus
>>
Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>2965239
>>
>>2965239
>>2965307
Seconding Duel time
>>
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>>2965244
>>2965247
>>2965266
>>2965290
>>2965307
>>2965315

You close your eyes and reach out to Faye. "I'm in trouble, here!"

Her voice echoes back in your mind. "What? What's happening?"

"Another brother showed up and they've got me pinned! I can't... hold out... much longer!"

You expect Faye to ask what she should do, but instead the sudden double-pronged attack on you is ended. You open your eyes and fly back, avoiding one of Jeaneus' projectiles before blowing it up with a small fireball. Looking around, you suddenly see that Jeaneus and Guilhem are both being attacked by elemental conjurings, and Faye is standing on the street beneath you. Nearby, servitors begin to appear to drag your paralyzed army to safety.

Faye looks up at you and winks. "I think the odds are fair now. Two on two?"

Jeaneus shouts and blasts the elemental assailing him, destroying it. He grunts as he looks at Faye. "There's another one?!"

Guilhem traps his elemental in a cage of arcane force, then flings it aside to discard it. "It must be a clone."

"Such small-minded siblings," Faye taunts them. "Haven't you heard the expression, 'two heads are better than one'? Well, two Witch Queens means double the fun!"

You drift down to join her, raising your hands as you both prepare to cast a spell. Jeaneus and Guilhem prepare themselves.

>Suspended duel with the four of you
>Suspended duel against only one of them
>You focus on one while Faye focuses on the other
>Both you and Faye will focus on one at a time while defending against the other
>Other
>>
>>2965342
>You focus on one while Faye focuses on the other
>>
Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>2965342
>Suspended duel against only one of them

Jeanus.
>>
>>2965342
>You focus on one while Faye focuses on the other
>>
>>2965342
>>Suspended duel against only one of them
Jeanus
>>
>>2965342
Part of me wants to cast Perfect Clone just to mess with them more.
>>
>>2965342
>>Suspended duel against only one of them
Jeanus
>>
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>>2965372
>>2965365
>>2965386
>>2965396
>>2965425

"Focus on the hooded one," you tell her. "He's boring, by the books. You're a good counter against him."

"You got it," she says, leaping onto the back of her wind elemental that carries her up towards Guilhem.

That leaves you and Jeaneus. He glares and holds up his knife, but you don't care. You have other plans.

Putting your hands together and speaking a powerful incantation, you create a spectral blue clock surrounded by a pair of glowing gears. As you widen the gap between your palms, the clock grows, until your arms are as wide as they can go. Twirling them in a semicircle, you launch the spell at Jeaneus, who thinks to block it with his ward, not knowing what it is. You smile as it makes contact, and all other things around you and he freeze, but not due to a spell of magical paralysis.

"What is this?" he mutters, looking around. Faye and Guilhem are both frozen, each in the midst of casting spells at each other, spells that now hang motionless in time.

"This is our time together," you explain to him. "I hope you appreciate it!"

>1d100 and an action!
(No shadow points remaining)
>>
Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>2965497
Tentacles are always a classic
>>
Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>2965497
Tentacles but not shit hopefully
>>
Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>2965497
black fog
>>
Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>2965497
Shadowstep: teleport behind him
>>
Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>2965497
>Shadowstep

Teleport behind him so we can touch him with Curse.
>>
>>2965519
We should use tentacles at some point to mess with Guilhem when we unfreeze. Since we come back where it is when the duel ends, it's possible that they would suddenly materialize as well.
>>
Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>2965497
>Shadowstep
>>
>>2965519
>>2965524
>>2965531

He scowls. "Another mistake you'll have to live with. But not for long."

Raising his dagger, he shoots a thin projectile of darkly-colored energy towards you, which you manage to deflect with an arcane bolt of your own. However, this serves as a distraction, and two skeletal hands emerge from the ground to grab your ankles, holding you in place.

With sudden supernatural speed, Jeaneus rushes forward and stabs at your chest with his dagger, striking your armor multiple times in rapid succession. The enchanted blade chips away at your armor, causing it to break in the front and exposing your flesh.

>>2965540
>>2965556
>>2965563

However, before he can deliver a fatal blow, you manage to vanish on the spot into his shadow, stepping out into a nearby alleyway. You look down at your chest and see the weakness he has exposed and curse under your breath; you are out of the power needed to repair it without a significant rest. This day has proven taxing; for all his gall, you cannot deny that it was cunning of him to lure you out into the open and whittle your power down.

You mustn't let him take advantage of this weakness, nor allow him to continue wearing you out. As you emerge from the alley, you shoot a bolt in his direction, which he blocks with his knife.

He smiles. "Give up, little sister. I have the power of demons surging through my veins. You were always too afraid to sacrifice anything for they offer, and that is the difference between us. It's the reason why I will win."

"We shall see," you reply, not in the mood for any further banter. The fool came here looking for a fight, and you'll give it to him.

>1d100 and an action!
>>
>>2965593
>black fog
>>
Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>2965593
>Air Form

Let's get slippery, so his summons can't catch us.
>>
Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>2965593
Arcane blast
>>
Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>2965593
Glitterdust!
>>
Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>2965605
>>
>>2965593
Also

> Divine Blessing

Seems like a natural counter to demons, but I can't remember what Gods liked us.
>>
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>>2965605
>>2965623

He prepares to rush forward again, only now you are prepared. You conjure forth a black mist of choking fog that, upon entering, causes him to choke. He dashes backwards, preparing to run around.

>>2965611

However, you are still in your air elemental form. You raise your hands and blow the black fog towards him with a simple gust spell, causing him to cover his mouth to gaurd himself as the fog spreads out in all directions, covering him.

>>2965618

Next you attempt an arcane blast, sending your projectile towards the darkest concentration of mist, but you miss, for Jeaneus leaps upwards, landing upon a balcony of the building he was in front of. He counters your projectile with one of his own, a spike of bone that emerges from his palm that he fires directly at you. Your eyes widen and you move to dodge it, but you lack his demonic instincts and reflexes; the spike grazes your side, cutting you and drawing blood. You wince as blood runs freely down your leg.

>Health: 84%

>>2965621

'He's fast and powerful... even with Alicia's time spell, I'm at a physical disadvantage. I have to fight smart...'

Jeaneus, sensing his opening, leaps high above you and prepares to attack you with his dagger. You pull out a trick from earlier and cast glitterdust, but he watched you cast that spell and guards his eyes against its effect. This allows you to escape without being attacked, but the intended effect of your spell is not achieved, for although he is covered in golden dust he is not blind.

"Your tricks won't save you," he says, holding up his dagger. "I can't wait to bring Mordrax your head!"

>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>2965680
Forceful noose
>>
Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>2965680
Grasping tentacles
and if it works arcane strike
>>
Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>2965680
Cast Greater Image.

Time to create multiple copies to confuse him
>>
Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>2965680
Fly over him and kick a spray of our acid blood onto him.
>>
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>>2965700

You bring up your hands and toss out a forceful noose, attempting to loop it around his neck, but Jeaneus rolls to the side with his unnatural speed before dashing in for another attack.

>>2965701

You leap back and attempt to conjure forth your grasping tentacles. They spring out of the ground and surge towards him upon your command, but to your amazement and disbelief, with one single slash he cuts through each and every one of them. His dagger seems to possess some kind of enchantment that, when used to swing, creates a barrier of force as long and as sharp as a full sword, for his single swipe cuts through them all.

Jeaneus lands in a crouched position and like a great cat springs towards you, impaling you in the stomach with his knife. Your eyes go wide as pain shoots through your body.

>Health: 71%

Your brother forces the blade deeper, twisting it, forcing you onto your knees as you gasp.

>Health: 60%

Standing over you now, he smiles and takes a moment to gloat. "I want you to know something, Sirena... I don't want to kill you. You're actually much more valuable to me for another reason. There is a demon who wants your soul... a spirit of vengeance you crossed and entrapped."

Your eyes widen. 'The demon the hags worshipped... the one trapped in the lantern...'

"I'm going to free him and present your soul to him. I don't care what he does with you. The reward I'll receive from both him and Mordrax will be richer than any treasure in the kingdom. Rich in power!"

Closing your eyes, you try to focus as blood spills out of your mouth...

>Health: 48%

You manage to cast a spell.

>>2965703

"Very amusing," you say, drawing his attention to his left where you now apparently stand. Jeaneus looks down and sees nothing more than a rotten corpse at the end of his knife. His eyes go wide as he realizes he has been tricked!

Of course, he has been tricked, but not in the way he thinks. You were in fact stabbed and lie at his feet, but your Greater Image nearby has him convinced that you were never truly harmed.

Your mouth is full of blood, which drips onto the ground, where it sizzles upon the stone. You blink a few times as you remember Francis' spell with the Codex Arcana...

>>2965770

He turns to face your image, giving you your chance to attack! You push yourself up with your wind powers and simply spit in his face, spraying your blood directly into his eyes! He cries out in pain and steps back, rubbing his eyes, but that only makes things worse.

As you fall back, you manage to crawl to a nearby wall and try to focus. Jeaneus stumbles backwards, smoke coming off of his face as he shouts in agony.

>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>2965798
Arcane strike
>>
Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>2965798
A good ol' fashion knee to the crotch
>>
Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>2965798
Unleash our crow servitor to tear him up
>>
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>>2965826
>>2965830
>>2965856

He seems less than pleased. "RRRRAAAAAGH! SIRENA!" With his knife, he starts swinging madly in all directions, blinded by the pain (as well as the acid).

Propped up against the wall as you are, you blast at him with an arcane strike. His ears, however, hear you and he ducks beneath the attack before shouting as he leaps towards you, slashing wildly. He manages to hit your shoulder, chipping away more of your armor and cutting the flesh beneath.

>Health: 43%

In response to this, you bring up your knee and slam it into his crotch. Jeaneus gasps and falls back, coughing as he falls down. He shouts in pain and you get a good look at this face, partially melted and his eyes are blood-red.

Now is the time to go on the offensive. You summon forth your raven spirit, Eremba, and command it to attack your brother. A swarm of ravens manifest all around you and fly at him, attacking his prone form with their beaks and talons. Jeaneus cries out as they overwhelm him, nearly covering his entire body in a mass of black feathers and sharp beaks. He tries to fight them off, but he is unable, and soon he stops struggling.

When you banish the ravens, you look upon your brother's bloody body. His face is ruined, he is bleeding from multiple wounds and his clothes are in tattered fragments, but he is breathing.

As you get up to approach him, thinking about how you should end this, his blood which had pooled beneath him suddenly surges upward, animated by demonic power. A blood demon emerges from his body, forming a crimson shape of a head, arms and a torso connected to the pool by a thick stream. You remember when he set this thing upon you outside of your family estate, and now it is his last line of defense.

The blood demon surges forward!

>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>2965932
Gift of Beautiful Purity.

Will it work to purify the blood ?
>>
Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>2965932
Slow.

Slow it down
>>
Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>2965932
Scatter it with a force noose
>>
Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>2965932
> Gust of wind

With our Wind Form, we can blow it away.
>>
>>2965944
>>2965953
>>2965978

As the rippling form of the blood demon rises up, threatening to wash over and constrict you, both of your hands shoot up and your mouth casts a flurry of spells.

Firstly, you slow it down with a spell that negates its speed, before casting a spell of purity upon it. You know not why you were struck with the sudden inspiration to do so, but this proves anethema to the blood demon, whose form is assailed by the divine magic that seeks to turn the blood pure and beautiful.

Finally, you wrap a noose of arcane force around its neck and give it a violent tug. The demon's form shatter's like glass and the ground is sprayed with droplets of blood that do not come together to reform. The blood demon is vanquished.

And just like that, the duel is ended. Time resumes its normal flow, Faye and Guilhem continue slinging spells at each other, neither knowing that an entire fight passed in the span of the blink of an eye.

Which, incidentally, your brother will never do again. He lies on the ground in front of you, unconscious and beaten, his eyes melted over with bloody flesh. With a hand over your wounded stomach, you consider what to do with him. Grim satisfaction washes over you, but is second to your pain.

>Drain his life to heal you, then steal his soul
>Capture him alive
>Use him as a hostage against Guilhem
>Leave him where he lie and help Faye
>Other
>>
>>2966017
>Drain his life to heal you, then steal his soul

We can use his soul as a hostage.

If Gilly isn't shitty, then he can be a living hostage. Otherwise, soul gems.

Also, first

> Cast Tentacles around Guilhem before finishing things.
>>
Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>2966017
Roll for tentacles.

It's just to throw Guilhem off balance
>>
>>2966026
+1
>>
>>2966017
>Capture him alive

He will serve
>>
>>2966017
>Capture him alive

Call for some servitors to take him to some stasis and then help Faye
>>
>>2966017
>>Drain his life to heal you, then steal his soul
>>
>>2966036
>>2966042
We can make him an undead servant with all of his skills in life, just like our numerous other revenants
>>
>>2966017
>Drain his life to heal you, then steal his soul
>>
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>>2966026
>>2966034
>>2966048
>>2966178

Standing over the body of your brother, you decide to turn it into a corpse. You sneer as you look upon his ruined form. How dare he think he can invade your realm, ally with your most hated enemy and take your life. It is only fitting that you do him the same courtesy. Stepping on his chest, you hold your hand over his face. A red line appears from your fingertips to his face, and you begin to drain him of his remaining life. He struggles, his body resisting, but you now pluck the strings of his life essence and play with them as you please. Your wounds begin to heal as you drain him for every last drop, sour though they may be.

When he is all dried up, the last few strands of his soul that were holding onto his body are severed, but you aren't done yet. Taking out a small gemstone that you keep on hand for just such an occasion, you cast your spell and attempt to capture his soul. Attempt being the keyword, for as you draw it towards the gem, it resists.

It is not, however, due to your brother possessing some manner of great willpower, but rather due to him already owing his soul to others. It appears the many deals he made with various demons used his soul as part of the bargain, for several influences are acting upon it. But they are not here, and you are, giving you an advantage.

You rip the soul from their grasp and the demons, in whatever realm they hail from, are not pleased. They had been prepared to fight amongst themselves over his soul, but now you possess it. You grip the gem containing your brother's soul tightly, and a trace thought strays across your mind, one that you did not come up with on your own: 'We will come for him.'

Scoffing at the notion that you should feel threatened in the face of how many demons you killed today, including the powerful warlock who summoned them, you put it in the back of your mind as you look up to the rooftops where Faye and Guilhem are dueling. Your surviving brother is a very good generalist, but Faye has several specialties she excells at, much like yourself. He covers his bases well: a solid defense with warding spells, a strong offense with a variety of arcane and elemental spells that effect large areas, as well as several tricks meant to outwit his opponents.

Faye relies on her powerful summons to take hits and dish out damage while also using spells that allow her to be highly mobile on the battlefield. When her minions fail, she falls back on spells of restoration and abjuration, giving her both protection and healing.

Though both are powerful, you wonder if either can come out on top of the other; they seem fairly well matched.

>Help Faye and attack Guilhem
>Stop their duel and use your brother's soul as a bargaining chip
>Force Guilhem into retreat; have him warn your family about what will happen to the next member who crosses you
>Let them duke it out and observe the battle; intervene only if Faye is about to lose
>Other
>>
>>2966316
>>Help Faye and attack Guilhem
>>
>>2966316
> Stop their duel and use your brother's soul as a bargaining chip.
>>
>>2966316
>>Help Faye and attack Guilhem
>>
>>2966376
>>2966504

Sliding the soul gem into a pouch, you notice your brother's enchanted dagger lying in his open palm. You kneel down and pick it up, observing its red metal surface. The blade itself, though bloody, appears almost like a ruby, sparkling with crimson light as you turn it over. You hold onto it as you teleport up onto a nearby rooftop to stand alongside Faye. Guilhem, seeing you appear alongside his foe, forces him to act more cautiously. He levitates towards a nearby street as he looks at the dagger in your hand, then tosses a glance downwards -- seeing the corpse of Jeaneus. He shoots a confused gaze back at you, then his expression hardens in realization.

"Time magic," he says. "I thought I detected such a spell..."

You smirk. "You're a clever boy, so detect this!" You raise the dagger and use it as an arcane implement as Faye raises hers. Together, you both cast a spell in his direction.

He removes some manner of artifact from his possession, a scepter of some kind, and holds it up. Before your spells hit him, he is surrounded by a cone of light and then he is gone, leaving only the destruction of the attack he helped coordinate behind.

You lower the knife and frown. "That's unsatisfying..."

Faye pats your shoulder. "Don't be down. We'll get him next time!"

"Yes... next time."

It is not long afterwards that you are in the throne room, assessing the damage done to your realm. Despite the devastation the demons wrought, only a few buildings were ruined beyond easy repair and less than a hundred people died, civilians and soldiers included. Your actions in particular saved the half of your army that accompanied you into battle. The attack was short, but served to expose several potential weaknesses in Aran, namely, the population of shadow demons in its lowest depths.

Perhaps the most revealing of all was Sheldrake's inability to stop the invasion. He stands before you now, his arms behind his back and his head bowed.

You tap your fingers upon the arm of your throne. "Explain why you can not simply change Aran to expel the shadow demons."

"My queens, I am part of Aran, but I am not Aran. The realm has existed for so long that certain qualities of it have gone untouched for so long as to become nearly permanent. The lowest reaches of the realm, where few seldom travel, is where the shadow demons have thrived, precisely because of the protection it offers. Change comes slowly to a realm such as this, and that suited them. Now that you have taken control and seek to change many things, it is only natural that they would resist it, just as the depths they live in resists my efforts to change it."

As he finishes his explanation, you sit back. "I cannot punish you, Sheldrake. That would be like punishing the walls of this citadel. However, something must be done."

>An expedition to the shadow demon lair
>Flood the lower levels
>We need anti-shadow demon protection measures
>Attempt to negotiate with them
>Other
>>
>>2966663
>>An expedition to the shadow demon lair
>>
>>2966663
>>An expedition to the shadow demon lair
>>
>>2966663
> An expedition to the shadow demon lair
>>
Goodnight, folks. We'll be resuming in the morning. Thanks for playing today! I hope you're enjoying the thread so far.
>>
>>2966774
thanks boss, it's been fun
>>
>>2966774
Great quest as always! Thank you for running!!
>>
>>2966774
Thanks for running!
>>
>>2966676
>>2966735
>>2966763

Sitting back in your throne, you muse on the situation briefly. "An expedition, I think. To the lair of the shadow demons, killing them and sealing their entrance to my realm."

Almost immediately, Vorkath kneels and proclaims, "I will do this, my queens! I shall take my best guards!"

You consider his offer. "The royal guard suffered a few losses during the attack; I am not so certain I want to use them before you have a chance to rebuild your numbers..."

The Ardent Steward, head of the Night Temple, similarly kneels and offers his services. "The custodial guardians would consider it an honor, my queens."

"That I do not doubt, but you are guardians, not hunters. I do not doubt your dedication, only your effectiveness at a task such as this."

Corus, having been paid with some of your gemstones, throws in his lot as well. "For the proper price, those shadow demons would triffle you no more."

"Perhaps so...but I have seen these shadow demons and how slippery they are. Your martial training is impressive, now that I have seen it first hand, but these enemies are subtler than the brutes we fought out in the streets."

The Red One, flanked by members of your council, approaches. "Have you anyone else in mind, your highness?"

You purse your lips. "Hmmm..." While you certainly could send some of your minions to solve this problem, another thought enters your mind. You do have several allies that could be put to the test against this kind of problem. Ben, in particular, once travelled to a realm of shadows to rescue you, with Alex's assistance. Amanda is a paladin; she and Alex, their holy powers combined, could be a deadly combination against these demons. But none of them have ever been to Aran before. It could require careful trickery to maintain your secrets if you were to utilize them...

There are other options as well. You could send Bruut and his crew in, but they are river pirates. That wouldn't end well, you think.

>Your Royal Guard
>The Night Temple
>The Kenku Monks
>A party of your allies
>Other
>>
>>2967734
>A party of your allies
>>
>>2967734
We should probably work on saving the princess on the moon first, maybe ?
>>
>>2967750

That was going to be the subject of the next post, good memory. Basically our next task to focus on; we have a few to choose from.
>>
>>2967734
>>Other
pay Albert a visit and ask him if he has anything for demonic pest control
>>
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>>2967747
>>2967771

You look over at Faye, who is playing with a mirror and fixing her hair after the last battle. The mirror, incidentally, is Isseal in disguise. Looking back at your court, you raise a hand and proclaim, "The shadow demons will be dealt with, and I will personally select those who will solve the problem, but I have more pressing matters to attend to."

The Red One seems surprised. "Forgive me, my queen, but more pressing than the defense of your realm?"

"Don't take my words out of their intended meaning," you sharply reply. You then look at your butler. "Sheldrake, I want everything that can be done to keep the shadow demons out of the upper levels to happen, especially out of the Umbral Citadel. As for my cults that specialize in dealing with shadow demons, whatever protective measures they would use in their dealings with them must be made public and used all over the city. And as for the city itself, they must be uplifted after the attack: a parade celebrating our victory is in order. We shall parade my brother's corpse and and any captured demons and show the people that they are safe."

You look over at Faye, specifically at the mirror she is holding. "I will, of course, lead the parade. Let the people know how much I care."

You dismiss your court and head into your private chambers, joined by Faye. She sets the mirror down on a nearby table. "A parade? That'll be fun! I can't wait to feel the adoration of our people!" She hugs herself and sighs wistfully.

"Indeed. But as I said i nthe throne room, I have more pressing matters to attend to. I learned the spell for the moongates while I was exploring the dreamscape of our captive, and I need to rescue the high elven princess."

"Oohhh... I see. So, what's your plan?"

"Well, first thing's first, I'll need a spell that can create air. The moon doesn't have any. Then, once I have the princess, I'll need to figure out how to return her..."

>You will rescue the princess and return her, taking all the credit; hopefully this will clear your name
>You will rescue the princess, but return her anonymously; she won't know your true identity
>Ben will rescue the princess and return her, gaining all the credit and becoming a hero in the high elven kingdom
>You will rescue the princess, but place her under mind control and turn her into your puppet
>Other
>>
>>2967885
>Ben will rescue the princess and return her, gaining all the credit and becoming a hero in the high elven kingdom
>You will rescue the princess, but place her under mind control and turn her into your puppet

Not mind control per say. Merely convince her to let herself be marked.
>>
>>2967894
This. People will raise questions if it is just Ben that saved her
>>
>>2967894
>>2967902

But will we reveal ourselves as Sirena, or maintain our disguise as Mary?
>>
>>2967907
Lets start out with prentendin to be Mary
>>
>>2967909
Sounds good.

Let's look briefly at our allies/marked ones and decide who we want to bring with us to the moon:

Marked Minions:
Ben, Werewolf and Aspiring Hero (Currently at Silverwind Estate)
Merriam, Mage in training
Bruut Fasebash, Half-Orc Troublemaker
Supremia, Drow Master Thief
Lady Silverwind, High Elf Noble
Isseal, Changeling
Amanda Lightguard, Female Paladin

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
The Witch Hunter, Mysterious Mercenary

We can go alone, bring one person, or a whole party. What are your suggestions?
>>
>>2968016
Ben, Werewolf and Aspiring Hero (Currently at Silverwind Estate)

Lady Silverwind, High Elf Noble

Kaylessa, Girlish Elven Archer


And us
>>
>>2968016
Just us and Ben
>>
>>2968030
>>2968035
How about a compromise: Us, Ben and Lady Silverwind. That way, it's only one stop, and we'll have a high elven representative with us. This could increase her standing in high elf society as well as make Ben a hero. Thoughts?
>>
>>2968102
Sure
>>
>>2968102
I am fine with thatt
>>
>>2968112
>>2968122

"Faye, I need to pop into the mortal realm for a bit, but I'll be back in time for the parade. Be sure that the wounded and the damages are being dealt with."

She shrugs. "Okay."

As she lazily strolls out of the room, Isseal manifests from the mirror to a sitting position on the table. You look at her with a cocked brow. "I take it you got the hint?"

"Don't worry. I'll make sure your people know how much you care."

"Good. I'm making a trip to the moon, so I may be a while. Manage the cleanup, and ensure that Sorn and his centaurs are properly rewarded for their performance in the battle. They were key to my victory."

She bows. "As you desire, so shall it be."

You travel to the library and briefly search through a number of spellbooks until you find what you are looking for: a simple spell to create a pocket of air around those it is cast for up to an hour. It is usually used underwater or in places of dangerous gas, but it should work just fine on the moon.

>Spellbook Updated: True Resurrection (Necromancy), Dream Invasion (Divination), Bubble of Air (Conjuration), Moongate Creation (Conjuration)
https://pastebin.com/3KtAZiTt

You summon your spellbook and record the spell within, along with the spell to summon forth the moongates. The only missing key to the spell itself is, conveniently, worn around the neck of the individual you want to bring to the moon in the first place: Ben.

After departing the library, you use the teleportation rune to travel to Silverwind Estate, adopting your disguise as Lady Beaumont. While the estate hasn't changed, the people within it have, for you sent several acolytes of the Witch Queen's Daughters, one of your sex cults, to establish a base of power here. As you enter the main gallery and parlor, you can see that they have been successful in... integration.

It appears that the cultists wasted no time in seducing the staff of the estate, turning them into willing pawns, givers and takers of pleasure. Where once they were respectable high elves serving a noble art collector, now they are hedonists, indulging in wine and pleasures of the flesh, sometimes out in the open and in groups. You pause as your eyes scan about the room, noting several couplings of cultists and house servants, and smirk when you see who you want to see.

Perhaps it is because they are your marked minions and your cult somehow senses it, or perhaps it is because they are simply the most important people within the manner, but Ben and Lady Silverwind are in the center of the room, enjoying the attention your cult bestows upon them and holding each other's hands. One of the cultists is feeding him grapes while another rubs his shoulders and back. Right alongside him, Lady Silverwind is receiving a sensual massage from two of the daughters, who lavish her body with fingers and kisses. She gasps lightly as one of them presses her lips to her neck.
>>
>>2968416

>Join them in relaxing; take a nap to recharge your powers
>Speak with them in private
>Sit and chat with them while having a drink
>Chastise Ben for slacking on his training again
>Other
>>
>>2968420
>Sit and chat with them while having a drink
>Chastise Ben for slacking on his training again
>>
>>2968420
>Chastise Ben for slacking on his training again

Bad Ben
>>
>>2968420
>Sit and chat with them while having a drink
>>Chastise Ben for slacking on his training again
>>
>>2968420
>>Chastise Ben for slacking on his training again
>>
>>2968433
>>2968455
>>2968476
>>2968515

You stride forward and sit on a nearby empty seat, enjoying the cushion, while taking a drink from the hand of one of your cultists who offered it up to you. After enjoying a sip of its fruity contents, you smile at your marked minions. "I see you are enjoying my lovely daughters." As you look at one of the house servants nearby, who has a cultist bouncing in his lap and moaning lewdly, you add, "And so are your staff."

Lady Silverwind, who had been lounging with her eyes closed, suddenly realizes you are here. "My lady!" She sits upright and approaches you, taking your hand in hers to kiss. "I am so sorry. I was... distracted."

"Think nothing of it," you assure her with a smile. "Speaking of distraction... Ben, you're not slacking on your training again, are you?" you ask him in a teasing voice.

"No! That is, I'm just... taking a break." One of the daughters leans forward to kiss his arm and he blushes.

"Indeed... Well, the good news is that you'll have an opportunity for plenty of real training very soon. I have a task for us, and all three of us will see it through."

Lady Silverwind seems surprised. "A task? What manner of task?"

"We are going to rescue the princess from the moon," you tell them.

Ben is immediately on board. "Now that sounds like a quest!"

Silverwind, however, is apprehensive. "I am not exactly a fighter..."

"But you are a high elf, and you will help to convince her that we are there to help. Plus, this will further elevate your status in high elven society, will it not?"

She considers your words, then nods. "I suppose it would..."

"And as an added bonus, you'll get to see moon elf architecture. I've glimpsed her palace from the outside, but the inside must be mesmerizing."

That seems to get her interested, even though her brand would prevent her from saying no in the first place if you were to give her a command. You smile and lean back, content to rest for a moment; after all, you were in a battle not too long ago. It owuld behoove you to relax and recharge your powers.

Once more you look at your cultists playing with Silverwind's servants, and are reminded that the infertility curse would be affecting the high elves of her staff. As enthusiastic as your worshipping daughters may be, they will not succeed in crossbreeding with them.

Of course, that doesn't mean they've stopped trying. If anything, the sex is now purely recreational rather than for procreation, which certainly must have helped in converting the house's servants to their cause.

>Depart immediately
>Rest in your room
>Rest with Ben and SIlverwind
>Relax here in the parlor; nap
>Other
>>
>>2968612
>>Relax here in the parlor; nap
>>
>>2968612
>Relax here in the parlor; nap
>>
>>2968612
>>Relax here in the parlor; nap
>>
>>2968620
>>2968644
>>2968656

You let out a sigh. "I am weary from a family squabble," you say to no one in particular, though you know all are listening. "I desire a relaxing nap."

The cultists take the hint, fetching you the finest pillows while one of them removes your shoes to rub your feet. As another brings you a fress goblet of fine wine, you smile as they attend to your every need. Soon enough, you drift off to sleep.

When you open your eyes, the light is dim and the sun is setting. You rise from your seat and stretch your arms with a small yawn before looking around you. It seems most of your cultists have tired themselves out or drunken themselves into a stupor. You look around for Ben and Lady Silverwind, but they are nowhere to be found.

"The lady and her 'guest' retired to her quarters earlier," a voice nearby speaks, stern and without humor. You turn to behold Ivlisar, the head of the staff. You've had several run-ins with him, and judging from his apperance and facial expression, he is the only one of the staff to not fall under the spell of your cultists. He seems to know it as well.

"You seem upset by something. Is it her company?" You step over the prone, sleeping forms of a house servant with two cultist women wrapped around him.

"I serve Lady Silverwind. It is not my place to comment."

"Upset and uptight. What an unfortunate combination." You stand in front of him and smile. "Go on, then. Speak your mind, let it all out."

His brow furrows and he does just that. "This house used to be respectable until you arrived. Now it is a den of debauchery. The lady herself has become a slave to it, a plaything for a farmboy. It sickens me. To see one of her status and birth reduced to this, and her home and collection now nothing more than host to a group of hedonists, it is a mockery. I'll not stand for it any further."

>So leave.
>Kill him
>Destroy his mind
>Send him to Aran
>Other
>>
>>2968820
>Send him to Aran
>>
>>2968820
>>Send him to Aran
>>
>>2968820
>>Send him to Aran
>>
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>>2968841
>>2968845
>>2968949

"Well, you've spoken your mind. Would you like to know the truth, then?"

"I would."

"Follow me."

He does so, but cautiously. You take him to the room you've placed the teleportation circle in. "Right this way," you tell him, keeping his eyes on you. As he walks over the circle, you activate it, sending him to Aran. You smile, shrug and move on. Let Isseal or Sheldrake find something to do with him. He clearly wasn't fitting into Silverwind Estate anymore.

You enter Silverwind's private chambers to find her and Ben preparing themselves. Ben is donning his armor while she, uncertain of what to bring, is in the midst of putting on an elegant white dress.

"You needn't worry about danger," you assure her. "I've already taken care of the Moon Elf."

She gives a sigh of relief. "Oh, that is good. But are you certain it will be safe regardless?"

"I will be certain to cast wards of protection upon you. Ben, you still have your shield, yes?" He hefts it up. You run your fingers across its surface, feeling the magic-resisting enchantment upon it. "Good. Make sure to keep it in front of you." You then reach up to his neck, finding the necklace containing the moonstone and inspect it.

"I didn't lose it," he says.

"Yes, I can see that. This is very important, as it turns out. Not only will it help you control your power, but it is the key to the moongates as well. I wonder how many of these are left in the world." For a brief moment, you wonder if this is the same moonstone that your ancestor used long ago, but you doubt it. There must be several scattered across the world, and this is but one of them.

>Travel to the moon
>Discuss with them what to do about the princess when you find her
>Reveal your true self as Sirena to Lady Silverwind
>Make further preparations before leaving
>Other
>>
>>2968985
>Discuss with them what to do about the princess when you find her

We get there. Save her, try to get her marked. Ben and lady silvrtwind are hailed as heroes
>>
>>2968985
>>Travel to the moon
>>Discuss with them what to do about the princess when you find her
>>
>>2968985
>Travel to the moon
>Discuss with them what to do about the princess when you find her
>>
>>2968985
>>Discuss with them what to do about the princess when you find her
>>
>>2969012
>>2969035
>>2969096
>>2969109

As they dress, you take a seat on her nearby bed and speak to them. "When we find the princess, it is very important we get her to trust us. Now Ben, I know you haven't ever met her, but have you?" you ask Silverwind.

"Not personally," she replies. "But she may know of me. She is very intelligent."

"Tell me more about her."

"She isn't what most think a typical princess would be like. Beautiful, yes, but with a fire. I'm told she is passionate and driven, with a strong will carried by a powerful sense of dignity. I have attended gatherings where she was either a guest of honor or were for her family, and I remember her being tall, regal and elegant."

"I see." You bring your hands together in your lap. "What I desire is for her to carry my brand, but it must be done delicately. The reason it is so important that she trusts us is that my magic can only be bestowed upon a willing subject."

Lady Silverwind pauses. "Is it dangerous?"

"No, of course not," you insist. "I only seek to make her my ally. The brands are harmless otherwise. Think nothing of them." She nods at your command and resumes dressing, putting on several pieces of jewelry. "But still, she must be willing. You two need to work with me in order to get her to open up and trust me. Lady Silverwind, you said she may know of you, so I am going to rely on you to make this happen. If needed, tell her the mark must be given to in order to pass through the moongates. Then, once she is marked, we bring her home and are heroes."

Ben, having completely donned his armor, turns around and says, "Then we take on the undead, right?"

He's been waiting for an opportunity to vent his anger against the undead. You smile up at him and say, "Soon. Very soon, I promise. But imagine, Ben: you'll be a hero known throughout the land, and with that comes opportunity. Perhaps someone will want to hire you to slay an undead problem of theirs."

"And eventually, I'll find the scum who made that walking corpse that killed my father!" he proclaims.

"Yes, yes," you say with a knowing smile. "But first, the Moon."

>Travel to the moon
>Go over a combat plan with Lady Silverwind if a fight ensues
>Give Lady Silverwind magical items/protection wards
>Summon several servitors from Aran to accompany you, just in case
>Other
>>
>>2969277
>Travel to the moon
>Go over a combat plan with Lady Silverwind if a fight ensues

"Hide if a fight breaks out"
>>
>>2969277
>Travel to the moon
>Go over a combat plan with Lady Silverwind if a fight ensues
Unless she has powerful magics, she should keep her head down while we solve the problem
>>
>>2969277
>>Travel to the moon
>>Go over a combat plan with Lady Silverwind if a fight ensues
>>
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>>2969289
>>2969312
>>2969347

Once outside in her garden you prepare the ritual using the moonstone as the focus. Using the same incantation you learnt from your ancestor by watching her dream, you summon forth the moongate. A brilliant beam of white light emerges from the crystal, reflecting the light of the rising moon into a square large enough for a man to walk through.

You quickly cast bubbles of air upon the three of you and give Lady Silverwind some advice: "If we get into a fight, hide and keep your head down."

She nods, then follows you and Ben through the portal.

Moments later, the three of you are standing upon the surface of the moon. They are taken aback at the vastness of it all: the starry sky, the open stretches of white rock and stone, the empty quiet that surrounds you.

And hanging in the sky, like a great blue marble, the world upon which you were just standing on seconds ago. It is a powerful feeling, the ability to traverse such great distances and see such sights in mere moments. You take a moment to let it wash over you; undoubtedly, Ben and Lady Silverwind are feeling the same.

"Now, we must travel to her castle. I remember where she rose it. Come, it is not far."

They follow you, but Ben is distracted. He experimentally jumps, finding the lower gravity to be fun to play with. He kneels and springs upwards, managing to get a few more feet than usual.

"Stop playing, Ben," you say to him. Though, you must admit, it is convenient to skip along the surface of the ground for a small boost in speed.

You come to a large hill that overlooks the Moon Elf's palace. The three of you reach the top and stare down at it, wondering how to proceed.

>Go in through the front door
>Scale its walls
>Cast a spell, fly over it
>Send in a scout
>Other
>>
>>2969409
>Go in through the front door
>>
>>2969409
>>Send in a scout
the ghost raven
>>
>>2969409
>>Send in a scout
a wraith, bit more expendable than our crow ghost
>>
>>2969426
>>2969504

Potential Scouts:

>Raven Spirit
>Wraith
>Succubus
>Servitor
>Other
>>
>>2969552
>Raven Spirit
>>
>>2969552
>>Raven Spirit
>>
>>2969552
>>Wraith
>>
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>>2969560
>>2969608

Holding out your palm in the direction of the castle, you gaze upon it with the Eye of Unveiling. Sure enough, things that were not visible before now become plain to see; namely, a series of dark figures aimlessly wandering about.

"I see something curious," you tell them. "There are spirits... dark, enshrouded, but they don't appear to have a purpose. They're just wandering."

"What are they?" Silverwind asks.

"I think... they may be the souls of the lost Moon Elves who died here."

Ben grips the hilt of his sword. "Undead?"

"Spirits. And I'm not sure if they're harmful yet." You lower your hand slightly and raise your other, summoning forth Eremba. The crow appears in your palm and waits for instruction. "Scout the castle grounds, then its interior. Be careful. Return to me when this is complete."

Wordlessly, Eremba takes flight and soars down towards the castle. As a spirit, he is unaffected by the lower gravity, and so he does as he is told, encircling the castle a few times before entering it through its main entrance. For several moments the three of you wait in silence.

>Give me some 1d100 rolls, please.
>>
Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>2969733
>>
Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>2969733
>>
Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>2969733
>>
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>>2969735
>>2969743
>>2969752

A moment later, you hear a loud squawk and your spirit comes flying out of the castle at full speed, back into your palm. "What is it?" you ask him.

"There is something in there," he says. "It was trying to get me. It feeds on souls and spirits!"

You don't need him to elaborate on what it is, because you glimpse it emerging from the main entrance to the castle. It looks like a beetle, but mechanical in nature, with a glass-like carapace surrounded by a golden frame. Within this glass you glimpse countless faces, all twisted in agony. With long limbs that end in feet and hands, the entity searches the air with a black tongue for the spirit you sent to scout the castle. You can see that its face is golden, an ornate design that displays a smiling human face, but is surrounded by four glowing violet eyes.

"What is that thing?" Ben whispers.

"It must be some ancient creation of the elves," you whisper back, watching as it scuttles in place. Having lost the trail of your raven, it returns its focus to the nearby spirits you witnessed, approaching them and sucking them up. "It is feeding on the souls of the dead elves. It looks gorged."

Lady Silverwind puts a hand to her cheek. "Does it want our souls as well?"

The creature returns inside through the main entrance. You wonder if this thing was allied with your ancestor or is here only because she is gone.

>Go fight it
>Attempt to sneak by it
>Scale the walls of the castle and avoid it
>Attempt to lure it away, then sneak inside
>Other
>>
>>2969807
>Attempt to lure it away, then sneak inside

Use a random wraith
>>
>>2969807
>>Attempt to lure it away, then sneak inside
>>
>>2969807
>Other

Capture it and send it to Aran? We could research it. Maybe strip its legs off?
>>
>>2969824
+1
It's a machine being and filled with souls so that's a start.
>>
>>2969819
>>2969821
>>2969824
>>2969831
So, capture it or avoid it? Can I get a tie breaker?
>>
>>2969824
We are us and Ben together with a noble woman that can't fight
>>2969807
>Attempt to lure it away, then sneak inside
>>
>>2969807
>>Attempt to lure it away, then sneak inside
>>
>>2969824
we can capture it with a proper party. lets just get what we came for and go ruin diving later.
>>
>>2969819
>>2969821
>>2969854
>>2969862

Tapping your chin with a finger, you come up with a plan to lure it away. You summon Eremba once more and command him to get near the strange construct, lure it outside and keep it distracted with a chase. The crow understands and takes off. Moments after flying within the entrance, the beetle emerges, chasing after your familiar as it continually stays just out of reach.

Casting spells of levitation upon the three of you, you quickly glide across the surface of the moon towards the entrance. Once inside, you are confronted with a massive grand hall, with many side passages stretching off into dark corridors. You look up at the ceiling, seeing the great crystalline decorations that line the hall, providing an eerie glow to the area.

"Where do we search from here?" Ben asks.

>The throne room
>The towers
>The dungeon
>Split up
>Other
>>
>>2969919
>>The towers
Princesses get locked in the tower, right?
>>
>>2969919
Send wraith to scout around to find the princess
>>
>>2969919
>>The towers
>>
>>2969919
>>The towers
>>
>>2969919
>The towers
>>
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>>2969924
>>2969927
>>2969947
>>2970015

"This way," you say, pointing at a nearby stairway. The three of you quickly race up, eventually coming to a large door of gold covered in strange symbols.

You lift your hand and use the eye to learn two things about these doors: that they are locked, and that there is a living behind behind them. They do not appear to be conventionally locked, like with a key, but rather magically sealed.

You approach them and speak. "Princess?"

A voice reaches your ears from the other side, feminine but muffled by the thick doors. "What? Who is out there? Hello?"

"We've come to rescue you. Do you know how these doors open?"

"She cast some kind of spell!" she says. "I've tried using magic of my own to get out of here, but I can't. I remember there being some kind of series of symbols that glowed on the door when she opened and closed it."

You look up, seeing several such symbols. "Was there a key?"

"I don't believe so... I've been trying to open it on my end for days. I think it is some kind of puzzle from the ancient elven language, but I cannot discern the pattern."

Experimentally, you lift a finger and touch one of the symbols; it begins to glow, then fades.

>Attempt to figure out the pattern
>Try to teleport inside
>Destroy the doors
>See if there is a library with elven books; attempt to translate
>Other
>>
>>2970099
>>Attempt to figure out the pattern
>>
>>2970099
>>Attempt to figure out the pattern
>>
>>2970099
>Attempt to figure out the pattern
>>
>>2970106
>>2970108
>>2970115

Give me some 1d100 rolls.
>>
Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>2970148
>>
Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>2970148
>>
Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>2970148
>>
>>2970148
If this doesn't work, destroy the wall beside the door!

Nobody ever thinks to enchant the walls too.
>>
>>2970151
>>2970162
>>2970184

You drift your fingers from left to right, lighting up the runes as you do, but this does not seem to be the pattern. You frown and try different combinations, based on size, shape and color, but ultimately are are merely guessing.

"Hmmm... There must be something to be done."

Lady Silverwind steps forward. "If I may... I think I have an idea."

"Oh?"

She touches the door. "Something about this writing is familiar... I studied ancient elven art for so long that I am starting to see some simularities in these symbols to a written language that formed the basis of what we speak now. Only vaguely, but..."

"If you have a hunch, follow it," you suggest.

SIlverwind steps in front of the door and brings up a hand, tracing her fingers in a strange pattern. "I think the symbols themselves are not the thing to focus on," she explains. "But rather, the shape that is made when they all glow together. It may just be that once a certain letter or word is spelt with them, the door shall open..."

You watch as she paints light with her fingers, lightly and quickly touching various symbols in a flowing motion. She does this several times, and just when you think to tell her to stop, suddenly you hear a loud and distinct cliking noise, and the doors push open. Lady Silverwind's ecstatic face is quickly brought under control when the figure on the other side of the door is revealed.

"Princess Lyrei," she says, and bows.

You get your first good look at the high elven princess. She is tall, taller than you by a few inches, with fair skin and blonde hair that is tied behind her head, which is adorned with a golden circlet. Her dress is regal and white with gold trimming, flowing off of her graceful-looking but sturdy frame. She stands firmly, clearly full of confidence and dignity, just as Silverwind described her. It is perhaps her eyes that are most fetching; blue like ice, but not nearly as cold. She is beautiful, as one would imagine an elven princess to be.

"Where is the moon elf?" she asks, cutting straight to the point, her eyes darting to each of you in turn.

"Dealt with," you tell her. "I am Mary, and this is Ben and Lady Silverwind."

"Silverwind..." she says, looking down at the noble. "Rise, I bid you. How did you get here? How did you find me?"

>It's a long story; we should leave
>Let Silverwind explain, just as you instructed her
>Have Ben demonstrate the moonstone
>Ask about her interractions with the Moon Elf
>Other
>>
>>2970346
>Let Silverwind explain, just as you instructed her
>>
>>2970346
>Let Silverwind explain, just as you instructed her
>Have Ben demonstrate the moonstone
>>
>>2970346
>>
>>2970346
>Let Silverwind explain, just as you instructed her
>Have Ben demonstrate the moonstone
oops.
>>
>>2970346
>Let Silverwind explain, just as you instructed her
>>
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>>2970367
>>2970370
>>2970408
>>2970483

Lady Silverwind rises and explains, just as you instructed her to. "We were able to travel here to the moon with an artifact from my collection of art, a moonstone."

Ben holds up his necklace to demonstrate its glowing surface.

Lyrei looks at the moonstone, then back at her. "I have heard legends of such power. How were you able to defeat the Moon Elf?"

"I could not, for I am neither warrior nor mage; I merely had the knowledge to open the door to your prison. But these two are. It was she who rediscovered the power of the moongate ritual, and it was he who defeated the moon elf."

You smile. 'A good story.' Ben is about to protest, his good nature threatening to expose the lie, but you silence him with a pat on the shoulder. "He may not look like much more than a young farmboy, but he's a true hero. Of course, he wouldn't have been able to defeat the Moon Elf without some of my magic helping him."

Ben's expression changes to one of understanding, and he nods at the princess. "Yeah, haha... it was a team effort."

The princess walks forward and smiles at the three of you. "I cannot tell you how pleased I am to finally be leaving this place. You do have a way home, yes?"

Silverwind again takes the lead. "Yes, but we must prepare a ritual that will grant you the ability to pass through the moongates," she explains. "Mary here can perform it."

Her brow furrows slightly. "What manner of ritual is this?"

Silverwind is at a loss for words, seemingly about to repeat herself, and so you quickly jump in. "As she said, it is a temporary sigil that allows one to pass through the moongates. The ancient moon elves used them as a means to ensure that the humans they warred with could not learn the secret of the moongates and use it against them without the secret of the sigils as well."

"It's not that I am averse to magic, but I hesitate to trust the magic of the moon elves."

Silverwind puts her hands together. "Princess, please. The only reason we were able to travel here in the first place was because of Mary's magic. If we don't leave quicky, a horrible thing we saw outside may yet find us."

The princess still hesitates, but then relents and holds her hand out. You take her hand, feeling how soft and light her touch is, and prepare to bestow the brand. "All that it requires is that you be willing to receive it," you explain. "Just think about home."

The princess closes her eyes and does just that. You can barely contain your smile as you mutter the incantation. Just like when you fooled Supremia into believing that you were her sister, your deception has paid off. You brand the princess upon her wrist, then quickly hide the mark with a simple illusion spell. When it is done, she takes her hand back and looks at it, examining the bare skin, not knowing that she has just been made your servant.

'Perfect. You're mine, princess.'
>>
>>2970520

>Attempt to use the moongate right here
>Travel to a balcony; recall your spirit, then moongate
>Send them back to the world; you want to capture that soul-eating construct
>Travel to the courtyard and moongate home
>Other
>>
>>2970522
Have an Aran teleportation field made
>>
>>2970522
>>Travel to the courtyard and moongate home
>>
>>2970522
>>Attempt to use the moongate right here
>>
>>2970522
>>Travel to the courtyard and moongate home
>>
>>2970522
>>Send them back to the world; you want to capture that soul-eating construct
>>
>>2970522
>Travel to the courtyard and moongate home


Probably some anti teleport wards in here. Move outside
>>
>>2970536
>>2970592
>>2970598

Not knowing if the moongate would work here in the castle, the four of you rush downstairs to the courtyard. There, you prepare the ritual, staring up at your world hanging in the starry void.

As you nearly finish the chant, Eremba flies back into view, chased by the soul keeper. The construct's long, black limbs claw into the rock as it charges towards you four.

"What is that?!" Lyrei shouts. Ben draws his sword and shield and stands in front of her, prepared to defend her from attack.

He won't need to. You've completed the ritual, now it is merely a matter of selecting a location to travel to.

>Redford Tower
>Silverwind Estate
>Youngwater
>The high elven capital
>Other
>>
>>2970613
>Silverwind Estate
>>
>>2970613
>>Silverwind Estate
>>
>>2970613
>>The high elven capital
Silverwing estate is a den of debauchery. We don't need the princess getting involved with that just yet.
>>
>>2970613
>>The high elven capital

>>2970639
Yep
>>
>>2970613
>The high elven capital

We should probably have the estate cleaned up though
>>
>>2970613

>The high elven capital
>>
>>2970639
>>2970647
>>2970649
>>2970659

Though you have never been to the high elven capital, you focus hard on what you have seen and heard of it, aiming the moongate in the general direction. Once it is open, you urge the others to rush through, with you stealing one last glance at the construct as it rushes towards you. Without another second wasted, you leap inside and the gate seals behind you.

On the other side, you nearly run into the others, who help prop you up and keep you from falling over. You look around and realize you are on a city street with the moon shining brightly overhead. As the others let go, Lyrei takes note of her surroundings and says, "This is the capital... I am home!"

You breathe a sigh of relief. 'Those moongates are very precise... good to know.'

Within moments, guards rush to investigate the strange magic portal that opened in the streets, only to discover the princess. She quickly explains what is happening, and no less than ten minutes later you are being escorted to the palace by its royal guards. As you walk, you take note of the surroundings, studying the fascinating towers and flowing style of the high elven architecture, a combination of natural forms of solid stone, metal and wood.

You don't get long of a chance to look at it, for soon you are brought to the palace, a grand structure of elaborate and ornate design, consisting of three great towers rising up into the sky wrought of marble so brilliantly white that they seem to glow in the moonlight.

You, Ben and Lady Silverwind are escorted to their finest guest quarters and told that the royal family, namely the king and queen, will soon be roused from their slumber to speak with you in a private audience. In no unclear terms, you are told by the royal servants that any need you have shall be met; anything for the saviors of the princess.

>Meet with the royal family
>You are hungry and desire a grand meal
>A hot bath would do nicely
>Speak with Ben and Lady Silverwind
>Other
>>
>>2970786
>>Meet with the royal family
>>
>>2970786
>>Meet with the royal family
>>
>>2970786
>Meet with the royal family
>>
>>2970786

>Meet with the royal family

I presume a hot bath first to make ourselves presentable is implicit in this.
>>
>>2970790
>>2970800
>>2970809
>>2970813

It does not take long for the high elven court to assemble, even though your personal experience has taught you that elves often like to take their time. But in this situation, you can understand their desire for haste. The three of you are brought before the king and queen, elder high elves of wisdom and beauty, each resplendent in their royal garb, and their reunion with their daughter is truly a thing of beauty, enough to bring tears to the eyes of many in the wings of the throne room.

After he is finished hugging his beloved daughter, the king turns his warm gaze upon you three. "Rise and be recognized, heroes," he says, bidding you to stand with a gesture. As you do so, he asks, "Tell me, what are your names?"

Playing the part, you look to Lady Silverwind, who seems the most proper to speak first, given her connections with their kingdom. "I am Lady Silverwind, of Silverwind Manor, your highness."

"Your family is known to me," he says. "You are art collectors, are you not?" She bows her head. "How in the world did you rescue my daughter? I must know!"

"In truth, I did not and could not, my king. I only contributed my knowledge of the ancient elves to the cause. My companions are the true heroes."

At that, you rise and speak. "I am Mathilde Virctoria Beaumont, your majesty, but I insist that you simply call me Mary. I am but a humble mage from south of your kingdom."

Ben swallows. He speaks nervously; he lacks your familiarity with nobles and court. "And I... am Ben Cutter, son of Jon, and... I defeated the Moon Elf. With Mary's help!"

Whispers rush through the court; you catch some of them. How could a young man and woman defeat the Moon Elf? Thankfully, Lady Silverwind is well-rehearsed on the tale, and recounts your study of the moonstone that was in her collection. The king and queen listen with rapt attention as she reveals how you and Ben, local adventurers that she knew of, approached her with the proposal to attempt to rescue the princess.

"I am utterly amazed at your success," the king says, slightly dumfounded. He straightens up and says, "Our best magicians and greatest minds were set to the task of finding a way to free my daughter, and none could offer a solution. The knowledge seemed lost."

You look up and smile. "I happened to be in the right place at the right time to learn the secrets, your majesty. I apologize for not bringing this to your attention, but I feared none would believe us, and time seemed of the essence..."

"It was a dangerous risk," he replies. "But, I cannot condemn the choice you made, when here you stand and my daughter is home again." He rises from his throne. "All throughout the land shall know you as heroes! Your reward shall be great, and a lifetime of friendship to the throne is yours. Let none in my kingdom shun you; may you be welcome in all homes and places! Tell me, what do you desire? For those who brought back my daughter, no price is too high."
>>
>>2970956

You close your eyes and bow your head to hide your smile. This entire situation has played out wonderfully! Not only did you orchestrate this moment, but you are the one who accidentally released the Moon Elf in the first place! Well, it seems only right that you should receive a reward for cleaning up her mess, since it was your problem in the first place. Why not earn a reward for it? 'Mary' has come far and worked hard since your exile and stumbling upon Cutter Farm. Now you have earned the friendship of the high elven family, jumping your status in society nearly back to where you started! Everything is coming together perfectly for you to be in the perfect position to take your revenge!

As the applause from the court dies down, you think about what to ask for.

>Land and a title
>Wealth, and lots of it
>Power; magical might
>Knighthood for Ben
>See what you can get with all of the above
>Other
>>
>>2970961
>>Land and a title
>Knighthood for Ben

This gets us the rest on the list, with land and titles comes political power, wealth and magical power.
>>
>>2970961
>>Land and a title
>Knighthood for Ben
and a higher title for lady Silverwind, without who success would have been impossible.
>>
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That'll be it for tonight, but the thread isn't over yet. We'll be continuing tomorrow after work to wrap up a few things, including our milestone. Killing our brother and rescuing a princess sounds like a milestone to me!

Thanks for playing so far, I'll see you tomorrow.
>>
>>2971034
Thanks for running!

>>2970961
>Knighthood for Ben
>Land and a title
>>
I have this crazy eugenics plan that might just work
Tell the cults to research a ritual where one child can inherit traits from multiple parents, so sirenas child could inherit from 7 fathers
Like Francis (7th son of a 7th son...), Krom, Ben, Angelo
The remaining 2 could be like a high elven noble, a vampire, saint, orc, angel or djinn
>>
>>2970961
>Land and a title
>Knighthood for Ben
>>
>>2971753
I feel that woukd dilute the blood too much, and lose anything special we put in.
>>
>>2970970
>>2970983
>>2971447
>>2972020

Can I get some 1d100 rolls for the land we will receive?
>>
Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>2972323
>>
Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>2972323
>>
Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>2972323
I'll throw one in for myself.
>>
Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>2972323
>>
Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>2972323
>>
Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>2972323
>>
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>>2972325
>>2972326
>>2972328
>>2972331
>>2972337
>>2972380

You consider your request for several moments before speaking it aloud, as well as considering how you wish to work your disguised self's backstory into it. "Your highness, I lost my home and my family to a roving horde of barbarians. I became an adventurer and a mage because ultimately what I desired was to find, build or earn a new home. It would honor me greatly to receive land and a title to my name, that I may restore what I once lost."

"It shall be so," he proclaims. "I'll set my clerks to search for a property that is suitable and it shall be yours. You are hereby to be addressed as Lady Beaumont."

You bow your head once more. 'Now when I introduce myself with the title of Lady, I won't be lying. How ironic that I first came up with the name to get into Lady Silverwind's party.'

Ben's request is simpler, but exected of the young man who desires to be a hero. "I would like to be made a knight," he says. "Nothing would make my family more proud."

The king considers his words, but only for a moment before nodding. "I shall honor your request. Come before me and kneel." Ben does as he is instructed and kneels before the king, who summons a ceremonial sword with a spell. The golden blade glints in the light of the many torches that line the chamber. "By the power I wield, granted by the throne of my people, as it was for my father and his father before him, I knight you, Ben Cutter. When you stand, stand as Sir Cutter, slayer of the Moon Elf and hero. You shall have all the honor and respect commanded by the knights of my kingdom and all kingdoms we name friend."

He taps each of Ben's shoulders with the blade, officially bestowing him the rank of knighthood. Ben gulps nervously. "Does this mean that I now serve you, your majesty?"

The king smiles, stands Ben up and clasps him on the shoulder. "You already have. You owe no obligation to the throne; it is we who are in your debt."

'This is going swimmingly,' you think with a wide grin as you lightly applause with the rest of the court. Ben returns to your side, but there is conflict in his face, an uncertainty that you'll have to talk with him about later. No one else notices, for now the king is addressing Lady Silverwind. She is unsure of what to ask for; you have an opportunity to suggest something and influence her choice.

>Lady Silverwind will move to the capital; she will still own Silverwind Estate
>She seeks a monument built to honor her late husband
>She desires a greater rank of nobility, with expanded holdings and honors
>Money, riches and gems
>Other
>>
>>2972398
>She desires a greater rank of nobility, with expanded holdings and honors
>>
>>2972398
>She desires a greater rank of nobility, with expanded holdings and honors
>>
>>2972398
>She desires a greater rank of nobility, with expanded holdings and honors
Also suggest that she "tutor" the princess as needed. A wise and experienced teacher would be good for a young princess.
>>
>>2972398
>>She desires a greater rank of nobility, with expanded holdings and honors
>>
>>2972400
>>2972402
>>2972458
>>2972500
Back. Writing now.
>>
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>>2972400
>>2972402
>>2972458
>>2972500

Using a simple telepathy spell, you suggest that she ask for expanded holdings and a greater title, while also becoming a tutor to the princess. After all, it was her knowledge of the ancient elven languages that opened the door to her captivity.

She follows your suggestion to the letter, and the king says that it shall be done. He personally extends an invitation for you three to remain at the palace for the time being, both to have a celebratory feast tomorrow, an official announcement to the people concerning the return of the princess, and to give his staff time to find you a property in accordance with your request in addition to arranging travel to it.

That evening, as you are in your room, there is a knock upon your door. Ben is behind it. He walks inside and runs a hand through his blonde hair, letting out a sigh.

"I feel like a fraud," he whispers to you. "I didn't actually slay the Moon Elf..."

You motion for him to sit next to you on the bed. "Does it matter? We went to the moon and got the princess. It's just as well. The Moon Elf is taken care of."

"Is she dead?"

"Well, no, not yet," you admit.

"Then what if she comes back? I'll be known as a fake! I.. I feel like I didn't earn this, Mary. In some ways I still feel like I just stepped off the farm..."

You take his hands into yours and stare into his eyes.

>History will be the judge. Just accept it, and soon enough you'll have plenty of opportunities to be a real hero.
>Use your mind powers and brand to convince him he did, in fact, kill the moon elf
>Skew his morality so that he has no problem accepting credit for something he did not do
>Remind him of how proud his father would be, and the rest of his family once he returns home; think of the others
>Other
>>
>>2972825
>Remind him of how proud his father would be, and the rest of his family once he returns home; think of the others
>History will be the judge. Just accept it, and soon enough you'll have plenty of opportunities to be a real hero.
>>
>>2972825
>>Other

Remind him of all the other successes he has.

Remind him that, as a couple, your victories belong to each other. You would never have gotten here, maybe not have survived even without him. He's your protector.

>Do this with big eyes looking up at him.

Hit those Daddy heartstrings.
>>
>>2972825
>>Remind him of how proud his father would be, and the rest of his family once he returns home; think of the others

>History will be the judge. Just accept it, and soon enough you'll have plenty of opportunities to be a real hero.
>>
>>2972831
>>2972842
>>2972859

Giving him an understanding look, you nonetheless immediately begin your manipulation. "Think about how proud your father would be at your knighthood."

"But..."

"And the rest of your family, too. All of our friends and allies. You deserve this, Ben, after all the hardship you've been through. The pain of losing your father and the injustice of it. All of your hard work in training and the battles you've fought. Remember when you rescued me from that land of darkness?"

"Of course..."

"We're a couple, Ben. We're lovers. Our victories belong to each other. I wouldn't have gotten to where I am without you; I might not have even survived. You're my protector, the keeper of my greatest secret. My hero."

Placing a hand on his jaw, you stare lovingly into his eyes. He blinks and relents. "I just... I didn't know how I would get here, I imagined it would feel... different."

"Let history be the judge. The people think you are a hero like I know you are. Accept their adoration and soon enough you'll have plenty of opportunities to feel like a real hero."

Finally, he closes his eyes and nods. "I understand."

You draw him into a kiss, then break away and add, "You're very important to me, Ben. Now, with our new status, we can receive invitations to the upcoming ball where Mordrax is planning on taking over the kingdom. We're going to stop him. Does that sound heroic enough?"

He blinks with realization. "If all of this is part of doing that, then I don't mind it so much. I'll do anything to help you stop that evil wizard. But, shouldn't we tell someone?"

"If we tell anyone, they wouldn't believe us and my identity may be compromised," you clarify. "Until the moment is right, we do nothing but wait and plan. For now, just take things one day and night at a time."

"What about tonight?" he asks, leaning in to kiss your hand.

>Spend the evening with Ben
>Attempt to secure a private audience with the princess
>See if you can hook Ben up with the princess
>Talk to Lady Silverwind
>Other
>>
>>2972898
>Attempt to secure a private audience with the princess
>>
>>2972898
>>Talk to Lady Silverwind

Let's get a crash course on Elven politics, and her assistance in meeting with the Princess in a way that won't seem sketchy.

I feel people might be sensitive about her right now.
>>
>>2972898
>Talk to Lady Silverwind

then

>Spend the evening with Ben

the princess will come in time
>>
>>2972898
>>Talk to Lady Silverwind
>>Attempt to secure a private audience with the princess
threesome with the gracious princess. It's tradition to lay with your rescuer after all.
>>
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>>2972909
>>2972919
>>2972950

Placing your hand on his, you give him a wink and say, "I need to speak with Lady Silverwind and see how she is doing."

"Should I go too?"

"For now, remain here. I'll return shortly," you promise, kissing him on the cheek.

Ben does as he is told, compelled by the brand but willing due to his desires, and you briskly walk to Lady Silverwind's room just down the hall. She opens the door upon hearing your delicate knocking and invites you inside; she had just prepared a silver pitcher of refreshing elvish tea.

"To think that Silverwind Estate shall be made into a small barony," she says with a smile. "And I, a baroness!"

"I'm happy for you," you say, taking a sip. "You contributed in a way I didn't expect."

"I'm just so thrilled," she says, setting down her cup. She takes your hands in hers and squeezes tightly. "I have you to thank for this, Mary. Not only for my new title and station, but for introducing me to Ben." She looks down at her belly and places a hand upon it.

"You are with child, then? You have felt it?"

"I have," she says, her voice telling you she is on the edge of happy tears. "I already know it is going to be a daughter."

"You can tell?"

"It is an elven gift, a sense of connection with new life," she replies, wiping away a tear. "She is going to be beautiful. Everything I have ever desired and more."

You move next to her and embrace her, running a hand down her back. "This is wonderful news."

She kisses your neck once before hugging you back. "I hope you do not mind that I ask something of you..."

"What is it?"

"As exciting as that adventure was, I would not very much like to go on another. I must do everything I can to ensure that my daughter is kept safe."

"Say no more. I understand. I would hate for her to be put in danger from this point onwards."

Silverwind pulls back to look into your eyes. As happy as she is, a look of worry flickers upon her face. "I must confess that there is... another concern I have..."

"Don't be afraid to tell me anything. Go on."

"I am without husband," she whispers. "The child is Ben's. Our different stations and my status as a widow may... complicate things. I would hate for rumors to ruin this child's life..."

>Tell everyone it was your husband's child, given before his death. We will know the truth.
>Don't worry about this for now; keep it a secret.
>Well, you and Ben will have to marry at some point, then.
>You can be honest about whose child it is; damn any rumors.
>Other
>>
>>2972958
>Tell everyone it was your husband's child, given before his death. We will know the truth.
>>
>>2972958
>>Tell everyone it was your husband's child, given before his death. We will know the truth.
>>
>>2972958
>You can be honest about whose child it is; damn any rumors.
Won't people notice that it's a half elf?
>>
>>2972958
>>Tell everyone it was your husband's child, given before his death. We will know the truth.
>>
>>2973035
We can solve that. disguise the baby as a full elf baby with illusions or something
>>
>>2973068
And when we get so powerful that we can turn the baby into a full elf we can do it.

Oi Tell her to have a shrine built to us and try expand the cult. But be more subtle about it. Dont want people walking in on a massive orgie
>>
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>>2972961
>>2972973
>>2973042

"Simple. We tell everyone that it was your husband's, given just before his death. The child's true parentage shall be a secret."

"But she will be a half-elf."

"It won't matter. If need be, we can use magic to give her longer ears. Don't worry. What is important is preserving your station, for the sake of her future."

"Yes... Yes, you're right. Thank you. She will inherit all that I own one day." Placing a hand over hers on her belly, you lean forward to kiss her. It is long and sweet, and after parting you linger for a short time to finish your tea before returning to your room. You'd like to have spoken with the princess, but she is understandably under heavy monitoring at the moment. You find Ben waiting, his armor neatly removed and him beneath the covers. You smile as you approach him, removing your dress before climbing in to join him. As his arms wrap around you, your lips meet beneath the light of the moon streaming in from the nearby window.

>Sleep...

The next day proves eventful. Everything that was set in motion last night resolves. There is a grand banquet, an opportunity to meet several high-ranking elven government officials, an announcement to the people along with the presentation of the princess and her rescuers, and a parade. Lady Silverwind is your guide during the entire affair, introducing nobles and educating you and Ben on proper customs and courtesies. Through it all you are showered with attention and praise. Ben in particular seems to have at least set aside his worries and enjoys the attention as much as you do, especially when several young elven women throw flowers at him in thanks.

Unfortunately, there is almost no chance at all to talk with the princess. She is under constant guard, seemingly to her frustration, as she attempts several times to leave their presence to enjoy the festivities more freely. Though you are unable to meet with her yet, you know that she carries your brand, and there will be time in the future once her father feels the danger is truly past.

And then there are the gifts from thankful nobles. Money, jewels, works of art, clothing, food and more are brought to you and Ben. He doesn't know what to do with it all; you promise that you will handle it. Arrangements are made for a carriage to carry your new belongings and rewards. Eventually, a clerk of the king informs you that a suitable plot of land has been found: it is called Cliffbrooke Manor.

>Travel to your new property
>Stay in the capital for another day
>Meet with the king, ask for an invitation to the ball
>Attempt to speak with the princess at the end of the day
>Other
>>
>>2973104
>Travel to your new property

Get a Aran Teleportation Circle up and tell the guys we are moving
>>
>>2973104
>>Travel to your new property
Leave the rest of the crew in the tower. They'll need it to keep an eye on town. but awt up teleporter circles in our new place
>>
>>2973104
>>Travel to your new property
>>
>>2973104
>>Travel to your new property
>>
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>>2973110
>>2973121
>>2973122
>>2973175

After a long day of receiving prais and your rewards, you retire to the carriage and manage to get a nap in during the travel to your new property. Along the way, during the early portion of the journey, you are informed about its history.

Cliffbrooke once belonged to a family of half-elves, and they built it south of the capital, along the Dragodian border on the high elf side. They were a good family of good people, but were unfortunately taken by sickness. The last surviving member of the family sold the property to the crown and fled, having no desire to remain where their family had perished. The property has passed to a few owners since, including at one point acting as a temporary living quarters for patrols of soldiers, but remained without a proper master. Now, you have received the deed, and upon inspection of the property may take it if you find it to your liking.

You arrive early next day, stepping out onto the grounds of Cliffbrooke Manor. Your first impression is that this was once expansive farmland, though it has not been used in some time. The primary dwelling, built of white stone with blue tiles on its roof, has a lovely courtyard that nature has overtaken in some areas, with ferns and vines growing unhindered. Across the way is a gazebo set in the midst of a garden composed mostly of circle-stone flowerbeds. The main building has two floors and a tower, atop which is a viewing platform. The garden adjacent the house is lined with a stone wall, and several smaller buildings are dottered about the property; quarters for servants, animals and the like.

The tour of the manor is then conducted. It has all the rooms you would expect it to have, including a rather spacious dining hall and adequate cellar, but is relatively unfurnished. It has been kept clean by an elderly woman who lives nearby, an old friend of one of the former families who lived here. Despite its lack of furnishing, you have received plenty of gifts and possess more than enough money to purchase whatever you may need, plus if you were to establish a teleporation circle connecting it to your network you could bring anything from Redford Keep to his place, not to mention Aran.

Your tour guide turns to you with the deed. "Is it satisfactory, my lady?"

>Cliffbrooke Manor:

>Keep
>Reject
>>
>>2973279
>Keep

It is suitable.
>>
>>2973279
>>Keep
>>
>>2973279
>Keep
>>
>>2973279
>>Keep
>>
>>2973285
>>2973287
>>2973294
>>2973301

With a smile, you take and sign the deed, and a copy for their records. After the workers unload your belongings, you stand in the parlor of your new manor with your hands on your hips, wondering where to begin.

>Give me some additional rolls of 1d100 and I'll generate some quirks and characteristics about the property!
>>
Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>2973316
>>
Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>2973316
>>
Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>2973316
>>
Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>2973316
>>
Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>2973316
>Immediately accepting the first property
Its like ya'll have never watched House Hunters
>>
>>2973405
We dont get to pick anon. This is a gift from the crown
>>
>>2973405
Look, we're an uneployed stamp collector with a budget of only a million dollars. We can't afford to shop around for our dream house.
>>
>>2973317
>>2973324
>>2973347
>>2973352
>>2973405

Alright, here's the general layout:

Primary Structures:
Main House
Guest Quarters (Three Rooms)
Servant's Quarters (Two Rooms)
Storage Shack
Stable

Main House: Entry Hall, Parlor, Dining Hall, Kitchen, Pantry, Main Bedroom, Guest Bedroom, Study, Cellar, Storeroom, Bathroom, Tower Stairwell, Stone Padio
Quirks: Observation Balcony, Hidden Cellar Entrance (behind house), Rotating Bookshelf (Main Bedroom, leads to Study), Servant's Quarters connected to cellar via underground passage

We will establish a teleportation circle in the main entry hall, hidden by a rug.

Let's talk about staff:

>Hire locals
>Use servitors from Aran
>Elder Grey and Old Man Grey
>Alicia and Isolda
>Other
>>
>>2973405
House Hunters is staged
>>
>>2973458
>Hire locals

That we mark.
>>
>>2973458
>Hire locals
Let's keep it on the up and up a bit, we can hire some down and out peasants for servants and farmers and look presentable.

(Then we Bind them all to our will)
>>
>>2973466
>>2973465
This
>>
>>2973465
>>2973466
>>2973478

Alright, we'll hire some locals.

What or who do we want to move to more permanent residence here at Cliffbrooke Manor? Here is a list of allies, minions and otherwise who are not otherwise permanently settled into a location:

Marked Minions:
Ben, Werewolf and Aspiring Hero
Supremia, Drow Master Thief
Amanda Lightguard, Female Paladin

Allies and Party Members:
Alex Shepherd, Boy Cleric
Amber Graves, Tsundere Warrior Girl
Brutus, Minotaur Warrior and Lumberjack (Currently at Cutter Farm)
Bargum, Dwarven Runepriest

Other Minions:
Alicia, Mind-Wiped Drow, Sister of Supremia, Citadel Maid
Isolda, Former Le Dou Servant, Citadel Maid

Associates:
Solomon, Peace-Seeking Golem
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
Jenna, Kind and Cheerful Druid, and her P'orc Friend Hamlet

Alternatively, none for now.
>>
>>2973505
Ben, Werewolf and Aspiring Hero

Alex Shepherd, Boy Cleric

Amber Graves, Tsundere Warrior Girl

Bargum, Dwarven Runepriest
>>
>>2973505
I don't think we need any, maybe Isolda at most
>>
>>2973505
What state is Isolda? if she's visually human and acts human enough, bring her in to the new house to keep it in order.
>>
>>2973520
I'd prefer to have Isolda keep the tower clean while we are gone.
>>
>>2973520
>What state is Isolda?
We used her as the test subject of a full resurrection, allowing us to learn the ritual, so she's alive and human, just very scarred from what she went through.
>>
>>2973527
She's in the citidel though. And I'd prefer to keep most of the crew in the tower if possible, since it keeps them close to town, and it's were a lot of people know to reach us at.
>>
>>2973514
Move the crew to our new HQ
>>
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>>2973458
>>Elder Grey and Old Man Grey
That sounds cute af
Regardless we should probably consult them about the demon stuff.

>>2973459
pic related
Why must you crush my dreams anon?
>ywn casually ride around touring three distinct properties, admiring their panoramic views and complaining about the yard, countertops and bathroom fixtures before chilling out at a nice cafe to ponder the pros and cons of each property while avoiding any telling verbal cues until after the commercial break.
I guess I'll just have to make a house hunter quest instead.
>>
>>2973561
man it broke my heart too, but it's true

so many hours with my mom wasted on lies
>>
>>2973514
>>2973559

>>2973518
>>2973520

So, if I'm reading this right, we've got for the new property the following choices:

>Ben, Alex, Amber and Bargum
>Isolda
>Move in the old crew, have Isolda maintain the tower
>Nobody Yet
>>
>>2973578
>Move in the old crew, have Isolda maintain the tower

eh fuck it, my only concern is how far away we are from our businesses in our small town
>>
>>2973598
>my only concern is how far away we are from our businesses in our small town
Never more than a teleport away.
>>
>>2973599
fair nough
>>
>>2973578
>>Isolda
>>2973599
Until the teleports are down. We're already established in the tower, and it's not like we're wanting for space. I don't see any reason to move them.
>>
>>2973578
>Move in the old crew, have Isolda maintain the tower
>>
>>2973578
>Move in the old crew, have Isolda maintain the tower
>>
>>2973598
>>2974100
>>2974467
Alright, I think we'll kick off the next thread with the group moving into our new home.

Let's talk about a milestone, shall we?

You know the drill: let's pick a category.

Abjuration
Conjuration
Divination
Enchantment
Thralldom
Evocation
Illusion
Holy
Necromancy
Transmutation
Restoration
Elementalism
Shamanism
Druidry
Alchemy
>>
>>2974608
Evocation

I think we should get some more pew pew
>>
>>2974608
Enchantment
>>
>>2974608
Evocation
>>
>>2974608
Enchantment
>>
>>2974608
Evocation
>>
>>2974612
>>2974645
>>2974658

Evocation it is. Here's our list:

>Two additional spells in Evocation
>Minor Increased chance of success with all evocation spells
>Evocation spells never miss and seek their targets unerringly
>Increase the size and area of effect of evocation spells
>Whenever you use an evocation spell, you cast it twice for double effect
>All evocation spells can be cast without verbal or material components
>Gain a passive ability to potentially absorb evocation magic
>Gain a SHADOW varient on an existing evocation spell
>Witch Queen Power: Shadow Eye Lasers: (Daily Power: Blast black beams of death from your eyes. This ability grants you a five to ten second burst of dark, shadowy beams of negative energy that deal great harm to a target by merely staring at them for its duration. Does not require verbal or material components.)
>>
>>2974738
>>Evocation spells never miss and seek their targets unerringly
>>
>>2974738
>Two additional spells in Evocation
>>
>>2974738
>Evocation spells never miss and seek their targets unerringly
>>
>>2974738
>>Evocation spells never miss and seek their targets unerringly
>>
>>2974738
>>Gain a passive ability to potentially absorb evocation magic
>>
>>2974738
>>Witch Queen Power: Shadow Eye Lasers: (Daily Power: Blast black beams of death from your eyes. This ability grants you a five to ten second burst of dark, shadowy beams of negative energy that deal great harm to a target by merely staring at them for its duration. Does not require verbal or material components.)
>>
>>2974779
>>2974811
>>2974887

Unerring Acuracy for evocation it is.

When we resume next time, we'll receive the contract from Angello on our trade agreement and meet with the Witch Hunter's organization, but we still have a number of major sidequests in our log.

Which would you like to pursue the most?

>Deal with the Green Dragon and Black Dragon
>Help Alex explore the Shepherd Family Tomb
>Clear out the lair of Shadow Demons in Aran
>Support Komortha's raid on Binulia
>>
>>2975329
>Help Alex explore the Shepherd Family Tomb
>>
>>2975329
>Help Alex explore the Shepherd Family Tomb
>>
>>2975329
>>Support Komortha's raid on Binula
>>
>>2975329
>Clear out the lair of Shadow Demons in Aran
Secure our borders
>>
>>2975329
>>Help Alex explore the Shepherd Family Tomb
>>
>>2975329
>Help Alex explore the Shepherd Family Tomb
>>
>>2975329
>Help Alex explore the Shepherd Family Tomb
>>
>>2975329
>Clear out the lair of Shadow Demons in Aran

Safety first!

Or Shota first by the votes but I can dream.
>>
>>2976719
Alex is not for lewd!

Alex is for headpats and mommy kisses!
>>
>>2976724
I can't wait to ream his pink little poop chute with our "magic wand".
>>
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>>2977421
>>
>>2975331
>>2975348
>>2975389
>>2975417
>>2975532
I would like some 1d100s, please, to generate events and things related to the tomb.
>>
Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>2977604
>>
Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>2977604
>>
Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>2977604
>>
>>2977642
Hail Satan.
>>
Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>2977604
>>
Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>2977604
>>
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>>2977606
>>2977624
>>2977642
>>2977748
>>2977890

Arrangements are made to hire some locals to be your new staff. Upon returning to the tower, you collect Amber, Alex and Bargum, informing them that you have an incredible surprise waiting for them. They all step upon the teleportation circle with you, and you cast a spell to instantly transport them and yourself across the network to arrive in the entry hall of your new home.

"Welcome to Cliffbrooke Manor, our new home," you say with wide arms and a proud smile.

Alex's eyes go wide. "Wow!" He takes off, immediately investigating this new place and getting into all the nooks and crannies.

Amber is impressed, but hides her feelings on the matter. "So, how'd you afford this one?"

Ben walks in through the front entrance. "It's nothing a trip to the moon and rescuing the high elven princess wouldn't cover," he says somewhat cockily.

Her expression immediately changes as she runs up to him and throws him into a hug, nearly overwhelmed to see him again after his extended stay at Silverwind Estate. She then punches him in the gut. "What?! You went on an adventure without me?! AND you rescued the princess?!"

He rubs his stomach. "Mary was the one who put it together..."

Amber grits her teeth. "Stand up for yourself! Explain why I shouldn't stomp you into the ground, right now! How could you not trust me enough to take me with you?" she asks, sounding genuinely angry and hurt. She shoves him. "Don't I mean anything to you?"

"I, we, uh," he stumbles in search of words, looking towards you for assistance.

As amusing as this exchange is, you could do without a fight or an emotionally compromised minion and so you weave a lie. "This was an incredibly dangerous mission, Amber. I decided to take as few people as absolutely needed in order to attempt to steal the princess from under the Moon Elf's nose: myself, Ben and Lady Silverwind for her knowledge of ancient elven culture. The idea was sound, and the moongate ritual I discovered works like a charm, but she found us out. We were forced to do battle with her."

Amber looks at you, conflicted between her feelings and the brand that is unknowingly affecting her.

Bargum scratches his beard, giving you a suspicious look. "Ye beat her, then? She dead?"

You nod and simply say, "We did."

Amber's head tilts forward slightly. "Oh... I just..." She lets out a sigh. "I just didn't want to be left out, is all... I'm not useless just because I'm--"

She stops midsentence and promptly turns away, her face burning red. Ben looks back and forth between you and her, confused.

>Drop the point and move on
>Give her and Ben some alone time
>Have her admit it in the open
>Go and speak with her in private
>Other
>>
>>2978466
>Give her and Ben some alone time
>>
>>2978466
>>Give her and Ben some alone time
>>
>>2978466
>>Have her admit it in the open
>>
>>2978466
>Give her and Ben some alone time

It's more important he takes care of Amber and keeps her happy than hurts her with the truth.

Also we gotta get rid of Amber some time. She's too disruptive
>>
>>2978466
What did that hundo >>2977642 get us?
>>
>>2978466
>Have her admit it in the open

With us being supportive.
>>
>>2978466
>Give her and Ben some alone time
>>
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>>2978908
A random event based around it (and the other rolls) that will resolve upon us going to the tomb.
>>2978653
>>2978694
>>2978754
>>2979087

You nod at Ben. "You two should have a talk," you tell him, motioning to the next room over. Ben complies, putting an arm around her shoulder and walking her into the next chamber, leaving you and Bargum alone.

The dwarf puts his hands on his belt and wrinkles his nose contemplatively. "Must be quite a story, goin' up to the moon."

"That it is, but I'll give you the short of it," you reply, casually walking over to a lounging chair. "The Moon Elf was indeed powerful, but she defeated herself."

"Oh?"

"Her mind was shattered from years of imprisonment, broken into different personalities all struggling to control one body. There was never a moment when she was whole; this is how we were able to beat her by taking advantage of her ruined state. From there, it was a simple matter of devising a means to free the princess and deliver her home."

He scratches his beard for a moment before shrugging and changing the subject. "Well, good fortune, I 'spose. The wee lad's been gettin' anxious lately, all cooped up in that tower."

"About what?"

"His family tomb," Bargum explains.

"Ah, yes, of course..." You cross your legs and cup your chin delicately in thought. "Perhaps it is time to settle that after all."

At that moment, Faye teleports into the entry hall. She looks around. "What's this place?"

"Our new home," you say. "I was just introducing the others to it."

Faye claps her hands together. "Fantastic! But first, I have something for you."

Bargum steps aside as Faye walks up and hands you a scroll. "It was dropped off earlier."

You unravel it and look it over, quickly realizing that it is a contract from Angelo. You keep your expression neutral so as not to arouse any suspicion from the dwarven runepriest, who cannot see the contents of the scroll. "Ah, I see," you say in an equally neutral tone. Sparing Bargum a look, you tell him, "Business with a partner of ours."

He nods before walking off to find Alex, who is undoubtedly running around the second floor by the sounds of tiny feet running above the ceiling. You stand up and move off with Faye to another room to thoroughly examine this contract. It covers everything you discussed with Angelo: trade concerning food, medicine, supplies and immigration services for your realm, primarily how much all of it will cost. With your realm's treasuries and your own income, it is well within acceptable limits, though much of it will have to be drawn from your own personal tithes that the cults tend to pay you. To Angelo's credit, the contract specifies only gold, and nothing to do with payment in the forms of souls, slaves or other alternative means.

"A devil of his word," you mutter, though you can't help but notice that a decent chunk of the change goes to him personally for setting all of this up and negotiating with the merchants.
>>
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>>2979584
"This part here," Faye points out a large paragraph near the bottom, "is of particular interest, I think."

You read it over diligently. It concerns the creation of a marketplace within Aran, build around a central portal that will be created. This portal will allows merchants from other realms and planes to enter Aran and deal their wares. As it is so difficult for anyone to enter the realm without permission (or the assistance of shadow demons, as you recently found out with the fiasco your brother created) you will need to give your blessing to the creation of this portal. The contract specifies that the protection and security of your realm still ultimately falls to you, but says that the marketplace is still firmly under your jurisdiction.

The paragraph immediately following it concerns the various rights and protections afforded to the merchants who intend to enter Aran and do business: the right to protect themselves with their own staff and magical wards, the right to establish street vendors and own property, insurance against violent action taken upon them by the natives of your realm, the right to dictate prices of their wares, the right to pursue legal matters in accordance with various protections given to them by their own contracts and standing with the interdimensional merchant's guild, and so on.

Faye looks at the troubled look on your face. "Is everything alright?"

"This is quite a lot to take in," you say, turning the contract over and discovering that it has an entire second half. "Tax percentages? Tax exemption status? Investment guarantees, subsided domestic industries, import quotas, non-tariff barriers to trade...?" You set the paper down and sigh in frustration. "I just wanted something simple."

Faye frowns. "Do we know anyone who is really good with this kind of stuff?"

"Angelo, apparently," you deadpan. "There's something in here that benefits him, and it isn't just his cut of the gold. But I can't discern half of what it means."

Faye thinks hard. "What about an impartial third party?"

"I'm listening."

"I could summon a lawyer from another realm, like a realm of order. You know, the kind where everyone has a stick up their ass and does everything down to the letter."

"I suppose that is worth a try... How long would it take?"

"Usually I make it a point to avoid inter-realm law, since I technically don't even belong in this reality, but I do know these things aren't exactly slow. They'd review it and cross-examine it and bounce it around to several departments and consultants before getting back to us."

You lean back and fold your arms. "Hmmm..."

>Just sign the thing and get it over with.
>Let's talk about it with Angelo directly.
>Let's study it ourselves and make our own determination.
>Let's hire a smart lawyer from a realm of law and order.
>Other
>>
>>2979585
>Let's study it ourselves and make our own determination.
>Let's hire a smart lawyer from a realm of law and order.
>>
>>2979585
>>Let's hire a smart lawyer from a realm of law and order.
>>
>>2979585
>>Let's hire a smart lawyer from a realm of law and order.
>>
>>2979585
>>Let's hire a smart lawyer from a realm of law and order.
>>
>>2979585
>>Let's study it ourselves and make our own determination.
>>Let's hire a smart lawyer from a realm of law and order.
And on of the neutral law and order realms. No demonic law and order shits.
>>
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>>2979653
>>2979701
>>2979703
>>2979739
>>2979839

After a moment, you decide. "Alright, Faye. Get in contact with a lawyer from a realm of order."

"On it," she says, taking out her spellbook. "I'll get back in touch as soon as I summon one."

As you leave the study, Alex nearly runs into you, stopping just short of slamming into your legs. He looks up with a big, goofy grin between his rosy cheeks. "Mary! This place is amazing! I liked the tower, but this is like a real house!"

"I'm glad you like it," you say with a smile.

"Did you see the top of the tower for this place, yet?" he asks, taking you by the hand. "Come on!"

You let yourself be dragged by him up the rounding staircase to the top of the tower, where there is an observation platform covered by a stilted roof. There is an old telescope here, likely meant for stargazing. "Look!" he says, leaning up on his toes to try to peer through it. You smile, hoist him up by his armpits and help him to look through the telescope. "You can see so far with this!"

You set him down and kneel in front of him. "But can you see where we are going to go?"

"Where's that?"

"To your family tomb."

His eyes widen. "Really? Is it time?!"

"Very, very soon," you say, giving his blonde hair a tussle. "Let's get settled in first. We're farther north than before, on the Dragodian border. We'll need to plan our journey to the tomb."

"I'll get right on it," he says, then pauses. He suddenly throws his arms around you in a tight embrace. "Thank you, Mary. When we first met, I was on my way to the Redford family tomb, but I don't think I would've made it through there on my own. It really means a lot to me to have family that will help me see this through."

"Anything for you," you say, hugging him back just as tightly. "We'll find out what curse is on your family."

You part with him and send him along his way, telling him that his room will be the secondary bedroom of the main house. As you walk downstairs, you see Faye walking up to meet you. "I found one."

"What? Already? It's only been several minutes!"

"I've actually found three."

You stare blankly at her. "How?"

"I got in touch with an interdimensional agency that finds lawyers, and they sent me some candidates."

"I'm just frankly shocked at how quickly you worked."

"Well, to be honest, this isn't the first time I've had a run-in with this kind of thing. Before you pulled me out of that mirror, I was getting into all kinds of trouble across many realms. Some organizations got involved and, well, I'm still wanted in some places. So if you could not mention me, I'd appreciate it, okay?"

"Okay... let me see the list." She hands you a scroll and you read it over.
>>
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>>2980032

Choose:

>Calvin Twoloo - Mind Flayer, accountant, clerked for several law firms in R'lyeh, specializes in victim advocacy and zoning restrictions, currently employed by H&R Block

>Ka Suhl Tor - Being from a realm of technological order, analyzes all life with cold detachment, alien intellect of unparalleled observatory skill, district attorney

>The Uncoiled - Unholy abomination resulting from three wizards merging into one, master of the elements, has three business degrees, works for Morgenstern & Mordenkainen

>Utai the Three-Eyed - Formerly human ascended monk, millennia old, exists simultaneously across multiple planes of existence, knows the true way of the Inner Path and tax laws

>Xyseeniom - Slug-like monster from Dimension X, speaks all languages and understands all knowledge, potentially witnessed the birth of time, speaks in backwards riddles

>Faye, look again.
>>
>>2980034
>>Utai the Three-Eyed - Formerly human ascended monk, millennia old, exists simultaneously across multiple planes of existence, knows the true way of the Inner Path and tax laws
>>
>>2980034
>>Calvin Twoloo - Mind Flayer, accountant, clerked for several law firms in R'lyeh, specializes in victim advocacy and zoning restrictions, currently employed by H&R Block
sounds like the best pick to protect our people
>>
>>2980034
>Utai the Three-Eyed - Formerly human ascended monk, millennia old, exists simultaneously across multiple planes of existence, knows the true way of the Inner Path and tax laws
>>
>>2980043
>>2980046

"Well, it is quite the list," you say, cocking a brow. You run your finger down the list, stopping at the second-to-last entry. "This one sounds interesting. 'Utai, the Three-Eyed.' See if you can hire him, if it doesn't run us out of gold."

"You got it," she says, taking the list back. "This one might take a little longer."

"Ten minutes instead of five?"

"We'll see," she says with a cheeky grin before heading off to perform her rituals.

You walk up to your bedroom, pausing at the window to see Ben and Amber outside of the guest house. He is hugging her from behind, warmly wrapping his arms around her and gently rubbing her stomach. Her hands are on his, and he is kissing the top of her strawberry-red hair.

'Adorable,' you think with a smile, but then your mind is assaulted by a static fog of anti-divination magic. Your innate resistance to scrying kicks in and you redirect it back, initally expecting that it may be your family trying to discern your location, but instead you are met with a similar level of resistance on the other end, one that is all too familiar.

"Witch Hunter."

"Sirena. I heard a certain 'Mary' was involved in defeating the Moon Elf and rescuing the princess."

"News spreads that quickly?"

"I have sources that move faster than most. Incidentally, the time has come for our assembly."

"Right now?"

"Tonight. I've convinced the others to travel to Bridge Town. Most of the organization is going to make it. You are expected to make an appearance and present your case against Mordrax. Remember, you'll have my protection."

"Am I to come alone?"

"You won't be alone. I'll be there with you."

"Cute. So, I have no other assurances?"

"I already told you that you'll have my protection, and I called the meeting in the first place. If you wanted to enact some kind of petty revenge against me for initially tracking you down, I suppose making me feel foolish for placing some faith in you would be a good start."

You let out a light chuckle. "I'll be there. Where am I to meet you?"

"The tavern. I'll buy you a drink."

"Do you treat all the women you introduce to your secret society to a drink?"

You can almost hear his smirk on the other end. "Not all of them. I'll see you there."

With that, the communication is severed, and you find yourself straightening your dress, though you do not quite know why. Something about the Witch Hunter makes you excited. He is an ally whom you initially assumed to be an enemy, but were he to discover certain truths about you he likely wouldn't think twice about cutting you down. He is powerful, fast... and quite handsome. He would make a wonderful minion, or a nightmare of an enemy. You'll have to tread lightly when you meet with him tonight, just as you have during your previous encounters.

Judging by the sun in the sky, you have a few hours before it would be a good time to travel to Bridge Town.
>>
>>2980270

>Help Alex prepare for the tomb
>See how Ben and Amber are faring
>Get in contact with one of your allies
>Travel to Aran and settle some business
>Other
>>
>>2980273
>Help Alex prepare for the tomb
>>
>>2980273
>>Help Alex prepare for the tomb
>>
>>2980273
>>Help Alex prepare for the tomb
>>
>>2980273
>Help Alex prepare for the tomb
>>
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>>2980286
>>2980291
>>2980304
>>2980441

During that time, you decide to assist Alex in preparing for the journey. You make liberal use of the teleportation circle to travel back to Redford Keep, taking several supplies and allowing Alex to retrieve all of his belongings. As you help him unpack in his room, you go over his map to the tomb that he has pieced together from various sources.

"I know this is in the right spot, because I have prayed for guidance and received visions leading me to it," he says to you, pointing at the spot on the map. "I have even seen the entrance in a dream, and my family name is written on it!"

You smile down at him. "You truly do have amazing powers, don't you?"

"I only have what the First Faith has given me, and all of their powers are amazing," he quickly and dutifully replies.

"So humble. But you are vastly more powerful than most other children your age, do you know this?"

The question seems to make him uncomfortable. "I do... but I don't like to think about it like that."

"Why not?"

"If I start to see myself as having powers that make me stronger than others, I might start feeling superior to them, and that will affect my judgment."

"But you are better than some of them."

"Well... maybe criminals and those of evil intent. But I'm not better than them, I just know better. They're misguided. It is written that a wise and good person never sees themself as a ruler, but as a guide to others. So maybe I can help those who are misguided."

You sit back, considering his words. "Being a guide to others is very important. Setting a good example for all to follow can make a big difference in the world." You lean forward and give him a quick peck on the forehead, making his cheeks burn up. "I'm proud of you for always wanting to do the right thing. The world would be a better place if we had more little boys like you in it."

He averts his eyes. "Aw, Mary..." You then notice his smile fade somewhat.

"What is it?"

"What if I don't like what I find tomorrow?" he asks in a light whisper. "About my family..."

>We are a family now, and that is what matters most.
>No matter what you find, you are not defined by it.
>Are you afraid of what you will learn, or is it just nerves?
>We can't run from what we learn or what we are.
>Other
>>
>>2980459
>>We are a family now, and that is what matters most.
>>No matter what you find, you are not defined by it.
>>
>>2980459
>>We are a family now, and that is what matters most.
>>No matter what you find, you are not defined by it.
"I should know. My family is terrible"
>>
>>2980459
>>We are a family now, and that is what matters most.
>>No matter what you find, you are not defined by it.
>>
>>2980459
>>Other: Tough Love
"Well, you're just gonna have to get over that kiddo. How do expect to be a good guide to others if you're scared of what you're guiding them too? Now man-up and get ready!"
>>
>>2980459
>We are a family now, and that is what matters most.
>>
>>2980468
>>2980490
>>2980715
>>2981516

You give him a look of slight surprise, then hug him. "We are a family now, and that is what matter's most. No matter what you find, you are not defined by it."

This seems to calm him down and he eagerly returns the hug. "Thank you, Mary. You're always so wise and smart. I hope we'll always be together."

"I think we will," you say, pulling back to look down at his cherubic face. "After all, you're my child now, and I'll always look after you."

Small tears well in his eyes as he tries to swallow them back. "I love you, mommy."

"I love you too." You lean down and give him a small kiss, lifting up his chin with your hand. As with every other time, you slip your magic through your lips, further enchanting him to fall under your spell. When you pull away, he is somewhat dizzy and has a big grin on his face. "Now, be sure to wash up before bed. Mommy has some business to take care of this evening."

He nods and you leave his room, closing the door behind you. After selecting a suitable dress and applying your usual beauty spells, you prepare for your date with the Witch Hunter.

You pause at the door. Date? That's not right. You're having a very important meeting with him to receive access to a conclave of powerful individuals whom you need to convince are on your side. Hardly a date. Still, you check your hair one last time to make sure it is perfect. After all, first impressions are everything. It certainly isn't for him.

Using the teleportation circle, you arrive in the Bridge Town brothel to find a quiet evening of the usual sort a brothel attracts. Patrons usually prefer doing their business quietly, after all. A simple stroll down the street and across the bridge takes you to the tavern, and once within, a kind of nostalgia washes over you as you recall this being the bar where you celebrated with Ben and Merriam the night before you met Kaylessa.

The Witch Hunter is sitting near the back, his hood low and two drinks upon his table. You slide into the seat opposite him, and he gives you a welcoming grin. "I almost thought you'd take me up on that petty revenge."

"I only care about one revenge, and it isn't petty," you reply, taking your drink. He offers a toast, and you clink your mug against his and drink the warm, somewhat bitter liquid. As you set the drink down, you consider how to best handle this situation.

>Be professional
>Be playful
>Be noncommittal
>Be flirty
>Other
>>
>>2982033
>Be flirty

Sirena mode activated
>>
>>2982033
>Be flirty
>>
>>2982033
>Be flirty
>>
>>2982042
>>2982062
>>2982081
Let me have a few seduction rolls, 1d100, just for fun.
>>
Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>2982105
>>
Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>2982105
>>
Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>2982105
>>
Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>2982105
>>
Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>2982105
>>
>>2982108
>>2982109
>>2982117
>>2982119
>>2982128

Drawing your finger around the lip of the mug, you lean forward with a sultry look in your eyes, purposefully giving him a look at how low-cut the front of your dress is. "So, since you trust me enough to get me into a meeting of your little club, I don't suppose you'd let me peek under the hood a little, hm?"

He drinks, keeping his eyes on yours. "You mean like my name?"

"You know mine. It seems only fair that I learn yours. After all, I'm not a member of your organization."

"Maybe," he says, setting down the mug. You reach forward and lightly brush his fingertips with your own. He smiles, and you smile back at him, ever-so-slightly tilting your head to accent your naturally good looks.

"I just thought that since we'll be working together, we should get to know each other some more."

He doesn't break eye contact as he leans in some more, and you follow him, your faces now only a foot or so apart. "You once told me that I might not like all the things you do. Something tells me that what you really mean is that you want to get to know me, and not the other way around."

Your smile falters for half a second before you switch tactics. "You should know that my intentions are only ever pure."

"Purely for revenge," he points out. "You told me yourself. Your exact words were, 'Everything else is secondary to that.' I once told you that one day, after this is all over, I'd like to settle down with a family. Forgive me for saying this, but I don't see you as the 'settling down' type."

"Why worry so much about the future, when we could enjoy the present?"

He chuckles and picks his mug back up. "Sorry, but right now you're at the other end of this table, and that's the way I want it."

Your smile slowly fades. 'Am I being rejected? How can that be? No man has ever resisted my charms...'

>Double down, he clearly is just playing hard to get!
>Be insulted; how dare he not want a piece of this?
>Act aloof, as if you were never interested at all.
>Stay professional and go to the meeting.
>Other
>>
>>2982169
>Double down, he clearly is just playing hard to get!
>>
>>2982169
>Double down, he clearly is just playing hard to get!
>>
>>2982169
>>Stay professional and go to the meeting.
Cant catch them all.
>>
>>2982169
>Be insulted; how dare he not want a piece of this?

Either double down or be insulted
>>
>>2982169
>>Double down, he clearly is just playing hard to get!
>>
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>>2982175
>>2982179
>>2982203
>>2982250

You stand up and walk around the table, sliding into his side of the booth. He cocks a brow as you lean against him, pressing your amble chest against his arm as you whisper into his ear, "I think you're lying to yourself, Witch Hunter. You're curious. You've hunted so many witches, and now here's one unlike any you've ever seen. More beautiful, more intelligent, more alluring than any you've ever known or hunted before."

He averts his eyes, but you put a finger under his chin and hook him back to face you as you stare deeply into his eyes, feeling his rugged cheek and strong jaw as you run your hand down his chin and neck towards his chest, where you plant it firmly upon his abdomen, poised perfectly so as to imply that you could go even lower.

"Don't you want to hunt me?" you whisper, practically crawling up his arm. "Don't you want to know what it would feel like? To stab a witch without using your sword?"

You see a bead of sweat roll down his forehead. His hand on the table reflexively clenches. More importantly, you see him subtly lick his lips and try to look away, the telltale signs of a man facing tempation. Your honeyed words, incredible body and alluring eyes are affecting him, all the more when you, mere inches from his ear, whisper, "I know I do..."

He picks up his mug and shrugs his arm, pushing you slightly backwards. "The meeting will begin soon," he says, finishing his drink after doing so. "I don't want to be late."

You pout and slide out of the booth as he moves. Once he stands, he drops a few coins on the table and avoids making eye contact as he clears his throat and heads towards the door. With a hand on your hip, you smirk. 'He wants me, but I've never known a man who can hold back so strongly...' You follow him out of the tavern and down onto the docks, where he approaches a door beneath the bridge, built into the wall of stone. He knocks on it a few times in rapid succession, banging out some kind of code.

The door opens and he quickly ushers you inside, into a dark room you never knew existed. It is dark and dimly lit, and several figures are lined around the room. All of them look up as you enter.

>Give me a 1d40, please.
>>
Rolled 6 (1d40)

>>2982266
>>
Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>2982266
>>
Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>2982266
>>
Rolled 39 (1d40)

>>2982266
>>
>>2982270
>>2982274
1d40, gents, I know it's a little unnusual.
>>
Rolled 22 (1d40)

>>2982278
>>
Rolled 10 (1d40)

>>2982278
>>
>>2982267
>>2982275
>>2982279
>>2982282
Now, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like some 1d10s, please.
(This is for random generation of the members of the secret society, if you're wondering.)
>>
Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>2982289
>>
Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>2982289
>>
Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>2982289
>>
Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>2982289
>>
>>2982293
>>2982294
>>2982298
>>2982299
Alright, and for one final roll, I'd like you to roll 1d184 (I know, odd number)
>>
Rolled 40 (1d184)

>>2982304
>>
Rolled 106 (1d184)

>>2982304
>>
Rolled 59 (1d184)

>>2982304
>>
Rolled 144 (1d184)

>>2982304
>>
Rolled 146 (1d184)

>>2982304
>>
>>2982306
>>2982311
>>2982317
>>2982333
>>2982337
Thank you. Writing now.
>>
>>2982266

As the Witch Hunter enters and approaches from behind, you look around at the members of his society, seeing seven figures all sitting around a circular wooden table, each more different than the last. There is a hooded figure with pale, sickly-looking skin, whose face is entirely hidden from sight, though two yellow eyes glow in that darkness beneath the hood. To his left sits a young woman dressed somewhat plainly, with a jeweled choker around her neck and a set of round spectacles that seem to make her eyes larger than they actually are. To her left is a fat, bloated frog-looking thing, whose belly seems to expand and contract in a nearly comical manner with each breath. He appears to be in possession of some kind of stick wedged under one of his arms, though you cannot imagine it is used for walking.

To his left is an elven woman with dark, dusky skin, wearing strange garments that match no style you have ever seen. Her bright blue eyes pierce the dim light of the room as she stares directly at you with an unreadable expression. To her left is what appears to be a dryad, a woman shaped of wood, complete with leaves and foliage for hair along with two antler-like branches growing out of the tangled mess of green. She is completely nude, but also made out of wood, so modesty is likely not an issue. To her left is a thin man, wearing all black, the bottom of his face covered with a cloth. He looks like some kind of assassin from the east, and he carries weapons that would seem to imply as much.

And finally, to his left and your immediate right, there is...

Your brother.

Rainard Le Doux, exiled from your family due to his inability to manifest magic, your only younger sibling, now sitting here as a member of a secret society of nameless individuals who fight the evils of the world. He doesn't seem to have any strong reaction upon seeing you, but is this because he knew you would be here? Why would he not have reached out ahead of time? Does he want to see what you will do?

>Acknowledge him as your brother, revealing who he is to his society
>Pretend you do not know him
>Wait for the Witch Hunter to introduce them all
>Reveal to the others that you know him, but do not give away the nature of your relationship
>Other
>>
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>>2982427
The others.
>>
>>2982427
>Reveal to the others that you know him, but do not give away the nature of your relationship
>>
>>2982427
>Reveal to the others that you know him, but do not give away the nature of your relationship
>Wait for the Witch Hunter to introduce them all
>>
>>2982427
>Wait for the Witch Hunter to introduce them all
>>
>>2982427
>>Reveal to the others that you know him, but do not give away the nature of your relationship
>>
>>2982435
>>2982439
>>2982454
>>2982481

"I know you," you say to him, which seems to surprise him somewhat.

He narrows his eyes and says, "Then you have me at a disadvantage."

The Witch Hunter approaches one of the two empty seats. "Then let us dispel it. This is the Witch Queen."

The frog-like man blubbers to himself, then speaks in a thick voice, "You brought your usual prey to one of our meetings, Witch Hunter? Perhaps you are growing soft."

The cloaked figure holds up a hand. "Give everyone the benefit of a doubt."

The frog makes a noise which could perhaps be a scoff, but with more burbling. "You would say that, wouldn't you?"

The Witch Hunter holds up a hand, asking for silence. "Let me introduce our organization." He motions to the hooded figure. "This is the Misunderstood, a necromancer of great skill who is dedicated to wielding the power for the sake of good."

Next, he indicates the girl with the glasses. "The Record Keeper, whose nearly perfect memory allows us to always recount previous meetings to the absolutely smallest details." She continues to stare at you from behind her large glasses.

Next, the frog-creature. "The Bloated One, who needs no further introduction." He enlarges his throat with a thick breath of air, seemingly in protest of the comment.

The elf with the glowing eyes is next. "The Time Mage, a time traveller from the future." Your eyes widen at the mention of that. She is from the future? What could that possibly entail and imply? Does she know who you actually are?

You keep your reaction under control. 'She can't be from the future... it must be a boast. I know a time spell in the form of suspended duel, but to actually travel backwards in time? That is impossible.'

The Time Mage merely continues to glare in your direction.

Now he indicates the dryad. "The Wildspeaker, warden of the natural world, protector of the balance of life."

"Let it be known that I protest this meeting location," she says, primarily to the Record Keeper, who nods. "The stink of this city makes even the water under the bridge tainted and foul."

The man to Rainard's right is then introduced. "The Silent. I'll let him tell you all you need to know about him." You look at the fellow, who says nothing, merely sitting in his chair with his arms folded. The Witch Hunter smiles and rubs his chin. "Sorry. I can't resist that joke."

And finally he comes to your brother. "This is the Alchemist, master planner and genius with all things alchemical."

"You don't say," you reply, looking down at him. He meets your gaze with guarded suspicion.

>Sit down and begin the meeting
>Reveal yourself as Sirena Le Doux
>Immediately inform them why you had the Witch Hunter arrange this meeting
>Discuss your recent defeat of the Moon Elf
>Other
>>
>>2982522
>>Immediately inform them why you had the Witch Hunter arrange this meeting
>>
>>2982522
>Immediately inform them why you had the Witch Hunter arrange this meeting
>>
>>2982522
>Immediately inform them why you had the Witch Hunter arrange this meeting
>>
>>2982522
>Immediately inform them why you had the Witch Hunter arrange this meeting
>>
Rolled 73 (1d184)

>>2982304
actually an even number
>>
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>>2982561
Cheeky, but not wrong
>>2982529
>>2982532
>>2982537
>>2982550

You clear your throat and launch into an immediate explanation. "I asked the Witch Hunter to call this meeting because Mordrax is planning on taking over the kingdom by overthrowing the Dragodian royal family at the upcoming ball and create a mage-ruled empire. To this end, he framed his apprentice to rid him of suspicion, has forced several noble families into supporting him and cast a nation-wide curse of infertility upon non-humans in an attempt to fracture the alliance between man and elf and create a hostile political climate in which to take over."

The members all exchange various glances before the Bloated One burbles out, "Do you have any proof?"

You smile. "As a matter of fact, I do." You take out the gem containing your brother's soul. "I have here the soul of Jeaneus Le Doux, co-conspirator of Mordrax's plan. Under interrogation, he will reveal the truth."

As you place the gem on the table, you notice Rainard's neutral reaction. "And just how did you come about the soul of this man?"

Looking at him, you reply, "He was sent to attack me when Mordrax learnt of my plans to stop him. He made a pact with the shadow demons who dwell within my realm to gain entrance to it, and brought with him an army of demons. I slew him in the streets. If you would like me to bring in some witnesses, I could make it happen."

"That won't be necessary," the Misunderstood says, reaching for the gem. "I can summon his soul and question him about these accusations."

Rainard shifts uncomfortably in his seat. "Very well, then."

You look at him and realize that if Jeaneus is summoned, he will likely reveal the truth of his identity to the group.

>Reveal yourself as well, step into the light with him
>Take back the soul gem
>Let Rainard be revealed by Jeaneus; stay in your disguise
>Ask if the Misunderstood can question Jeaneus in private
>Other
>>
>>2982642
>Reveal yourself as well, step into the light with him
>>
>>2982642
>>Reveal yourself as well, step into the light with him
>>
>>2982642
>>Reveal yourself as well, step into the light with him
Hopefully one of our family is not a dick.
>>
>>2982642
>Reveal yourself as well, step into the light with him

Cast our Witch Queen Aura?
>>
>>2982647
>>2982648
>>2982659
>>2982673

You thrust your hand upwards. "Wait." They all look up at you as you straighten yourself and declare, "I have not been entirely honest with you. But I can go no further without breaking your code of conduct. For in summoning Jeaneus Le Doux, he will reveal the identity of the Alchemist." You look at him and say, "Unless he would like to leave."

"I think not," he replies. "And if you are who I think you are, you'll step into the light with me."

"Of course... brother." With a simple flick of your wrist, you cast off your disguise and stand before them with your true visage. "I am Sirena Le Doux, Witch Queen of Aran, former apprentice of would-be emperor Mordrax."

Now eyes fall upon your brother, who rises alongside you. "And I am Rainard Le Doux." He looks at you from head to foot. "Sirena. It has been a long time."

"It certainly has."

"I heard our family home was recently destroyed by a sudden lightning storm."

"I may have had something to do with that."

The Bloated One throws up a hand. "What are these theatrics and dramas? Is this a meeting, or a play?"

The Wildspeaker taps her hands on the table, wood on wood. "Did you know of all of this, Witch Hunter?"

"I knew who she was," he replies, then looks at Rainard. "But not he."

The Misunderstood clears his throat. "Perhaps we should get to the point of proving whether or not Mordrax is guilty of what he has been accused of."

The girl with the glasses speaks up for the first time since your arrival. "Pardon me, but if you are Sirena Le Doux, accused of high treason and plotting to murder the royal family, revealed by your master Mordrax, wouldn't that make your story less credible as you are clearly biased against him?"

The Bloated One bloats out an agreement. "Furthermore, she is exactly the kind of criminal we've all dealt with throughout our careers. How can she be trusted?"

The Witch Hunter stands up. "I brought Sirena here because I believe what she has to say. If her brother's soul corroborates her story, then we should all believe it. Furthermore, Sirena herself rescued the high elven princess from the moon elf's prison."

The Wildspeaker seems surprised. "That was you, hmm?"

The Misunderstood then holds up the gem. "I will need to prepare my spells of summoning and truth. This will only take a few moments."

You feel a hand take your own and Rainard pulls you into the corner of the room while other members of the organization begin talking amongst themselves regarding these new revelations. Rainard folds his arms in front of his chest. "Well, now they know who I am. Thank you, big sister."

>My apologies, little brother.
>Unfortunately it seemed inevitable.
>They, and you, now know who I am as well.
>How have you been since last we met?
>Other
>>
>>2982722
>They, and you, now know who I am as well.
>>
>>2982722
>My apologies, little brother.
>How have you been since last we met?
>>
>>2982722
>Unfortunately it seemed inevitable.
>They, and you, now know who I am as well.
>>
>>2982722
>>My apologies, little brother.
>>Unfortunately it seemed inevitable.
>How have you been since last we met?
>>
>>2982726
>>2982727
>>2982729
>>2982732

"My sincerest apologies, little brother. It seems I was destined to reveal you, but imagine my surprise when I saw you here among this group. At least they know who I am as well."

"Imagine my surprise to learn you've become a ruler of your own realm. Not quite what I had imagined when I learned you were exiled from the capital."

"I was framed, of course. Mordrax is the true villain."

"I suppose we'll learn in a moment. You truly killed our brother?"

"Our family betrayed me in every sense of the word when they willingly allied with Mordrax. It almost makes me want to renounce my family name."

"Well, it seems we have more in common than I thought."

"I am glad to hear that. How have you been since last we met?"

"When I was sent into exile, I travelled into unknown lands, assumed several identities, slowly built up a network of allies and resources, mastered the skills of my trade and now am the master of my destiny without relying on the support of my noble blood."

Your lips curl into a wide smile. "Far more in common than you thought. You and I have lived dual lives, it seems, though with different results. I must admit it is somewhat pleasing to have someone of my flesh and blood who does not want me dead."

"So, it's all true then," he muses, scratching his beard. "Our entire family has taken up with Mordrax and his plan." He looks back up at you. "So, we'll have to stop them, but that leaves me with just one question: what are you in this for, Sirena?"

"What does that mean? It should be obvious."

"It is obvious. I just want to hear you say it."

>Revenge on Mordrax.
>I want to do the right thing.
>Why are you part of this organization?
>Let's not waste time, get back to our seats.
>Other
>>
>>2982823
>Revenge on Mordrax
>>
>>2982823
>Revenge on Mordrax.
>Why are you part of this organization?
>>
>>2982823
>Revenge on Mordrax.

We might be selfish in our motivations, but we're no villain. We take our responsibilities seriously to care for our people and our realm. We might use them, as does any ruler, but we don't use them carelessly. And we feel it when we lose them. We're selfish, after all, and that includes being selfish about our people.
>>
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>>2982831
>>2982833
>>2982834

"Revenge on Mordrax," you reply.

He closes his eyes. "Yes."

"Disappointed?"

He opens his eyes and looks back at you. "I don't believe in revenge. For a long time I thought it was what I wanted against father, for what he did to me. I'm worried that you'll find out that when you get what you want, it will only leave you feeling hollow and empty inside."

You nearly find yourself rolling your eyes. "I don't think so."

He puts a hand on your shoulder and gets a sympathetic look on his face. "Sirena, there is more to life than revenge. If you live only to avenge yourself upon another, then what will you have when it is gone?"

"Satisfaction."

"Selfishness is dangerous."

"It can also be a good thing, Rainard. I take my responsibilities seriously and care for my people and realm. I might use them, as does any ruler, but I don't use them carelessly. And I feel it when I lose them. After all, I'm selfish about my people."

"But everything you have done has been in the pursuit of revenge. You rule a realm of people because it benefits you in some way to further your way towards that goal, but what will happen when you get what you want? What will become of your realm?"

"I will hold the greatest and grandest celebration in the history of Aran the day I acheive my revenge," you say with a mad grin. "I will make it a holiday and it will ring throughout the annals of history, as it deserves to. Everyone in all the realms deserves to know: I beat Mordrax."

His shoulders slump and his hands fall to his sides. "I see. Well, you can count on my help. But don't expect me to be there for your party."

"Do as you will, brother."

As the two of you return to your spots at the table, the Misunderstood places the soul gem back onto the surface and declares that he is ready to summon Jeaneus. A visage of him rises from the gem, blood red and translucent, held in confinement by a beam of light and a circle of summoning. The ghost of your brother twists and contorts in confusion, then he sees his foe.

"YOU!" he says, his face the definition of rage. "And... Rainard. How classy. A pair of failures, traitors and exiles... perfect."

"This 'failure' killed you and took your soul when you invaded her realm with an army of demons." You look at the Necromancer. "He must speak the truth?" The hooded figure nods, and you look back at Jeaneus. "This is true, isn't it?"

"It is," he begrudgingly admits. "But only because you cheated."

You look at the Misunderstood. "I thought he could only speak the truth."

The necromancer shrugs. "Well, 'cheating' is more of a subjective thing, and if he believes it to be true, it is. When it comes to matters of objective fact, he must be honest."

>Reveal your allegiance to Mordrax
>Tell us what you know of Mordrax's plan
>Let the others interrogate him
>Hey, it wasn't cheating, you're just a sore loser.
>Other
>>
>>2982931
>Other
What was planned in the event that you failed?

Which of our family would be possible to switch to our side?

What ways could we remove the Shadow demons from Aran?
>>
>>2982931
>>Reveal your allegiance to Mordrax
>>Tell us what you know of Mordrax's plan
The big plan. The one you told me about in our family home.
Not going to help if he reveals Mordrax's plan to dine at the nearest 5 star restaurant at christmas
>>
>>2982943
>>2982952

You look at the soul of your brother and immediately give him an order. "Reveal your allegiance to Mordrax and admit that father has willingly joined him in order to secure a position of power in his planned mage empire."

Everyone looks as the soul, who sighs, trapped by death and the spell of truthsaying. "It's true."

"Now tell us what you know of Mordrax's plan to overthrow the government."

"At the upcoming ball, which all of the families that Mordrax has brought under his control are invited to attend, he will stage a coup and capture or kill the royal family and any families who are not loyal to him. He plans on holding all of them hostage, but I don't know the details of how. My specific instruction was to have demons on standby to flood the city streets, keeping the royal guard occupied."

Rainard strokes his beard. "The capital has many ancient magical wards in place to prevent this kind of attack."

Jeaneus says, "Mordrax has been gathering supplies to undo those wards and replace them with wards of his own, robbing them of their defenses while strengthening his own."

You look at your brother and say, "I've had someone spying on Mordrax for some time. He has indeed been gathering massive quantities of material components." Looking back at the soul of your brother, you then demand him to reveal, "What was planned in the event that you failed?"

Jeaneus grumbles. "I wasn't told that."

"Which of our family would be possible to switch to our side?"

"Lambert probably. He's weak. Mother, too, but only if Aldric would switch, and you'll never get him to join you. You don't know how much he detests you, Sirena."

"I can imagine," you reply.

>Tell me Mordrax's weakness.
>Tell me the biggest flaw in his plan.
>Tell me the other families under his control.
>Tell me where our family is staying.
>I am done asking questions.
>Other
>>
>>2983595
>>Tell me Mordrax's weakness.
>>Tell me the biggest flaw in his plan.
And where would the other members of our family be waiting
>>
>>2983595
>>Tell me Mordrax's weakness.
>>Tell me the biggest flaw in his plan.
>>
>>2983595
>>Tell me Mordrax's weakness.
>>Tell me the biggest flaw in his plan.
>>Tell me the other families under his control.
>>Tell me where our family is staying.
Just tell us everything senpai
>>
>>2983595
>Tell me the biggest flaw in his plan.
>Tell me where our family is staying.
>>
>>2983595
>Tell me the other families under his control.
>>
>>2983595
> What would work to guarantee you serving me loyally if I returned you to life?

So now our other brother k ows we ain't a total monster, just forced by necessity.
>>
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>>2983613
>>2983631
>>2983757
>>2983823
>>2984016

Leaning over the table, you then demand of him, "Tell me Mordrax's weakness!"

Jeaneus scoffs. "If I knew that, I'd have taken him out myself. You're going up against someone whose been doing this for a long time, Sirena. He's got spells, servants and plans that you'll never be able to compare to."

"Then tell me the biggest flaw in his plan! That you know of, since you seem to have been told so little."

"I don't know that," he mutters, throwing up a hand. "That's pure speculation! Of what little portion of his plan he told to father, father only told a portion to me. The biggest flaw in his plan? That he ever decided to give you a second chance!"

"How right you are, considering that I am going to be the one to stop him," you announce, not only for his benefit but for the benefit of those around you. "Speaking of father, tell me where they are hiding."

"They're not hiding, they're in the capital, as guests of the royal family. Mordrax is keeping them close."

"Ah, so I see," you reply. "I take it they may not be the only 'guests' of the royal family that Mordrax is sponsoring in preparation for the ball? Tell me the other families that he has supporting his coup, name all that you know."

"The Le Doux Family, obviously. The Sadiquels, Barthets, Vallottons, and the Héroux."

The Witch Hunter looks over at the Record Keeper and asks, "Did you get all that?" She nods once.

You know those families. As is the case with the complicated, tangled web of noble family marriages, they are all connected with the Le Doux family in some way, be it through a cousin or a branch that started with your great-great-great grandparents. You think about them in turn: The Sadiquels are perhaps the closest of the bunch, with Sophie being married to your brother Aldric. The Barthets are another influential family, connected to the Le Doux line by way of the grandfather on your father's side's brother's daughter marrying into them; you also remember that two lesser families, the Besconds and Galopins are married into the Barthet line.

The Vallatons enter the picture through the marriage of the daughter of the grandfather on your mother's side, your aunt Raisa, and the marriage connections of her children bring the lesser families of the Appells and Jacquards. And then there are the Héroux, who are connected to your family through your grandmother's sister, whose children and children's children eventually connected to families such as the De Villiers and the Thibodeaux...

Your rub your head. So many hours spent locked away in a study, learning about the noble families you share even the smallest percentage of blood with...

>Enough questions for now, we have our proof.
>Jeaneus, I want you to serve me.
>Ask him more questions
>Let the others ask any questions they possess
>Other
>>
>>2984472
>Jeaneus, I want you to serve me.
>>
>>2984472
>Let the others ask any questions they possess
>>
>>2984472
>Let the others ask any questions they possess
>>
>>2984472
>Let the others ask any questions they possess
>Jeaneus, I want you to serve me.
>>
>>2984491
>>2984501
>>2984511
>>2984479

Satisfied with your line of questioning, you sit back and allow the others to ask their own questions. They do so, but with Jeaneus' limited knowledge of the plan, nothing else of significant note is discerned. The most valuable thing is that he has confirmed the existence of the plot, which has secured the assistance of the Witch Hunter's organization. After they have finished with their questions, the Necromancer prepares to banish the spirit back into the soul gem. You hold up your hand and tell him to wait ask that you may address your brother directly.

"Jeaneus, I'm not without a heart. As you are my brother, I will offer you a chance to return to some semblance of life, if you plege your allegiance to my cause."

The spirit of your brother sneers in contempt at the notion. "I choose confinement within the soul gem. It is the more preferable option."

You turn up your nose at him and give a small wave to the Misunderstood. The spirit of your brother reenters the soul gem as the hooded man undoes his spell. With the proof of the plot now in the open, true discussion can begin.

"We should take this evidence before the royal family," the Misunderstood suggests. "We have proof of a plot against them. The same testimony given here can be given in front of them."

"I do not think we would find much success," Rainard replies. " I imagine there isn't a single thing that reaches the royal family without Mordrax knowing about it and preparing for it."

"We should attempt to sabotage the plan before it can even begin," the Bloated One says. "Eliminate his stores of material components."

"I say we attempt to assassinate him," the Wildspeaker bluntly replies. "Cut the head of the flower off."

"He is much too powerful and prepared for a simple assassination," the Witch Hunter points out. "Paradoxical though it may seem, I think we should wait until he makes his move. He would be most vulnerable at the most vulnerable portion of his plan, which is the coup attempt itself."

The Bloated One gives a great guffaw. "Allow him to stage his attack on the ball? Rediculous! That is where he will be at his strongest!"

You look across the table at the Time Mage, who has not said a single word during this meeting. Neither has the Silent, but he apparently has an excuse built into his title. Instead, she continues to glare in your direction.

>We should wait until the ball and face him there.
>We should attempt to reveal his plot to the royal family.
>We should target his supplies and lieutenants.
>We should attempt to assassinate Mordrax.
>Ask what the Time Mage thinks; if she is truly from the future, then she would know the best course of action.
>Other
>>
>>2984639
>We should attempt to reveal his plot to the royal family.
>We should target his supplies and lieutenants.

It would delay him and we will need proof.
>>
>>2984639
>>We should attempt to reveal his plot to the royal family.
>>We should target his supplies and lieutenants
The royal family may not believe us or trust us, but its worth a shot. As for his materials, delay his plans, sow chaos in his operations. The more he spreads his assets to protect his stuff, the weaker hed be at the top.
>>
>>2984639
>>Ask what the Time Mage thinks; if she is truly from the future, then she would know the best course of action.
>We should attempt to reveal his plot to the royal family.
>>
I don't think we should try to reveal his plans to the royal family.
Approaching noble families with ties to non humans would be a better bet.
>>
>2984639
>>Ask what the Time Mage thinks; if she is truly from the future, then she would know the best course of action.
>>Mention that our word has some weight in the elven kingdom
>>
>>2984654
>>2984717
>>2984758
>>2984798
Eating a quick lunch, then writing the update.
>>
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>>2984654
>>2984717
>>2984758
>>2984798

You then speak your mind on the matter. "I agree with the Misunderstood. We have evidence and can expose Mordrax for the villain he is."

Rainard sits back and rubs his fingers together. "But securing an audience with the royal family without Mordrax knowing it would be nearly impossible. There would have to be a situation in which he would be distracted by some other matter. And even then, it is without doubt that he has spies in the royal court."

The Wildspeaker then offers, "What if we were to force them to witness the testimony? Perhaps we could invade their dreams or ambush them in their bedchamber."

The Witch Hunter shakes his head. "I know you care little for the intricacies of urban society, Wildspeaker, but they'd be less likely to believe us in that situation. Furthermore, the amount of wards and protections surrounding the royal family, several likely controlled by Mordrax himself, would prevent us from getting near them in such a manner."

Several more dicussions and suggestions are raised, as are questions about Mordrax's supply lines and lieutenants, but you find yourself fixating upon the Time Mage. For some reason, she hasn't stopped staring at you since your arrival; even the other quiet one looks around and seems to be involved, as they ask his opinion of various matters to which he responds in non-verbal ways. But this elf is a mystery.

Finally, you've had enough. "What of the Time Mage?" you ask aloud, and the other conversations quickly die down. "If she is truly from the future, surely she would have some idea of the proper course of action to take." You give her a smug grin and wait for her reaction.

She is like stone. For a few moments, she says and does nothing. When she finally does speak, it is brief.

"Mordrax will prevent any disruption of his plans before the evening of the ball. If his supplies are tampered with, he will simply get more. If his lieutenants are killed or captured, he will simply replace them. And if his plot is threatened to be revealed, he will stop it. Nothing is going to stop him from reaching the moment of his betrayal."

Your brow furrows. "What is that supposed to mean? You're saying he is unstoppable?"

"I am saying that he cannot be stopped before the moment he chooses to reveal his true intentions to the world. He has planned too long and put too many countermeasures into place. The only time when his plan can fail is the moment he is gambling his future as an emperor upon."

"And how do you know this? Because you are from the future, yes?" you say with a condescending tone.

"I am from many futures. I have seen the future in which Mordrax is defeated. I have also seen the future in which Mordrax wins."

>There can be no such future, for I will kill him.
>I demand proof of your claims.
>Then what do you suggest we do?
>This is preposterous. She's not from the future.
>Other
>>
>>2985009
>There can be no such future, for I will kill him.
>Then what do you suggest we do?
>>
>>2985009
>>There can be no such future, for I will kill him.
>Then what do you suggest we do?
>>
>>2985009
>>There can be no such future, for I will kill him.
>Then what do you suggest we do?
>>
>>2985013
This
Ask her if she knows about the outher current threats to the realm as well
>>
>>2985013
>>2985022
>>2985070
>>2985108

"Impossible," you scoff. "There can be no such future, for I will kill Mordrax."

"There can, and there may yet be." She rises from her seated position. "All you can do is prepare for when the time comes."

"That is what you suggest we do? Merely bide our time until he threatens to take over the entire kingdom of man and elf?"

"Each of us gathered here has access to a wide network of allies, and each of us have powers that, when combined, are not easily matched. We have twenty-five days until the coup. Twenty-five days to prepare for a moment that will decide the course of history for this world in numerous ways."

Everyone leans in, all of them clearly more aware of what she is talking about than you. "Is this truly one of the moments you have spoken of?" Rainard asks.

"Explain," you say, refusing to be left out of the loop.

The Time Mage raises her hand, which begins to glow blue as strange gear-like runes appear and surround her arm, a magical construct of an unknown system. From her palm springs forth a visage of an infinitely complex network of strings, all encircling a smaller system, and within it a smaller system, and on and on, surrounded by a strange series of gears all moving in sync with each other.

"I will not explain the mechanics of time. They are too vast for one to comprehend easily. But I will say this: every once in a great while, a moment within a timeline can matter more than any other that preceded it. These moments and their outcomes have far-reaching consequences that reverberate throughout the entire history of that time, as well as other worlds. These moments have wildly varring conclusions; this is in contrast to situations where the outcomes are relatively the same. We are approaching one such moment."

You take all of this in, staring at the beautiful network of timelines interwoven with each other, then look back at her. "And you cannot predict its outcome?"

"The very nature of these moments prevents their prediction. It is not so simple as to say that one side will win and another will lose. There are too many variables in too short a time. These moments create wildly different timelines, connecting to streams of time that already existed. Countless have been the number of times it has happened before, and countless will be the number of times it happens in the future as you know it. But for this world, in this moment, there is no way to predict what will happen. Only that the moment will come, and its outcome will affect everything."

She closes her palm, dispelling the vision.

>Well, if we have so little time, then I must do my part and prepare.
>Tell me what you have seen of my future.
>So what are the possible outcomes, exactly?
>What about mirrored realities?
>Other
>>
>>2985135
>Well, if we have so little time, then I must do my part and prepare.
>What about mirrored realities?
>>
>>2985135
>>Well, if we have so little time, then I must do my part and prepare.
>What about mirrored realities?
>>
>>2985135
>>Well, if we have so little time, then I must do my part and prepare.
>What about mirrored realities?
>>
>>2985135
>Well, if we have so little time, then I must do my part and prepare.
>What about mirrored realities?
>>
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>>2985170
>>2985188
>>2985203
>>2985219

Though you have never given any thought to the kinds of things she is describing, a thought occurs.

"What about mirrored realities?"

"What of them?"

"Will the same things that happen in one also happen in the other?"

"Not always. Especially if they are tampered with. Even one person who travels from one mirrored dimension into another could have dramatic effects on the twin-timelines, sending them spiraling into vastly different directions, still connected but now irreversibly altered."

She lets those words hang and merely stares at you. You find yourself inwardly gulping. 'Does she know about Faye?' you wonder. 'How much does she actually know?'

You clear your throat and announce, "Well, if we have so little time, then I must do my part and prepare."

The Bloated One agrees. "As must we all. Each of us has twenty-five days to prepare for the ball. We must begin coordinating our efforts and resources."

Rainard leans forward. "This is my specialty. Each of us is like a different ingredient in a mixture, and each of us brings different things: powers, allies, resources. I will soon be in touch with all of you to learn where best to mix our distinct flavors into a perfect concoction that will spell the end of Mordrax and his plot."

"What a colorful metaphor, brother." You look back at the Witch Hunter. "I take it this means our meeting is convened?"

He looks at the Record Keeper, who nods. You give her a look of your own, thinking, 'What a curious girl to be able to keep track of absolutely every word and detail. That's quite a useful ability.'

>Depart and head home
>Talk to Rainard
>Talk to the Witch Hunter
>Talk to someone else
>Other
>>
>>2985256
>>Talk to someone else
Ask the Misunderstood if they can make the truth spell on our brother's soul permanent.
So far he's our only evidence for the coup.
>>
>>2985256
this>>2985275
>>
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>>2985275
>>2985312

As the people around the table mingle, you approach the Misunderstood. He hands you the soul gem containing Jeaneus' soul back. You look at its ruby-red surface and then back up at him. "Would it be possible to permanently enchant him into telling the truth?"

The hooded man coughs into his hand. "Well, no. Truth circles are temporary sigils. If you'd like, I could teach you the spell to conjure one of your own."

"I'd like that, along with some more information. What exactly do they entail?"

"Well, any being inside of a circle of truth knows it. You can't trick someone into one, though you can force someone into one. As you learned earlier, the truth is clear when it comes to objective facts, but gets muddy when opinion or lack of knowledge is involved. That, and particularly powerful beings can be immune to the truth or bend the truth to their own belief. Generally speaking, the weaker the will of the individual, the more effective it is."

"So there are some drawbacks," you say, holding your chin with one hand. "What about beings who are immune to it?"

"Certain extraplaner creatures are. Demons, devils, angels and such. The further from a baseline mortal, or the more inherently powerful the creature, the easier it becomes for them to negate the kind of magic the truth sigil enforces. So, if you were to learn it, I would just recommend being careful who you use it on. After all, people don't like being forced to tell the truth."

"I read once that this kind of magic is usually only used by judges and officials of the law when conducting investigations. Is that true?"

"Usually, yes, for reasons you can imagine. But it is considered highly unethical to force someone into such a sigil, so they only allow those who are willing to be subjected to it and clearly consent. Of course, when the need is dire, a high enough official can wield the authority to force someone into it."

"I see... very good information, thank you."

>Learn the truth sigil
>Learn more about his views on necromancy
>Speak with someone else
>Leave
>Other
>>
>>2985442
>>Learn the truth sigil
>>Learn more about his views on necromancy
>>
>>2985442
>Learn the truth sigil
>>Learn more about his views on necromancy
>>
>>2985442
>Learn the truth sigil
>Learn more about his views on necromancy
>>
>>2985442
>Learn the truth sigil
Speak with our brother
>>
>>2985466
>>2985493
>>2985500
>>2985546

"Can you write that spell down for me?" you ask him.

"Certainly," he says, taking out a scroll. You sit next to him as he goes about his work of writing down the spell: its instructions, the symbols of the runes that need to be drawn, the components and hand gestures required and so forth.

As he works, you consider him briefly before inquiring, "You call yourself the Misunderstood, and everything I've been told about you indicates that you use necromancy for good. How and why?"

"Necromancy is an art like any other," he says as he works with his quill. "It has secrets, and intricacies, and ways to be abused for personal gain. People always say that magic like elementalism is to be applauded, but never seem to remember when some pryomaniac burns down a home with it. But if told someone you were an elementalist, they would greet you readily, or perhaps somewhat cautiously, but they don't immediately declare you an arsonist. Do you understand where I am going with this?"

"I believe so. You think necromancy itself is an art misunderstood by all and one that arouses immediate suspicion and distrust."

"I won't say it isn't for unfair reasons," he mutters. "Too many bad apples have spoiled the bunch. Far too many people immediately misuse necromancy for their own selfish or malevolent causes. I believe in having standards. Just because you can use a fire spell to burn down a house doesn't mean you should, much in the same way that just because you can resurrect a corpse and put it to work doesn't mean you should twist its flesh into an abomination and set it upon the innocent."

"So, what is your vision for the future, then? Once you've convinced everyone to not hate necromancers and taught proper use of the school."

He leans back. "Imagine a future where farm work is done by resurrected flesh, by bodies that do not tire. Manual labor, construction, even providing the primary force for an entire military."

"Yet, all it would take is one necromancer to turn a farm's worth of undead workers into his own personal legion."

He sighs. "I know. Perhaps that is why I shall always be the Misunderstood, and I've made peace with it." He finishes writing the spell and hands it to you.

>Ask him if he knows Albert and his family
>Talk to the Witch Hunter
>Talk to Rainard
>Talk to someone else
>Leave
>Other
>>
>>2985559
>>Ask him if he knows Albert and his family
>>
>>2985559
>2985559
>Ask him if he knows Albert and his family
>Talk to the Witch Hunter
>>
>>2985559
>>Ask him if he knows Albert and his family
>>
>>2985559
>>Ask him if he knows Albert and his family
>>
>>2985585
>>2985598
>>2985630
>>2985641

"Say, do you happen to know someone named 'Albert'?"

You see him suddenly perk up at the mention of that name. Slowly, he turns his hood towards you and asks, "Yes... I know someone with that name."

"And would this person happen to be a necromancer?"

"He would."

"So, it seems we do know the same person."

He looks away, keeping his hood low. "I've had... dealings with him in the past. That was before I found out what he truly is." The Misunderstood visibly shakes beneath his robe.

"Perhaps you could tell me what you know about him, and I'll do the same for you."

"I don't want to learn anything more about him," he quickly says. "I don't actively seek out other necromancers, and I don't try to stop them, even ones like him. Especially ones like him."

"Well, you should know that his family--"

"I don't want to know!" he insists. "Any other topic. Please."

>Change the topic
>Could you at least tell me where he is?
>What do you know of his father?
>Excuse yourself from him
>Other
>>
>>2985717
>What do you know of his father?
Gotta find out if we can at least negotiate.
>>
>>2985717
>>Change the topic
Do you have any tips on strengthening my necromancy? Would be useful for keeping my realm functioning easier.
>>
>>2985717
>Excuse yourself from him

Go talk with the Witch Hunter
>>
>>2985728
>>2985732
>>2985780
Can I get a tie breaker?
>>
>>2985780
This
>>
>>2985780
>>2985834

At that moment, your magically-sensitive ears pick up a conversation happening not too far away, a hushed one, between the Witch Hunter and Rainard.

The Witch Hunter says, "Don't worry, I'm keeping both eyes open."

"She's important, in more ways than one. I know you'll do the right thing."

Their conversation seems to end there. You politely excuse yourself from the suddenly fearful necromancer and approach them. "It is getting rather late, isn't it?" you say. "I do have pressing business to attend to tomorrow, so I really must be leaving. Rainard, how am I to contact you when the time is right?"

"I have my ways," he says.

"Come now, you can let me in on some of your secrets. Where are you living these days?"

"Soon," he promises. "I, too, have a very important meeting tomorrow. It was good to see you again, Sirena. I hope that when this is all over, we'll still be left standing."

"We're survivors," you reply with a simple nod. With that, he moves to leave, exiting through the door you came in.

The Witch Hunter reaches up to his shoulders and puts on his hood. "I had best prepare as well. I'll be in touch."

You reach up and gently take hold of his arm. "The night is still so young. Don't you desire to merely walk with me?"

He pauses. "We have bigger concerns."

"It's just a walk," you quietly assure him. "We could talk about the meeting."

He relents and the two of you leave, eventually walking the length of the bridge that spans the wide river of Bridge Town. A cool breeze blows past, and you snuggle up next to his arm. He looks down at you, seeing your disguise as Mary.

"Your disguise is a very effective tool," he comments. "You designed it to throw suspicion off of yourself. It works well."

"That is a roundabout way of saying that my real self is more beautiful," you tease him.

"Well, I won't deny that. You're one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen." He stops walking and looks down. "And, perhaps, the most dangerous."

"I must be in good company," you say, trailing your fingers up his chest to cup his cheek.

>Tell him goodnight and part ways
>Continue to tease and flirt
>Talk about the meeting and the mission
>Go for broke and kiss him
>Other
>>
>>2985911
>Continue to tease and flirt
>Talk about the meeting and the mission
>>
>>2985911
>>Continue to tease and flirt
>>Talk about the meeting and the mission
>>
>>2985911
>Continue to tease and flirt
>Talk about the meeting and the mission
>>
>>2985911
>>Continue to tease and flirt
>>Talk about the meeting and the mission
>>
>>2985918
>>2985923
>>2985946
>>2985966

"Your friends were certainly interesting... especially that Time Mage. Do you believe she truly is what she says she is?"

"At first, I didn't believe her, but I've seen enough to know that she's seen things I've never imagined. She's helped us on several occasions with knowledge and advice we would have never gotten on our own. When she speaks, everyone listens."

"Isn't she at risk of changing the future if she gives information about forthcoming events?"

"I think that's precisely her goal, but not directly. From what I can gather, she's influencing events and people towards certain moments. Not everyone in the group was completely onboard to stop Mordrax until she spoke, believe me. By pushing people in the right direction, I think she's actually helping the flow of time reach its natural focal points."

"How does it feel knowing that you and I are going to be involved in one of the most historic moments of our time?" you say, stepping in front of him and putting your arms on his shoulders.

"I find the idea... interesting."

You lower your eyelids and give him a knowing smile. "You know, what with all her talk of how major events can result in different futures, perhaps there is a future where you achieve your wish of settling down."

"That would be nice."

"And maybe there is a future where I'm there with you," you whisper, staring into his deep green eyes.

He smirks. "Maybe there is a future where pigs fly."

"I could teach a p'orc a few flight spells," you playfully reply. "But I'd rather teach you a thing or two instead."

His smile slowly fades as he continues to meet your gaze, his lips ever-so-slightly parted and his hands resting on your hips. From the way he is breathing, to the way his head is tilted back, you know that he's battling himself inside, keeping himself from getting lost in your charm. And you know it is a losing battle.

You blink bashfully as you give him your cutest smile, your eyes flashing with invitation. You can almost hear his heart beating in his chest.

>Lean in, whisper goodnight, and leave him with his confused feelings.
>Encourage him to make the first move.
>Pull him down into a kiss.
>Invite him back to your home for the evening.
>Other
>>
>>2986051
>>Lean in, whisper goodnight, and leave him with his confused feelings.
>>
>>2986051
>Lean in, whisper goodnight, and leave him with his confused feelings.

Sirena is finally back to having the advantage.
>>
>>2986051
>>Lean in, whisper goodnight, and leave him with his confused feelings.
>>
>>2986051
>>Lean in, whisper goodnight, and leave him with his confused feelings.
>>
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>>2986063
>>2986069
>>2986121
>>2986173

Leaning in close, your lips mere inches from his ears, you whisper, "Goodnight..." before slipping away from him. As you walk away, you sway your hips, giving him one look over your shoulder along with a wink when you see that he is staring at you.

'See you soon, Witch Hunter.'

Returning to the brothel and collecting your usual cut, you teleport back to Cliffbrooke and settle in for a good night's rest.

Tomorrow, your expedition to Alex's family tomb begins.

>Select our party for exploring the tomb!

Current Default Party: Alex, Ben, Bargum, Amber

Others:
Merriam, Mage in training
Bruut Fasebash, Half-Orc Troublemaker
Supremia, Drow Master Thief
Amanda Lightguard, Female Paladin
Faye Le Scivias, Mirror Twin
Francis Langley, Perverted Archmage
Kaylessa, Girlish Elven Archer
Brutus, Minotaur Warrior and Lumberjack (Currently at Cutter Farm)

Stick with our current party, or not?
>>
>>2986210
Kaylessa, Girlish Elven Archer
Merriam, Mage in training
Lets see how the girls have been improving at school
>>
>>2986213
Which is to say, bring them too
>>
>>2986210
Add
Amanda Lightguard, Female Paladin
Faye Le Scivias, Mirror Twin
>>
>>2986210
Bring Amanda, paladins gonna paladin the spookies away
>>
>>2986210
>Stick with our current party
>>
>>2977606
>>2977624
>>2977642
>>2977748
>>2977890
These are the rolls that were used for the tomb. Just giving another opportunity for posts before writing the next update.
>>
>>2986210
Merriam, Mage in training
Amanda Lightguard, Female Paladin
Faye Le Scivias, Mirror Twin
Kaylessa, Girlish Elven Archer
>>
>>2986213
>>2986222
>>2986236
>>2986346

With three for Amanda, that'll put her in the lead. For now we'll leave Faye to her task of summoning elsewhere, and we'll catch up with Merriam and Kay soon enough.

I think a party of six (us, Ben, Amber, Alex, Bargum and Amanda) will do nicely. Things won't be too cramped in the tomb.

Writing now.
>>
The next day, you gather up your allies: Alex, Ben, Amber and Bargum. To the latter three you explain that you will all be accompanying Alex on his quest to his family tomb. As they prepare themselves with a hearty breakfast, you decide to pop back into Bridge Town to collect Amanda. Her connection with Alex, along with her skills as a paladin, will do nicely for this quest. The last tomb you entered was full of the undead, and while it would be nice if that were not the case now, you imagine it very well likely will be.

She is ready to go, wearing her fullplate armor and carrying her shield and mace. Though she is readily motivated to help Alex, it doesn't hurt that your brand upon her compels her to obey your commands. You tell her to meet your party at Redford Tower in an hour and she nods.

You then teleport back to Cliffbrooke, collect your remaining party members, and transport them along with yourself to Redford Keep. There, you collect your carriage and set off on your way.

Ben sits up front with Amber to steer the horses, while you sit in the back with Amanda, Alex and Bargum. The young cleric eagerly begins sharing his findings, maps and journal entries with the others, going over what he's learned from the Redford Tomb and other sources. Your party passes through Bridge Town, pausing only to pick up a few last-minute supplies and provisions, before you are on your way northwest, following older trails. Along the way your group makes pleasant conversation and keeps the mood light.

Eventually you cross over a small bridge, one that you recognize from your earlier travels. You met Leon here. As you pass into the wilder land to the west, where Krom and his barbarians once roamed. Ever since their decimation and Krom's departure, the region has been silent, and as you pass through it now you cannot help but feel a sense of dread hanging over the land, as though it has been cursed. Conversation is kept low as everyone's eyes scan the horizon.

"I see something," Ben calls out, pointing towards a slightly-foggy area up ahead. Everyone turns to behold a patch of mushrooms. Giant mushrooms, that is, some large enough to sit on but at least one large enough to provide shade for a man. The largest has a stalk that is as thick as a tree trunk.

>Pass on
>Investigate the mushrooms
>Take a few of the smaller ones
>Try having a party member eat one
>Other
>>
>>2986470
>Pass on


Yeah, no.
>>
>>2986470
>>Take a few of the smaller ones
>>
>>2986470
>Pass on

Maybe if we had brought Jenna with us
>>
>>2986470
>>Take a few of the smaller ones
for alchemy research later
>>
>>2986470
>Pass on
>>
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>>2986482
>>2986543
>>2986584

"Keep going," you say to Ben. "Let's not stop for anything but our destination."

Alex checks his map and takes out a small compass. "We shouldn't be too far off..."

Your hyper-sensitive ears pick up a sound in the nearby forest, that of a large animal running. It sounds like a bear. You alert the others, but as the bear comes crashing through the woods and out into the open, it charges right past your carriage, not sparing a single look. Your group watches the black bear as it takes off.

Then, a group of birds all fly out of the forest, and not only the small ones but the hawks as well. You look up and see them as they scatter in all directions, but chiefly south.

Another noise reaches your ears, that of rushing wind hitting large wings and the tops of trees occasionally brushing against something. Your eyes widen as you shout a warning to the others. A massive creature comes over the treetops, soaring directly overhead and leaving a thunderous gust of wind in its wake. Your party struggles to hold on as the horse loses its temperment and takes off into the open stretches, exactly the place you don't want to be in this situation.

Your eyes track the shape moving against the cloudy sky, and you recognize it. The greenspawn wyvern! You once saw this beast tear apart a group of bounty hunters that were on your trail, but never since. It seems to have found you again, and your runaway carriage in the midst of these open fields is exactly the kind of prey it has been searching for. It turns and swoops downwards, moving like a serpent in the sky as it opens its mouth to let out a piercing shriek. Clearly, it is dinner time!

>Current Shadow Points: 5
>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>2986598
Cast Slow.

Should be useful
>>
Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>2986598
Greater Image.

Create a large group to distract it
>>
Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>2986598
arcane strike
>>
Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>2986598
Cast stone blood to bring it down to earth
>>
>>2986612

You are far from the fledgling sorceress you were when your journey began. Now, you are powerful, and this beast knows not the opponent it faces now.

Standing in the back of the cart, your arms glow deep purple as you thrust them outwards, afflicting the creature with a spell of slowness. The wyvern roars in anger as it finds itself unable to beat its wings as quickly, and its speed lessens as a result.

Alongside you, Alex raises his palm and summons forth a lance of light that he launches up into the sky, but he misses his mark by a fairly wide margin. It is a moving target and he is on a moving platform, so the boy's aim can hardly be at fault.

>>2986621

Having gained speed on the creature, and with no easy end to the horse's fear in sight, you quickly weave an illusory spell of greater image, casting it upon the nearby hilltop, creating a duplicate of your carriage. The wyvern appears momentarily confused, but continues following your real carriage; perhaps its senses are too keen to be fooled by an image.

>>2986626
>>2986638

As you contemplate which of your spells to cast next -- stone blood, perhaps -- the wyvern rears its head back and hacks forth a green sludge. This bile travels forth not unlike a high-speed spitball, shot directly at the wagon!

You shout and move to cover Alex, taking the blunt of the attack. Bargum is also hit, while Amanda is able to raise her shield and mostly cover herself.

The thick sludge isn't acidic, but almost immediately you begin to feel slightly woozy. Your eyes open as you realize that due to its greenspawn origins, this bile is poisonous! Already it has ruined your clothing and now begins seeping into your skin, dulling your nerves.

>Current Shadow Points: 5
>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>2986671
Gift of Beautiful Purity

Should fix that
>>
Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>2986671
Barrage of arcane bolts
>>
Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>2986671
Cast stone blood again. If it's on the ground our melee can occupy it.
>>
Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>2986671
Activate flight form. Get its attention away from the wagon
>>
>>2986679

Thankfully, you have just the spell for this: Gift of Beautiful Purity! Almost immediately your body is cleansed of the foul toxins, returning your clarity of mind and beautiful appearance. Alongside you, Amanda and Bargum are still somewhat woozy, having taken some of the poison. With a hand placed on each, you bestow your spell upon them as well, curing them of their poison.

Incidentally, Bargum's beard has never looked nicer and his bald head shines like a glistening beacon.

>>2986681

Looking back up at the wyvern trailing behind, you raise both hands and rapid-fire a series of seeking arcane bolts that impact on the surface of its scales and wings. The wyvern howls in anger under your barrage, turning to fly towards the south, but not for long.

>>2986688
>>2986690

With grim determination, you tell the others to hold on as you activate your wind form. You soar up into the sky as the carriage goes over a bumpy patch, preventing anyone from stopping you, to face the greenspawn as it sees you and closes in.

As the creature opens its mouth and prepares to snap you out of the air, you raise both hands and cast your spell of stone blood! The range of the spell required you to get near him, but its effects are instant. With a gust of wind you push yourself out of the way of its body. The wyvern cries out as it begins falling towards the earth, its muscles cramping with small particles of stone in its bloodstream. It tries to control its descent, but ends up skidding along the ground, leaving a wide trail of kicked-up dirt and rocks in its wake.

With the wyvern grounded, the carriage is forcefully stopped. Ben, eager to join the fray now that the creature is within his range, takes out his sword and charges, with Amanda and Amber not far behind, leaving Bargum and Alex with the horse.

>Current Shadow Points: 5
>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>2986736
Pin it with Web
>>
Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>2986736
Bestow Curse: -4 penalty on attack rolls, saves, ability checks, and skill checks.
>>
Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>2986736
An oldy but a goody, the tentacles
>>
Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>2986736
Greater image

Make copies of our comrades
>>
>>2986749
>>2986753

Knowing that the effects of slow and stone blood are over quickly, and with a heavy desire to finish this quickly, you quickly conjure up two ways to keep it pinned: a web and grasping tentacles. The web keeps its wings down while the tentacles grab at its arms and neck.

Ben reaches the wyvern and lets out a shout as he prepares to swing his sword, but a single errant swish of the wyvern's still-free tail hits his legs and causes him to trip hard, making him end up facedown in the mud. You wince slightly, but he doesn't seem hurt on the outside; only his pride is wounded.

>>2986751

You lower yourself in a controlled freefall, stopping to land upon the creature's back. Placing your hand upon its hide, you bestow a weakening curse upon it, further sapping some of its strength.

Nearby, Amber stops to help Ben up. Amanda, however, lets out a mighty cry to her faith as she leaps upon the wyvern's head before repeatedly bringing her mace down upon it. She slams away, knocking off scales and drawing blood, even managing to knock out a tooth. She bashes away as though blessed by the god of blunt instruments, covering her armor in a fresh coat of red spots.

The wyvern, enraged by this attack and blinded from one of its eyes getting hit with a mace, manages to shake her off. The creature struggles against its bonds of webbing and summoned tentacles, but cannot break free!

>Current Shadow Points: 5
>1d100 and an action!
>>
>>2986764
Sorry, missed this one
>>
Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>2986809
While on it's back, use arcane strike on it's spine.
>>
Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>2986809
Arcane Nose
>>
Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>2986809
Insect swarm

Go for the eyes
>>
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>>2986764

You raise your hands to create multiple images of your comrades so as to confuse the beast. Still held down by your bindings, it attempts to lash out as best it can, but does so without knowing which of your allies are real.

Amber charges beneath your web and under its wing, where she begins to viciously stab upwards into the beast with her sword, targeting its armpit where the wing meets the body. With a few stabs and getting covered in blood herself, she follows it up with a mighty chop! Off goes the arm of the creature, now hanging by the loose fold of the wing!

>>2986821

Meanwhile, you attempt to reach the beasts spine with an arcane strike, but it lurches its back and sends you rolling down and onto the ground, where you are nearly crushed by some of its bulk as it tries to turn over. You scramble out of the way, mentally commanding the tentacles to tighten their grip.

You suddenly hear a surprised cry and look back as Ben is lifted upwards by his leg, which is caught in the wyvern's mouth. He hands upside-down as he continually tries to swing his sword and free himself, but to no avail.

>>2986830

Quickly conjuring an arcane noose, you loop it around the monster's neck and yank, causing it to let go. Amanda drops her shield and uses her free arm to catch Ben as the wyvern's head slams against the ground.

This gives Bargum, who ran over after calming down the horses, a perfect shot at the soft underbelly. The runepriest blesses his hammer with mighty runes of power before slamming it home right at the base of the neck. The greenspawn, in response, involuntarily pukes up some of its green bile as it tries to breathe.

>>2986839

Deciding that your efforts at harassing the beast have proven most effective, you conure a swarm of insects to attack its eyes.

Alex runs up and covers his mouth. He beholds the greenspawn held down by a web and tentacles, missing an arm, unable to breathe, getting swarmed by insects, continually being attacked by his friends. He closes his eyes and summons a lance of light and sends it flying into the beasts heart, mercifully ending its torture. The wyvern slumps over, dead in an instant.

Amanda sets Ben down, who picks up his sword. He goes to make an attack, not realizing it is dead, and so the paladin simply puts a hand on his shoulder to hold him back. He reanalyzes the situation and puts his sword arm down. Everyone else, yourself included, collectively pant as the battle comes to an end.

>Take Alex away from the corpse
>Start harvesting it for resources!
>Everyone regroup at the carriage
>Send the corpse to Aran
>Other
>>
>>2986916
>Send the corpse to Aran
>>
>>2986916
>Send the corpse to Aran
>>
>>2986916
>>Send the corpse to Aran
>>
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>>2986933
>>2986941
>>2986953

You send the others back to the carriage while you dispose of the corpse, sending it off to Aran. Once the deed is done, you dust your hands off and smile. 'Krom would have been proud,' you think to yourself, remembering his desire to kill all of the greenspawn and eventually the dragon broodmother herself. 'I wonder how he is doing?'

Taking out your orb, you decide to quickly scry upon him. You discover Krom sitting upon a throne of large, reptillian-looking monstrous skulls, wearing a necklace of teeth, his face and chest covered in blue and red warpaint. To his immediate left and right are amazonian warrior women guards, muscular and tall, each adorned with ornate tribal masks displaying frightening faces.

He is eating from a platter of meat, tearing it from the bones of whatever massive animal it came from. All in all, he appears to be having a relatively quiet evening.

'Well, he seems to have done well for himself. Perhaps he is their ruler now? I'll have to drop in and see one of these days.'

When you return to the cairrage, you see Ben being consoled by Amber. "It's alright. It happens. Just be mindful of your footwork."

He sighs. "I didn't even get a single hit in..."

Amanda slaps him on the shoulder in a friendly manner. "Buck up! There'll be more opportunities soon enough."

Bargum nods. "Aye, laddie. Not every battle is a thing of glory. Besides, I think ye helped."

"Really?"

"Aye. Ye were a prime distraction!"

Amanda and Amber both giggle as Ben sighs and resumes cleaning his sword of mud instead of blood. As you walk up, you look around and then ask, "Where is Alex?"

Everyone stops doing what they were doing and looks around as well, realizing that he is gone. Immediately the group splits up to go look for him, calling out his name. You walk into the forest north and shout for him, and thankfully after a moment he shouts back. "Mary! Come and see!"

You run through the forest up to him, seeing him standing in an old, long abandonned graveyard. Specifically, he is in front of a large entrance to a tomb.

"This is it," he whispers. "I've seen it in my visions..."

>Gather the group and go inside
>Let's take a rest, have a meal, and go in
>Let's camp outside for the night to gather all of our strength
>Investigate the opening, but go no further
>Other
>>
>>2987013
>Let's camp outside for the night to gather all of our strength
,

Set wards and guards
>>
>>2987013
>Let's camp outside for the night to gather all of our strength
>>
>>2987013
>>Let's camp outside for the night to gather all of our strength
>>
>>2987025
>>2987046
>>2987047

After gathering the others along with the carriage and horse, you decide to make camp for the evening. You set up the bedrolls, ward the area with an alarm spell, and Amanda, Bargum and Alex all cast wards of their own. Nothing, not even a mouse, could wander into the area without your party knowing about it.

Your bedroll is placed in the carriage, where there is already some padding, and you share the blanket with Alex. Amanda sleeps near the tomb's entrance, as does Bargum on the opposite side, whereas Amber and Ben are alongside each other nearby.

Turning your head, you see that Alex is staring up at the stars. He sees you looking and smiles. "I can't sleep," he admits. "I'm too excited to explore the tomb!"

"If you don't sleep, then you'll be too tired in the morning when the rest of us will be ready," you say, pulling the blanket up to his chin. He snuggles closer to you and lets out a tiny yawn.

"I know. But what do you think we'll find? Monsters? I hope not. Maybe the graves of my ancestors were buried with some of their belongings, like books! What if--"

He is cut off as you pull him close against you, planting your lips upon his to both silence him and cast a spell. He melts into your embrace as you work your magic, enchanting him into sleeping. As your tongue snakes its way into his mouth, he squeaks out a tiny sound as he slips into unconsciousness. "Sleep..." you whisper in his ear as you gently pat his head, running your fingers through his blonde mane. "Sleep..."

After a moment, he is resting comfortably with his head nestled against your bosom. You don't doubt that his dreams will be filled with you this evening. Giving him one final loving kiss on the forehead, you soon drift off into sleep yourself.

>Sleep...

>Roll 1d100 to see if anything happens in the night!
>>
Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>2987148
>>
Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>2987148
>>
Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>2987148
>>
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>>2987148
>As your tongue snakes its way into his mouth
I thought Alex was not for lewd!?
>>
>>2987353

Remember the hand job we gave him in the bath?
>>
>>2987419
No actually, I took a hiatus from /qst/ shortly after we got the wind form. Just now getting back.
Did Damashi ever finish his lewdbin?
>>
Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>2987148
>>
>>2987493
See pastebin links up top.

Also remember he prefers discussion to be in the discord.
>>
>>2988311
>Also remember he prefers discussion to be in the discord.
I don't mind discussion in the thread at all. Not everyone uses the discord, that's why I always make sure to only have voting done in the threads.

Anyway, good morning all. We'll be resuming shortly.

>>2987419
Hey, all Sirena did was make sure he was clean.

>>2987493
>Did Damashi ever finish his lewdbin?
Still chipping away.
>>
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>>2987155
>>2987157
>>2987201
>>2987815

At around four in the morning, an alarm goes off in your head. You immediately sit up, as does Amanda, Bargum and Alex. The wards you have placed alert you that something is entering the area: something potentially dangerous.

The entrance to the tomb opens, and a hooded figure emerges. The paladin and the dwarf, on opposite sides of the door, immediately tackle him and bring him to the ground, easily subdoing him. As you and Alex get out of the carriage, and as Ben and Amber begin to wake up, they prop him onto his knees and hold his arms behind his back.

You approach him and put your hands on your hips. With a simple spell of light, you brighten the area enough for everyone to see and then pull back his hood. You and all the others share bewildered looks as the figure is revealed -- a faceless, hairless thing of pale flesh. The body of a man, but with no discernable features whatsoever.

"Can you speak?" you ask it, but there is no response. If it sees you, or indeed even hears you at all, due to its lack of ears, eyes and any other immediately apparent sensory organs, it gives no indication whatsoever.

"What manner of thing are you?" you wonder aloud, but nobody has seen anything like it.

Bargum feels its arm. "It's cold and hard, like dead flesh. Must be undead."

Without missing a beat, Ben draws his sword. You hold up your hand to stop him, but it proves a pointless measure, for the thing falls limp in the grasp of your two allies. Everyone looks as they let go and let it fall to the floor, where it lies very still. Amanda taps it with the head of her mace.

"I think it killed itself," she guesses.

Alex softly chews on his finger and nervously asks, "Do you think there are more of them in there?"

Bargum nods. "Aye. Somethin' smells fishy. This seemed more like a minion."

>See if you can resurrect it
>Bar the tomb entrance, sleep until morning
>Head into the tomb
>Burn the body just to be safe
>Other
>>
>>2988698
Dont we have a talk to dead things undeads spell ?
>>
>>2988775
We were about to use it when it died.
>>
>>2988698
>Burn the body just to be safe
>>
>>2988698
Resurrect it and send it back into the tomb.
>>
>>2988800
>>2988806
I'll need a tie breaker.
>>
>>2988806
>Resurrect it and send it back into the tomb.
>>
>>2988698
>>2988823
>>
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>>2988806
>>2988823

"Perhaps we'll learn more if we send it back inside," you suggest. You cast a simple spell of reanimation, giving life back to the dead flesh. It rises, ready to obey your commands. You then attempt to communicate with it, using another spell to speak with the dead, but it says nothing. It appears to be, both in appearance and personality, completely blank. You place the hood back over its head.

You command it to return to whence it came, sending it back into the tomb. Once it is underground, you lose your connection with it. Nearby, everyone else is on guard for whatever may happen. But after nearly an hour of waiting and quiet discussion, there is no more result to be found; nothing further emerges from the tomb.

"I don't like this," Amber whispers. "Maybe whatever made that thing now knows we're here and is waiting for us."

Ben grits his teeth. "Waiting out here isn't doing us any good. We should go in after it and destroy it."

"Let's be cautious," Amanda advises. "We can always wait some more and set further wards just to be safe."

Bargum scratches his head in contemplation. "Might be that nothin' else will come out. Could be a waste of time to just sit around an' wait fer nothin'."

Alex holds his hands close to his chest. You look at him and see that he is staring at the tomb entrance, unsure of what to do. He looks up at you for guidance.

>We go in.
>Let's wait out here.
>Half of us will go in, just to see what is happening.
>Destroy the entrance to the tomb.
>Other
>>
>>2988888
>Let's wait out here.
>>
>>2988888
>Let's wait out here.
>>
>>2988907
>>2988933

"We wait," you tell him. "At least until dawn."

And so, you set the camp back up the way it was last night, with various alarms and wards. The group sets up a fire and cooks some food, but conversation is minimal. Everyone is slightly on edge from the recent events and the faceless thing you sent back inside.

You sit nearby, running your fingers over your spellbook's pages in search of a spell that might offer some assistance. You attempt to scry upon the undead, but your attempts at doing so are blocked. That is problematic, indicating some magic in that tomb. It isn't unheard of to have tombs enchanted with anti-divination wards in order to prevent contact with dead spirits or learn the location of a particular dead body.

You come to another spell, signs in the stars, and decide to look up into the sky. Morning isn't here yet, and the stars are still visible, and so you attempt to discern an omen from them.

From the position of the stars, you piece together an omen that imparts a sense of forboding; a familiar dark power that you have encountered before, but you know not where. You look around the area, giving the old graveyard another close examination, but there is no hint of what it may be.

Just then, there is a noise from within the tomb. Everyone startles and looks in its direction. It is a tapping noise, like metal on metal, ringing throughout the stone entryway. You cautiously approach it and peer down within, seeing only stone and darkness. The banging continues, getting louder and louder, then stops as everyone crowds around the entrance.

"I think we're being invited in," Bargum says, then looks back at you and the others.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Ben replies.

"An invitation means a trap," Amber points out.

You lean back as you continue to peer into the darkness. "Either way, it is very clear that waiting will not result in anything. Whatever is down there knows it has company and won't come out."

>Go in.
>Send half of us inside.
>Destroy the entrance to the tomb.
>Leave; we will not search the tomb on this day.
>Other
>>
>>2988972
>>Go in.
>>
>>2988972
>Go in.
>>
>>2988972
>Go in.
>>
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>>2988984
>>2988988
>>2988993

"Everyone prepare yourself," you say, creating an orb of light to see with. "We're going in."

The group all guard themselves as you carefully make your way down the stairs, eventually reaching the first chamber of the tomb. You light it up by casting the light into the center of the room, revealing a fairly wide and spacious area with several stone sarcophagi lining the walls. The center of the room, however, has a demonic statue of a hunched-over gargoyle like creature with a twisted face and pointed wings jutting from its back. Looking around, you can see three doors leading out of the room.

As the last member of your party enters, a stone wall slams down. Your party whips around, ready for anything, but that is all... for now.

"Consider that trap sprung," Amber mutters.

Alex gulps. "M-maybe there's another way out?"

"Everyone keep your guard up," Amanda says, scanning the walls for any danger.

At that moment, a voice reaches all of your ears. Low, dark and strangely familiar...

"Welcome. I was beginning to wonder if you would enter."

"Who's there?" Bargum says, charging up his hammer with runic light.

"I'm not where you are," the voice says, echoing from all around. "I'm elsewhere, in my laboratory. But I'm more than happy to test out some of my new experiments, so thank you for volunteering..."

Your eyes widen as you suddenly realize who it is. 'Albert!' You look around, searching for any sign of danger, but there is none yet. 'He must have come here after Krom destroyed his last laboratory...'

>Explain that you mean him no harm; surely he remembers you
>Demand your release, or else
>Investigate the room
>Attempt to teleport out of here
>Other
>>
>>2989062
>>Investigate the room
>>
>>2989062
>Investigate the room
>>
>>2989062
>Investigate the room
>>
>>2989062
"Albert I don't have time for your stupid games I have something important to discuss with you."
If he doesn't respond namedrop his father.
>>
>>2989065
>>2989076
>>2989113

"Search the room," you command your allies, and they oblige, spreading out in groups of two. Alex sticks close to you.

Ben and Amber search the door that leads to the south. It is stone, and locked, lacking any interesting features.

Two doors lead to the east, which Amanda and Bargum investigate. The one closer to the tomb's entrance is stone, and similar to the southern door, is locked and without any markings. The wooden door in the northeastern corner of the room, while locked, looks much simpler, as it is old and rotten.

Alex continues to look up at the demon statue, half-hiding behind your leg. "Mary..." he whispers, pointing at it. You follow his gaze to the mouth of the creature, which seems to now be dripping a thick, red liquid: blood.

Albert's voice comes back. "Your first challenge is a small creation of mine that was accidental in nature. Mixing blood and alchemy is always a risky venture, for there is power in the blood, no matter how weak the being it came from. While I find am not especially fond of this experiment's methods of attack, I do appreciate any creature that reproduces as it does."

You step back as a large sludge now emerges from the statue's mouth, flopping onto the ground in a man-sized ooze. Everyone turns and sees this happen as the coagulated sack of blood surges upwards, human faces appearing in its shifting surface, each contorted into expressions of agony with blood leaking from their mouths.

The creature surges forward to attack!

>Current Shadow Points: 5
>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>2989166
Drain life
It definitely has "exposed blood"
>>
Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>2989166
Blood to stone. Petrify it
>>
Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>2989166
>>
Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>2989166
Purify Blood's worked before.
>>
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>>2989170

Raising your hand, you create a red line of necrotic energy between your palm and the ooze, and begin to drain its life. However, this seems to have the opposite effect intended, and you suddenly feel yourself being drawn in!

A tendril wraps around your arm and immediately there is stinging pain. Every spot the ooze touches causes blood to emerge from your pores, whereupon it is absorbed into itself. It is draining your life instead!

You try to pull your hand back but it tightens and further wraps around your arm.

>Health: 88%

"Mary!" Alex cries out, raising his hands and creating a gust of divine wind. The gust hits the central mass, pushing it back against the far wall where it splatters like a tomato. It lets go of your arm and you step back, looking at the red skin that is still leaking minor amounts of blood.

>>2989174

You grunt and follow up with another spell: stone blood! Unlike your first attempt, this one is very effective upon the ooze, and as it pulls itself together the thing suddenly convulses and turns to stone, breaking apart. Lowering your hands, you breathe a sigh of relief -- one that is immediately cut short as Ben shouts, "Look out!"

You turn around and see that three more amniotes have emerged from the statue, slumping onto the floor and moving to attack!

Ben charges forward and slams his shield against one, bashing it against the floor, where he begins to violently slash at it. However, this is ineffective. Amber joins him and starts stomping on it. "It's an ooze! You need to smash it!" she tells him.

Amanda and Bargum, both wielders of holy blunt weapons, take on the second while the third lunges back towards you and Alex.

>>2989177

Before you can cast another spell, the creature leaps up and grabs hold of both of your arms, sapping blood from your skin as it immediately begins to leak. You let out a shout of pain as it crawls further up your arms, towards your body!

>Health: 74%

>Current Shadow Points: 5
>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>2989230
forceful push it away
>>
Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>2989230
>>
>>2989256
You need to say an action and roll. the list of spells is in the pastebin linked at the top.
>>
Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>2989230
Gift of Beautiful Purity
>>
>>2989256
Yes, what >>2989257 said. That's why I always specify 1d100 "and an action"
>>
Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>2989230
Forceful push.
>>
Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>2989249
>>
>>2989249
>>2989267

You attempt to use your forceful push, but instead find yourself drawn fully into the ooze. Every inch of your skin is now assaulted by its stinging flesh, and you find yourself losing a lot of blood very quickly.

>Health: 53%

You focus on keeping your eyes and mouth closed, realizing in no short order that if you open your mouth to cast a spell, you'll be letting it in...

Then, you feel a hand on your arm yanking you out of the ooze with one violent tug. You are pulled out and dragged away as the others descend upon it. Looking up, you see that your sudden savior is Amber! She grunts and props you up against one of the stone coffins, then checks to see if you are alright.

>>2989260

You give yourself the gift of beautiful purity once more, cleaning your skin of all the bloody mess the ooze left behind and getting rid of any harmful residue it may have left in your system. Amber helps you to your feet as you look on and see that due to the blood it drained from you, the amniote splits into two beings, one smaller than the other.

Thankfully, your allies are able to defeat them both. Amanda charges her mace with holy power and slams it away at the larger ooze, while Bargum creates a rune that surrounds them and prevents the creatures from escaping. Alex holds up his holy symbol and shines a beacon of burning light upon the ooze that Amanda is pummeling, destroying it. And finally, Ben stomps on the smaller one with his armored boot, crushing it and causing blood to spray across the floor.

As things quiet down, Albert's voice returns. "Not bad... But then again, those were merely an accident. I'd have just as soon thrown them out if I didn't find a use for them as guard dogs."

You look up to the ceiling. "Albert! Enough of this. You know who I am. We didn't come here to fight you."

"That's too bad," he says in an unamused, almost clinical tone. "Then you'll likely not enjoy the next seven rooms of this tomb. Survive until room number eight and you'll walk out of this place alive. But I've got more experiments to test the effectiveness until then."

Alex runs over. "Mary! Are you hurt?" He lays a hand on your stomach and casts a healing spell, completely revitalizing you.

>Health: 100%

"Thank you," you says, ruffling his hair. "Now let's get out of here."

>South door: Stone, locked
>Southeast door: Stone, locked
>Northeast door: Wooden, locked, rotten
>Tomb entrance: Barred with stone wall; attempt to teleport?
>Other
>>
>>2989341
>>Northeast door: Wooden, locked, rotten
>>
Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>2989341
>Northeast door: Wooden, locked, rotten

Raise one of the undeads and send it infront of us to trigger traps while we stand at a safe distance.
>>
>>2989341
>>Northeast door: Wooden, locked, rotten
>>
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>>2989349
>>2989369
>>2989412

As the party recovers and approaches the center of the room, Bargum regards you with a strange look. "So, you know the one runnin' this place, eh?"

"He is a necromancer I have encountered in my travels," you explain. You look at Ben and say, "When Merriam and I first parted from the farm, we met him. He wasn't hostile to us at the time."

Amanda frowns. "His handiwork certainly seems familiar. There was an outbreak of monsters in this region that decimated a tribe of barbarians, horrors that would tear the skin from their bones and turn both into things of nightmares."

Albert's low chuckle resounds throughout the room. "Yes, I remember that plague well. That was a good experiment. I'm sure you remember it well, too."

You are still as he says this, not betraying any emotion. The others don't seem to pick up on the true nature of his words, and even if he were to reveal your role in spreading his plague, you have the advantage of their trust and the fact that he is trying to kill you. It wouldn't take much to dissuade them from believing you had anything to do with it.

Still, if he is willing to reveal the truth, he doesn't do it now. Silence fills the room after he is done speaking.

"Let's just find the way out," you suggest and point towards the wooden door. The party moves towards it, but Alex lingers yet a moment more as he looks at the demonic statue.

Ben smashes through the wooden door easily. What you encounter beyond is a hallway filled with corpses, withered and ancient, bolted to the walls with iron spikes. Alex hides behind your leg as your party moves past them.

"Are they dangerous?" Amanda wonders aloud.

"I think not," Bargum replies. "Too old... placed here for his amusement."

You explore both ends of the hallway: the eastern end has a strong-looking wooden door with the number "2" scratched onto it, which is locked. The western door is stone, and has the number "3" etched onto it, similarly locked.

>Door 2: Wooden, locked
>Door 3: Stone, locked
>Return to Room 1
>Investigate the corpses nailed to the walls of this hallway
>Other
>>
>>2989455
>Door 2: Wooden, locked

Blast it open. But before we do that. Purify the corpses
>>
>>2989455
>>Investigate the corpses nailed to the walls of this hallway
>>
>>2989455
>Investigate the corpses nailed to the walls of this hallway
>>
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>>2989465
>>2989466
>>2989519

You pause to examine the bodies. Dried skin clings to the bones, as well as shreds of clothing. Each of them appears to have been taken out of a coffin, perhaps from those in the first chamber.

Alex approaches one, and then gasps. "That... that necklace..."

Following his eyes, you see a woman on the wall with a wooden necklace wrapped around her neck with a small symbol etched onto it. Alex, on the verge of tears, buries himself in your side with his hands tightly hugging your waist.

"My ancestors..." he says in a muffled tone.

Albert's voice returns. "Ah... I was unaware I was hosting a scion of this tomb. How curious..."

"He's listening to every word we speak," you tell the others. "Only communicate when necessary."

However, the necromancer continues. "These corpses were useless. Drained of any good quality they may have once possessed. Do you want to know why, boy?"

Alex looks up from your side. "W-why?"

"No," you tell him, but it is too late.

"They were devil worshippers. In life, they gave all they had to their patron, and in death he took all they had left, which was their flesh and, of course, their souls, leaving nothing useful behind. A pact that continues... to this very day."

"No!" he cries out. "I... I don't believe you!"

"No matter," Albert says, chuckling darkly to himself. "Your belief isn't important. But now that I know you are a Shepherd, it changes some things..."

A loud clicking noise is heard throughout the hall. The doors have been unlocked.

You kneel and hold him close. "Don't believe a word of what he says," you tell him. "He's lying."

Alex nods, but is quiet.

>Door 2: Wooden, locked
>Door 3: Stone, locked
>Return to Room 1
>Other
>>
>>2989614
Should be,
>Door 2: Wooden, unlocked
>Door 3: Stone, unlocked
>>
>>2989614
>>Door 2: Wooden, unlocked
>>
>>2989614
>Door 2: Wooden, locked
>>
>>2989629
>>2989661

After managing to calm Alex down, your party presses onwards towards the wooden door and into room number two.

There is an unnatural darkness to this room, a thick and heavy gloom that hangs in all corners. The room is mostly featureless, escept for the opposite wall being slightly sloped and strange runes drawn upon the floor in blood. As your party enters, however, from the darkness emerge three tall figures, not only because of their height, but because of their deer-like antlers.

They wear tattered rags, dark and soaked with blood, that cover their thin, emaciated-looking forms. Their forearms are long enough to allow their knuckles to scrape the ground even while standing straight up. Though humanoid, they seem to have animal heads, with very little flesh upon the elongated skulls, whose eye sockets glow with an eerie light.

"I must admit," Albert's voice echoes, "these are more the result of curiosity. Different regions offer different forms of undead, not only from the native creatures, but from native practices. And these 'wendigos' certainly have their appeal..."

The cannibalistic monsters then leap forward to attack!

>Current Shadow Points: 5
>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>2989778
cast Ghostslaying Weapon on peoples weapon. Wendigo are spirits. So they should do extra damage
>>
Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>2989778
Put a web between us and them
>>
Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>2989778
Cast halt undead to stop one of them
>>
Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>2989778
Arcane bolt
>>
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>>2989785
>>2989800

As quickly as you can, you cast a web to keep them at bay. The web stretches from the floor to the ceiling and the wendigos, while they are spirits, have a physical form that is caught in the web. They howl as they begin to break through it.

Working fast, you command your allies to allow you to enchant their weapons. Ben and Amber hold up their weapons and you lay a spell of ghostslaying upon their swords; Amber and Bargum's are already enchanted with holy power.

>>2989836

As the web breaks and the monsters rush in, swiping at you with their long claws, your allies rush in to attack. Amanda is knocked aside by one, forcing Bargum to get between her and the wendigo to block the next attack. The second wendigo, taken on by Ben and Amber, manages to get its claws around her shield and pull, unbalancing her somewhat, but Ben rushes in to stab the monster in its chest, dealing a hefty amount of damage.

However, the final remaining wendigo suddenly leaps forward, opening its mouth like a wide trap before clamping down on your shoulder. You cry out as it begins to gnaw on your flesh!

>Health: 90%

Thankfully Alex rushes to your aid, launching a holy lance into the creature's chest, aiming for its heart. Unfortunately it has no heart to serve as a weak point, but it does make it let you go and step back.

>>2989852

As you fall back, you shoot an arcane bolt at the beast, doing some further damage. It backs up a step, only to charge forward again!

>Current Shadow Points: 5
>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>2989895
Fire bolt the one comming at us.
>>
Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>2989895
>>2989904
Cast Grease on them as a combo. Should be very flammebal
>>
>>2989908
Grease is explicitely non-flammable if it's not shadow grease.
>>
Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>2989895
Cast shield on ourselves
>>
Brief dinner break, be right back.
>>2989917
We'll just spend a shadow point.
>>
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>>2989904
>>2989908

Reashing into the wells of your dark power, you conjure forth a foul-smelling grease and spray the wendigo with the substance. It stops its charge to investigate the strange substance that it is now covered with, and determines it to be harmless.

It would be right, were it not for your follow-up spell: a simple firebolt.

It strikes the wendigo's chest and it lets out a horrifying cry as its entire body goes up in flames. Its arms flail wildly as it searches for a way out, which it does not find.

>>2989919

It tries to rush you, thinking to set you on fire as well, but you keep it at bay with a shield spell. It eventually runs into the corner where it falls over, burning to death in short order.

Nearby, the wendigo atop Amber is suddenly decapitated as Ben swings his sword in an upwards arc, slicing through its neck. The corpse tumbles atop Amber, which he kicks off before offering his hand to help her up.

Amanda and Bargum are having a rough time with their beast, but eventually their combined blows take it down, with the paladin dealing the killing blow with an attack that shatters its skull to pieces.

As two of the wendigos were defeated with enchanted weaponry, the one you downed attempts to escape in spirit form -- until Alex blasts it with a holy beam, destroying it with one last howling cry.

The darkness in the room lifts, and you lean down to let Alex inspect your bite wound. With a simple spell, he closes it and prevents infection.

>Health: 100%

There are two doors in this room, a wooden one that leads to the north with no markings and a wooden one on the exact opposite end that leads to the south, marked "7". The northern door is locked, but the southern door is not.

>Northern Door: wooden, no markings, locked
>Southern Door to room 7, wooden, unlocked
>Return to previous hallway, travel to room 3
>Return to tomb entrance; two unexplored doors yet remain
>Other
>>
>>2990080
>Northern Door: wooden, no markings, locked

Cast our open minor lock spell
>>
>>2990080
>>Northern Door: wooden, no markings, locked
Break it down. Arcane strike to lock.
>>
>>2990094
>>2990097

You approach the nothern door and cast a spell of unlocking upon it. This works and the lock falls off, allowing the door to swing open.

What follows beyond is a long hallway leading to the west, ending in a locked wooden door. Annoyed at the presence of the lock, you attempt to use an arcane strike -- setting off an electrified trap, which shocks you against the wall.

You grunt as you slide down to the floor, where the others pull you away to help you. Ben stands in front of the door, and attempts to open it while holding up his shield. The shield resists the electrified trap thanks to its anti-magic enchantment.

He smashes down the door with a loud shout, revealing a wide and open room. As Alex heals you from the damage you took, a horrible smell reaches your nostrils as the party enters the room.

You rub your forehead. 'Note to self: let the others open the doors from this point on...'

Aside from lots of scratch marks and blood covering the floors and walls, the room seems featureless except for a large cage built into the eastern wall. The bars roll downwards, letting out a monster of rotting flesh and scales, with four legs and a large span of wings.

"This one is fairly self-explanatory," Albert's voice reaches your ears over the growling of the zombie dragon. "It's really more of a test to see how well my methods work on such beasts. Give me a good show; you've done wonderfully so far."

The zombie dragon opens its mouth, letting out a roar along with breath that smells like the grave before it lunges forward to attack!

>Current Shadow Points: 4
>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>2990171
Halt undead
>>
Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>2990171
stay behind ben and the other frontline troops and Detect weakness
>>
Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>2990171

Halt undead
>>
>>2990185
>>2990207
That's just amusing
>>
Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>2990171
Halt undead
>>
Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>2990190
This
>>
>>2990185
>>2990207

Backing into the corner of the room, you attempt to cast a spell of halt undead upon the creature, but it is too inherently powerful, imbued with strong necromantic magic that allows it to resist your spell.

As your allies rush in to battle it, with Alex staying alongside you and casting a few spells of his own, you think to yourself, 'How in the world did he get that thing in here? It's a young dragon, certainly, but it is still bigger than the doors in this place!'

>>2990190
>>2990226

That's when you notice that it has been taken apart and put back together, sometimes with pieces from another dragon entirely! He built this thing in here as one of his experiments, not unlike what you did with Boris once upon a time.

With this knowledge in mind, you cast a new spell, searching for a weakness. It has four areas of heavy stitching: the neck, the chest, the waist and the skull.

>>2990218

Now that you know exactly the kind of undead this is, and it is one you have a substantial amount of experience with, you recast your earlier spell of halt undead, managing to give your allies a precious few seconds in which it does not attack, allowing you to yell out to them about its weak points. The dragon then breaks through your spell and attacks, knocking Amber down as Bargum holds back its other clawed hand. Ben swipes at its chin while Amanda and Alex each cast protective spells upon the others, yourself included.

Upon hearing your words, Ben doubles his efforts in trying to cut some of its stitching.

>Current Shadow Points: 4
>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>2990240
Grasping Tentacles.

Rip it to pieces!
>>
Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>2990240
Arcane bolt aim at the seam
>>
Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>2990240

Spirit Rend
>>
Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>2990240
Spirit Rend
>>
Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>2990240
Shadowstep to safety
>>
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>>2990255

You summon up some of your grasping tentacles to keep the dragon in place and expose some of its weaker areas. The creature thrashes about, caught in the grip of your spell, unable to escape.

In its thrashing, it slams its head against Ben, sending him flying up against a nearby wall.

>>2990261

Taking aim, you attempt to hit one of the seams, but miss. The bolt still flies unerringly at the target, but lands just below the seam on the neck.

>>2990314

Deciding to pull out one of your stronger spells, you unleash a devastating spirit rend upon the dragon, creating a wave of necromantic energy that washes over the beast, dazing it due to its undead nature.

At that moment, Bargum's hammer glows with holy power as he prepares to cast one of his most powerful spells. He summons forth a rune that surrounds the zombie dragon, holding it in place before constricting it and weakening it. Slamming the pommel of his hammer upon the floor, runes begin to appear on his skin as well as his hammer, which now glows bright orange with heat.

He lets out a mighty dwarven warcry and charges at the dragon, slamming it in the chest, destroying the seams there and blowing out the center of the creature from the inside. Amber joins him with a vicious follow up, angered by the dragon's attack on Ben, in which she leaps off of the dwarf's shoulder and brings her sword down upon its neck, right at the seam point, slicing through the stitching.

The zombie dragon's hollow body falls down, and the neck with the still-biting head falls down alongside it. Alex wastes no time in setting the head alight with holy fire, destroying it for good.

You help Ben to his feet. "Are you alright?" you ask.

He rubs the back of his head. "Yeah, yeah, fine. Just a bump is all."

Bargum sits down atop the claw of the dead dragon, using it as a chair as he takes out his pipe and has a short smoke break. After a performance like that, he's earned it.

There are two doors in this room: a stone door that leads to the east, which you suspect is the hallway you were in earlier, which would make this room number three, and there is also a wooden door leading to the south, with the number "4" carved onto it. A click is heard as both doors unlock.

>Go south to room number 4
>Return to Room 2 and head south to room 7
>Return to the tomb entrance
>Take a rest for a moment
>Other
>>
>>2990337
>>Take a rest for a moment
>>
>>2990337
>Take a rest for a moment
>>
>>2990337
>>Take a rest for a moment
>>
>>2990337
>>Take a rest for a moment
Search the room.
>>
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>>2990358
>>2990361
>>2990363
>>2990376

Everyone takes a moment to catch their breath. Ben rests nearby as Amber rubs his head, checking to make sure he doesn't have any real damage.

Stepping gingerly around the headless corpse of the zombie dragon, you start searching the room. Separated from Alex, who is tending to any wounds the others have, you are suddenly spoken to by Albert in a manner that the others cannot hear.

"You're doing well, I must say. Your knowledge of necromancy is clearly giving you a distinct advantage against my experiments; you've already cleared the first three rooms. I'd almost say I'm proud."

"You didn't teach me much," you say under your breath.

"Oh, but I know much, and I'm willing to make a deal with you, Mary. I want you and the boy to come before me, without the others. One necromancer to another, teacher to student. No magic, no tricks, no harm done. You've my word."

"Just what is this about?" you demand to know.

"The boy is the last of his line. It just so happens there is a sarcophogus in my lab that only one of the Shepherd blood can open. I desire what is inside. Do this for me, and I will let you all go. Otherwise, from this point on, things will get... very unfortunate."

"Is that so?"

"You remember my chests, I take it? If need be, I will dispose of you all and use the boy for what I need. But there needn't be more bloodshed. Give me your answer."

You narrow your eyes. You remember Albert being somewhat accomodating, if strange and frightening. Still, can you trust him after what you've learned of him and what he's put you through so far?

>Agree to meet with Albert
>Refuse and demand to leave
>Face the remaining rooms and him at the end
>Threaten him with knowledge you've gained of his family
>Other
>>
>>2990427
>>Face the remaining rooms and him at the end
>>
>>2990427
>>Face the remaining rooms and him at the end
Not going to fuck with our shota
>>
>>2990427
>Face the remaining rooms and him at the end

Fuck him
>>
>>2990427
>Agree to meet with Albert
The man is hoarding wmd's for christ's sake
>>
>>2990463
Also, acting against him now will also probably mean that we'll be in conflict with the whole family which I would like to avoid. Mordrax is the bigger problem atm.
>>
>>2990436
>>2990442
>>2990452

"I think not," you mutter. "You had your chance to stop this game. I'll face your experiments, and at the end, I'm coming for you."

"How very foolish of you. Your bravado will lead to regret. I wonder which of your allies will die first..."

With that, he ceases to speak. You clench your fists.

'Damn... From this point on, we'll need to be twice as careful. Who knows what he's got from here...'

You approach the others and quickly inform them that extra protection will be needed from this point. They all agree and take several minutes to apply various wards and blessings upon each party member. With this done, you prepare to explore further.

>Go south to room number 4
>Return to Room 2 and head south to room 7
>Return to the tomb entrance
>Other
>>
>>2990478
Dealing with him now means we don't have to deal with him later. And it's not like his sibs really cared when we destroyed his lair.
>>
>>2990485
>>Go south to room number 4
>>
>>2990485
>>Go south to room number 4
>>
>>2990490
>>2990491

Your party enters the door to the south, which leads to a hallway. Beyond the door as its end is a chamber in which the walls are covered with leering demonic faces. Alex sticks close to you, but says nothing. You know his worry is that these were not placed here by Albert, but rather are a remnant of his devil-worshipping ancestors.

As you walk towards the center, the leering faces all suddenly begin to laugh, blinking as their mouths move. At first it is a light giggle from a few of them, then a crowd of uproarious laughter. Your group all gets back to back as you move in a circle, waiting for an attack to come.

Your eyes are drawn to one of the faces, though you do not know why. You watch as the face emerges from the wall, attached to a featureless body that begins to morph into a very familiar form: your own. Your eyes widen in surprise as Mary approaches, wearing a complete one-to-one replica of your dress and in possession of the same equipment.

But yours is not the only doppelganger: Ben, Amber, Bargum, Amanda and Alex all have one, and they are closing in!

>Current Shadow Points: 4
>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>2990528
Be prepared to counterspell any hostile magic
>>
Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>2990528
Forceful noose our doppelganger and arcane strike it
>>
Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>2990528
Cast Forceful Noose

Bring them to heel
>>
Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>2990528
Casting colour spray
>>
Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>2990528

Ray of Exhaustion
>>
>>2990534

"Oh, please," you say with a smirk. Your doppelganger begins hurling spells at you, but you know every possible trick she could pull out. You counterspell each one, using one hand to block every arcane bolt she slings your way.

>>2990539
>>2990541

With one final counterspell, you turn in place and throw an arcane noose around your copy's neck, pulling her to kneel in front of you. With your free hand, you conjure a knife of arcane force and slice her across the neck.

The duplicate falls to the floor, losing all of her features as she melts into the ground. The demonic face remains, which you step on and crush beneath your heel.

Your smirk only grows. 'There's only one of me.' You then pause. 'Well, I suppose there are two... but definitely not three.'

>>2990552

Nearby, you see Ben and Ben clashing against each other, exchanging sword blows and shield blocks. Amber has already cut her duplicate down after bashing it in the face with her shield. Amanda and Amanda are locked in battle, rolling around on the floor, making it difficult to discern who is who. One Bargum delivers a fierce headbutt to his counterpart, knocking him down.

It isn't difficult to tell which Alex is the real one, for he has been hiding behind you. His doppelganger, however, has a big smile on his face and speaks in a high-pitched voice. "It's so nice of you to come," the clone says to him. "The master has been waiting for you: the last of the Shepherds. Soon, you will join the flock."

>>2990582

You point a finger at the clone and blast it with a ray of exhaustion, then follow it up with a series of arcane bolts that destroy the clone. You look down at Alex and tell him to be strong while you sort out the rest of these fakes.

>Current Shadow Points: 4
>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>2990602
Grasping tentacles!
>>
Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>2990602
Grasping tentacles
>>
Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>2990602
Cast truth on everybody with a doppelganger.
>>
Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>2990602

Identify Magic to sort doppels from real people
>>
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>>2990612
>>2990615
>>2990635
>>2990672

Wanting to end this quickly, you summon forth grasping tentacles all throughout the chamber. With your arcane sight, you see which ones are the doppelgangers and ensnare them. This gives your allies the chance they need to finish off their clones.

With that business concluded, everyone picks themselves up and dusts themselves off, with Bargum nursing a bruise on his forehead from when his doppelganger headbutted him.

The room appears to be featureless except for the now-silent faces. You look up and say, "That was one of yours then, Albert?"

"No, those were there when I arrived. But I did provide the bodies. Amusing, was it not?"

You inspect the only door leading out of this chamber, which takes you back to the tomb's entrance hall. However, Alex suddenly points something out in the room with the demonic faces; something about the southeastern corner isn't right.

Upon inspection, he turns out to be correct, and a secret door is found! You smile at him and ask him how he knew. "I don't know... I just did," he replies, then looks around. "I know a lot of things about this place, I guess..." He says nothing more on the subject.

The room behind is dark, dank and filled with water. The floor slopes into a large pool in the center of the cracked ground. Its surface is still, but it is murky and green in color.

There are two doors here; one on the opposite end leading east, and one on the southern wall. Both are made of wood, and if they had any markings on them they have long since faded due to exposure to the moisture of this chamber.

>Southern Door
>Eastern Door
>Return to the entryhall
>Invesigate the water
>Other
>>
>>2990744
>Invesigate the water
>>
>>2990744
>>Invesigate the water
>>
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>>2990744
>whatever you do, DON'T disturb the water.
>>
>>2990756
>>2990797

You approach the surface of the dark water and peer over the edge. As you do, a figure suddenly emerges from below, reaching at you with rotten hands and grasping you! The abomination, a ghoul comprised of two bodies merged together, lets out a hellish, waterlogged moan as it tries to pull you under!

>Current Shadow Points: 4
>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>2990838
Arcane blast a seam
>>
>>2990861

You manage to blast the monster back into the water with an arcane bolt, severing its two bodies back apart. Ben reaches down to pull you away from the water's edge, but already more figures are beginning to emerge. Bloated and watery corpses pull themselves up from below, crawling and moaning as they reach out towards you.

At that moment, the door behind your party slams shut! You hear a strange hissing noise and look up, seeing small vents in the ceiling begin to release a green gas. Poison!

As Amber kicks a ghoul down into the water and Amanda bashes one on the head, you wrack your brain for a solution to this problem...

>Current Shadow Points: 4
>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>2990883
Cast elemental maw at the bottom of the lake
>>
Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>2990883
Gust of Wind
>>
Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>2990883
If we need more rolls then,
>Command Undead
get at least one of them to hold the others back or push them into the elemental maw
>>
>>2990893
>>2990905

Furrowing your brow, you raise your hands towards the lake and prepare to cast one of your most powerful spells at its bottom: elemental maw.

As your allies fend off the zombies, you finish the incantation, opening a rift to the Abyss at the bottom of the deep pool. This proves to be a perfect solution to the problem, as it creates a whirlpool that sucks everything down with it like a funnel, along with most of the undead. The pool lights up and bubbles; steam and horrible-smelling gas are released as the maw consumes everything that it touches in a violent mess of fire, lightning and other powerful elements. The poison gas in the room is even sucked towards it, helped along by a gust of wind from you.

Seeing what you have done, the others hold onto each other and begin knocking the undead into the pit of death. Once all the water is drained, and the elemental maw ceases, all that is left is a large hole in the ground where the pool once was.

Everyone turns and looks at you as you shrug and say, "Hardly a problem at all."

You can't help but notice that Albert doesn't say anything. After that display of your power, he must be rethinking some things.

>Take the southern door
>Take the eastern door
>Other
>>
>>2990945

>Take the southern door
>>
>>2990945
>>Take the southern door
>>
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>>2990951
>>2990960

"Remind me never ta piss ya off, lass," Bargum says, his big bushy eyebrows raised as he looks at the bottom of the pit.

Your party gingerly makes its way around the pit, heading towards the southern door. Beyond it is a hallway that leads to a room lined with coffins.

There are two doors here, one leading to the north and one leading further south. But more important than that is the large hole in the western wall, from which emerges a floating orb of dead flesh, resembling a massive head with a single eye, a maw of yellow teeth and several stalks for hair, each ending in an eye of their own!

You have read of such creatures. Beholders! This one is undead, and sets upon your group with a murderous gaze in its milky eye.

>Current Shadow Points: 4
>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>2990994
>Glitterdust
>>
Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>2990994
Colour spray
>>
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>>2991014
>>2991037

Knowing full well that beholders use their eyes to cast deadly magical effects, you immediately conjure not just one, but two illusion spells: glitterdust and color spray! You launch both at the beholder, who takes the full force of both spells. The undead monstrocity is covered in golden dust while its central eye gets a blast of brilliant color, blinding not just its central eye, but each of its eye stalks!

The undead creature is dazed and confused, floating lower to the floor. Never before has this happened to it, and this gives your allies the perfect chance to strike!

With a shout of triumph, Ben leaps towards the abomination and fearlessly buries his sword right alongside its central eye, digging into the thick, rotten flesh. The beholder attempts to shake him off, spinning slightly in place, but he holds on tightly, digging his heels into the holes in the bottom of the creature's jaw.

Amber swings her sword, managing to give it a small cut, Amanda does about the same with her mace. Bargum attempts to hit it with his hammer, but the beholder then levitates upwards, taking Ben with it. Alex casts a wave of radiant light upon the creature, damaging it while protecting Ben, who manages to withdraw his sword and drop back to the floor.

Knowing that you only have so long before the blindness wears off, you prepare your next move.

>Current Shadow Points: 4
>1d100 and an action!
>>
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Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>2991062
>Force Noose
GET OVER HERE!
>>
Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>2991062
firebolt
>>
>>2991086

What good are your melee only allies if they cannot reach your foe? With a forceful noose, you loop it around the fleshy outsider and yank as hard as you can, aided by the strength of the spell. The beholder is brought low, and your allies set upon it once more!

Ben swings, but misses narrowly. Amber manages to lop off one of its eye stalks by aiming high, while Amanda focuses on creating a holy cage around the creature to hold it in place. White beams of light encircle the monster, and it roars in pain as the radiant energy burns its flesh.

>>2991099

Bargum stands alongside Alex. "Remember I taught ye, lad?" The small cleric nods. "Then let's do it now!"

You prepare a firebolt as they both move their hands in a synchronized fashion, creating two runes of power that appear in front of them. They both cast their spell and you along with them, with two beams of light slamming into the beholder held in the holy cage, cutting and searing its flesh until they burn straight through the back of it. Your firebolt hits its central eye and burrows within, until its insides are on fire.

Amanda releases her cage and the dead body of the beholder falls to the floor in a burning, melting mess of bubbling flesh and charred bone. Everyone cheers, but not for long, as the body of the undead aberrant begins to glow blue.

You watch as this aura grows upwards into the shape it had in life: a ghost beholder! It opens its mouth and lets out a cry that shakes everyone in the room to their core.

This fight isn't over yet...

>Current Shadow Points: 4
>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>2991121
Enchant swords with ghost slaying if it ran out since last time.
If not, arcane bolt
>>
>>2991121
upgrade enchantments with a shadow point.
>>
Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>2991155
pfffft
>>
>>2991127

The ghost beholder turns one of its eye stalks towards you and blasts you with a spell of telekinesis, threatening to lift you up and slam you onto the ground. However, you manage to resist it, but can do nothing else as your mind battles against the ray.

Ben is the one who breaks you out of this lock, as he blocks a ray of sleep with his shield before leaping up to attack the ghost with his sword, still enchanted with the ghostslaying property from earlier. The beholder lets out an ethereal cry as his sword passes through it, the enchantment dealing a great amount of damage. Amber follows his lead, swinging up to further disturb the spirit's form.

Amanda and Bargum both avoid two of its eye rays. The paladin creates a beacon of light beneath the ghost that reaches up and affects it with holy energy, forcing it to move. It runs right into a rune that Bargum creates, which then encircles the beholder like a halo of lightning, continually zapping it with energy.

Alex tries to hide behind your leg, but is hit with a ray of charm. He tries to stop you from fighting the beholder by tugging on your leg, but thankfully he is small and weak.

>>2991163

You call over Ben and Amber so that you may enchant their weapons with a more powerful spell, one that affects outsiders like the beholder spirit. You touch their swords and impart some of your shadowy essence upon them, imbuing them with the shadowslayer enchantment. They turn and rejoin the fight as you look down at Alex, who is begging you not to kill the beholder. You sigh and pat him on the head, knowing that he cannot help it.

>Current Shadow Points: 3
>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>2991186
Detect ghost. Maybe we can communicate with it
>>
Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>2991186
I reckon an arcane bolt
>>
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>>2991213

As the others continue to attack their foe, you weave a spell of communication with the spirit, knowing you have precious little time before it is destroyed; at this point, it is merely inevitable.

You attempt to open a line of communication with the beholder, but the only thing it wishes to communicate is its unending hatred. Not of you, nor even of Albert, but of Albert's father who initially summoned it, captured it, and handed it off to his son to be subjected to his experiments in necromancy.

Though you are unable to gain any kind of image from the alien mind of the beholder, one word stands out among all others when he speaks of the father: Lich.

>>2991224

As Ben, Amber and Amanda deal their strongest attacks to the creature, striking with their enchanted weapons of shadowslaying and holy power, combined with the runic attack of Bargum, the creature's spirit can take no more. In one final act, it opens its central eye and unleashes a beam of disintegration in your direction.

You brace yourself for the hit that never comes, for when you open your eyes you see that Bargum has conjured a rune of protection in front of both you and Alex, which blocks the attack and negates it.

In the end, the ghost is defeated and discorporates, vanishing into the void from whence it originally came.

The charm upon Alex fades with the ghost's passing, and he looks rather embarrassed. You ruffle his hair and say, "Don't worry, it happens to everyone at some point."

You hear a loud clicking noise as the door to the south unlocks. You notice a number upon it: 8.

'That must be Albert's laboratory...' you reason.

>Take the southern door
>Take the northern door
>Everyone rest for a moment
>Head back the way you came
>Other
>>
>>2991240
>>Everyone rest for a moment
He waited this long. He can wait some more
>>
>>2991240
>>Everyone rest for a moment
wew lad, that was too much fun for one day. Let's take a breather before we move on to "Let's Make A Deal".
>>
>>2991253
>>2991259

Much like after the battle with the zombified dragon, everyones takes a moment to relax. Amber sits with her back to a sarcophagus and cleans her sword. "Well, this tomb turned out to be much more exciting than I thought it would," she mutters, but has a smile on her face. "These are some new personal records."

Ben, sitting alongside her, lets out a chuckle in spite of himself. "Yeah... If only dad could see me now."

Amber pauses, and her smile vanishes. You notice her focus on cleaning her sword, very clearly not trying to react to the mention of Ben's father, likely because of what she told you regarding her own.

Bargum sits next to you, taking advantage of the moment to smoke his pipe once more, now blowing small smoke-rings to pass the moment. Nearby, Amanda is saying several prayers to the First Faith. You'd think that Alex would be joining her, but instead he is staring off towards the southern door.

You stand up and approach him. "Something wrong?"

"I hear something," he whispers. "It's... calling me."

Kneeling alongside him with a concerned look, you ask him, "Is it Albert?"

"No... something else. I can feel it here," he says, holding his hand over his heart. "Something to do with my family..."

You remember what Albert spoke of earlier; a coffin that only a Shepherd could open. Perhaps this is what he is referring to...

>Procede to the final room of the dungeon
>Wait a little while longer yet
>Explore elsewhere
>Ask Alex if he is up to the task of whatever lies ahead
>Other
>>
>>2991272
>>Ask Alex if he is up to the task of whatever lies ahead
>>
>>2991272
>>Ask Alex if he is up to the task of whatever lies ahead
No matter what we find, remember you are you and they are them. What they are doesn't define you.
>>
>>2991272
>>Ask Alex if he is up to the task of whatever lies ahead
Lets rest a bit more while we review some basic stranger-danger.
"What if whatever is calling you wants you to do something bad or dangerous? What if it offers you candy or appeals to your curiosity or sense of duty?"
>>
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>>2991276
>>2991286
>>2991287

Turning him so that he is facing you, you ask him, "Are you prepared for whatever may lie ahead?"

"I think so," he says, though his voice still sounds uncertain.

"No matter what we find, remember you are you and they are them. What they are doesn't define you."

Slowly, he nods his head. "Okay. I'm ready."

The party gathers and everyone puts a hand on Alex's shoulder to let him know they all support him. Ben leads the way through the southern door, holding up his shield. At the end of the long hallway, there is another door, which he breaks down.

This was a laboratory, alright, but Albert is long gone. There is a cavernous hole along the back wall that indicates his method of escape. You mutter under your breath, "Coward."

Various corpses litter the area, but it is clear that Albert and his faceless minions collected anything of value and left in a hurry. The only true thing of note in this room is the sarcophagus placed at its center, a large one with a unique star-like symbol carved upon it. As your party studies it, Alex is drawn towards it.

You stop him with a hand on his shoulder. You ask him, "This is it?" He nods. "What is it saying?"

"I don't know," he says in an almost dream-like tone. "Just that it is calling out for a Shepherd." He gets a look of determination on his face. "I have to open it. No matter what it is, I have to, Mary. This is what I've been having dreams about, the secret I've been hunting ever since I found out about my family's curse."

>Let him open it
>Keep him from opening it
>Open it, but have Ben shield Alex
>Attempt to destroy it
>Other
>>
>>2991308
>>Keep him from opening it
>>
>>2991308
Check the room for any hidden traps/baddies/magic/anything first
Then
>>Open it, but have Ben shield Alex
while we all watch our backs.
>>
>>2991308
>>Keep him from opening it
I think This is what Albert was after. He wants what's inside. He may just be waiting for us to open it so he can snatch it away.
>>
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>>2991347
>>2991352
>>2991364

He goes to open it, but you hold him back. "First, let's check the room for traps," you insist. Upon using your arcane sight, sure enough there is a rune of petrification upon the ceiling over the sarcophagus. Bargum dispels it once you point it out.

Finally, you have Ben stand alongside Alex, holding up his shield, ready for anything dangerous.

Alex takes a deep breath and places his hand upon the stone surface. A rumbling noise is heard as the ancient seal is broken and the top begins to open. Everyone has their hands or weapons up, ready for whatever may come.

When it finishes opening, everyone slowly inches forward to take a peek at what is inside. There is a corpse, entirely skeletal, wearing the armor of a knight. Alex blinks a few times. "I don't understand," he whispers.

Suddenly the knight springs to life, leaping up in his coffin to stand! Ben shouts and raises his sword, ready to attack the undead, who upon seeing this draws his own sword and blocks the strike.

And then the undead knight speaks. "Have at you, knave!" He deflects Ben's sword in a wide arc before knocking him down with a swift kick to the chest. He leaps atop him and points his sword at Ben's neck. He continues to speak. "Cease your hostility, or I shall have no choice but to run you through!"

Everyone stands still, amazed at the strange sight before them. Though dead, the figure speaks and carries himself with all the spirit he must have had in life. The knight looks around, staring at everyone with empty eye sockets. "What is the matter, good citizens? You look as if you have seen a ghost!"

>To be continued...
>>
>>2991372

Sorry to cut things off at the moment, but it is late and I've too many things to do this week.

So concludes our thread (properly this time!)

I've archived the thread in the usual place: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Evil%20Sorceress%20Quest

You can always reach me at the following:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DamashiKonquest
Discord: https://discord.gg/HBz5u9v

Thanks so much for playing! I hope you enjoyed this thread. It was a blast.

We're approaching the finale at thread 20, so stay tuned for more! I'll see you next time.





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