[1/3]

Right now you’re busy drawing with the new inks that Daddy bought you earlier that day. There’s more colours than you originally expected! There’s Red, Green, Blue, but even colours like purple and yellow! Best yet he even allowed you permission to use them! You’ve mainly been messing around with some scribbles just to see the colours, but for the past few hours you’ve been hard at work with your picture that you want to show to your parents!

“Whadda makin’ there Brook?” Daddy asks as he leans over your shoulder.

“No! It’s a surprise!” you say trying to cover your picture.

“Careful! You don’t want to smudge the picture now do you?” you father warns you.

“Ah... OH NO!” you say in a panic. All those straight lines you drew are going to be all smeared all over the painting.

“Oh don’t worry about that! There’s barely any smearing on the painting at all.” Your Father says patting you on the head. “Now come on, it’s bedtime.”

“Aaawwww! But I want to finish the painting!” you protest.

Your Father smiles and he reaches down and picks you up, his goatee tickling you on the cheek as he gives you a quick peck. “And I’m sure it’d be a MARVELOUS picture, one that I’ll hang over the study fireplace to remind me of you for all of those boring nights, but we need to make the ink dry first right?”

“Y-yea...” you reply.

[2/3]

“See? Tomorrow is a new beginning after all.” your father says as he puts you down.

“Only if you tell me a story!” you protest.

Your father gives a small chuckle as he pats you on the head. “Of course!”

“FRANK! Are you almost done with Brooklyn!?” you hear Mommy call out downstairs.

“Putting him to bed now Marina!” your father yells down in response as he climbs the stairs.

Since you are already in your pajamas, you skip right to the fun part of bed. Running over to the bed and jumping onto it to see how high you can bounce on top of it!

“OK Brook! Settle down settle down!” your father laughs as he lights the lantern to your room.

“Story Story!” you protest.

“My you’re one demanding six year old aren’t you?” your father asks as he pulls the covers up to your head. “Alright, one quick, but important story from something that I am studying myself.”

“...Is it going to be something full of long and confusing words?” you ask. Just looking at the books your father reads is enough to make your head spin.

“Oh no, this is a simple one believe me.” your father says as he pats your head. “The tale goes like this... There are warriors who have wings made of magic. They’re about to take off for the last battle that determines the fate of the universe. These warriors will never give up, because they have tenacious and strong hearts that are filled with great love. They are ready to sacrifice their very lives, to blaze a new trail for the future. One filled with hopes... and dreams...”

“Do the warriors make it Daddy?” you ask.

[3/3]

Your father appears lost in thought for a moment, before coming back to reality and looking down at you with a smile. “That’s what I’m still trying to find out. But I like to think that they did.”

“Then I’m going to be one of those warriors! Become not only a famous adventurer, but the most famous adventurer!” you reply to him.

“But even the mightiest adventurer needs his rest, which will include you, ‘future adventurer.’ Goodnight Brooklyn.” your Father says kissing the brow of your head.

“Goodnight Daddy.” you say in response as you slowly begin to drift off to sleep.

******

“Brooklyn! Brooklyn wake up!” you can hear Ada’s voice nagging at you.

“What? What!? I’m up I’m up...” you grumble to Ada as you rise up out of the sheet.

“You were sleeping like a log! Mumbling in your sleep. Were you having a nightmare?” Ada asks as she remains next your bed in her urchin clothes.

...That dream... A flashback...

>>27418987
Must Tea. Why Ada talking?

>>27418987
"No, no. Just a...memory."

>>27418987

"Just a dream, about simpler times... I need some tea."

“N-No... Just a memory.” you say getting up out of your bed, rubbing your forehead. “Any progress on the note Ada?”

“Yes. I managed to find a good forger for the letter you wished to give her.” Ada says pulling a piece of sealed parchment out of her carrying bag. “Might I remind of the punishment that Mary will give you i-”

“If she finds out. Yadda yadda I know of the risks. It needs to be done anyways.” you say putting some water onto the stove.

There is then a knock on your door. You walk over to the door, looking down to see that it is Uilosdir.

“Back from the market I see?” you ask him.

“Sorry! Troy was caught stealing something and spent most of my morning running... I did however manage to complete the map that you requested though.” Uilosdir says, still sounding a bit out of breath as he enters the room.

“So the map will outline all the places where there are demonic detection shrines?” you ask him.

“Yes. Getting near these means that they’ll have a shot to detect what you are, even if your aetheric signature is that of a human. Just be warned these are only the locations where I think there are statues. My friends and I only did this for idle curiosity, and I’m not 100% certain on where all the locator features are.” Uilodsir tells you. “B-But please Lady Brooklyn! Let me go in your steed! I-It’d be very bad if anything so happened to you, and I don’t see a reason why you’d want to go in there yourself!”

(The letter to Mary is written. You can still decide what is on it though)

>>27419409
Excellent, thanks, Uilosdir.

So, uh, I'm not sure what we want to do now.

>>27419409
The letter should be short very short, the less information that we have to give out about the queens the better, but enough that she get the drive to track us down for it, id rather explain the details in person, all that coming to mind it something along the lines of "Mother wants a word." preferably id want to change Mother to We if the seal would be enough information that it's related to her mom.

We are sending it to her Laminian daughter right?

>>27419550

Yup. The only thing that wasn't decided on is how to actually deliver it to her.

>>27419618
throw it at her

>>27419618

Here is an idea, it would require a substantial amount of data collection and planning, but theoretically would be untraceable... ish...

Find out what kind of literature she is currently taken with, work out which book she would pick next, then slip the note into the book before she goes to get it...


>>27419659
would be quickest, but would also get the shit kicked out of us...


alternatively, we could just do what Ada suggested and pay another Lamian to deliver it...

>>27419618
The less person that sees it the better we are off. I'd say either drop it of to a librarian or maybe go adventuring with Ulso and co to grab the attention of the other sister.

>>27419758
Why not use the Question Fate ritual then? Ask what the next book she'll borrow will be and when.

“Thanks Uilodsir. I owe you one for this.” you reply back to him.

“Just please don’t do something wreckless!” Uilodsir says almost begging you.

“Oh please. Being reckless is part of the royal mage job description.” you say closing the door before turning back to Ada. “Now where were we?”

“Delivering the letter.” Ada replies.

“Ah yes, that.” you reply as you go over to take the kettle off of the stove.

“We’re going to need a plan for this Brooklyn. Thanks to Oksana’s additional input from before you went to bed, I managed to include a little bit about Mary’s first play she ever did. This is something that no one other than close family members should know about.” Ada tells you.

You summoned Oksana for Ada just before you went to bed to let them hammer out the letter details. “So it’s sure to work.”

“No, sure to get her attention. I set the location for the sewers area, some abandoned part that no one should really think to look around. The main question and concern now comes from how we wish to go about delivering the letter.” Ada replies.

“A bit tricky since the Pride Demons probably have spies on her all the time...” you mutter.

“Yes, they’ll most likely see anyone attempting to give her a letter. Trying to do a bathroom exchange is out, and I’d rather not get on the sour side of the Okarians by risking a break and enter.” Ada replies.

>>27419792

Question Fate really only handles the present and past, not the future. You could ask Fate what books Mary is reading now, but it wouldn't be able to answer what books she is going to read for certain in the future.

>>27419824
"You think your mentor has a back channel we could use?"

>>27419824
What if...

we put the letter in a book she's going to read?

“Does your mentor know of any back doors?” you ask.

“Yes, but she’s going to most likely going to want to know what the purpose of the meeting is.” Ada asks. “She’s an information dealer Brooklyn. She’s going to want to know what the purpose of the meeting is.”

“So she could just sell it to the Pride Demons...” you say giving a defeated sigh.

“Oh HEAVENS no! Perish the thought! Needless to the very implications of a hint regarding our... benefactors would be quite large indeed. I don’t think she’ll sell if, but she’ll probably want information on the Queen’s from you as well.”

“Are there any back entrances into the Library?” you ask.

“Oh yes. The Okarians have a sewer entrance. However they’re aware of the and often sent monsters down there to guard it against the Adventurers that always try to sneak into the library to ‘vanquish the Demon Baroness’. The monsters are quite easy at first but tend to get much harder as time goes on.” Ada says. “However they attack pretty much anyone on sight that isn’t one of their handlers.”

“What if we put a letter in the book she’s going to read?” you ask.

“That is a way. Even when her guards inspect it for dangerous magics, they’re going to notice the letter and give it to her. It’d probably be read by them, but her guards are probably loyal so I don’t doubt much there. Issue would be getting it into the book in the first place since she’s always surrounded by guards.” Ada says. “If you’re desperate, you could just ask an Okarian at the Library who knows time to use a Time spell to try and locate the book for a price.”

And because I was bored and discovered this program.

That isn't what Amanda looks like, mainly a placeholder.

File: 1380143231701.png-(146 KB, 1137x563, brooklynangry.png)

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>>27420160

Now with pic

>>27420145

Why do the monsters start easy and get stronger?

>>27420258
classic progression as you go deeper into a dungeon I assume

Wasn't the point of using the Subota seal that we could get a messenger imp to deliver it directly to her?

>>27420283
I thought we were going to use mind control seeing as both Ada and Amanda have those abilities

>>27420283

The Imps drop them off at the front counter.

You could cast a summon imp spell and have it delivered in the Library if you're willing to risk the casting of spells is illegal except in self-defense. The only place where spells are allowed to be free casted is the testing arena.

just a reminder that we haven't done any real training since Sand implemented the DP system, and that training will get us DP.

>>27420306

That was, just wanted to make sure if everyone agrees on this.

>>27420160
What was the thing's name? I wan5ed to get it at some point but forgor

>>27420430
Walfas. It's a program for making toohoos.

>>27420333
Could an imp be summoned in the arena and then be shuttled into the library?

>>27420468
Thanks.
>>27420430
Fucking tablet keyboard.

>>27420409
Speaking of training, is there a maximum range on our spells?
Because we have two people with incredibly accurate eyesight. We just point our fingers, girls get the angle right, and we can be sniping people from miles away.
God forbid we ever get our hands on a science-y long ranged catapult.

>>27420554
it's monitored, we're trying to not tip our hands too soon

>>27420554

Possible.

>>27420648

At the moment your darkness tentacles have a slightly longer range than your lasers. You can fire a fair distance, but compared to Sebastian you're no sniper.

>>27420333
The imps drop them off at the front counter, unless the letter has the Seal. That's why Oksana suggested forging it in the first place.
>“Yes, but all Imps are instructed to drop off notes at the front desk. I’d probably reach my daughters but only after they determine the letter doesn’t have a Fate trap.” Oksana says, before another light seems to go into her head. “...You could... Make a note with the Subota family seal. That would go directly to the girls.”

>>27420684
>At the moment.
I dunno about the rest of the thread, but I can't see any downside to improving our shit so we are the snipers.

>>27420648
>>27420715
right now I think our tentacles are long enough to shikabob a skyscraper from top to bottom

>>27420714

...Derp. My brain has been fizzing out over the paper I was doing >>.

Anything else you wish to do or do you want to summon the imp to deliver the letter and get this boat rolling?

>>27420882
Lets get this show on the road.

>>27420882
Let's do this.

(MINOR RETCON DUE TO ME BEING A RETARD BECAUSE OF PAPERS)

“I think everything is all set up. Just let me summon the Imp and we’ll get the letter sent off to the girls.” you tell Ada.

“Good luck is all I have to say Brooklyn. Remember that even if you are an Okarian, that won’t save you from an angered Demon Princess who will want to know how you got private information. My advice on the matter is to think fast.” Ada warns.

“...I’ll get the area set up before actually sending out the letter then.” you reply as you begin to put on your clothing.

“Good call.” Ada replies. “...By the way Brooklyn... Janine told me that you used to be male yes?”

You give out a large sigh as you hear this. “God damnit Janine, stop giving away private details... Yes I used to be a guy.”

“Oh no, don’t get me wrong. I don’t think ill of your situation. Quiet frankly even I would choose to be a Laminian willingly over the sweet embrace of death. What I wanted to know is... you seem to be taking this trasformation... rather well...”

“How so?” you ask Ada as you get your winter dress ready.

“Brooklyn. Nearly all of your clothing and dresses have frills and bows.” Ada the bluntly tells you.

Looking down, you can now realize that your bra and panties have a frill lace. Your undershirt has a complete frilly pattern, while this particular dress, having frills all over, also has several bows around it.

A) “They were made for me that way by my maid.”
B) “I like them.”
C) “I-I-I can stop anytime I want to!” (No you can’t)
D) Other

>>27421085
C) “I-I-I can stop anytime I want to!” (No you can’t)

>>27421085
>A) “They were made for me that way by my maid.”
We never actually choose clothes ourselves. Except that witch outfit we bought. But that doesn't count because frills were necessary for the theme.

>>27421085
A) "They were made for me that way by my maid."

>>27421085
"WHY DOES EVERYONE KEEP BRINGING THIS UP."

>>27420740
Amanda is not that big of a slut!

>>27421085
C) “I-I-I can stop anytime I want to!” (No you can’t)
they feel nice don't judge me

>>27421085
"I despaired, at first, you know. Then I realized it was all in vain. I might as well have fun, you know?"

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>>27421085
[x]C) “I-I-I can stop anytime I want to!” (No you can’t)

it just makes me feel pretty and things and I'm totally male and everything TRUST ME

>>27421085
"Most of my other clothes got turned to ash when my apartment was destroyed by a giant robot. So all my new clothes were made by my maid and to fit my position as the FEMALE court mage.

Besides, since I am in this position I may as well enjoy it. Frills and bows make me feel pretty.

Also being immortal, throwing around magic, and getting laid takes a lot of the sting out of my transformation."

>>27421234
I like this

>>27421085
>I like them

“I-I-I can stop anytime I want to!” you protest.

A large smirk can be seen across Ada’s face as she looks on at you. “Hmhm...”

“M-Most of my other clothes got turned to ash when my apartment was destroyed by a giant robot. So all my new clothes were made by my maid and to fit my position as the FEMALE court mage.” you tell Ada. “Besides, since I am in this position I may as well enjoy it. Frills and bows make me feel pretty.”

“As opposed to being handsome.” Ada says with her smirk.

“I didn’t have that many fancy clothes as a guy alright! Whatever the robot didn’t burn Mary-Anne did!” you say putting on your witches hat. “Also being immortal, throwing around magic, and getting laid takes a lot of the sting out of my transformation."

“Oh? So then how does having sexual intercourse as a male differ from that as a female?” Ada asks you, smirk on her face. “I was never male myself, but I’m pretty sure that you had a few flings as a male...”

You can feel the crossbow bolt going right through your heart on that one.

“I’m going now!” You say fuming out of the room.

“Good luck big, strong, manly big bro Brooklyn!” Ada says using her mock sister voice as you leave the trailer blushing red as a beat.

*****

Heading to the location in the sewers that Ada told you about, there is nothing really much to see here. Appearing to be a hub for the Old World high-speed underground metal carriages that sped through the area, which appears to have been abandoned even in the Old World.

You begin to think of what, if anything, you should do before you summon the Imp to deliver the letter to Mary, since you are under no time constraints at the moment.

>>27421085
>A) “They were made for me that way by my maid.”

>>27421423
>be flustered
>sulk
>realise you're sulking femininely and sulk gloomily further
>slap self out of it and get on with the job. Because people are counting on you, no matter what you look like.

>>27421423
Well what can we do? She's fucking strong. No amount of traps are going to let us fight her. She could probably follow down any escape route we set up. Prepare the communication ritual? Being able to call mommy quickly might be useful.

>>27421423

Firstly, set up some nice solidogram furniture, possibly conceal it using a solidogram 'camouflage net' to make the makeshift room appear to be a pile of rubble from the outside. We would also do well to set up a 'panic room' encase of uninvited guests...
setting up the ritual may be slightly too dangerous, especially if we have to get the hell outta dodge in a hurry, but so long as we have the components to hand, that should be fine...

As for what to do while waiting;
we can sulk in a corner covered in a blanket of darkness, ideally facing the direction of the entrance, if only so we can see if/when she arrives...

alternatively, we could play with a solidogram 'doll house' of Fort Hope....

>>27421085
>C) “I-I-I can stop anytime I want to!” (No you can’t)
FRILLS AND HATS MAKE FOR PROPER MAGICIANS

>Ada didn't know about male Brooklyn.
huh. I thought Ada knew? Didn't she memory wipe male Brooklyn before (because he cought her in an act), and we confronted her about it?
Maybe I am remembering wrong.

>>27421639

She did yes.

She used it as a conversation opener. Janine knows every facet of Brooklyn's life right up to the ritual. This isn't because Janine gets her jollies from reading Brooklyn's mind (That's part of it), but rather they wanted to know if Brooklyn would agree to the ritual and if he was trustworthy.

>>27421639
She knew about it.

She just wanted to rub it in how much Brooklyn's masculinity's crumbled and she didn't even notice.

“Oooohhh! Stupid Ada and her questioning my manh-” you stop your sulking once you realize that you are now, also sulking like a girl too.

Depressed, you drag a veil of shadow over your body and cover it while you summon then imp then await for Mary to arrive. While waiting, you do make the circle and proper setup for the Queen summoning ritual, so that if you need to do that in a hurry, it can be easily arranged.

Then the waiting begins. Hour upon hour passes by in the dark pit you’re in, all while you’re curled up with your book.

“Stupid hormones making me like stupid girly things...” you mutter yourself in the dark as you read your book.

You can feel a grasp upon your legs, nearly giving you a heart attack. You try to kick them out of the way, but now you can feel that they’ve literally sunk into the floor itself.

As your mind continues to be stricken with panic, what only makes matters worse is that out of the floor you can see a figure slowly rising out in front of you, a black silhouette with large wings and horns, seeming to tower over you while you remain on the floor in utter fear as her eyes with a literal fury of the storm can be seen boiling within her.

“You have 30 seconds to explain to me how you knew what my mother said to me backstage at my first school play or this place before I make this place akin to Amontillado’s cask.” the voice demands looking down at you.

Turning on your aura sight doesn’t do a thing, as her own aura appears to be completely invisible as she looks down at you.

“The first three seconds just passed.” the demonic figure then adds.

>>27421771
"It's easier if I just show you."

>>27421771
How DID we know what her mother said to her backstage at her first school play?

I may have missed a couple of threads.

>>27421870

Her mother told us.

>>27421771
"I know what she said to you because she told me."

>>27421771

"The person who gave me that information wants to speak with you... Don't shoot the messenger until you've got the message..."

>>27421906
"Without being snooped on, of course."

>>27421771
"Because I've talked to Oksana. She isn't dead. I figured you'd want to know. I had to get you here in a more roundabout fashion due to security concerns.

I have a communication ritual set up here if you want to talk to her."

>>27421771
"You have 27 seconds to reconsider before you're left forever curious, and then if you ask politely I will answer further questions."

>>27421771
"Because she told me, last night, she is also very happy that you and your siblings are all alive, but also pissed that her clan is bickering with the Miyians, Miyu is also angry at that.

>>27421771

"The Old World is calling. Will you answer it?"

She told me. I'm sure you've noticed that the communication ritual is somewhat moddified, that is necessary to contact her or her collegues.

>>27422040
>>27422118
Needlesly dickish

>>27422207
>Needlessly

There's no such thing, dickishness is always necessary.

[x] "Your mother is alive, and wanted to talk to you. I thought the past would be the best way to get your attention."

>>27422248
Yes, because antagonizing the person who's got our legs encased in solid darkness is a clever thing to do.

>>27422207
WE NEED TO MAKE UP FOR OUR LACK OF ONE iN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE THANKS TO NEWFOUND INSECURITY THANKS TO ADA

I see no need to antagonize the daughter of our Queen.

Go with Your Mother is alive and wishes to talk to you.

>>27422285
If she wants to play all mysterious and threatening, the least we can do is respond with flippancy.

>>27422293
let's make up for it in a way that does not kill us

>>27422314
She's not going to kill us. You're not meant to kill people of your own clan. That's why she threatened to seal us in so we can be trapped alone in a dank hole forever!

>>27422404
how dank? dat green mang.

[1/3]

“The person who wrote that wishes to speak with you.” you said quickly dropping your book and raising your hands, before making a small pointing motion with your hands. “If you want, I can get in touch with her via that communication ritual.”

As you say this a bolt of stone impacts next to your head as if it was shot out by a crossbow. “Lies. We’ve tried communication rituals for years. They don’t work.”

“That’s because I was taught a special, modified version of it. Go ahead and scan me if you want. I am strong, but you’re still in another league compared to me. I pose no threat to you, and what’s the worst thing that could happen while we’re out here? I contact a Pride Demon with the ritual? You know the demons here won’t touch you without a damn good excuse, and leaving your house to meet up with a stranger is the least of your concerns. Worse case senario, I waste your time and become the testing arena maid for the next month.” you tell her.

The figure looks down at you for a few seconds, finger still outstretched from the earlier shot. “...Alright, perform the ritual. However I so much as detect even a hint of hostile magics within it...”

“I’ll be dead before I can blink. I know.” you reply.

Upon saying this, you find that you’re easily able to move your legs out of the ground they sank into. You begin to redraw the circle under the watchful eye of Mary, who still appears to be utterly cloaked in some sort of darkness silhouette. This unnerves you a little bit, as one wrong move here and you’ll be instantly killed. Thankfully performing the ritual in of itself is rather easy, even while under a bit of pressure.

>>27422450
The proper definition of dank.

[2/3]

It’s only in the last bits of the ritual that Ada herself seems surprised by the last few words uttered inside of it. She seems to stare at the silhouette of demonic Oksana rising out, but the result of Oksana dispelling the darkness she is cloaked in only brings shock to the eyes of the girl that is behind you.

Without saying a word, you just merely point to where Mary is standing.

Oksana takes a deep breath before turning around. “It’s... It’s been a long time my daughter.”

“No... N-No... T-This isn’t possible!” Mary says dropping her cloaking, showing her to be dressed up in a simple black dress and braids. Losing her composure and Okarian tone of voice completely, she backs away into the corner. “T-This isn’t possible! You were killed in the underground bunker with the rest of the Queens! This has to be some sort of Envy Demon trick!”

Oksana just shakes her head. “I remember back during your first school play. The Christmas one where you were playing as the star in the sky. You were upset that you didn’t get the role of Mary. But it was only when you were backstage, pouting that I told you that you’d-”

“A-always be the brightest little star in my eyes...” Mary says along with Oksana, her own voice and breath trembling.

Oksana just gives a little nod herself, her own lips quivering and tears starting to come out of the corner of her eyes despite trying to remain composed.

“M-Mother...?” Mary asks, collapsing to her knees as she looks up to Oksana.

“Yes Mary. I-It’s your mother...” Oksana says with tears rolling down her cheeks.

Mary’s face becomes tighter and tighter before it finally cracks, an entire dam bursting loose as she begins to bawl in front of you. “M-MOM! MOM!” she says literally crawling towards the hologram.

[3/3]

“Yes Mary! It’s me! Your mother!” Oksana says throwing down her staff and doing her best to wrap her arms around Mary even though they’re etheral.

“MOM! MOM I MISSED YOU... WE ALL MISSED YOU!” Mary says crying loudly, letting herself get hugged by the ghost. “WE THOUGHT... ALL THESE YEARS...”

“I KNOW! I’M SORRY MARY! I’M SO... SO SORRY!” Oksana says crying back to her. “I WAS OUTVOTED ABOUT THE PLAN, BUT THERE HASN’T BEEN A SINGLE DAY WHERE I HAVEN’T BEEN WORRIED SICK ABOUT ALL OF YOU!”

“MMOOMMMMMYYY!” Mary says trying to hug the phantom, her own arms going through the hologram before she tries hugging them close to her chest.

Well this is certainly a sight. Mother and daughter reuniting at long last. Even you can’t help a tear coming to your own eye, and you can even feel a small section of your heart hoping that you too will be having a reunion with your father.

(What now?)

>>27422619

They have a considerable amount of catching up to do. the least we can do is keep watch to make sure that their reunion is uninterrupted.

Set up a solidogram wall and return to our book. we can get a debriefing after their tearful reunion...

>>27422619
How much time do we have with the spell? They need some time, and I don't want to be the dick that interrupts them, But if we're on a time limit...

>>27422689

20 minutes.

>>27422619
popcorn/tea. watch with tears of joy.

>>27422619
Make sure this place is blocked off, just so no one stumbles across it.

"Take your time, you have a lot to catch up on. We can talk in a bit."

Pull out our book, sit down again, and keep reading. Once they've spent time hugging and all that, give them a few minutes before we remind them of any time limit, we can talk some more, fill Mary in on what's going on, get her clandestine support for our plans. I think she'd be reasonably motivated for Fort Hope to be stronger economically and pretty much impossible to assault considering where the Queens are.

>>27422731
Ok, let's stay quiet for about ten minutes, then ask for a team huddle.

>>27422746
seconding.

>>27422675
She can probably cast the ritual herself now she knows the modified words. So much incense will be burned tonight...

>>27421423
Little sisters are shits

>>27422899
But Excel is actually cool.

>>27422942
Even when the are cool, they are shits.

>>27422899
seeing as she's something like 4 time our age little sister doesn't really work

>>27422040
>>27422118
>>27422310
See? No need for dickishness. Someone talking about your mother who you thought was dead? Not surprising she would be angry and upset.

Don't you feel like a dick now?

[1/2]

You only give a small sigh to yourself, letting the mother and daughter bask in the glow of the reunion. You summon up a soligram couch while waiting for both of them to finish up.

It takes them at least eight or so minutes before they’re both done crying. At this point both Oksana and Mary are sitting on the floor. Mary sitting in Oksana’s lap, or at least trying to.

“I... I can still hardly believe it...” Mary says wiping her eyes.

“Same could be said for me. I was so worried whenever you’d all still be alive or... broken to some demon to the point of destroying your personality.” Oksana replies.

“We’d all sooner die than have that happen to us mother.” Mary replies back to her.

“So Brooklyn tells me that the Library is still in one piece, is that correct?” Oksana asks.

“Who?” Mary asks.

You simply raise up your hand behind the book.

“Y-yes, in a way. During the attack on Toronto, the Library took the full bore of Greed Demon attacks. The combination of both the plague that Queen Miyu used and the Okarian Librarians and library Guard were able to hold off the Library. However we knew that we wouldn’t defend it forever, and we got the hint when a few Greed Demon Lord’s were beginning to prepare a ritual to literally incinerate the entire library. So we began a compromise of sorts. We... agreed to let Greed Demon’s have ownership of the library and help with their healing efforts in the aftermath of the plague, but in exchange it would still be administered by Okarians with approximately 95% of the books remaining intact within the library.” Mary replies.

“Great...” Oksana says sighing while rubbing the bridge of her nose. “Let me guess. They tore out everything remotely resembling technology.”

“Oh no the Okarian’s did that.” Mary replies.

[2/2]

“...That is worse...” Oksana says with a sigh once again.

“If it makes you feel any better, the Witches Guild was rabidly against such a thing. But what about you mother? You’ve been trapped in that prison for nearly 350 years?” Mary asks.

“Yes. The original plan was only 200, but something happened to the Demon Baroness who was supposed to break open the prison.” Oksana replies. “So pretty much for the last few centuries I’ve been attempting to stop Roselle and Carine from killing each other and trying to stop Purple from killing Lamia.”

“I do not pity you.” Mary replies.

“It’s... not a picnic. Let’s leave it at that.” Oksana says.

“What of this... Brooklyn fellow though? What is her relationship to you mother?” Mary asks.

>>27423179
Yes, that's the entire point, I still wish we had gone with the extra dickish option.

>>27423218

once again, thus far, we are but the hired help. If asked, we were dying and gave them booze....

>>27423218
"A month ago I was a human and litterally stumbled over their prison. I was turned into a Okerain Demon Lord with what aether they had left and basically became the queens frontman. Its a nice job, though it has its nerve wracking moments."

>>27423218
I don't really know. I want to see how Oksana answers that.

>>27423218
"It's a long story and not really that relevant. To put it shortly I was in the right place at the right time with a chunk of rebar through my chest. I owe Oksana and the others my life and I'm acting as their agent with the long-term goal of removing the Pride Demons from Earth.

It's not a bad job, though it's rather stressful at times.

I'm also the Court Magician of Fort Hope as part of this. I'm currently in the city to get some trade routes going, supply Fort Hope more, get resources to reinforce it, you get the idea."

>>27423218
"I'm just the hired help, a poor sap who got lucky and stumbled onto an old tomb."

>>27423360
This is basically accurate.

>>27423441
seconded

>>27423441
True.

[1/2]

"A few months ago I was a human and literally stumbled over their prison. I was turned into a Okerain Demon Lord with what aether they had left and basically became the queens frontman. Its a nice job, though it has its nerve wracking moments." you tell her.

“He was dying of a stab wound, and when he was dying her poured whiskey all over Purple’s statue.” Oksana also adds.

“...And she’s still alive?” Mary asks.

“Yes. The main reason she got away with it was because Purple also wants out more than anything.” Oksana replies, before seeming to stare off at the wall in front of her. “...How are my other daughters doing?”

“Good as the situations allow.” Mary replies. “Luna is...”

“Luna?” Oksana asks.

“Yes, that’s as close to an answer I can get. She usually contacts us one a month. Surprisingly she hasn’t claimed the title of Demon Queen of the Okarians yet.” Mary replies.

“That’s because she’s not completely retarded. As soon as she’d do such a thing, Valvotosa would hunt her down and crush her beneath the heel of his boot. He doesn’t want another Succubus Queen popping back up.” Oksana replies.

“I can see that yes. Wendy... has been rather stressed, and out of all of us she’s probably taken the biggest sacrifices of us three.” Mary replies.

“...Sacrifices?” Oksana asks. “Running the Library and the Okarian race is a pain yes, but it shouldn't be to the point of breaking.”

[2/2]

“There have been times close to it mother. Since the... incident we had with the Miyians a few centuries ago, they’ve been constantly on our necks. We tried to talk things over, but with how gung-ho they are, their leaders wouldn’t have anything of it. Officially, Wendy is the ruler of the Okarians, but there are many city Okarians in the streets who pay no respect to her or her commands. Believe me, we have our hands full just trying to hunt down books that Greed Demons constantly try to steal from us, either by theft or by bureaucratic might, adventurers constantly try to find a way into the library, the budget, the official matters of being the Okarian head, and... There’s the matter of the local Greed Demon Lord within the area...” Mary says.

“Greed Demon Lord?” Oksana asks, concern in her voice.

“He... likes his Succubi free range and wild. Until Wendy has agreed to ‘marry’ him, he has made a decree that she is forbidden to leave the library.” Mary says.

You can see a literal fire in Oksana’s eyes as she hears of this.

“Wendy is pretty much the silent role model Mom. She always prided herself on being your daughter, and she as given up nearly everything in order to keep the stability of the Library and the Okarian race in some whole. I mean compared to the Ayarians or the Miyians, the Okarians got off fairly easily.” Mary replies. “I help her along as best as I could, and if I could I’d gladly take her place even for a year just to let her recover. But the Okarians are not like the Laminians when it comes to Queens. They demand an Okarian Queen at the front. They respect me, but they’d never ultimately support me if I wanted to become a Queen.”

“I was always envious of how fluid the Laminian bureaucracy was at times.” Oksana replies with a sigh.

“I’m amazed it worked at all given how actual little bureaucratic work Lamia did.” Mary replies.

(What now?)

>>27423769
So we need to stop the Okarian/Myian feud, make a greed demon lord disappear and likely several other errand for the other queens as they'll want to know about their respective clans. All this without being killed, getting too much attention or selling out the queens. All in all an easy step up from fort hope.

>>27423769
We should probably head back.

Is there anything Mary wants us to do?

"So now what?"
My current strategy revolves around subvert and build. Basically we "subvert" or coopt as many of the current bastions of succubi authority as possible, starting with the Okerian and Laminian clans. Simultaneously we seek to build an organization of succubi that isn't known to the pride demons, basing primarily out of Fort Hope and any other territories we subvert. Endgame would have our secret organization carry out the initial strikes while the "subverted" clans purge themselves of pride demon hangers on and then provide reinforcements. The idea here is of course to convince the Pride demons everything is going well by having the threats they are looking at be okay.

>>27423769
"But it does work, and the Laminians are functioning reasonably well currently from what I can see. And that's more than I can say about a lot of things.

However, we need to focus on stuff we can actually fix, and the Okarians aren't going to accept a system like that.

The Okarian and Miyian conflict is a big problem that consumes a lot of resources. It's part of the bigger problem, that Succubi are currently locked into their own conflicts and divisions rather then actually working together.

Also, that Greed Demon Lord, he seems unpleasant and a focal point of the problem, it's hard for any of the Succubi to command enough authority to bring multiple factions under one roof with people like that walking around destabilizing things and making a show out of their control over things.

We won't be able to do too much in Old T.O. to build things up, it's too well watched. I'm based in Fort Hope, and honestly it being secluded, easily defended, and far away from a lot of other places makes it a good spot for a lot of things.

This Greed Demon Lord, what can you tell us about him?"

>>27423999
I don't think we can remove the shackles placed on the succubi clans without the pride demons noticing. Hence why I want to build a separate organization.

>>27424075
Building up that kind of organization could take years if not decades you know.

>>27424106
Probably. But it seems like it will take years if not decades to have enough personal power to change things anyway, so we might as well do this the smart way.

>>27424125
Or we could simply gather up enough strong people that we can thrust to do the heavy lifting for us in time of need.

>>27424106
>>27424125
>>27424147
Do we have time?

The longer we take the more likely it is SOMEONE'S going to get broken, and then it's likely to crumble like a stack of cards.

Succubi are risky as they can be subverted. Humans can get conquered just as easily. There's no easy way to make an organisation, and there's no real way to defend all at once.

The best solution I can come up with is researching cutting off this world so we don't get invaded, that or genociding umpteen million demons.

Other ideas I can think of that would help but be useful - working out some way of un-breaking succubi would be greatly beneficial. Immunisation, too.

(I'm thinking vaccinations, if you've already sworn fealty to someone in that way you can't do it again, can you? Pairing up partners to swear fealty to each other would be an equal solution of things, though a drastic measure.)

>>27424147
Nah. Having NPC's doing all the important fighting sucks anyway. Plus, recruitment will be much easier with Wendy and her counterparts covert assistance.

>>27424271
The current political situation has basically remained unchanged for 3 centuries. We can afford to spend a year or two to do things right.

>>27424271
A cellular organization negates a lot of that danger, as does basing ourselves primarily in areas pride demons don't go.

>>27424271
The problem is that it mean breaking every succubi in advance which I doubt the queen would take well.

>>27424274
We don't need to not be in the fight, nor do we need to be the main damage dealer. Our toolset is more appropriate as a sniper and it just mean less glory/attention toward us.

>>27424299
A year or two, yes. Decades? Still viable, but a lot riskier. We've got a small, fairly powerful cadre at the moment. Cementing our power base would be a fair move, but I can't help but think that more pride demons are going to come to check up on things. Things can only go so long until they slip up.

We need a way to operate in secret. And for that, we need to somehow cover our tracks.

...I'm wondering if it's possible to break a demon to our will, now, or how else we could subvert one to our side. Turning one into a succubus wouldn't work because it'd be detected to be a succubus, wouldn't it? Or would the aetheric change be noticed?

>>27424320
If we are going to front for the queens properly we need to provide a public reason for why people taking orders from us other than "the queens said so." that requires a level of power that we simply don't have, and I think its a terrible idea to put us in a position of power before we have the power to back it up.

>>27424347
Why in the world are they going to check up on things? Blizzy was the first one to make the trip in decades. I don't think it will be an issue, especially if we base out of the surrounding villages.

[1/2]

"But it does work, and the Laminians are functioning reasonably well currently from what I can see. And that's more than I can say about a lot of things.” you reply.

“Yes. Their cache of technology even lasted right up to the Science Lord Wars.” Mary replies.

“We’re going to need to have a talk about that sometime. Miyu won’t shut up about it.” Oksana replies.

“However, we need to focus on stuff we can actually fix, and the Okarians aren't going to accept a system like that.” you reply.

“The Okarians are strong traditionalists. While they certainly don’t go out of their way to purge technology like the Pride Demons mandate, it isn’t something they like having forced upon them either.” Mary says before shooting a glance to Oksana.

“Oh no! God forbid I want to use a system that allows for hands free communication with literally no expenditure of aether whatsoever!” Oksana replies. “They were strict traditionalists in a sense, but got too lazy on magic. They can complain all they want, but the end result was that modern technological weapons were a faster, easier, and cheaper way to give power to large groups of people that didn’t rely on the old Adventurer model in where Strike forces are the main tactic of the day. Besides, I’m the Queen. First thing I’m doing when I get back there is installing those servers.”

“Oh lord... This is going to be the Druid ficaso all over again...” Mary says sighing with a facepalm.

[2/3]

You decide to try and change the subject once again. “The Okarian and Miyian conflict is a big problem that consumes a lot of resources. It's part of the bigger problem, that Succubi are currently locked into their own conflicts and divisions rather than actually working together. Also, that Greed Demon Lord, he seems unpleasant and a focal point of the problem, it's hard for any of the Succubi to command enough authority to bring multiple factions under one roof with people like that walking around destabilizing things and making a show out of their control over things. Mary, I understand this may be a loaded and complex question, but how secure is Fort Hope for Succubi?”

“Honestly. Not a lot. By law Succubi are required to let their demonic traits out. We don’t get in trouble for walking around openly as Succubi, it is only a minor boon at best. Even here us Succubi barely have any rights, even mortals technically have more rights than us. The Succubi ‘Street Gang’ problem is a side effect of simply being too many Succubi inside of an area which really cannot supply them all, and literally all jobs we take have to be under the table. I honestly think that only the Library and the Miyian University has jobs for Succubi. Supplies such as living space and mortal feedstock is beginning to become more and more of an issue. I am even glad for the Pride Demon law which forbids Succubi breeding unless given permission, as one of my greatest fears is the Succubi population quickly outracing the human population.” Mary explains. “On the Laminian spy network side of activities, we strongly believe that the Envy Demon spy network keeps tabs on the Succubi gangs in the area, even the Laminian ones. You could try to make a covert group and so long as you don’t step on the wrong toes you can get away with it, but just one minor crime against the Noble houses... and you’ll be off to New TO for ‘re-education’.”

[3/3]

“We won't be able to do too much in Old T.O. to build things up, it's too well watched. I'm based in Fort Hope, and honestly it being secluded, easily defended, and far away from a lot of other places makes it a good spot for a lot of things.” you reply.

“Smugging Succubi out is something that nearly all the clan heads have been considering. But right now we fear without a leader at 100% capacity, they’ll only splinter off into gangs eventually.” Mary says rubbing her chin. “We could export a few docile Succubi to... wherever. Ones that are considered low risk, or ones that could be considered part of our organization. It’s true that the Pride Demons do not pay attention to towns that are largely mortal ruled by majority. So the only concern would be just finding a town worthwhile with enough spots.”

...Hey... Didn’t Erika and company find that town which that ghost attacked?

>>27424320
>it mean breaking every succubi in advance
If it does protect you from being broken by someone else, and there's no or few side effects that can't be mitigated, it's better to be broken by someone you trust and care for rather than risking being broken by your enemies. Especially turning around and breaking them right back leaving the both of you as equals once more.

We need to be looking into that sort of breaking anyway at some point. We'll need to be able to identify broken succubi before they sell us out.

>>27424431
"A town near fort Hope was completely wiped out recently. Does that count?"

>>27424431
Ghost town turning into succubui hopespot? It's risky to put all eggs in one basket, but hey, currently our eggs are at risk anyway.

>>27424435
There really should be research on this already. One of the clans comes pre-broken, after all.

>>27424364
Personal power does not come always just from sheer magical capacity.

>>27424364
That's why we get in the good grace of the people that actually have power within the group we look to subvert, right now we will likely enjoy the Subota sisters full support which mean access to the Okarian group that will be willing to work with us. Now we just need to repeat with the other succubi races, Laminian seems a good start, I'd say Belkarian and Aides if possible be third and fourth in no particular order.

>>27424431
That village could be a great stagging point yes, we'd need to find a way to have mortal settle there too in that case though that's the easy part with suggestion.

>>27424431
Everyone there is dead. What are the succubi going to eat?

>>27424532
Each other out.

>>27424431
"Well, Old T.O. is just a disaster waiting to happen. The ratio of Succubi to Mortals is unsustainable at Old T.O.'s current level of infrastructure no matter how you try to deal with it. And adding infrastructure just isn't possible to do subtly. Eventually things will hit a breaking point and it'll fall apart.

Fort Hope has space for them, though considering the walls it'd be quite a bit of work to expand to allow more. But considering the mercenary presence it would be possible to militarize it more without attracting much notice.

There's also a town near there which has plenty of space and could be used. It was attacked by a ghost.

On a somewhat related note, how hard would it be to make some 'evidence' that the Pride or Greed Demons were involved in the event that sparked off the conflict between Okarians and Miyians."

>>27424532

Some mortals which would also get shipped there, just in case someone looks on the record and goes "...Wait a minute, why are all the people in this town female?"

>>27424542
Or have Ada encourage enough cross pollination with the other surrounding towns to give all of them a solid organizational base.

>>27424559
Lets not ask that last question.

>>27424573

True, offer stewardship of the town and reletively low cost housing and you should get a good number moving back there... maybe offer one or two of the merc groups 'exclusive rights' to setting up outposts/HQs there.... turn it into a place where traders can stop and rest, possibly hire 'fresh' mercs if there was a bandit attack with their original escorts...

>>27424593
One of the best ways to bring people together is to give them someone they both utterly hate.

We'd have to be careful about it, make sure it's air tight, and don't introduce it too fast. But I'd much rather the Miyians focus their hate on Pride Demons instead of Okarians.

Hell we might only be manufacturing evidence that pointed to the truth. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the Pride/Greed Demons set it up to divide the Succubi.

[1/2]

"Well, Old T.O. is just a disaster waiting to happen. The ratio of Succubi to Mortals is unsustainable at Old T.O.'s current level of infrastructure no matter how you try to deal with it. And adding infrastructure just isn't possible to do subtly. Eventually things will hit a breaking point and it'll fall apart.” you reply.

“Yes, Old TO is already have some great difficulties. As much as I hate them, I must give credit to the Pride Demons in keeping a mess that has been wanting to explode for nearly a century stable.” Mary replies.

“Fort Hope has space for them, though considering the walls it'd be quite a bit of work to expand to allow more. But considering the mercenary presence it would be possible to militarize it more without attracting much notice.” you mention. “There's also a town near there which has plenty of space and could be used. It was attacked by a ghost.”

Mary stops for a second before it seems as if a light bulb is going off in her head, which you can tell even though her poker face. “Yes. Yes an abandoned town near the location of Fort Hope would do perfectly. If it is full of Succubi, then security problems like ghosts wouldn’t happen.”

“You... May want a good guard. The Necromancer that took over that town was capable of fighting my entire group of friends by himself.” you tell her.

“So a vacation spot for Librarians. Some of them would appreciate the quiet studying spot. We just mix a few mortals in with the Succubi and no one will suspect the wiser.” Mary replies. “Fort Hope... Yes... Militarization expansion would allow for some easy expansions. ...But are the mercenary groups gender exclusive?”

[2/2]


“Three are. The Harpies are female only for the fighters. The Bears welcome anyone, but you rarely see any females there.” you reply. “Females in the other places are usually support roles such as cleaners and cooks.”

“Will there be any sort of destabilization when the Succubi want to join a mercenary guild? The other mercenary guilds may have a hard time if suddenly a swell of new, undercover demonic troops appeared to join their ranks.” Mary warns.

>>27424938
"I have a group of adventurers that Janine did some work on. They might balance things out a bit. Given sufficient Aether I'm sure the Queens could enlighten enough Mortals to balance the rest out if needed. Although finding them enough Aether is going to be a pain, I already killed off basically all the bandits in the area."

>>27424938
We could likely impose quota to keep the numbers of demonic troops at an equal level between the various group, I'm not a fan of controlling the flow of manpower but it's one of those case where you need to step up and prevent one group gaining the monopoly since it's counterproductive.

>>27425028
Obviously we might need to do some editing of their Enlightened minds and careful recruiting.

>>27424938
"There may be an incentive to avoid front line work. If we avoid that, we can prevent uncomfortable questions from being asked. And I would imagine having a gaggle of comely women take over administration of their company would be something that few would complain about."

>>27425132
You'd get a few attempted rapes and drains. That sort of thing draws attention.

>>27425150
True, but the ghosts might serve as a decent scapegoat while internal enforcement can prevent repeat offenders.

>>27425119
meant to link >>27425023

[1/2]

“There may be an incentive to avoid front line work. If we avoid that, we can prevent uncomfortable questions from being asked. And I would imagine having a gaggle of comely women take over administration of their company would be something that few would complain about." you reply.

“Very well. Just send me another letter whenever you want to begin discussions about this topic once again.” Mary replies.

“But onto the next topic...” you reply.

“Yes... The Miyians...” Mary replies.

“Now are you SURE this wasn’t the job of some Envy Demons?” Oksana asks.

“Honestly? We had suspicions but were never able to confirm it. For me it’s... almost too convenient in a way for the Okarians and Miyians to be at an unofficial war with one another.” Mary says.

“Why’s that?” you ask.

“Well for one, there’s always been a bit of friction between Okarians and Miyians. Miyians saw Okarians as this big goliath group of Succubi who had been practicing magic for years, while many Okarians saw those who wanted to be Miyians as plucky children who still need to grow up.” Oksana replies. “It was only because of Miyu and I that we were able to keep things together as a whole.”

“Yes, the clan friction between the two was basically the fuel, so all that needed to happen was the fire. See, this mess started shortly after the Earth was split. Miyians everywhere were reeling from the loss of their infrastructure, and it was perfectly natural for them to fume over the fact that the Okarian Library stood without barely a scratch on it. Indeed it was like this for many clans. Many Miyians went off to the Sloth Demons, agreeing to become second class citizens but citizens with actual rights nonetheless. A great many stayed behind, the far more stubborn ones.” Mary replies.

“Oh great. There’s two factions of Miyians...” Oksana sighs.

[2/3]

“Yes, but the numbers for Miyians are still greater here, as they refuse to head over to the Sloth demons. Anyways, the tension finally caught flame when an Okarian Demon Lord, a rather popular one, was executed during a speech by a Miyian ray gun.” Mary replies.

“Was the Miyian captured for interrogation?” Oksana asks.

Mary shakes her head. “No. She was torn apart almost insanely by the Okarian mob, and what followed was a massive riot in where nearly a fifth of what little was left of the city was devastated in the riot between the Okarians and the Miyians. Now we did get the ray guy, and we still have it. The problem is that we can confirm it is a Miyian weapon, not some sort of elaborate contraption made by the Envy demons or Sloth Demon weapon merchants. Since then the tension has been building up frantically over the years.”

“Are there Okarians who consider this madness?” you ask.

“A great many do believe that Miyians are a ‘lower caste’, but amongst the Okarian careers, those in the Witches Guild had strong ties to the Miyians and many wish they were back on friendly terms. There is also a small sect of Miyians who were born of an Okarian mother. Such Miyians we work with the Ayarians and the Laminians to transplant them either in the Miyian university for an inside look or give them to the Church of Pamille to look after.” Mary says before pointing at you. “Not a single word about those Miyians.”

[3/3]


“Yes, you would sympathize with them as you’re in a similar boat.” Oksana replies.

“My lips are sealed, but watch is the Witches Guild about?” you ask.

“They’re basically for a form of magical engineering. They’re responsible for making a lot of the Okarian infrastructure. They practice a... unique form of magic in where they combine machines with magic. They’re a lot more scientifically oriented than other Okarians, so it makes sense that they were in a good relationship with the Miyians, and would probably want to have an alliance simply because Miyians align with their goals.” Oksana explains.

>>27425787
So I think our current goals should be to get the leader of the Laminians on our side if Mary thinks it feasible, and increase the power of ourselves and our group such that we can function as the leader necessary to prevent gangs from showing up.

>>27425787
"I think I like them, or at least their magical studies.

Have any of the Miyians you've transplanted in the universities managed to get any useful information about them out?"

>>27425787
Seems like the Okarians should be willing to negotiate now, so we'll have to talk to Miyu about getting the other side to do the same.

"You said the Ayarians were the other clan who were hit hardest by the pride demons, what's their situation?"

>>27425917
Asking her opinion about the Laminian girl is a good idea.

>>27425971

The leaders are willing to negotiate, but remember the Okarians have an issue where blowing off your leader to do something like continuing a blood feud doesn't have status loss. It'd be hard to enforce such a thing. Only the Witches Guild is in majority for the Miyians, but they're only one of the major groups out of a half dozen that exist within the Okarian political circle. You still got people like the Wizards, Summoners, Sorcerers, and Fighter Mages with lots of bad blood with the Miyians and see no reason to cooperate.

>>27425787

"We could try and make the town outside of Fort Hope open to all clans, though we would have to have a zero tolerance rule in place regarding intra-clan issues... But it would be a start, a point from which further measures can be extended from... If we can confine the larger issue here, it should hopefully act as a smokescreen to what we might do further afield, as if the Pride Demons are too busy dealing with shit on their doorstep, they won't have the time to check the yard..."

"Though on a longer term scale, we will also have to sort something out with the Church of Celestia... it might prove useful having proxy agents manipulate their 'adventurers' into staging what would likely be decoy assaults on key targets... but such methods are often double edged swords in and of themselves..."

>>27425971
getting ahead of yourself there. Build up powerbase first, do moves certain to set off pride demon alarms last.

>>27426023
I don't really see what we can do about that, though.

>>27426109
no no no no NO. We are not making this open season yet. We need security first and foremost.

>>27426111
Getting the Miyans on our side is building up a power base.

>>27426148
I meant build up our out of town organization first and foremost before we start setting off alarms.

>>27426176
I don't intend to set off alarms.
What the fuck is the use of an organisation consisting of a few weak unimportant Okarians, anyway?

>>27426257
Its what we gradually expand it into. And the end of the Most divisive conflict between Succubi is going to set off red flags, a lot of them.

>>27426309
It's not like the fighting is actually going to stop just because we got the leaders on our side.

>>27426309

Indeed. use the Clan war as a unpleasant, but useful smokescreen...

>>27426337
No, but we also have absolutely no reason to trust the current Miyan leader. She may be broken for all we know.

>>27426368
We have no reason to trust the leaders of any of the other clans. We still need them all.

>>27426408
That does not mean that it is at all wise or prudent to approach them at this time.

>>27426368

we had no prove that Mary hadn't been broken, but we set her up... Oksana not withstanding...

>>27426408
got to scout them out first, one broken leader at this time could ruin us

>>27426457
That is why we investigate the situation and decide who it is prudent to approach and when.

>>27426497
Right, which is why we should do >>27425917 first and take our time with the remaining leaders.

>>27426109
Nope.

[1/2]

"I think I like them, or at least their magical studies.” you reply with blunt honesty.

“Out of all the Okarians groups, I liked them the most. For one they actually listened to me.” Oksana replies.

Mary looks like she’s thinking for a bit, before finally giving off a sigh. “I think this way is just way, way too convenient overall. Miyians and Okarians were considered almost cornerstones of the Succubi Knowledge think tank. With them at each others throats, we’re constantly stuck in those cold war like situation, except like the Cold Wars Earth had, these wars just end up in a net loss.”

“You’re thinking of gang wars Mary dear. But yes I can see the problem with this.” Oksana replies.

“You mentioned the Ayarians being hit hard. What happened to them?” you ask.

“Since the Ayarian caste served as the bureaucratic and economic backbone of the Succubi race, what do you think.” Mary asks you in her monotone voice.

“...When the Pride Demon’s two out of the four foundational pillars are that...” you say.

“They were broken up, ruthlessly, before their leaders were broken to the Pride Demons to serve as slaves to mock us. The Pride Demons fear their return to power, and out of all the clans they’re demonized the most. It is literally impossible to get a job as an Ayarian, and many just fake their clan. There has been a rather large increase of Ayarians joining the Fighters Guild as of lately however.” Mary notes.

>>27426511
We should at least look at each clan and discuss possible options with the appropriate Queen. Some will probably be harder/more risky than others.

[2/2]

“The Ayarians still exist in the underground village that Queen Janine started up so long ago. It’s a bit out in the old ruins of Old TO, but it’s there.” Mary replies.

“...About those Miyians you have in the Miyian college. What information do they leak back to you?” you ask.

“Usually rumors about Miyians getting ready to attack Okarian targets. We rarely make them do any wetwork, as many of them are often conflicted between their parents caste and their own caste. We have a few professors in our network, but most of it is just students who work there or learn there. Basically white collar Succubi who just want to live out their lives. So we respect that and often don’t ask them to go too deep.” Mary notes. “The Miyian University head, Dr. Beck, knows about them. Despite her dislike of Okarians, she also has the same deal with us. A few Okarians in our library are from a Miyian parent. This information, while useful, is not all comprehensive. It certainly helps, but it won’t stop the war by itself.”

>>27426549
>They were broken up, ruthlessly, before their leaders were broken to the Pride Demons to serve as slaves to mock us.
Well shit.

>>27426574
Ask about her opinion of the Laminan head. If we are to recruit additional assistance, it has to start their.

>>27426628

As a point of clarification, that was a long time ago. The person in the village, as far as Mary knows, is still in good mental shape.

Forgot to add that.

>>27426635
The Gemelli are apparently allied with the Okarians, they could be useful.
Aides are great because there's no question about them being broken. They are, and if it's to somebody who we can trust then it's not to a pride demon.
Belkarians do not go in for subterfuge. We know their promises are fairly trustworthy, and dealing with them is pretty straightforward.

Laminians are tricky and sneaky and if we meet with the head then one of them on the other side will notice and we probably won't even know we're being tailed until they see us talking to the queens and everything is screwed up forever.

>>27426764
We already met with the head.

>>27426776
Ada's mentor isn't the head.

>>27426764
That's just silly.
>>27426635
Sounds good to me

>>27426792
>That's just silly.
What is?

>>27426803
Your entire paranoid scenario. FYI, Ada's mentor is the head.

>>27426787
She kinda is.

>>27426814
Remember how we just did all that cloak and dagger shit because if we were seen contacting the Subotas the greed demons would investigate? We can't out-cloak-and-dagger the laminians. There will be broken ones. If we try and get them on our side somebody will notice. It's not paranoid, it's just fact.

>“So since you’re the Laminian Queen, does that m-”
>“Oooohhhh no. I’m not Queen. Mary or Chika are the main targets for the Laminian Queen.” Arum says cutting you off. “I just handle the... bureaucratic accounts.”

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>>27426574
if we plan to do anything large scale their is the worry or broken spies or the envy demons getting suspicious.

>>27426888
Right, so she's in charge of the race right now.

>>27426903
Mostly, but she's not the head.

>>27426888
So she does the actual job of ruling then. And yes, you are being paranoid. They are by far the best candidate right now because we have a better understanding of their leader. Also, she can shake a tail as easily as Mary did

>>27426919
Close enough for our purposes, especially since we know one of the two supposed contenders for the title of queen anyway.

>>27426897
Exactly. Keep it bolted down. It'd be easier to act with less risk of discovery through proxies of an existing leader, but then we risk power struggles.

Acting on our own to recruit/transfer folks out also has its own worries.

We COULD simply take up a "subordinate" role and form a splinter faction that's ostensibly under control of one of the clans. That'd give us leeway to operate without too much oversight.

>>27426897
Which is why we are setting up our operation where they are not looking.

>>27426929
How is saying that the clan whose entire shtick is being sneaky are going to be sneaky paranoid?

Welp I need to go to bed now.

We'll continue this thread tomorrow

>>27426982
Because you are claiming that doing something we already did will automatically screw us forever.

>>27427007
No I'm not. I'm saying that something as big as getting the laminians on our side is likely to be noticed by somebody on the Pride Demon's side, and there's no reason to take the risk when there are better candidates to do first.

>>27426635
She is the best choice at present. She can slip tracking as easily as mary did.

>>27426919
You don't seem to get Laminians. The vast majority like playing cat's paws and being the man behind the man behind the man. She isn't the "leader" because a leader is a target, and it doesn't do to be a target. I.E. She pretty much is the leader.

>>27427092
>The vast majority like playing cat's paws and being the man behind the man behind the man.
Right, that is a good conclusion to draw from our sample size of the one laminian we're familiar with who wants more than anything to rule openly as a leader. Lamia wasn't exactly subtle, either.

>>27427046
And I say that your logic about why its so risky is paranoid. Do you really think a private meeting between Mary and Arum is going to raise that many eyebrows?

>>27427143
If it's just those two they can probably not be noticed. They're good at that shit. Then Mary can deal with the Laminians while we work on another clan.

>>27427208

I thought we contacted Mary to establish a connection to the Okerian Leadership because being a Lamian meant she could sneak around better... also, her older sister seems to be confined to the library by the Greed Lord....


Food for thought; playing Ludo to overthrow the Greed Lord as 'chicks dig a demon with status'...

>>27428084
>Food for thought; playing Ludo to overthrow the Greed Lord as 'chicks dig a demon with status'...
Now that is a stupid plan.

>>27428084
>>27428124
My gut feeling tell me the demon lord in question is Ludo

>>27428134
They'd take him a lot more seriously and not be quite so flippant if Ludo was that Lord.

>>27428235

After a few centuries you get used to anything.

>>27428134

It ain't Ludo, I can say that much.

I'll put out an update in between my classes later.

>>27431616

>It ain't Ludo, I can say that much.

I'm almost disappointed.

>>27428235
Yea, but if that was the case, it would give some points to him considering how chill dude he must have been if everyone is free to take jabs at him.

But alas, it was not to be.

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Relay i suspect the myrian who started the blood feud either was magically controlled/ broken spy, or possibly goaded by outside social manipulation. Will be relay hard to prove it however.

however good chance that it was a fringe element working or simply a case of m.a.d.s.

We could blow a ask fate ritual to tell if we word it well but given how big of an event it was i am guessing people have already tried that obvious rout.

you know if we get a mana keep up and running it could sustain a sizable population but it will be obvious and attract a bit of attention i am guessing.


Leona said she met a greed demon to learn the langy empowerment ritual... could that be the demon lord?

>>27432842
Not entirely sure what you are saying but I'm pretty sure I disagree with it.

>>27432905
Oh yeah? Well I disagree with you disagreeing with him.

should have done a better job presenting but disagreeing with witch part?

*the conspiracy theory idea of how the feud got started; the idea or using geomancy for aether collection to support a bigger population; or the thought that the greed demon who taught the langly family their blood sacrifice ritual might be the greed demon lord talked about?

Currently just throwing ideas out their for discussion.

>>27431671
I am, but i will always have the funny as fuck mental image.

>I AM THE DEMON LORD LUDO, and you are the demon Lord Brooklyn, so seeing as we are both nobility how bout we go back to my place for some lord on lord action.
>...

It seems funnier in my head.

[1/4]

“What about the current Laminian administrative head? Is she trustworthy?” you ask.

“Let’s ask a more simple question Brooklyn. How trustworthy are the rest of the current Succubi heads Mary?” Oksana asks.

“Let me think on that... Well I can say with some certainty that Arum should be a fairly safe bet, she’s sort of the Laminian mafia boss at the moment. Chika is stronger than her, but I don’t know much about her other than our record for sparring with one another is nearly equal. The Ayarian head, Rebecca Hemmingway, is the Grand Daughter of Janine. She... tries to be a level headed ruler but she’s an extremist and known terrorist against the Pride Demon. She excels in covert and guerilla warfare, so while I do know she isn’t under the Pride Demon thumb, what she’ll end up doing herself would be rather unpredictable. Wendy, as you may guess, will be on board for this, but until the Greed Demon Lord is taken care off, she isn’t allowed to do much or even capable of doing much in a direct fashion. The Library itself... We’re still unsure of how deep the Spy network into our library is, but we do have a handful of trusted guards and Librarians.” Mary says.

“Thank goodness for that at least.” Oksana replies.

“If we can convince Luna then it’d be a massive help, but I’m concerned whenever her wanderlust or her just being her would put the plan into jeopardy.” Mary states.

“Yea I really hope she’s doing fine. Luna’s come close to beating me once before a-”

[2/4]

“Luna’s come close to beating you!?” you gasp.

“Yes, she has. It was like... two decades before the Pride Demons broke through. Everyone has their knack, and for Luna it was her absurd magical strength.” Oksana replies. “Honestly I was also underestimating her. I only saw how much she partied, I didn’t see how many adventures and training regimes she put herself through to come close to me.” Oksana explains.

“Honestly even if Wendy and I teamed up, I really doubt we can beat Luna.” Mary replies. “But back to the Succubi rulers... The Gemelli Leaders, Breeze and Sakura, are... well I’m unsure of their status. The Gemelli nowadays mainly function as private eyes, investigators, and current writer for the town paper. They work with the Laminians, but their information network is largely public. I’d need to do some investigation on them, but there is no question that there would be a Gemelli pair stupid enough to publish a paper article on the Queen’s coming back.”

“Janine really did always hate the press in that regard.” Oksana replies. “I can also sympathize with that.”

“Dr. Beck is a bit eccentric, but I also know that she’s in on this whole Miyian/Okarian war. She has it out for the Okarians, and quite frankly I regard it as a miracle that we were able to barter some sort of truce with her regarding Okarian and Miyian children. So while she can see to reason, she’s probably going to be the most difficult case, at least with her cooperating with the Okarians from my point of view.” Mary explains. “The current head of the Fighter Guild is Fredika Zombolt.”

“Oh! Fredika’s still alive!?” Oksana asks in a surprised tone.

[3/4]

“Yes but... she’s currently suffering a bout of melancholy. She never really got over her vows on halting the Pride Demon invasion, and being unable to do anything about the Science Lord War only made it worse. She’s mainly just a mercenary for hire at this point. Belkarians do respect her greatly, and quite frankly it’s thanks to them I believe she hasn’t committed suicide yet. But she doesn’t really openly rule them, so while the actual Belkarian political circle is that of many Belkarian Knights vying for control of the Belkarians, most just wander into the Fighters Guild to escape the politics.” Mary explains. “The current Aide head is also the head of the Church of Pamille in this area.”

“Oh shit...” Oksana says with a sigh.

“What? Is that a problem?” you ask.

“More of a mixed blessing. If the Church found out that we Queen’s are still alive, then they’ll try to break us out while immediately declaring Holy War on the Pride Demon’s as a whole.” Oksana explains. “As all Succubi Queen’s in their eyes are basically saints.”

[4/4]

“Patriarch Ishtar is considered a saint in herself. A woman who does truly wish good for the world and, in my opinion, a positive role model for Succubi everywhere. She’s also a fanatic to her religion. There has been some criticism of her mixing the Church’s policies into Aide leadership, but you’d need to ask an Aide whose heavy in the political scene about such a thing as I don’t know off the top of my head.” Mary replies. “Her support will be like Rebecca’s, in that I’m not sure the kind of support she’d give us would be the kind we want, especially if she lets others know.”

“But doesn’t that mean she has a lot of resources as well?” Oksana asks.

“Yes, she has an incredible amount of resources at her disposal. Aides being Aides, she’s able to place spies far deeper undercover without risk of intentional betrayal. She also has an excessive amount of manpower not just from the Aides, but nearly any sort of Succubi who goes to the Church. She has both the resources of the Aide Leader and the Church as well. In terms of risk and reward, she honestly has the biggest potential for both.” Mary explains. “If she does join our cause for getting rid of the Pride Demons without knowing of the Queens, then she’d be a big but controllable boon, but I question whenever her views of ‘harmony’ would interfere with this. Her knowing of the Queen’s would cause her to go all in.”

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oh should tell Oksana that apparently Celestia has presence here. Underground but enough to cause problems.

>>27433157
I suppose we should figure out a way to get a meeting between Ishtar and the Queens, just so that they can tell her "Don't be stupid."

Well I can't think of anything to say so onwards to planning.

I suggest that we get the help of Laminians first. The Ayarian is going to be tricky, but really useful. Tricky in that we need to convince her not to do something stupid like attacking the Pride demons. Gemelli....I don't like the sound of that so idk, maybe the current leaders.

The Miyians we'll either have to go full "Enemy of of my enemy is my friend" / "Greater good" or find some proof that the Pride demons had a hand in the war.

The Belkarians are pretty straight forward and the fact that the queens know the current leader make things easier. Just gotta make her promise to lie about any knowledge of the queens or something like that.

Now the Aides are minefield territory. Need to meed the leader to know how to approach this.

Same goes for everyone else really, just working with what I got. Do feel free to call me an idiot and point out anything wrong with this.

>Well I can say with some certainty that Arum should be a fairly safe bet
Cool.

>The Ayarian head, Rebecca Hemmingway, is the Grand Daughter of Janine. She... tries to be a level headed ruler but she’s an extremist and known terrorist against the Pride Demon.
That sounds perfect. Just set up a meeting between her and Janine and then we can direct the terrorist attacks which were already happening which lets us smash shit without the pride demons being suspicious.

>there is no question that there would be a Gemelli pair stupid enough to publish a paper article on the Queen’s coming back
We will need PR. We sure as hell don't need PR now.

>She never really got over her vows on halting the Pride Demon invasion
So she'd help. Who cares if she's lost control of the Belkarian politics, having the entire fighter's guild would be amazing once we're ready for open war.

>If the Church found out that we Queens are still alive, then they’ll try to break us out while immediately declaring Holy War on the Pride Demon’s as a whole
Also great but definitely not yet.

>an Aide who's heavy in the political scene
Do Aides have that? They all have to be more loyal to their master than anyone else so it's hard to see them as a clan like the others all following their Queen.

>>27433157

If Luna is that strong couldn't she break the queens out? Once that happens a lot of these issues would sort of fall away.

>>27433448
Breaking the prison causes a big magical explosion alerting every pride demon ever to come and investigate while the Queens are all still weak and starving.
The plan is to take over the area and kill Articus first.

>>27433426
not sure if that can be done. really think the better way of gaining her trust is by merit. Harder to do but will pay off.

humanitarian aid or project i think would be the best way to achieve this. Also they may have broken spys in their rakes as the pride demons proably have them watched

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>>27433447
if we do discover evidence that the pride demons engineered the feud we know exactly who to go to to spread the news.

>>27433447

If the master gives them free will, Aide's can be whatever. They're even free to hate their masters if they felt so inclined.

>>27433550
How/when do naturally born Aides choose their masters?

>Ishtar
I am now imagining a succubus wandering around the ancient world claiming to be the goddess of sex.

>>27433157
>Patriarch Ishtar
Patriarch being a MALE title.

>>27433620
Maybe she used to be a mortal, like us.

Speaking of the Church of Pamille, it might be worthwhile getting some of its literature for Leona.

>>27433620
What is the female variant anyway?

>>27433601

Aides generally choose their masters when they hit puberty, which is around the time all Succubi characteristics appear, this is quite easy to see as one morning children will wake up with horns, wings, and a tail. However it means right up until then, Succubi are basically mortals for all intents and purposes and won't have any of the Succubi traits.

>>27433696
>Maybe she used to be a mortal, like us.
She's female now. The title of the head of a church of Succubi has no business meaning 'father-ruler'.

>>27433774
Matriarch.

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>>27433774
Matriarch i do believe

>>27433774
Mmmmmmmmmm-
What >>27433793 said

>>27433440
Agreed

>>27433788
>Aides generally choose their masters when they hit puberty
Well that's a recipe for making a terrible decision. Do the parents try and arrange somebody suitable like the Gemelli do?

>>27433788

Does that mean that Succubi suddenly LOSE a heap of mana regeneration? As that's a trait they have?

>>27433793
>She's female now. The title of the head of a church of Succubi has no business meaning 'father-ruler'.

If you want to try to tell an Aide to change her mind, go ahead.

>>27433867
Well you can't have toddlers having sex with mortals to get aether.

>>27433897
I will. I will show her the joys of frills and bows.

>>27433901

Well, yeah. I know that. I mean...what's the mana regeneration of a child like? Do succubi children manage to maintain themselves without mana until the traits emerge?

>>27433933
They can't cast anything yet so they don't need much mana. The queens survived for 350 years on one meal, I don't think succubi starve.

>>27433867
I think it's more of the case of that the mana regeneration doesn't grow with their bodies unlike with mortals.

Something along the lines of this concept
Succubus constantly has aether regeneration based on the amount of her total manapool.
Mortal mana regeneration grows faster until they reach their prime.

>>27434068

Makes sense.

>>27433979
Yea and consider this
If they actually had to feed so much as to keep their aether reserves filled, releasing the succubus queens would basically start a succubus version of the Gehenna where the succubus queens will drain all aether from the demons and mortals in order sate the terrible thirst that has been built over hundreds of years.

Actually, we need to start keeping our eyes on that.
Will our hunger grow with our Aether reserves, because if it does, I'm starting to have second thoughts about releasing the queens.

>>27434191
If this is the case i'm sure they have the willpower to counter it.
Us on the other hand.
We now have all the reason in the world to train willpower.

>>27434191
brooklyn's Aether pool currently maxes out ar 6 humans, but I think we only get hungry when we're below 1 human worth of Aether

>>27433440
Good with me
>>27434191
Luna packmuling between the Superbowl and the prison will solve that issue quite handily.

>>27434232
Amen to that

I do have a future idea for securing a steady source of Aether as well.
We take a mortal apperentice and enlighten her.
They're essentially like ghouls for vampires, except we have more control over them.

They hurt or maximum Aether cap, but they also have much higher aether regeneration than us and much higher aether cap than normal mortals.
Basically a living manabattery for us.

>>27434483
>They hurt or maximum Aether cap, but they also have much higher aether regeneration than us and much higher aether cap than normal mortals.
>Basically a living manabattery for us.
Enlightened are harder to drain then vanilla mortals.the stronger they are the harder it is to drain them. the weaker they are the less reason there is to drain them

>>27434585
Would be great for a fuck buddy. Less likely to of them.

Let's make this easier for Sandact and vote on a course of action?

I propose discussing the recruitment plan (Closest thing to it >>27433440 ) with Oksana.
See if she has any information that helps us.

Could we strike up a study-group friendship with Mary?
She could just say she's got some spare time, join ours, help us learn, and suddenly we have a connection to her that isn't really suspicious.

>Succubus
I want her to suck dis bus, if you naw mean

>>27435515
But that is really suspicious. Her study group has a waiting list a billion miles long, she has whoever she wants in it. Why would she randomly join a newbie study group?

>>27435515
Dude, that would be like having Steven hawking join your university study group. It would be suspicious as fuck.

>>27435515
I think we should ask Mary to recommend some books before she goes.

I for one, want earth control so we can start building a tunnel network.

>>27435708
It would also put us straight to the Pride Demon surveilance list so everything we've done in fort hope would soon go down the toilet.

>>27435588
>>27435574
Well, maybe she could do a sort of public rigged lottery where she joins a random group.
I dunno, a way to contact her that seems sort of natural might do us some good.

>>27435767
Why would we need to do that?
We can use messanger imps or simply just have the Queens to relay messages if we teach her the ritual.

>>27435767
We can send her more letters. We can use Oksana as a messenger as we'll both be contacting her regularly.
It would be nice to be able to just chat with her but it's just not practical at the moment.

>>27433838

Yes, parents often arrange for people. Aides can also not choose a master, but because they can break even in casual conversation if not careful, many often seek masters.

I think what we should do is agree upon means of communication, I suppose we should ask Oksana as well if she wants us to teach Mary the communication ritual, we can after all, use that to relay messages.

After that, ask Mary to recommend some books that would allow us to learn how to control new elements.

Also, we should probably try and secure aid of whomever would allow us to start building Fort Hope into a self sufficient stronghold.

>>27436471
>Hey, how are you today?
>Fine, I... oops. Looks like you have a slave for the rest of eternity!

>>27436634
Now there's a random encounter if I ever heard of one.

[1/3]

“First things first, I think getting Arum into this would be the best thing to do. Having her speciality of keeping people as cats paws, information network, and general knowledge of how to avoid the authorities would be a great boon to any of us.” You tell the girls.

“No complaints from me there. The only real issue would be convincing Arum.” Mary replies. “Arum wasn’t even born during the same time as the Queen’s, so how you convince her will be up to you.”

“The Ayarian head is going to be tricky. While she’s going to be an asset, there’s no question that she’s going to be a volatile one. We’ll need to convince her not to bring any major strikes against the Pride Demons while we’re still in the planning phase. Last thing we need is someone jumping the gun on this.” you explain. “Gemelli’s we’ll need to go to their current head to get any usefulness of. While the publications involving the return of the Queen’s is a good thing in time, we don’t that sort of information being spread around right now and Valvatosa’s elites themselves after our necks.”

“The Miyians are going to either require the old ‘enemy is my enemy’ tactic, a convincing appeal to make them see the Pride Demons as the main threat, or proof that the Pride Demon’s had a hand in the war.” Oksana replies.

“Making an alliance is not impossible. It happened once during the Science Lord Wars. Albeit that was a fairly big threat.” Mary replies.

“The Belkarian... Well the main issue is that we need to solve her depression. If we can’t solve that, then she’ll most likely won’t join us.” you reply.

[2/2]

“If she did, she’d be dead weight.” Oksana replies. “The Belkarian promise puts them under deep depression, and her vows are not really related to us in a way. We can help, but there’s no way any of us would be the entire answer for her.”

“The Aide Ruler... she’s basically a trap loaded treasure chest. Tons of goodies, but one wrong move and you’re screwed. She has the triple benefit of being two factions in one and no doubts of her being broken. It’s mainly a question if she’s going to let her religious duties and beliefs get in the way of this.” you reply.

“Well it’s not as if the religion is bad Brooklyn. I wholly endorse it. Just that... well some people take religion a lot more heavily than others. It can be a powerful boon or hex depending upon how it is treated.” Oksana replies. “Janette could clear some things up with her, considering to Ishtar Janette would be the Pope.”

“All things to keep in mind.” you reply.

“I’m... also getting near the end of this spell’s duration.” Oksana says looking at her hand, noticing that it’s beginning to flicker.

“Cast it again.” Mary tells you, almost with malice in her voice.

“Why can’t I just teach it to you? Obviously you two have some catching up to do, so I don’t see the harm in it.” you ask.

“It would be a good idea Brooklyn, and I approve of you doing so.” Oksana replies to you. “Now Mary, the only place I want you ever cast this spell is the inside of any of your sister’s rooms, got it? Down here was an exception, but I don’t want to risk even the slightest chance of a slip up on your end and having some Envy demon tailing you.”

“Yes mother, I understand completely.” Mary replies.

(What now?)

>>27436975
teach her the spell. Also find out if the science wars cleaned out all the caches that Miyu set up.

>>27436975
>"Well alright then, I'll teach you the spell and then go about arranging a meeting with Arum."

So how do we go about this? Get Ada to deliver a message saying to meet us at the same place and to also bring someone that Arum trusts and is pre-takeover. That's my idea, anyone else?

Also the message could be worded like "Come to [where ever we are] at [time] and bring with you someone you trust from before the Pride demons took over."

>>27437069
we already learned what caches got used already and the catgirls are on the moon we need to get there one day

>>27437069
That it did not. I know for certain that the moon cache is still there and I think maybe 2 more on earth.

>>27437093
Lets consult Ada on that.

>>27436975
Ask Mary to recommend some books for learning new elements.

>>27436975
Teach her spell.
Ask her for some advice on improving our skills, so we hopefully get some DP.

>>27437119
Well yes that's a given since she'll be the one playing messenger for us.

>>27437114
During the Science wars at least. Always
>>27437120
No way, we don't need to learn new elements we need to improve light right now.

>>27436975
What happens if we try and communicate with Oksana while Mary's communicating with Oksana? She has to try and do two conversations at once? Magical engaged tone? Does the ritual use up aether if it doesn't work?

>>27437152
Pretty sure we're doing spees research right now anyway.

>>27437120
>More elements
Yeah no. we need to improve what we've already got first.

>>27437169
Space+Dark+Light could lead to some pretty nice combinations. Suck enemies so they're close together with space, crush them in a ball of dark, pierce with light rays that then cause the ball to explode.

>>27437104
Okay i knew about the caches but the catgirls, weren't they in the jungles and how the fuck did they get to the moon if they are there, last i checked they have below average intelligence, due to being the product of a Mad Miyian.

>>27437152
>>27437169
Then light and space control books then?
Anyway, just ask for some recommendations for extremely good books.

>>27437218
Gravity and Space control...
Oh dear, we can fuck with time itself.

>>27437218
The mental image is glorious.

>>27437235
Books on everything really. Light and space are really needed right now. And then useful stuff in general. Like how the enchant armor or something.

>>27437225
they were put in the moon and I think they got fixed it has been some time since we talked about them

>>27436975
When we teach her the modified communication ritual, get her to teach us the normal one. It seems like it's almost identical so it would be easy to learn and it would be useful.

>>27437315
That's a good idea.
Also, we could maybe use that communication ritual to talk to each other directly.

>>27437218
Jot that idea down.
I think you've just made a boss killer that can be done while cackling maniacally for maximum effect.

>>27437218
You forget fate just to make sure everything go as planned

>>27436975
"Any magic tips for a fresh off the block succubus?"

>>27436975

Obviously teaching Mary the ritual...

On a personal level we should at least scope out the Church of Pamille, possibly with Leona (see; replacement religion).

On a Grand Plan level, we will need to quiz Ada on how Arum is likely to react to our proposal.

I am also curious as to how Amanda and the twins are doing... It might prove fruitful to assign them to the town expansion project, Their connections and business would be cornerstones to the success of that endeavour... Of course, at this stage it would be setting up the infrastructure and moving some of the people from Fort Hope there (through opportunities rather than displacement).

Mina inadvertently started setting up a positive image for Succubi with the lower classes in Fort Hope with her job at the clinic....

The gears begin to turn...

[1/3]

“Sure I’ll teach it to her, along with the varients that allow summoning of the other Queen’s. Is that fine with you?” you ask Oksana.

“That’s fine.” Oksana replies.

“Mom...” Mary says, a pained expression on her face as Oksana begins to flicker.

“Relax Mary. Brooklyn’s going to teach you the ritual and then you’ll be able to summon me whenever you want.” Oksana says, trailing a flickering finger on the underside of her daughter’s chin. “From now on, I won’t be missing any more details of your life anymore.”

Mary gives a small nod. “I-I understand Mother. I’m just so glad that you’re a part of our lives once more.”

“Me too Mary... Me too...” Oksana says before the spell finally laspes and Oksana vanishes.

You make a small light ball for Mary since the candles also flicker back out. “Good as you hoped?”

“...Better.” Mary says wiping a tear away from her eye. “Brooklyn, you have absolutely no idea how much this means to me... To our a family. We not only have our mother back, but for the first time in centuries I can actually feel hope beating within me rather than just dragging my feet day to day...”

“Just the proper thing to do.” you reply.

“No, it easily goes far beyond that Brooklyn. I wish to repay you in some fashion, in that my sisters and I will owe you one favor. Don’t turn it now, but think hard on what you want it to possibly be.” Mary replies.

“I’m honoured by your gift Princess Subota, and accept it with grace.” you say with a curtsy, following proper protocol. You’re actually amazed that Mary went to this extent.

[2/3]

(+50 DP for making the Subota’s into your allies!)

“You sure your sister won’t mind this?” you ask.

“Believe me, Wendy will have the same reaction I had. But for now, can you tell me the details of this ritual?” Mary asks standing up, looking over the spell circle.

“Ah yes. I don’t know the normal communication ritual, so how it’d be different will be up to you to figure out. But what I do know is that five of the symbols are always the same. It’s only the sixth that changes depending on the Queen.” you say opening your arms, making seven glowing symbols, each the colour of their proper Queen. “I’m not sure what any of these symbols actually mean, but the purple one is that of your mother. They’re carved into each statue of the Queen at the shrine near Fort Hope, so I know they have some meaning behind them at least.”

Mary scratches her chin as she looks at the symbols. “...Clever... These symbols are all of the Queen’s names reduced down to a single character in Akashic Code. They basically used the power these characters represent to carve open a very specific door into their prison complex... This is something I’d expect my mother and Miyu to come up with.”

“Akashic Code?” you ask.

Mary nods. “They’re considered symbols of power, or more appropriately the literal fabric of magic. The Old Astral language is considered the first layer of the language, and Latin came about when some ancients on Earth attempted to translate Old Astral. The Akashic Code has many layers, but is said to contain all the magic there ever was and ever will be. A lot of ritual spells are learned just by skimming the Akashic Code itself. The issue is that in the later levels, the symbols become mind-meltingly complex. These symbols are the best example of this. I suspect that mother must’ve have been researching these symbols for a long time in order to get exact ones.”

>>27437613
Leona's gonna spill the beans about the queens unless we can make her master order her not to speak about the queens and about her transformation.

She can't lie for shit.