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

Last time, we celebrated our birthday with a few delightful gifts from our twin and made a few deals with a devil. But as we were preparing to enjoy our evening, we received a letter from home, demanding that we return to our family estate, personally signed by our father, and that they know the truth about what happened with our master. But how...?

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

Shill Stuff:

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

Our story continues!
>>
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You turn and walk back to your throne and sit in it, trying not to sulk. As your mind races, Faye delicately tip-toes over to her twin throne alongside yours and sits in it, leaning over the arm to look at you with great concern. One hand props up your chin as the other taps nervously on the arm of the throne.

'I should not feel this way,' you think to yourself. 'I am stronger than this. Why do I feel so easily cowed by a letter from my father?'

There are several qualities to the situation that are not immediately adding up, about you and your family. How did they know you had become the Witch Queen? How did they send the letter? How could it have gotten into your realm without Sheldrake's permission? And what does he mean about knowing the truth?

"Sirena?" Faye asks in a concerned tone. "How are you feeling?"

Several emotions swirl about, and you take a deep breath before answering how you honestly feel about this strange letter.

>Calm, rational, calculating.
>Angry, indignant, insulted.
>Confused, taken aback, nervous.
>Determined, resilient, inquisitive.
>Other
>>
>>2631252
>Calm, rational, calculating.

But also confused.
>>
>>2631252
>Determined, resilient, inquisitive.
>>
>>2631252
Indignant at the thought of the family reaching out now at this stage, but quickly looping back to calm and determined and inquisitive.

Either the family has sold out to the throne and plans on betraying Sirena to restore House Le Doux's prestige, or they legitimately want to support the house's only daughter and restore their prestige and honor by bolstering Sirena's efforts and eventual coup. Either way, they are remarkably well-informed.
>>
>>2631252
>>Calm, rational, calculating.

Also determined
>>
>>2631252
>Determined, resilient, inquisitive.
>>
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>>2631256
>>2631258
>>2631269
>>2631277
>>2631291

"How dare he," you say under your breath. You fume indignantly for a moment, then continue. "He reaches out now? It has been more than a month since I -- since WE -- assumed the throne of Aran, and he only reaches out now? I had to scrap together corpses from a graveyard and stitch them together, I manipulated local politics, established a power base and faced the Black Gauntlet! How dare he use such a tone when speaking with me, as though I am still a child!"

"There, there," Faye says, rubbing your arm. "Calm yourself and think this through."

'Things are truly bad for me when my irrational and shortsighted twin is being my voice of reason,' you realize, and the thought helps to calm you. After taking a steady series of deep breaths, you begin to approach the situation rationally.

"There are a few possibilities," you say to her, looking into her green eyes. "Either the family has sold us out to the throne and plans on betraying us to restore our house's prestige, and the letter is just a way to lure us in, or..."

Your mirror twin finishes your thought. "Or they legitimately want to support their only daughter and restore their prestige and honor by revealing the truth to the country and clearing the family name. Or supporting our eventualy coup."

"Either way, they seem remarkably well-informed..." You think into your chin for several seconds as you clutch the letter in your other hand. "And yet, this line here... 'We know the truth about Mordrax.' Which truth? The actual truth, which is that I was going to help him with his coup all along, or my truth, in which I was ignorant of his treason and the victim of blame? Mordrax's truth is accepted by the royal family, and by extension the entire country, so it cannot be his truth..."

"Even if they know the real truth or your truth, they are your family," she says, placing a hand on yours. "Perhaps they truly do wish to help us?"

"Perhaps... But we did not become the Witch Queens of Aran by assuming anyone will simply help us." You sit back in your throne and stare at the letter once more. "One thing is for sure... I'm going to get to the bottom of this." Determined to solve this mystery, you begin to formulate your next step.

>Plan how you will arrive at your home
>Spy on your family estate
>Contact Francis
>Ask Faye about her mirror-world family
>Other
>>
>>2631323
>Plan how you will arrive at your home
>Spy on your family estate

Go learn Illusion magic from the illusion trainer. That way we can infiltrate the estate and have a look around before revealing ourself.

Have Faye be in a safe area so we can use twin teleport if shit hits the fan.
>>
>>2631323
>Ask Faye about her mirror-world family
>Plan how you will arrive at your home
We go alone, not least because keeping Faye elsewhere lets us use the Twin Teleport power as a panic button in case anyone tries anything cheeky. Spying on the estate won't do us any favors, since they'll probably pick us out immediately. We'll meet on their terms.
>>
>>2631336
>>2631339

"Well, obviously we must go," you say. "Or, rather, I must go. Alone."

Faye isn't disappointed; she's on the same page. "So that you may use our twin-teleport to escape in the event of something dangerous happening."

"Precisely." You smile at her. "I'll meet on their terms... but not unprepared."

"Didn't we send a revenant to infiltrate your family estate as a maid?"

"Perilynth. Yes... I should check up on her. She could be useful. We still have time, and I could do a few things before I leave."

>Learn illusion magic from the illusion trainer, Trixie
>Contact Francis
>Learn the progress of your infiltration Revenant
>Figure out where Faye is going to remain
>Other
>>
>>2631356
>Learn the progress of your infiltration Revenant
>Learn illusion magic from the illusion trainer, Trixie
>>
>>2631356
>Learn the progress of your infiltration Revenant
>Learn illusion magic from the illusion trainer, Trixie
>>
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>>2631359
>>2631372

"I think I will pay that gnome Trixie another visit, and learn more illusion spells. They could come in handy. Firstly, I am going to receive a report from Xiax'zas about Perilynth."

Faye nods and accompanies you as you swiftly move through the halls to the lich's lair. She stands immobile over the scrying pool, watching its reflective surface, only looking up as you enter. "My queens," she says with a bow, her movements stiff.

"Show me Perilynth," you demand.

"As you wish."

She waves a skeletal hand over the pool and its image changes like a rippling puddle to that of your childhood home, specifically its main hall. Perilynth, disguised as human and wearing the black outfit of a Le Doux maid, is standing in formation with several other girls, with servant men in the back row. They are lined up in perfect columns and ranks, all standing completely still and obediently listening to the orders of the master of the house... your father.

He stands tall, broad-shouldered, with deeply-set and fierce eyes over a hard, bearded face. You always felt that the angles on his cheeks and jaw could cut through steel. With his dark hair pulled behind him and his traditional noble half-robes, he is the spitting image of every childhood memory you have of him.

The servants listen as he gives them their orders. His deep voice resonates not only throughout the hall, but through you. "I want nothing short of perfection for our guest. You will be precise and purposeful in your actions, or there will be immediate and harsh consequences. Your place is to serve, and you will meet the needs of our guest before you are told what they are. If you need to be summoned, you have already failed. After tonight, I expect we will have several vacancies to fill in our staff."

His threat is clear, but the staff are unmoving. Your eyes narrow as you look across their faces; some of them seem more nervous than their peers, but do a good job maintaining composure.

"Your father is very different from mine," Faye says. "He is so stern and commanding. Frightening, even."

You swallow. "Yes."

Xiax'zas comments, "He is very handsome."

"Quiet," you snap at the lich, then your father's voice draws your attention back to the pool.

"I will not repeat myself in that tonight is more important than any in the year prior. You have your orders. You are dismissed," Imon says, and he turns to walk up the stairs. The staff fall out and immediately go back to their jobs; several make for the kitchens, some break into smaller groups and discuss areas to clean and strategies to clean them. Perilynth appears to be part of the kitchen staff.

'He is doing all of this for me?' you think.

>Do not contact her
>Send her instructions
>Spy on someone else
>Make ready to leave Aran
>Other
>>
>>2631427
>Make ready to leave Aran
>>
>>2631427
>Make ready to leave Aran
Making it obvious we have a man on the inside won't help us in the long run. Just send off a short "I am the guest, so be prepared" blip in Perilynth's general direction so she's not caught off-guard by our arrival.
>>
>>2631443
They probably got dection if we try to communicate with her.
>>
>>2631448
That's what I feared, so we'll hold off on contact.
>>
>>2631427
>>Make ready to leave Aran
>>
>>2631430
>>2631443
>>2631448
>>2631451
>>2631459

"She'll play her part when she realizes that I am the guest," you say. "I must make ready to leave. Sheldrake?" The butler steps out of the wall at your whim. "See to it that our new army has all the accomodations they require."

"As you wish, my queen."

Together, you and Faye head to the nearest teleportation circle and return to your tower on your home plane.

>Give me some 1d100s for what is going on at the tower, please.
>>
>>2631477
rolling time.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>2631477
>>
Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>2631477
>>
Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>2631477
>>
Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>2631477
>>
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>>2631483
>>2631490
>>2631501
>>2631547

Upon adopting your disguise as Mary and returning to the tower, you find that Amber is still keeping watch over it, though she isn't wearing her armor. Dressed more casually, she is actually entertaining a guest: Jenna the druid from the nearby forest. They are both having tea and sharing stories upstairs.

"Well, this is a pleasant surprise," you say as you walk up the spiraling staircase. "Jenna, what brings you by?"

"Just thought I would pop in and see how well Ben is doing," she says with a friendly smile and wave.

"I'm afraid he's still indisposed in the north," you tell her, remembering that you still haven't collected him from Lady Silverwind's estate. "I trust that Amber is good enough company?"

"Turns out we actually grew up in the same region," Amber says. "And we've got the same taste in tea."

"Her tea is quite good," you say with a knowing look. Jenna winks at you as you slip past them. "I have to leave to attend to some business, but I'm going to be leaving Faye here. Try not to have too much fun without me, alright?"

"I'm sure we can think of a few ways to pass the time," Faye says with a wide grin.

Amber looks up as you head for the door. "Uh, Mary... Ben isn't coming back anytime soon, is he?"

You pause. Technically, you could retrieve him whenever you like. He's been at the Silverwind estate for a few days now.

>Bring Ben back to the tower
>Leave him at Silverwind's for now
>Check in on Ben and Lady Silverwind
>Take them to Lady Silverwind's estate
>Other
>>
>>2631560
>Check in on Ben and Lady Silverwind
>>
>>2631560
>Check in on Ben and Lady Silverwind
>>
>>2631560
>Check in on Ben and Lady Silverwind
>>
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>>2631566
>>2631575
>>2631643

"I don't know. I sent him to the estate of a friend so that he could rest and recover in relative solitude, but I suppose I should check up on him. I'll return shortly."

"Should I come with?" Amber asks, sitting up.

"Oh, me too!" Jenna says excitedly.

You hold up a hand. "Now, now, we all know Ben has been afflicted with lycanthropy and is still learning how to deal with it. We shouldn't get him too excited. Rest assured that he is in perfectly capable hands and is in a safe place."

Jenna nods her acceptance of your explanation. "It is true that our combined presence may disturb him. We shouldn't overload his plate, as it were."

Faye agrees, and Amber pouts. "Fine."

"I'll be right back," you say to them, before returning to the teleportation circle. Within moments you are in Lady Silverwind's estate, disguised as Lady Beaumont, and you find a house servant. "Where is Lady Silverwind and her guest?"

He straightens and clears his throat. "She has retired for the evening after a day of entertaining her guest."

"Fantastic, I'll see her now."

"If I may be frank, the lady has not been herself lately. Her husband just passed and she is entertaining this... young man at every hour of the day. I find it highly inappropriate to--"

Your eyes flash threateningly with your domineering gaze and he immediately cowers. "Do you value your place in this household?"

"Ah, yes!" He quickly leads you to her room. "I, I apologize for my rudeness, my lady." He leaves.

'It seems Ben's presence is having an effect on the staff. Lady Silverwind, no doubt, has been making good use of her time with him.' You enter and find her sleeping on her bed, as beautiful as ever, her luscious silvery hair neat and straight. Her nightgown is a glorious white piece of art itself, soft and elegant like herself.

You sit alongside her and gently stir her. She opens her eyes and gazes up at you. "Lady Beaumont," she says with a loving smile, sighing happily. You take her hand in yours and kiss it. "Oh, how I have missed you."

"It has been but a few days," you say with a giggle. Branded as she is, she immediately obeys when you tell her to sit up. "Tell me, what have you been doing with Ben?"

"I have been teaching him art, philosophy, and sharing in his company. At night, we take to bed."

"I take it you have been enjoying his time here?"

"Oh, very much," she nods, a blush coming to her delicate high elven features. "His company has been so fulfilling."

'I'll bet,' you inwardly snicker. "Where is he now?"

"I believe he is in the gardens. He was speaking of the moon. Shall I accompany you?"

>Leave her here, find Ben
>Find Ben with her
>Leave them for the night, return to the tower
>Remark about her activity with Ben and its effect on her staff
>Other
>>
>>2631718
>Leave her here, find Ben
>Remark about her activity with Ben and its effect on her staff
>>
>>2631718
>Find Ben with her
>>
>>2631718
>Remark about her activity with Ben and its effect on her staff

No judgement, but discretion is key. Her staff shouldn't be punished either for merely worrying about her, but they should be reminded about not speaking to others. Luckily they recognized us as a trustworthy person, but even then it's not their place to approach others before voicing their concerns to the mistress herself.
>>
>>2631718
>Remark about her activity with Ben and its effect on her staff
>>
>>2631737
>>2631767
>>2631816

"Your staff have taken notice of your activities," you inform her. "I'm sure they only wish to serve you dutifully in your time of grief, but you mustn't let them overstep their boundaries. Remind them that you are the mistress of this house and whatever you desire you shall have."

"I will," she swears, her expression serious. "Should I take disciplinary action?"

"No, of course not," you say, smoothing the back of her hand. "They mean well enough. Just be sure to maintain apperances, and ensure that rumor does not spread about your activities with Ben. Not everyone would understand our special relationship."

"I understand."

"Good." You lean down and kiss her; she gives herself completely over to you, but you have pressing matters. "Sleep well, my lady. I shall return soon."

"I love you," she says, kissing your hand. "Goodnight, and may you fare well until next we meet."

You smile, run a hand down the side of her face, and leave the room before shutting the door behind you. Next, you search for Ben, and sure enough he is outside in the gardens. Strangely enough, he is completely alone, and shirtless. The moonstone necklace hangs from his neck and his body seems tense; he is staring up at the moon.

As you approach, you notice that his hair has recently been cut shorter, and he has a stubble growing. His body looks amazing, and you find yourself appreciating how it looks in the moonlight. His brow, furrowed, is set over an intense gaze as he stares unblinking up at the lunar body. His fists are clenched, and his body is dotted with beads of sweat.

"Ben," you get his attention, pulling him out of his fixation. "Is something wrong?"

"No," he says in a low voice. With one hand, he reaches up and touches the glowing blue stone. "I feel... like I can control it."

"What do you mean?" you ask as you move closer.

"This thing inside of me," he says, shaking his head as he attempts to find the words to define it. "Lady Silverwind was telling me a lot of things, about art and philosophy, but all I could find myself thinking about was this thing inside of me. It's like a... beast. An animal."

"A wolf spirit?"

"A curse," he says, looking up into your eyes. "But... I feel like I can control it. Make it do what I want. Make it... a blessing." He puts a hand up to his forehead. "There is some kind of... block. The thing is fighting me. It wants to control me, to make me do things, like I did to Amber and Jenna... this rock keeps it at bay, and that's it. But I think I can do more with it. Tame it, like my dog Max back home."

Your lips part slightly. "You truly feel you can do this?"

"I do, but I need to know if I should," he whispers. "I don't want to become a monster. This has made me stronger, faster, more in-tune with my surroundings, but... is it worth it?"
>>
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>>2631867

>Encourage him to master the beast within and unlock the power of transformation at will
>Tell him to keep the beast in check, but do not use its power of transformation
>We will find a way to get rid of it entirely, but for now, keep it under control
>Let Ben decide for himself
>Other
>>
>>2631883
>Encourage him to master the beast within and unlock the power of transformation at will
>>
>>2631883
>Encourage him to master the beast within and unlock the power of transformation at will

We can help him tame it, let it overextend itself then bring it heel.

And if it fails, we'll make sure Ben is loual nonetheless.
>>
>>2631883
>Other
Ask Ben what he needs from us, if he truly wants to control this power. We have no issue removing it and finding other ways to make him stronger and mold him into our dark champion.
>>
>>2631883
>>Encourage him to master the beast within and unlock the power of transformation at will
>>
>>2631917
Who knows? Maybe down the road, we can replace the werewolf beast with something greater.
>>
>>2631897
>>2631913
>>2631917
>>2631926

"It it," you say to him, stepping close to put a hand upon his chest, over his heart and alongside the moonstone. "This is power, Ben. Power to make what you want to have happen, happen. To defend those you love, you slay those you hate. Don't hold it back. Master it. Tame the animal within."

"Okay," he says with a nod. "But I'm not sure how to make it happen."

You purse your lips in thought, then an idea comes to mind. "I want you to do as I say, and look up at the moon." He obeys you unquestioningly. "I want you to picture that which you hate the most. Tell me, what is it?"

"The undead," he says without pause. "There's nothing I hate more than the undead."

"Because they took your father," you whisper into his ear, and his muscles tense up again. "You were powerless to save him."

"I slew that monster," he replies.

"Yes, but later. You weren't able to save him, Ben."

He takes a sharp breath through his nostrils. "This is making me angry."

"Good. Because I want you to picture a horde of the dead, and they are tearing your sister to pieces."

He looks back. "What?!"

"Stare at the moon and be silent!" He obeys. "They are tearing her to pieces, Ben. And now they are swarming over Amber. Lady Silverwind. Jenna. Alex. And me..."

"No!" His muscles ripple in his arms as his hands ball up even more tightly.

"And you are powerless to stop it from happening. If only there was something within you... something primal, powerful, strong, that you could use to tear the undead to pieces, to shred them with jaws of feral might, to slaughter them all and save the ones you love..."

He starts breathing harder and harder. As you continue, slight twitches in his muscles become more apparent. "There it is," you whisper. "It's there, waiting for you to take it. To unleash it, to master it. Feel its power, Ben. You don't belong to it, it belongs to you! It is YOUR power, to use as you see fit! Do not follow it, make it follow you!"

His teeth clench tightly as he closes his eyes. Through your brand, your connection with him, you feel his pain; a tight contraction in his back and neck forces him to look down. He suddenly has a terrible headache.

"Fight through the pain, Ben! Maintain control! Remain strong, do not let it overcome you!"

Ben's hands clamp onto the sides of his head, which throbs in terrible pain. Sensing his trauma, you know that it suddenly feels as though it is too small. His brain pulses and throbs, an organ that is angry and transforming -- and so is the rest of his body. His skin is burning as though it is on fire, and he falls to his knees, then his hands as he lets out a painful shout.
>>
>>2632102

"Stay strong," you say as you kneel alongside him. You gently place a hand on his shoulder, then remove it when you feel the flesh and bone underneath shift unnaturally. You stare, fascinated, at the incredible sight before you. Ben's head whips up and he screams again, his insides churning and his blood boiling, as his body undergoes a dramatic change. "Incredible..."

You look down his rippling arms at his palms, which begin to grow larger, elongating before your very eyes. Bone-stretching pain rushes through Ben, greater than any broken limb ever felt, as his body is forced into its new shape. His fingers grow longer and thicker, and hair begins to sprout from the backs of his hands and knuckles, spreading up his lower arms. At first there are only a few individual fibers, but then they quickly multiply and keep growing until it is a thick trail of hair reaching up his arms, and still spreading.

Ben gives a few more labored groans, and that is when the first sickening cracking sounds are heard; the bones of his legs snap as inhuman joints begin to form and his feet change with them. Splintering, shattering pain races through every nerve of his body as his organs shift and his spine arches, becoming larger and more defined. You look at the ridgeline of bone just beneath the skin of his back, protruding upwards as his chest and shoulders become even more broad. Transfixed, you watch his ribcage jut outwards slightly, making way for larger lungs.

The pain is unimaginable, and you are glad you are not experiencing it firsthand, but even filtered though your connection with Ben it is breathtaking. Claws sprout from his fingers and toes, accompanied by no small amount of blood. Ben opens his mouth, but he is unable to scream; blood trips from his teeth. Blackish-brownish hair continues to spread, completely covering his backside, and spreading up his neck, eventually framing his face. His blonde hair is swallowed in the sea of darkness, and his skin follows, turning from lightly-tanned to dark and leathery. He opens his eyes, which are bright and golden, as he stares up at the moon. His teeth shift and grow, sharpening into fangs. His nose becomes flat and broad and his ears move further back and up, also elongating and forming pointed tips.

Finally, his face starts to jut outwards. His very skull now changes to that of a wolf, becoming pointed and canine-like. You stand up and take a step back as Ben rises up on all fours, then pushes himself to stand on his new hind legs. Monstrous, massive and marvelous to behold, the werewolf raises its head and lets out a long, loud howl, then looks down upon you.
>>
>>2632106

"Ben? Can you understand me?" The werewolf growls, but doesn't attack. He takes a step forward, seemingly threateningly. "Kneel," you command him. He pauses; something within him is fighting. "I said... KNEEL!" Almost immediately he kneels in front of you, lowering his head submissively. A great smile comes to your lips. "Excellent..."

A breaking sound nearby draws the attention of both of you. A house servant, apparently drawn from the noise of the howl, has dropped a tray and the porcellain cups that were on it. You realize that it is the same one from earlier. He screams at the sight of the werewolf next to you.

Ben snarls. You sigh. 'Damn.'

>Let him run away
>Have Ben capture him and kill him
>Have Ben capture him, and you will wipe his memory
>Have Ben capture him, and you will threaten him into silence and servitude
>Other
>>
>>2632113
>Have Ben capture him, and you will wipe his memory
>>
>>2632113
>Have Ben capture him, and you will wipe his memory
If Lady Silverwind is going to hear about Ben controlling his transformation, she'll get it from us and not some ill-informed account. If anything, she'll think it's an impressive step. Either way, we have to keep Ben under tight control, as the next few seconds will be crucial to understand how far we need to go to break the beast.
>>
>>2632113
>>Have Ben capture him, and you will wipe his memory
>>
>>2632131
>>2632136
>>2632152

The man turns to run. You look at Ben and command him. "Ben, capture him. Do NOT kill. Hold him down."

He snarls, his jaw snapping once as he bounds off with a mighty leap. It takes him less than three seconds to close the distance and tackle the man down to the ground. You run up as he pins the servant to the stone path of the garden, his claws large enough to rend him in half and his mouth wide enough to tear off his head. The servant cries and babbles semi-incoherently, begging for his life.

You kneel alongside him and place a hand on his head, recalling your spell of draining memory. With the act so fresh, you only need do it for a moment before you knock him out with a spell of sleep.

"Leave him," you command the wolf, who growls defiantly up at you. "Ben, I said leave him!"

He gets off the servant and you drag him over to a nearby bench and lay him upon it. You turn around and look at the werewolf, then back up at the estate. 'Too many other servants around here... more may see. But what to do?'

Ben remains hunched nearby, tense and fierce. You look at him and think for a moment. 'He's not tamed, not yet... he's learned how to transform, which is a good first step. But the beast is still only half under his control. Enough to still do as I say, which is good.'

>Take Ben off into the forest
>Command him to transform back
>Teleport to Aran
>Seduce and tame the beast yourself
>Other
>>
>>2632270
>Command him to transform back
>Teleport to Aran
>>
>>2632270
>Command him to transform back
>>
>>2632270
>Teleport to Aran
>Seduce and tame the beast yourself
>>
>>2632280
>>2632284
>>2632332

That's two to teleport to Aran, and two to command him to transform back. Can I get a tie breaker? Otherwise I'll do a combo.
>>
>>2632270
>>Teleport to Aran

>Seduce and tame the beast yourself
>>
>>2632346
>Teleport to Aran
>Seduce and tame the beast yourself
>>
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>>2632406
>>2632332
>>2632284
>>2632280
>>2632444

Very quickly, your hands flying fast, you cast a temporary rune upon the floor of the garden path. Ben sniffs curiously, unsure of what is happening, but before he can react you have already cast the spell. The teleportation rune glows brightly and with a flash the two of you are gone.

In Aran, Ben reacts strangely. He straightens and sniffs, growling in uncertainty; he is in a strange place and he is cut off from his lunar source of power. Here, in your dark citadel, you pace around him as he reacts with worry and what seems to be fear.

"I know you're in there, Ben," you say to him, "but I want to speak to the beast. The wolf spirit, whatever you are."

The werewolf growls, keeping low to the ground on all fours.

"I must confess that I don't know much about you or your kind, but I want you to know who and what you are dealing with." You transform into your true self, revealing your flawless body and all of its dark splendor. "I am Sirena Le Doux, and I am your master, hound."

At that, the beast snarls menacingly.

"Don't even try. You are in my realm, and here there is no moon. You are losing power and control. Soon, I suspect you will revert back to Ben, but first I am going to teach you who is truly in charge so that you do not forget, and so when Ben calls upon you in the future, you will heel not only to him, but to me."

You approach him slowly and he is cautious. With a domineering smile, you place your hand atop his head, and pet him like a dog. "There, there... that's a good boy." As you move your hand to his ear, you scratch it and he gives an appreciative growl. "You like this, don't you?" You lean down. "You like me, don't you?" His eyes never leave your body as you slowly guide him to the floor, with his head in your lap like a pet.

As you whisper into his ear, you work your magic, casting enthralling spells that affect the beast's mind. You lack any spells that can charm monsters or animals, but at the heart of this werewolf is the mind of a man, one very much in love with you. The beast, therefore, also loves you. Eventually his breathing calms down and he is submissive; your magic has taken hold of him.

"Good boy." You stroke the top of his head as you speak your commands. "When Ben calls, you will listen. You shall heed his word and mine. Do this, and you will be greatly rewarded." The beast seems to understand, and gives your thigh a lick with his long tongue. You smile say, "No, not yet. But perhaps someday, if you are good."
>>
>>2632521

Leaning down, you command him, "Return within, until you are called once more."

The transformation back isn't as painful, perhaps because Ben's body has adjusted or the process of turning from wolf to man is simply easier than turning from man to wolf. Either way, after several moments, Ben's head is resting in your lap, and the rest of his body has returned to normal. His pants are slightly tattered from the transformation, but wearable. You wake him with a kiss to the side of his head.

"What..." He blinks a few times. "Mary?" His gaze clears further and he realizes you are not in disguise. "Sirena? Where am I?"

"My new home," you explain. "Another realm entirely than our world. It is called Aran."

"Did it work?" he asks, breathless. "I don't remember... There was so much pain. Did I control it?"

"For the most part. I suspect your first transformation will have been the most difficult. In the future, you will be able to master it, perhaps making it even painless."

He nods. "I'd like that." He looks down at the moonstone in thought.

"Can you hear the beast within?"

"He's not as loud as he was before."

You smile, deciding that is a good sign.

>Take Ben back to the Silverwind Estate
>Take Ben back to the tower of Redford Keep
>Leave Ben here in Aran; he will train with your captain of the guard
>Reveal to Ben your plans to return to your family for your birthday
>Other
>>
>>2632527
>Take Ben back to the Silverwind Estate
What he doesn't know can't be used against us. But his sudden disappearance from the Silverwind estate may lead to questions, so best to leave him where we found him.
>>
>>2632527
>>Take Ben back to the Silverwind Estate
>>
>>2632527
>Take Ben back to the Silverwind Estate

Also let him know that we're disappointed in his lack of discretion. He is supposed to be helping Lady Silverwind and that means protecting her reputation while ravaging her virtue.
>>
>>2632527
>Take Ben back to the tower of Redford Keep
>>
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>>2632551
>>2632569
>>2632570

You rise, and he pulls himself up to stand alongside you. "So what now?"

"You are going to return to Lady Silverwind's estate." You hold up a finger and point it at his face. "Ben, while I am pleased with your progress in controlling your lycanthropy, you must have greater discretion. Each servant in her home is someone who could spread a rumor to other elves. You are meant to be helping her, and that means protecting her reputation. Is that understood?"

"Well, sure... It's just that you're the one who told me to ravish her."

"Yes, but in private! Be on your best behavior."

He nods. "Perhaps one of the others could come and visit? Merriam? Amber?"

"I'll think about it," you promise him. "Now, even though you are relaxing at her estate, don't neglect your training. You may be faster and stronger now, but that doesn't mean you can't be beaten. A dead hero is no good to anyone, and we've only just begun."

"I won't neglect it," he swears.

"Good." You place your hands on his chest, lean up and give him a long, deep kiss, one meant to impart how proud you are of his growth so far. But he still has farther to go, and so you cut off the kiss and teleport you both back to her estate. "Now, go to her room and give her a good ravishing," you say, smacking him on the rear. As he leaves, you teleport back to the tower.

Once back in the keep, knowing your mirror twin, you half-expect to find Faye, Amber and Jenna in a naked and sweaty pile, but to your pleasant surprise it turns out that the three of them are simply engaged in pleasant conversation over freshly-brewed druidic tea, and none other than the paladin Amanda Lightguard has joined them, sitting comfortably in her plate armor and drinking tea as daintily as the others.

"Mary!" Faye says, springing up to her feet. "Alex, Bargum and Amanda have returned. The boy and the dwarf have retired upstairs, but we are still enjoying each other's company. Care to join us?"

"I'm afraid I have pressing matters to attend to," you say, nodding at each of the others.

"I won't be able to stay for long either," Amanda says. "It is best that I return to Bridge Town."

Faye is quick to her side. "No, stay! I implore you. For the evening?"

The paladin quickly melts under her charm. "I suppose I could... the company is very pleasant."

Jenna smiles and leans over the table, taking the pot and pouring herself another cup. "It is nice to finally meet some of you. I do hate not knowing my neighbors, but there's only so much time in the day."

Amanda nods. "Quite. Especially when you live outside of a town or village. How do you manage the solitude?"

"I'm never truly alone," Jenna says with a simple shrug. "Nature is all around us. Why, even the birds all have names, as do the frogs, and the deer..."

Amber smirks. "Here we go..."

You quietly take a cup of the delicious herbal remedy and down the warm liquid. You feel slightly revitalized and ready for the journey to Trixie's.
>>
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>>2632663

>Fly straight to Trixie's hut
>Stop by Francis' tower
>See how Alex and Bargum are doing
>Stay for awhile and engage in conversation
>Other
>>
>>2632668
>Fly straight to Trixie's hut
>>
>>2632668
>Fly straight to Trixie's hut
>>
>>2632668
>>Fly straight to Trixie's hut
>>
>>2632668

>Fly straight to Trixie's hut
>>
>>2632674
>>2632675
>>2632677
>>2632712

Stepping outside, you take the form of a raven and fly straight west, over Cross Lake, and into the fey side of the forest. As you approach the clearing where Trixie's hut is, you notice something strange. There is a man outside, banging on the tiny door of the tree.

Francis.

You land in a branch nearby and listen.

"Trixie! Please, open up!" He knocks a few more times. "Trixie, please, I know you're in there, just answer me!"

"Go away!"

"I need to know if you are alright!" Strange... he sounds genuinely concerned about something.

"You already did your damage, Langley! Leave me alone!"

"Trixie, this is important! I need to know if the baby is okay!"

"The baby is FINE! Since when did you ever even care?"

"This is important, more important than anything else!"

You hop down and turn back into Mary, approaching him from behind. "Anything else, huh?"

"Gah, Sirena!" Upon hearing him blatantly say your true name, you scowl and slap him as hard as you can across his pale face, sending his greasy hair flying back from the blow. He rubs his cheek. "I mean, uh... Mary."

Trixie shouts from within her tree. "What was that? Is someone else out there?"

"It's just Mary," you tell her. You look back at him, anger clear on your face. "So, what earth-shattering cataclysm has sent you crawling back to Trixie, hm? Is this about that theory earlier you said was probably nothing?"

He runs his hand through his hair. "Okay, well, I was doing research and 'probably nothing' has turned into 'absolutely definitely something' and it is huge. Mary, it's bigger than anything I've ever seen before, the ramifications are... staggering." He looks back at Trixie's hut to make sure she isn't sticking her head out and he leans in close. He whispers very softly, "It might have something to do with the wizard 'M' if you catch my meaning..."

Your eyes widen. 'Mordrax...'

>We'll talk later at your tower.
>Tell me everything right now.
>Let's go back to your tower and talk.
>Tell him about the letter.
>Other
>>
>>2632789
>Tell me everything right now.
>Tell him about the letter.
>>
>>2632789
>Tell me everything right now.
>>
>>2632789
>Let's go back to your tower and talk.

> Trixie should come too

Get somewhere protected from scrying
>>
>>2632808
>>2632839
>>2632846
Any further backers or votes? The location of this reveal could potentially have consequences.
>>
>>2632873
>>2632808
changing to >Let's go back to your tower and talk.
> Trixie should come too
>>
>>2632789
>>Let's go back to your tower and talk.
>>
>>2632789
Go to a place protected from scrying. Or have Francis set up a ward or something. then
>Tell me everything right now
>Tell him about the letter
>>
>>2632846
>>2632877
>>2632879

"Alright. Let's go to your tower and talk."

Francis prepares a teleportation spell when Trixie opens her front door and steps out, holding her pregnant belly. "Wait a moment, what's going on out here, huh?"

He looks back. "Nothing. It was nothing."

She spits in exaggerated fashion. "Nonsense! I know nothing, and this ain't nothing! If Francis Langley suddenly crawls to my door demanding to know if my baby is safe, something is happening, and I want to know what."

"She should come," you say before Francis can protest further.

Outnumbered, and desiring to keep both women happy, he sighs and shrugs. "So be it." He casts his spell with green glowing hands and teleports you three -- or four, depending on the point of view -- back to his tower. Once within, he sits down and rubs his face.

"Is this place protected from scrying?" you ask.

"Of course."

"Then tell me everything." Nearby, Trixie waddles over to another chair and moves to sit in it, climbing up into the seat.

Francis cups his hands, wringing them a few times. "Have you noticed anything strange lately?"

"...That's incredibly unspecific, Francis. I was in a splash-fight with a kelpie yesterday."

"I know, it's just -- Wait, was she hot?"

Trixie throws a pencil from a nearby table at him. You roll your eyes and say, "Keep going, Francis."

"Right. So, this morning, an elf couple knocked on my door with an odd request."

You fold your arms. "Which was?"

"They were looking for a fertility potion because he couldn't her get pregnant."

Your brow furrows. "Go on..."

"And I ran some tests, just a scanning spell, you know -- and I found that they had been cursed. With infertility."

"Why? Were they of noble blood and a rival family was trying to keep them from siring an heir or something?"

"Oh, I wish," he sighs. "So... Seemed like a coincience, until I checked around. Went up north, visited a few towns. Cast a lot of scanning spells. And... Look, I don't know how else to say this: everyone has been cursed."

Your arms slowly drop to your sides. "What exactly do you mean, everyone?"

"Well, I don't mean 'everyone', I mean every single non-human. Mary... they're all infertile."

Suddenly, something begins to line up in your head. "Wait... Trixie mentioned her sister was trying to have a child but was failing."

Trixie gasps. "That's right!"

Suddenly, you remember your conversation with Bruut. 'I mean seeds ain't been planted, if you see wot I'm sayin'. Not fer lack 'a trying!' At the time, you couldn't remember something, but suddenly it comes flooding back! "Francis, when I was in Bridge Town a while ago, I heard a rumor about the nearby p'orc village. They had a fertility festival and nobody got pregnant!"

"I heard about that too," Trixie says with wide eyes.

>How far does this go?
>Could you reverse the curse?
>Why only non-humans?
>You think 'he' did this?
>Other
>>
>>2632964
>>You think 'he' did this?
Is he a human supremecist that we know of?
>>
>>2632964
>You think 'he' did this?
>>
>>2632964
>You think 'he' did this?
>Why only non-humans?
>>
>>2632964
>Other
Does futa add character?
>>
>>2632981
>>2632986
>>2633043

For a moment, you look away, deep in thought as you go over this new information. You look back at him and ask, "You truly think 'he' did this?"

"Who?" Trixie asks, but all Francis does is nod.

"When I started piecing this together, I sent word to an associate of mine in the capital and he ran some tests of his own. His results were interesting, to say the least. He determined that the only people who didn't have this curse were human, or at least had some dominant human blood in them. Anything more than fifty percent non-human, and the curse renders them unable to reproduce. But that's not all: according to him, human males can still reproduce with non-human females."

You think for a moment "Why?"

"I'm not sure. But this is the big part: neither he nor I could cure this." He sits back, and takes a deep breath. "I wield a copy of the Codex Arcana and I couldn't touch this one. This is big, possibly country-wide."

"It'll be riots," Trixie realizes. "War, even, if humans get blamed."

"What about other realms?"

"Far as we can tell, only this realm is affected, and we don't know for how long."

"Not so long ago, I saw a meteor shower in the sky. I don't know how, but I knew it had something to do with..." You pause and look at Trixie, then back at Francis. "He must have... somehow... placed this curse upon every non-human."

"It's just like Trixie said: this could cause a panic on a massive scale if it is found out, and already people are starting to take notice. Nobody else has put the pieces together but people like you, me, and other high-ranking mages. But once this gets out... I mean, I don't want to be dramatic or anything, but this is the kind of thing that could kickstart a new human-elf war, maybe even a human-everyone war. But if humans are the only ones capable of starting a new generation after such a war... well, eventually, there'll only one group that'll be left around to breed."

"This is terrible," you think aloud.

"I know, right?" Francis says. He looks over at Trixie. "This is why I wanted to check on you, and make sure you were alright."

She sits back. "I'm... sorry, Francis, for judging you. I guess your heart really was in the right place."

>I'm heading into the capital tomorrow, and I'm going to find some answers.
>Divert your resources into looking for a way to reverse this curse.
>Trixie, I need to learn your most powerful illusion spells so I can help stop this.
>Reveal the truth to Trixie that Mordrax is the one you suspect is behind all of this.
>Other
>>
>>2633135
>Divert your resources into looking for a way to reverse this curse.
>>
>>2633135
>I'm heading into the capital tomorrow, and I'm going to find some answers.
>Trixie, I need to learn your most powerful illusion spells so I can help stop this.
>>
>>2633135
>I'm heading into the capital tomorrow, and I'm going to find some answers.
>Trixie, I need to learn your most powerful illusion spells so I can help stop this.
>>
>>2633135
>>I'm heading into the capital tomorrow, and I'm going to find some answers.
>>Divert your resources into looking for a way to reverse this curse.
>>Trixie, I need to learn your most powerful illusion spells so I can help stop this.

I feel this will not result in Human Supremecy, but human subjugation.
>>
>>2632964
Lady Silverwind too


That GD meteor shower.

Could we let the Moon Elf know too?
>>
>>2633135
> I'm heading into the capital tomorrow, and I'm going to find some answers.

> Tell Trixie it could be Mordrax, but you have to confirm first. After all if it isn't him then he might be a necessary evil to cure it.
>>
>>2633160
>>2633175
>>2633212
>>2633215
>>2633364

Folding your arms once more, you find yourself pacing the room as Trixie and Francis continue to speak to each other. You tune them out as you collect your thoughts and formulate a plan.

"Alright," you announce, getting their attention. "Here's what we are going to do. Francis, you are going to divert all of your resources, attention and contacts from spying and gathering intel to finding a way to reverse this curse. Trixie, you are going to teach me some of your most potent illusion spells, because tomorrow I am going into the capital, and I am going to get some answers and I need as many tricks up my sleeve as I can get."

Trixie slowly nods. "Okay... Sure. I can do that."

Francis cracks his fingers, summons the Codex Arcana and opens it, flipping through several of its pages. "This is going to push things forward a bit, but... we're going to have to give you a boost from the book as well."

"What do you mean, 'push things forward a bit'? Have you been holding out on me?"

"The Codex Arcana is vastly powerful, you always knew that. I meant we're going to skip a few steps of learning and just get the information in your head, like you did that one time. That, and I'm sure I've got some more stuff around here that can help you..."

"You'll really just give me all of this?" you ask him.

He gives you a deadpan look, closes the book and stands up. He approaches you. "Look... Whatever this is, whatever we're getting into, it's going to be big, possibly even historic. We need to make sure you have every single advantage that we can. Every spell, every boon, every artifact and ally we can scrounge up, they're all going to count if this goes in a bad direction, and something tells me this is going to get a whole lot worse before it gets any better."

He reaches over and takes your hand in his. "You mean a lot to me... I want to make sure that, no matter what happens, you come out on top, because you deserve it."

You're honestly touched. "Francis..."

"...And because I really, really want to have sex with you."

You sigh. "Charmed, as always."

Trixie crosses her arms in a huff. "Just when you think a guy changes for the better..."

Francis walks over to his fireplace, flipping through a few pages. "You deal with Trixie for a moment while I hunt down some specific passages..."

You roll your eyes at the perverted archmage and stroll over to sit across from Trixie, who scoots forward so her little legs dangle off the front of her seat. "So, you want illusion spells, do ya? You've come to the master. What are we looking for? We don't have a lot of time, so I'll really only be able to teach you two. Maybe three, if we're desperate."

>Long-Distance Project Image
>Perfect Illusory Self
>Harrowing Insanity
>Gorgon's Glare
>Perfect Invisibility
>Blinding Flash
>Perfect Silence
>Greater Solid Object Creation
>Simulacrum
>Project Nightmare
>Arcane Mirage
>>
>>2633374
>Perfect Illusory Self
>Greater Solid Object Creation
Because the former is the ultimate "IT WAS A HOLOGRAM" trick, and the latter is fairly flexible as "solid objects" go.
>>
>>2633374
>>Perfect Illusory Self
>Project Nightmare
>>
>>2633374
> Perfect Illusory Self
>Greater Solid Object Creation

We green lantern
>>
>>2633399
>>2633425
>>2633434

Well so far that's three for Perfect Illusory Self, which is to say a flawless illusion of disguise (height, smell, feel, etc), much more powerful than our current means of disguising ourselves.

We'll need at least one more for the players to agree on.
>>
>>2633494
switch to
>Greater Solid Object Creation
then
>>
>>2633434
Backing
>>
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>>2633538
>>2633541
>>2633434

Greater Solid Object Creation it is.

>New Spells Gained: Illusion

Perfect Illusory Self: You create a perfect illusion on yourself, or another willing creature, that is nigh impossible to discern. The image projected is an image that the caster (or subject) chooses in their mind. Sight, sound, smell and touch will be imparted, though the user's physical capabilities remain the same. The image must retain basic creature type (i.e. bipeds cannot be illusioned as quadrupeds) and limb structure (wings can be illusioned, but are not functional) and size cannot change more than one size category larger. Size category cannot change to be smaller. The spell will last until the user desires it to end, is disenchanted, or attacked.

Greater Solid Object Creation: You pull wisps of shadow material from Aran to create a nonliving object of a shape you specify with your mind within range: soft goods, rope, wood, or something similar. You can also use this spell to create mineral objects such as stone, crystal, or metal. The object created must be no larger than a 10-foot cube, and the object must be of a form and material that you have seen before. The duration depends on the object's material. If the object is composed of multiple materials, use the shortest duration. These objects are never permanent, and will eventually fade. Generally speaking, any material forged will be slightly weaker and lighter than its permanent counterpart.

As Trixie teaches you the complicated maneuvers, you diligently record everything she says in your spellbook. You learn the spells quickly, much to Trixie's amazement. "You're a natural," she says, astounded. "I can tell you have some fey in your blood, but I never imagined a non-fey like yourself to have such a keen talent for absorbing magical knowledge."

"It's a gift," you say with a smile.

With that done, Francis approaches from the other side of the room, looking up from his book.

"Learn anything good?"

You turn yourself into a flawless copy of himself, and speak with his voice. "I don't know, this form seems too gangly and thin."

"Hah hah," he says, cocking a brow. "I hope you were as generous downstairs as the gods were with me, if you catch my drift." He looks back down at the Codex Arcana and flips through a few pages. "Now, let's see what we can do for you..."

"You sure you know what you are doing, yes?" you ask, remembering well the last few times the Codex Arcana was tampered with in this tower. "I don't want to end up looking like a lizard and eating flies."

"Please, this time I'm serious. I'm not randomly tapping into the fabric of magic through the window of the book, I'm using it as a lens to focus on giving you a serious power boost. There might be some random elements, sure, but largely it should be a positive thing."

If you could shoot lightning from your eyes, you very likely would be. "Francis..."

"Let's just see what we get, shall we?"

>Roll 1d400!
>>
Rolled 47 (1d400)

>>2633652
>>
Rolled 3 (1d400)

>>2633652
>>
Anybody else, feel free to roll, the more the merrier in this case.
>>
Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>2633652
>>
Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>2633652
>>
Rolled 13 (1d400)

>>2633652
>>
We will be resuming in the morning. Thank you for playing so far and I hope you are enjoying the thread. See you when we return, have a good night.
>>
Rolled 19 (1d400)

>>2633652
>>
Rolled 136 (1d400)

>>2633652
>>
>>2633785
>>2633790
>>2633795
>>2634151
>>2634195

Francis holds the book up at eye-level while also hovering a hand over its pages. He stares intently at you as the pages begin to flip madly in one direction while the binding starts to glow. You take a step back and prepare yourself, trying to think positive thoughts as he blasts you with a beam of transformative light. Trixie averts her eyes as you are changed.

>Our spell "Black Fog" has now become at-will, no longer requiring shadow points

>We now have a passive ability of super-hearing which can be focused on specific areas, allowing us to hear things from far distances. In addition, the ability selectively filters dangerous noises, preventing sonic damage from impeding us.

>At-will spell-like ability of Slow: Transmutation school, this spell slows the reactions, muscle speed and thoughts of those it is cast upon. It lasts up to a minute. Repeated casting on a single target will allow them to develop greater resistance to its effects.

>In addition to our previous wind-spells, we have now gained the power of influencing wind with our mind to allow for the creation of complex weather patterns, wind tunnels, and small tornados.

>Our blood is now acid, and can melt strong objects.

>Also, our skin is green.

>And we have obtained a deadly, fatal weakness to Cold Iron.

You open your eyes and look down at your hands, seeing that they have become a bright, vibrant and healthy shade... of green. "Francis!"

"Interesting," he says, lowering the book. "Seems like we unlocked some of your fey ancestry... green elves from the southern isles, perhaps?"

You storm over to Francis and point at him threateningly. "What did you do?"

"You got some good things out of this," he defends himself. "What about that power of wind, or the spell of slow? The acid blood?"

"What about my weakness to cold iron, huh?"

Trixie raises her hand. "To be fair, all fey have that. I do. It's not that common of a material."

Francis eagerly agrees with her. "See? Not so bad. All in all I think we lucked out!"

You scowl at him. "You just like the color green, don't you?"

"Honestly, this wasn't me. I said there would be some side-effects. I mean, you don't have extra limbs or a tail or anything that made you ugly. In fact, I think you look even more beautiful than before!"

"So you do just like green," you say, rolling your eyes. You quickly cast your cosmetic spell to change back into a normal, human appearance, but underneath the magic you are still green, and likely always will be. "Great."

>I want this fixed!
>Now, about those artifacts...
>I think we're done here.
>Thank Trixie for her time and have Francis send her home
>Other
>>
>>2634316
>Now, about those artifacts...
>>
>>2634316
>Now, about those artifacts...
>>
Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>2634316
>Thank Trixie for her time and have Francis send her home

Cool, now someone else knows about our fatal weakness.

> I want this fixed, now . . .

The iron weakness that is. We can use the green skin to pretend that we aren't very good with magic, or are not Sirena but a wood elf or something.

Maybe we can make a charm or something for the Iron weakness.
>>
>>2634321
>>2634347

Alright, I'll need some 1d100s, please.
>>
Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>2634354
here's one
>>
Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>2634354
>>
Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>2634354
>>
Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>2634354
>>
Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>2634354
>>
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>>2634356
>>2634360
>>2634388
>>2634391

You take a deep breath and change the subject. "Now, about those artifacts..."

"Right, right, give me a moment." Several minutes of hunting through Francis' extremely disorganized tower later, and he has some things to present to you.

"I picked these up recently," he says, holding up a pair of extremely thin gem lenses meant to fit over the eyes. "These babies were treated with the tears of a medusa who was crying over a man she loved she accidentally turned to stone."

"How tragic. What will they do for me?"

"You simply wear them by inserting them under your eyelids. They won't harm you at all. Once per day, bam! Turn someone to stone."

"How useful," you muse, taking hold of them. He takes out a clean rag and wipes them off before helping you wear them; the process of taking them in and out is rather complicated and very delicate. But once they are in, you don't feel a thing.

"Next up, you'll need a cloak. Every mage needs a good cloak, and this one is better than most." He opens his wardrobe and sifts through many different colored robes until he brings out one that is black and lined with streaks of silver. "Etherealness. Lasts about ten minutes a day."

You take it and turn it over. "This is in good condition. You don't often have much use for going through walls?"

He shrugs. "Not usually, no. Most of the time I make what I want come to me." He raises his eyebrows a few times with a slick smile. "Ahem. Moving on..." He opens a drawer and takes out a beautiful silver bracelet lined with pearls. "This bracelet here acts as a magic detection and warning device."

"I have spells that do that."

"Yes, but this is always detecting," he says, slipping it around your right wrist. "It'll detect nearby magical creatures, spells, wards, poisons, all kinds of things. The pearls glow different colors depending on what it is detecting, and multiple colors if multiple things apply at once."

"What do the colors signify?"

He pauses. "I can't remember. I'm sure you'll figure it out."

"Well, thank you," you deadpan. "Why don't you give me a wand or a staff and not tell me what is inside of it while we're at it?"

"No, but I do have a rod. A magic one, too." He reaches into his robe.

"Francis!"

"No, no, this time I'm not talking about my dick." He withdraws a dark, plain-looking length of metal with runic carvings up and down its cylindrical surface. "This is very useful, perhaps the most useful when dealing with other magic-users. A rod of negation."
>>
Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>2634354
>>
>>2634464

"I have heard of such things," you say, taking hold of its shaped handle. "This will dispel magical items, will it not?"

"For up to an entire day. You can use the rod's ray three times a day. Wands, staffs, crystal balls, anything with an enchantment will become null and plain, entirely ordinary, when you use this on them."

"This is exceptionally powerful," you say, studying its intricate carvings.

"Don't lose it," he implores. "If it is used against you, you'll be at a severe disadvantage."

"I understand."

He nods and returns to his chair. "Say, you don't still have that genie lamp, do you?"

"Faye does," you reply. "Perhaps I should stop by and pick it up from her."

"So, what happens now?" Trixie asks.

You stand in thought for a moment. "Now, I make ready to travel to the capital tomorrow. I have some family to visit."

Francis nearly stands up. "Is that a good idea?" His tone is carefully worded to imply his knowledge of your family and exile.

"I've been invited for my birthday. It would be rude not to accept."

He sits back, tapping his fingers on the armrests. "If you say so. I don't think it is a very good idea."

"I received this letter," you tell him, handing it to him. He reads it and keeps his surprise cleverly hidden from the unknowing Trixie.

"Ah. I see... Then yes, I suppose you have no choice but to go." He hands the letter back to you and rubs his chin in deep thought. "Hmmm..."

>Thank them for their help
>Spend the night
>Return to the tower
>See Trixie home
>Other
>>
>>2634470
>Thank them for their help

Lets head off then.
>>
>>2634470
>See Trixie home
>>
>>2634480
>>2634481

"I thank you both for your assistance, and I swear that I will get to the bottom of this mystery." Trixie hops off her seat and walks over to the door, which you open for her. Francis approaches.

"Can I get a goodbye kiss?"

"You turned me green. You're lucky I don't tear your 'magic rod' off."

"Fair enough. I'll do as you advised and get my contacts to figure out what's going on. I shudder to think about a world without other species... it'd be so boring and without variety."

"Indeed. And I would like to avoid a war, I think. It seems messy."

You step outside and Francis teleports both you and Trixie back to her hut. There, she turns and looks up at you. "Do you truly think this curse can be broken? To think that my family would never be allowed to grow unless we turn to people like Francis..." She shudders at the thought.

"I don't know. But I'm going to try to find out what this is all about, you have my word."

Trixie gives a tiny wave and proceeds into her hut. Now that you are alone, you turn back to the woods and give off a frustrated sigh. 'Damn that Francis. My beautiful skin is ruined!' You turn back into your true self and gaze upon your green flesh. 'It isn't that bad, but still, it's not something I chose. He's lucky he's useful, but if he pulls another trick like this, he's going to regret it.'

Walking through the forest in solitude, you pass the time as you plan how you are going to approach your home. 'Obviously I am not going to go in green. I'll have to be disguised as myself. To think that I need to do that for my own, true appearance! This green nonsense has got to go as soon as I have time to figure it out.'

Leaning with your back to a tree, you think of a few ideas of how you could handle the situation tomorrow.

>What time of the day will you arrive?
>Morning
>Afternoon
>Evening
>Night

>How will you arrive?
>Formal carriage
>Teleport within in a display of your power
>Sneak invisibly within and reveal yourself when the moment is right
>Go in disguised as someone else entirely
>Other
>>
>>2634556
>Morning
>Other
Raven form all the way to the bottom steps of the estate. Gives us a birds-eye view of the house and if anything's changed, and we don't immediately hurl ourselves into any traps. A carriage would be nice, but any word of our arrival in the vicinity of the capital will set off a firestorm.
>>
>>2634556
>Morning
>Go in disguised as someone else entirely
>>
>>2634556
>Morning
>Formal carriage
>>
>>2634556
>Morning
>Go in disguised as someone else entirely
>>
>>2634579
>>2634581
>>2634605

'I'll arrive in the morning. I'll need to do some reconnaissance, and fly over the estate. Then I'll choose my entrance.'

Having decided that, you raise up your arms and prepare to cast a teleportation spell, when suddenly you hear a noise nearby that gives you pause.

>Roll 1d100 for a random encounter!
>>
Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>2634671
>>
Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>2634671
>>
>>2634688
>>2634710

A cry from above draws your attention to a tree. Within its branches, silhouetted by the moon, are several ravens staring down at you.

To your amazement, they speak as one in a hushed, many-whispered voice. "I am called Eremba, a spirit of this forest. I have been drawn to you but I know not why. Speak."

>Introduce yourself as Sirena Le Doux
>What manner of spirit are you?
>I have no time for you, begone.
>Proclaim yourself as its master.
>Other
>>
>>2634746
>What manner of spirit are you?
>>
>>2634746
>What manner of spirit are you?
>>
>>2634746
>>What manner of spirit are you?
>>
File: Raven Symbol 3.png (60 KB, 487x494)
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>>2634749
>>2634757
>>2634777

Facing the ravens fully, you stand somewhat defensively as you ask, "What manner of spirit are you?"

"Long ago, I was cursed to take this form when grave misfortune fell upon me. I perished in these woods, and my body was feasted upon by these creatures you see before you. I received no blessings from the gods and so my soul has remained here, trapped in the bodies of these ravens."

"What misfortune do you speak of?"

"I was once a member of a great and noble family, cast out for a crime I did not commit. Chased into these lands, I was unprepared and weak. I fell and died."

The corners of your lips curl into a smile. "I see why you were drawn to me, for I have grown very strong. Our story is the same."

"But you are powerful," the spirit laments. "Your story will have a much better ending than mine. In life I was weak, and only in death have I found some measure of power."

"And what power is this?"

"I hold dominion over the ravens and crows of this forest. They are mine to command, and through them I see and hear much."

>Join with me, and be just as powerful.
>If you have nothing to offer me, then leave.
>Perhaps we could mutually benefit from each other.
>I am the mistress of ravens, and you will serve me.
>Other
>>
>>2634799
>I am the mistress of ravens, and you will serve me.
>>
>>2634799
>I am the mistress of ravens, and you will serve me.
>>
>>2634799
>>I am the mistress of ravens, and you will serve me.
>>
>>2634803
>>2634829
>>2634834

Raising your hand, you declare to him, "I am the mistress of ravens, and you will serve me."

"Any purpose is better than having no purpose at all," Eremba replies, much to your pleasure. "Long have I waited for life to find some use for me."

"Consider yourself found," you tell the spirit. "Now listen closely: I am Sirena Le Doux, Witch Queen of Aran, and from this point forward, I am your master and mistress."

"I understand. How shall I serve you?"

"Are you bound to this place?"

"I am. If I am to leave, I require a vessel."

"So you think you can take over my body? I am no fool."

"I need no body to inhabit. Only a vessel."

"I see... some mundane item, then. Let's see..." You take out your bag of holding and fish around inside of it. You withdraw a coin. "Until something better comes along, you shall inhabit this coin."

"Very well." The ravens vanish into a dark and twisting mist that coils downward and enters the coin, darkening its surface. You smile and place the coin within a special pouch.

"Comfortable?"

"Cold."

"Well, I'll have use of you soon enough, spirit. You will serve me well."

>Return to the tower for the night
>Return to Aran for the night
>Stay at Cutter Farm for the night
>Stay in Bridge Town for the night
>Other
>>
>>2634855
>Return to Aran for the night
>>
>>2634855
>>Return to Aran for the night
Lets find a more useful vessel. There must be something in Aran we can use
>>
>>2634855
>Return to the tower for the night

Probably best to inform people that we might be gone for a bit.
>>
>>2634863
>>2634867

Whisking yourself away to Aran, you spend the evening there in the comfort of your dark royal quarters. When morning comes, you teleport to Bridge Town before the crack of dawn, transform into a raven and fly straight south.

It feels as though it has been so long since last you passed this way, fleeing north from guards and dogs and the wrath of the kingdom they serve. Towns and villages pass by under you, some of which you recognize from your frenzied flight. Now you pass by them again, only this time in the opposite direction, returning to your home.

Far in the distance, the grand city at the heart of Highvale looms, but that is not your destination. Your family estate, a castle-like mansion passed down through generations of your family, is located in a wide and flat stretch of land. Known as the noble county, many wealthy families live in this region, each owning a different cut of the land and all paying allegiance to the king. Though there are many impressive homes and mansions, your estate holds a special place in your heart, and you pick it out immediately.

Circling overhead, your eyes scan for any signs of activity. The grounds are quiet, no one is in the large hedge maze, most of the windows are sealed shut with the blinds drawn. Occasionally you catch sight of a servant or a groundskeeper.

'Things are quiet,' you observe. 'A few ways I could enter...'

>Soar in through your old room's window
>Enter through a chimney
>Fly into a doorway leading to the servant quarters
>Stay outside for a while and continue observing
>Other
>>
>>2634968
>Other

Approach normally and hail them. It's our house.
>>
>>2634968
>Approach normally and hail them. It's our house.
>>
>>2634968
>Fly into a doorway leading to the servant quarters

Then transform into a maid.
>>
>>2634982
Honestly if we approach like we're guilty it will imply that we really are.

Might as well act the innocent before entering. Also no need to let them know what we can do even before getting in.

Things are weird here, I would expect them to have ways of catching people sneaking inside or using magic.
>>
>>2634980
>>2634974
Guys, maybe we should approach this more carefully ?
>>
>>2634989
Or you know, just making sure its not a trap ?
>>
>>2634968
Approach normally and hail them. It's our house.
>>2635001
If it is a trap, they're not going to trap the main enterance, because why would we use the main entrance if we're guilty? They'd trap the windows and other entrances because a guilty person who fears traps would use them.
>>
>>2635001
>>2634990

If it IS a trap, better to spring it and escape using our abilities, rather than giving them away and letting them plan for them.

After all, our family should come out to greet us instead of a servant.
>>
>>2634974
>>2634980
>>2635006

A strong resolve enters your mind and takes root. 'This is my home. I will not sneak inside of it.'

Circling to the front of the estate, you dive down towards its main entrance, landing at the top of the stone steps which lead to the large wooden doors. There, you transform into your true self, though you keep your newly-minty skin hidden with a cosmetic spell.

Dressed brilliantly and looking as stunningly beautiful as ever, you run a hand through your silken tresses, hold up your staff and declare, "I am returned to my home. I trust that I am welcome, given that I was invited?"

After a moment, the doors open. You hold your head high as you stride into the grand entrance hall, dimly-lit and echoing, just as you remember it. The golden chandalier hanging from the ceiling, the main staircase running along the wall, the plush red carpet -- it is as if nothing here has ever changed, but that is the way it has always been. Your father always drilled the staff into maintaining the traditions of this home, and the ironclad rules have ever been enforced with strict and unmerciful supervision.

A flood of memories come pouring in of time you spent in this place. You never even spoke with your father until you were a young girl of ten, when you were officially presented to him. Your hands curl around your staff as you remember the words you spoke to him, trained every day by your tutor for two months prior to that meeting: 'It is my most gracious and distinct honor to be in your presence, my lord and father. I am Sirena, your loyal and dutiful daughter, and it is my greatest hope to serve our family and you.'

He never said a single word, didn't even nod at you. He gestured to your tutor and you were removed from his presence. You have never forgotten how you felt that day, the uncertainty and fear that came from not knowing if you had disappointed him or met his expectations. It is a fear that never truly went away, and it is the same mix of emotions that came to you when you read his letter.

You are drawn out of your nostalgia by the sound of a voice from above. "Well, well, well... look what we have here." Your gaze is drawn to the staircase where your eldest brother, Aldric, is casually descending, the cockiest grin imaginable on his face. "If it isn't my sweet sister Sirena."

Your gaze locks with his and you remember why you hated growing up in the shadow of the favored firstborn son: he knew it too, and never ceased to remind you of it.

>Hello, Aldric. It is nice to see you.
>Are you to be my sole welcome reception?
>I demand to see father.
>Say nothing.
>Other
>>
>>2635073
>>Are you to be my sole welcome reception?
>>
>>2635073
>Hello, Aldric. It is nice to see you.
>>
>>2635073
>Are you to be my sole welcome reception?
>>
>>2635077
>>2635080

As he reaches the bottom of the stairs, you look upon him. He is just as you remember: tall, handsome, piercing eyes, flawless cheekbones and perfectly-cut hair. His body is lean yet broad-shouldered, and he moves with the grace of a dancer -- specifically, a master fencer. His clothes, as always, are crisp and immaculate. As he steps down onto the floor, his sharp boots click upon the tiles.

"Are you to be my sole welcome reception?" you ask in a decidedly neutral tone.

"You're early," he replies just as nonchalantly. "Most of the family are probably still going through their morning rituals. You know how long it takes mother to be presentable."

"I do."

He takes another step closer, then looks you up and down. "You seem to be doing well for yourself. Healthy, fit, in high spirits?" He smirks as he steps behind you, though you never keep your eyes off of him. "In fact, it seems like you finally started getting some much-needed exercise running from the capital."

"And you look as though you haven't changed at all."

He chuckles lowly. "Well... any change to perfection, by definition, makes it less perfect." His gaze snaps back up to meet yours as he walks around the front of you. "I must admit, you being here surprises me. I was completely certain that you weren't going to come back here, that the shame of what you've done to this family would keep you away forever."

"I'm always happy to disappoint you, brother."

At that, he laughs. "Well, I'm not the one you should be worrying about." He pauses for a moment, his hand resting ever-so-casually on the master-crafted sword hanging from his hip. "Happy birthday, by the way."

You don't break eye contact. "Thank you."

>I want you to summon the rest of the family.
>So, what festivities are planned for my birthday?
>I would like to go to my room.
>Wipe that smug grin off his face.
>Other
>>
>>2635129
>>So, what festivities are planned for my birthday?
>>
>>2635129
>I would like to go to my room.

tell him to escort us to our room. Maybe we can even get our hands on some of our useful items.
>>
>>2635129
>So, what festivities are planned for my birthday?
>>
>>2635129
>I would like to go to my room
>>
>>2635129
It occurs to me that if our Father is something other than he appears, the infertility curse could have moved him to act.
>>
>>2635129
Actually

> I too would like some time to refresh myself after travelling here. I trust my room is at least prepares in good condition for my return as there doesn't appear to be anything here aet up for a guest to refresh themselves let alone a daughter of the household.

> No need to trouble yourself or one of the servants, I remember where it is so I should be fine.

Out smug him and imply that he is on the same level as a servant, whereas we were invited to return as opposed to crawling or fleeing back here and as such have a measure of status more than just being a member of the household.
>>
>>2635135
>>2635136
>>2635155
>>2635169
>>2635188

Taking a step further into the hall alongside him, keeping him still firmly within your sight, you ask, "So, what festivities are planned for my birthday?"

"There is to be a feast tonight for the... 'guest of honor' as it were." He snorts dismissively. "Of course, the entire family will be in attendence."

"Even Rainard?"

Upon mentioning your brother-in-exile, Aldric's smile vanishes and he looks back at you with great displeasure. "If you would like some advice, don't mention Rainard to father. I don't know what it is about the two youngest members of our family to bring the most shame and dishonor upon our name, but it is clear that the family blood only got thinner with each new member."

"Are you quite finished? I would like to go to my room."

He stares down at you for a few seconds before snapping his fingers loudly and distinctly. A house servant quickly runs up. "My sister is to be shown to her quarters."

"I am aware of where my room is."

His condescending grin returns. "Oh, yes, of course, but it isn't your room any longer."

You control your expression of surprise and demand an answer from him.

"Your room has been sealed in accordance with the wishes of our father. Nobody is allowed within... including you, my dear sister. Rest assured that you will be given our greatest guest quarters for accomodation." He takes no small amount of pleasure from revealing this to you, his lips curling away from perfect teeth as he revels in your indignation. He knows how utterly insulting such a thing is for you. Before you can reply, he looks at the servant. "See her off. I will announce your presence to our parents." He turns to walk back towards the staircase, pausing as he places his boot upon the first step to look back over his shoulder. "Try not to get into trouble. I know how difficult it is for you to behave."

As he chuckles while walking upstairs, you silently fume. The nearby servant waits dutifully until you are ready.

>Travel to the guest quarters.
>Fuck that, go to your room.
>Get in contact with Perilynth.
>Travel somewhere else in the estate.
>Other
>>
>>2635233
>Fuck that, go to your room.
>>
>>2635233
>Fuck that, go to your room.
>>
>>2635233
>Travel somewhere else in the estate.

Go to the guest parlor and order ourselves a meal.

If they want to treat us like a guest, then let's act as a temporary one.

Then when our Father acts offended we can point to our Elder brothers reception of us.

Embarass them by being excessively humble, not even cleaning up after ohr travels. Not that we need to, but the denying them the pretense of having provided comfort. That, and eating alone instead of with them as family, should throw the issue in their faces while not directly confronting them.

After all, if they wish to cast us out because they fear retribution from Mordrax then of course we will go along with it to protect our family.
>>
>>2635233
>Fuck that, go to your room.
>Get in contact with Perilynth.
>>
>>2635248
Heavy sarcasm on that last bit though.

The best part is that our Father's easy out from the topic is to blame our Brother for his rudeness towards us.

Otherwise if it is a trap it could force the issue while we're near the outside of the house and can escape easier/quicker.
>>
>>2635233
>>Fuck that, go to your room.
>>Get in contact with Perilynth.
>>
>>2635260
>>2635238
>>2635243

You all really want to escalate our fight with our Brother into a fight with our Father?

Okay, balls to the walls direct confrontation I guess.
>>
>>2635238
>>2635243
>>2635260
>>2635267

Okay, but how do we want to get to our room?

>Go straight there, openly.
>Get shown to guest quarters, then phase through the walls.
>Get shown to guest quarters, then turn into a raven and fly out one window and in the other.
>Intentionally lose the house servant, then proceed to your room.
>Other
>>
>>2635279
> Go straight there openly

Same as how we approached the house. If we're banned from our room, we'll hear it from the Head of the Household who is not our Brother.
>>
>>2635279
>Go straight there, openly.

>>2635268
Daddy didn't raise a punk bitch.
>>
>>2635295
> Spend the entire quest hiding and manipulating from the shadows, being perfectly willing to run away or cheat in a fight.

I mean this whole thing is out of character for us, but if Daddy HAS been keeping tabs then it sends a message to do things so brazenly here.

That it IS just all part of our plan and that we aren't a punk bitch.
>>
>>2635303
Could just explain this as daddy-issues.
>>
>>2635315
That too, but don't catch Sirena admitting that. Never seeing your father until you're ten, and then he doesn't even fully acknowledge you AT ALL would fuck anyone up.
>>
>>2635279
>>Get shown to guest quarters, then phase through the walls.
>>
>>2635279
>>Go straight there, openly.
>>
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526 KB JPG
>>2635337
>>2635291
>>2635295

With narrow eyes and anger in your veins, you proceed up the stairs towards your room. The house servant follows behind you, but it is made very clear that you are going in the wrong direction.

"My lady, the -- the guest quarters are down the other hall," she implores.

"I know exactly where the guest quarters are," you reply. "I'm going to my room."

"B-but, my lady!"

You ignore her as you reach the oaken-carved door that leads to your childhood. The door is locked, but you have a key, one that you have always saved. Removing it from a hidden thread of your dress, you insert it and turn, hearing the satisfying sound of the lock mechanism activating and lifting.

The servant rushes away, perhaps to fetch someone. You don't care.

Upon pushing open the door to your room, you are brought back to a childhood you had always thought little of, but now that you are here, it strangely holds great meaning to you. The room is dark and the blinds are drawn, so you open them a little, allowing some light inside. Every single thing is exactly where you left it and remember it. Your mirror, a little dusty but still beautiful, sits upon your desk. Your wardrobe, full of expensive and beautiful dresses, is untouched. All of your jewelry, books and personal belongings are right where you have left them.

Walking over to your bed, you take a moment to lay a hand upon its soft blue sheets, then sit upon it. You take a pillow and hold it to your chest, inhaling the scent of countless nights spent upon it. It never felt so good to simply hold a pillow, yet here you are.

"You're a very impatient child," a low, mature feminine voice from the doorway calls.

You don't have to look back to know to whom it belongs. "Mother."

>Why was my room sealed?
>You should have known I would do this.
>I am displeased with my welcome so far.
>Say nothing.
>Other
>>
>>2635371
>You should have known I would do this.
>>
>>2635371
>You should have known I would do this.
>>
>>2635371
>Other

I have learned that waiting on others merely results in being used by them.
>>
>>2635376
>>2635384
>>2635386

You stand up from your bed and set the pillow aside. "You should have known that I would do this. It is my room."

She enters the room. Blaise is an older version of yourself; you are her spitting image in many ways. Her long, revealing dress hangs from her voluptuous body, her pale skin painting a strong contrast with its stark black material. Her hair frames her face, half-hanging over one eye as her ruby-red lips sparkle even in the dim morning light.

"Yes, you always did have a temperment when it came to things that belong to you. Toys, jewelry, dresses... I remember you getting so angry once at one of our maids when she came to clean your belongings. How dare she even touch that which belonged to you." She walks over to your desk and lays a hand upon it. "Of course, the irony of it all is that nothing here truly does."

"I suppose you mean to lecture me that all of this belongs to father, then?"

"Technically, it all does." She looks at you fully now, meeting your gaze, two identical sets of eyes staring into each other. "Sirena, I wish you would not antagonize him so. I know things weren't always easy, but must we make them more difficult?"

"What would you have me do? Apologize for having done no wrong?"

It is a probing question, meant to guage just how much your mother truly knows, and she recognizes it. She steps closer and reaches for your hand, taking it in her own. "Oh, my child. My only daughter. How cruel the world has been to you." Bringing it up to her lips, she gently kisses it. "We know that you have been falsely accused, Sirena. It is our desire to try and make things right, to return our family to its rightful place and put this nastiness of treason, exile and hunting behind us."

>I want to hear that from father himself.
>Why was I only contacted now?
>I would like that very much.
>This is quite an elaborate trap, mother.
>Other
>>
>>2635443
>Why was I only contacted now?
>>
>>2635443
>Why was I only contacted now?
>This is quite an elaborate trap, mother.
>>
>>2635443
>This is quite an elaborate trap, mother.
>>
>>2635443
>Other

And do you plan to do that by supporting me, or by selling me? You kept my room locked up but did not touch anything in it, if it was for my return why would I be barred from entering it. Or was it in memory of a child that had . . . Passed.
>>
>>2635443
>>Why was I only contacted now?
>This is quite an elaborate trap, mother
Does the family earn it's rightful place by cleaning up it's wayward child perhaps?
>>
>>2635457
>>2635460
>>2635480
>>2635513
>>2635555

"Then why was I only contacted now?"

"We only just learned the truth."

"So if you had never learned, you never would have reached out." You let go of her hand and step back to look at yourself in your mirror.

"Sirena, you were accused of treason. The first thing the family was forced to do was distance ourselves from you. We were questioned and held under close scrutiny for a time."

Moving to the window, you look out of it and gaze upon the land your family owns. It is a view you spent many hours in your childhood memorizing. "I see you cut down some of the trees."

"Don't try to change the subject."

"Fine. Then how is this? For a trap, this is very elaborate."

"Think of this what you will. Dinner is tonight at the usual time. I trust you will find your way there." Your mother makes for the exit, then stops. "Regardless of what you believe, you are my daughter, Sirena. I am glad you have fared well, given the unfortunate circumstances." She lingers for another moment, seeming on the verge of confessing pride in your accomplishments, but holds herself back and leaves, closing the door behind you.

'I'd expect nothing less,' you think as you sit on your bed. 'At least I found some degree of humility out there, enough to say that I am proud of the achievements of my lessers.'

You realize you just unintentionally referred to yourself as her lesser; that's not true. She is a conjurer of no meek skill, but you have grown more powerful. If need be, you'll establish your power at an appropriate time, but for now it would be best to continue surveying the situation.

>Wait in your room
>Wander the halls of the mansion
>Go out into the gardens
>Attempt to speak with your father
>Other
>>
>>2635570
>Go out into the gardens
>>
>>2635570
>Attempt to speak with your father
>>
>Go out into the gardens
>>
>>2635570
>Wait in your room

Make them come to us.
>>
>>2635570
>>Go out into the gardens
>>
>>2635580
>>2635578
>>2635648

After making yourself comfortable and refamiliarizing yourself with your room, you find yourself desiring another place of childhood refuge: the gardens. You can see them from your window, and feel strongly about walking through them once more. After leaving your room and locking it behind you, you encounter a group of servants walking down the hallway.

They stop in front of you. "My lady," the lead maid addresses you, "we have been instructed to meet your needs."

You look around among them. Perilynth isn't among this group. "Right now, my needs are best met alone." They don't need to be told what to do next; they disperse quickly.

As you proceed down the secondary stair and into the gallery, where there is an exit to the gardens, you are stopped when you hear your name called out from across the room. You turn and look at the grand fireplace at the far end. Alongside it are several stuffed animals, suits of armor, weapon racks, and your second-eldest brother Guilhem, standing just as immobile as the rest of them.

He is a wizard through and through, wearing dark robes of black and gold. Whereas Aldric takes more after your mother, Guilhem takes after your father; his face is strong and well-defined, complimented by his full beard. Unlike your father, his head is cleanly shaven on top, and he possesses a runic tattoo upon his forehead. His eyes are sunken and lined with light wrinkles; he was always more of a night person.

You face him and place your hands upon your hips. "Guilhem. How pleasant to see you."

"There is little need for false pleasantries between us. I protested when father announced your invitation."

"Well, of that I have no doubt. You and father likely had the same feeling on the matter, but unlike you, he can actually think for himself."

Humorless and without emotion, his retort is simple. "Your insults have no effect on me."

"Of course they don't, father didn't tell you to let them. Tell me, what is the latest school of magic he has told you to master?"

"I am a master of every school."

You wag a finger. "Ah-ah, experienced in all, master in none. I remember how well-rounded you are in your studies, dear brother, but something that is well-rounded is something that cannot cut."

"If you were half as proficient with spells as you were with words, then you truly would be a force to be reckoned with."

"We'll see." You turn away from him and enter the gardens, taking a deep breath of fresh air. The scent of exotic flowers and plants from all over the world, carefully cultivated and kept by skilled servants, is something that has never left you. Allowing the good memories of this place to overrule the foul emotions your brothers tend to raise in you.

>Take a stroll along the flower beds
>Walk through the hedge maze
>Sit on a stone bench and enjoy the weather
>Seek out Perilynth
>Other
>>
>>2635765
>Sit on a stone bench and enjoy the weather
>>
>>2635765
>Sit on a stone bench and enjoy the weather
>>
>>2635765
>>Sit on a stone bench and enjoy the weather
>>
>>2635770
>>2635777
>>2635783

You walk through the rows of flowers until you come upon a simple yet ornately-carved stone bench, set between two large pots. It was a place of reading and solitude during your formulative years, and you find it very pleasing to sit upon it once more.

For some time, you simply enjoy the weather, something you don't often do. But this return home has you in a very reflective mood, allowing you to contemplate thoughts and experiences that aren't always on the forefront of your mind. The sun, now fully within the sky, is only kept at bay by rather heavy cloud coverage.

'I hope it doesn't rain,' you think.

"My lady," a whispered voice from behind suddenly gets your attention. You stand up and turn to look, but whomever is speaking is on the other side of the hedge. The voice speaks again in an urgent whisper. "I have a message for you!"

"Very well, out with it," you say, trying to puzzle who it is. It is a woman, likely a house servant.

"My lady, you are in grave danger. You are not--" The voice stops suddenly, caught in a gasp. "Not... the..." You hear the sound of something falling. You run around the hedge only to discover a house servant on the ground, dead, bleeding from a slash across her stomach.

Your eyes narrow and the kneel alongside the body. Whatever killed her, it was exceptionally clean and quiet. She was trying to tell you something important, but who was her message from, and who didn't want you to hear it?

>Hide the body
>Alert the staff
>Take the corpse within the estate
>Search the gardens
>Other
>>
>>2635866
>Search the gardens
>>
>>2635866
Make a teleportation circle and take her to Aran. I am sure we can raise her and get answers from her there.
>>
>>2635866
Cast speak with dead. Ask it what it wanted to tell us. And what killed it
>>
>>2635894
Any backers?
>>
>>2635894
>>2635904
I do
>>
>>2635894
Makes sense.
>>
>>2635904
>>2635894
Yep. Let's.
>>
>>2635904
Quick question - the dead can't lie to us right?
>>
Sorry for the wait, phonecall.
>>2635894
>>2635911
>>2635925
>>2636028

Kneeling alongside the body, you realize that if the killer did not steal her soul, you could communicate with that. Summoning your spellbook, you quickly flip to your section on necromancy and recall your speak with the dead spell. You cast it upon the corpse, which glows a soft green-blue in response to your spell.

"House servant, do you hear me?" you ask it.

A faint, echoing voice can be heard, as though a great distance away. "-elp!"

"Spirit, follow the sound of my voice," you say urgently. "You were delivering a message. What was it?"

"The guest of honor! The guest of honor!"

"Yes, you were delivering it to the guest of honor," you say. "What was it?"

Again, the voice echoes back. "Not the guest of honor!"

You lean back slightly. 'Not the guest of honor... They're expecting someone else?' You lean forward again. "Who sent you? Who sent the message? Or who killed you?"

The spirit doesn't seem to answer your question, repeating several times, "So cold! So scared! Help! Help!"

"Spirit, answer me!"

Finally, a single name is uttered by the spirit. "Lambert."

'My brother Lambert?' you look around, seeing no one. "Spirit, did he send you or kill you?"

But there is no response.

>Let the spirit go
>Capture the spirit in an inanimate object
>Preserve the body with magic and send it to Aran
>Attempt to find your brother Lambert
>Other
>>
>>2636355
>Preserve the body with magic and send it to Aran
>Attempt to find your brother Lambert

If Lambert sent her, then she's a gift for him. If he killed her, she is a witness.
>>
>>2636355
>>Preserve the body with magic and send it to Aran
>>Attempt to find your brother Lambert
>>
>>2636355
Whoops forgot this bit

> >Capture the spirit in an inanimate object
>>
>>2636355
>Let the spirit go
>Attempt to find your brother Lambert
>>
>>2636355
>Preserve the body with magic and send it to Aran
>Attempt to find your brother Lambert
>>
>>2636355
>>Capture the spirit in an inanimate object
>>
>>2636363
>>2636367
>>2636368
>>2636371
>>2636373

Before the spirit loses all connection with her body, you capture it in a button on her person, then quickly cast a spell of preserving a corpse. You could raise her as a revenant later, but that is a ritual which takes two hours, and you need to find Lambert now.

After the body is preserved, you create a temporary rune of teleportation to Aran and send it off with quick instructions on what to do with it written on a piece of paper placed on her chest. Crude, but necessary. Once this is done, you are off.

Lambert is found where he can usually be found, in his arcane laboratory. It has a balcony which overlooks much of the gardens, but not directly the spot where you found the corpse. You enter your home, rush up to his door, and open it without knocking. As the third child, he is more of a combination of your parents, halfway between rugged and handsome, with long dark hair pulled behind his head in a ponytail and thick sideburns reaching nearly down to his jawline.

An artificer by training, his laboratory is full of half-baked enchanted inventions and constructs, varying from golems to animated suits of armor to dancing candles, some of which move about the area. A living lectern with moving feet carries an open book past you as a floating quill moves across its page, writing something you don't quite see.

"Lambert," you get his attention, and he looks up from a table of material components.

"Ah, Sirena. I didn't expect you to barge in like this, but then again you've been very unexpected of late in general. I must say, the Witch Queen of Aran -- didn't think you had it in you. A good title for... someone like you."

You cut straight to the point. "The gardens, Lambert. A servant who was delivering a message to me has been murdered."

"Well, that's troubling," he says, not sounding very troubled. "Do we have any leads?"

"Only one: I tore your name from its spirit. So either you sent her, or killed her. Which was it?"

He takes his hands from his work table and wipes them on an oily rag. "Well, now, that is interesting." His brow furrows as he walks around the table. "Let us assume, for a moment, that I did send such a messenger, and that the messenger had a secret message worth being killed over. The existence of the necessity of sending such a messenger implies great mortal danger perhaps not only for the messenger, but the person sending it -- in this example, me. Of course, again, this is all hypothetical."

"Get to the point."
>>
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>>2636485

"I don't mean to ramble, but if I did send such a message, and if such a message was worth killing over, it wouldn't do well for me to admit that I did send it -- which again, I did not, and this is all hypothetical. In fact it seems very likely that if someone were to admit they were trying to communicate with you in secret, the same fate may befall them, as you are no doubt under no small degree of scrutiny here at our home."

"Nobody is scrying upon me. I would sense it."

"Ah, but there are a great many ways to listen to conversations happening, are there not?"

At that moment, the lectern walks by again, intentionally moving between you and he. You look at the quill writing in the book and catch its last entry, written much larger than the others -- 'Nowhere safe to talk'

You look up into his eyes and his unassuming expression. You never knew your brother had such a talent for acting.

"There is another part of this to consider," he says in a softer tone, moving back around his table. "Whoever did kill this servant attempting to impart a message to you would likely be very interested in what was told to you and if the message got through or not. In fact, any face-to-face interraction with the killer, supposed or not, would change quite dramatically based on if they knew the message had been received."

'I understand what he is saying, even though he's intentionally framing it in a strange way. He's doing so to confuse anyone listening in, because the one who killed the girl might very well be doing just that. The message was that I am not the guest of honor, but if the killer doesn't know that I know it, they will think themselves successful...'

>Lie: I did not receive the message.
>I received a message, but only part of it.
>Her spirit told me I was not the guest of honor.
>Say something irrelevent out loud while handing him a note
>Other
>>
>>2636494
>I received a message, but only part of it.
>>
>>2636494
>Say something irrelevent out loud while handing him a note

Say out loud that she only said his name, and that there was danger. So we assumed he was the one in trouble. Someone might be directly acting against the family. If we were falsely framed, maybe the same happened to our younger brother, and now they cpuld be using us to get to Lambert as well.

Hand him a note that says we aren't the guest of honor.
>>
>>2636563
seconding this
>>
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>>2636563
>>2636614

With his words in mind, you take a piece of paper from a nearby desk and begin to write. As you do, you speak.

"All I was told was your name, and that there was danger. I assumed you were the one in trouble, so I came straight here." A contradictory statement, given what you have already said aloud to him, but your goal now is to sow disinformation. "Someone may be acting against our family, and if I was falsely framed, you may be too."

You subtly hand him the note by placing it on his table as you walk by, which says that you are not the guest of honor. He motions as though he is cleaning his work surface and takes it, reading it out of the corner of one eye. He raises a brow, then throws it in the nearby fireplace as he speaks. "Perhaps so. Either way, it is quite the mystery, is it not?"

His eyes are suddenly cast upwards; he notices something. He holds up a hand, indicating that you should not look, lest you draw too much attention upon whatever it is. You keep your eyes on Lambert as he walks to a nearby bookshelf and searches for a certain tome. "Intrigue has been thick in the air around here of late, my sister. Ever since you were accused of high treason, the entire family has been on edge, and for good reason. Now servants are getting murdered? This is the beginning of quite a mess."

He purposefully places the book on a nearby table that you may read it. 'A Beginner's Guide to Demonology.'

You understand his meaning. There is a demon in the room, listening to your words. That narrows things down a bit. Your mother is a conjurer, but doesn't deal with demons out of principle, a trait you and she share. Your brother Guilhem prefers dealing with non-infernal and non-abyssal extraplanar entities, so he isn't ruled out entirely. That leaves Jeaneus, the warlock, the only known member of your family who actively consorts with and uses demons on a nearly constant basis.

>Find Jeaneus
>Attack the demon and destroy it
>Go about your day as normal until the evening
>Establish a permanent teleportation rune somewhere in the home
>Other
>>
>>2636693
> Contact Fay telepathically and make a plan to bait the demon out and capture it.

It wpuld be better to turn it to our side, or replace it, or otherwise control the information it recieves.
>>
>>2636746
support
>>
>>2636693
Someone might also plan to kill the special guest and blame it on us.

It's probably the Moon Elf.
>>
>>2636693
>Find Jeaneus
>>
>>2636746
>>2636790
>>2636846
>>2636854

Taking out your orb, you send a mental communication to Faye.

'Faye, I'm being followed and spied upon by a demon. Any advice?'

Her voice echoes back within your mind. 'If you can figure out who summoned it, and either kill them or force them to send it back to its home plane, that'll do it!'

'I think it is one of my brothers. He likely won't admit it, though. Is there any way to capture the demon?'

'I know a spell or two, but I'm not there. Want me to teleport in?'

'No, no, best that we keep you at the tower in case I need to get out of here.'

'Alright. Good luck!'

You slide the orb back into your robe and leave Lambert's laboratory, heading to Jeaneus' room. Though he has his own quarters, he tends to reside in the estate's second-tallest tower, having claimed it for his own. You open the door leading to the spiraling staircase and scale it. At the top, you discover his personal chamber, full of dark artifacts and demonic texts, but he is nowhere to be found.

As you step up to his desk, looking down at scrolls of rituals and summoning, your nostils are suddenly struck with the scent of brimstone. "I don't remember ever barging into your room uninvited," he says.

You turn to behold Jeaneus, the fourth eldest son. Lanky, sallow, with sunken eyes and stark-white hair, he looks exceedingly unhealthy. His semi-blotched skin isn't doing him any favors, either. A shame, because his good genes still show in his features, but his work with demons has clearly taxed him physically, and likely mentally.

"True, but times have changed," you say to him, facing him fully. "Greetings, Jeaneus. You look... well."

He waves a hand and walks over to his belongings, making sure they are unmolested. "You have your own room. I hear you already broke back into it."

"I'm working my way up," you say with a smile. "Next I'll break into father's chambers."

"Good luck with that. Not even my demonic thralls are powerful enough to penetrate his wards." He puts away several scrolls in a desk drawer and faces you. "What do you want, Sirena?"

>I just wanted to see how you were doing.
>I want to know why you are spying on me.
>I want to know who killed the servant out in the gardens.
>Attempt to intimidate him by accusing him of killing the girl.
>Other
>>
>>2636909
>I want to know why you are spying on me.
Or do you always have a habit of letting your demons serve as peeping toms by proxy? You weren't spying on me in the bath before I left for the academy, did you?
>>
>>2636909
>>I want to know why you are spying on me.
>>
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>>2636920
>>2637017

"I want to know why you are spying on me. Or do you always have a habit of letting your demons serve as peeping toms by proxy? You weren't spying on me in the bath before I left for the academy, did you?"

He scowls and turns away. "Don't consider yourself special. I spy on most of the family with my thralls. In case you haven't figured it out, your presence here isn't exactly normal anymore. Already you're causing several disturbances."

"Yes, well, this place could do with a bit of shaking up."

He shakes his head. "That'll come later," he says under his breath, but you heard it loud and clearly thanks to your new hearing.

"What was that?" You grab his arm and make him face you. "WHAT will come later?"

He shrug you off of him. "Don't act cute. Father brought you here for a reason. You can either fall in line and behave like an actual member of this family, or things can get messy."

"Don't you dare lecture me on being a member of this family," you say with a dark tone. "You consort with demons, invite them into our home."

"Oh grow up," he mutters. "Demons are just a tool."

"Tools don't scheme to kill you, and neither should a family."

"Nobody here has plans on killing you, but I promise you that I could very likely be arranged if you keep trying to rock the boat."

"We'll just see about that," you spit at him. "Always a pleasure, brother. And the next demon I catch spying on me will mean more trouble than you can handle."

You leave his room and walk down the staircase, leaving his spire behind. 'That leaves only father as the one member of my family I haven't caught up with, but something tells me he won't show his face until evening.'

>Stay in your room until evening
>Eat breakfast alone, then have a social lunch with some of your family
>Find Perilynth
>Demand to see your father right now
>Other
>>
>>2637057
>>Eat breakfast alone, then have a social lunch with some of your family
Act like nothing is wrong.
>>
>>2637057
>Eat breakfast alone, then have a social lunch with some of your family
>>
>>2637062
>>2637071
We'll be resuming in the morning. Updates will be slower tomorrow, as I will be on duty, but the plus side is that I'll have monday off.

See you then!
>>
>>2637118
Thanks for running. Ive been missing this quest, to be honest. I love it so much that Im borrowing the characters for a DnD campaign im writing.
Incest Included, if it comes up
>>
>>2637118
Awesome session as always. Thanks for running!
>>
>>2637057
> Eat breakfast alone, then start warding the shit out of your room to obstruct any demons and build a permanent teleportation rune to Aran for ypyr soldiers to come in from if you need them.

We aren't alone any more.
>>
>>2637118
Thanks for running.
>>
>>2637057
>Eat breakfast alone, then have a social lunch with some of your family

And ward the ever living crap out of our room.
>>
>>2637062
>>2637071
>>2637854
>>2638048

After enjoying a simple breakfast in your room and preparing some rudimentary wards to be put into place later, you travel to the dining hall at high noon for lunch. There, your brothers Aldric and Lambert sit with your mother, and with them are Aldric's wife and child. The meal has yet to be served. All five look up as you enter.

"I assume my place at the table hasn't also been forbidden?" You don't wait for a reply as you trail your hand along the back of the chair, pull it out and sit upon it. You make brief eye contact with your sister-in-law, Sophie. A beautiful young woman in her own right, though not nearly as beautiful as yourself. Her and your brother were arranged to be married before either could walk, a union between two powerful families. The Sadiquel family has appreciable holdings of land and very good relations with the king, though much like your own family their influence with the crown has waned of late, and if hushed rumors are to be believed, so too has her relationship with Aldric.

Your nephew, about the age of Alex, is named Edgar. When you look at him, he averts his eyes nervously.

"Not that it would stop you if it were," your mother curtly replies as you settle into your seat.

Aldric places an elbow on the table and fiddles with a knife in one hand. "Tell me, Sirena, is this going to be the first actual meal you've had since running? Sometimes I imagined you were sustaining yourself on forest animals. Perhaps even chasing them down and ripping out their throats with your bare teeth."

His grim and demeaning humor doesn't put you off; you don't allow yourself to be affected by it. "I had to do what I must to survive. It was quite a change, I admit, but I have built myself a thriving power base. I am a queen, after all."

Aldric looks away and yawns. "Yes, I think someone mentioned that to me at some point."

Before you can say anything more, several servants enter carrying trays and platters with lunch. Roast pheasant, venison and boar, along with a host of fruits, vegetables and drinks. You must admit, despite your claims of thriving, the comfort of a meal such as this in your home has been sorely missed. As the silverware is placed before you, you look up and notice Perilynth is one of the servants. She plays her part well and doesn't make eye contact. She is the one who ends up serving you.

'Good. She'll ensure that my meals aren't poisoned.'

As you and your family begin eating the delicious meal, conversation flows.

>Talk to your mother
>Talk to Aldric
>Talk to Lambert
>Talk to Sophie
>Other
>>
>>2638493
>Talk to Sophie

Just make pleasent conversation while throwing every detect magic/intention/scrying that we possible can get away with in the room.
>>
>>2638493
>Talk to Sophie

use the bracelet to detect magic
>>
>>2638493
>>Talk to Sophie
>>
>>2638493
>Talk to Sophie
>>
>>2638498
>>2638516
>>2638551
>>2638742

As you eat, you take very careful notice of the subtle coloration in the pearls on your new bracelet. Three of them are glowing in different hues: blue, purple, and yellow. You deduce that you are in the presence of several protective wards, likely being detected on the clothing and jewelry of your family members present. You are not sure what purple represents, but it is possible that there is a general ward of warning that has been placed in the dining room itself. As for yellow, you suspect that it means you are in the presence of some manner of divination or scrying magic that is not directed specifically at you but rather at the room as a whole. You take a mental note to be careful of what you say and not to reveal any potentially crucial information.

Looking up from your plate, you study Sophie for a moment. Your sister-in-law has her hair tied neatly behind her head, and her makeup is flawlessly applied for a subtle boost to her naturally good looks. Her eyes are bright green, a trait reflected in young Edgar, who otherwise looks exactly like his father.

She flicks her eyes up to meet yours when she realizes you are staring, and you give her a disarming smile. "Sophie, do tell me, how fares your family?"

"We endure," she says simply. One thing you've always somewhat despised about her is how unengaging she is. She speaks when spoken to but rarely elaborates; it makes for terrible conversation.

Still, you're here to gather information and get back up to date on the goings-on around both your family and the capital. "Oh, there must be more to it than that."

She sets down her fork. "The Sadiquel family endures despite hardships imposed upon it by outside influences and familial connections."

The direct implication that your exile affected her family as well is not lost on you.

Aldric puts a hand on hers. "Yes, and we are of course all looking forward to putting to rest these allegations against both of our families." He looks back at you and adds, "A desire to rejoin society proper is something we can all agree on."

You nod. "Of course. I must say, I was unaware that a declaration of treason against a member of this house would so affect yours. Unless there is something more? News still reaches me, it just takes longer, and I did hear about a very disastrous battle in which your father and brother participated in."

Sophie swallows a bite uncomfortably. Edgar shifts nervously in his seat. Lambert cocks a brow as your mother leisurely sips from a glass of red wine. Aldric stares at you with a non-too-subtle look of displeasure.

"I do hope I haven't opened a wound," you remark with a sly grin. "Perhaps a toast will change the mood."

"I agree," your mother says, rising from her chair. All of her children follow. Blaise looks at you expectantly.

You raise your glass of wine and make your toast.

>To family.
>To future fortune.
>To mending wounds.
>To vengeance.
>Other
>>
>>2638961
>To family.

Try to keep the sarcsm in check
>>
>>2638961
>To future fortune.
GET THAT POWER
>>
>>2638961
>>To family.
>>
>>2638961
>To family
>>
>>2638961
>>to family
Familiy in the streets, vengance in the sheets.
>>
>>2638961
Must be family. Too good to pass.
>>
>>2638970
>>2638998
>>2639004
>>2639020
>>2639035

"To family," you say with a warm smile, meeting the gaze of each person present. "Family, who always stick together, no matter what."

Your mother is pleased, and drinks. Lambert follows her. Aldric pauses. "To family," he repeats. "The one group of loved ones you cannot choose... or rid yourself of."

He drinks, and Sophie follows. You look down at Edgar, who stares at his glass of light wine, uncertain if he should drink or not. His mother looks down at him. "Edgar, drink."

"He doesn't need to," you say. "Not everyone has a tongue for wine."

"Nonsense," Aldric says. "Edgar, drink."

With many eyes on him, the young lad shakily brings the glass to his lips, then recoils upon tasting the semi-bitter liquid. Aldric reacts disdainfully, reaching down to snatch the glass with one of his gloved hands. "Never waste toasted wine," he scolds the boy before drinking it. Edgar lowers his head in shame.

Aldric tosses the glass behind him, and the noise of it shattering causes the boy to jump in place. Aldric looks down at him, then orders his mother to take him away. As she leads Edgar out of the room, a servant enters to clean up the glass.

You find yourself glaring at your brother. Your mother seems amused by his antics, but she's already on her fifth glass of wine. Aldric is unconcerned with anything that is not himself and sits down.

"Now to some business," he says, pouring himself another glass. "Sit, Sirena. We need to talk."

>Compliment his 'fathering'
>Is this about the murdered girl?
>I'm not in the mood for business yet.
>I have some business myself I wish to discuss, about a curse I have detected.
>Other
>>
>>2639074
>I have some business myself I wish to discuss, about a curse I have detected.

But let them start.
>>
>>2639074
>I have some business myself I wish to discuss, about a curse I have detected.
>>
>>2639074
>>I have some business myself I wish to discuss, about a curse I have detected.
>>
>>2639074
>I have some business myself I wish to discuss, about a curse I have detected.
>>
>>2639074
>I have some business myself I wish to discuss, about a curse I have detected.
> As well about a recent Ancestor of ours I discovered.

Moon Elf, go!
>>
>>2639074
Wait no before we do anything we shpyld bring up the issue of this not being a secure place for serious conversation.
>>
>>2639078
>>2639082
>>2639165
>>2639189
>>2639474

'Time to see if they know about the curse.' You take your seat, waiting until the servants clean up the remainder of the used plates before speaking. "I have some business of my own to discuss, but please, do go first," you say with a dismissive wave of your hand.

Aldric takes a grape and pops it into his mouth, chews and swallows, then speaks. "Speaking on the behalf of our father's concerns, the family is uncertain where your true loyalty lies, Sirena."

Your brow slowly rises. "If father has a concern, perhaps he should address me himself."

"He's busy."

"Of course he is. Not busy enough to invite me home for my birthday, but too busy to see me."

Aldric shrugs. "He will join us for dinner tonight. But your new title as this 'Witch Queen' is the source of the issue. To put it bluntly, are you a Le Doux or are you this Witch Queen?"

"As you so eloquently put it yourself, we cannot choose our family. I am both a daughter of Le Doux and the Witch Queen of Aran. I never stopped being the first, and only recently became the latter."

Aldric leans forward. "But what are you prepared to give to the family?"

You scoff. "What is the family prepared to give me? A second chance, after I was wrongfully accused?"

Your brother Lambert holds up a hand. "Aldric, sit back." He does so, but is still tense. Lambert looks at you while playing a finger across his chin. Ever the diplomat, he attempts to explain, "Sirena, father merely wants to ensure that this new title and power of yours will only benefit the family, and not do it harm by bringing it enemies, dishonor or otherwise."

"My enemies are my own," you say, scanning across their eyes, catching a shared look between Aldric and your mother. "And frankly, I think there are bigger problems to worry about."

Lambert turns his palms upward. "Meaning?"

"Meaning that I have learned of a curse affecting the entire country that is rendering all non-humans infertile."

Aldric looks left and right, then back at you. "And?"

>So you know?
>This is going to cause panic.
>I suspect Mordrax is behind this.
>Do you want a war?
>Other
>>
>>2639489
>So you know?
>>Do you want a war?
Fuck. The guest might be the moon elf.
>>
>>2639489
>So you know?
>I suspect Mordrax is behind this.
>Do you want a war?
>>
>>2639489
>Does our Father want a war?
>>
>>2639489
>So you know?
>>
>>2639493
>>2639521
>>2639536
>>2639635

You look at all three of them, judging their unsurprised expressions and deriving a simple conclusion from it. "So you know?"

"We do, and so do several other families," Aldric explains.

Your mother looks over at you. "A great change is coming, Sirena, and if we play our cards right it will put our family back amongst the highest tier of society where we belong."

Your eyes narrow. "You're talking about war. Is that what you want? What father wants?"

"We've gone three hundred years without one," Aldric says. "Sure, we skirmish with some of our neighbors, but let's face it, we're overdue."

Lambert nods. "There are certain opportunities that war can afford which are difficult to capitalize on during times of peace."

You keep from overreacting and simply ask, "Such as?"

"Glory," Aldric says with a serious tone. "Border skirmishes with orcs and barbarians and southerners don't allow for it. In war, legends are forged and legacies are secured. This entire country was born out of a treaty to end a war, and now war is going to change it."

"What exactly are we talking about here?"

Your mother leans forward. "Sirena, we and the other noble houses have uncovered evidence that the elves are plotting to destroy humanity."

"A preposterous claim. What proof is there?"

Aldric folds his arms. "The treaty between the humans and elves, signed in blood and sealed by marriage, was only a way for them to pacify mankind. Sirena, we're mostly human, and we've had several generations between us and the war. There are still some elves in very high positions of authority that were alive during the war, and they hold grudges."

>I'm still not hearing any proof.
>So the plan is to just restart the human-elf war?
>This is ridiculous. We have elven blood in our family.
>What about the moon elf?
>Other
>>
>>2639749
>What about the moon elf?

Willing to bet she is the one trying to push the elves to war.
>>
>>2639749
>I'm still not hearing any proof.
>This is ridiculous. We have elven blood in our family.
>>
>>2639749
>What about the moon elf?

> Wars are only beneficial for the winning side.

> Perhaps I should wait to talk with Father directly, it sounds as if there might be a role for me that's different from the resof the family.
>>
>>2639749
If we're clever we can have family oj both sides of the war.

Of course, that means trusting that the winning side will protect the family on the losing side.
>>
>>2639749
>>I'm still not hearing any proof.
>This is ridiculous. We have elven blood in our family.
>>
>>2639756
>>2639767
>>2639788
>>2639827

You shake your head and raise an empty hand, gesturing at nothing in particular. "I still haven't been presented with any proof. I have interracted with many elves, and none of them have given me any kind of indication that there is some widespread conspiracy to eliminate humans."

Your mother sets down her glass. "Much like how only a few houses know about the affliction, only the elite of elven society is planning on annihilating mankind. The average elf is as ignorant of it as the average human."

"All that is being done is striking first," Aldric adds. "Rather than have them instigate us, we're instigating them."

"This is ridiculous. We have elven blood in our family."

Lambert shrugs. "We do, and have enjoyed its benefits, but we are still largely human. Genetically speaking, we're nearly fully human, at least three-fourths or fifths."

You tap your fingers on the table. "Our elven blood goes back further than your text books, Lambert. We are descended from the moon elf that recently reappeared."

At that, Aldric laughs. "You actually believe in that moon elf nonsense?"

You can hardly believe your ears. "What? Of course I do. She kidnapped the high elven princess."

Your mother chuckles softly. "Clearly the elves have invented this story and fabricated the appearance of this so-called moon elf."

Lambert agrees with them. "The moon elves died out long ago. One of them can't have just popped back up out of nowhere."

Aldric nods. "Likely, this is all part of some political plot that the elves hope to twist against mankind when the time comes."

You can hardly believe what you are hearing. Have they all been locked up in this estate, sequestered from society out of shame for so long that they've lost touch with reality?

>You've all grown delusional
>The moon elf is real, I released and fought her
>Say nothing and just go with it; you'll prove them wrong eventually
>Until I receive proof of this conspiracy, I won't believe it
>Other
>>
>>2640526
>The moon elf is real, I released and fought her

Went to the bloody moon with her. She is family.
>>
>>2640526
>You've all grown delusional
>>
>>2640526
>>The moon elf is real, I released and fought her
Went to the moon and everything
>>
>>2640526
> The Moon Elf is real. She shares our bloodline, and I know this because I've met her in the flesh and been to her Castle on the Moon.

> You might not believe the tale from the youngest Daughter of the Family, but I am also the Witch Queen which should tell you that I have not been simply fleeing after I was set up and chased out.

Honestly we should warp out now. They're being used.
>>
>>2640533
>>2640569

Could we avoid admitting to releasing her? Maybe instead say she tried to kidnap us much like she did the Elven Princess but we refused to serve her and escaped?

I mean, we ARE being spied on right now.
>>
>>2640692
Sure, just say we witness'd her release and that we met and fought her.
>>
>>2640533
>>2640569
>>2640681

"I can absolutely assure you, the moon elf is real. She personally told me that I am a descendant of hers; she sensed it in my blood. I fought her and went to her castle on the moon."

At first the three of them merely stare at you. Aldric bursts into uproarious laughter, and your mother giggles. Lambert remains contemplatively silent.

Aldric wipes a tear from his eye. "Oh, Sirena, I know you are the youngest of our family, but I thought you would have left such fairy tales behind a long time ago."

"I may be the youngest member of this family, but I am also the Witch Queen of Aran and one of the first beings in millennia to walk upon the surface of the moon. I assure you, that moon elf is real, and she intends on destroying not only humankind, but everything upon the world she so hates."

Aldric stands up and chuckles, waving his hand. "Oh, sister, sister, sister... Do grow up. I don't think you've quite left the woods." He makes for the exit and you watch him go.

"You are a fool, Aldric, and your view of the world is small. I have seen things you wouldn't believe even if you had seen them yourself."

"You're right about me not believing," he laughs, pushing open the doors and leaving.

Your mother stands up and fixes you with a motherly look. "It is a rather fantastic story, dear."

"With all the amazing wonders and depths of magic, are you seriously saying that you can't believe what I am telling you?"

She nods in understanding. "Sirena, I understand your desire to stand out and impress us with tales of your feats and what you have seen, but there really is no need for it. The fact that you are still alive after being exiled into the wild is impressive enough."

Before you can respond to her, she takes another drink and finishes her glass, then makes for the door after your brother. You look down at Lambert, who shrugs.

"I believe you."

You clench your fists. When you speak, it is through nearly gritted teeth. "Well thank you." You can barely contain the shaking anger from how blatantly insulting your mother and brother have been, and the only thing that keeps you from flying off the handle is that you anticipated it, not that it makes it feel any less stinging.

>Wait until the evening
>Seek out Aldric
>Confer with Lambert
>Contact someone with your orb
>Other
>>
>>2641126
>Contact someone with your orb

The Witch Hunter. Let him know that we've uncovered a Conspiracy, and that a) No-one would believe us to be working with him in the first place, b) he clearly has connections and would probably find this out eventually anyways, and c) we might need a rescue from an unexpected direction if our family is not just assholes but are crazy ignorant assholes.
>>
>>2641126
Also clearly our Father is the only important figure in this household if they don't respect the title of Witch Queen. Bitch we have an army, albeit a small one.

We also have connections with the established Elven nobility, and people in some key positions like at the Academy.

But clearly only Lambert and the Demon summoning brother are worth our time, and our Father probably.
>>
>>2641139
do that. Tell him about both the infertility spell and the alleged Elven conspiracy
>>
>>2641171
It will also help cement us as someone who takes ruling seriously, not just as an opportunity for personal gain. Really all we want is stability so we can pursue our plans of revenge without getting caught up in wars and shit.

Also, anyone think we should fuck our Dad?
>>
That is probably my last update for the night. Thanks for being patient today, I know that I haven't been able to update as quickly due to me being on duty but expect regular updates tomorrow. See you then!
>>
>>2641274
Thanks for running! Still waiting to see if peeps want to cement our inheritance with incest.
>>
>>2641126
Dont we still have a teleportation circle on the moon ?

>contact the Witch Hunter
>Talk with Father
>>
>>2641830
>Dont we still have a teleportation circle on the moon ?
I don't believe we ever established one there.
>>
>>2641139
this and tell that some powerful like Mordrax ou Vincent's father is coming here
>>
>>2641139
>>2641171
>>2641830
>>2642163

You leave the dining hall without saying anything to Lambert, then proceed through the least-used hallway of the estate. You take out your orb as your mind races with the new information you have learned and feel strongly about passing it on to someone. But who?

Faye isn't in a position to do much, and your contacts in Bridge Town are too small-time. There is Francis, but he is working on the curse side of things. After a moment, an idea pops into your head, a wild one that quickly takes root and makes more and more sense the more you think about it.

You contact the Witch Hunter.

Like before, you encounter a static buffer, for like yourself he has an anti-scrying ward, and he immediately reacts to it by attempting to scry back at you, establishing your mental link of voice-only communication. "Sirena, what a lovely surprise."

"That's not the only one I have in store for you. I am currently at my family estate and have learned troubling things." You check your bracelet, which has no glowing pearls, indicating that it is safe to speak. "There is a widespread curse that has been placed upon non-humans which renders them unable to breed, infertile. Only humans are exempt."

"That is a little more than troubling."

"My family is aware of this and condones it, because they and several other noble houses want the human-elf war to resume. The crown of either kingdom is unaware of this curse yet, and if my family are to be believed, the leadership of the high elves still hold a grudge against humanity from the last war and are plotting something themselves."

For a moment, he is silent. "And what do you want?"

"I don't want war, I want revenge! Never has it been my goal to plunge society into chaos and make war with other nations."

"Then on this matter, you and I agree. My patron is non-human, I was raised amongst non-humans. I can only imagine what's going to happen when the common folk learn about this curse."

"I have learned that someone powerful is coming to the estate tonight as the guest of honor, which I assumed was myself. I know not who it is, but I have ruled out the moon elf, whom my family doesn't even believe exists."

"Do you need support?"

"I will manage on my own."

"Regardless, I am making my way south. I will arrive at your estate in the evening."

"You'll stand with me?"

"So long as we continue to stand for the same things, yes. I don't want a war."

"Then I shall see you soon."

He closes his end of the line, and you do as well. You return your orb to its pouch and continue walking down the halls.

>Dinner time
>Speak to someone in the estate
>Contact someone else
>Finish warding your room
>Other
>>
>>2642251
>Finish warding your room
>Dinner time

Finally time to talk to father.
>>
>>2642251
>Finish warding your room
>>
>>2642255
>>2642256

Deciding to return to your quarters, you spend the rest of the afternoon finishing the wards you prepared earlier and finish their rituals. In creating a permanent teleportation sigil to Aran, you place the same wards you do in every room that shares one, allowing you to be warned from a remote distance of any attempts to tamper with or intrude upon them. A general ward of protection for yourself is also implemented, though it is not your strongest school of magic.

Now, to prepare for dinner. You don't know what is going to happen, but it is best to be safe.

>What ten spells should we spend time memorizing in preparation, giving an edge on any attempts to roll for them?
>What three daily spells should we store in our ring of spell storing?
>Any further preparations?

Spellbook:
https://pastebin.com/3KtAZiTt
>>
>>2642279
I can't speak to all spells, but I know Witch Queen's Aura should be one of them.
>>
>>2642279
Armor of Aran

Undying Queen

Current Ultimate Form: Raven’s Wings

Detect Weakness

Arcane Bolt

Perfect Illusory Self

Spirit Rend:

Charm of Protection

Twin Teleport

Minor Counterspell

Comes to mind for me. Any suggestion i will gladly hear them
>>
>>2642290
We don't need to memorize our spell-like abilities, like Armor of Aran.
>>
>>2642290
>>2642293
Plus, Undying Queen is a passive, not something we have to consciously use.
>>
>>2642287
>>2642290
>>2642293
Yes, I should have specified that spell-like abilities are natural, and are not subject to the same mechanics as spells that need to be cast with physical/verbal motions.
>>2642294
That too.
>>
>>2642279
Detect Weakness

Arcane Bolt

Perfect Illusory Self

Spirit Rend:

Charm of Protection

Twin Teleport

Minor Counterspell

Glitterdust

Witch Queen’s Aura

Invisibility

I say we send in an illusion of ourself and speak through it. to see what happens.
>>
>>2642290
Gift of Beautiful Purity

Stored in our ring. In case we are poisoned then being able to use it fast and reliable would be useful.
>>
>>2642301
Twin Teleport is also a spell-like ability, and Perfect Illusory Self probably wouldn't help since everyone already knows who we are. I recommend replacing it with Greater Solid Object Creation and Shield.
>>
>>2642290
>>2642301
>>2642309

Detect Weakness
Arcane Bolt
Spirit Rend
Charm of Protection
Minor Counterspell
Glitterdust
Witch Queen’s Aura
Invisibility
Greater Solid Object Creation
Shield

Does this seem like an agreeable list?
>>
>>2642317
Yeah
>>
>>2642317
Fair enough.
>>
>>2642290
Having swarm of insects prepared for disrupting the concentration of multiple enemies at once would be also handy.
>>
>>2642324
Put it in the ring together with Gift of Beautiful Purity.
>>
>>2642319
>>2642321
>>2642324

Alright, that only leaves the three spells for the spell-storing ring. It can store up to three dailies, and can store multiple copies of a single daily within.
>>
>>2642279

> 1 Shadow Point: Shadow Grease

Our family are a bunch of Mages so they're probably warded, but using Grease then setting it on fire is a great way to fuck shit up indirectly.

> Firebolt

For the grease, or just to torch shit.

> Black Fog

Nonlethal AOE attack, we're outnumbered.

> Dimension Door

Classic escape spell, we can bring someone along too so Lambert maybe.

> Swarm of Insects

Directable AOE, also physical attack so mages are weak to it (usually).

> Witch Queen’s Aura

We can use this for diplomacy too.

> Firework Signal

Magical flshabang if used indoors!

> Suspended Duel

Half a time stop! Cast it on a buddy and use it to flee, or position yourselves for an attack!

> Cure Light Wounds

Self explanatory

> Divine Blessing

Preparing this spell in advance, I imagine a bunch of non-human Gods might be irked by this fertility curse so we could probably get a sweet bonus.

What Gods might we have heard of? I feel like worh all our boning, generally lustful nature, elven heritage, and the nature of the curse that there should be an Elven Fertility God willing to lend us some strength. Hopefully more Neutral than Good.

Also no necromancy spells, partially because that's our classic powerset and they probably know what to expect.

Protection against Demons/Evil might be a good thing to request since one of our brothers is a demon summoner.
>>
>>2642331
>He wants to literally burn down the family estate
>>
>>2642327
Firework signal

Cure Light Wounds

Put Counterspell in the ring and use Holy Blessing instead.
>>
>>2642331
Some very good arguments. Tell you what, at some point we should come up with a few dedicated lists of ten or so spells each for different situations: a dedicated combat list, stealth, diplomacy, etc. Then we just decide on a loadout before going into a situation, and we can tweak it as needed.

How does everyone feel about that?
>>
>>2642327
My suggestion would be

Gift of Beautiful Purity
In case we get poisoned and it addles our mind.

Swarm of insects
Good physical AOE against mages which disrupts concentration for spells and more mundane fighting.

and Black Fog
for some more battle field control. Hindering sight and choking enemies in melee range.
>>
>>2642333
>not going full arsonist on childhood memories
>>
>>2642333
Pfft. It's big, I only want to burn down *part* of it.
>>
>>2642338
>>2642336

Wait do we not already have Swarm of Insects?

We definitely need that shit over any other AOE. Since we might not want to go after the WH or Lambert.

Gift of Beautiful Purity is a decent choice too.

I just really feel we could get a lot out of Divine Blessing though, like we ARE up against some high level shit, infertility curses on whole nations is about where Gods get involved.
>>
>>2642336
It would save time since we have so many options.

I clearly went with a focus on escape, possibly rescue for decent family, and non-lethal debilitation.

With a little bit of fire and offense.

We still have all our abilities too. I wonder if acid blood cancels out the cold iron weakness any, if it wrecks their weapon.
>>
>>2642345
The swarm wasn't in the list of prepared spells, no.

And I feel the Divine Blessing is something we should use before going in, not store in the ring.
>>
>>2642309
I feel like Shield isn't high level enough for what we would need to face it.

We're outnumbered heavily, our Father is an unknkwn variable, Lambert might need a rescue, and there's the "other guest of honor".

At the same time, our family might be useful later to still work with our sacrifice or betray. If we do kill them, it gives the Kingdom an excuse to renew the hunt for us as well, and establish us as the Witch Queen and put us on the radar.

So really I would prefer to just run like hell if things go south.

We still have our at will stuff for defending, but too many mages to try and invest in countering their magic directly to invest in counterspell or shield. Like, that can MAYBE block one spell.
>>
>>2642338
>>2642331
>>2642324
>>2642306

We'll go with Gift of Beautiful Purity, Swarm of Insects and Black Fog for the ring.

Writing now.
>>
>>2642355
That's why I suggest switching something out into the ring.

I feel like greater solid object is also being picked just because it's new.

I think we should drop it for sinensuonal gate which can bring someone with us to escape.
>>
>>2642317
Okay. Who will we use Charm of protection on? I vote our Mother, noone else seems to like us much, and Lambert is apparently already with us.

We should let the Witch Hunter k ow a signal for the Black Fog too, and that there is a demon summoner since we don't have a good Demon Counter.
>>
After preparing all of your spells, artifacts and tricks up your sleeve, you travel downstairs to the dining hall. Many servants pass by silently and the house seems more lively; this is the moment of the day, after all, when father is expected to finally show himself.

Every member of your family is in the dining hall, or arrives just after you do. They take their places at the table, sitting and making idle chat as they await for his arrival. You casually sip on a glass of light wine, ensuring you have a clear head for whatever is to come. There is a strange sense of foreboding in the room, even though everyone seems to be trying to treat it as a normal family dinner.

'Far from a 'normal' family,' you think, reflecting on the dinner you once shared with the Cutter family not long after your exile. You set your glass down and look at it. 'Strange... that was a family who truly loved each other, and would never think to conspire against one another. And now here I am, sitting amongst my true family, and I cannot count an actual friend amongst any one of them.'

You look up and across the table at young Edgar, who is sitting silently. He catches your gaze and nervously averts his eyes, like every other time. 'I suppose my nephew hasn't been corrupted yet. And it seems like Aldric is well on his way to becoming father of the year, just like my own.'

The preliminary course is served, light meals and appetisers. Perilynth is among those bringing them out. You look around and see Lambert casually slicing a loaf of bread while Jeaneus sits looking bored. Guilhem is sitting in a meditative silence as your mother chats up Aldric about something clearly hillarious; she laughs and places her hand on his. Sophie takes notice and tries to look like it doesn't upset her.

Looking down at your bracelet, you see a number of colored pearls, indicating magical wards, defenses and other enchantments present.

>Wait for father
>Speak to someone
>Cast a spell
>Eat
>Other
>>
>>2642407
>Speak to someone
Let's try and be a good auntie to poor little Edgar. Little bugger needs the support.
>>
>>2642407
>Speak to someone
>Cast a spell

Edgar and cast what protection and detection spells we have
>>
>>2642407
>>Speak to someone
To edgar. Children hear a lot from their parents
>>
>>2642409
>>2642410
>>2642426

You look up once more at Edgar and smile. A simple spell to make your mouth appear as if it is not moving is cast, and under its cover you whisper, casting your voice to his ears, "Are you alright?"

He takes notice and quickly darts to look at then, then away again. "I'm not supposed to talk..."

You tilt your head and ask, "At all?"

"...to you."

"Ah," you say with a knowing smile. "I wonder what they're so afraid of, not letting you talk to me? I'm hurt. You know, you're my favorite nephew." Your eyes drift off to one side. 'Technically my ONLY nephew... which still makes me correct.' You pause. 'Wait, some of my cousins have children. But those are first cousins once removed, aren't they? Or do I call them neice and nephew as well?' You put aside the semantics of language and focus back on Edgar. 'Still accurate to say that he is my favorite, since he is the only one I actually know.'

He shifts nervously in his seat. You smile and say, "You can whisper, you know. I can hear you even when nobody else can."

After being quiet for a moment, he whispers very faintly, which you pick up with your new hearing capabilities. "They said that you're a traitor."

"Lies meant to discredit me. Your father doesn't like me very much. I think we have that in common, yes?" He smiles a little, then returns to a neutral face. "Tell me, what else do they say about me?"

He hangs his head down. "There's a secret..."

"Yes?"

"I'll get in trouble if I say it..."

Your eyes flash lightly with a charm spell. "Go on. I promise I won't tell anyone. You can trust me."

"It's..."

Suddenly, the main doors of the dining hall open and everyone ceases to speak and stands up. There, in the dim light of the hall, is the tall silhouette of your father.

>Stand up
>Remain seated
>Make eye contact
>Speak
>Other
>>
>>2642429
>Stand up
>Make eye contact
>>
>>2642429
>>Stand up
>Make eye contact
lets play along.
>>
>>2642429
>Stand up
> Demurely bow our head

Spells that require eye contact spook me, and maybe he will underestimate us.
>>
>>2642431
>>2642434
>>2642441

Imon Le Doux enters the room, and everyone respectfully bows their heads. You play along, but keep your eyes trained upon him, studying him intently. He is wearing his ceremonial robe, an orante cloak of red cloth and gold trimming that hangs from his broad shoulders. His bearded face is stone-like, unemotive and just as strict as every memory from your childhood that you possess paints him.

As he strides into the room, he takes his time, each step resounding through the hall. He walks around the table with his arms behind his back, and halfway to the other side he casts a single sidelong glance -- right at you, staring into your eyes.

You feel compelled to look down, feeling the same trepedation and anxiety that he has caused in you since that first day you met him. He reaches his chair and a servant pulls it back for him to stand at the head of the table. For several seconds, he merely remains still, turning his head to gaze upon all present.

He picks up a glass. His deep voice bellows, "Join me."

Everyone picks up their glass and looks at him. You follow. Again he casts his eyes in your direction. He raises his glass towards you. "To the only daughter of House Le Doux, in commemoration of both your return and the day you joined our family, I offer you this toast."

Your lips quiver slightly. "I accept it," you say, more softly than intended.

He drinks, and everyone follows. When he finishes, he sets his glass down and looks back at you. "I am pleased that you have returned to where you belong, Sirena. I have no doubt this is a portend of our house returning to where it belongs as well." He takes a reflective moment and then sits, everyone follows once more, and the first course is served. Light conversation returns to the table as Aldric whispers something to your father.

>Eavesdrop on Aldric and your father
>Continue speaking with Edgar
>Stand up and speak
>Wait for your father to address the table
>Other
>>
>>2642458
>>Eavesdrop on Aldric and your father
>>
>>2642458
>Continue speaking with Edgar
>>
>>2642458
>Continue speaking with Edgar
>>
File: table.png (19 KB, 363x611)
19 KB
19 KB PNG
>>2642466
>>2642487

You take your eyes away from that of your parents and elder brother, focusing once more on Edgar. You smile at him and whisper, "What were you saying?"

The boy is still, and quiet. He appears to be cowed in the presence of his intimidating grandfather, terrified of doing something wrong.

"Don't be afraid," you tell him, once more masking your face and casting your voice. "I've done worse than you ever could, and I'm still here."

He seems somewhat put at ease by that. He tries to eat.

"Edgar, could you please tell me what the secret it?"

Pausing over his plate, he looks up at his mother, who is busy eating, and his uncle Lambert, who is talking to Jeaneus on your left. He then looks at you and whispers, "The empty chair is for... the guest of honor."

The fact that the chair on your right is empty has not been lost on you. The opposite end of the table from your father, it is a place of great importance. You look at it, then back at him. "Who is it? Do you know?"

He shakes his head. "They said it was someone important. That's all I know. I'm sorry."

You sit back and, as if on cue, a distant sound of rolling thunder can be heard. You look out the window and see dark clouds gathering not far from the estate, far too quickly to be natural.

"Looks like rain," Lambert says absent-mindedly, but you know better.

At that moment, your father finishes his conversation and looks at the far end of the table at you. "Sirena. I wish to know something." You snap back forward and turn towards him. He picks up his glass. "I wish to know how you became the ruler of Aran. It is a realm I once read about, and upon learning of your succession, I have re-familiarized myself with it. My library has little information on it, however. I understand you went through the rite of the Black Gauntlet?"

>Tell him the full story
>Abridge it, leave out other names and places
>Get fanciful with it and exaggerate some details
>Avoid talking about it; change the subject
>Other
>>
>>2642549
>Other

Compliment our Father on his knowledge and ask him how he became so well learned about Aren and their traditions. Not many know about it after all, even your own family aside from him didn't believe it was real.
>>
>>2642549
>Abridge it, leave out other names and places
>>
>>2642549
>>Abridge it, leave out other names and places
Leave out Faye and the fact she is our copy from an alternate universe.
>>
>>2642549
>Abridge it, leave out other names and places
>>
>>2642549
>Abridge it, leave out other names and places
Definitely leave out Faye.
>>
>>2642549
>Abridge it, leave out other names and places
>>
>>2642558
>>2642559
>>2642569
>>2642572
>>2642613
>>2642615

"I compliment you on your knowledge, father. I indeed went through the trials of the Black Gauntlet and nearly perished, but I defeated every other competitor."

He nods. "Make no mistake, I recognize the danger you must have faced. All too often, mages study many forms of magic, but in battle they falter because they were not prepared to face pain. I have no doubt that your exile must have played a significant role in preparing you for the hardships that followed."

You feel your heart swell with pride upon hearing his words, surprised at your own reaction to them. "It did."

"How did you come to learn of Aran?"

'Best to leave out some minor details and names... just in case.' You drink from your glass as you prepare your tale. "When I was forced into exile, I met many people. I hid myself and through manipulation and deceit was able to establish myself in the north under a new identity. I trained with witches of the wild, as well as other mages in the region. I delved into tombs and caverns, collected allies and treasures, and invested in local businesses once I had enough money. From all of this I built a base of power and influence, and my notoriety earned me an invitation to the Black Gauntlet. I accepted and won, and now I rule that realm."

"I am impressed," he concedes. "I confess that I underestimated your drive, Sirena. I thought that your exile would be the last we had ever heard of you, or your execution when found. But you did not give up. You have demonstrated a keen intellect and survival instinct and used your power to defy great odds. You truly are of house Le Doux."

A smile grows on your lips. "Thank you, father."

Your mother gives you a proud look. Aldric seems annoyed, but both Lambert and Jeaneus seem impressed with your tale. Sophie and Guilhem are entirely without reaction, and young Edgar looks up at you with amazement. You throw a wink in his direction that makes him blush and look away.

Your father stands up. "I did not, however, invite you here to merely recognize your achievements, Sirena." Your smile fades and you look up at him. "You are here because I must know that you are dedicated to wielding your power towards the betterment of our family. If you are to remain one of us, your loyalty must not be in question. Your title, your rule, your realm, even your life -- they do not come before the family. I must hear you say this."

You are still, your lips parting slightly as you gaze up at him. Everyone in the room is deadly silent and still, waiting for your response. Your father, unwavering and firm, gazes deeply into your eyes, as though starting straight into your soul. The sound of thunder outside the estate can be heard again, this time closer.

>I pledge myself fully to my family.
>(Lie) I pledge myself fully to my family.
>I am my own person, father. I have grown beyond the family.
>Not until you tell me what exactly is going on.
>Other
>>
>>2642625
>Not until you tell me what exactly is going on.
I mean, when you're accused of high treason and forced to take the fall for the court wizard, you learn to be very careful of everyone you make dealings with.
Even you, father.
>>
>>2642625
>Not until you tell me what exactly is going on.

I have been more than fair and open. Now it is their turn.
>>
>>2642625
>(Lie) I pledge myself fully to my family.
anything other then that is a no to him
>>
>>2642625
>>Not until you tell me what exactly is going on.
This family has rejected me, so you must understand why i would be hesitant to devote myself to it.
>>
>>2642625
>Not until you tell me what exactly is going on.
I'm a bit hesitant to pledge anything since I'm not sure it can't be enforced with magic.
>>
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>>2642636
>>2642639
>>2642663
>>2642670

Slowly, you stand up, looking him square in the eyes. "I am hesitant, father."

"Speak your mind."

"I cannot pledge myself to a family that turned its back on me... Not until I am once more allowed to know exactly what is going on. Much has been kept from me, I think. The nature of this affliction that our family condones, our involvement in a planned racial revolution, and the fact that even though this day was organized around me, I am not the 'guest of honor.' When one is accused of high treason and forced to take the fall for the court wizard, you learn to be very careful of everyone you make dealings with." You then pause before adding, "Even you, father."

The rest of the family is silent. Imon picks up his glass. "It seems, in your time on your own, you have learned some very important lessons. I respect your hesitance. Any deal in which you do not know all of the factors at play is one that only a fool would make."

"Precisely."

"Then I think it is time our guest of honor explains himself. He has arrived."

Your mother rises from her seat, and the rest of the children follow. Your eyes are drawn to the dining hall door, and you realize something is wrong. The hairs on your arms are standing up and you feel something strange, something you haven't felt in a long time. Looking down at your bracely, one of the pearls is glowing bright red. Outside, thunder is heard again, following a flash of lightning, and now rain begins to fall heavily upon the grounds and the windows.

Suddenly, your eyes widen as you realize what is happening; everything immediately falls into place. "No..."

The doors to the dining hall open, propelled by magical force, revealing a long figure. He is tall, thin, and bald, with stark white-grey hair on the sides of his head and a thin set of well-groomed facial hair. He wears a shimmering cloak of brilliant color which seems to shift in the light, and beneath is a dark purple robe of immaculately ornate arcane design. He wears several items of enchanted origin; his boots, gloves, belt, amulet, rings, earrings, staff and more are each an artifact of great power, and you know this because you spent hours learning about them.

You meet the gaze of the man you hate more than anything in all the realms, staring into his dark eyes, the only thing about him without any color at all.

Your master, Mordrax, the object of your greatest fantasies of revenge and the culprit behind everything you have been forced to go through, is the guest of honor.

His lips curl into an amused grin, and his venomous tone drips with appreciation for how delicious this moment must be for him. "My apprentice."

>Attack your hated foe!
>Accuse your family of betrayal!
>Keep calm and speak.
>Say nothing, stare in silence.
>Other
>>
>>2642732
>Attack your hated foe!

Throw Arcane Bolt!
>>
>>2642732
>>Keep calm and speak.
Lets not break guest right. It wouldn't do us any good. He's trying to provoke something.
>>
>>2642732
>Keep calm and speak.
But make it clear we are ABSOLUTELY FUCKING LIVID right now.
>>
>>2642732
>Keep calm and speak.
>>
>>2642737
>>2642741
>>2642750

Your hands curl into fists. There is a great compulsion to attack him immediately, but rational thought prevails. You are in your home, among family, and he was expecting you: not the other way around.

As much as you hate to admit it, he is the one who has caught you off-guard. Keeping your blinding rage in check, you peel your lips back from gritted teeth and say his name. "Mordrax." From your voice, it is all too easy to tell how absolutely livid you are.

"It is wonderful to see you again. I see our brief time apart has been kind to you. You have grown powerful and influential, at least within your own small reach. I'm proud of you, apprentice."

His pride in your accomplishments feels like a knife twisting in your side. It makes you want to vomit from sheer, frothing rage. Nearly every night has been spent dreaming of countless ways to maim, kill and utterly destroy the man before you, and here he is, paying you compliments as if you are old friends.

Mordrax looks at your father. "Forgive my late entrance. I was attending to other matters."

Imon nods. "Of course. Your seat has been prepared for you."

You realize that you are expected to sit next to your old master, to share the same food and drink as he, to be less than five feet away from him and not throttle him or slit his throat or set him on fire. You find that your hands are shaking and your knuckles are turning white from how tightly you have curled them. As Mordrax approaches his chair, it is pulled out telekinetically, allowing him to stand in front of it. The chair then moves forward and he sits; the rest of your family follows.

The only one left standing is you, and everyone hesitates. Mordrax looks up at you. "I believe you should sit, and we should talk."

>Sit and speak
>Refuse, and speak to him whilst standing
>Accuse your father of witholding Modrax's arrival from you
>Attack him! Destroy him! Annihilate his very soul!
>Other
>>
>>2642732
>Keep calm and speak.
Deadpan. How absolutely unexpected.
>>
>>2642806
>>Accuse your father of witholding Modrax's arrival from you
I find it odd how one who speaks so highly of our family and it's betterment would consort with someone who broke it, and slandered it's name. Is it not Mordrax's fault that Le Doux is a name of a traitor?
>>
>>2642806
>Accuse your father of witholding Modrax's arrival from you
>>
>>2642806
>>Accuse your father of witholding Modrax's arrival from you
>>
>>2642806
>Accuse your father of witholding Modrax's arrival from you
>>
>>2642813
this
>>
>>2642806
>Accuse your father of witholding Modrax's arrival from you
>>
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>>2642813
>>2642815
>>2642816
>>2642822
>>2642825
>>2642828

You look at the opposite end of the table, straight at your father. "You kept this from me," you accuse him. "You knew from the very beginning... I find it odd how one who speaks so highly of our family and it's betterment would consort with someone who broke it, and slandered it's name. Is it not Mordrax's fault that Le Doux is a name of a traitor?"

Your father is silent and unemotive. You wait for him to speak, and when nothing comes, you look at the others. That's when you realize that every one of them, except for Edgar, have the exact same look. "All of you knew. Every one of you. And none of you told me."

Mordrax taps his white staff upon the floot. "They did as they were told."

Turning back to face him with narrow eyes, you say, "What? What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means exactly what it means: they did as they were told, by me." He leans forward. "Your family now serves me, Sirena. I am the only one who can offer them a place of power in the new world that I am creating."

Your glare is unceasing as you speak. "You used my exile and status as a traitor to force them to fall in line with you? By threatening what, otherwise?"

He shrugs, as if the answer is obvious. "Oh, don't be dramatic, my apprentice. The plan hasn't changed. You are still helping me with my inevitable coup, just in a way you weren't directly involved with. I've merely made your family an offer they cannot and will not refuse."

You look at your father. "Is what he is saying true?"

He places his hands upon the table. "Sirena, there are great forces at work, beyond the scope of our family to contend with alone. Standing in defiance of Mordrax and his plan will only bring ruin upon us."

You are stunned. "I almost can't believe what I am hearing."

Mordrax floats a glass of wine to his hand. "What I couldn't believe was hearing that you had survived," he says with a smile, then drinks. "Imagine my shock and surprise... my own apprentice, alive and well, the Witch Queen of Aran." He looks up and tilts his glass at you. "Nicely done."

"You didn't expect me to surive," you repeat his words, then piece together the logic that follows from them. "That means you always intended on betraying me and using the compromised status of my family to get them to fall in line with you. I just wasn't going to be part of it, once I was dealt with."

"I think your perspective is slightly skewed," he says. "I wasn't planning from the beginning to betray you. When I was discovered, I had to think quickly. You were the most convenient scapegoat. Everything afterwards in regards to your family was merely me capitalizing on an available asset."

>Father, my family, help me! We can take him, right here, right now!
>And what happens now? You expect me to join you?
>Switch tactics; butter him up, compliment his scheming.
>Strangle him! Stab him in the eye! ATTACK!
>Other
>>
>>2642889
>And what happens now? You expect me to join you?
>>
>>2642889
>And what happens now? You expect me to join you?
>>
>>2642889
>>And what happens now? You expect me to join you?


Also we will have to call out our family's arrogant behaviour. Acting like cunts when they are just Mordraxs lapdogs.
>>
>>2642889
The great Imon Le doux. Serving the one who has done the family such harm and humiliation. So obedient . Like a little bitch.
What is the next step in benefiting the family? Becoming a cuckold?
>>
>>2642889
>twin teleport
we need to leave now
>>
>>2642928

Any backers?
>>
>>2642889
>And what happens now? You expect me to join you?
>>
>>2642889
>And what happens now? You expect me to join you?
>>2642928
we can def do that later, but let's get as much info as we can for now
>>
>>2642928
>>2642931
Get info and then twin teleport after we call our family out on their spinless arrogant asses. Maybe grab Edgar to save him ?
>>
>>2642934
there are a lot of powerful wizards around us, all against us, we have to leave in surprise while we can
>>
>>2642931
Too soon. We need more info.
>>
>>2642942
they're not against us yet, and we don't even have to make them our enemies technically. Why openly declare our opposition when we can lie and say we either join them, or we need time to think about it
>>
>>2642942
Don't forget the Witchhunter is arriving this evening at the estate. Delaying could also help us.
>>
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>>2642897
>>2642901
>>2642911
>>2642932
>>2642934

"And now what? You lured me here to gloat? Do you expect me to fall in line and join you?" You look away from Mordrax, at the rest of your family. "And you all... acting so arrogant in the face of my return, when all along you were cowing before him! Him, the one who did our family harm and humiliated us!"

Aldric stands up. "Oh, do shut your prattling mouth. You can't even begin to understand what's coming, Sirena. All you can focus on is yourself."

"Oh that is richer than all the gold in the world to hear coming from you." Picking up your glass, you pour it on the table in front of you, causing Jeaneus to pull back slightly. "All this talk about restoring our family's place in society... imagine my disappointment in learning that you are all speaking his words!"

Aldric is about to retort when Imon places a hand on his arm, then stands, forcing Aldric to sit. "Sirena. This is what I spoke of when I referred to the good of the family. Nothing comes before before it. Not your title, not your rule, not yourself... not even your desire for revenge."

You stare at your father in disbelief as every compliment he paid you earlier seems to shatter and become meaningless. "My revenge?" you repeat in a soft voice. "Tell me, father: what is the next step in benefiting the family? Letting Mordrax fuck mother and becoming a cuckold?"

At that, every member of your family stands up and some of them step back. Sophie takes Edgar behind her leg and moves to the far side wall. Aldric's hand is on the hilt of his sword, and your mother looks furious. Your father stands unemotive. You look at the three of them and cannot help but laugh. "Oh, that's right, I nearly forgot. You're already a cuckold. Isn't that right, Aldric? Mother?"

"You will be silent or I will cut your tongue from your throat!" Aldric threatens you, but does not draw his sword.

Before anyone can speak, Mordrax rises and delicately wipes his lips with a cloth. "I feel like we're getting away from the point. Sirena, I won't dance around the issue at hand. You weren't supposed to live, but you have. There are only two sides to this coin, much like how there are only two sides to the coin you stole from me: you are either with me, or against me. There is a place for you in my coming empire: either at my side with your family, or buried beneath its foundations."

You look at him and he awaits your response.

>Nothing, in all the realms, is greater than my desire for revenge. Not even my family!
>I will join you.
>I will join you. (Lie)
>Now is the time to attack!
>>
>>2643013
>Nothing, in all the realms, is greater than my desire for revenge. Not even my family!

Time to leave
>>
>>2643013
>Nothing, in all the realms, is greater than my desire for revenge. Not even my family!
There is not a single star that burns brighter, a single heavenly body that overshadows my hatred for you. You destroyed my career, my prominence, and my family's dignity, and my trust. But you have not destroyed me. Frankly, you should've, because now I will move the heavens and the earth to destroy you.
>>
>> 2643013
Nothing in all realms is greater than my desire for revenge. Not even my family!
Time to go
contact the witch hunter tell him you left
>>
I wonder if Perilynth is in a position to backstab someone?
>>
>>2643054
Perilynth is still not exposed. We need her on the inside now more than ever.
>>
>>2643013
>Nothing, in all the realms, is greater than my desire for revenge. Not even my family!

We dont have a family. Twin teleport.
>>
>>2643013
>Explain your plan to me, Mordrax. Convince me, if you can.
We need to fish for information, not freak the fuck out
>>
>>2643060
That's a good point.
>>
>>2643076
well this is good, but leave after
>>
>>2643013
>Nothing, in all the realms, is greater than my desire for revenge. Not even my family!

We Monte Cristo up in this bitch!

>Pick up glass, "another toast".
>“To me belongeth Vengeance!”
>pour wine on floor, hopefully expensive rug.
>Contact witch hunter, time for our exit
>>
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>>2643025
>>2643043
>>2643053
>>2643066
>>2643092

You find yourself drawing in deep breaths as you stare into the eyes of your hated nemesis. Your blood begins to boil once more and your hands shake again. In the face of all that has happened since he walked into this room, every traitorous word spoken, your resolve falters, all pretenses of playing along fall away, and you tell him what you have felt ever since that day you fled from the capital.

"Nothing, in all the realms, is greater than my desire for revenge. Not even my family! There is not a single star that burns brighter, a single heavenly body that overshadows my hatred for you. You destroyed my career, my prominence, and my family's dignity, and my trust. But you have not destroyed me. Frankly, you should've, because now I will move the heavens and the earth to destroy you."

Before you allow him a single response, you activate your twin teleport ability, having had more than enough of being here.

But something goes wrong.

The green energy of the teleportation spell surrounds you, attempting to rip you from this place, but it is prevented from doing so. There is some kind of filter in the area that prevents the energy from escaping the estate! You scream in sudden pain as a backlash of energy fills your being, attacking your very essence -- you feel as though your soul is on fire. The spell ends violently and you fall to your knees, panting heavily. Your spell of self-image fades, revealing your green skin to them, to great gasps of shock.

>Health: 70%

Mordrax chuckles. "What do you think of the rain?" he asks your family more than you. "A spell I have been working on perfecting; this makes for an excellent trial run. A storm infused with negative transportational energy; all within its limits are prevented from using any kind of teleportation magic. I plan on using such a spell when we move against the capital, trapping all from within and preventing the arrival of immediate reinforcements.

You look up at your family, seeing their mixed reactions to your apperance. Aldric is smiling arrogantly, and Lambert looks concerned, while Edgar hides behind his mother in fear.

Mordrax points his staff at you, and you feel great pain around your neck as he strangles you telekinetically. Before you can do anything more, he turns and hurls you through the doors of the dining room, into the hall. You hit the ground rolling, skidding along the floor.

>Health: 65%

"You have demonstrated which side of the coin you fall upon, Sirena," he shouts after you. "I thought I might take care of you myself, but I have a more entertaining idea. As a test of your family's resolve to serve me in my coming empire, they will handle you!"

As you push yourself to a kneeling position, you look up at him with eyes burning with vengeance.

He smiles. "After all, family should look after their own."

He shuts the doors to the dining room and seals them with a magical rune.
>>
>>2643121

>Break into the dining room
>Make for the main entrance
>Head for your room!
>Destroy and window and get outside
>Other
>>
>>2643123
>Destroy a window and get outside
>>
>>2643123
>Destroy and window and get outside

Have to get outside and fly away as a Raven
>>
>>2643123
>Grab Edgar, hostage. Now we will test their resolve.
>>
>>2643123
>>Destroy and window and get outside
>>
>>2643121
>Destroy a window and get outside
then 1 Shadow Point: Witch Queen’s Greater Aura
>>
>>2643139
Glitterdust might help before hand, cause fabulous blindness
>>
>>2643127
>>2643128
>>2643138
>>2643139

Raising your hand, you cast an arcane bolt at the window and destroy it, leaping out into the rain. You wince slightly; your muscles are aching from that teleportation backlash.

"Gods damn you, Mordrax," you mutter, casting your greater aura upon yourself. A dark shadowy aura encircles your body, acting as a shield and giving you a frightening appearance. "I will destroy you if it is the last thing I do!"

>Shadow Points Remaining: 3
>Health: 65%

As lightning splits the skies above and the heavy downpour continues, you think of a way out of this situation.

>Turn into a raven and fly away, get out of the nega-transportation storm
>Run into the hedge maze and hide; heal
>Work your way to the top of the estate and hide there
>Turn invisible and start running
>Other
>>
>>2643121
> Go full final form and GTFO
>>
>>2643163
This. We can rest when we get to Aran.
>>
> Start running.

> Order that soul we picked up tp bring a bunch of Ravens to cover our escape.

> Use Greater Solid Object Creation to throw up a wall between us and our Family
>>
>>2643170
Also try to use our newly aquired wind ability to push the storm away.
>>
>>2643177
>>2643161
Forgot to say

> When the wall is up and we are out of view turn into a raven and fly away with the summoned birds
>>
>>2643161
>Turn into a raven and fly away, get out of the nega-transportation storm

Good luck finding a raven in a storm.
>>
>>2643161
>Cast Storm of Aran, all lightning focus on the house (burning house should cover our retreat)
>Turn into a raven and fly out of here
>>
>>2643161
>Turn into a raven and fly away, get out of the nega-transportation storm
and
try to use our newly aquired wind ability to push the storm away.
>>
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>>2643189
>>2643181
>>2643177
>>2643192
>>2643221

You make a break for it, running into the garden and throwing up a barricade behind yourself of summoned solid illusory stone. With this done, you transform into a raven and take off into the night.

"Spirit!" you command in a squawk. "Create a distraction!"

Suddenly many ravens fly out from you, spectral birds of shadowy thought that spread out in all directions. Lightning lights up the skies again and you flap madly in the wind as you make for the horizon.

Down below, your keen eyes catch sight of a figure standing atop of stone platform amongst the garden, holding a staff. At first you believe it is Mordrax, but as lighting flashes again you see it is Guilhem! He raises his hands to the sky and his eyes glow blue as he commands the lightning of the storm to attack!

You look all around you as the many ravens the spirit unleashed are struck by lightning and go up in flames, vanishing into nothingness after a moment. You redouble your efforts and try to escape, but it is all for naught; a stray bolt of lightning clips your wing and sends you tumbling downwards!

Letting out a cry of pain, you try to come to your senses and save your life. With your latent power over wind, you are able to guide yourself to a safe landing amongst the maze's hedges. You transform back into your human form and pant heavily, looking at your right arm; the green flesh has a nasty burn.

>Health: 55%

The spirit speaks to you. "If we try again, he may miss," it offers.

>Try again. He might miss.
>Summon the Storm of Aran!
>Turn invisible and sneak out of the maze
>Stay put and heal
>Other
>>
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>>2643228
>Summon the Storm of Aran!
Show this chump how its done.
>>
>>2643228
>Summon the Storm of Aran!
>>
>>2643228
>Summon a bunch of illusions, then turn invisible and sneak out of the maze
No need to show our powers here boys, we just gotta book it
>>
>>2643248
What power are we showing, anon? Lightning storms are crazy. Sucks that the house burned down, but what can you expect when you underestimate the fury of a storm brewing...
>>
>>2643228
>Summon a bunch of illusions, then turn invisible and sneak out of the maze
At least get a greater advantage before using the power move
>>
>>2643236
>>2643238
Two for feeling the storm
>>2643248
>>2643259
Two for illusion sneaky time

I'll need more votes/a tiebreaker.
>>
>>2643256
These are a bunch of high-level mages, they're gonna be able to tell the difference between our storm and the regular one, and know that we can conjure one, so they know we have that power.
>>
>>2643228
>>Summon the Storm of Aran!
>>
>>2643266
>illusion sneaky time
>>
>>2643269
I was thinking our storm would push out this one, which would allow us to teleport out.
>>
>>2643276
Not a bad idea, i guess we'll see how it plays out
>>
>>2643269
Or that this storm just got out of control with the mix of magic. Even if they deduced that we could conjure one, they don't know how many times we could do so? Besides, the lost of their manor would weaken their resolve and place in society.
>>
>>2643236
>>2643238
>>2643270
Storm
>>2643248
>>2643259
>>2643274
Illusions

Still tied. I'll give it another minute or two before we do a combo.
>>
>>2643295
Combo actually sounds kinda cool
>>
>>2643228
>Summon the Storm of Aran!
>>
>>2643295
Hyst combo it.
>>
>>2643236
>>2643238
>>2643248
>>2643259
>>2643270
>>2643274
>>2643299
>>2643301
>>2643303

"Oh, I must admit, I've been waiting for a chance to pull this one out," you mutter, rubbing your burnt arm. Raising both of your hands to the sky, you feel a tremendous power building up within you. For a while now you have possessed this spell but never used it; now for the first time you channel the energy of the Storm of Aran. You raise your hands up to the sky and a beam of lightning issues form from your palms, surging up into the clouds. There, within that already tempestuous maelstrom, your storm begins to take place.

With wide and amazed eyes you look upon the formation of a storm within a storm. A great cyclone begins to grow as your storm merges with Mordrax's, the powers of apprentice and master combining into a destructive force unlike any you have ever witnessed and this land hasn't seen for generations. Your childhood home happens to be right in the center of it.

Winds pick up and become hazardous and the rain falls twice as hard. Soon, portions of the gardens are flooded and overflowing, and lightning now strikes almost every ten seconds; the it is as if the sky is alive and angry.

Tearing your eyes away from the incredible sight, you quicky begin to make your way through the gardens, casting several illusions as you go. You disguise yourself as a hedge construct with an illusion, allowing you to stop at any moment and blend into the environment. With your arcane knife, you cut your way through the maze.

Your progess is halted when you hear the sound of a strange animal noises in the garden. You catch sight of some kind of creature, a demonic hound, bounding nearby. 'Jeaneus' demons...' You hear more of them, searching the maze and the gardens, howling the sniffing for you. The storm is keeping them from picking up your trail, and so you pause and consider your next move.

>Remain hidden
>Create a distraction and move
>Attack the demons by calling down lightning
>Search out Jeaneus and stop him
>Other
>>
>>2643348
>Create a distraction and move

Our succubus can play with it
>>
>>2643348
>>Attack the demons by calling down lightning
>>
>>2643348
>>Create a distraction and move
>>
>>2643348
>Remain hidden
>>
>>2643348
>>Create a distraction and move
>>
>>2643348
>Create a distraction and move
>>
>>2643356
>Create a distraction and move
we need to leave
>>
>>2643356
>>2643366
>>2643372
>>2643383
>>2643393

Manner of distraction?

>Summon Succubus
>Firework flare
>Rain down lightning upon the estate
>Summon servitors from Aran
>Other
>>
>>2643396
>Summon servitors from Aran
>>
>>2643396
>>Summon Succubus
>Summon servitors from Aran
>>
>>2643396
>>Summon servitors from Aran
>>
>>2643396
"nega-transportation storm"
maybe we can't sumone no one
>Rain down lightning upon the estate
>>
>>2643396
oh shit he's right >>2643409
I'll support
>Rain down lightning upon the estate
>>
>>2643409
this is sound.
changing >>2643406
to >>2643409
>>
>>2643409
>>2643422
>>2643432

'I'm willing to bet that Jeaneus' demons were already summoned before the storm happened,' you reason. 'Probably kept underneath the grounds...' You raise your hands once more to the sky. 'Let's draw their attention elsewhere!'

You concentrate on your half of the raging storm, and pour lightning down upon the estate. You strike it again and again and again, blasting the roof and sides of the mansion. Windows shatter, fires are started and the demons are successfully drawn away. With a smile, you take off towards the edge of the estate.

As you make your way through the maze, you hear a strange buzzing noise. As you turn around, you see some kind of metal orb flying in your direction, and before you know what it even is, it splits open to reveal a series of small chains and smaller orbs that begin spinning in the air. Your eyes widen as you realize that it means, but it is already too late; the animated bolas make contact with your legs and wrap around your ankles, causing you to trip and fall face-first into the mud.

When you pick yourself up, you see two figures approaching you: Lambert and Jeaneus. Lambert is holding another identical orb.

"Magic-seeking," he says. "Very nifty device."

"Lambert... release me."

A look of regret paints his face. "I'm sorry, sister. I can't do that."

Jeaneus snaps a finger and one of his demonic hounds, a four-legged skinless beast with no face other than round, toothy maw with a long tongue, begins to approach you. "This will be over quickly," he says to you. "Even moreso if you don't fight it."

>Current Health: 55%
>Shadow Points: 3

>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>2643451
>Lightning on Jeaneus and the demon hound
>>
>>2643451
>use our cloak and phase through the bolas, then cast tentacles
>>
Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>2643451
>Lightning on Jeaneus and the demon hound
>>
Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>2643462
and a roll
>>
Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>2643451
>>2643462
This seems like a good idea
>>
>>2643462
this is better
>>
Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>2643451
Greater object creation a knife made of mithril, cut the bolas and throw it at the dog
>>
File: 13 Blood Demon.jpg (134 KB, 640x965)
134 KB
134 KB JPG
>>2643458
>>2643464

Raising your hand, you call down a bolt of lightning between yourself, Jeaneus and his demon-dog, forcing them backwards. A stray strand of lightning hits your brother in his chest, sending him onto his back in the water.

>>2643462
>>2643465
>>2643466

Using your cloak, you phase through the metal chains wrapped around your legs, then stand up. You cast a spell of grasping tentacles behind Lambert, commanding them to shoot up and wrap around his limbs.

In response, Lambert snaps his fingers and activates a defensive mechanism on his clothes, generating an electrical surge that fries the tentacles. Protected from his own spell, the electricity passes through the water and ends up shocking you as well. You shout in pain and fall backwards.

>Health: 45%

>>2643497

As you get up, you look over and see the demon charging at you. You quickly cast one of your newest spells and create a large knife that sticks out of the ground, right in its path -- the demon charges right into it, impaling itself upon the blade, whereupon it begins to dissolve.

Jeaneus, in response, takes out a knife and a rod, pointing them both at you. He slices along his arm and the rod glows; a demon contained within his body is let loose, a creature of blood that quickly grows larger than a man. The blood demon dives from his arm into the water and begins swimming towards you!

Nearby, Lambert prepares some kind of contraption.

>Shadow Points: 3

>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>2643505
Wind elemental. Time to jet.
>>
Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>2643505
Glitter dust, then wind elemental form and run away
>>
Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>2643519
this
>>
Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>2643519
supporting
>>
>>2643512
>>2643519
>>2643526

You bring up your hands to cast a defensive spell, but the blood demon bursts out of the water in front of you, slamming its full body into yours and knocking you back. The sheer force of the attack nearly knocks the wind out of your lungs as it slithers past your body, pulling you down into the water and holding your head beneath the surface with its amorphous grip.

>Health: 35%

>>2643563

You keep from panicking and phase through the ground, then back up to the surface. You raise your hands and cast your glitterdust spell, blinding both Lambert and Jeaneus. You then activate your wind elemental form and take to the sky, using its natural powers to control the wind around you and avoid being swept away in the tempest.

Wasting no time, you head for the edge of the property, soaring as fast as you can, but you are far from finished. You catch a brief glimpse of flashing metal before you realize that someone is leaping up after you! You turn in the air, barely avoiding a deadly strike from your brother Aldric's sword. He falls back, stops, and then soars after you.

"Oh, you can fly as well," you deadpan. "Perfect."

"Yes, I am," he says with an arrogant grin. With his other hand, he casts a spell of speed upon himself, and he quickly closes the gap between the two of you, prepared to strike again! He dashes alongside you and swings, his enchanted blade bouncing off of your protective aura. He swings again and again, whittling away at the defense.

"You don't know how much I'm going to enjoy gutting you," he says. "About time we thinned the family tree!"

Turning in the air, he slashes across your back, his glowing sword scraping against the aura -- which is nearly depleted. Every maneuver you take, he is there, dashing in front of you to attack! "There's no running from me!"

>Shadow Points: 3
>1d100 and an action!
>>
Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>2643593
Call the raven spirit again to run interference. Spend a shadow point to momentarily empower the spirit if we have to.
>>
Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>2643593
Swarm of insects. He can't fly and attack and deal with the bugs at the same time
>>
Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>2643593
Cast Shield
Redirect lightning on Aldric, "Smart move, bringing a lightning rod to the fight."
>>
>>2643597
>>2643627

"Spirit! Get him!"

You open your arms wide as you cast your swarm of insects spell; simmultaneously, the ravens of your subservient spirit soar out towards him. Aldric slices through several birds, with rapid slices, but the combination of avian and insect assault causes him to stop in the air and lose track of you.

>>2643650

Now that he has stopped moving, he makes a perfect target for lightning. You cast a shield upon yourself and then call the lightning down on him. It strikes him and Aldric immediately falls from the sky, plummeting towards the estate grounds. You take only a brief moment of satisfaction before taking off.

As you soar away from the estate, you notice something curious. A carriage is racing away from the grounds, likely evacuating from the burning building. You focus on it, and in doing so, you pick up a voice from within the carriage with your enhanced hearing.

"What's going on? Are they going to kill her?" Edgar's voice.

"Quiet. Driver! Hurry!" His mother.

>Ignore them, make for the edge of the storm
>Fly down and rescue Edgar from his family
>Disable the carriage as a distraction
>Destroy the carriage and its occupants
>Other
>>
>>2643663
Fly down and enter the carriage. Maybe our good-sister would be more amenable. For her son's sake more than anything
>>
>>2643663
>Other
What >>2643669 said. Use the carraige as our escape avenue. Give Edgar a quick "see? I told you things were messed up" rant.
>>
>>2643663
>Disable the carriage as a distraction
>>
>>2643669
Thirding.
>>
>>2643669
>>2643678
>>2643679

'Perhaps this is my way out.'

You soar down to the carriage, rip open its door and float inside. Sophie lets out a scream as you sit next to her, across from Edgar, in the lavish interior. "Get out!"

"Calm down," you tell her, wiping wet hair out of your face. "You're going to give me a ride to the edge of the storm."

Sophie takes out a knife and points it at you. "You're going to get us killed! I don't want anything to do with your family's grudge match!"

"Hey, it's your family too, sister." You look over at Edgar, who is afraid and sitting back. "Don't be scared, nephew. I might look green but I'm nice on the inside."

"Get out!" Sophie screams, threatening you with the knife. She tries to stab at you, but it bounces off your shield spell, knocked out of her hands.

As she struggles, the carriage comes to a stop. Everyone inside pauses. "Driver, driver!" Sophie cries. When there is no response, she then attempts to get out of the carriage, leaving her son behind.

"Mommy!" he cries, reaching for her and stumbling. You catch him and keep him from falling.

"How quickly family abandons you, eh?" you say to him, offering him your hand. "Don't worry. I won't."

From outside, you hear a booming voice. Your father's. "Come out, Sirena. There isn't anywhere left to hide."

With Edgar's hand in your own, you step out of the carriage. Your family is here, half-surrounding the carriage, all standing out in the rain, half of them covered in mud. The sight is amusing, in a way. "Mother, you've ruined your dress." She doesn't say anything, merely standing next to Aldric, whose outfit is charred and his hair a mess.

You look at your father, holding Edgar behind you. Standing as still as a statue while the rain pours down upon him, he calls out, "Let the boy go, Sirena."

>Let him go
>Use him as leverage to escape; you'll let him go once you are clear
>Threaten his life
>He's coming with me.
>Other
>>
>>2643731
>Use him as leverage to escape; you'll let him go once you are clear
What, I don't get to bond with my nephew even a little? He'll get to experience what it feels like to be taken advantage of, even if just for a few seconds, so it doesn't happen to him again. Given the last couple months, I'd say it's definitely a lesson worth teaching. Besides, at least SOMEONE around her is willing to listen to me.
>>
>>2643731
>Use him as leverage to escape; you'll let him go once you are clear

I have a inkling they may not care though.
>>
>>2643731
>He's coming with me.
"And don't you dare call me that. The lick spittle lackeys of my enemy Mordrax will address me as the Witch Queen"
>>
>>2643758
He's the eldest son's only child - a boy - and Imon's direct grandson. They'd never touch him.
>>
>>2643731
>>Use him as leverage to escape; you'll let him go once you are clear
>>
>>2643764
actually support this.
change from >>2643778
>>
>>2643784
Kidnapping our nephew is only going to make things worse for us. They'll step up the manhunt moreso than they already will.
>>
>>2643758
>>2643757

Im inclined to agree with this >>2643790

Third.

We could always come visit him and influence him later.
>>
>>2643757
>>2643758
>>2643778
>>2643784
>>2643764

You bring him in front of you and run a hand through his hair. "Aw, I don't get to bond with my nephew? He's the only member of my family that hasn't betrayed me."

Imon shakes his head. "You've done this to yourself."

At that, you let out a single, loud laugh. "I did this? I think not! Mordrax did this. He said there are two sides of the coin, and he was right: my side or his. And much like anyone who isn't on his side is his enemy, if you are on his side, then you are my enemy."

Aldric steps forward. "Release my son, you witch!"

"Witch Queen!" you proudly declare.

Your father speaks in his usual strict tone. "Sirena--"

"No! Don't you dare call me that. The lickspittle lackeys of my enemy Mordrax will address me as the Witch Queen! I am greater than any of you. Even you, father!" You raise your hand and bring down several more bolts of lightning upon your childhood home, caving in a large section of its roof. "This is a fraction of my power! You've lost your chance to kill me, and you'll never lure me in again."

In front of you, Edgar begins to cry. You kneel down next to him. "Shh, there, there... It'll be over soon, I promise. Don't be afraid." You stand back up and say, "Edgar is going to accompany me to the edge of the storm. Once I am safely out, I'll release him."

Aldric, his eyes glowing blue, speaks up. "That's not going to happen."

"Then we are at an impasse."

Aldric rubs his chin, then spits. "You're right about one thing, Sirena. Edgar is the one who hasn't hurt you... and I don't think you'll hurt him!" Tired of waiting, he charges forward. Edgar, still in front of you, shouts and raises his hands.

A loud ringing of steel against steel is heard, and Aldric is knocked backwards with sudden concussive force. You open your eyes and look on, seeing a dark hooded figure standing in front of you. The Witch Hunter. He turns, his ruggedly handsome face looking at you over his shoulder with a smile. "Sirena. You look a little green around the edges."

"Who are you?" your father demands of him.

His only response is to turn forward and cast a blinding spell at them. Everyone except your father is affected by it, falling back. Imon strides foward and the Witch Hunter strikes, brazenly attempting to chop off your father's head. The blade hits his neck and stays there, not cutting through the flesh, as though it had just struck a metal statue.

"Oh. That's interesting."

Your father raises a hand and blasts him backwards with a powerful arcane spell, causing him to fly backwards into you and Edgar. As the three of you come to a stop, he grunts, "He's a strong one, eh?"

"Do you have a plan?" you ask him.

"I have horses nearby... We can use them to get out of here."

You grab onto him and prepare to use your cloak to phase through the ground.

>You and the Witch Hunter escape
>You and Edgar escape
>You, Witch Hunter and Edgar escape
>Find another way
>Other
>>
>>2643810
>You and the Witch Hunter escape
>>
>>2643810
>You, Witch Hunter and Edgar escape
>>
>>2643810
>You and the Witch Hunter escape
>>
>>2643817
>>2643829

You look at your nephew and whisper to him, "I'll be back, Edgar."

Taking hold of the Witch Hunter, you and he both phase through the ground. Knowing that you only have a precious few minutes to use it, and that you cannot move quickly through the solid earth, you allow him to guide your path. The two of you surface on the opposite side of the estate, where he has a pair of summoned steeds of unnatural quickness.

You and he mount up and ride them north, speeding towards the edge of the storm and into the night. You look back only once to behold your childhood home, currently being battered by the storm and on fire, and smile. When you look forward, you never look back again.

>=============

I'll call it there for this thread, folks. Thank you very much for playing! This was one hell of a thread, if I do say so myself.

We'll pick it up next time with making our way up north with the Witch Hunter, but first, let's talk about a milestone!

>Reuniting with your family, Mordrax, and facing them down

Quite the achievement. So let's pick a category.

Abjuration
Conjuration
Divination
Enchantment
Thralldom
Evocation
Illusion
Holy
Necromancy
Transmutation
Restoration
Elementalism
Shamanism
Druidry
Alchemy
>>
>>2643873
>Holy
>>
>>2643873
Restoration
>>
Thread archived!

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?searchall=evil+sorceress
>>
>>2643873
Holy
>>
If anyone is curious, this is the track record of our previous milestones.

1: Thralldom
2: Divination
3: Elementalism
4: Thralldom
5: Abjuration
6: Necromancy
7: Elementalism
>>
>>2643873
>Holy
>>
>>2643879
>>2643893
>>2643902

We've never had Holy, so let's give it a shot.

>Two additional spells in Holy (starting spells already acquired)
>Enhanced form of current Holy power (Selected afterwards)
>Minor increased chance of success with all Holy spells
>Gain a SHADOW varient on an existing Holy spell
>Blessing from Shelandroth, Goddess of Seduction, Manipulation and Lust
>Blessing from Vindis, God of Hatred, Poison and Vengeance
>Blessing from Remor, God of Necromancy, Undeath and Resurrection
>Blessing from Cermine, Goddess of Deception, Corruption and Trickery
>Blessing from Mastimia, Goddess of Greed, Wealth and Luxury
>Blessing from Magnuria, Goddess of Hedonism, Wine and Revelry
>Blessing from Sycroph, God of Cunning, Planning and Change
>Blessing from Fimbir, God of Pain, Murder and Wrath
>Witch Queen Power: Heed Prayer (Passive Ability: This grants Sirena the power to listen to those who pray to her and deify her as the Witch Queen of Aran. She will be able to listen to, and gain knowledge of, those who make the prayer, including their name, location and state of mind.)
>>
>>2643917
>Blessing from Cermine, Goddess of Deception, Corruption and Trickery
>>
File: 1492577654346.gif (352 KB, 461x338)
352 KB
352 KB GIF
>>2643917
>Witch Queen Power: Heed Prayer (Passive Ability: This grants Sirena the power to listen to those who pray to her and deify her as the Witch Queen of Aran. She will be able to listen to, and gain knowledge of, those who make the prayer, including their name, location and state of mind.)

>Would you like to become an honest-to-goodness goddess?
>>
>>2643917
>>Witch Queen Power: Heed Prayer (Passive Ability: This grants Sirena the power to listen to those who pray to her and deify her as the Witch Queen of Aran. She will be able to listen to, and gain knowledge of, those who make the prayer, including their name, location and state of mind.)
>>
Quick question about that witch queen power:
Are we the only one answering the phone or will Faye be answering these prayers as well?
>>
>>2643932
We don't seem to get the ability to answer the phone at all. just listen in.
>>
>>2643932
>>2643939
>We don't seem to get the ability to answer the phone at all. just listen in.
I should have specified, but in receiving knowledge of the person who is praying to us we are then therefore able to communicate with them through our normal natural means with other spells and abilities that we have been using.

As for actually granting prayers, we still can only act within the means of our abilities; as we are not yet a full God incapable of performing miracles, all we can do is do whatever we can with our spells and resources.
>>
>>2643939
I believe we are able to directly commune with anyone in Aran or who otherwise deifies the Witch Queen. Remember that the path to apotheosis is to get more people to profess themselves to you, and to do that, you spread the gospel, and to do that, you answer prayers.

Sirena will be able to subtly expand her power base and her connections just by answering house calls.
>>
>>2643917
What does the blessing of a god do?
>>
>>2643947
Well i figured that we wouldnt have god powers. What i'm asking is if Faye hears these prayers as well
>>
>>2643955
It can do a few things. We could gain a new power or a potential servant who also serves that god, and it might have story related things for any future interactions related to that god.
>>
>>2643958
>is if Faye hears these prayers as well
As the other bearer of the mantle, I imagine she would. Whether or not she would choose to listen to them is another matter entirely.
>>
>>2643964
Then i stick with my previous vote >>2643918
>>
>>2643963
thank you, then i will like some Blessing for any god
but preferably the >Blessing from Fimbir, God of Pain, Murder and Wrath
>>
Tell you what, we can get the prayer power and a blessing from another deity from those listed just because we've been a very good little girl.

So vote for which deity you like the most from those listed.
>>
>>2643984
>>Blessing from Sycroph, God of Cunning, Planning and Change
>>
>>2643984
>Blessing from Sycroph, God of Cunning, Planning and Change
Sirena plays the long con. It keeps her safe, and it makes sure her plans are sound and less likely to fail. They take time to pull off, but when they pay off, they pay off BIG.
>>
>>2643984
>Blessing from Cermine, Goddess of Deception, Corruption and Trickery
>>
>>2643984
>Blessing from Fimbir, God of Pain, Murder and Wrath
>>
I will let the vote to sit for a little while longer because I'm going to bed. Feel free to jump in with a vote of your own before I return tomorrow.

Once more thank you all for playing, I had a wonderful time running this thread and you guys make it all worth it.
>>
>>2643999
Love this quest! Thanks for running as always
>>
>>2643999
Thank you for running
>>
>>2643917
>>Blessing from Cermine, Goddess of Deception, Corruption and Trickery
>>
>>2643873
> You look back only once to behold your childhood home, currently being battered by the storm and on fire, and smile.

Oh you all talk shit about me wanting to use grease as a fire causing spell, but I knew it would come to this anyways.

Lambert is a bitch. That's okay, we can gank him later. He DID try to help us after all.

I wonder if Francis can work with our Storm of Aran ability to recreate the anti-teleportation storm.

> >Witch Queen Power: Heed Prayer (Passive Ability: This grants Sirena the power to listen to those who pray to her and deify her as the Witch Queen of Aran. She will be able to listen to, and gain knowledge of, those who make the prayer, including their name, location and state of mind.)

Useful for our many minions to contact us.
>>
>>2643999
Also the upside is that they won't know about our other minions since we didn't have them come, apparently Aran is a spoopy mystery so they shouldn't know about our actual forces especially the new ones either, and having the Witch Hunter come help us will confuse the fuck out of anyone who IS well aware of our situation.

Also someone sold us put as the Witch Queen but it appears they don't know about Faye.

We should start using our Illusory Double to fake having Faye around and make it look like we're pretending to be two people.
>>
>tfw we didnt save Edgar.
>>
>Witch Queen Power: Heed Prayer (Passive Ability: This grants Sirena the power to listen to those who pray to her and deify her as the Witch Queen of Aran. She will be able to listen to, and gain knowledge of, those who make the prayer, including their name, location and state of mind.)
>>
>>2643917
>>Blessing from Cermine, Goddess of Deception, Corruption and Trickery
>>
>>2643917
>>Witch Queen Power: Heed Prayer (Passive Ability: This grants Sirena the power to listen to those who pray to her and deify her as the Witch Queen of Aran. She will be able to listen to, and gain knowledge of, those who make the prayer, including their name, location and state of mind.)
>>
>>2643917
>>Witch Queen Power: Heed Prayer (Passive Ability: This grants Sirena the power to listen to those who pray to her and deify her as the Witch Queen of Aran. She will be able to listen to, and gain knowledge of, those who make the prayer, including their name, location and state of mind.)
>>
>>2644188
>>2644259
Guys, we get that AND a blessing, as stated >>2643984
>>
>>2643917
>Blessing from Remor, God of Necromancy, Undeath and Resurrection

Ayy, it doesn't have to be all about undead. We be like a Phoenix. Just gotta transition Ben's hate from the Undead towards Necromancers that abuse them.

Imagine giving virtuous soldiers the chance to fight once more to protect their Nation and families.

To be able to persust past death to achieve meaning in life.

To fall, but not forever, and to come back to those you love and sustain what you started until you can go peacefully into a final rest.
>>
>>2643917
I'll throw in with

>Blessing from Sycroph, God of Cunning, Planning and Change

Though if it prevents a tie.
>>
>>2643917
>Blessing from Sycroph, God of Cunning, Planning and Change
>>
>>2643987
>>2643988
>>2644301
>>2644302
>Sycroph

>>2644023
>>2644223
>>2643989
>Cermine

>>2643991
>Fimbir

>>2644300
>Remor

That's the current count. I'll give it until I get home from work in the evening to allow others to vote.

Remember, we are getting the prayer power by default, like >>2644281 said, so feel free to vote for one of the following:

>Blessing from Shelandroth, Goddess of Seduction, Manipulation and Lust
>Blessing from Vindis, God of Hatred, Poison and Vengeance
>Blessing from Remor, God of Necromancy, Undeath and Resurrection
>Blessing from Cermine, Goddess of Deception, Corruption and Trickery
>Blessing from Mastimia, Goddess of Greed, Wealth and Luxury
>Blessing from Magnuria, Goddess of Hedonism, Wine and Revelry
>Blessing from Sycroph, God of Cunning, Planning and Change
>Blessing from Fimbir, God of Pain, Murder and Wrath

So far Sycroph is in the lead.
>>
>>2644345
Change to
>Blessing from Cermine, Goddess of Deception, Corruption and Trickery
>>
>Meanwhile, about fifteen or so minutes earlier at Redford Tower...

On a table, two half-empty glasses of wine sit forgotten alongside a candle nearly burnt down to the base. On the floor, a tight-fitting leather bodice with matching thigh-high leggings and long gloves are discarded about, one hanging on the back of a chair, and another draped across a hastily-discarded set of steel chest plating. Gauntlets, greaves, boots and a set of undercloth are similarly scattered about the dimly-lit room. And on the bed that all of these articles of clothing and armor surround, two figures writhe beneath the sheets, their forms covered in sweat, raining kisses upon each other's flesh.

Amanda is the one on top, and she pins Faye whilst vigorously working her fingers between the white-haired beauty's legs. The sorceress lets out a cry that is quickly silenced by the passionate paladin's kiss; after all, they don't want to wake up anyone else in the tower. Their breasts press against each other, rubbing and teasing as their chests heave with lustful energy, their hearts pounding and blood racing. As her tongue brushes against the roof of her lover's mouth, Faye's fingers scrape against Amanda's strong back, feeling scars from battles past that mark her skin. Amanda similarly explores Faye's flawless, unmarred skin, delighting in its pale perfection.

The two women positively burn for each other, their lust rapidly growing into a flaming passion. Their first sexual encounter had been one of dominance and submission, but this one was much more tender and equal, born out of a growing fondness that both have for the other. Tongues twist and dance as their eyes glaze over, staring into each other as they make love, truly connecting on a deeper level than merely the physical. As the paladin skillfully uses her fingers to play Faye like an instrument, one of her fingers drifts further down, probing gently at her --

Suddenly, Faye's eyes go wide and she sits up, nearly giving Amanda a head-butt and pushing her back. She blinks several times and seems to stare at nothing as the paladin stops. "What? Is something wrong?" she whispers.

"I just... felt something funny."

"I should certainly hope so," the blonde woman jokes, but Faye shakes her head.

"No, not that. I felt..." She brings a hand up to her head. It was the twin teleportation effect, wasn't it? But Sirena isn't here... Maybe she was just imagining things? Or what if something wrong was happening?

Amanda puts a hand on her arm. "Is everything alright?"

After a moment, Faye nods. "Yes, everything's fine. It was nothing." She wraps her arms around Amanda's neck and smiles, pulling her into another deep kiss as their bodies resume moving against each other and soft, pleasurable moans fill the room once more.

Even if Sirena was in trouble, Faye reasoned, she could handle it herself.
>>
>>2644498
That will tie it up, so I suppose we'll just go ahead and get a blessing from both. We'll decide what that is in a little while after I get home.
>>
Just finished reading the Krom lewds. That was enjoyable.
>>
>>2644553
next thread when ?
>>
>>2644599
Which reminds me, I'll be finishing up another lewd later tonight. You can read them all here.

https://pastebin.com/u/Damashi

And if you want to participate in writing the lewds by voting for choices just like in the quest, they are all written in the Sweatshop in our quest's discord.

https://discord.gg/HBz5u9v

>>2644608

It'll be about two weeks, sorry to say; busy weekend coming up.
>>
>>2644821
That new smutbin is complete.
https://pastebin.com/GGNZMJve
>>
>>2644345
>Blessing from Sycroph, God of Cunning, Planning and Change
>>
>>2644345
>>Blessing from Sycroph, God of Cunning, Planning and Change
>>
File: Spoiler Image (49 KB, 580x603)
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49 KB PNG
New bin complete!
https://pastebin.com/DMZBTS3Q
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>>2666660
>all those 6s

love that pic lol cant wait to read bin
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>>2667452
A new thread is live!




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