>Current Vaguely Mechanical Details:
>You are at the peak of your power
>You posses the powers of Curse and Spite
>In the event you return to Hell, you possess 200 Obols in Demonic currency, and are located in the Hall of Silence, beneath the Temple Prime, in the Spire of Perfected Being.

>Bumping, in case the players who were here literally minutes before the first post have returned...

>>13469970
Well, let's see how the tithing goes. Not much else we can do than wait.

>>13469970
It would have helped a lot if you had continued posting in the thread we kept bumped the whole night, or at least link to this one in it.

>>13470222
The farmers have gathered in the village square with their crops - though a few of the more successful will be paying in coin. Thomas inspects them disinterestedly, orders them packed into carts by the footmen. He spends a little while eying the buxom daughter of one farmer in particular as they do so...
The wealthier farmers turn over thirty silver coins, in all. Though Thomas suspects Wilhelm to be holding out.

>>13470384
How much of that do we get? How much goes to our "Lords", and how much to our brother dearest?

>>13470656
Still interested but I've got to get some sleep tonight. Any regular time you plan on showing up for this quest?

Thomas. Look around you! Look at these common born. They are the same as you. They work in the field year round so that they can pay what they have to Maerlyn. They look up and know that they will never reach the height of those above them. They know your pain. They know your suffering.

You suspect that Wilhelm is holding out? Overlook it. Be gracious for now, he could return the favor later. Perhaps he could help you with you dear brother?

You can feel Thomas stewing at your words as he and his footmen prepare to leave. Now may be a good time to urge him...
He carries the coins with him, appreciating their weight. His gaze lingers on that maiden before turning to leave - but you can sense the sick guilt in his gut. Alessa did not pass so long ago, only three months.

>My timezone is GMT, so I could conceivably run the quest anywhere between 8pm and 4AM, or later

>>13471280
Yes, Alessa has passed. And yet there is still beauty such as this in the world. Who else will appreciate it? Certainly not these swine. It should be ours, Thomas. Perhaps a word with her would not be out of line. She'd love to talk to a nobel such as ourselves....

>>13471368
Thomas seems reluctant. A push is necessary

>Please roll 3d12

rolled 1, 10, 2 = 13

Have a word with the lovely lady. Show her someone more urbane than these commoners.

rolled 10, 12, 2 = 24

>>13471464
*clutches chest* Urk that roll. And that was my first time using the dice function on here too =(

Oh shit I have class in 5 minutes. Be back in an hour and a half.

(And yes, for a moment I seriously considered ditching class to stay in this. Consider that a vote of confidence.)

>ibid viefies
Well captcha, Ibid will certainly viefy ME if I'm not in lecture. He doesn't like it when we do that.

>>13471464
It's a struggle, but you are able to overcome his meagre will.

"Good day, maiden..."
"G-good day, milord. How... how may I serve?"

Thomas is at something of a loss, here. You may need to help him.

Encourage Thomas to pocket some of the money when nobody is looking.

>>13472038
Get her name

>>13472386
"What... what is your name?" Thomas asks, a little haltingly.

"Melinda, my lord."

"A pretty name, for a pretty maiden," he replies, and you blanch inwardly.

"Thank you milord..." she replies, smiling nervously.

Take note of her for the future.

A comely young maiden of lower birth could figure into our long-term plans.

>>13472796

Besides, Thomas is our plaything. We shouldn't have to share him, after all.

Hm. I feel like there is something here for us. What is to be envied? Her beauty? What about... we were suspicious of that inept Wilhelm. Perhaps inquire about the state of things in the village.

>>13473158
What is to be envied? Why, the fact that she lives while Alessa does not. No doubt she has some poor lover, who in all his poverty is yet more fortunate than Thomas, for his woman can still shower him with affection. What injustice that he, who stands of noble rank and birth, should be so upstaged by any peasant who can charm her! The very fact that she could have a lover other than Thomas is like a slap in the face of an already wounded man, rubbing salt into the wound of his loss by sheer weight of contrast.

"How does the village fare, Melinda?" Thomas asks.

"Oh... well, milord. Very well. Uncle Wilhelm is going to build an inn here."

"He is?" Thomas frowns. "I see. I must... congratulate him on his initiative and prosperity..."

>>13473396
Yesssssssss. This is exactly what I was trying to come up with. So what's the plan here? Have Thomas make a move on her due to his envy (With our help. Dude is not exactly a ladykiller)?
Or just whisper what you said to him? Increase our hold on him and all that? I'll definitely support throwing these kinds of thoughts into his mind for now.

>>13473426
So Willhelm has the capital to start an inn does he? Also, he is her Uncle... this wench is looking more and more attractive.

>>13473452
Just keep whispering into his mind. It's not our job to make him smooth, it's our job to make envy come to dominate his thoughts so that he acts on it (even if ineffectually). We only need to actually make him succeed if he's actively trying to help us, like directly trying to found a cult or call up a demon such as ourselves.

In fact, it could even be to our benefit to drive him half-mad with envy without being able to do anything to sate himself. He would grow ever more desperate and eventually turn to demonology, even if he'd probably tip his hand by acting rather nasty to everyone on the way there.

>"I see. I must... congratulate him on his initiative and prosperity..."
Oh, yes you must, Thomas. Look at him, moving up in the world by means of cheating his overlords. Such a nasty, very -effective- trick.

Unless his overlords notice and choose to not let him get away with it, of course. You could force him to pay up... or aid him in concealing his wealth by demanding that he aid you in other fashions. His niece, for example... she might wash away your sorrows, for a while, if she was convinced by family to be enthusiastic in letting you use her.

Your talons sink a little more deeply into Wilhelm. You can feel him succumbing. If this continues you can control him directly before too long...

"I see. Well, good day to you, Melinda, I have much to do."
"I am sure, my lord. Good day."

Thomas, gritting his teeth, approaches Wilhelm...

"Sera Wilhelm, good day. I understand you are opening an Inn?"
"Ye...Yes, my lord. I have been saving for some time."

"I see. That is... good. Congratulations, sera Wilhelm. There are many men who would resort to trickery, or underhanded methods to attain such standing, yet you did so all by honest toil... "

Wilhelm is sweating.
"Yes, my lord."

"'twould be terrible if some man were to cheat his betters for his own gain - you should watch your staff carefully when you open up, Wilhelm."

"Yes, my lord."

"Sensible. Is your niece wed?"

"No, my lord." Wilhelm appears hesitant, confused.

"Excellent. The manor requires a new maid. Would she be interested in serving our family directly?"

Thomas is craftier than you gave him credit for, it seems. Wilhelm cannot get out of this one.

"I.. I am sure, my lord."

"Excellent, send her tonight. Her family will be rewarded."

"Yes, my lord." Wilhelm bows, and you, if not Thomas, notice him balling a fist inside his pocket, as if holding something.

With that, Thomas prepares to go home.

YES. Haha, allow me to sit in Thomas's head and cackle for a while until the next opportunity for evuls arrises.

>>13473770
There is a lesson to be learned from this, Thomas. Look at what Wilhelm did- opening an inn is a huge undertaking, and all it took was concealing a bit of income. He botched that part, of course... but he still has his inn anyway. He's moved up in the world. Any man might envy that sort of initiative, that sort of drive to ascend even at risk.

Or perhaps you don't need to wish for boldness, Thomas. Perhaps you have it already. After all, that was well done, ensuring that no peasant will spit on you by lying freely with pretty Melinda. Perhaps you can be bold in other ways as well- with your noble upbringing, are you not more subtle, more capable than Wilhelm? Can you not hide things with far greater care?

Do you not have a far less worthy overlord, who has far more than they should and appreciates it not?

Think on it, Thomas. Think long and hard.

The first cracks begin to appear; your taint is spreading to his body and soul. You feel his blood grow a little colder as your own Demonic essence suffuses his form.

>You may now force Thomas to perform one action per day

Another week passes. Quite without your prodding Thomas extorts Wilhelm a little - in exchange for silence, Wilhelm has had an extra room added to the basement of the inn, and reserved from Thomas' use. Curious, what need did the boy have for it?

But of course. It all makes sense when he takes Melinda to the cellar, wraps her in chains, and has his way with her.
Predictably, she tells not a soul. But Thomas recludes for a time, wracked with guilt.

>>13473950
Goooood Thomas. Now, we have a measure of control over him, he's expressed his baser desires, and we have an area which only we can access. I suggest we return our attention to that unworthy brother of ours.

>But of course. It all makes sense when he takes Melinda to the cellar, wraps her in chains, and has his way with her.
Thomas is way kinkier than initially anticipated. He probably loved his wife so much because she was a hardcore sub. I hope he called Melinda by his wife's name while she was gagged, just to emphasize that the real reason he's doing this is because he wants his wife back, and envies Melinda her life and vitality on Alessa's behalf.

>But Thomas recludes for a time, wracked with guilt.
No guilt, Thomas. She was more than happy to serve her family, wasn't she? Didn't they get a huge increase in status from it, and easily accede to your requests? Can't you look after her now that she's yours to do with as you will? You are their gracious overlord, kindly bending the rules for them in exchange for some small consideration- all she has to do is make you happy for a few fleeting minutes. Well, hours. Several times a week.

Anyway, Thomas, other more weighty matters must demand your attention. What of your brother? What of the family who you are forced to serve? What injustices have they heaped upon you of late?

Micheal has apparently been away, investigating yet further accusations against Count Kain. Thomas is ever confused when these come up; Count Kain was a pleasant old man, last he recalls. Always suggesting that he stay awhile and listen to some intriguing esoterica on lost artifacts and monsters.
And once gave him a toffee-covered apple, which counts for a lot to a seven year old, enough to remember.

But now he returns. Content Kain is harmless, or pious, or whatever it was this time. He and father are talking in the drawing room when Thomas arrives to relax by the fire.

"Ah, my boy!" William says, on seeing him. "Good evening to you."

"And you, father. Micheal."

"Thomas." Micheal is still in his traveling clothes. He seems a tad anxious. "Father, Lady Maerlyn seems terribly offended by your suspicions of Kain. You must leave him alone, he's harmless. The Lady is coming to visit us next and she will be most upset..."

>>13474290
We need information. What are William's suspicions of the Count? Why does he think they're so? And why does the Lady Maerlyn think so well of the Count that she would ride out here just to defend his virtue from some unvoiced accusations?

Or is she coming for some other reason? Who will accompany her, and how long shall she stay?

>>13474290
Lost artifacts and monsters? If we're looking to start a cult, this right here is the go-to guy.

The lady herself is coming to visit? Planning to show up in all her finery I suppose, telling her inferiors what we can and can't do. As if she's much better than us...

William has always suspected the Count is up to something - his lands are always perfect. Perfect! No crime, no complaints, no late payments. Apparently he and the Lady have been friends since childhood.

It is, Thomas supposes, about the right time of year for the Lady to make a personal visit. She does so every Autumn.

Autumn... Blast, you had forgotten. If Thomas goes from the estate or into the woods, you shall have to be on your guard. That accursed Jester and his minions will be abroad. At least you have enough hold on Thomas to will him away from Faerie Rings if necessary.

>>13474792
It sounds to me like the Count is likely up to something occult, but not necessarily nefarious- there are likely bargains he could have made with the powers, hellish or otherwise, which would result in that sort of thing even without any kind of continued action on his part.

More information on this Jester and his minions is desired. How easily could they detect us? What about sending us back to hell? What is their relationship with humans?

In any case, Thomas doubtless knows well how to prepare for the visit of his oh-so-esteemed mistress. He can go about that, as we whisper to him words of envy and caution- he should want everything she has, but at the same time not let on that he wants it. If he does anything rash or embarrassing here, it could lessen his power significantly; if he makes it through this period it will likely become difficult to travel or send word during the winter, making it an ideal time to convince him to do all kinds of nasty cultish things. Also ice is kind of our thing, so that will dovetail nicely.

>>13474792
"refresh your memory" on the jester

>>13474792
Well we must prepare proper accommodations for her. I'm sure an upper-class lady is used to much much more elegant lodgings, but she'll have to make do with the poor fair we can supply.

>>13474792
>Aw, come on, OP! If you're going to make only one post an hour, at least have it be a post that gives us something useful instead of teasing at more information and not moving our plans forward at all...

>I like this quest a lot, but it would be a lot better if it moved faster.

>Sorry, I keep getting distracted. But you are paying close attention, I'll speed up.

The Jester is among the forces of the Enemy, the Fair Folk, competitors for mortal soul and the only things in this realm that can truly match a Demon in terms of power. Avoiding this one is best - he would be more than a match for even a Duke of your Circle.

Preparations for the visit begin. Cleaning, collecting gifts, drilling the men. No one ever makes this sort of effort for Thomas' family.

A few days pass, and Lady Maerlyn arrives. Beautiful, albeit an older woman. She looks so youthful...Aha.
Thomas and his fellows are oblivious, but you recognise her for what she is - a Magus. The precise nature of her powers cannot be determined until you see her use them, but her soul glows like a miniature sun.

Greetings and pleasantries are exchanged.

Talk begins, over dinner.

"I must thank you, William, for your hospitality. You outdo yourself every year."

"Nay, milady, 'tis no effort at all for you."

The lady smiles. Charmed?

"I wish you would be so kind to Deckard. The poor man is quite fraught with your visitations."

"Oh, now, my lady, is this talk for the dinner table?"

"As you like, William - perhaps this will set you at your ease. An Inquisitor is visiting the province next month, and he shall be investigating all of us, beginning with Count Kain."

As if things couldn't be worse...

>Deckard Kain

>iseewhatyoudidthere.jpg

>>13475239
>you recognise her for what she is - a Magus
What sort of capabilities does one of her ilk normally have? How dangerous might she be in terms of detecting or banishing us? And might she have any particular value as, say, a sacrifice?

>An Inquisitor
More background! I need it! Is that one of those types that might be able to fully discorporate us? How could we successfully hide our presence from him? If we say coerced Thomas into trying to kill him, what would be his odds of success?

And are investigations into this sort of thing normal?

Ease up on the whispering to Thomas for the moment- keep it going, but at a low key. We don't want him doing anything rash while there are superiors and inquisitors about, at least not unless we see a golden opportunity. Occasional comments about how the family is forced to show their best for the Lady- they can never treat one another with this level of care and respect, only those to which they must bow and scrape. And no one takes Father's word for things, but that of an Inquistor, that's esteemed by everyone- why are his words so easily discarded? What would one do for that level of respect from others?

>Inquisitor
FFFFFFFFFFFFF-

Ok. We need to move fast so that we'll be in a position powerful enough to outmaneuver this Inquisitor. Perhaps Ms. Magi can be of use to us? There were some of them in Hell, so they are at least not hostile towards demonkind. Best not to reveal ourselves too soon. Certainly don't let...
Actually, wait. What if we found a way to expose her to Thomas? Make him jealous of her occult powers. Then show him how to gain his own through us...

This has been an informative meal. Perhaps inquire as to how things are with House Maerlyn?
And taunt Thomas with her youthful beauty. That one who already has so much would be given the gift of beauty, even at her age, while his Alessa was taken from him.

>>13475433 cont.

Upon thinking more, we could possibly gain a great deal from selling the Magus out to the Inquisitor. Or vice-versa? I'm undecided as to which would be a better ally.

Magi can prove dangerous to Demons - while not able to identify, banish, or otherwise recognise them, their powers can inflict harm on a manifested Demon as if delivered by the talons of a fellow Infernal. As to the Inquisitor... you know the mortals have two kinds - one who hunts Magi, and one who hunts Demons. Perhaps the Lady has more to fear from this visit?

Your powers of observation are superior - if the lady used magic, you could direct Thomas' attention to it.

"Pray tell, my lady, how does your house fare? I understand the Delat have been most rude recently."

Hm?

"Astute of you Thomas, and I thank you for your concern. We cope, but Delat's constant accusations weary us. I only wish the King would intervene..."

"Alas," interjects William, "the King has no power the Pope does not grant him."

That's father, never satisfied with letting someone else make a worthy point. He tries so hard to charm the lady, painfully overt for one his age. The Lady Maerlyn had begun to notice our wit there though, that's a step in the right direction, being given the recognition we deserve.

>I thank you for your concern
Good, Thomas, good. She doesn't deserve what she has, but as long as she has it rather than you, you might as well gain her favor.

If Inquisitors are famous/known by name, we might ask which of them is coming, if the Lady should know. That might give us a bit more information about what to expect.

The bit with the Pope... apparently the church has this country in its pocket. Inconvenient for us in the long run, but perhaps another minor plug for Thomas. The shackles of the clergy are everywhere; what power they have, to be able to order even the most powerful of men about! If only you could extend influence in such a fashion.

"Which Inquisitor shall it be, do you know?"

The Lady glances to William, then back to Thomas.

"Smart lad, William. You would do well to bring him out more. As to whom... well, this Delat pushing, again. Straker, I believe. Malleus Straker."

You know that name. A hunter of Magi, and richly mocked by an Earl of Pride named Remiel from whom the ignorant human accepted a Demonic sword, convinced Remiel was an angel and the blade a gift from his god.

Wonderful! Then not only do we have an inept Inquisitor coming our way, but also a demonic sword. Now THAT could be useful if we could find a way to get our hands on it...

>>13475698
What do we/Thomas know of the Delat family (assuming that's what they are)? Aside from the fact that they don't like the Maerlyns.

We can ease off on the questioning for now, I think- we got the most critical information. Urge Thomas to be polite and as charming as he can manage to get into the Lady's good graces without pissing off his father and brother, and let the evening pass by. Perhaps tomorrow there will be some sort of opportunity to speak with her more, at which point we might be able to catch her using magic- or, if Thomas has done well enough ingratiating himself, she might drop information/an offer of some kind for him to pick up on.

Probing Thomas' mind a little, you find that the Delat are
another Great House, like the Maerlyn. As near as you can find, the mortal power structure is like a simpler echo of the Demonic - instead of Circles and Princes, they have Fiefs and Lords. And instead of a larger hierarchy, they have only Counts and Estates above the Rabble.
Many Inquisitors and Cardinals are Delats or vassals to Delat; and Maerlyn has an ancestral reputation for sorcery and mutation.

After dinner, the Lady approaches Thomas.

"Thomas... I was most impressed by your perspicacity..."

"Thank you, my lady." Thomas is on his guard. Interesting.

"There is something different about you, Thomas. You stand out from your family... tell me, would you care to become a scholar? It is tradition, for a second son, and the tutors of my keep are the finest in the land..."

She knows. She must know. Thomas is a born politician, not a scholar.

"Well, it is a generous offer, my lady..."

"Think on it, won't you? I simply must go, and get out of this corset..." She presses a hand under her ample cleavage, raising it to a little more prominence as she speaks, before leaving.

Hm. If Thomas were just Thomas, I'm guessing such an offer would be nigh-irresistible. Acting otherwise may be suspicious. Closer contact with her is even more likely to expose ourselves. Still, I suspect this may be our fastest track to exposing Thomas to the occult. My vote is to proceed with caution, ingratiating ourself with her.

Oh, and make sure to give Thomas PLENTY of thoughts of that cleavage, which is so close, yet forbidden from him...

>>13475955
interesting....


Anyone up for tango's?

we could try it out... and go all the way with our minion until he reaches a prominent lordhood title. then we can pluck him like a well grown chicken.

As we are not bout to mortal timeliness to corrupt the meatlings soul, we can take our time and make the kill moust delicious. Or even create a proper cult.... or ingrain a few practices in theeir church... to worship us ... hahahaha....

>>13475955
She's giving Thomas an opportunity to take the kind of favor that his father and brother will never have- to upstage the fact that they're getting all kinds of lands and wealth with superior status and the favor of their lords.

It's tough to resist.

>>13476031
>>13476052
As we have some assurances that mages cannot normally detect or manipulate demons, I say go for it and rely upon Thomas' political cunning to see him through it safely.

And if she's willing to spread her legs for him, well, so much the better if temptations of the flesh urge him along his route to power. Although I suspect that Thomas' character would actually find that significantly less tempting than most; he's very devoted to his wife's memory, and there's not much reason to sex her up over envy. Our vice isn't lust or greed, after all.

And she might even respect him more if he accepts her offer but doesn't insist on sleeping with her over it, although that's a gamble on her personality. She seems rather... overt. Maybe she can somehow magically bind Thomas if he sleeps with her; there's a thought for the paranoid.

>>13476052
I... think you're implying that we play a much longer, slower game and wait till years down the line?
While it may work, I see plenty of obstacles in the near future that need facing. Besides, as things stand right now there is plenty we can do to increase our power here. Let's see what the next day(s) bring, hopefully we can spend some more time with Lady Maerlyn and gain from her. Also a good idea to keep our eyes on both brother and father it seems.

>>13473950

Ahem
>>13476115
>But of course. It all makes sense when he takes Melinda to the cellar, wraps her in chains, and has his way with her.

>>13476146
We convinced him to do that by playing heavily on his wife's memory, remember? And even then he felt bad about it. And even before we showed up, he'd literally been in depression for three whole months over her demise. Not going to take the fact that he took the opportunity to extort some bondage out of a peasant girl to mean he's going to go brainlessly lusting after a well-displayed set of tits, particularly when he's politically savvy enough to know that there's a cunning mind above them.

>>13476218
If anything I should think that would make them all the more tempting. Getting not only sexual satisfaction, but intelligent recognition as well? Now there's something to be envied. Still, the earlier point about sex may have had something. Not sure that we really want to leave ourselves that exposed to one with this kind of power, suspicions on her part or no. Play along for now, we'll have to make a decision when the time comes.

We should see where this goes but be ready to abandon ship, Magi and Inquisitors could get messy.

>>13476248
Eh, perhaps.

Waiting for next OP post at this point, let's see what Thomas does.

>>13476341
I am wondering how things will turn when the Inquisitor gets here. Definitely gonna make sure Thomas keeps an eye out for that pretty, pretty demonblade.

Waiting for our next chance.

Her visit continues without real incident. She makes no more flirtatious gestures, but you do catch a sense of her power - nothing you can prove to Thomas, but you feel her try to... adjust his memories. She is a Shadow, then. A Magus with powers of the dark, knowledge, and obfuscation.
Alas, until she conjures up some umbral tentacles there is no way to make Thomas aware. She continues her sugared efforts to tempt Thomas into her home as a visiting scholar, and Thomas is tempted, yet reluctant. You would need to push him, really.

But your continued taunting and whispering strengthens your hold on him.

Eventually, the lady leaves, with the offer for Thomas to join her some time later if he should choose, after Straker's visit. Micheal is skeptical, but William has begun pressing him to accept.

>You may whisper more directly to Thomas, making him aware another speaks to him. He will be susceptible to your words.

>>13476115
The sex doesn't have to be about lust, it could just be about possession.

>>13476410
>>You may whisper more directly to Thomas, making him aware another speaks to him.

Nah, I'd say subtlety is better for now. We don't want him to do anything foolish while the inquisitor is near, and I guess people get skittish around those when they now they're communicating with demons.

>>13476410
>Micheal is skeptical, but William has begun pressing him to accept.
Whisper more aggressively to him regarding his brother- emphasize how his brother will get everything here and there's nothing for him, how staying at home is nothing more than a way to torture himself with what he can't have- his dead wife, his brother's inheritance, his random peasant fucktoy's actual love. And if he doesn't go, he'll be casting away his father's respect as well, since apparently William views this as Thomas' best chance to raise himself up in the world. It shouldn't take long before he makes the decision to accept on his own.

Of course, that won't be happening until after Straker's visit.


>You may whisper more directly to Thomas, making him aware another speaks to him. He will be susceptible to your words.
Do not use this capability until after the Inquisitor is gone. When people hear voices, they talk back, and we can't afford for any word of any suspicious behavior on Thomas' part to get back to the Inquisitor. Even a demonically ignorant mage hunter could still be a potential threat if the servants tell him Thomas speaks to the air on occasion.

>She is a Shadow, then. A Magus with powers of the dark, knowledge, and obfuscation.
How effective can we be in shielding Thomas' mind from her nasty little tricks?

>>13476410
>She is a Shadow, then. A Magus with powers of the dark, knowledge, and obfuscation.

Could she teach Thomas? The more powerful our mortal "ally", the better.

Hm. This is another milestone. I say go for it. While we don't want to make him nervous around the inquisitor, we have assurance that Thomas will listen to us, and most likely obey us. Besides, once a day we can force him to act.

As for the Magus, it looks like it's gonna have to be a choice on our part to go to her. Perhaps that will have to wait until after we deal with the Inquisitor though.

I take back my vote to speak to him just yet. The points made about not making him look suspicious stand. Still, I must admit I'm anxious to give our power some reign and truly bend him to our will once the Inquisitor is gone. Also, keep in mind that we can still force him to act once a day. Even if that's forcing him to avoid someone or to keep his mouth shut.

>You can protect Thomas from her powers with relative ease.
>Thomas cannot be taught Magic, it is a power in the blood. However, you can grant him a fascimile of Magic through a Contract

>I am afraid I must call a temporary halt to the thread, but I have rent to pay. Thread will resume approx 2:30PM GMT

>>13476681
>Thread will resume approx 2:30PM GMT
+3d12 hours, no doubt, based upon last time.

Anyway, I'll keep watching, but I won't be back for... hmm... around eighteen hours, probably. See you then if you're still around, and thanks for running this. The fact that I'm frustrated at how little we got done is the measure of my esteem.

Ah I suspected something was slowing down. Alright. So Magus isn't really a threat as far as detection goes, so as long as we don't reveal ourself we should be good with her.

I like the sound of this facsimile thing. Once we start whispering, we can promise him true power, the kind he envies.

Also dammit, 2:30pm GMT comes out to 6:30am for me, so I probably will miss that =( I've got class all day tomorrow, so I probably won't be reliably back on until around 11:30pm GMT. Hope the quest continues to go well.

rolled 7, 3, 1 = 11

I think we should actually try to help Thomas as well as we can while still indulging in the sin of envy.

The more successful he is, the more we'll gain in the end. I'd say we shouldn't take control over him unless he's about to do something stupid.

The position as a scholar sounds interesting, it could provide him with a proper chance to outperform his brother in time, and if there's one thing we have - it's time. If I remember the last thread correctly, we were going for more than only this one soul.

>>13476935
Damn right we were shooting high. I want him to start up a serious cult and sacrifice people to us by the dozens. We'll bask in their scrumptious souls and soak in the power, hopefully gaining enough strength that remaining a mere Countess upon our return to the hells is laughable.

More power and influence for Thomas is more souls for us after he turns that power and influence to nefarious ends.


As a side note, OP, if you come back, don't start a new thread. The old one had enough life in it when you made this one that we still wouldn't be in autosage, so you might as well wring all you can get from each one instead of having a lot of tiny threads.

bump

>Quest Resumes in 1 Hour

>>13480504
Just passed midnight and I was just about to go to sleep.
Now I have to wait to see how part 3 ends.
You mother fucker.

>>13480566
>Sorry, anon. Time can be a bitch like that.
>I have to leave for a meeting at 6, so expect another brief hiatus then

A week passes, and your hold on Thomas deepens. Be wary, for Inquisitor Straker arrives today. The more control you gain over Thomas, the more your Taint will alter him - in time, he will barely resemble the man he once was.

For now, Thomas blood runs cold, yet he does not feel it.

>You may force Thomas to take one action against his will per day
>You may push Thomas to take up to three actions towards which he already has an inclination per day

>>13481065
I imagine that Thomas' family has made plans for what to do during the Inquisitor's stay, particularly if William is determined to see that he identifies Kain as a mage. Thomas should, of course, go along with them.

Blood running cold is really, really bad- that means he can literally no longer touch anyone with his bare skin, lest he risk them realizing that something's unnatural with him. Looks like sleeping with Lady Maerlyn is completely off the table.

Anyway, we should be able to get through Straker's presence without too much difficulty; just have Thomas act casual and don't push him to anything particularly nasty which might arouse suspicion. We've hardly had him do anything bad, just a little blackmail that hardly requires demonic influence, so it shouldn't be too difficult to feign innocence.

>And now I'm off. Hope someone else picks this up and takes it places.

bamp

Once we get back into this again, I'd like to see if we can get Thomas in a position to hear discussion between William and Straker. See what the Inquisitor has in mind without tipping our hand.

ask for some of the help around the house to see if they have heard anything about the inquisitor's questions.
should try to keep our toy away from him, at least from too many questions.
meet inquis outside, so you have a reason to wear gloves.
he has a daemonic sword, can that be used to our advantage?
if kain and lady maerlyn pass through the inquis gaze, then we should test the waters with getting a cult started. they have both known each other since childhood, and if shes a magus then odds are he is too, or at least a sympathizer.
is we were to sleep with lady maerlyn, then our father would be incredibly envious. just to take it because he can't
>That's father, never satisfied with letting someone else make a worthy point. He tries so hard to charm the lady, painfully overt for one his age.
was from another anon, but all the whispers in his ear add up, just something to consider

>>13484979
That was actually from me. I was originally pushing hard for sexy fun time. Now though... perhaps it's better to move towards Maerlyn's student offer, there's been some suspicion that exposing ourself that much to her kind of power may be more than we want right now. Definitely see if we can make some headway with Maerlyn and Kain once the Inquisitor is out of the way.
I'm also the anon who's been so fixated on that daemonblade. I feel like that may have been mentioned for a reason. Just not clear how we could get our hands on it without arousing suspicion...

Evidence is mounting that OP, given the chance, would be late for his graduation, ditch his wedding, and sleep through his funeral.

Come on, OP! I left this morning thinking that even if no one else gave you anything to work with all day, you'd at least write up one post... but you prove remarkable once again in your elusiveness.

>>13485258
I want to know what it is, before thinking about taking it. Is it just like the sort of thing that we were buying in hell, a magical item made by demons? Or is it a sword with a demon bound in it that will try to influence its user, Dark Heresy style? What powers does it have that normal swords do not? We need background.

>>13485258
if we can get the blade from the inquisitor, we could start a cult in plain view of everyone. it is common knowledge on the mortal plane the the blade was gifted to him by an angel. people would be more than willing to pay good many and go through all sorts of challenges just to get to touch such a "divine" blade. those who are truly devout get a chance to join the cult. they get to sacrafice themselves to keep a daemon portal closed, or to keep a daemon, say one fury daemon that goes by the name of Khorne, from crossing the veil.

not sure what to do about the inquisitor, killing him outfight would just cause more trouble later on. must find a way to cause his death but put the blame on someone else
would bandits attack on inquisitor? and would they take his stuff, even if it was just a mistake originally?

>Sorry, it seemed I only had that one poster left, so I took a nap. Which lasted longer than expected

Thomas and his family gather in the foyer of the mansion as Straker and his retinue arrive;
Straker is a wiry, slimy-looking man. His jet-black hair is slicked back and his cold blue eyes remind you of an earthly weasel. He is garbed in a black robe with gold sigils woven throughout, and carries two weapons - a hammer, antithetical to all Magic, and a blade...

Ah. You recognise the blade. It is mere Rabble; a least Demon of the Circle of Pride, whose Rabble are mostly sentient weapons.

Straker has a quartet of hardened Inquisitorial Novices with him - but none are trusted with weapons able to harm you.

"Blessings upon your house, Count Strobel."
"Thank you, your Honour. Welcome to our home."
"Your hospitality is appreciated, Count Strobel. And these are your sons?"

Micheal bows; "Micheal Strobel, your Honour. Praise be unto the Earth Father; may he bless me with the strength of iron."

Thomas follows suit, though you sense a sort of insincerity; "Thomas Strobel, your Honour. Praise unto the Earth Father; on faith is our house founded."

Hah! If they only knew they had no god to pray to.

>>13485952
envy can work hand in hand with pride. can we use the sword to our own end? or would doing so alert others to our return from discorporation.

the inquisitor is a suspicious man by nature, comes with the job really. should stay as long as we are welcome and not make any moves to arose suspicion. ask him about the "angel" who gave him the blade, or whats its like to be an inquisitor if he is at dinner. somthing to pass the time and feign interest. but avoid making thomas do anything, it should all be his own ideas while inquisitor is in the house.

>>13485952
While the Inquisitorial party is here, Thomas should do some random religious things that we know are harmless, but they'd be likely to take as evidence of his purity. Not sure on the specifics of the religion here, so I can't give more than general ideas- but most religions have superstitions which one thinks might ward off demons or magic, attract divine favor, etc. which we might be able to use to our advantage.

Aside from that, just be polite and get through his stay. Whisper some envy of the Inquisitorial group's power and ability to just wander in and command such power, also of their fancy weapons and shit, but don't let him actually do anything against them. I'm inclined to think of them as more of an obstacle than an opportunity.

...unless that demon of pride would have immediately recognized us, of course, in which case this is the perfect opportunity to work with him to our mutual benefit.

The Pride Demon can sense you, if you allow it. As a Rabble, it is bound to give you deference by the Mandate of the Palace Infernal - though not servitude, as it is not of your circle.

The Inquisitor spends awhile speaking with William, in private. Over dinner Thomas asks a few polite questions, which the Inquisitor indulges with what you, as a practiced liar, recognise as shameless embellishments of his past deeds.

Thomas is now alone in his room - Straker leaves tomorrow afternoon for Kain's Estate.

>>13486448
Looks like that Rabble's got a good hold on him. Tempting as it might be to take more power for Thomas, we don't need another demon to worry about, particularly one who doesn't have to serve us. Keep ourselves hidden.

If we're thinking long-term, Thomas might consider attempting to befriend one or more of the Inquisitor's novices. Whichever of them seemed the least incredibly grim and suspicious. They probably have plenty of resentment against the Inquisitor, too, considering what an arrogant type he seems like; should be easy enough for someone of our talents and inclinations to play off of.

Or just wait for them to leave, either one works. It seems like William's probably done a fairly good job of pointing them towards his enemies already.

>>13486598
Hey-o. These guys follow an Inquisitor around constantly, probably doing his dirty work for him anyways. They must be pretty envious of how such an oaf got a position like that.
They don't have weapons that could affect us too much. Perhaps a friendly chat is in order.

>Will you push Thomas to talk to the Inquisitorial Novices? They are likely to be sitting in or near the kitchen with some ale.
>A quick probe of Thomas' mind reveals that he had wanted to join the Inquisition for the glory and adventure, when he was younger.

>>13486946
We need to push him for that? He won't just wander over on his own after we plant the idea in his mind? How disappointing.

Sure, why not. We've got pushes to burn, I guess.

>>13486946
2nd. go talk to the acolytes

>>13486981
>You have two pushes remaining

Thomas decides to share a drink with the Novices, who are playing cards in the currently empty kitchen.
They greet him deferentially at first, but when he pulls himself a pint and asks to join the next round, they relax significantly.
Polite introductions are made; Walter, Stefan, Siegfried, and Louis.
Conversation is sparse at first, but as the game they were playing on Thomas' arrival is ending, and a few more drinks are sunk, the bawdy bragging begins.

Thomas is tempted to lie about his involvement with Lady Maerlyn, and to suggest they get an eyeful for themselves.

>>13487043
As I fail to see how lying about his accomplishments will advance our cause (that being making him envy everyone around him), I would discourage lying about his achievements. Indeed, if anything we should be trying to get him to tell only the modest truth while listening to the others offer ever more impressive tales, filling him with envy over their lives of adventure, their impressive capabilities and histories, and depressing him that his life is so worthless in comparison.

Try to play those emotions into wanting to make a good impression on these people, so that later they might give him things or let him have a taste of their lives of adventure in the Inquisition like he once wanted. Envy breeds self-interested ingratiation- as a political man this should be Thomas' natural reaction.

He can certainly tell them the truth about things, though. He actually has had Lady Maerlyn adjust her corset to make her breasts more prominent while she smiled at him from like three feet away.

>Inspiring Envy in others also advances your cause - if only because you can feed off it

Thomas listens quietly to their tales, as the man brag about this noble daughter and that lusty barmaid. Walter begins a story about a female Magus you just know is going to end in violation, but the other Novices glare him into silence. Walter is not a popular man. Even Thomas is distasteful of him. Besides, he cheats at cards - badly.

Thomas makes passing mention of Lady Maerlyn's impressive assets before nudging the men to discuss their martial exploits.

You'd forgotten how naive mortals are - believing Vampires to be Demons, thinking Magi get their powers from Hell. It's hilarious how much you get blamed for. It is always the mortal's fault, but they find a scapegoat.

>>13487249
Ah, yes, silly mortals. Still, this does rather emphasize the need to be subtle in our influence here- when we do eventually start something serious we'll need to make certain that we have a non-diabolic excuse for it.

If we can get power off the envy of others, then whatever, Thomas can tell all the wild lies he wants- it doesn't really matter who comes out on top in the bragging contest, we win any which way. Make sure that the night ends with the novices thinking well of him, though.

This might be a good opportunity for Thomas to start turning the novices against their inquisitor, or at least learn a bit more about the Inquisitor. If it's true that he's arrogant and more famous than he deserves, the novices will know it- and doubtless love complaining about it. We should be able to whip up their emotions into a veritable storm of envy and resentment with a few well chosen words- and none of it against Thomas, so he'll remain friendly and clean as far as his new friends are concerned. It should be a delightful way to spend an evening.

>>13487380
i like this idea, stiring up the acolytes against the inquisitor is a great idea. have to be subtle about it tho, dont want to raise suspicions.
should we burn a suggestion to get him to ask about their master?

Interestingly, the Novices cannot tell much of Straker's deeds. The so-called Butcher of Kendelstat lost his last retinue somewhere between the Fire of Crowhaven and the Liberation of Strassenbourg, out on the Frontier. Since they were assigned to his charge, they have not seen much action - though they do know Straker to be a very cruel, ruthless man. The quite-drunk Walter claims Straker once ordered him to steal the body of a nine-year-old girl from a mortuary in Ymon, but the other dismiss him.

Still, they get to talking - Siegfried least of all, as he seems to have some respect for the Inquisitor. The others are content to lambast him as yet another Straker coward - a liar and politician, not a soldier. An overfed, overpaid rat in men's clothing.

Thomas ducks out to find a servant - Melinda, it turns out, is close at hand.
And dressed oddly. Her uniform is cut differently, more revealing, and a thin sliver of leather is visible just under the neckline of her dress. Thomas is suspicious, but orders her to the cellar - she brightens, but then... she looks disappointed as he orders a cask of ale he received for his birthday brought up.

The men are appreciative, and you can feel their envy. If only you'd had some Rabble beyond Hord in your employ! These men have been brushed by your Taint, and at least one could serve as a host.

>>13487510
So we've inflicted enough psychological trauma onto the girl that she now enjoys it? I suppose that's nice.

>>13487510
...is there any way that we can get more Rabble to serve us without going back to Hell? Or send Hell a subtle message that hey, we've got a couple potential hosts here if they'd care to send someone up?

>you can feel their envy
>orders her to the cellar - she brightens, but then... she looks disappointed as he orders a cask of ale
She has decided to enjoy being his toy. He should take advantage of this by getting her into the room on some excuse, copping a feel, and making the others grow REALLY envious of the man who has his own live-in mistress. He can mention that she entered the manor's service on his whim, too.

And when the night ends, he can retire visibly in her company just to drive in the point, and go have a little fun with her.

>once ordered him to steal the body of a nine-year-old girl
>lost his last retinue
What do you want to bet that he killed/sacrificed them all? That Rabble of Pride has him good. Thomas should drop a casual line to the others- not Siegfried- tomorrow morning as they leave that he considers them friends and they should come by to see him again sometime; perhaps if they manage to escape their Inquisitor's next slaughter of his retinue they'd flee to Thomas' service. A long shot, but worth a small comment.


Anyway, seems like we're doing pretty excellent here. Thomas, go forth and carouse as directly.

Can we have Thomas begin planting the seeds of envy, betrayal, and fear in the heads of the Novices?

Perhaps if they believe that Straker will casually discard their lives for his own petty ends, they can be persuaded to preemptively defend themselves and conspire against their leader, and turn to Thomas for protection after the deed is done.

>>13487687
>>13487611
combination of these. lets make them weary of the inquisitor and make friends out of them, but still drink a little of envy out of it. Two seem to like the idea of a beautiful lass and one is into rapine. Mayhap some represed feelings. He will certainly envy any hint of having a sub to our will. Lets have Willfred or whats his name envy us, while befriending the other three. he might know more dark secrets of the inquisitor , so let's make him more inclined to talk. through whatever means....


Gang bang later, perhaps?

>>13487750
We are a demon of envy. I don't think we share.

Plus I think we can turn Melinda into a loyal long-term servant if we ramp up the abuse gradually rather than throwing her into the deep end right off.

>Thomas is reluctant to let anyone see him with Melinda, but he would like to show off. A push will be necessary when she arrives with the promised ale.

>Hord is your bonded servant; he hears your will, and obeys. Provided he isn't too incompetent he should have shanghaied some down-and-out Rabble by tomorrow.

"So, a thought occurs, my friends..." Thomas says, having ingratiated himself a little more - though joining the rest in mocking Walter - "Inquisitor Straker is willing to butcher an entire village, and wasn't one of his last bodyguards - Heinrich Strauss, yes? - a childhood friend of his? I know his brother, Hermann. I would be wary gentlemen..."

"Nonsense," responds Siegfried, "Inquisitor Straker is an avatar of His Divine Will."

"You spout nonsense, Siegfried. Remember that serving boy who spilling wine on his robe? I thought the screaming would never end." Stefan shudders, and takes a deep drink.

>>13487510
>a thin sliver of leather is visible just under the neckline of her dress.

Voice of paranoia here, but what if this isn't the obvious fetishwear? She expressed interest at going into the cellar with us. A secluded place where we would be alone. We know there are others with the power to influence minds, especially Maerlyn. Is it worth considering the possibility that Melinda has been compromised for one reason or another?

>>13487889
The day is winding down, I think pushing him to show off Melinda a bit would be a wonderful way of generating envy. That would leave us with... one more push and one outright control if anything gets out of hand before tomorrow.

>>13487911
It's always good to have a voice of paranoia.

That said, we can keep Thomas on his toes and if all else fails deploy our skills of observation (or even magic?) on his behalf. We should be fine, I think, now that you've pointed out that we should be on guard.

>>13487889
Thomas should be a tad more wary but continue. Seems like all is going well enough.

The conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Melinda and the ale.

"Ah, excellent." Thomas rises, and strides over with a mug in hand. "This, gentlemen, is finest quality Volstat Special Brew - it was a birthday gift from Baron Crowley."
As he pulls a pint and hands the pale ale to Siegfriend first (clever boy), you recognise that name. Crowley is perhaps the finest agent of Hell; a mortal of whom the Principles took notice. The Eternal Itself imbued Crowley with measure of It's power.

As the men raise a toast, Thomas snakes an arm around Melinda and openly fondles her breast. They all drink, and as she makes herself scarce Thomas gives her a smack on the arse for good measure.

Delicious envy; you can taste it. Principles grant Hord some kind of luck, the gormless creature will need it.

>>13488216
Well, that worked out well!

Continue along our charted path, please, OP. We've pretty much laid out Thomas' plans for the remainder of the evening, so unless you're going to bring up something which will change them please write write write and just tell us how things go until we get to the next plot point. No sense spending the next two hours re-confirming our decisions.

>>13488216
How did the envy tasted from each novice? did we get some from Melinda to, perhaps?


Tell uss...

yess and Melinda is in need of her medicine...
A good dose for a good show she did...

>>13488337
her path, at least on the surface, must be properly repaid.

And if she was up to something nefarious towards us, aptly punished.

We have perhaps some good material there for a future servant-But first it must be properly tamed and trained

>>13488216
if we're feeling especially desperate we can form a pact with a lust demon to inhabit her form.

The night passes without further incident - save a tryst in the cellar with Melinda, where the alcohol briefly impairs Thomas' performance.

The next day, the Inquisitor and his men depart for Kain's Estate.

You have grown in power, and gain further control over Thomas. Just a little more and you control will be near-complete... but likewise, the mutations will begin to get more obvious. Fortunately Thomas does have his own house, but will require a slight push to go there - still sore about Alessa.

Hord has rallied some Rabble, and informs you that they are even now praying to possess the Novices.

But what next? Soon the evidence of your Taint will become obvious, and while you certainly have Thomas' soul guaranteed, there is more that can be done.

>>13488608
>>13488622

Would it be possible to forestall the mutations by possessing the girl instead of Thomas, and influencing him mostly externally?

>>13488608
I have trouble seeing us get that desperate. Desperate for what, after all? If she truly grows infuriating or dangerous we can just have Thomas kill her. Unless she does, we are quite fine with her being anywhere on the scale between "beaten-down, blackmailed fucktoy" and "fanatical cultist servant".

>>13488622
>But what next? Soon the evidence of your Taint will become obvious, and while you certainly have Thomas' soul guaranteed, there is more that can be done.
We need more information on how this works. What manifestations of our taint can we expect? How difficult would it be to hide them- would it be at all possible or feasible to take up Lady Maerlyn's offer to study at her home without completely tipping our hand?

And as our hold on Thomas strengthens, what of our power? Have we managed to actually grow any stronger as a demon yet, and if not, how can we go about doing that? Just inspiring our vice, or are there other more obvious methods, like the classics (human sacrifice, selling of souls)?

>And OP, please post more quickly. We haven't gotten much at all done this session.

I think it's definitely time to focus back on Maerlyn. I vote we contact her on taking up her offer of tutelage. Hopefully her connections will make her more sympathetic if we do have to exposer ourselves, as well as exposing Thomas to the occult.

The thing to keep in mind in ^this^ case is Kain, he seems to definitely have some infernal connections, and until we find how strong he is we need to watch our step.

For now, I vote we phone up Lady Maerlyn and schedule a playdate.

>While I would love for this to go faster so we can get more done, I feel bad telling the OP he's not doing enough, since this has all been pretty elaborately set up.

>>13488622
what must we do to stop possessing him any more... I like the dynamic we have up until now...
And being on the stage is different than being behind it...we certainly know what to do to stop corrupting him any more, or to loosen our grasp just a little.

When we totally have him, we must do it in style, with a cult, a civil war and him to be a pretenders to the throne. and a mass heresy to spread civil unrest across the mortals realm.

we may be of envy, put causing havoc and rampage in our wake sure will get us the brownies we need in infernal places , while having a comfy place with the mortal. We should upstage the rivals of our Lords n the circle of Envy,. Who are they? Wrath? Greed? Greed would be most apt as a rival to envy. Pride seems to be friendly mostly , lust , we love lust... and sloth and gluttony... mehh

So how are the other circles disposed to our's and what would really upstage our rivals... Something they wished to achieve in the mortals realm. We must beat them at it, and through envy no less...

>>13488674
Seconding the last part.

>>13488716
We cannot contact her if she's immediately going to pick up on us being a demon- for all that there were mages in hell and the Inquisitors seem to think of her ilk and ours as the same, we know that they are not and Thomas hasn't come into his power as a demonhost yet. Going to visit her now would be putting ourselves into her power, granting her the advantage- unacceptable.

>I feel bad telling the OP he's not doing enough

>I'm not saying he's not doing enough, I'm just saying that it's frustrating as hell to participate in a quest that updates every half an hour at best. That's too close together to leave, but far enough apart that refresh hammering is a bad joke. And he's averaging what, a sentence every three-five minutes? Dragging things out like this is painful to those who want to participate.

>>13488747
I agree that we need to get him in style. What I wonder is what we can do to start him building a cult effectively- just go to his house and start doing culty things? Unless we can inspire our emotion in all his servants/other people at his place and subsequently infest them with our Rabble, we'll have difficulty maintaining loyalty.

But perhaps that's the easiest and most effective way to do this, even if it does seem bizarrely blunt. I'd rather have him build up a cadre of willing followers on his own and have them voluntarily grant us their souls in exchange for power, though.

>>13488651

What if we were to possess the girl, and reveal ourself to Thomas, claiming to be the spirit of his dead wife?

>I'll speed up. Sorry, I can be easily distracted. And I enjoy watching you discuss your plans - I don't want to post too fast in case I miss an interesting action

>When you return to Hell, there will be a sort of leveling up sequence

>You can hide some physical aspects of the Taint, but not all the metaphysical ones - for example, Thomas will begin to exude an air of bitter menace. Things like his flesh turning to frostbitten armour can be hidden by clothing, to a point. If you choose to make him aware that something is sharing his mind, and start promising power, you can ensure he hides himself adequately. Consider the value of posing as some mourning widower recluding in his house.

Hm. Perhaps the house is the right next step. We've done a good job of inspiring Envy in Thomas, but you're right we don't want to expose ourselves yet. What if we turn our attention to inspiring envy in others? Who is there to envy us?

We could head back to our own house, see what we can do in the way of servants and whatnot. We certainly have Melinda, though I feel that possessing her is somewhat of a waste of our cozy position in Thomas. We can do much more good from here.

>Also, you cannot jump possession. But you could conceivably be summoned in your physical form and spare him too much further mutation.

>>13488884
I feel like summoning is a big step that we're not ready to take yet. Let us build a bit of a cult first, ensure a following once we manifest.

>>13488868
>And I enjoy watching you discuss your plans - I don't want to post too fast in case I miss an interesting action
Don't worry about that! We on /tg/ are quite good at discussing plans in parallel with their implementation. And if you post faster, we will refresh and plan faster in response due to the greater sense of urgency- slowness breeds slowness, speed breeds speed.

>You can hide some physical aspects of the Taint, but not all the metaphysical ones
That tears that, then. Push Thomas to return to his house, telling his father and brother that he'll return to them later- and perhaps take the Lady Maerlyn up on her offer after the winter passes. It will make travel difficult, and that should buy him enough time to become a full-blown cultist.

>>13488845
I think we can begin speaking to Thomas openly shortly after he arrives home, posing as the spirit of his deceased wife within his mind. We don't even have to support it that well- he'll want to believe it and accept that we're talking to him more easily.

This may or may not ultimately culminate in our convincing him to sacrifice Melinda to us and/or use her as a host for a really strong possession. For now, he can bring her along to his home; better than leaving her here.

I like the idea of revealing ourselves to Thomas in the guise of his dead wife's spirit. Perhaps we could promise him a way to bring her back as a carrot.

We have enough of his memories to impersonate her, and it would allow us a powerful emotional lever.

>>13488884
> Could we keep him at this stage, indefinitely, or will absorbing envy from other through him going to cause more mutation? He certainly is not the one getting more corrupted. Others are.

Thomas imho is feeling envy enough. What are the chances of him being kept at this steady level, and what are the chances of him reverting or mutating even further if we do not claw his mind with his envy any more. Making him mischievous enough to cause others envy or bring them to envy others ... hmm... And of course we need a power base... would The questions about each inquisitors novice envy's taste is pertinent... some or one might be a potential recruit ...

A question that may come up later though... Once we are summoned and manifest ourself physically, how powerful will we be in regards to Thomas and other mortals? I know we'll have to deal with other supernatural beings and Inquisitors, but will we be able to move around without causing a stir? Will we be able to influence people more?

If we get summoned, will we be able to manipulate our physical form at all? Enough to appear with Alessa's face? Because that would be AWESOME.

>>13488920
Seconding this for now. Push Thomas to head home, bringing Melinda and as possibly servants if appropriate, in order to have some recruits for a cult. While it may be tricky to pull off from our current position, I imagine the servants in a house such as this will be plenty vulnerable to envy.
Perhaps we should actually begin treating the staff better, earning their good-will and subtly encouraging their jealousy?

On your whims, Thomas returns to his house with Melinda. A skeleton staff has been present, including his loyal manservant Olaf, a stout red-haired fellow from the nation of Hrothgard in the far north.
Winter is approaching. The King in Crystal does not venture this far south, and you are safe from the Fair Folk this season. Thomas has been given care of two farms and a very prosperous horse ranch - the strength of this nation, Kelen, is built on its cavalry.

The house is quite isolated, you discover, and may in fact become the heart of a village for surrounding land if treated correctly - you know this because an ambitious little part of Thomas would like to see it so. There are even a couple of abandoned farms that could stand to be reused.

But a new staff is needed. The house cannot run effectively on so few, and Thomas wants to see it bustling.

>>13488920
I like these ideas. We should go with them. They have my vote.

>>13488996
Hopefully we will be seeing the novices return to us after being taken taken over by our rabble. That would help start a town which we could then use to recruit for our cult.

>If summoned, you will be able to slaughter mortals with trivial ease; and they will barely be able to harm you.
>You may alter your appearance only in the eyes of those corrupted by your Taint
>The mere act of inspiring envy empowers you; and Thomas' frail mortal shell cannot remain unchanged by your presence.

>>13488996
The boy is magnificent. We must not fully corrupt him until the very end... let him flow...a village is a good start. And perhaps famous horses for the entire lands. horses to be envied by all and riders too, in a land based on cavalry... ( of course we can envy others for breeding better horses and having better riders, but we ought not do that if we want to be on the stage, and I do like it...)

we must find about the best horsemen, horse breeders and some horse seed... that and we should have a cash flow started this year or the next, weather we go to the mage lady or not, untraceable large amounts cash that is concealed by a real business would fund a cult aplenty.. init?

>>13489028
>>13489061

we like the idea of creating a business and our own lands... we can hide a small cult of important persons in a large crowd and support it with a steady income

>>13489033
sadly we must soon leave our host or retire him to a puppeteer...

>>13489033
could we take in more hosts? multiple possessed ones, so that we forestall his decay?

I am ashamed as a infernal, but i am beginning to grow fond of him...

>>13488996
Start speaking audibly to Thomas, at first as elusive whispers as he is half asleep, then as a faint calling when he stands outside in the wind or alone in a quiet room, and finally as a weak voice with which he can converse. Spread this process out over perhaps a week, and draw upon his memories to speak as 'Alessa' throughout.

After two weeks, have our voice become 'strong enough' to speak with him normally at all times; do so by encouraging him towards minor, petty actions with a vague supernatural tinge and acting as though they bring us power and the ability to speak with him more clearly.

We should urge him towards envy, ambition, prosperity, and aggressiveness in expanding his holdings. As 'Alessa', of course we want to see him succeed. We even want him to rampantly bondange-fuck Melinda, because it makes him happy and we can whisper erotically how much we miss him during sex, urging him to bring us back as soon as possible.

After a month or so, I bet we'll be able to get him to summon us of his own will- maybe even offering his soul or those of another in exchange for something that we want anyway.

We don't have to leave him just yet, just be a bit cautious with him. For now, we need to see what we can do about developing this little hamlet.

I think this manservant of ours definitely needs to be turned to our cause, and quickly. We need to taint him hard and fast.

Where can we get immigrants...? Isn't Count Kain and... whatever rank Maerlyn is... they're of higher standing right? Perhaps they have some extra populace lounging about who could be sent our way. For now, focus on turning Olaf, and set the staff to getting the horse stables up to profitability. That should be a large mark in our favor later on.

If were were to eventually appear in the guise of Thomas's dead wife, we wouldn't exactly be shown off to the world. He would be forced to keep us a secret in order to hide his 'necromantic' activities from the inquisition.

Conveniently, the rancher arrives at the house the same day to ask if Thomas will be upholding the winter tradition or not - will his tenants be allowed to stay in the guesthouses over the winter, and may he stable his horses here?

Thomas acquiesces. It is more productive to have the farmers and their families working here while their farms like fallow in the snow. Friedrich, the breeder, is pleased by Thomas ambition to see the ranch grow, but regrets that contacting anyone will become difficult until spring.

>You cannot have multiple hosts.

Focus on these >>13489136 endeavors while carrying out >>13489123 as our mindfuck/corruption strategy for Thomas.

>>13489123
here again

>>13489136
Is a good start, but I don't think we want him to summon us just yet. We can still hide our present away with a bit more effort until he begins physically changing. By that point we should have a more secure base.

My vote is for speaking openly to him in the guise of Alessa, and encouraging him to build up this region.

Could we have Hord possess Olaf?

It might be useful to have him up here.

>>13489167
We need Hord working in the hells on our behalf to locate Rabble which we can use to possess people that we've tainted.

>>13489136
Like the guy asked
>>13488996
more information on Northerners and other foreigners... do they know of us infernals? do they fear the Cristal King more ? As a Northener, I suppose he has not s much fear of the Faerie folk as of us, or perhaps there are other Faeri in the north... what how ...

yeah and totally this.. >>13489123 plus the beginning of creating the most prestigious horse grounds and horse breeders, a city and a trade centre right on our lands. we own then , now do we?

>>13489203
retcon.

only the mindfuck and the bondage fuck of Melinda.. no need to get a physical form we have to hide if we can control him... eh?

We take care enough that he not be found out. we should not invite attention by having our full form manifest without having a city at our fingertips.

>>13489123
>You are pure evil. I love you.

Thomas makes little offerings - a chicken here, a pig there, ritually slaughtering the animals that will conveniently provide winter meat. He cries Alessa's name as her mercilessly ravishes Melinda (you cannot help but laugh to yourself when you catch Melinda referring to herself as Alessa in the third person during ordinary conversation. But never so Thomas can hear it, not after he struck her for it).

The Taint is deepening. Thomas' already blue eyes have changed to a grim cobalt shade, and his breath doesn't steam in the winter air. Some of the weaker-willed staff involuntarily cower in his presence, sensing your chilling majesty within him.

Invoking the Taint in Olaf has been difficult, very difficult - the stoic Hrothgaard is from a line of butlers and right-hand men, sure of his place in the world. But you managed. Hord cannot speak for the success of his allies, but is even now attempting to breach Olaf's mind.

A runner has been dispatched offering Count Kain a home for any young men and women looking to leave his lands. Thomas also invited the Count himself, for you sense affection there - as to a fond uncle; the one who always gave the right birthday present and turned a blind eye and bright smirk to apple scrumping.

>>13489247
If we spend too long in his body, he will turn into a horrible, unmistakable mutant.

We do not want him to turn into a horrible unmistakable mutant.

Ergo, we want to be summoned. Our full form should show up with our equipment- I hope- which will mean that we're remarkably stealthy anyway.

>>13489203
>Mythology is much the same throughout the continent; only the Inquisition and a few metahuman scholars have any reliable knowledge of the Infernal, and everyone fears the Fair Folk. The most powerful Demons rarely stalk the earth, but the godlike rulers of Arcadia are not so rare.

What are the requirements for summoning ourselves to the mortal realm?

>>13489336
>A proper ritual space, ideally somewhere cold or close to saltwater, and a human sacrifice. Once you are actually manifest it will be easier to spread your Taint to the household staff.

>>13489287
>You are pure evil. I love you.
Thanks! I'm having great fun with this.

>(you cannot help but laugh to yourself when you catch Melinda referring to herself as Alessa in the third person during ordinary conversation. But never so Thomas can hear it, not after he struck her for it)
I can see the ending here. Thomas summons us, and we take Melinda as our personal attendant. We keep her with us at all times, even in the bedroom, and feast constantly on her envy of us as the one upon whom Thomas lavishes all his love, attention and favor. Eventually, she'll grow desperate and we'll drop a few hints that things might be able to change... and her soul goes into the bag. It'll be great.

>stoic Hrothgaard is from a line of butlers and right-hand men, sure of his place in the world
That's not terribly envious, I know. But we do want him to remain loyal to Thomas- perhaps we'll have the most success with an envy-by-proxy here; that is, he doesn't have to envy for himself as long as he covets fiercely enough on behalf of his lord or his holdings. Could work out well.

>The Taint is deepening. Thomas' already blue eyes have changed to a grim cobalt shade, and his breath doesn't steam in the winter air. Some of the weaker-willed staff involuntarily cower in his presence, sensing your chilling majesty within him.
We need to conduct the summoning ritual, and very very soon. What do we need to see it done?

>>13489361
Perhaps we should begin making preparations for a summoning. Securing a sacrifice is vital. Melinda would certainly proper, but... I feel she could be better used as a corrupted servant and a source of envy in others. It's winter, so the cold will be easier. Saltwater? I don't believe we're on the coast. Hopefully that is not a necessity? Or perhaps we could make our own middling amount of salt+water.

>>13489361
must the human sacrifice be something special ? like a virgin, a enemy, a loved one, a cursed one ... or can we use any bloke unimportant enough not to be missed...

I think the requirements are for the real special an powerful ones, who have a rather fancy taste in souls... we are content with what we get. init?

how do we look? succubus like? Incubus like? imp like?

>>13489401

On that note, is there a difference between sacrificing any random hobo and, say, a magically talented mortal?

>>13489361
lets get this summoning started. once summoned, we can get our rabble out faster. I am a bit reluctant to get hord out of hell, as that leaves us without a reliable agent down there, but perhaps he is leaving someone in charge.
since we have given him out favor, will that increase his power? is he still the same sniveling, albeit loyal, rabble?

Melinda seems the most logical sacrafice, but id be loath to lose our most faithful follower. it would make sense to Thomas to sacrafice her in order to get his wife back. i suppose it cant be helped.

>Soundless Voice, i have not been so interested in a quest since Blood quest, and i mean that as a great compliment.

>>13489390
we are nobles, salt is easy to come by. the difficult part is how large the body of water has to be. if a bath tub will suffice salt water should be easy

>>13489361
>A proper ritual space, ideally somewhere cold or close to saltwater, and a human sacrifice.
This shouldn't be too difficult with winter coming on. Have a space prepared, and locate someone who likely won't be missed (unless there are special restrictions on the kind of sacrifice we can use, of course).

The sacrifice even meshes rather neatly with what we've been urging Thomas to do for the sake of 'resurrecting Alessa' already. I love it when a plan comes together.

>>13489430
>Bloodquest was amazing. I am truly honoured. I wish you'd been around when I attempted Fair Folk Quest in this setting

>The nature of the mortal sacrificed is immaterial; blood is blood.

>I'll describe your appearance in lavish detail when the ritual is complete

Largely by his own hand and the aid of Olaf, Thomas has a cellar room prepared for your arrival - snow is brought down, and a recessed pool in the floor constructed ostensibly as a bath.

All that remains is the selection of a sacrifice and the conduction of the ritual.

Question, what is the setting feel like ? medieval? Warhammer fantasy? 17th century?

>>13489480

If the identity of the sacrifice is unimportant, I suggest that we just go about abducting some random drifter, instead of killing someone potentially useful to us.

>>13489480
Aw yeah, here we go...

For a sacrifice, choose a traveler or another who won't be quickly missed- preferably someone that we can claim later left town on their own, and presumably never arrived at their next location because they were lost in the snows.

Thomas should conduct the ritual personally. Have Melinda assist; she gets to be our top demon-cultist from now on, I think. Sacrificing someone who will provide us with so much wonderful envy would be a terrible waste.

After we are summoned, immediately fuck Thomas on top of the sacrificed corpse while Melinda watches and feast upon her envy and horror.

Alright. We need to cast our votes on this summoning and get down to business. I hate to give up our cushy spot in Thomas right when there's all the running of a new, Taint-driven town to be done. Be he has proven to be craftier than expected. Perhaps we've rubbed off on him.

My vote is to secure a commoner, perhaps a servant who will not be missed. If anyone asks we can make some excuses about them having to leave to attend to a distant family matter. It may also be useful to have a cover story of some sort.

Sacrifice - Yes please, as soon as is practical
Melinda - No, she's too valuable of a servant with all the work we've put into her. Besides, not need to get fancy.
>Blood is blood

>>13489506
You are far too good at this.

Remember to take Alessa's form upon appearing, though some arcane touches would probably not go awry.

Perhaps also bring in Olaf. He's our right-hand man, he needs to be as deep in it as Thomas is.

>>13489481
>Dark Ages, with some twists. There's a .PDF floating around somewhere, but I'm using 2nd Ed so it wouldn't be too relevant.

The ritual commences. One of the stable-boys is from the distant city of Illim, and will not be missed.
The cellar is dark, and cold with snow brought from above. The hastily mixed saltwater shimmers in the candlelight. Olaf has been taken by Hord, and dutifully guards the door as Melinda watches in terror.

You whisper words in the Primal Tongue to Thomas, and he repeats them in a whisper, raising a dagger over the sacrifice who struggles vainly against his bonds.

For a moment, there is only the drip of his blood.
It reddens the pool - but more important is the single tear that rolls down his cheek and into the water.

The surface ices over with a crackling rush. The ice spreads, the room turning frosty as your Taint corrupts the very world around your ingress, turning the stone to blued ice and the water to bitter tears. The three mortals present are touched by the expanding ring of your power, and changed.

You feel a pull, and sick nausea of physical incorporating as you rise majestically from the pool. To the mortals, you look like Alessa garbed in silver and turquoise with softly blue-glowing eyes.

In reality, you are five feet of salt-rimed ice, a skeletal figure wrapped in mystical silks, your eyes black and circular pits of the most chilling water. Your hands and feet taloned with terrible stinging claws, your brow surmounted with a crown of ice at once decoration and bony protrusion.

Eshara is come.

"A...Alessa? Is it really you?"

>You may make minor aesthetic embellishments of your true form, if you so desire. Drawfaggotry would be delicious

>>13489480
After we are summoned , we can go about and control the mind of dear Thomas just like before and mutation wont afflict him?

>>13489618
skeletal orgy up in this crib!
lets fuck our dear husband... then leave him to his errand with Olaf .. something trivial to be left with Melinda alone, we must make her understand who is in charge.. and understand that she envies us but would want to serve us... bones would be inventively used and bondage will be even more debauched...

>>13489618
Speak softly. "Oh, Thomas. How I have waited for this, how desperately I wished that you would call me here."

Move towards him and embrace him with a soft kiss. "And you wished desperately as well, Thomas, I know. It was your -wanting-, more than anything else, which gave me the power to stand before you." Smile seductively. "And now that I am, what do you want to do with me?"

Then fuck him on top of the corpse while Melinda watches as previously planned, so that we can really come back with a bang (pun intended) and enjoy her emotions. His blood runs cold just as ours these days, so he shouldn't even notice our icy temperature.

>>13489670
we slightly do dip in the domain of gread once in a while, why not lust, as long as it sprouts envy , eh?

could it be done though? needs some votes. not comfortable about it, possible screw up

>>13489680
the tainted see and feel as we want. he wont feel fucking a skeleton but a lithe and gracious lass

>>13489618
FUCK YEAAAAAAAAAAH

Will continue plotting in a moment, must savor delicious delicious writefaggotry.

Umm for now yeah, have our way with Thomas as planned. What did that Taint explosion do to the others in the room exactly?
>The three mortals present are touched by the expanding ring of your power, and changed.

>>13489670
well its hard to argue with this. cementing melinda's place is essential. the envy from her watching us would be an execellent way to adapt to our physical form.

>drawfaggotry would be amazing, 2nd

>>13489680
>Then fuck him on top of the corpse while Melinda watches as previously planned, so that we can ... enjoy her emotions.
It should be emphasized here that since we're a demon of envy, not lust, what we're getting out of this is Melinda's response rather than Thomas'. That means we should be treating our every sex act as a show, over-emphasizing and displaying how much we're enjoying it in order to stir emotions of envy and resentment for us in Melinda's heart (after all, we just stole her place in the household as Thomas' lover, and virtually all her unofficial status as well, probably). Attack our bedroom strategies from this angle. I doubt Thomas will notice or care, since he's sexing up his beloved not-so-deceased wife regardless.

Perhaps we don't need an actual fapfic on this (Wow I never thought I'd say those words).

In the days ahead, what do you guys think about relegating Melinda back to a regular servile position, no more special attention, period. All her influence and special place gone just like that. Let her simmer with that jealousy. Then, when we need her, we can offer her some gleam of hope, that maybe she can earn Thomas's love through some action which furthers our plan?

In contrast to your skeletal form, your face at least is fleshed with elegant female features - and it is not the only part of your Demonic anatomy so endowed. What he feels, as you kiss him, is more real than it might appear.

And what you feel. You had forgotten the sensations inherent in physical manifestation; feeling that faint warmth spreading in your belly prompts a second indulgence before letting he and Olaf go.

And then you turn your gaze on Melinda.
By the Well of Suffering, her envy is invigorating, as you make her yours.

>Both Olaf and Melinda are cold-blooded now. Thomas' skin is developed a pale tinge with hints of blue around the eyes.

>YOU HAVE XP TO SPEND!
>Would you like advance stats or abilities? Don't worry about numbers, I shall keep it flavourful and easy.

>No. No I will not write graphic sex scenes in-quest. Or about the quest. I prefer to write my smut loosely based on true events.

>>13489820
sounds like a plan, and i thought that this was the plan.
>>13489798
agreed, sex is a way to upstage and to induce envy. i should have made that more clear when i posted earlier. thank you

>>13489831
Thanks for not going all Ero on us. Also, skills.

>>13489820
Hmm. Could be entertaining, but humans are pretty adaptable- I suspect that she'd suck it up and eventually give up and get used to it. Her envy won't keep its bitter sting unless we constantly salt the wound by forcing her to stare at everything she could have had but lost; that's why I suggested we make her our personal handmaiden. I would still lean towards that plan.

>>13489831
I vote for delicious abilities.

>>13489831
I am okay with this... loose and non descriptive as this one was.. but Melinda needs to get some too... we must outfuck the mortal. She must see that we are truly her betters in every aspect!

The Xp after we take desert envy. also what options are there to spend it upon while we are doing the girl?

>>13489860
Once again you have a better idea than me. Handmaiden it is.

oooOOOOoooh, delicious XP. Hm. As much as I would like some cool new abilities, I feel like at some point (possibly soon?) we're gonna go toe-to-toe with another power of some sort. At that point, I feel like I'd rather have the power to give and take a beating than to have to rely on all kinds of abilities. As much as delicious new tricks tempt me, I feel like it's a safer move to consolidate our strength before we extend to new things.

>>13489831
stats i think. combat is still somewhat distant. better stats will make getting more thralls much more easier. that combined with being physically summoned should make us unstoppable. i dont see why in the near future we shouldnt have the entire family estate under our heel.

we should reach out to Count kain, the one whom thomas's father is suspicious of. he could prove to be quite useful if the father's suspicions were correct. and if not, well, fertile hunting ground applently.

did we retain our cloak of "invisibility"?

>>13489831
>Would you like advance stats or abilities? Don't worry about numbers, I shall keep it flavourful and easy.
Are we restricted in our abilities to the general spite and curse concepts we started with? If so, I would prefer to advance our stats. If not, I would like to know what else is available before making the call.

>>13489874
What the fuck are we a slaansh deamon? do we have both woman and man parts? AS a infernal it might be sensible thing to swing both ways, but we must keep the charade up. she must be outfucked by a woman, not by (medieval standards) a freak a monster a ... etc

>>13489887
another vote for handmaiden

perhaps we can twist the knife by thanking her for her loyalty. "oh melinda, how can i thank you enough. I wouldn't be here without you."

>>13489860
>>13489874


handmaiden and plaything... interesting...
We share everything we have with our husband dearest. He had her, we share... so that 'envy' does not come between us ...
bwahahahaha

>>13489874
>we must outfuck the mortal. She must see that we are truly her betters in every aspect!
The way to accomplish this isn't sleeping with her ourselves; it's having a threesome with her and Thomas at some point, and manipulating Thomas' mind so that he enjoy it way more with us, possibly to the comically extreme point of not being able to get it up for Melinda but immediately going for a second/third round when we offer.

Remember, envy envy envy! What would create the most bitter sting? Anyone can be degraded by rape, but being utterly upstaged and shamed in front of the one you love, watching his affection and lust completely pass you by in favor of another? What crushing despair, what bitter tears that would conjure!

>did we retain our cloak of "invisibility"?
If we didn't, this is going to be a very awkward stay.

Alright, once we get this all sorted out, what are our next moves? Hopefully Thomas and Olaf can dispose of the body without any trouble. I restate my vote to make Melinda our personal handmaiden. Next step on our rise to power? I say we continue to work on our little town, and maybe see about spreading the taint to some of the more vulnerable peasants/servants. Should also see if we can get Count Kain to stop by for a visit. Remember, we are upwardly mobile.

Another point from the Voice of Paranoia: I have an intense feeling of foreboding from Count Kain. I feel like he's very well set up to be under the influence of another infernal power, perhaps even more powerful than us. Hints about him being very charismatic to the young Thomas, yet having associations with the occult. I feel he could be very useful, and also very dangerous.

>When I said 'make her yours', I meant you fucked her good and proper. With hands and tongue, of course.
>You still have your cloak
>This Tainted portion of the cellar gives you significant bonuses while you're there. You can customise it into a living space. Envy now restores the fuel-stat for your powers and your health stat.

>Stat-wise, you may increase increase your physical capacity, mental faculties, or social aptitude. Similarly you may advance skills relating to these sphere.

>You may advance the Spite or Curse trees, or take the first level in Ice Arcanum, which is effectively cold, ice, and water spells.

>You can advance both stats and abilities at the moment, or put two advancements into one place.

>In answer to an earlier question, Wrath is the main rival of Envy, and Lust its main ally.

>>13489949
SPOILER ALERT

>>13490022
>Goddammit, Stringer. Your character is getting all of the cursed loot next session.

>>13490007
Hm. I felt at times we would get on well with Pride. But I see your point. Ok. Let's get an XP vote and move on. I'm gonna have to vote for upping stats:
Strength (in the event that Kain or something does give us trouble)
+
Social (So we can more quickly and easily spread our little cult)

>>13490007
Advance social and social. We need to be playing mind games with everyone forever. Failing that, social and physical wouldn't go amiss; from the first session I've hoped to one day become a killer assassin demon, and that will take some serious physical stats. Advancing our spite and curse skills can stay on the backburner until we have people we need to spite and curse, and ice seems overly flashy for our current style.

What do we do to gain additional XP, souls, and the favor of our hellish overlords? Just inspire more and more envy and make people ever more nasty?

>>13490007
1 point into ice arcanum, and 1 point into mental faculties.

let the voting begin

>>13490075
Voting for this combination.

>>13490007
what about pride and greed?

we do use lust a lot, but somehow we push these other to also...

So we ought not encourage our minions to act out in wrath at any time. war and fighting must be comited with martial pride, or with the lust of an artist... ( you cant realy envy those that are worse than you... except those that are better. there envy is encouraged. )

In conclusion we should have future guards trained to be lustful and prideful at giving death but they should envy those that are better then them .. those that are about to kill them even more.. who knows what envy might drive them to do to gain or upstage them...

>>13489949
>I restate my vote to make Melinda our personal handmaiden.
Naturally. I think just about everyone backs that at this point- she'll be a constant source of envy forever, and as we taint her more and more heavily we'll eventually be able to use her as an agent in her own right.

>I say we continue to work on our little town, and maybe see about spreading the taint to some of the more vulnerable peasants/servants.
Work on the town, definitely... but I think we should keep our taint as close as we can feasibly manage. The servants and household will inevitably become tainted with time- why rush it? And if we start spreading taint through the town, we're virtually certain to get picked up by the first person to come by who doesn't have their head completely up their ass- the signs will be too overt to miss, and then it's an open war with the Inquisition or local mages that we're destined to lose.

>I have an intense feeling of foreboding from Count Kain.
Oh, he's certainly going to be quite dangerous. But we won't know more about him until after he comes by, unfortunately. With luck, we'll be able to hide from him with our cloak and keep him from noticing any of the taint that's too severe. Thomas' aura of menace will be a bitch to hide, though.

>>13490007
Social + Social

Soon we will sacrifice everyone... and we will be loved for it.

>>13490089
>>13490075
Guys... I have to argue with you on this one. We don't need to be branching out into new low-level abilities now. If we run into trouble we need to be strong enough to deal with it.

Also
>mind games with everyone forever.

>>13490075
>>13490089
Can you guys justify these votes a bit? I don't see why we would want this- thus far, I can hardly think of a single thing in this quest that we've done which uses our mental abilities aside from basic knowledge rolls, and the only use I see for the ice arcanum is combat- where we've already got excellent physical skills which we might as well emphasize instead of branching out into an entirely new skillset.

Historically we've used a mix of physical and social abilities to solve our problems, leaning heavily towards social. Why not play to that?

>Three votes for double-social right now, shall we roll with that?

Yeah double Soc will do for now. Let us know if there's any other chances to push Strength.

>>13490127
our goal is to stir envy, not some other stuffs...
and social and mental is needed to twist everything into a positive light that others might covet

>>13490007
this is off topic but you mentioned this was based on a system... is it an actual system (if so, sauce please)? or is it a homebrew thing? either way, im loving the quest- everything about it really

For XP i think 1 level of ice arcanum and one advancement into stats is fine...

>>13490158
What kind of rolls are influenced by our mental faculties?

Stirring the Infernal essence within you, you alter the fabric of your Animus subtly; you feel yourself become more guileful, compelling, and observant.

Hiding in your new apartments in the cellar, you keep Melinda nearby - occasionally chained - and are sure she watches you with Thomas often. Meanwhile, Kain has promised some stout fellows to help with your burgeoning town. And one ambitious farmer has asked to convert one of the outhouses on the premises into a tavern. Thomas has granted it - you are no longer in quite so tight a position to command him.

A week passes; Kain arrives in one hour. Melinda is absorbing the Taint from long proximity to you, and may yet become a useful, powerful servitor from the infusion of your essence. Your Taint is gradually spreading throughout the cellar. Give it eight months and the entire house will twist itself into a palace of ice. What shall you do today?

>On a side note, you can allow yourself to be impregnated by Thomas for half-Demon child shenanigans.

>>13490158
Yeah, let's go with it and get things moving again. Now that we're here, taint the servants enough that they'll see us as we wish to be seen. Aside from that, keep the overall taint level low.

Thomas should continue to aggressively attempt to expand his wealth.

We should continue to try and stir Thomas' envy towards other lords, his brother, his overlord... we can whisper of Lady Maerlyn's magical prowess, too, since as a dead person of course we were able to see many hidden things, so he can envy that. Melinda gets to envy us, our power, our beauty, the fact that Thomas is desperately in love with us. Olaf gets to envy the same things Thomas envies, only from a less personal perspective in most cases.

Also I would still like an answer to this:
>What do we do to gain additional XP, souls, and the favor of our hellish overlords? Just inspire more and more envy and make people ever more nasty?

>>13490241
we want to regain control of thomas.
being in to places at once is great.

also , how does the halfdeamon child work? like a mortal one, all rebellious and shit, or is it a essence part of us, who does out bidding?

also we must conceal the celars better, or extend them. And Melinda is ready to attend to various duties for her master/mistress./whathaveyou

>>13490216
It's halfway between homebrew and official - I wrote 1st edition, part of which is on sale and doesn't cover Demons in any detail. The system I'm using for this quest is 2nd Ed., which I haven't published yet. Honestly, I'm a bit shy of linking people to 1st ed these days, now I recognise how... inadequate it was.

>>13490229
>Mental rolls are things like lore, academic exercises, commerce, strategy, medicine...

Kain's gonna be here in an hour, it's crunch time. Do we want to expose ourselves? We are stronger in our little palace. But... we're going to have to interface with him through Thomas. I suggest that at least for the first day (how long is he planning on staying?) Thomas be a proper host, show Kain around the town, and report to us in the night. Also assign someone (perhaps Olaf) to keep watch on everything Kain does while he's here.

>>13490251
>Inspiring Envy and making progress overall nets you XP, like any real campaign. Particularly impressive plans will get you extra.

>On a side note, you can allow yourself to be impregnated by Thomas for half-Demon child shenanigans.
>Give it eight months and the entire house will twist itself into a palace of ice.
Somehow, I don't think we'd have enough time to do anything with a child before the Inquisition shows up and fucks everything up right and proper. If there are unusual rules on this please inform me. Bearing a child and ordering Melinda to raise it would be pretty much maximum troll.

>Kain arrives in one hour.
Before he arrives, spend some time with Thomas. Presumably we're spending a lot of time with him already, of course, since it's vitally important to keep him wrapped around our finger emotionally. Make sure that we know what his plans are for Kain, though, and that he doesn't plan to reveal our presence (since he doesn't want to look like a necromancer, obviously).

When Kain actually arrives, use our cloak to spy upon his meeting with Thomas unseen, if we can do so successfully- presumably they won't be entirely alone so the "hey I am normal" field will function properly.

>>13490289
I do hope we have a mental /social upgrade then , as I was under the misguided assumption that trade is somewhat social... and mental was more with mind games, defences and mind assaults..

Is there a way to hide/mask taint? Make it seem like something else if it can't be surpressed?

>>13490289
oh im glad we went with soc then, i was the one who was originally for ice arcanum and mental. please let us know when 2nd ed is out, id love to get a copy of if this is a taste.

id have to vote no on half demon child, would cause us to be vulnerable somewhat. i wouldnt worry about things like that until we have our old estate back, or perhaps something grander.

we need to prepare for count vain's arrival. if possible, try to muffle our aura as much as possible. since we are at thomas's house, this shouldnt be a problem unless thomas is foolish enough to bring him here. caution should be our top priority while here. but, if at all possible we should try to find out where his power comes from.

"What are your plans for the Count, my dear?" you ask, smiling softly at him.

"Oh, need you concern yourself, my love? Count Kain is just an old friend I would like to see again. Anything of business will be incidental."

Melinda visibly flinches as he calls you 'my love', and he ignores her vague pawing at his clothes as one would a family pet.

>>13490241
hearing about all this caution around Kain made me realize we need a back up plan. as a back up plan, how does ritual suicide sound. im under the assumption in a short space of time we will have the entire town under our heel. if the inquisition comes down hard, and we are getting sent back to hell, then all of our hard work up here shouldnt go to waste. think of it, an entire manor house and its holdings ritually killing themselves offering their souls up. if one soul was worth 200 obals, the price of nice flat, what would give or take 100 get us? might be more, im not sure how many people the family estate has under their control

Hm hey now. This will not do. We need to exert a little bit of control here. Do the old rules on influencing Thomas still apply, or do we have to persuade him the old fashioned way?

In any case, we do have those new Soc points sitting on us. Can't we persuade him to tell us more.

I feel like there has to be more we can do personally. I don't think we ever found out if the Cloak works the same way/whether we still have it?

>>13490422
well, as we both know, i dont get out very much *giggle* so i just wanted a little word of what is going on with grounds. you have made such progress, im eager to see what you have planned next.

this knowledge, it must be ours. the sheer impudence of him with holding from us is inconceivable. we MADE him who is.

>he ignores her vague pawing at his clothes as one would a family pet.
>oh well done

>>13490467
>Old-fashioned persuasion, but you're using so many bonuses it'll be easy
>Cloak functions as it did in Hell

>>13490467
throwing out an influence point if we can seems like a good idea

if he says no we can start talking about how great his brother is and what he does for his wife, even without influence points that should do the trick

>>13490422
Oh, he does NOT get to cut us out of his business. Everything he does is our concern.

We should be able to softly tease the answer out of him, but we'll need to make sure that he doesn't get into the habit of thinking of us as someone who doesn't need to get informed of things. That way lies a nonoptimal end.

>>13490493
don't we fucking possess him???? I was having fun with that. Now its the old roleplay. I was having fun being voices in the mind.

I want to be voices in the mind dammit!

We wants to repossess him .

>>13490444
That is a pretty awesome contingency plan, frankly. The only twist I've got for it is that we might consider prompting those under our control to go mad with envy and attack, then destroy/sacrifice the population of a nearby town or three for spite instead of merely offing themselves. But we should definitely start planning a massive "well, that's game, here's the grand finale" contingency.

>>13490509
Here we go. We can still hold his brother over his head. Use this.

A little prodding gets him talking.

"Well, I mostly just wanted to talk with the old chap again. But I thought it couldn't hurt to ask him for any spare staff, perhaps see if we can organise some trade agreements. I'd also like to hear how his visit from Straker went... I should not like the Inquisitor to come here."

>>13490621
Ok, I suppose this will do for now. Make sure he doesn't mention us. I suppose we'll have to trust his judgement.

I say we monitor with the cloak as much as possible. And I still recommend assigning Olaf to monitor Kain.

>>13490561
good improvement, its got to revolve around envy. something to discuss if Soundless Voice has to leave for something or at the end of the night when session finishes.

>>13490621
"An inquisitor. mighty interesting. Why not get his wearabouts constantly and give him a visit once in a while when you darling have spare time... he would not end up going to something that comes to him, would he?"

>This only if we can somehow get into his head again. I want to watch with his eyes. hear with his ears. An whisper in his brain. Force his hand!

>>13490621
Offer some gently encouraging words regarding his ambition, and act touched that he's so concerned about us (presumably) that he would wish to shield us from the Inquisition. The point being to both reinforce that both ideas are good things, and to encourage him to share his thoughts and plans and the reasoning behind them with us in the future through positive reinforcement. Use feminine wiles of some sort to get that last point across.

Then let him go, use our cloak to spy on everything.

>>13490621
was the visit all that bad? you seemed to get along with some of his acolytes. you seem to forget my love (as this is being said, come up behind him and run hands down his chest, if possible look at melinda while doing so), i was watching you while i was away. longing to come back to you. i would not put all you eggs in one basket, perhaps you should reach out to lady maerlyn? but the best course would be prudence and patience.

>>13490694
>but the best course would be prudence and patience.
We don't actually want him to be prudent and patient. While it would be nice to be able to launch long-term plans, our rapidly spreading taint gives us a sharp time limit on our operations here before things come to violence one way or another. We need Thomas to act aggressively to put himself into a position where we'll be able to maximize the amount of envy and corruption we spread before being banished.

Encouraged by your words, Thomas smiles and caresses your claw. Melinda barely conceals her envy.
"You're right, my love. But the Inquisition would love any excuse to put my family to the torch. I shall send word to the Lady, though, and see what can be gained."

With that, and a kiss, he leaves to greet Kain in the hall.

When you arrive, cloaked, you notice three things as the two men embrace, smiling, and greet one another.

First, you note that Kain is a much younger man than you expected; forties at his oldest. Tall, muscular, with noble features and long, well-kept white hair. His charisma is almost palpable.
Secondly, you recognise him for what he truly is; a very old, very powerful Vampire.
And finally, you realise that he can see right through your disguise.

>Must end here, I'm afraid. I'm spending a few days with my girlfriend starting tomorrow. Envy Quest resumes on Saturday.

>Don't hate me because it's a cliffhanger

>>13490770
Haaaaaaate

I'm spending the weekend with my girlfriend ending Monday >=(
Have a good time OP, can't wait to get back to it.

>Envy Quest resumes on Saturday.
I will be watching obsessively.

>Secondly, you recognise him for what he truly is; a very old, very powerful Vampire.
>And finally, you realise that he can see right through your disguise.
OP, if you feel like giving us some actual information on what Vampires are/can do and their relationship if any to demons, including the usual social arrangements, it would be very much appreciated. It's very tough to give sensible orders without context.

My instinct here is to guess that Kain wouldn't give a shit that we're corrupting and eventually stealing the souls of Thomas and everyone around him. I mean, it's no skin off his nose, he's basically a supernatural type who preys on humans just as we are, and I doubt he had any serious long-term plans for Thomas, so what's the problem?

>>13490770
Voice of Paranoia was right for once!
Now it will never go away.

>>13490863
>Vampires, as a rule, are as morally, ethically, and personally versatile as any human. Kain my actually be morally outraged by your presence - lucky for you, he can see though the cloak, not the actual disguise. He can see you as Alessa, but not as the Demon.
>Likewise, Kain may genuinely feel affection for Thomas.

>These aren't your WoD my-soul-and-emotions-are-atrophied Vampires, these're Legacy-of-Kain-one-day-I-shall-be-an-eldritch-horror-but-for-now-am-a-pretty-cool-guy Vampires.

>Fortunately he'll be no more knowledgeable about Demons than any mortal scholar, assuming he even knows anything - Kain studies the occult, yes, but there are a lot of things under that heading to study.

>As for what he is - bloodrinking superhuman monster with magical powers. Sunlight just makes him angry, but he's vulnerable to undiluted water. He can harm you with his magic and his natural weapons if he chooses to.

>>13490822
Thank you.

>>13490932

You magnificent bastard.

For your efforts, and the wonderful quest you have provided us with, here is a picture of what I can only assume you look like.

>>13490932
Well, this news makes me very glad that we upped our social/social, then. The lie that we are Alessa is by far our best defense against someone like this; we don't really want to throw down with an ancient vampire. We'll just have to hide our true intentions from him like we do from everyone else.

Although...
>he's vulnerable to undiluted water
>the waters of the Bitter Sea
...it seems to me that we've got at least a bit of a natural advantage as a demon who is literally formed of one of his weaknesses.

Anyway, we should be able to just play this cool and make it look like Thomas has been getting into necromancy, I think. If he notices the whole ice-everywhere bit, we'll just say something about it being almost impossible to escape the chill of the grave. Etc. etc. when it comes to passing things off. If Kain really likes Thomas he'll probably cover for him.