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>>1713808

Forgot to edit the story part from last time. Should be:

>Having sent out our revenant agents to gather intelligence, we now set our sights on the upcoming heist by a master thief. Having assimilated all the knowledge of her sister, we know intimate details of the heist and the thief herself, and plan to foil it in a way that most benefits us. But first, someone's been missing and it's been gnawing at you for a moment now...

As you sit upon your throne, reflecting on both your successes of late and how your plans regarding the upcoming heist are coming together, you narrow your eyes and say, "What do you mean, she isn't here?"

Your butler, Sheldrake, stands still as a statue as he explains, "She was last here little more than a day ago and has not returned since."

This news causes you to lean back in your dark throne and tap your fingers on the obsidian armrests. 'Where are you, Faye? Not on this plane, which means I cannot teleport back to you, and not on our prime plane either, because I already tried! Nobody has seen her and she hasn't left a note, much less a word with anyone as to her whereabouts.'

"Perhaps, your majesty, she is conducting some other business, elsewhere?" the pale man offers with a raised brow.

'Yes, but what?' You find yourself growing impatient. 'I remember well the time that Faye went off on her own and made a deal... But she's learnt her lesson, hasn't she? I should trust her.' Then, a knawing in the back of your brain: 'No! I can't trust her, she's me! What if she is enacting some scheme against me in retribution of my superior position as the prime twin?'

You shake your head and manage to calm down slightly. 'Now now, Sirena, you're being paranoid... But paranoia could keep one alive. Alive, yes, but without any trusted friends...' You purse your lips and quickly come to a decision.

>Trust Faye; she'll return on her own.
>Use divination to at least find out where she is, just in case.
>Find her location and send a spy she doesn't know about to report on her doings.
>Get in contact with Faye and tell her to return, right now.
>Other

>>1713816
>Use divination to at least find out where she is, just in case.

>>1713816
>>Use divination to at least find out where she is, just in case.

>>1713816
>Use divination to at least find out where she is, just in case.

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>>1713822
>>1713852
>>1713868

Immediately you proceed down to the Divining Pool, where Xiax'zas the Lich waits. She notes your arrival with her usual level of enthusiasm; that is, none at all.

"My queen. I have been informed that you require assistance."

"I wish to locate my other self. Do you know where she has gone?"

"Yes, I do."

'Well, that's surprising,' you think as you raise your brow. "Really? She told you?"

"I assisted her in use of the pool prior to her leaving. She wished to scry upon several locations to gather information on them before leaving."

"Tell me of them, immediately."

At first the lich is immobile, but then she tilts her head slightly. "She did not tell you, my mistress? How interesting."

"Never mind the details. Just show me where she has gone to."

Slowly, she raises a hand over the silvery water, but does nothing with it. "I would like to make a request in turn."

You narrow your eyes. "That isn't how this works. You serve me because I hold your phylactery. Now serve."

"I have done so, and continue to do so, unwillingly. Perhaps we needn't be so... unnegotiable. I could willingly serve you, my Witch Queen."

"Yes, but I would still hold your phylactery," you remind her. "So whatever you are about to suggest, remember that I could always force you to do it regardless."

"Of that I am well aware... my mistress." She turns her hand, palm facing upwards. "What I ask would place me in your debt, beyond the superficial debt of owing my current continued existence to your kindness and generosity." Though she speaks in monotone fashion, there is more than a bit of sarcasm laced within those last few words. "If you would but hear me."

>Allow her to speak
>Promise to hear her later
>Shoot her down and make her do what you came here for
>Threaten her
>Other

>>1713904
>Allow her to speak

>>1713904
>Allow her to speak

Make it quick.

>>1713904
>>Allow her to speak

>>1713904
>>Allow her to speak

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>>1713906
>>1713909
>>1713915
>>1713926

"Go on, then. I'm short on time and getting short on patience."

"I wish to be cured of my lichdom."

You raise a brow. "You know... Some people are vampires, but few are rarely vampires by choice. The same could be said of werewolves or other lycanthropes. I've never heard of an unwilling lich; you did this to yourself, did you not?"

"I did. I was fully aware of the consequences and did so regardless. It was my intention to reverse the process after I had obtained what I desired: the title of Witch Queen."

"And yet, doing so singled you out to me, causing me to track down your phylactery and force you to assist me in winning it," you smile. "Ironic, isn't it?"

"That irony has not been lost on me. Mistress."

"But do continue, I'm curious. How does one reverse the process?"

"I have the knowledge of many necromantic rituals, including bringing those back to life who have given it up. Re-infusing the soul from a phylactery back into mortal form."

"Indeed... But that would also remove my primary means to control you, now, wouldn't it?"

She is quiet at first. "As I said, I would be in your debt."

"Yes, you would..." You walk around the pool and approach her. "And how would you repay me, exactly? Unwavering service, loyalty and unquestioning obedience? For some reason I find myself... doubtful."

"You already have the title. You have proven yourself superior."

You stop directly in front of her. "Don't start with flattery now; it doesn't suit you. I know how it pains you to be my slave, a victim of your own plot to succeed. That which you thought would bring you victory instead became a prison, a permanent scythe hanging over your neck. One thing I don't like it," you snap your fingers, "you're gone. And you hate that."

She doesn't reply, but maintains eye contact with her dark pupils staring back into yours.

"So, what is my answer?" you say, and tell her...

>Prove yourself to me first, as I have deemed with the other revenants.
>I will grant your desire, but at a later time.
>I'll think about it.
>No. You are my slave, now and forever, and I shall never relinquish your soul.
>Other

>>1713904
>Allow her to speak

>Memo to self: mild punishment for trying to be clever. Something nonobvious. Don't think we didn't hear that tone.

>>1713942
>>Prove yourself to me first, as I have deemed with the other revenants.

>>1713942
>>Prove yourself to me first, as I have deemed with the other revenants.

>>1713942
>I'll think about it.

The same kind of "maybe" my mom used to do, meaning "no"

Ah. I was too late. Okay, so here's my thoughts.

Obviously, I don't trust her. She's proven herself to be ambitious, and somewhat dangerous. Do I think she'd be willing to serve us once the noose around her neck is loose? Yes- but only for as long as it takes to slip it around our own. That said, I'm wondering if she'd try some other way to get free if we declined her. Especially with how she acted just know with Faye's little excursion.

I think actual loyalty is useful in peons, and not just blind or unwilling servitude. Allows for intelligent and lateral thinking, and a drive being either of the former don't quite foster.

Knowing our power in comparison to hers, and all that other stuff...?

I think we should free her. Just do it and say absolutely nothing. If he asks why, then don't respond. Let her psych herself out.

Of course we'll grant her a guard that she'll need since she's not immortal anymore. We both know what it's actually for, though, if she does try anything funny.

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>>1713948
>>1713949

"You'll have to prove yourself to me, as with the other revenants."

"I am not a revenant."

"I am aware. But the same rules apply, my dear." You fold your arms and cock a brow. "Tell me, though: you don't like being a lich?"

"I find the experience hollow."

"Easy enough to understand why," you say, bringing up a hand and touching the normal side of her cold face. "Flesh that does not feel, lungs that cannot be filled with air. A mind craving that which it has lost... sensation. Smells, tastes... touch." You feel a strand of her long, black hair. "I can see that you were quite beautiful once. Was that a price of the ritual, sacrificing half of that beauty to become what you are?"

She doesn't reply, and so you press onwards. "What do you think when you are alone? How much time do you spend each day dwelling on your mistake, regretting your choice? Wishing that things had turned out different?"

Again, she says nothing.

"I see," you say with a smile, wondering if she would be crying right now if she possessed working tear ducts. "Show me Faye."

Wordlessly she waves a hand over the pool. The silvery, mirror-like surface ripples and changes into a visage of what looks like some kind of plantation... in hell. A burning red sky, scorched fields and rivers of lava with mountains of fire in the distance can be seen. You are looking upon an elaborate mansion with glowing yellow windows and black walls, covered in spikes and other jagged things, while still maintaining the look of a regal structure; almost like a kind of fiendish yet rustic charm.

'Fiendish yet rustic charm... Wait, could it be?'

Sure enough, upon the porch of this mansion, sits none other than Angelo DeVille, drinking from a tall glass of lemonade, and sitting alongside him is Faye.

'Again she does behind my back, and AGAIN with him!'

>Listen to their conversation
>Travel there yourself
>Leave Faye to her business
>Send her a message
>Other

>>1714041
>Listen to their conversation

>>1714041
>Listen to their conversation

>>1714041
>Send her a message

"Need you back asap." Thinks presuming you don't have to know the location of the recipent, you just have to will it to them.

Don't let on that you're onto her. Hell, there's probably anti-scrying measures in place, or at least a scrying alert.

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>>1714047
>>1714057

You lean down to the pool and listen. Faye is the first to speak, though clearly most of their conversation is already done with.

"Once more I must thank you for your hospitality," she compliments him. "Truly the highest class in hellscape."

"If there is one thing I will absolutely no abide, it's the inability to make a guest comfortable in my home," he says with a smile. They clink glasses together and drink. "And as for that matter you raised earlier, consider it already done."

"I very much appreciate it, and I know that Sirena will as well."

"Do pass along my sincerest of well-wishings to her; the girl seems so busy these days. The stress of it all must be getting to her."

"Oh, I think it is. That's why I'm hoping she'll appreciate the surprise."

'Surprise?' you think. 'What surprise? WHAT IS SHE PLANNING?!' You feel your hand start to tighten into a fist, but then you are struck with realization: are you angry at her for going behind your back, or angry at yourself for how paranoid you are acting? What if she simply has a legitimate surprise in store for you?

'No! No, it can't be. She's plotting something, she's got some kind of a scheme going on. I know she does. She has to.'

As Faye gets up, Angelo asks, "Oh, ask her if she's read that book I gave to her yet. I'd be ever so hurt if she hasn't."

'The book... The Malevolent Articles of Senesil the Sinister, wasn't it?'

"I don't think she has, I'm sorry to say. I brought it up to her not too long ago and it seems like it hasn't been opened."

He puts a hand over his heart. "What a terrible shame. She probably doesn't trust me. Ah, well."

"It's okay. I wouldn't take it personally, she's slow to trust anyone after getting betrayed like she did."

"And what of you? Weren't you also betrayed?"

She gives him an evil grin. "Of course I was; but that was another world. I'm just having fun while I'm here."

He tips a cigar in her direction. "I can certainly understand that."

She gives him a slight bow and walks away from the house, where she begins to conjure up a portal.

>See where she is going
>Get in contact with her
>Contact Angelo now that she is gone
>Leave the matter be
>Other

>>1714188
I mean of course she's likely planning something, but the key is to not let that ruin your current plans. The crafty villain is one that takes into account possible betrayal, and makes it so that they win anyway even if said betrayal comes to fruition. Plan AROUND the possibility, not just FOR it.

>>1714188
>>See where she is going

>>1714188
>Get in contact with her

"The fuck?!"

>>1714188
>See where she is going

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>>1714243
>>1714567

Your lip quivers slightly as you think about what to do next. You look up at Xiax'zas. "Follow her."

"I won't need to," the lich coldly replies. "She's coming here."

'Returning to Aran?' You stand up. "Then I'll see her myself."

As you turn to leave, the lich says, "It is all rather interesting, isn't it? It seems you don't even trust yourself." You look back at her. "It's a good thing she doesn't know the extent of it."

"Do try and remember who holds your phylactery. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you almost just forgot."

You leave her and return to the throne room, where you see Faye entering from an opposite hallway. Her green eyes light up upon seeing you and she rushes over. "Sirena! I feel like it's been ages." She throws you into a hug and a kiss, the passion of which surprises even you. Sheldrake stands off to the side, unfeeling and unexpressive.

When she breaks the kiss, she says, "So, what have you been up to?"

"The usual," you reply. "Before I get into it... what about yourself?"

"I've been around," she says rather flippantly, approaching her throne and sitting on it. As she crosses her legs, she goes on, "But not much here or at home. I've been scouring several contacts I've made of late, engaging in research on a number of topics."

"Oh?" you say, sitting in your throne and crossing your leg as well. "Do go on."

"It's nothing too fascinating and I've yet to make any significant progress towards getting home, but I have been making some new friends on several other planes of existence. Possibly useful to have should we find the need."

"It's good to see that you are branching out," you comment. "I have as well, though on the mortal world."

She smiles. "See? This is why we work so well together. I handle the extraplanar stuff while you focus on the prime plane. Our combined resources will soon stretch across whole worlds!"

'Indeed... My dear twin.'

>Tell her about the upcoming heist
>Grill her for more info
>Come clean; you watched her
>Ask about the other planes
>Other

>>1714744
>>Other
Kiss her deeply, enthrall her with our lips and voice, compel the info out of her and make her forget the conversation happened afterwards.

>>1714744
>Tell her about the upcoming heist

>>1714744
>Tell her about the upcoming heist happen

Also talk about how much we hate surprises.

I don't think Faye would betray us intentionally. I do think she might betray us by stupidity though.

Let's flip our coin while talking to her about hating surprises.

>>1714744
Oops. I also forgot. Let's use the wand of sensation on the Lich.

>>1714744
>Tell her about the upcoming heist

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>>1714941
>>1715055
>>1715317

You lightly scrape against the armrest of your chair. "Well, I must tell you, I have a plan that will secure us new allies and assets in the north. A heist by a master thief is happening in a few short days, and we will foil it, gaining not only the gratitude of the high elven nobles it is targetting, but also the service of the thief herself."

"Oh, sounds juicy. How so?"

"One of the competitors whose soul I captured during the Black Gauntlet was the thief's sister. The dark elf."

"The one whose memories you sapped. So that's how you know?"

"I have all the details right up here," you say, pointing to your forehead. "Ben and Amber will take out the werewolves she is allied with, while you and I attend a masked ball. They are after a rare diamond ring, but they won't be expecting or counting on us to interfere."

"I like this," Faye says, rubbing her hands together. "What role are we to play?"

"We shall be guests at the ball, and when the time is right, we will force the thieves to expose themselves without exposing ourselves. We shall let the lord and lady think they were behind the foiling of this plot, with but our assistance. Then, when the thief is captured, I shall appear to her as her sister, free her from confinement -- and brand her."

"I love it! I can already picture what I'm going to wear!"

'I'm glad she's enthusiastic...'

What to do in the meantime?

>Resurrect three more revenants
>Check on the goblin immigrants to your realm
>Check on the young Ant Queen
>Check on the human captives from Bruut's raids
>Ask Sheldrake about any goings-on in Aran of note
>Check up on Brutus at Cutter Farm
>Attempt to get in contact with your family
>Other

>>1715509
>Ask Sheldrake about any goings-on in Aran of note

>>1715509
>Check on the young Ant Queen

See if we can work our loyalty magic on it.

>>1715509
>Resurrect three more revenants
>Check on the goblin immigrants to your realm
>Check on the young Ant Queen

>>1715509
>Resurrect three more revenants

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>>1715519
>>1715528
>>1715551

Queen first, then revenants.

The queen, originally a pupa, has now grown into an immature adult. Through various tests it has been determined that the queen will reproduce aesexually, producing clones of herself in different forms; warriors, workers, etc. However, she has been unreceptive to starting a hive here, as conditions are quite different than those usually found in the prime plane.

We have a few options before us.

>Import massive amounts of earth to recreate a suitable hive environment
>Use magic to transform/mutate the ant queen into a shadow creature
>Exert control over the ant queen's mind with magic
>Move the ant queen to another realm
>Other

>>1715558
>Use magic to transform/mutate the ant queen into a shadow creature
>Import massive amounts of earth to recreate a suitable hive environment

>>1715558
>Use magic to transform/mutate the ant queen into a shadow creature

>>1715558
>Use magic to transform/mutate the ant queen into a shadow creature
>Exert control over the ant queen's mind with magic

Two birds. One stone.

>>1715558
>Use magic to transform/mutate the ant queen into a shadow creature

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>>1715561
>>1715572
>>1715575

Through the use of a ritual, you and your servitors will be able to infuse shadow magic into the ant queen. This will transform the creature and allow it to adapt to the environment of Aran; it will be as if it were made to exist in your realm. From here it will produce offspring, who will carry on this shadow-trait. They will be obedient to their true queen, the Witch Queen.

Now, having sent out your revenants (except for the memory-wiped Alicia) you could use some more, to replace any if they are lost or betray you.

Travelling up to your private vault in the Umbral Citadel, you look upon the gemstones that hold their souls and decide which to bring about.

There is the catgirl you fought, whom made use of spells of invisibility and other illusion-based tricks. Then there is the fish-woman and the goblin, who were fighting each other before you came along. The orc you remember was particularly surly; but then again, she is an orc. There is also the high elf who gave you a particularly strong run for your money, as she was very gifted in evocation magic.

And then there is the woman from the east, the one who recognized you and had it out for you. You defeated her, of course, and captured her soul. But what to do with her now?

>Choose up to Three:
>Catgirl
>Eastwoman
>Fishlady
>Goblin
>High Elf
>Orc

>>1715600
>Catgirl
>Fishlady
>Orc
Save the high elf and eastwoman for later; they'll require some additional effort, I'm certain.

>>1715600
>Fishlady
>Orc

>>1715600
>Catgirl

Honestly given the rules of the competition they should be glad we brought them back at all.

>Eastwoman

Only for full brain draining.

>>1715600
>Catgirl
>Fishlady
>Orc

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>>1715602
>>1715606
>>1715622
>>1715643

You select the gems containing the catgirl, the fishlady and the orc. Taking them to the sanctum of resurrection, you bring up their corpses from the body bank and have them lay upon large slabs. You know the ritual well by now, and it does not take long to put their souls back into their bodies.

The revenants awaken and are marched to the throne room to swear fealty to you and Faye.

"You were defeated at the Black Gauntlet, and it is only by my good will that you are given another chance at life through service to the Witch Queens," you explain to them. "If have given you this opportunity, and I can take it away much more easily. If you are loyal and deserving of reward for the tasks that I assign you, you will be given your true life back; flesh and blood. If you are not, I have other things I could use your soul for." You look upon the three of them, giving each a glance one at a time, before you raise your hand. "If you object, I would advise speaking now. You would save all of us time."

Surprisingly, the orc is the first to kneel. "You defeated me and claimed my soul. That means I am your servant."

You raise a brow. "If I recall correctly, you once told me that you would not be my slave. And you spat at me."

The orc averts her eyes. "I was being proud. My people recognize that the spirits of the dead serve those who slew them. I am dead, and that means I must serve, otherwise I am nothing. My name is Ushugna."

A smile finds its way to your lips. "I like the sound of that. And what of you two?"

The fishwoman looks at the other two, then kneels. "I am not strong enough to resist you," she admits. "Even that goblin was getting the better of me..."

"Why were you at the competition, then?"

"Unfortunate circumstances," she says in her strange, filtered-like voice. "And I met an unfortunate end."

"Perhaps so, but you now have another chance to regain your life. What is your name?"

"Nebulia," she answers.

Finally, the catgirl. She is silent, but then kneels, avoiding eye contact. "And you?" you ask.

"Sumiko," is all she says.

"Very well. You shall be put to work in the citadel, for now. When such time comes that I have further use for you, work in the realms beyond, you shall know it and be summoned forth before us. Now go."

Sheldrake leads them away. Faye leans over and says, "I like that orc!"

"You like orcs in general," you reply with a smirk, remembering her romp with Romil.

>Return to your tower and make ready preparations for the heist
>Check on the goblin immigrants to your realm
>Check on the human captives from Bruut's raids
>Ask Sheldrake about any goings-on in Aran of note
>Check up on Brutus at Cutter Farm
>Attempt to get in contact with your family
>Other

>>1715666
>try and investigate what the fuck Faye has been up to
This sneaky bitch is gonna accidentally get us involved with some deep shit

>>1715666
>Ask Sheldrake about any goings-on in Aran of note

>>1715666
>Ask Sheldrake about any goings-on in Aran of note
>Check up on Brutus at Cutter Farm
>Attempt to get in contact with your family

>>1715671
This.

>>1715666
>>Ask Sheldrake about any goings-on in Aran of note
>>Check up on Brutus at Cutter Farm

>>1715666
>Other

Talk to Alex about anti-Devil shit.

>>1715671
>>1715674
>>1715678
>>1715687

Give me some 1d100s, please.

Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>1715721

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>1715721

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>1715721

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>1715721

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>>1715722
>>1715729
>>1715768
>>1715772

There are four things of immediate note that we can take an interest in. What will it be?

>A chance to spread worship of the Witch Queen to a city in the mortal realm
>A gang of goblins from the recent immigration is causing general light mayhem and vandalism
>A martial competition was held amongst the shades and its champion wishes to serve you
>The realm's economy has taken a downturn as trade has declined across several markets

>>1715789
>A chance to spread worship of the Witch Queen to a city in the mortal realm

>>1715789
>A martial competition was held amongst the shades and its champion wishes to serve you

>>1715789
>The realm's economy has taken a downturn as trade has declined across several markets

Buy cheap

>>1715789
>A chance to spread worship of the Witch Queen to a city in the mortal realm

>>1715789
In this order:
>>A martial competition was held amongst the shades and its champion wishes to serve you
You don't make champions wait
>>The realm's economy has taken a downturn as trade has declined across several markets
Economics
>>A chance to spread worship of the Witch Queen to a city in the mortal realm

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>>1715800
>>1715834
>>1715861

This new champion is marched into the palace. He wears dark armor from head to toe, plate mail, and carries a sword and shield. Sheldrake announces him to you.

"This is the champion known as Vorkath. He is the greatest of the warriors amongst the shades of Aran, having proven himself in a recent tournament. Not all shades live to compete, and some serve you more faihtfully than others, but never has there been a greater warrior nor one so dedicated to his queens."

The knight in dark armor kneels before the thrones, bowing his head. "I wish only to serve the Witch Queens in any way they would see fit."

You look down upon him and ask, "What have you to offer us?"

"My sword, my shield, my loyalty and my life," he swears. He takes out his blade, a dark metal with a blue aura, and places it in front of him. "This blade has slain countless denizens of the darkness, and through their deaths it has been made more powerful. I name it Shadowsteel, for it can cut the shadows of night."

"A bold claim. But is it the sword that makes you a champion, or you?"

He looks up. "Even without my blade I am a master of combat. If my queens desire it, I wouldn't draw it ever again."

"I doubt such a thing will be necessary," you reply. You look at Faye to confer what position would best suit this dark champion.

>Personal Bodyguard
>Captain of your Guard
>General of your army
>An agent to be sent on missions
>Other

>>1715931
>General of your army

>>1715931
>>Captain of your Guard

>>1715931
>>Captain of your Guard

>>1715931
>Captain of your Guard
We don't have much of a standing army. That'll be Ben's job when he becomes our dark champion. I'm sure with enough time, Vorkath can become our personal bodyguard when we become more blatant.

>>1715931
>>Captain of your Guard

>>1715942
>>1715943
>>1715947
>>1715970

Real quick: brand him, yay or nay?

>>1716017
Little early for that.

>>1716017
Yay

oh

>>1716017
nay, too early, we want him pure

>>1716017
After he spends the night in our chambers yeah.

With us and Faye.

>>1716017
Something something "Let's see you draw your other weapon" "Your sword might be magical, but it's nothing compared to our sheaths".

>>1716058
>>1716064
>Having sex with a shade
Oh come on.

>>1716017
sure go for it

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>>1716021
>>1716035
>>1716043
>>1716058

Alright, no brand for now.

>.

"You shall be the captain of our guard. I want you to oversee the recruitment and training of a capable force that will protect the Umbral Citadel and us from any form of assault or infiltration. Understood?"

"It shall be my honor, my queens." He rises and walks out.

Faye leans over. "Look at us! A captain of our very own guard. Exciting!"

You nod at her, then look at Sheldrake. "About this matter on spreading worship of us... Describe it to me."

"One of the many cults in Aran has been preparing for a role of infiltration. They are very near completion of their plans; they only ask where they could best serve you."

"They would not be detected?"

"It is their intention to slowly integrate into a society so as not to attract attention; upon becoming members of this society, they will begin to draw others into your worship. They know how dangerous this could be, for both yourselves and them, and so they are going to take as few risks as possible."

"Hmmm..."

>Bridge Town
>Youngwater
>Capital city of Dragodia, Highvale
>Lake communities west of Bridge Town
>Nearby country/population
>On second thought, no, not yet.
>Other

>>1716091
>Capital city of Dragodia, Highvale
Bridge Town and the surrounding area is already ours, for all intents and purposes. Getting a foothold in the capital will pay major dividends down the road when we make our way back there.

>>1716091
>Capital city of Dragodia, Highvale

>>1716091
>Capital city of Dragodia, Highvale

Do we have anyone that could introduce them ask a sort of dilittente magic club for genteel women? Start of with basic illusion and charm spells and such?

>>1716091
>Capital city of Dragodia, Highvale

>>1716126
I support this reasoning. Get a feel for the young, gifted, and inexperienced; see what the people have to offer. Then start whispering in the right ears.

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>>1716103
>>1716124
>>1716126
>>1716137

"Highvale," you tell him. "That is where my nemesis lies. It is where, eventually, all of my attention will be focused when the time comes to enact my revenge."

"As you desire. I shall send word to them immediately. Were there any other matters you wished to discuss?"

"This market issue... I admit, I am not much of an economist. But what seems to be the primary cause of the issue?"

"Trade is limited. Entrance into Aran is tightly controlled; this limits goods and services. In turn this leads to lengthy periods of low trade, then short bursts of high trade. The times between these bursts are never set, and it takes much to make it happen. As such, Aran does not have a very stable mercantile system upon which to base an economy."

"We could do away with money entirely," Faye suggests.

"What, and have chaos where nothing has value?" you reply. "I think not. Besides, at least one of those temples contributes significantly almost all of its financial gains. More money in our realm means more money in our pockets, which means more assets available for purchase in our quest."

"You have a good point," Faye accepts. "But still, without a dedicated foreign trader... Say, I know someone." You give her a low glare. "Angelo."

"We can't trust Angelo."

"He's a businessman. He'd be able to establish a much stronger trade route with our realm."

"We have little in the way of natural resources," you point out.

"Not entirely," Sheldrake replies. "What we do have plenty of is people. This Angelo may be interested in labor or soldiers."

"Exactly!" Faye agrees.

You lean back in your chair and think. 'Do I dare reach out to that devil, when I already know that Faye has been meeting with him behind my back?'

>Confront Faye about her dealings with him
>Deny; we'll let the economy issue slide.
>Suggest an alternative means of trade.
>Agree, but only on a limited scale for now, and you'll hash out further details with Angelo personally.
>Other

>>1716183
>Agree, but only on a limited scale for now, and you'll hash out further details with Angelo personally.

>>1716183
>Suggest an alternative means of trade.

Not Angelo. We hate suprises. We could try to set up shops and caravans on our world as a face for stuff to go to Aran

>>1716192
We'll save Angelo as an alternative if we can't find our own means. We did kinda murder him in the face and all.

>>1716183
>Confront Faye about her dealings with him
>Agree, but only on a limited scale for now, and you'll hash out further details with Angelo personally.

>>1716183
>Confront Faye about her dealings with him
>Agree, but only on a limited scale for now, and you'll hash out further details with Angelo personally.

>>1716203
>>1716213
I actually DON'T want to ruin Faye's surprise. Let's humor her.

>>1716225
uhh you remember what happened the last time Faye took some initiative right? nothing good will come of this

>>1716236
I'm legitimately curious to see where Faye is going with this, though. Calling her on it so soon feels like a waste.

>>1716183
>>1716183
> Don't confront

>Suggest an alternative means of trade.

Let's start reclaiming the land and resources that the barbarians lost. Start farming and trapping.

>>1716242
She doesn't have to stop if she makes a good case, but I think we should give her the benefit of the doubt to explain herself
>>1716258
are you suggesting sending Aran citizens to the material plane?

>>1716286
I sure am. To isolated areas to hunt monsters for rare reagents and training.

Also harvesting crops and shit.

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>>1716190
>>1716203
>>1716213

'Perhaps I can turn this into an opportunity to make Angelo vulnerable in case I need it to be so,' you think. "Very well Faye, we shall make a deal with him. But I'll want to be there to hash out the details."

"I'll set up a meeting!" she replies.

"You know how to reach him?" you ask in a tone that does not betray your knowledge.

"I'm sure I know where to look," she replies in an equally innocent tone. "He's probably got a home somewhere on one of the more fiendish planes."

"Most likely..." You turn back to Sheldrake. "We will make it so. I don't wish to discuss any further issues on Aran at the moment."

He bows. "Your majesties." He then straightens and leaves.

As Faye gets up to go do her own business, you can't help but think to yourself, 'So, now she's lying directly to my face about not knowing how to contact Angelo and where he is. All for some... 'surprise.' I hate surprises. If this is something bad, I'll have to be prepared...'

>Return to your tower and make ready preparations for the heist
>Check up on Brutus at Cutter Farm
>Brief Ben and Amber on the fact that they will be fighting werewolves
>Check in with Alex and Bargum
>Other

>>1716303
>Brief Ben and Amber on the fact that they will be fighting werewolves
Ben gets to cut his teeth on tougher foes.

>>1716303
>Brief Ben and Amber on the fact that they will be fighting werewolves

>>1716303
>>Brief Ben and Amber on the fact that they will be fighting werewolves

>>1716303
>Brief Ben and Amber on the fact that they will be fighting werewolves

>>1716303
>Brief Ben and Amber on the fact that they will be fighting werewolves

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>>1716316
>>1716318
>>1716333
>>1716367
>>1716396

You rise from your throne and proceed towards the teleportation circle, taking you back to your tower. It is rather late in the evening, with the sun just barely vanishing beneath the horizon, and the tower is strikingly silent. With Merriam and Kay gone north to Youngwater, that leaves Ben, Amber, Alex, Bargum, and Xerro, as Faye has taken the three goblins to Aran for more permanent quartering after some issues with the smellier one.

Curiously, Ben and Amber are nowhere to be seen, which is odd considering their training is usually concluded by this point. You briefly search around the tower before deciding to use a combination of divination and the mark you have placed upon him to track them down. They are north, not very far, and bathing after a hot day of hard training. Or at least, that might have been their initial intent, but other motivations clearly rose to the surface after they got into the water.

You can hardly blame Ben; he must miss his sister, after all, and with Amber being the only other redhead around she must be relishing his more focused attention. You spy upon them from a distance, glimpsing them in the water as they hold onto each other. What is going on beneath the water is not hard to guess at, given the look on her face as she clutches onto his backside and rests her head on his shoulder.

'He's becoming quite skilled at this,' you note; it seems his training is paying off in more ways than one.

>Wait for them to return to the tower
>Continue spying on them from a distance
>Interrupt them and tell them to get dressed
>Join them
>Other

>>1716410
>Other

Just go there and watch till they are done.

>>1716410
>Wait for them to return to the tower

Let's read and wait.

>>1716410
>>Wait for them to return to the tower
Can we spend our time trying to se if there's any evidence of what Faye's up to, maybe search her room?

>>1716410
>Wait for them to return to the tower
Let's not make this too awkward for them.

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>>1716416
>>1716418
>>1716419

With patience and a good book, you wait for them to return to the tower, which they do in about an hour's time. You close the book as Ben opens the door and walks in, with Amber right behind him.

"How was the water?" you ask him.

"Great!" he immediately replies, and Amber elbows him in the gut. "I mean, uh, we were just, you know, cooling off after training."

"Of course," you say with a knowing smile. "Tell me, Amber, you're a bit less green than Ben when it comes to the many monsters of the world -- what dealings have you had with werewolves in the past?"

"Werewolves? I've never fought any. Fought a werebear once, though."

"How did that go?"

"I was only able to kill him because he was eating another member of my party," she admits, looking away.

"Well, hopefully nothing of the sort will happen this time, because word has reached me of a group of werewolves in the north that need to be dealt with."

"I could fight werewolves," Ben says, but Amber holds up a hand.

"What's in it for us?"

"Fame and money," you reply. "These particular werewolves are the lynchpin of a plot by a thief to steal a valuable diamond ring from a high elven family. That kind of prestige could do wonders for our reputation, and the coin they'd throw our way certainly wouldn't hurt."

"I say we do it!" Ben says, clenching a fist. Again, Amber holds up a hand.

"We'll need supplies, first and forement being silver weapons. We currently don't have those. The only bit of silver we have are some coins and this," she indicates the silver belt buckle she is wearing.

"I'll secure you the supplies you'll need," you assure her. "What else?"

"Well, werewolves, so... Wolfsbane, holy symbols and a priest to use them. But we've already got at least two of them, I think."

"Alex and Bargum could accompany you. I have every confidence in their abilities." You look over at Ben. "But don't get too excited and end up being reckless, now -- you're no good to us dead."

"Right, right," he nods. "Don't worry about us. At the rate we've been training and taking down monsters, these wolves will be dead meat when we're through with them!"

>Secure supplies
>Talk to Alex and Bargum
>Talk to Amber
>Talk to Ben
>Talk to Xerro
>Other

>>1716505
>>Talk to Alex and Bargum

>>1716505
>Talk to Alex and Bargum

Have Amber

>Secure supplies

She is probably the most experienced with that.

>>1716505
Get Fayes lay Paladin friend to help. Get some legitimacy and backup.

>>1716505
>Talk to Alex and Bargum

>>1716513
this

>>1716505
>Talk to Amber
Also have her get the supplies

>Talk to Alex and Bargum

Breaking for dinner, will resume shortly.

Damashi takes a break on this quest, and Cursed resume Undead Quest at the same time. Coincidence, or is there more to it?

>>1716659

Complete coincidence, I assure you.

>>1716666
Of course you would claim so. But my voice will not be silenced. Wake up sheeple! Do you really think there is a QM community? No! It's all one person, and one day the world will realize my words are truth, and beg forgiveness for every doubting me!!!

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>>1716510
>>1716513
>>1716529
>>1716531
>>1716582

After conferring with Amber about what the group will need and giving her enough coin to secure as much as she is able from Bridge Town and her new guild, you proceed upstairs. You politely knock on Alex's door and come in at his beckoning; he is with the dwarf runepriest Bargum and was in the middle of a lesson when you enter.

"Mary!" he says, bouncing off his chair and skipping over to give you a hug. You place a hand on his head as he snuggles your belly.

"Lad, we're not done yet," Bargum says, but he nods respectfully in your direction.

"Come over and see," Alex says, taking your hand and leading you over. You sit down on the bed as Alex shows you a book Bargum is teaching him from; it contains many ancient runes and symbols from a variety of cultures. Elven, dwarven, draconic, divine, primordial and more. Were you so inclined you would learn more, as it is a broad and fascinating school of study with lots of historical relevance in regards to the languages and cultures the runes have been handed down from.

"I'm glad you're learning new things," you say to the boy with a smile.

"Aye, the laddie is a sharp learner too," the dwarf adds. "Pickin' it up a lot quicker 'n I ever did."

"It's not so hard. There's a kind of geometry to it. Here, Mary, look at this:," he says as he opens up one of the pages, "see? This rune here has fifteen characters, arranged in the circle, but on the outside there are twenty-four. Fifteen times twenty four makes three-hundred and sixty, as in degrees in a circle! The more complicated ones match up with math on numbers like seven-hundred and twenty, and--"

"I believe you," you assure him. "But I have come with other news. We're going to be heading north soon, to face a pack of werewolves."

"Werewolves?" Alex says, and his smile fades. "Oh... I see." He places the book back on the table.

Bargum stands up. "I best get me hammer," he says, excusing himself from the room.

As he leaves, you look back at Alex and notice how uneasy he suddenly seems; his body language isn't exactly hiding it well.

>Comfort him
>Ask what has him on edge
>Ask what spells he may have to combat lycanthropes
>Go talk to someone else
>Other

>>1716754
(((shut it down)))

>>1716758
>Ask what has him on edge

>>1716758
>Comfort him
>Ask what has him on edge

>>1716758
>Comfort him
>Ask what has him on edge
What's wrong little boy?

>>1716758
>>Comfort him
>>Ask what has him on edge

>>1716758
>>Comfort him
>>Ask what has him on edge

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>>1716771
>>1716776
>>1716778
>>1716780
>>1716781

Taking his hand, you guide him to sit next to you where you start slowly stroking his long blonde hair. "What's wrong?" you ask in a comforting, motherly tone.

"It's just... I have reservations about fighting lycanthropes. They're people who are cursed, and sometimes they cannot control what they do, so to exterminate them for crimes they cannot help... They're not like the usual kinds of monsters, or giant animals we fight." He looks up at you, unsure of what to make of it.

"Well, some might consider death a release from such a terrible curse preferable to going on," you offer.

"Maybe, but how can we be sure?"

"Perhaps they might deserve it. What if they are wild, lawless folk, who are just as vile as the beast within them? I have heard of those afflicted by lycanthropy having lost themselves to their primal lusts, transformed or not."

"Would they be the same if they were cured, though?"

"Do you think you could cure them?"

"I... I don't know. I've never tried such a thing. But... perhaps we could save their souls as well?"

You look into his eyes and smile once more. "Such a caring child, wanting to save them. That's what I like about you, Alex, you always try to find hope in every situation."

He beams. "It is found in the teachings of the First Faith."

"I'm proud of you," you say, leaning down as he blushes. You put a hand under his chin and tilt up his head so as to kiss him, and as you do you prepare to use your magical kiss to make him think less about trying to save the werewolves. But then you hesitate, your lips still on his, and wonder if he may be right...

>Stick to the original plan and use Magical Kiss to convince him
>Don't use your spell; but also don't bring Alex
>Go with his idea and encourage him to find a way to cure the afflicted
>Use the kiss to influence him, but also do not bring him
>Other

>>1716862
>Stick to the original plan and use Magical Kiss to convince him

>>1716862
>Go with his idea and encourage him to find a way to cure the afflicted
I imagine if they're good people, they would be very grateful. If their bad people, we can just kill them.

>>1716862
>>Use the kiss to influence him, but also do not bring him

>>1716862
>>Stick to the original plan and use Magical Kiss to convince him
Better not overcomplicate it.
If he really wants to "save their souls" we can just put them into gemstones of the opportunity for it presents itself.

>>1716923
We could kill some of the were wolves and send the rest to Aran ?

>>1716934
Eh, probably won't happen anyways, since sirenas team isn't supposed to take on the werewolves.

>>1716862
>Use the kiss to influence him, but also do not bring him

>>1716862
>Go with his idea and encourage him to find a way to cure the afflicted
But only for a short time. If there's no immediate headway, we have to put them down. After all, they're aiding and abetting a thief about to engage in a major heist.

>>1716862
>>1716995
Pretty much this. I'm alright with giving at a trial run, but I'm not willing to risk a whole lot for it.

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>>1716877
>>1716923
>>1716950
>>1716916

'Eh, it's just some werewolves. Who's going to miss them?'

Closing your eyes, you pour both your magic and tongue into the kiss, deepening it and bringing him under your thrall. Placing both hands on his cheeks, you spend a moment more getting him ready to influence him -- perhaps a moment more than necessary, but enjoyable nonetheless.

You pull back and look at his dazed expression as you whisper, "I don't think you need to worry about those werewolves, Alex. There are far worse things in the world." You brush his hair as you add, "We needn't concern ourselves with them or what happens to them."

"You're right," he nods, slowly blinking. "Mary? May I... have another?"

"A polite boy deserves it," you say, leaning back down to do just that. He melts like butter in your arms as you take him into your lap to gently rock him.

Several moments pass in sweet embrace before you part. He lets out a soft sigh before asking, "Mary, are you ever worried about the... darkness inside of you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You don't think it's, well, influencing your behavior at all?"

"No, of course not," you assure him and he immediately believes you without further question. "Why do you ask?"

"I was just thinking about... well, how you treat me. I don't think it's wrong! I like it! I was just worried."

"Well, don't be. Trust me completely. This is your home now, and we are your new family. And in this family, we are very close."

"I understand, mom--" He is cut off by your lips returning to his.

>Read him a bedtime story
>Speak with Bargum
>Speak with Amber
>Speak with Ben
>Speak with Xerro
>Sleep
>Return to Aran
>Other

>>1717044
>Speak with Ben

Want to make sure he is ready and hear what has been going on while we were away.

>>1717044
>>Speak with Xerro
"Um, so how is that becoming a dragon thing going?"

>>1717044
>Speak with Xerro

>>1717044
>Speak with Xerro

>>1717044
>>Read him a quick bedtime story
>>Speak with Bargum

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>>1717081
>>1717108
>>1717208

After leaving Alex in bed, you proceed downstairs to see Xerro outside one of the stairwell windows. He is outside the tower, sitting on a rock, apparently by himself.

Out of curiosity, you leave the tower and approach him. There you see that he is staring up at the night sky.

"Xerro? What are you doing out here?"

"Xerro counting stars," he replies.

"Seems rather pointless. How high can you count?"

"Not high, but Xerro count them! Someday, I fly to them. Fly to all of them!"

"As a dragon, correct?"

"Yes, yes!" He jumps up on the rock and points up at them. "Kobolds tell stories of the sky-ocean, and dragons sail on it with their wings. All kobolds want to sail it too!"

"That's the astral sea," you tell him. "A divine realm that holds all of the domains of the gods. I could see some particularly ancient dragons able to fly through it."

"When Xerro gets wings, I fly to each one."

"Getting off the ground is the first part, and you're not going to do that by counting stars."

"Xerro knows," he replies. "But right now, can do nothing. So for now, wait and count."

You smirk and fold your arms. "What if I told you there was a school of magic that could change you into a dragon? Or at the very least, give you wings."

He looks back. "Yes? You know?"

"I don't... but I could learn. Transmutation is a school I have dabbled in here and there, but nothing on that level. A spell of such magnitude would require a lot of preparation and resources..."

"But can be done?"

"Yes... I think so. It's just a matter of learning how. Besides, what would you even do as a dragon, besides flying to stars? What would you do once you got there?"

He jumps up and down, excited at the prospect. "Xerro would be best dragon! Biggest and baddest, and fly everywhere! Breathe fire, be worshipped like king by kobolds! Kidnap princesses and hold them in towers, sleep on piles of gold so big they cannot be counted!"

"Such lofty goals," you say in an amused tone. "Perhaps one day, eh? But for now, let's sleep."

You take him back to the tower where you and the others all settle in for the night.

>Sleep...

Next morning...

>Give me some 1d100s!

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>1717294

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>1717294

Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>1717294
We need to learn true polymorph, for Xerro.

>>1717307
Soul transfer him with that Green Dragon that is running around

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>1717294

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>>1717303
>>1717304
>>1717307
>>1717367

Morning, two days out from the heist. You awaken early with a loud yawn as you step out of bed; in the distance, you can hear bells ringing. You were alone last night, as Ben is still maintaining the illusion that Amber is currently his only woman, so you don't feel the need to immediately dress.

You walk towards a nearby window, drawn by the sound of the bells, expecting to smell the usual smells of morning -- fresh dew, summer wind, perhaps breakfast cooking downstairs -- but instead you smell something else, something acrid. Something burning.

Looking westwards, your eyes widen as you take in the sight of a large tower of smoke rising... from the direction of Bridge Town!

Realization immediately strikes you. 'Bridge Town is under attack!'

You rush to dress yourself as you sound the alert to your companions however you can, by magic or knocking on their doors, but Ben and Amber will need a few minutes to armor up.

>You, Alex and Bargum will go into town; Ben and Amber will catch up
>Wait for Ben and Amber
>Everyone will hold back and make sure nothing happens to the tower
>Remain at the tower and send others to the town
>Leave someone at the tower while your party goes to Bridge Town
>Other

>>1717402
>Leave someone at the tower while your party goes to Bridge Town

Bargum will stay

>>1717402
>You will go into town; Ben and Amber will catch up
>Bargrum and Alex stay at the tower while your party goes to Bridge Town

>>1717402
this >>1717415

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>>1717415
>>1717423

You quickly instruct Bargum to keep Alex here and ensure that nobody tries to hurt him or the tower. The dwarf agrees, though Alex protests, "I want to help!"

"If we need you, I will send for you," you tell him.

As for Amber and Ben, you instruct them to get to town as quickly as possible. You step outside and transform into a raven, taking flight towards the town to scout out the situation. It becomes apparent early on that the town is being attacked by raiders; there is fighting in the streets, and several buildings are being lit on fire. Merchants are fleeing and taking shelter in buildings with their goods as warriors from the new guild attempt to fend off the attackers.

You fly down lower and get a good look at them, and realize they are orcs. Barbaric, bloodthirsty and savage orcs from the southwest, tearing through the town. One of them bursts through a wooden wall while carrying two torches; you spy another hurling a man off of a rooftop.

'Orcs... at least two dozen of them, maybe three! How did they get here?!'

At that moment, a light goes on in your head, and you remember words from long ago; the barbarians from the west were warring with the orcs. Though the barbarians were hostile to the kingdom Bridge Town falls under, they acted as a very good buffer for the roving groups of orcs who make their way far from their home territories, north and north-east.

And now, with the barbarians gone...

You land on a rooftop and transform back into your human self. Looking down upon the carnage, you feel a great anger swell within you. You've invested so much time and energy into this place, rigged an election, started businesses! These brutish greenskins would take it from you?

'Not if I have anything to say about it!'

>Our Spellbook: https://pastebin.com/3KtAZiTt
>1d100 and an action!

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>1717471
Locate the leader and use
>Dominating Gaze

Try see if we cant get him to retreat his orcs

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>1717471
I'll support
>Locate the leader

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>>1717478

You attempt to locate a leader amongst the orcs, thinking to use thralldom upon him, but to no avail. Their leader, whomever it may be, is not immediately apparent to you.

Down below, several guards attempt to fend them off. The orcs manage to push them back before the sudden arrival of the paladin Amanda Lightguard. She charges the orcs with her mace, glowing golden with holy light, and begins bashing away at them while using her shield to block their counterattacks.

The guards are having a difficult time focusing; some are attempting to get people to safety while others are taking on more orcs. You watch as three orcs charge towards the town hall, breaking through the front door. 'Mayor Jed! He'll be in danger!'

>1d100 and an action!

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>1717521
>cast Grasping Tentacles

Always a classic

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>1717521
stone blood the orcs going after the mayor and arcane blast them while they're slow

Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>1717521
>>1717550
this

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>>1717526

You attempt to stop the orcs before they can enter the building, but it is too late. You mutter a curse and quickly levitate down to the doorway while the battle rages behind you.

>>1717550
>>1717558

The three orcs are tearing through the place, not looking for anything specific other than fun, and so they are caught unawares by you when you raise your hands and cast a spell of stonish blood upon them. They grunt in pain as they are slowed by the sudden growths in their bloodstream, one of them letting out a cry as he falls to one knee.

That's when the door to the mayor's office is kicked outwards and Jed emerges, holding a large axe.

"No appointments today!" he shouts, swinging the heavy blade down onto the back of one's neck, severing his head. You quickly blast the other two with a few arcane bolts, keeping them distracted as Jed finishes them off.

He approaches you. "Mary! We need to stop these damn invaders!"

"I'm right beside you," you tell him as you both step out onto the street. The fighting continues as another group of orcs, having ransacked the merchant stands, prepare to leave with spoils they have taken.

>1d100 and an action!

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>1717591
>cast Forceful Noose

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>1717591
>use Web to hold the fleeing orcs in place

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>1717591
Use some web to slow the orcs down.

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>>1717603
>>1717607
>>1717630

'I think not.' Raising your hands, you conjure forth a web and cast it before the fleeing orcs; they run into it like flies and find themselves trapped. Some of them drop their gains to attempt to free themself, only to end up more trapped than before when they grab the sticky strands. One of them eludes the web and runs in the opposite direction; you throw out both hands and yank him back with a forceful noose, allowing Amanda to finish him off with a blow to the skull.

A great noise is heard, an explosion like that of a cannon, and a group of nearby orcs goes flying. You turn towards the water and see that Urist, the dwarf engineer on the deck of the steamboat, has turned his weapons upon them! He fires another cannon shot, again breaking up a group of the invaders.

As Jed finishes off one of the orcs in the web with his axe, you look towards the other end of town, and you notice some of the orcs attempting to break down the doors to your brothel!

>1d100 and an action!

Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>1717637
Second verse same as the first, web to hold them down

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>1717637
>cast Sleep

Should deal with them

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>1717637
Greater image an adventuring party of super high tier, royal guard level adventurers to scare those brothel orcs away

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>1717637
Summon some grasping tentacles at the brothel door to dissuade entry.

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>>1717649

With keen aim, you send another web hurtling towards them, gluing them to the side of the building. They're not going anywhere now.

>>1717650

A noise alerts you to something going on behind you. Amanda Lightguard shouts as she is picked up and hurled aside with one arm. You then catch a glimpse of the largest orc you have ever seen, standing at least seven feet tall and made of green muscle. The barbarian wields a large axe in one hand, and with one blow he knocks Jed aside.

The orc lets out a mighty roar, which spurs on his underlings. 'I think I found him,' you think to yourself.

>>1717651
>>1717654

Before you can focus on the leader, one of the lesser orcs tackles you from the side, taking you down to the ground. His rancid breath covers your face as he attempts to subdue you; thankfully your hands are still free, and so you are able to cast a spell of grasping tentacles. The writhing apendages emerge from the ground nearby and wrap about his limbs, pulling him off of you.

You roll to the side as he is dragged away, getting up to your feet. That's when you notice Ben and Amber on the scene, having recently arrived. You make eye contact with Ben, who then looks up at the leader of the raiders and charges at him.

'Oh, you fool,' you think as the orc leader sees Ben coming.

>1d100 and an action!

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>1717689
Distract the leader with an arcane blast

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>1717689
GLITTERDUUUUUUST

Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>1717689
Fuck it

>Spirit Rend

That shit head

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>1717689
Summon bees to sting the shit out of the orks holding us down,

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>1717689
>Spirit Rend
Blast that nigga

>>1717726
Well I massively misinterpreted to situation. Bees can sting the boss then.

>>1717726
I love this idea, of stinging the leader

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>>1717696

You attempt to shoot the orc leader in the chest with an arcane blast, but even though it hits, it has no effect at all; he seems to completely ignore it. As Ben approaches, the leader gets ready for him by raising his axe and preparing to strike!

>>1717704

In a moment of desperation, you cast the first spell that comes to mind: glitterdust! You focus on the leader, covering him from head to foot in gold dust, blinding him! The leader roars in frustration and swings downwards, missing Ben; your lover dodges the axe and delivers a solid blow on the orc's chest!

>>1717721

Though blinded, the leader knows that his foe is directly in front of him. He brings up an arm and swats Ben down, then brings up a boot and stomps on him. The young fighter lets out a shout as the orc's heavy boot pushes on his plated chest!

>>1717726
>>1717746

Your lips move like lightning and your fingers follow as you rapidly cast two spells, both focused on the leader: swarm of insects and spirit rend! The biting and stinging swarm quickly overtakes him, and your necromantic daily spell takes effect; the leader finds himself unable to react quickly enough to everything going on around him. Amber rushes in and stabs at his leg, forcing him to bring the foot on Ben off.

Just then, you see an orc coming at you from the side. The same one you had stopped with the tentacle, who has apparently cut through them. He roars in fury as he nears you, but then suddenly his eyes go cross and he falls dead before you with an arrow in his head.

At first you think that Kaylessa may have appeared, but it isn't; it's someone else entirely. A strange hooded ranger in the distance approaches up the road, firing a bow as he walks. Each arrow unerringly hits its mark, the head of an orc. One after another they fall down, even the ones who were fleeing the town.

Though you are curious about this new figure, your eyes are drawn back to the leader. Paralyzed, covered in stinging welts and blinded by golden particles, he enters into a rage and finds his second wind; he begins spinning madly about, lobbing in random directions with his axe, one of them cutting a cart clean in half. As Ben gets back up, he and Amber prepare to re-engage when they see an opening...

>1d100 and an action!

Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>1717788
Calm emotions.
Rage now bitch

Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>1717788
calm emotions

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>>1717802
>>1717820

You try twice to cast a spell of calming emotions upon the orc, though the first time fails due to being distracted when he crashes into the front of the town hall. The second time you are successful, and manage to penetrate his rage. This calms him down and he stands still.

Both Amber and Ben charge, but suddenly the mysterious figure appears upon the orc's back. He didn't run up or climb -- you feel as though you blinked, and there he was. With a strange knife in hand, he jams it into the side of the leader's head, then leaps off as he withdraws it. Ben and Amber both stop in their tracks as the leader wobbles, then falls backwards.

For a moment, all is quiet. The orcs are all dead, and several fires still rage around the area. The figure, apparently not caring for either, approaches Ben and Amber.

"Who are you?" she asks.

He doesn't answer. Instead, he takes out a scroll and opens it, revealing a picture of you -- your true self, along with your name and reward for your capture or death.

"I'm hunting a witch," he says. "Have you seen her?"

Your eyes suddenly grow wide and a chill grows up your spine -- this is the Witch Hunter!

Ben looks at the paper. "No," he says, shaking his head. "I haven't. If you'll excuse me, I have to see to my uncle... And thanks for your help." He breaks away to help Jed.

The man, his face still partially obscured by his hood, looks at Amber. She takes the paper and looks at it. "Sirena Le Doux, eh? Heard of her."

"I have trailed her to this location," he replies. "She may be in disguise."

She looks up. "Really? Well--"

"Amber, I need your help," Ben suddenly interrupts. The girl excuses herself and goes to assist Ben in getting Jed back to the office.

Now the Witch Hunter, once alone, begins to scan his eyes around the area.

>Hide
>Stay out in the open
>Adopt a different disguise
>Turn into a raven
>Other

>>1717855
>Other

Get lost into a crowd and keep our head down

>>1717855
>Stay out in the open
he likely saw us already, so running away at this point would be suspicious. Best to say hello and act grateful and appreciative.

>>1717855
Stay out in the open
Might as well go help Ben out
He already saw what we can do, but he doesn't know who we are.
No need to make him suspicious.

>>1717863
>>1717855
CHanging to go help Ben

Going to hit bed. Got some work in the morning, hopefully it won't take too long. I'll keep you posted.

>>1717855
>>Stay out in the open
>>Act grateful for his help, and maybe offer a small monetary reward, then excuse ourselves to help with fires and stuff.

>>1717954
Also, why haven't we tried disguising someone as us and having someone kill them. They can get proof and witnesses, and then less people would be looking for us.

>>1717959
I imagine the authority responsible for this sort of thing would magically check the body thoroughly, so it's easier said than done.

>>1717968
We could still use this to create convincing rumors of our death, so some people might not feel like wasting their time hunting a possibly dead person.

>>1718012
With a reward this big, and unclaimed, it would draw people in like hungry sharks. If the body is found to be fake, then that's a big clue we were ther, faking our death.

If the body isn't found, we'd get people searching for the body to be the first one to bring proof of our death for the money.

>>1718034
Wouldn't it be better for people to search for a dead body than a powerful witch, which we often don't hide that we are?

I'm back. Sorry for taking so long, got into a card game and a conversation with a friend.

Update coming as soon as I get a bite to eat.

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>>1717869
>>1717874
>>1717883
>>1717954

'Don't hide, don't vanish, don't act abnormal. Be who you are supposed to be.'

You begin walking towards Ben and Amber, who are assisting with Jed. The hunter's eyes settle on you, and though you make brief contact with him, you inspect Jed's wounds and act as if you are assisting them.

After getting the mayor back inside, Ben gently takes you off to one corner.

"Mary... that man outside. He's--"

You shush him. "I'll handle it. Ben, don't say anything. Not a word. You've done well up until this point. Continue to do so."

He nods and says nothing more, walking back to talk to Jed about organizing efforts to clean up the town and put out fires.

You leave to find the hunter waiting for you. The man's gaze is strangely piercing, but you remain calm.

"Greetings," he says, standing casually. You can't help but notice that, although his pose is relaxed, one hand rests on the end of his sword's hilt. "I have a question for you, if you don't mind."

"I am grateful to you for your assistance with the orcs, good sir, but my magic is needed to help with the fires."

"As it happens, your magic is what makes me curious. There are not many mages in these parts with your level of skill."

"Is this about that bounty you showed Ben?" He nods. "I don't know how much help you expect me to be with you... Mister...?"

Beneah his hood, he smiles. "My name isn't very important. How about yours?"

You pause for half a second. "Mary."

"I won't take much of your time, Mary. But I'd like to know where you learned magic."

>I am self-taught.
>The Alakaz Academy.
>I was apprenticed.
>I really don't have time for this.
>Other

>>1720655
>I am self-taught.

>>1720655
>I am self-taught.

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>>1720680

"I am self-taught," you reply, and his expression does not change. "Now, if you'll excuse me..."

You begin to walk away from him, keeping your eyes wide open, ready for anything to happen... but nothing does. When you dare to steal a glance backwards, he is gone.

For some reason, that only makes you feel worse. 'Could he know? Surely he would simply attack if he did. He has killed two Witch Queens before me...'

You help Urist, Amanda, Lucia and several guards get the town under control; the fires are put out, the wounded assembled for healing and damage assessed. Several buildings were damaged badly, but none of the orcs made it out, so all goods were able to be returned.

"I just don't know where they came from," Lucia says to you as the two of you survey the bodies being rounded up. "Orcs, this far north? And why?"

"This will undoubtedly attract quite a bit of attention," you say, stealing a quick glace around for the hunter. He is nowhere to be seen. "Perhaps the kingdom will send more men to help protect the town."

"We can only hope. In the meantime, we'll be busy rebuilding the damage..."

>Get Brutus to help with repairs
>Get Jenna to use her powers to help the town
>Get Alex to help heal the wounded
>Stay in town for now and continue helping
>Other

>>1720791
>Get Brutus to help with repairs
>Get Alex to help heal the wounded

>>1720791
>Get Alex to help heal the wounded

>>1720791
>Get Brutus to help with repairs
>Get Alex to help heal the wounded

going to be honest, don't remember who Jenna is and what she can do.

>>1720878
the druid

>>1720883
ah. okay.

>>1720791
>Get Brutus to help with repairs
>Get Alex to help heal the wounded

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>>1720796
>>1720818
>>1720878
>>1720883
>>1720977

After sending for Alex, you assist Amber with gathering the members of the Mercenary Guild and organizing them into teams to help with the town. As for Ben, you send him north to his home, to retrieve Brutus. It does not take long for him to be on the scene.

"It is good to see you, friend," Brutus greets you when you arrive.

"Yes, I'm sorry I haven't made time to come and visit. Have you kept busy?"

"Very," he nods. "Learning new ways to calm down. Sit and think."

"Meditation?"

"Enlightening. I have not felt so calm in such a long time. The pain of my son's passing remains, but it does not roar as loudly now."

"I am glad to hear it. Could you help us?"

The minotaur proves useful in moving several large chunks of debris. Frederick, Amber's second-in-command of the guild, goes to great lengths to try and match the beast-man's pace but isn't able to keep up; Brutus is simply too strong. He works himself into a tired mess before Brutus even takes a break.

When Alex arrives, he wastes no time in healing and blessing the wounded, even performing rights on the dead guards and orcs. Amanda Lightguard quickly takes notice of him.

"Who have we here?" she asks, approaching him. Alex immediately bows to the paladin of his faith.

"Alex Shepherd, ma'am," he answers. "I hope you don't mind that I began the litanies of passage; I know it is proper for the more senior priest to do so..."

"No, no, not at all. Takes the work off my shoulders," she says with a smile. "I haven't seen you around town before. Where have you been hiding out?"

"I live with Mary, at the tower," he tells her. "Just up the road!"

As you listen on, you look over and think, for a brief moment, that you catch a glimpse of the hunter. But when you look, he is gone again. You feel your blood run cold at the thought that he is lurking nearby. 'He must still be around... skulking in the shadows. He's somewhere, I know it. He used some kind of magic earlier to instantly move from one place to another without so much as a flash or any kind of noise... And if he just heard Alex, now he knows where I live.'

>Meet with the mayor
>Check on the brothel
>Return to the tower
>Get in contact with Faye
>Other

>>1721057
>Meet with the mayor

>>1721057
>Meet with the mayor

>>1721057
>>Meet with the mayor
Get an Idea where the orcs came from so we can retaliate later

>>1721057
>Meet with the mayor

>>1721057
>Get in contact with Faye
tell about the hunter

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>>1721075
>>1721095
>>1721155
>>1721239

After about an hour, things have calmed down somewhat, to the point where a meeting can be held in the mayor's office. Jed reports that he has sent courier down south with word of what has occured in Bridge Town, and expects a reply in a short few days.

"I don't think they were after anything specific," he tells you. The assembled group around you consists of Ben, Amber, Amanda, Lucia, Frederick and Urist. "The most valuable thing near the town is the magic well, and that wasn't attacked."

"So just raiders, then?" Ben says. "But why come this far east for so little?"

"I don't know," Jed honestly replies. "It could have been, simply, that they were just raiders."

"I have my doubts about that," Amanda speaks up. "I was with the paladins when we scoured the lands west of here, lands that once barbarians lived in before a plague wiped them out, of the undead remnants of that very same plague. Those barbarians kept the orcs from travelling further east, but this isn't exactly familiar territory for them. I think someone may have pointed them out to Bridge Town."

Jed strokes his chin. "It's possible, I'll admit. But as far as I know we have no real enemies. Who would do so, and why?"

"They may not have thought we were as strong as we are," Ben offers. "Bridge Town is known for its merchants more than its warriors."

"Don't give yourself too much credit," Amber remarks. "That hunter took out most of them."

He begins, "Sure, but I still--"

"Enough," you cut him off. "So someone may have pointed the orcs towards the town, or not. I think this is a good time to discuss the inadequate defenses that this attack displayed."

Amanda nods. "I have to agree. Something should be done."

Jed holds up a hand. "What do you suggest?"

>Request a guard compliment
>Town wall
>More watchtowers
>Invest in magical defenses
>Other

>>1721472
>Town wall

>>1721472
>Town wall
The simplest answer is oftentimes the best.

>>1721488
Actually, flip that to a guard compliment. Bridge Town is in the middle of expanding, and building a wall might hamper that growth.

>>1721472
>Town wall
We're going to build the wall folks.

>>1721472
>>More watchtowers
>>1721499
this is true

>>1721500
switch to guards compliment too.

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>>1721499
>>1721676

You sit back in thought for a moment. "Lucia suggested having more men sent here from the south; I find myself in agreement. Perhaps we could build a barracks for them, a keep; something strong, defensible, made of stone."

Jed seems to like the idea. "Hmm... It's not out of the question. This attack would certainly be good incentive to grant such a request. If more orcs or other such beasts are on the way, more men would possibly make them think twice."

"I'll draft a letter," Lucia suggests.

Jed nods. "Please do; I'm not quite as good with my writing."

"What should we do in the meantime?" Ben asks.

Jed stands up as Lucia walks around the desk. "I suggest going out and helping anyone who needs it. You're the town hero, after all, you should be seen doing such." Jed gives him an affectionate slap on the back and walks him outside.

You briefly confer with Amber, who leaves to return to the guild. As you step outside you look around and notice Alex talking to someone -- someone hooded. Honing in on them in an instant, you approach. They both look up at you as the Witch Hunter stands and removes his hood. "Mary."

"We were just talking about you," Alex says.

"Really..." you say, looking up at the man.

He removes his hood, and for the first time you notice how strikingly and disarmingly handsome he is. Perhaps the hood has some enchantment about it to make him appear more subdued, but now without it you see his shining green eyes, defined cheeks and sharp jaw. His eyes in particular seem to mask something deeper, an intellect you cannot quite guess at -- he may be more clever than you know.

"I think it's very nice that you've taken this boy in," he says with a charming smile. "Forgive me if I seemed somewhat forward earlier. My line of business doesn't exactly afford me many opportunities to socialize."

"Yes, well... As I said before, I don't know how much help we could be to you on your hunt."

"There are not many mages in the area, and after asking around I've lost track of my trail. Alex here was just telling me about someone named... Faye, was it? He says that he does not trust her."

Looking down at Alex, you ask, "Is this true?"

"Well... I've listened to some of the things she's said. And I've seen her performing strange rituals... I was only being honest, Mary, I--"

You interrupt him. "It's alright, Alex." Looking back up at the man, you ask, "You... think she may be your bounty?"

He doesn't exactly nod, but his body language seems positive. "My trail has grown cold here, and the only mages that match the description of my target are you and she."

"Mary isn't Sirena," Alex insists. "She's much too nice for that!"

"Of course," the hunter says, though he doesn't take his eyes off of you. "Still, I should very much like to meet this 'Faye' and see for myself."

>I could arrange that.
>I'm afraid she's gone away.
>Talk to Alex in private
>Talk to the hunter in private
>Other

>>1721809
>I'm afraid she's gone away.

No idea where or when we will see her.

We need to talk to Faye ASAP

>>1721809
>I'm afraid she's gone away.

>>1721809
>>I could arrange that.

>>1721809
>I'm afraid she's gone away
Faye's becoming a bit of a liability. Maybe this is a good chance to knock her off?

Have to go to bed a little earlier tonight. We'll resume tomorrow; we've still got a heist to foil!

>>1722000
It's a little early to write her off like that. The goal is still to send her home. There's no need to send her to her death so quickly, not least because she has much the same tools as us to avoid said death.

>>1721809
>I'm afraid she's gone away.

>>1721809
>I'm afraid she's gone away...but it's certainly something to concern myself with.

We can say this and be honest, because we genuinely have no clue where she is at this immediate moment. Well, okay, we have a vague idea, but it's not like we could even really give directions.

>>1721809
>>I could arrange that.
>>1722068
There isn't really a reason why Faye would still want to go back to her world where she holds far less power.
Her secret dealings with Angelo should also be of concern.
And the most important thing is that Faye could undermine our power since she's also the witch queen and all.
I think we should get rid of her.

>>1723120
>There isn't really a reason why Faye would still want to go back to her world where she holds far less power.
She has her own mission of revenge. That's reason enough.

>>1721809
> I could arrange that

> Although, she is supposedly from an entirely different world than ours. Do you have a way of testing if she is this Sirena person? I would hate to see an innocent murdered from mere suspicion.

>>1723297
> Although, she is supposedly from an entirely different world than ours. Do you have a way of testing if she is this Sirena person? I would hate to see an innocent murdered from mere suspicion.

Do you really think a self taught mage should talk about plane teleportation. ?

>>1723305
Yes, if they know someone that is rumored to be from a different world. It isn't like we're talking advanced theory and methods of how to plane hop.

>>1723334
Or we could just keep our mouth shut ?

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>>1721835
>>1721882
>>1722000
>>1722439
>>1723049

"I'm afraid I cannot help you. She's gone away from here."

"It has been a while since she was at the tower," Alex says softly.

He looks at the child for but a moment before snapping his eyes back to yours. "Why did she leave?"

"She said she had what she needed."

"You two were close?"

"We studied some magic together, but I never truly trusted her. She seemed a bit too... unruly."

"I see," he says, letting his words hang in the air for a moment. He seems to be scrutinizing you intensely, though after the moment passes he says, "Well then, I hope she turns back up. Until then, I'll have to continue my hunt." He reaches forward with his hand and you control yourself from pulling away; to do so would bring about suspicion, after all. He takes your hand in his and brings it up to gently kiss. "Pleasant meeting you, Mary."

"Likewise... But I never received your name."

"Perhaps next time," he says with a smile before turning, bringing up his hood and walking away, leaving you standing and watching his back, wondering when that next time will be and if blood will be shed when it comes.

"He seems nice!" Alex says.

"Yes... Very." You take him along and walk back towards the town hall, stealing a glance over your shoulder. Predictably, the Witch Hunter is gone.

>Return to the tower
>Remain in town
>Travel to Cutter Farm
>Travel to Francis' tower
>Travel to Riverside Landing
>Other

>>1723584
>Travel to Francis' tower

We could use his help to get that Witch Hunter off our trail.

>>1723584
>>Travel to Francis' tower

>>1723584
>Travel to Francis' tower

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>>1723588
>>1723599
>>1723615

After travelling back to the tower, you prepare for another visit to Francis. You teleport over to his tower and walk upstairs, finding the tower quiet.

"Francis?" you call out. You hear some noise upstairs and walk up to his study, only to find him snoring over his desk and drooling on some scrolls.

As he snoozes, he mutters whilst in a dream-like state. "Oh... Oh yeah, baby... Lower... What's that?... You're triplets? And you all want to go at once?... Oh, I can handle that... And I've got something for YOU to handle, too..."

You let out a sigh of disdain and kick his chair, causing him to waken with a startle. "Wake up, loverboy."

He shoots up. "Sirena! I had no idea you'd be--"

You put a hand over his mouth. "No, none of that anymore. We're in super-incognito mode. A man who has killed the two previous Witch Queens was in Bridge Town."

"Does he know it's you?" he asks once you let go.

"I don't know... He's looking for Faye. Of the two of us she was always the less subtle."

"Where's she?"

"Other realms," you say in a low tone. "Talking to people behind my back, making deals I never approved."

"Well, you both share the title, right? She's not exactly your slave."

"I'm aware of that. But I've caught her talking to someone I consider, at best, a rival. At worst, an enemy waiting to catch me in a compromising position."

"I can understand his motives," he says, raising his eyebrows twice. You shoot him a nasty look and he clears his throat. "Sorry, no jokes. So why'd you come here?"

>Orcs attacked Bridge Town.
>I need info on this Witch Hunter.
>I want to know what Faye has been up to.
>Anything new on Mordrax?
>Other