“Won’t the whole place be trapped and alarmed?” asks the other Sofia “if I had hundreds of years to make a place impenetrable, that’s what I’d do.”

Isla shakes her head “Salvastis is still rebuilding after being attacked by other demon lords several years ago – his fortress will be covered in traps yes, but the mountains will only have a few alarms and outposts – to warn against large-scale attacks, not infiltration attempts – that’s what the fortresses defences are there for.”

“So what’s the plan for dealing with those?” asks your Sofia.

You step forward “between the two of us, Ebonsong and I will be able to disable or confuse any magical traps or alarms”

“Don’t forget me” says your double, stepping forward “I’m hardly a novice mage”

“Of course” you agree “The three of us will be able to disable any magical defences there are.”

Jal laughs, sat on a chair in reverse position, her arms folded over its back “And yer are gonna do what with a locked door? Oh yeah, that’s why yer bringing me.”

You smile “of course, we can’t rely on Salvastis using magic alone to defend his seat of power.”

“So what’s the rub o’ getting close to the stone house?” asks Jal “I mean, miles o’ wasteland sounds like a big place.”

“We could teleport close to the stronghold” you say “but the closer we use a lot of magic, the more chance of getting picked up, combined with how fast we can move, teleporting some distance away and then flying in is the best plan.”

“Some of us can’t fly” protests Jal

“And some of us are angels” you point out “very noticeable in Hel, which is why I’ll be going in dragon form, as will the Azure Empress” you say the title with only a small smile, “We’ll carry you and Ebonsong.”

Jal starts to grin, her smile getting wider and wider. You sigh “Yes Jal” you say “This means you’ll be riding me, for several hours at least.”

“Oh c’mon!” protests Jal as most people in the room giggle, chuckle or roll their eyes “I bin waitin’ three days fer that line an’ yer jus’ throw it away!” She folds her arms and pouts.

“Sorry” you say “I’ll see if I can’t find a new one for you.”

“So that’s it?” asks your double “we planeshift in, teleport to the wasteland and fly to the fortress and break in, no last minute changes to the plan?”

“We’ve got the teams” you say “it’s you, me, Ebby and Jal infiltrating and Sofia, Sofia, Shahulzer, Matthias, Jianxi and Isla ready to break us out if things go wrong, everyone has both a soulgem and a sanctuary breastplate, everyone has successfully attumed the elemental nodes they’re using and the remaining two – earth and air will be with the rescue team just in case - that’s it, we’re good to go.”

“Right” says your double “Let’s do this”

----

The wastelands of Duke Salvastis’ plane are sandy and rocky, the air here is foul, tasting of sulphur and filth.

The place lives in perpetual twilight: a dim red light coming from the sky above, but no sun, moon or stars.

All around you there is evil, a constant pervasive feeling of evil. You’ve been flying for hours now, Jal and Ebby (in her human form) on your back as you and your twin speed across the landscape. You know it’s all in your head but you feel the evil of this place seeping into you. A bath is in order when you get back, maybe a week of baths.

“Are we there yet?” asks Ebby, above the howling wind

“Not yet” you reply patiently

“How about now?” she adds

“Still no” you say, gritting your teeth a little


“Ok I admit, there are things about my old life I don’t miss” says your double.

“Really?” you say “because I believe Ebby might benefit from spending a year or two with you.”

Whatever response she was about to give is lost as the two of you fly over a massed melee of demons, struggling and fighting down below.

You’re up high and the thick clouds of red sands make it difficult to make out details but it looks like hundreds of demons locked in combat below. It appears like some sort of temporary camp or makeshift settlement is under attack by a larger, more organised force of demons, and losing badly.

With your speed you are quickly past it but you look back, wondering what’s happening.

Your double looks over at you “I know what you’re thinking” she says “and don’t, the mission comes first, right?”

>Yes (fly on)
>I just want to look (circle back)

>>36262569
>I just want to look (circle back)
And a camp of demons can be useful in finding out where those sentinels begin.

Also, it looks like we didn't make those magic tiems?

>>36262569

Providence!
>They may have fresh intel, both the defenders and the attackers, which is a nice bonus to helping the weak.

>>36262569
>I just want to look (circle back)

>>36262596
>Also, it looks like we didn't make those magic tiems?

Which ones? I know some where mentioned but didn't write them down, but there's still time to have them added in (via retcon).

>>36262614
>Teleport Stones (4 weeks)
>Celestial Iron armour 6x (stoneskin 3) (36weeks)
Thats 6 DR against demons.
For Sofia, Sofia, Matthias, Jianxi, Jal and if we can fit her one Isla.
>celestial weapon of smiting 2x(+4) (4 weeks)
For Jianxi. The Sofias have their own means.
>CWoS 2x(+6) (6 weeks)

---
Those I meant.

>>36262629
The last set of celestial iron weapons were meant for Jal.

>>36262629
That's fine, added, and thanks for spotting.

>>36262643
It was kind of drowned out since it only came up at the end of the thread, so its understandable you missed it.

Who is holding the teleport stones? one for each of the infiltration party?

>>36262707
The idea was the assault party as one and the infiltration party drops theirs off close the the fortress so the assault team can get faster to the fortress, and can get away faster too if need be.

You circle back to get a closer look at the battle. Down below the two sides are locked in vicious combat.

A circular barricade of rocks, wood and anything else handy has been erected, perhaps five feet high. Defending it are female winged humanoid demons using spears and polearms of varying styles. Attacking are a mass of mixed demons ranging from four feet tall to eight feet tall – all clearly warrior types. Large brutish demons with broad shoulders and thick skin climb over the barricade, pushing the defenders back, taking spear-thrust after spear thrust. Smaller, almost goblin-like demons skitter underfoot, cutting at the legs of the defenders. Horrible mixtures of snail and giant snake wrap around their foes and pull them to the ground, acidic secretions burning flesh as they crush their victims.

The attackers only have a few flying demons though; rocklike gargoyles that are outmanoeuvred by the quicker defenders. The defenders aerial superiority is the only thing keeping the attackers at bay – attackers that break through the defensive perimeter are swarmed by flying defenders and harried back or killed.

Both sides send bolts of black and red magical energies at one another but neither appears to enjoy magical superiority.

In the middle of the defenders camp a group of perhaps fifty much smaller humanoid winged demons, childlike in size and appearance huddle, watched over by two older winged demons – their scars and hard-bitten appearance giving the impression of veterans.

On the edge of the combat a tall thin demon in black armour directs the attackers forward, at his side three demons that look like walking octopi stand chanting in some demonic tongue, around them whips gusts of wind. You feel tainted and evil magics forming, perhaps they are summoning something, or some form of magical attack that will end this.

The attackers number perhaps 400, the defenders 200. As the combat stands at this time, the defenders are losing, but slowly, and they are making the attackers pay for their victory – dead from both sides litter the field. Neither side appears to have noticed you yet, as you fly high above them.

“This isn’t out fight” your double reminds you.

“Sis can’t we help them?” asks Ebby, Jal stays uncharacteristically silent.

>Fly on to the mountains (leave)
>Get involved (doing what?)
>Watch and wait
>Other (what?)

>>36262732
Thanks

>>36262775
>Get involved (doing what?)
Drop on the leader of the attackers and the three spellcasters. Crush them.
We're a black dragon, we can be Chaotic Evil all day.

>>36262775
>Get involved (doing what?)
Try and take out their leader. That may break them. We should be able to get some intelligence out of the sucubutts

>>36262775
>Get involved (doing what?)
>If they are small enough, attack the leader and the octopi caster at the same time.

>>36262775
>(Peace) fail to seek a peaceful solution to a conflict

Use Whispering Wind, tell him to have his forces stand down and withdraw or else.

Give him thirty seconds.

Then do any of the other things anons are posting.

>>36262815
Oh yeah. Forgot about that. Dammit. Seconding this

>>36262815
Good spot

Try Peaceful Solution?

(as per quoted post)

Y/N

Currently you are in your standard (6ft-long) black dragon form - meaning you can attack either the leader or the casters, not both (at least not physically) at once.

Go Huge?

Y/N

Seraphic?

Y/N

>>36262815
Maybe revise it to ten seconds?

Kinda don't want to risk letting the octopi finish their spell, and it's not like he's going to say yes either way.

>>36262835
Y
Y
N

>>36262835
Y
Y
N

>>36262835
>Y
>Y
>N

>>36262835
Claim the succubus as our own and tell him to GTFO then fill the succubus in.

>>36262840
Lets give him 30 seconds to withdraw, but demand the spellcasters stop chanting immediatly.

Using a spell you send a message down to the leader “Stand down and withdraw your forces” your message says “or else.”

The tall spindly demon leader jerks in surprise below you, looking around for the source of the spell, then he looks up.

He yells something up at you, his reply lost on the wind; you circle down closer, growing to your full size as you do so.

“Alright” says your double, her smaller form following you down “just say the word and I’ll take out the leader.”

He repeats himself as you get lower “On whose authority?”

The windspeed is picking up around the demon trio of spellcasters and spreading out. For you and your double, high winds are not going to be a problem as you can easily summon your own storm winds, ignoring others. Pretty soon this wind is going to be too strong for Ebby, or any flying demon to fly under their own power – good thing Ebby is in her human form clinging to your back.

If you don’t act soon, the defenders could be blown out of the sky

>Attack (combat options in next post)
>Try to bluff him (pretend you’re on a demon lords business)
>I’m a dragon – that *is* my authority (intimidate)
>Other

I've not included a time limit as no consensus, but the spell hasn't been finished - yet.

>>36262952
>Cast Anti-Magic field around the spellcasters
>I’m a dragon – that *is* my authority (intimidate)

>>36262952
>I’m a dragon – that *is* my authority (intimidate)
I like it
>Cast Anti-Magic field around the spellcasters

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>36262952
>I’m a dragon – that *is* my authority (intimidate)
>Cast Anti-Magic field around the spellcasters

Ok, roll Fellowship 1d20+11 to intimidate

Use Angelic Voice?

Y/N

Rolled 1 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>>36263076
>Angelic Voice
>In Hell
N
NNNNNN

Rolled 2 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>>36263076
Better not risk it.
>N

Rolled 17 + 11 (1d20 + 11)

>>36263076
N

>>36263092
Almost had you, damn, writing.

>>36263130
You could have taken >>36262987 for us being proactive but please don't.

>>36263130
That reminds me, you still need to deduct the 5DP from the Sireyis.

>>36262952

>I'm a big guy. That's my authority.

You cast your own spell, an invisible globe of anti-magic appearing around the 3 octopi-demons and the windstorm spreading around them dying out.

[Arcane Energy 94/97]

“I’m a dragon” you rumble as you land near the demons leader “I don’t need authority, I *am* authority – now call off your attack!”

The demon leader; a tall and pale humanoid in black insect armour, putting you in mind of a bug that walks upright, steps back - clearly not happy about being in biting distance of a dragon.

He looks around, and seeing his forces in the distance, oblivious to your presence, and his small goblin-like demon messengers fled, he swallows nervously and switches tactics to bargaining.

“I cannot call off my forces” he says “They are already committed, and I risk the wrath of those even mightier than you, but if you want these weak wretches, I can grant you a portion of the spoils if you help us.”

“No deal” you say, there’s no way you help them.

“Then ah....what do you want?” it asks desperately

“You gone” you say

“I cannot!” it shrieks “My general would flay me for weeks if I returned without the sp– but perhaps we can work out a deal?” it gibbers.

The octopi sorcerers have moved out of the sphere of antimagic, but your double is circling over them, watching them. Jal and Ebby are on your back.

Though the demon army hasn’t noticed you yet, it is only a matter of time before they do.

>No (attack)
>The Sp – the Spy?
>What deal?
>Other (what?)

Peaceful Solution has been attempted, Doctrine condition satisfied.

Slight delay before next post, 25 minutes or so

>>36263199
>You can tell your superior you had the option between leaving and losing your entire force. Because those are the options you have. I will not endure any further exchange. Leave or suffer my wrath.

>>36263213
That should be "or losing your entire force", sry.

>>36263213
I'll have to go with this

>>36263199
>What deal?
Not to take it, just to see what he can offer.
Maybe use
>The Sp – the Spy?
not sure
>>36263225
It read ok to me.

>>36263199
>>36263213
seconding this.
The moment he says No. Crush him, every second we waste on him is another potential life lost on the defenders side.

After this we should probably use seeming to turn ourself into huge red dragons or hellwyrms.
Since they'll be looking for black dragons now too if anyone of these survives.

Please roll 2d20 first is for intimidate, 2nd is for something else.

I'm not taking Angelic voice votes for the time being - though it is always available as a write-in, I'll use it again as a prompt when appropriate.

Rolled 16, 7 = 23 (2d20)

>>36263346

Rolled 20, 10 = 30 (2d20)

>>36263346

Rolled 1, 15 = 16 (2d20)

>>36263346

>>36263355
I think I just stop rolling today until I get that goat ready.

You shake your huge head “I don’t need to explain myself to you” you say “You can tell your superior you had the option between leaving when told to – or of losing your entire force. Because those are the options you have. I will not endure any further exchange. Leave now or suffer my wrath.”

“Alright!” it says, cringing, running towards the demons forces “I’ll tell them to surrender, but please, give me a few minutes to get the message to my forces.”

That is one scared demon, but you’re also pretty sure it’s a lying demon; you have a feeling that once it is surrounded by its troops it will be a lot braver.

It’s got a good 500 yards before it reaches the battle, and its only 30 yards from you.

The octopi demons are still nearby, under the watchful eye of your twin.

What’s the plan?

>Wait; give it a chance to withdraw its forces
>Attack now!
>Other (what?)

>>36263376
>Stop him, carry him to the battlefield, he can deliver his orders from between your claws.

>>36263376
>>36263394
seconding this. Tell him we can get him there and get attention a lot faster.

>>36263376
>>36263394

Best option I can see, other than straight murdering them.

>>36263476
Thats whats gonna happen if he tries shit one more time, but we are the good one here, so we gotta make true to the spirit of our doctrine.

“Wait” you say, taking flight and grasping the shrieking demon firmly in your claws “I can get you there faster – and get your armies attention too” You fly over the combat, the demon trembling in your claws.

“Well?” you say as the two of you swoop over the combat “Tell them.”

You give a wordless roar that echoes across the battlefield and most of the fighting pauses momentarily, the combatants looking skyward.

The demon twists in your grasp and then goes limp, before suddenly tensing up and yelling “Kill the dragons! Salvastis curse you! Kill them!”

That wasn’t smart, apparently he fears his overlord more than he fears death at your claws.

Now it is a fight.

Tactics?

Sireyi
>Attack (melee)
>Breath weapon
>Power (what?)
>Spell (what?)
>Other (what?)

Dark Sireyi
>Attack (melee)
>Breath weapon
>Power (what?)
>Spell (what?)
>Other (what?)

Ebonsong (human form)
>Attack (melee)
>Spell (what?)
>Other (what?)
>Go dragon? Y/N

Jal
>Attack (melee)
>Other (what?)

Battlefield

Enemies
Demon Army (360)
Flying Demons (20)
Demon General (held)
Demon Sorcerers (3)

Other
Succubi Defenders (180)

Remember to specify targets.

You are over the battle, the general in your claws, Ebby and Jal on your back. Your double is 500 yards away, near the demon sorcerers.

>>36263596
Sireyi
>Attack (General)
Tear it apart.

Dark Sireyi
>Breath weapon
Demon Sorcerers

Ebonsong (human form)
>Go dragon? Y
Breath Weapon Demon Army

Jal
Stay

>>36263596
>Attack demon General

Dark Sireyi
>Breath weapon on the spellcaster, keep them in the field

>Ebonsong
>Go Dragon
>Breath weapon on nearby flying demons

>Jal
>Stays for now

>>36263596
>>36263641
>Breath weapon on nearby flying demons
Changing this to targeting the demon army, I realised the flyers might be too entangled with the succubi

>>36263596
I'd like to roll Intelligence to try and remember anything we might know about demons, in particular, how likely they are to be resistant to certain elements.

Rolled 20 + 7 (1d20 + 7)

>>36263596
>>36263651
Forgot my dice.

>>36263660
Demons elemental resistance varies by demon type and by plane.

Demons serving Salvastis are resistant to charm and illusion spells.

The various demon types you see are:

Bonebreakers (Warriors, damage resistant but not to any particular type more than another, several types present)
Imps (the messengers, acid resistant)
Hellgoyles (Flying demons, lightning resistant)
Selkethians (Octopi demons - magic resistant)

Ok so please roll me 2d20 for Dark Sireyi and Ebonsongs breath weapons, and vote on extra arcane energy used by dark sireyi (she has 21) if any. Average of 3 votes used.

You don't need a roll to kill the demon general.

Rolled 8, 4 = 12 (2d20)

>>36263724
4

Rolled 6, 11 = 17 (2d20)

>>36263724

Rolled 4, 9 = 13 (2d20)

>>36263724
4 for Dark Sireyi

12 for Ebonsong (she can also overcharge her Breath Weapon, right?)

Rolled 19, 10 = 29 (2d20)

>>36263724
2

>>36263782
She can, yes. Ebby has 79 AE

This is first vote for Ebby, 2 more votes needed, apologies for missing.

>>36263832
I'll go for it

>>36263832
I'll go with 12 too then.

Demons, why can they never listen to reason? With a sigh you shred the demon general in your grasp as Ebonsong launches herself off your back, turning into her dragon form mid-air and swooping across the battlefield, her jaws opening wide as she drenches the attacking demons in her acid breath. Many turn and flee and others simply fall, melting.

[Ebby AE 67/79]

Behind you there is a roar and squealing as your double unleashes her acid breath upon the demon sorcerers, wounding them, but not ending them.

[D.Sireyi AE 18/21]

The flying demons swarm you, their claws raking at your flanks but unable to penetrate your armour. Jal doesn’t fare too well and you can soon feel her running around on your back, twisting your head back you can see her fending off three attackers using her enchanted weapons. She’s unhurt for now, but that happy state of affairs might not last.

On the ground most of the flightless demons simply press their attack as some hang back and fire off bolts of hellfire at you – their magics sputtering and dying before they even get close to you.

Far away, the demon sorcerers cast their spells at your twin, with more success: you hear a roar of pain but she keeps fighting.

Fortunately help is on the way, a flight of perhaps twenty succubi are headed up towards you and engage the flying demons mobbing you.

Tactics?

Sireyi
>Attack (melee)
>Breath weapon
>Power (what?)
>Spell (what?)
>Other (what?)

Dark Sireyi (pain curse: -10 to all actions)
>Attack (melee)
>Breath weapon
>Power (what?)
>Spell (what?)
>Other (what?)

Ebonsong (dragon form)
>Attack (melee)
>Spell (what?)
>Other (what?)

Jal
>Attack (melee)
>Other (what?)

Battlefield

Enemies
Demon Army (320)
Flying Demons (20)
Demon General (held)
Demon Sorcerers (3, lightly wounded)

Other
Succubi Defenders (180)

>>36263927
Sireyi
>Warn Jal to hold on
>Take flight
>Breath Weapon
>Demon Army

Dark Sireyi
>Spell (Break Enchantment)
>Self

Ebonsong
>Breath Weapon
>Demon Sorcerers

Jal
>Don't fall off, defend yourself, use tentacles if necessary

>>36263927
When did those guys leave the anti-magic field? Seriously need to talk to our twin about not letting spellcasters out of their anti-magic fields.

>Missile Storm on the Hellgoyles
>fly out of range and break enchantment on herself
>Ebonsong Acid breath on the spellcasters
>Kepp fending off remaining flying demons

>>36263927
>Missile Storm on the Hellgoyles
>Spell (Break Enchantment)
>Ebonsong Acid breath on the spellcasters
>Don't fall off, defend yourself, use tentacles if necessary

>>36263983
See: >>36263199
>The octopi sorcerers have moved out of the sphere of antimagic

If you thought they were still in the anti-magic sphere, why did you vote to attack them with the *magical* breath weapon?

>>36263978
Already flying, anon.

>>36263927
>Demon General (held)
Should be 'Demon General (red paste)'

Just occurred to me that we might've wanted to leave him alive so we could interrogate him about who the spy is after the fight.

>>36264016
Breath weapons aren't magical, they are extrordinary abilities and work in AM fields just fine.
I did read they had moved out, and was wondering why she let them.

>>36264039
Some breath weapons work in Am fields, I'm not sure right now if dragon breath weapons fall in that category, but they are supernatural abilities, not ex.

>>36264039
>I did read they had moved out, and was wondering why she let them.
Because we were negotiating at the time and swooping down to eat the sorcerers would've put a stop to that?

>Breath weapons aren't magical, they are extrordinary abilities and work in AM fields just fine.
In this universe, they're powered with Arcane Energy, so they probably qualify as magical.

>>36264052
A dragon can't use breath weapons in a AM field, he can breath into one from the outside though, like those orb spells.

>>36264061
I'm not that anon, but it seems obvious to me a large black dragon could easily keep them in the field without devouring them. Just shove them back in with your claw.

Ok please roll 3d20 (you, your double, Ebby)

And vote on extra arcane energy used for

You
Your Double
Ebby

Separating them by lines please.

Rolled 10, 2, 5 = 17 (3d20)

>>36264112
14
4
12

Rolled 10, 16, 18 = 44 (3d20)

>>36264112
15
5
15

Rolled 7, 9, 1 = 17 (3d20)

>>36264112
15
5
15

You summon your own arcane powers to cast a spell and dozens of bolts of magical force streak outwards, targeting the Hellgoyles.

[Sireyi AE 76/97]

They shriek and flap through the air as your magic seeks them out and strikes them down in great numbers.

Your double shoots up into the sky and casts her spell, removing the curse afflicting her.

[Double AE 12/21]

-The sorcerers- you send to Ebby, mentally outlining your plan.

-Right- She says, turning away from the army and diving at the three sorcerers, pulling up at the last moment and covering them in a deluge of black acid. They thrash and shriek under the onslaught, before lying still, slowly dissolving.

[Ebby AE 53/79]

“Hold on tight” you say to Jal “And look after yourself”

A dozen tentacles emerge from under Jals shirt, some gripping tight to you, others holding knives or swatting away the claws of the Hellgoyles, she’s doing well and has only suffered a few scratches.

[Jal HP 38/40]

The Succubi aiding you take several off the Hellgoyles out of the fight as well, until the last few turn to flee, the succubi chasing them.

“Not how I wanted to use these on yer” grumps Jal, clinging to your broad back with her tentacles.

With your foes fliers and sorcerers dealt with, and with the remaining demons unable to really affect you with their magic, you could easily defeat them on your own, but if you don’t do it quickly, more succubi will die.

What’s the plan?

>Bellow to get their attention, try to talk them into going
>Just keep doing flyby attacks with breath weapon
>Use a big spell to scare them (what? how much extra AE?)
>Other (what?)

>>36264125
>>36264124
>>36264142
Too late for this vote, but Arcane Energy is an extremely limited resource in this venture. Health, on the other hand, regenerates quickly. Shouldn't we rather fight less effectively and take a few hits than waste our energy before we come even close to the real fight?

>>36264230
>Just keep doing flyby attacks with breath weapon
>>36264249
Normally this would be the case, but here we wanted to keep the succubus casualties limited, so we had to end it quicker.

>>36264230
>Bellow to get their attention, try to talk them into going

>>36264230
>Bellow to get their attention, try to talk them into going
Seems like the fastest way to get them gone.

>>36264230
>Just keep doing flyby attacks with breath weapon

>>36264267
But we always want to keep the casualties low, and the enemy demons are already focussing on the dragons, as per their last order. Even the flying demons attacked us instead of the more numerous succubi.

>>36264230
>>36264267
Right when I write that, I copy the wrong option, obviously should be
>Bellow to get their attention, try to talk them into going

>>36264289

In a fight where it is only us four, we could afford that, but they succubi still fight the main army, its really only the majority of flyers that attacked us.

Bellow it is.

Please roll Fellowship 1d20+13

Rolled 12 + 13 (1d20 + 13)

>>36264341

Rolled 1 + 13 (1d20 + 13)

>>36264341

Rolled 17 + 13 (1d20 + 13)

>>36264341

You roar as loud as you can, your bellow echoing across the battlefield as you swoops over the army “your general and sorcerers are dead!” you proclaim “the last few flying forces you had are retreating and your magic is ineffective against me – flee or die!”

At your bellow the combat ceases once more, the leaderless demon army coming to the conclusion that they really don’t want to fight you. Slowly at first but then in a mass exodus the demons flee across the plain – towards the mountains you were trying to reach. Most of the defenders slump down, exhausted, many crying in relief.

With the battle over, you approach the succubi camp – they might be willing to tell you something about what lies ahead.

The succubi are busy killing the enemy wounded and treating their own, as you land and slowly approach the nearest group sees you and spreads out, spears at the ready, one calls out “We are grateful for your help dragon, but what do you want here?”

In contrast to the lascivious reputation of succubi, those you see here are dressed for war, covered head to toe in armour of varying quality and style, their numbers, including their young stand at perhaps 200.

“I don’t want any trouble” you say, Jal clinging to your back as Ebby and your double circle overhead “I just want to ask a few questions.”

The succubi keep their spears pointed at you but one jogs wearily away, returning with another succubi who says “I am Gazastra – I lead here dragon, what do you want?”

>I can help the wounded (healing, divine)
>About Salvastis’ fortress
>The general mentioned a spy
>Nothing (leave)
>Other topic (what?)
>Shrink to regular size? Y/N

>>36264403
>About Salvastis’ fortress
>The general mentioned a spy
No divine powers please.

>Take on human form
As a dragon, we have access to draconic shapeshifting. They'd probably be more comfortable with a shape-shifted dragon than a smaller dragon.

>>36264403
>About Salvastis’ fortress
>The general mentioned a spy
>Other topic (what?) Do they want to leave hell?
No mentioning of divine abilities or any such a thing, we are a black dragon that can offer sanctuary in exchange for service, one spy can mean one double agent as far as we know.

>>36264403
>About Salvastis’ fortress
>The general mentioned a spy
>Shrink to regular size? Y

Mention tranporting them to another realm

>>36264403
>About Salvastis’ fortress
>The general mentioned a spy
>Other topic Looking to move home? Make Job offer.
>Shrink to regular size? Y

You shrink down to a less intimidating size, but remain in your dragon form, for now, Jal slipping off your back and standing behind you. “I want to know about Salvastis’ Fortress” you say “I have...business there and I need to know what I’m going to encounter.”

Hmm, that’s interesting, as soon as you said that, one of the succubi holding a spear pointed at you tensed up, the others probably didn’t notice as their attention was on you.

“We don’t go near that place” says Gazastra “We can’t help you, I’m sorry. We’re grateful for your help but you need to go now, we have wounded to tend to and a long way to go before they come back.”

“Why did they attack you?” you ask “and I could help you, maybe find some way to hide you – another plane perhaps.”

“You must be new here” observes Gazastra, she points to the group of young succubi, ranging from the age of babes to teenagers “Food and playthings” she says “and slaves, as for another plane – getting out of Hell isn’t as easy as getting in, thank you for the offer.” You can tell she either doesn’t believe your offer is genuine, or doesn’t believe you have the power to get them out of Hell.

“The general mentioned a spy” you say “could he have been hunting one.”

“There’re no spies here-” Gazastra starts to say before pausing and then saying to a succubi standing near here “the newcomers, bring them here.” The other succubi marches off, barking orders. Shortly four succubi kneel before Gazastra, disarmed and helmets removed, the other succubi holding them tight. Included in them is the one you saw tense earlier.

Gazastra walks before them “Refugees” she says “That’s what you said, I didn’t think to question it because Salvastis’ raiding party attacked us and I had that to deal with, but now I wonder, which of you is His spy? Which of you led him to us? Which of you” her voice lowers to a whisper as two of her fingers grow claws, which she trails down the cheek of one of the restrained succubi, leaving faint red scratches as she says “is a traitor to her own sisters?”

As the four beg and plead, protesting her innocence she says “take them away and execute them!” And then turns to you to continue the conversation.

Execution
>Let them die
>Don’t kill them

Spy
>Expose spy (pick the one you noticed)
>Expose spy (pick one of the other three)
>Use magic to find the truth (spell?)
>Other (what?)

General
>Let it go for now
>I really can get you away
>Other (what?)

Please pick only 1 (plus write-ins) from each section.

>>36264694
>Don’t kill them
>Expose spy (pick the one you noticed)
>I really can get you away

>>36264694
>Don’t kill them

>Use magic to find the truth (Probe Thoughts)

>I really can get you away

>>36264694
>Don’t kill them
>Probe Thoughts
>I really can get you away

>>36264694
>Let them die
>Use magic to find the truth Probe Thoughts starting with the one you noticed
>I really can get you away

>>36264730
>Let them die
The fuck anon.

>>36264730
Sorry Don't let them die.

Ok, please roll 2d20, first is Fellowship, second Willpower and vote on extra Arcane Energy used (if any) on your spell.

Rolled 10, 7 = 17 (2d20)

>>36264800
5

Rolled 16, 1 = 17 (2d20)

>>36264800
8

Rolled 14, 6 = 20 (2d20)

>>36264800
0

>>36264800
>0

So, players, how do you justify using more Arcane Energy here? Just shifting them all to an allied plane, or leaving them alone, would be enough.

>>36264866
Because we want to find the spy?

Also, just in case OP counts votes for overcharging after the first three, which I don't think he does.

>>36264800
20

>>36264866
Because we have large amounts of AE, and the plane shifting isn't going to be done by us, thats Islas job.

>>36264894
Who uses it doesn't matter, it's still a limited resource and this could be dealt with without using any.

>>36264889
>Because we want to find the spy?
So they can be killed? No chance at redemption? They wouldn't be able to do anything in the immediate future, having them stay prisoner and dealing with them later would have little down-side.

>>36264931
>and this could be dealt with without using any
Then tell us how.
As of now that potential spy is both a dnager and a opportunity for us, finding it can save us lots of AE in the future by having information to avoid sentinels and traps.

>They wouldn't be able to do anything in the immediate future
>magic telepathy is not a thing
Okay, whatever you say.
Don't be so shortsighted anon.

>>36264931
I doubt the succubi even have a jail, what's to stop them from killing all four just to make sure after we leave, even if we tell them which one is the spy?

“Don’t kill them” you say “I can find out which one is the spy” Gazastra raises her eyebrows at you “We’re pretty good mind-readers” she says “it’s not easy to find a way past our defences.”

“I can” you insist. She considers, one hand on her chin before saying “Alright, be my guest” and gestures at the four.

You approach the one you noticed reacting and cast your spell, its energies reaching out and connecting the two of you, mind-to-mind, Kraeyal, her name is Kraeyal.

You see...pain, horror, a lifetime on the run, friends dying around you one by one, until you’re all alone. The experience threatens to overwhelm you, but thanks to your inhuman willpower you push through.

You meet up with others like you, experience friendship, companionship for the first time in...a very long time. One in particular seems to take to you – away from the others the two of you share your minds and bodies with each other, a deep and personal connection that makes the part of you, Sireyi, the part that is watching this and not living it very glad that as a black dragon, your blush isn’t visible. In your own form you’re sure you’d be glowing from face to toes.

And then you see...her secrets, your lover didn’t tell you, but with your limbs and minds tangled together you see. Second-hand the images are hard to decipher: A secret mission; angelic weapons held in Salvastis’ vaults; an angel in Hell; discovery; torture; escape; flight.

The connection ends. Kraeyal isn’t the spy, the spy is one of the other three – acting just like the others, fitting in perfectly, Kraeyal is the spies lover – who knows her secrets.

As shapeshifters succubi can be difficult to pick out, but knowing her so...intimately you can easily pick out the one from the others “Hyalia” you whisper, that’s her name, the one you, rather, the one Kraeyal loves. You meet Hyalia’s gaze, she stares back evenly, her gaze giving away nothing, the perfect act of fear and pretend innocence.

You know if you expose her, Gazastra will likely kill her, if you don’t, she’ll kill all four.

Expose?
>Expose
>Keep secret
>Other (what?)

Punishment
>Let Gazastra have her/them
>Demand as payment (for your help) their lives be spared
>Other (what?)

Recruitment option will be explored next post.

And now you know a few things that would shock even Jal

>>36264998
>Expose
>Demand as payment (for your help) their lives be spared

That will be one hell of a surprise in the wedding night

>>36264998
>Expose
>Demand as payment (for your help) their lives be spared

>>36264998
>Tell them everything and I will claim you as my payment.

>>36264957
>Then tell us how.
I was in class, but there are two plans that spring to mind:
>"I have a spell to determine thruth but I have to conserve my energy for now. I have two potential safe-places I could planeshift you to, you would be protected for Sylvia in either [etc, etc, tell them they are under protection of Saint Sireyi, blah blah]. The spy shouldn't be able to do any harm there, please keep these four locked up until I come back.

>Just use non-magical means to determine the truth. Our fellowship is OP, we already have a suspicion.

>>36264964
If you assume that they won't believe us anyway, the whole idea of using a truth-spell is even more idiotic.

>>36265195
>the whole idea of using a truth-spell is even more idiotic
Thats why we didn't use a truth spell?

>>36265195
>tell them they are under protection of Saint Sireyi
With a spy in their midst, who, for all we know, could be in thelepathic contact with her master. Absolutely brilliant.
They don't HAVE to do what we tell them, this could easily make them mistrust us and kill them just to be on the safe side.

>>36265209
Sorry for the crucial mistake. The correct sentence would have read:
>If you assume that they won't believe us anyway, the whole idea of using a mind-probing spell is even more idiotic.

>>36265253
With a mind probing spell we actually know whats going on, with a fellowship roll we wouldn't.

>>36265195
Suspicion was completely wrong, so that probably would've made it harder. Succubi also have pretty high Fellowship, given that it's their thing, and I'm willing to bet she's just as good at lying as we are in rooting out lies.

A success wouldn't have given us half as much information as we got out of that spell.

Plane-shifting would probably draw some attention at this distance, it would also probably take more AE, as Hell is (evidently) harder to get out of than it is to enter.

We only spent 5 AE on the spell, including base cost.

>>36265252
They could kill them in any case. The question is, whether expending AE on a mind-probe spell chances the probability of them killing anyone in any significant way.

I say it doesn't. And even if it did, we could delay this whole thing without further difficulty

>who, for all we know, could be in thelepathic contact with her master.
Under which assumption our whole operation might already have failed.

Bind and blindfold the potential spies. Now they would not gain any more information than they already have. Problem solved.

>>36265265
We have four potential spies. Now we know one of them is not a spy and another is a spy. We still don't know anything about the others.

Also, we could still have done this later, instead o fnow.

>>36265293
>We only spent 5 AE
Yeah, it's not a huge loss. Unneccesary in my opinion, but still. I'll stop arguing now. I was to late anyway.

“I know who the spy is” you say, as Kraeyal starts to thrash in the grip of the succubi holding her. You turn to Gazastra “But if I tell you, I want you to promise as payment for my actions today that you won’t kill her.”

Gazastra narrows her eyes at you “banishment?” she offers “from my group only of course”

You nod, she roll her eyes and says “fine, I give you my word that the spy – or spies won’t be killed.”

You point to Hyalia “It’s her” you say as Kraeyal starts to scream that you’re lying – that she’s the spy, not Hyalia. Hyalia shakes her head and gives the perfect act of innocent outrage, saying she would never do anything to hurt her sisters.

“Can you read her mind too?” asks Gazastra, as she motions for Hyalia and Kraeyal to be separated, and all four kept restrained.

“Perhaps” you say “but now that I’ve demonstrated my powers, about my offer....?”

“What exactly are you offering?” says Gazastra, warily “I’ve seen Hellwyrms eat my sisters too, and I’m not too keen on selling them into slavery either.”

“I don’t eat people” you say, your stomach rebelling at the concept “And my offer is this: a safe place for you and your sisters to live – whether you want to help me or anyone else will be up to you.”

>>36265328
>Also, we could still have done this later, instead o fnow.
No, because we want to question the spy now, and not later, we have no intention of staying around them for any longer than necessary.

Gazastra looks at you consideringly “I’m listening, tell me more.”

Where would they go?
>To Drache
>To the Tribal Lands
>To Dalvin
>They choose (all 3 on offer? Other places on offer?)
>Other (where?)

Who?
>Just you and your group
>As many Succubi on this plane who want to
>Other

Conditions?
>None
>Cannot use powers on other except with permission or self-defence
>Angelic transformation offered
>Angelic transformation mandatory
>Accept me as your Goddess (mandatory)
>Other condition (what?)

Negotiation tactics?
>Angels Voice
>Planeshift (prove you can)
>Tell her you are an angel
>*show* her you are an angel
>Other (what?)
>None

None means they are citizens of wherever they go, subject to laws etc, but otherwise the same as anyone else. It is assumed that they can worship you if they choose, the Goddess option makes it a requirement.

Talk to Hyalia?
>Talk to her
>Use truth spell
>Read mind
>Leave her alone (you know enough)

Her fate?
>Take her with you
>Let her be banished
>Ask Gazastra to hold her, for now

The other two?
>Leave them
>Question
>Read minds
>Other (what?)

A lot of options I know, so 15 minutes minimum time for voting + asking questions.

>>36265389
>to drache, tribal lands, to dalvin
>as many succubi on this plane who want to
>angelic transformation offered
>cannot use powers except on self defense or if permitted to

Too many option, pally. These are the ones I care about the most.

>>36265389
>They choose all 3 on offer
For now we send them to Gendric in Drache, they can have time to choose while there.
>Just you and your group, for now, we can look for other succubi once I have finished my business here
>Cannot use powers on other except with permission or self-defence, might change depending on the place, our Twin might have a different opinion.
>Angelic transformation offered

>Let Isla come over so she can plane shift them, and it shows we have angelic allies

>Talk to her
>Ask Gazastra to hold her, for now
>Leave them

>>36265389
>To Dalvin
>As many Succubi on this plane who want to
Conditions?
>Cannot use powers on other except with permission or self-defence
>Angelic transformation offered
>Accept me as your Goddess (mandatory)
Negotiation tactics?
>Angels Voice
>Tell her you are an angel
If she doubts
>*show* her you are an angel


>Talk to her
>Read mind


>Ask Gazastra to hold her, for now


>Question
>Read minds

>>36265389
>They choose (all 3 on offer)

>Just you and your group for now, maybe more in the future
As a test group. If it works out well enough, then more in the future, but don't start bringing over thousands of them at once.

>Cannot use powers on other except with permission or self-defence
>Angelic transformation offered

>Planeshift (prove you can)
Maybe tell her we're an angel, while we're on the other plane

>Talk to her

>Ask Gazastra to hold her, for now

>Question

>>36265446
>Turning into an angel
>In Hell
>In Salvastis's territory

>Enforcing worship

>>36265422
>>36265446
>As many Succubi on this plane who want to
And how exactly are we going to get those succubi right now? With only three people capable of plane shift? Two of which need to conserve their AE.
We can always safe more of them later, but right now we only have time and energy for those.

>>36265373
>separating the two mind-linked lovers
Seems like a good idea to me! No poblems, nope none at all.
>Implying the other two are automatically not spies.

>>36265377
>No, because we want to question the spy now, and not later, we have no intention of staying around them for any longer than necessary.
The whole point of this side-quest was to evacuate them to one of our allied realms, which let us visit them at our leisure.

>>36265389
>They choose (all 3 on offer? Other places on offer?)
Confer with Bluey if she would be ok with them coming to the Tribal Lands
If yes:
>Offer them all three, give only a vague description. Don't tell them you are Sireyi.

>As many Succubi on this plane who want to
As many as is feasible at least.

>>36265446

Dalvin is our Realm, right? If so, I second this plan entirely, Pally.

>>36265464
First you whine about AE preserving, and now you want to plane shift hundreds of succubi right now?

>>36265466
It's a horrible plan, or at least parts of it are.

>>36265463

We won't do it right NOW. I expect we will do this after rescuing mother and are just setting things up for later evac.

>>36265466
>Uses divine abilities in hell
>forces them to worship us
>good plan
What?

>>36265389
Conditions
>Population Control. No outbreeding the local population!
>Follow local law.
>Depending on where they go, become our subjects.

Negotiation tactics?
>Angels Voice (unless it might be detected by wards)
>Nothing else. Take it or leave it. If we want to show off, we can do that when we no longer need to ration our reservfes.

>Take all of them. Even the banished one, but that one will be imprisoned.

>>36265497
The question is how many we save RIGHT NOW.
Thats the entire point, its not about how many we might safe later.
You expect wrong, becauser thats exactly what this choice is about. How many we plane shift NOW during this operation.
We already decided we would safe others later.

>>36265389
They choose
As many Succubi on this plane who want to
>Our lands (Drache) Accept me as your Goddess, Angelic transformation offered.
>The Tribal Lands, keep numbers under control or as Blue says, Angelic transformation offered.
>To Dalvin Angelic transformation offered.
Angels Voice
Talk to Hyalia?
>Talk to her, offer a job as scout and offer to take her lover along.

FUCK YEAH PALADIN OF JOY QUEST!
fuck I really need to stop sleeping in.

>>36265485

I like it, that makes it not terible.

Ok, revealing angel sel is suicide, but I can't even copy+paste in my phone, ut's the best plan for me to easily supportt.

>>36265389
>>They choose

>Just you and your group

>Angelic transformation offered
>Definitly not FORCE worship of us on others
>Cannot use powers on other except with permission or self-defence
>Talk to her
>Ask Gazastra to hold her, for now
>Leave them

>>36265481
Not necessarily right now. This is still only talking. Otherwise the option to take in other groups would be weird.

Also, planeshifting those Succubi we encounter / or arranging planeshifting at a later date was already decided on last thread.

>>36265516
>Who?
>>Just you and your group
>>As many Succubi on this plane who want to
Ok, and how do you think we can planeshift most of the Succubutts in this entire plane right now?

>>36265497
Pretty sure it's about how many we're saving right now.

>>36265525
Also the enforced worship and the massive influx of succubus refugees forced to go entirely to our realm.

Really, you couldn't have picked a worse option to support, every other plan is better.

>>36265544
It was decided that would be the general plan, we could still deviate from that if we wanted to.

>>36265544
>Not necessarily right now.
But thats the fucking question. We can always send for others later, there is absolutely no reason we would decide succubi we save later in this moment, so obviously its about how many we save right now during our stunt in hell.

>>36265559
Ride the Worldstorm.
Its the only option, and there is zero reason to decide on succubi to be saved later right now, so obviously the question is how many we save now,
how we do that, is a different question, which so far no one of the "save all" idiots have answered.

Saving others apart from this group is about mentioning it to her as in "you know any other groups that might take my offer?"

It opens up other options later in conversation

>>36265507
>>Population Control. No outbreeding the local population!

>>36265389
I assumed something like this would be decided in the future, but just in case it isn't, supporting.

>>36265578
>Using Ride the Worldstorm to get hundreds of succubi off the plane
How about you go read that powers description?

>>36265560

Man, Injust want to dave all if them and let them go anywhere better than this place. Preference for Sireyi's barony, of course, and with chances of conversion.

I can't, in good concience, leave any succubus behind in this horrible place.

>>36265560
I'm not really sure why "worship me" to these succubutts is a problem but doing it to thousands of Beastmen isn't?

>>36265625
Absolutely no one wants to leave them here. The question is if we actually disrupt our plan with hunting down hundreds of succubi across this plane right now.
Or simply do it after we have freed our mother.

>>36265560
>>36265562
In that case I vote as follows. Just because I want to see how this works.
>>36265389
Who?
>As many Succubi on this plane who want to

>>36265578
Ok, how can RtW let us a) communicate with every single succubus on the plane, b) Grab every single succubus, who decided to leave the plane together.

>>36265581
Now that changes everything. I'm not sure anymore which post was mine, but I change my vote to
>Don't planeshift anyone. Come back in a day or two.

>>36265634
Its a problem with the beastmen too.
Sireyi wouldn't make worshipping her a requirement to save people from a horrible place.
Thats pretty much the most OOC thing ever, she doesn't even like being worshipped in the first place.

>>36265625
We can always rescue more in the future, I don't think anyone's opposed to that.

I just want to avoid a huge influx of demons into the place that fucking hates them.

>>36265634
Because we didn't force them to worship us if they want to leave their hellish home dimension, ya sociopath.

>>36265643
>Ok, how can RtW let us a) communicate with every single succubus on the plane, b) Grab every single succubus, who decided to leave the plane together.
It can't, which is the fucking problem.
Which is why "save all succubi now instead of over a longer time later" is absolutely retarded.

>>36265634
When did Sireyi force Beastmen to worship her? I thought only the Twin even interacted with them.

>>36265690
When we fought hordes of beastmen and orcs with our Twin. Just last thread?

>>36265690
We didn't, twin just said we were also their goddess now and they were like "cool, whatever, let's fight".

>>36265642
If we're arguing about when I should point out that >>36265517 assumed we would do our mission first.

>>36265704
It also got Drache and Dalvin backwards.

>>36265704
And he also wants us to force people to worship us to escape their torment. Which is even worse.

Ok, can we get a vote on whether we want to planeshift anyone now, or whether to do our mission first? Pretty please?

>>36265734
No, because the former would be retarded.

>>36265389
Good god, I go away for a few minutes thinking people can't fuck this up, and see people going absolutely retarded when I come back.

>They choose
>Just you and your group, for now, others can be saved later, might want to send messengers if you like our deal
>Depending on where you get send, ask the respective leader (Us, our Twin or Elahi)
>NO FORCEFUL CONVERSION OF TORMENTED HOPLESS PEOPLE YA DIPSHITS
>Get Isla over here and tell them you have angelic allies

>>36265714
Sorry I forgot which D word was ours, it happens when I'm reading.
>>36265716
Only in out lands, if they don't pick that they don't have to.

>>36265741
But from what people are talking about, the vote above is about whome we planeshift right now. If default option is, as you say, retarded, then you would benefit from the vote.

>>36265779
>Only in out lands, if they don't pick that they don't have to.
Its wrong and evil no matter where. Its also absolutely not a thing Sireyi would do.

>>36265794
Pally already cleared up he worded it wrong. Its now about asking if any other succubi on the plane might like to leave (which is a patently stupid thing to ask all things considered, but there we go).

ok, vote closed, will tally and present winning votes, then write update.

As it has come up...

Planeshift some of the succubi now?

Y/N

Apologies for poor wordings and misunderstandings.

>>36265833
Y

>>36265833
>Y, this group, on the condition Isla does it.
Otherwise
>N

>>36265833
N

This is the *exact* kind of shit I want to avoid.

>>36265845
Yeah, have Isla do it, not like she's the primary magic support for the assault group or anything.

>>36265838
Completly wasting our AE before facing a hellfortress.
Brilliant. Just brilliant.

>All these votes to make the Succubi second class citizens.
Ya'll know what will happen? Resentment. Not know, but down the line.

>>36265809
>>>36265794 (You)
>Pally already cleared up he worded it wrong

Are you referring to >>36265581 ? That post is the reason I think the vote already assumes we will planeshift them right now. I just want to make sure this is not the case.

>>36265833
>N

>>36265855
We will be in there for a while, she has time to regenrate her AE before the actual assault comes.

>>36265833
>N

>>36265871
How fast do our casters regenerate? I though it was just when they sleep.

Where would they go?
>They choose (all 3 on offer)

Who?
>As many Succubi on this plane who want to

Winning in part because some votes were “just you now but others later”

Conditions?
>Cannot use powers on other except with permission or self-defence
>Angelic transformation offered
>No outbreeding

Others received low votes or were contentious

Negotiation tactics?
>Angels Voice

Others received low votes or were contentious

Talk to Hyalia?
>Talk to her
Followed by
>Read mind
If talking doesn’t work

Her fate?
>Ask Gazastra to hold her, for now

The other two?
>Question

This is what I’m writing but as it will take 15-20 mins, you have plenty of time to discuss/dispute if you want

>>36265833
Y

>>36265833
>>36265845
This one.

>>36265855
>Yeah, have Isla do it, not like she's the primary magic support for the assault group or anything.
The main problem is, we can't do it. And once we are on the run, we might not have the AE or time to get this group out. So its better we do it now, and Isla can rest, than risk not being able to later.

>>36265892
>No outbreeding
I'm heavily against that one, was there that much support for it? I would think we should clear that up depending on where we leave them.

>Angels Voice
Good gods, no. Why? Why would anyone want to do that right now?

>>36265892

Angel Voice, in hell, really?

>>36265892
The discussion has lasted long enough, Pally. Sometimes you have to just call them and write instead of giving third chances to change votes.

>>36265892
>Angels Voice
Yeah no.
Definitly not.

File: 6603dc5a9292104b44c349b85(...).jpg (35 KB, 600x480)

35 KB JPG

>>36265892
man, All of you guys are awesome!

>>36265892
I would like to use Angels voice.

>>36265911
>>36265915
>>36265924
could you please explain to me why you think this would be a bad idea?

>>36265892
>Angels Voice
No, that's stupid, we're in Hell, in Salvatis's territory, and that's an angelic ability.

>As many Succubi on this plane who want to
As long as this doesn't result in thousands of Succubi coming to our barony immediately and facing horrible racism, I'm good.

>>36265892
>>Angels Voice
Only if we do this after the whole unimportant "SAVE OUR OWN MOTHER" operation is over.

>>36265892
I fully support angel's voice. Pally, do we know if it would set off alarms and shit?

>>36265952
Because we are in hell, and its a celestial ability.
It would give us away.
Especially since Salvastis knows we are coming.

>>36265952
Because we have gone to great lengths to disguise our angelic nature in this realm and angelic powers can be sensed from a long range.

>>36265952

The same reason we used dragon form and haven't been throwing other divine abilities around. We don't want to alert everyone. Remember that time we cast a heal in Drache and the army sent a patrol?

Just to be clear, although Angels Voice stands out in Hell like an ordinary person at a 4chan convention, you're too far away from Salvastis fortress for him to notice, and his army is far enough away that they can't notice.

It will amaze the shit out of the succubi however.

>>36265952
Maybe the fact that we're in Hell and using an angelic ability at this point is one of the worst ideas I've seen in this entire quest?

When we were in Drache, we used a divine ability miles out of a city, it was still detected and we had a demonic kill team on us within the hour.

Angelic abilities detect as divine.

>>36265984
The disguise is broken if you use an angelic ability, that's why we didn't pull out our Lightning in that battle, and they're extremely easy to detect in a place inundated with demonic energy, like a light in the darkness.

>>36265892
>>Cannot use powers on other except with permission or self-defence
Can someone explain the reason behind this? Or are we just making them second class citizens for the lulz? None of our other citizens are forbidden from using their powers.

>>36265990
So there is no chance a demon lord that has been expecting us for years has a more wide ranging detection for celestial bailities than normal?
Ok, I buy it.

>>36266015
He's still rebuilding from being attacked by other demon lords.

Close to his fortress it would be detected, but you're still hundreds of miles away.

>>36266005
Thats pretty true for all people with powers.
I can't think of anyone who is allowed to use their powers on others without permission or self-defence. Its a pretty normal thing, I'm actually more baffled it was a option in the first place.

>>36265990
It ruins the fun if you just give away the answers like that, you know.

Also makes me look like a jackass.

And there's still the (admittedly rather remote) possibility of telepathic communication to Salvastis from the spy, who would definitely detect the ability.

>>36266005
None of our other citizens have racial mind control abilities.

Well, most of them.

>>36265990
Well there we go. Thanks Pally.

>>36265999
Oh come on, even stupider then when I suggested we redeeming on touch fate eater or when I picked Jal for fighting the draco lich?

>>36266030
Ok, I'm not going to debate the convenient easy mode.
Lets use angelic voice then.
good thing to know our opponent is a complete idiot

>>36265999
Why are you quoting >>36265984? That post agrees with you.

>>36265990
I say it again, that changes things. If we have Word of God on our side...

I was more worried about other demons and detection devices, though. Like that time miles outside a city in Drache, where immediately after using a divine ability a search party came our way.

>>36266015

Why do you doubt Word of God?

>>36266036
>It ruins the fun if you just give away the answers like that, you know.

>Also makes me look like a jackass.

Sorry, wasn't intentional. If it's any consolation IC you'd be right to be worried, I just figured metagaming it would speed things up.

>>36266042
>or when I picked Jal for fighting the draco lich
That worked out fine though.
>>36265990
Well its just no fun if you cut-short our shadowruns like that. There is no way Sireyi can know he doesn't have anything like that.

>>36266063
I don't, I'm just pointing out how implausible and convenient it is.

>>36266066
I know and I was really happy about it but one anon REALLY wasn't.

And as for Drache: yes, they had wards and alarms everywhere, because you were in the middle of their civilisation.

Had you tried it out in the borderlands you probably would not be noticed.

I'll stop arguing now and get back to writing.

>>36266080
I don't really see that. We are specifically in a wasteland hundreds of miles away from the City. The wasteland is the defense at this point, because its all thats left.

>>36266033
What? So our Angels are forbidden from using powers? And our wizards are forbidden from using spells? Or our dragons?

>>36266036
Firstly, I would assume that Mind-Control is forbidden by law already. Therefore, this would not change that part. Secondly, they have far more powers than just mind-control. A blanket ban on all their powers is far away from just forbidding them to mind-control people.

They have no powers a wizards could not subsitute with a similar spell or artifact. Either the specific powers are already forbidden, or they should not be forbidden just for this one group.

>>36266107
>So our Angels are forbidden from using powers?
Definitly forbidden from using powers on others, unlesss its in the pursuit of their duties in our realm. They definitly aren't allowed to use powers on people just because.
I don't really see the problem? They can cast spells all they want as long as it doesn't affect other people.

>>36266064
>If it's any consolation IC you'd be right to be worried,
So, you want us to use meta-knowledge. Kay.

>>36266107
I think you missed the crucial
>on others
part.
They can use their powers just fine all day, as long as it isn't on other people, then they need permission or it needs to be self-defense.
Which should be obvious, but to succubi it might not be.

>>36266054
I misquoted.

>>36266042
Using the touch of the Fate Eater wasn't the worst idea. Using our last DP? That was pretty bad.

Dragon thing worked out pretty well, but it still wasn't a good decision to bring her into a fight of that level, she could've been killed easily.

Neither of those really compare to possibly outing ourselves as an angel in Hell, especially in Salvatis's territory while we're on a very important mission that involves heading into his doom fortress.

>>36266107
All of those people are forbidden from using their powers on others without permission or in self-defense, for the most part.

Wizards can't cast spells on people at random, dragons can't just slaughter everyone and take their stuff, angels probably wouldn't use their powers unless they're defending themselves or others in the first place.

It's not making them second-class citizens, it's making them follow the same rules as everyone else.

>>36266119
Let's take the most obvious example:
>Sireyi is using Angelic Voice all the time on others.
>If she was a Succubutt, this would be forbidden.
The idea is, that whether a power is forbidden should depend on the power, not on the one using it. Making special blanketbans on just on group is discrimination.

And don't tell me that all powers the Succubi possess are harmful or mindcontrol. We don't know that

.>>36266149
So, do you want Sireyi to use permission for her angelic voice? Which is a power that works on others.

>>36266149
Glad to hear it!

Also Salvatis has a doom fortress? Oh shit, game over man! Game Over it 's a bug hunt!

>>36266149
Or using a more extreme example:
>A succubus learns healing magic!
>She is forbidden from healing anyone unconscious, because they cannot give consent.

>>36266172
We've been through this sooo often. Angelic voice DOES NOT AFFECT OTHER PEOPLE. The effect of angelic voice is ON SIREYIS VOICE.

>>36266191
Thats fucking stupid, we don't put a geas on them and no one will give them shit for healing a person.

>>36266194
Ok, subsitute it with any other power that works on others:
>Healing
>Protection spells
>Communication spells
Or from one of our allies back home:
>Calm emotions
>>36266207
So you solve the problem by selectively enforcing the law, instead of just making the law reasonable?

And don't tell me no one would ever "misuse" that law. That's naive.

>>36266172
>>36266191
We both know that the spirit of that ban is to prevent them from using their powers in a way that would harm people, according to our definition of harm, not to prevent them from using their powers for good.

They aren't allowed to use powers that affect others negatively, such as mind control or life drain, something that they might not assume due to viewing mortals roughly the same way they're viewed by other demons.

>>36266233
Fine, tell us how you would word it and fix the problem instead of just complaining about it.

>>36266233
But its not a law. Its a agreement between us and them, and if it becomes a problem at some point, we'll just talk about it.

>>36266233
>So you solve the problem by selectively enforcing the law
I don't know when Sireyi became Lawful Neutral that she would have issue bending the law for the service of good.

>>36266233
>>Healing
>>Protection spells
>>Communication spells
We got consent for all of those, though.

File: Waiting out the shitstorm.gif (987 KB, 500x375)

987 KB GIF

Good fucking god this shitstorm is ridiculous.

>>36266291
What shitstorm?

>>36266291
>This is a shitstorm
You kidding me? This is a civilized discussion.

>>36266244
>Fine, tell us how you would word it and fix the problem instead of just complaining about it.

It should already be forbidden to do the things you want to forbid here. NO ONE should be allowed to mind-control others (by local definition of mind-control), or just harm others as they see fit. There is no need for this new law.

If these things are not already illegal, they should be made illegal for every citizen. Not just these few.

If you want to have a better wording of the ban:
> to prevent them from using their powers in a way that would harm people, according to our definition of harm
>Or use mind-control on anyone.

>>36266348
>It should already be forbidden to do the things you want to forbid here. NO ONE should be allowed to mind-control others (by local definition of mind-control), or just harm others as they see fit. There is no need for this new law.
WHAT LAW? There id no new law. Its just something we tell the succubi right now.
Sure enough thats the same we expect from everyone, but they can't know that until we tell them. Because they lived in hell, that idea is completly alien to them.

>>36266291
I see no shit-strom. Just one person saying that making special rules for special people is discrimination (and in case of this rule, stupid) and the others arguing that it doesn't matter because the spirit of the law is obvious.

>>36266368
>WHAT LAW?
I'm kind of sure that there does, indeed, exist law in Drach. And in whatever our Barony is called. And the Blue Empress does probably enforce at least some sort of rules on her subjects, even if those might not be codified into a uniform law.

>Sure enough thats the same we expect from everyone, but they can't know that until we tell them.
They already have to agree to follow the law of wherever they end up. These conditions are in addition to the law.
>>36265389
>None means they are citizens of wherever they go, subject to laws et

>>36266348
>according to our definition of harm
So you want to hand them Sireyis dictionary so they know what she considers "harm", thats absurdly vague.
Its a lot easier to jus tell them, "no using powers on people unless they allow it or you defend yourself" thats clear cut, we don't demand written permission in triplicate.
If someone with healing ability is around someone who needs healing, we can assume they have the permission to heal that person, because civic duty and shit.

>>36266426
>I'm kind of sure that there does, indeed, exist law in Drach
There is, but that anon keeps insiting we are making some kind of new law for the succubi, when we are just making some rules clear to them. Its not written down anywhere.
And I'm fairly sure Drache already has laws concerning succubi, anyway.

>>36266428
Actually, I assume that Sireyi just uses the definition of harm by Velya, who has a whole doctrine and thousands of years of experience. Or just use the definiton as per the Lawbooks of her Barony.

I was being vague because I don't want to fully hammer our a law here. Laws are tricky and complicated stuff, and that would be difficult to do in a quest.

>>36266455
But the succubi don't know those, and she can't just jam that into their minds in the next few minutes.

>>36266455
I still don't know why you keep talking about some "law" here.
We don't make any new laws for the succubi, we make a verbal agreement with them.
We couldn't make any laws for them because only 1 of three places they might go we can even make laws in in the first place.

>>36266445
I'm quite sure I am the anon you are referring to.

I do not insist on any "new law". But the conditions we agree on with the Succubi are functionally the same as a law, especially if they ever become our subjects.
>>36266466
Well, if that's your answer then how do you intend to deal with all the other laws they have to follow in their new home?

>>36266483
I was asked to provide the definition of harm that Sireyi uses. This is impossible, therefore I searched for some sort of in-universe definition that I could refer to.

Because it seems to confuse so many: I have made only two arguments:
1)
>I argue that the spirit of the condition that they do not use any kind of power on anyone else should already be contained in the law. The Succubi would already need to agree to follow the local law of wherever they end up with. Therefore, making an extra condition is unneccessary.

2)
>The condition, as it is written, goes far beyond what you want it to mean. Such a blanket-ban would be extremely discriminatory and make the Succubi second class citizens. Therefore, we should not make this extra condition and just apply the same rules to them we apply to anyone else.

...we could have the succubi spread love and build a healthy scene for prostitutes.

>>36266606
>But the conditions we agree on with the Succubi are functionally the same as a law
No its not at all. A law is written down, for example, and is a lot harder to change than a verbal agreement. Not to mention its known to many people.
A verbal agreement is between us and them, for as long as we personally see it necessary and its content are only known to us and the succubi.
Its completly different from a law.
Especially, and I reiterate, we can't make laws in 2 out of three places they might go to.

The two of you walk out of earshot of other succubi.

“I have connections with rulers of three nations on two planes” you say, being as vague as you can you give a broad outline of each nation, it’s people, their attitudes towards demons, finishing with “I feel sure that I can convince each ruler to allow you into their realm as long as certain conditions are met.”

“The conditions being?” she asks suspiciously

“That you’d follow all the laws of each realm – as you would effectively be citizens of them” you say “and that the rulers of those realms might say that using your powers on others without their permission is illegal – unless used in self-defence.”

“I can’t see that being a problem” she admits

“And” you add “As these places are far less harsh than Hell – a lot of your children will grow to adulthood, the rulers of those places might – at their discretion – place limits on how many children you can have.”

Gazastra gives a sad smile “as long as we don’t have to watch our children die by the score, I think few will have a problem with that.”

“The last condition” you say “Is less a condition, more an offer. If I knew a way to turn your people from demons into angels, how many would?”

Gazastra laughs “You’re messing with my head now” she says “Oh sure, I’ve heard the stories, who hasn’t, and I admit they *might* be true, that some Gods *might* just reward a demon looking to rise once in a millennium, but mass conversions are a crazy idea.”

“Still” you say “if”

She looks at you, “You’re serious aren’t you?” you nod

She shakes her head “I don’t know, a quarter? Half? It’s not something I’ve given a lot of thought.”

She continues “I’ll need to talk it over with them, I lead but I don’t rule.”

“Of course” you say “I’d like the chance to address them if possible” you use a little of your angelic abilities, injecting just enough into your voice to convince her that your offer is genuine. She stares at you in wonder, and maybe a little fear too. At the same time all the other succubi in the camp turn to stare at you. Ah, yes. Well you’re hopefully too far away from Salvastis or his army for anyone to have felt that.

“Anyway” you say, in a more normal tone “the offer is open to all of your group – and any other groups like yours.”

She straightens up suddenly “Oh that bitch!” and marches over to where Hyalia is tied up and slaps her across the face, her claws tearing flesh from Hyalias face “Did that crazy bitch put you up to this? Are you acting on *Queen*” she fills that word with loathing “Vilyetins orders? Are you?” You follow after but are surprised by the outburst of violence.

Hyalia simply smiles at Gazastra, blood pouring down her cheek “Who?” she asks as Gazastra raises her claw to hit her again you grab her wrist “I want to talk to her” you say “please?”

“Fine!” says Gazastra “Talk to whomever you wish!” and she storms off “I need to get my people ready to move.”

Hyalia simply watches you, a strange smile on her face, blood pouring down her cheek.

“Who is Queen Vilyetin?” you ask her, not really expecting an answer but you have to start somewhere.

“She is the ruler of all succubi on this plane” she answers “Saviour.”

“Gazastra doesn’t seem to like her” you say “and what makes you call me that?”

“Is that the wrong word?” she asks anxiously “is it *holiness* instead?”

“What do you think I am?” you ask

“An angel sent to Hell to deliver us” she answers, a happy look on her face despite her injury.

Ah. “I have a few questions” you say.

“Of course” she responds “I’ll answer any that you have”. And she does.

Queen Vilyetin is a very old succubi who is trying to unite and protect the succubi of this plane. Many have joined her but many think her mad, or a hopeless dreamer. Hyalia doesn’t know which camp Gazastra falls into. Hyalia was spying on Salvastis for her Queen and found out that Salvastis has an angel in his dungeons, as well as three angelic weapons, or possibly other types of magic items – the context wasn’t clear, what was clear was that they were powerful, of angelic origin, and in the hands of a non-demon, very dangerous to demons. Salvastis has his sorcerers studying them to find a way for a demon to use them.

Hyalia rounds a great deal about the layout of Salvastis’ fortress and its defences – information that will be invaluable to you when you sneak in. However she also reveals that wards around his fortress are now keyed to be sensitive to her – if she goes near it, she will be quickly discovered. Once you have learned all she can tell you, you turn your attention to the other two, it takes only a few questions for you to be happy that the other two succubi are not spies.

As you turn to go Hyalia says “If you seek out Queen Vilyetin she will be overjoyed to see you.”

Returning to Gazastra after several hours of talking to Hyalia you can see she’s calmed down. She’s also talked to her tribe – and they’ve agreed they want to go with you. “Though not yet” says Gazastra “You’ll need all of your strength if you’re going to tangle with Duke Salvastis, besides” she adds archly “if you can get one over on him, you’ll prove you are the real thing, not a pretender.”

“Fine” you say with a smile “I’d best be on my way then.” You considered sending some of them away or having Isla doing it, but you are sure you can find this group again later if you need to.

“You’ve a long way to go” she says

“I can move pretty fast” you respond.

Thanks to Hyalia you know that flying or walking over the mountains – at any height will result in detection, you’ll need to go under them, she’s told you were to find several entrances to a network of caves and tunnels that riddle the mountain. The denizens of those places are hostile – but not loyal to Salvastis, she also thinks there is an underground war going on, but avoided both sides whilst travelling through there.

[More of Hyalias info will be revealed as it becomes appropriate.]

At your speed you can be at the mountains in only a few hours, you and your companions have been awake maybe 8 hours so far, though you have used a significant potion of your arcane energies. The succubi will soon move in the opposite direction you want to go, so staying with them isn’t an option.

What’s the plan?

>Push on as fast as possible
>Push on to mountains, rest there
>Rest here (or close by)
>Ask question (of who? what questions?)
>Other (what?)

Last chance to talk to Gazastra, Hyalia et al, until after the fortress

>>36266636
I hope I understand you post. Let me break it down:
>Law is the wrong concept.
Very well, let's say it's not the same. My argument does not change in any way.
>VA is only between us and them .......
Again doesn't change my argument. Just because we can change it as we see fit, doesn#t make it better in any way.

>we can't make laws in 2 out of three places they might go to.
And? These "conditions" or "Verbal agreements" are still a rule only this group has to follow wherever they end up with.

>>36266684
>Rest here (or close by)

>>36266684
>Push on to mountains, rest there

>>36266684
>Rest here (or close by)

>>36266684
>Rest here (or close by)

>>36266684
>>Push on to mountains, rest there
Before going into the tunnels.

>>36265634
This made me realize I hadn't read the last thread. Thanks for that!

Boy, is Sireyi changing her mind often or what? She should see a psych.

>>36266905
He doesn't actually have a point, read the replies to his post.

>>36266922
I know that. But she didn't even want her own people to worship her and now she is ok with thousands of beastfolk?

>>36266954
She has no problem with people worshipping her, she just doesn't want to encourage it.

The beastfolk thing was done because they already worship her twin, and we wanted to get DP from that because we really really needed it.

>>36266954

We wanted discretion, but then the letter of the King came and fucked all chances at secrecy.

>>36266954
She is uncomfortable with being worshiped to some degree, probably due to humility or something like that, but the choice was to allow horrible things to happen to her people (Killing Frost, demon invasion, etc) or to turn our sister's beastmen from monotheism to polytheism - and hopefully be a good influence on their society.

Not a difficult choice.

You decide that you’ll find somewhere to rest after the succubi have left. Once they’re gone you and your companions scout around but the best shelter you can find is between two large sand dunes.

As you settle into your camp, Jal asks “So luv, you sure that hundreds of succubums in Dalvin is a good idea?”

“I would have thought you’d be all for it” you say to the elf who, despite her complaints, has a tent to herself. Wrapped up in her sleeping roll she’s talking to you as you take the first watch, her head and shoulders visible through the tents open flap.

“Mebbe I just don’t like the competition” she says with a giggle. Can she be implying? No she’s joking, you would have sensed if she was a succubus, can’t be possible.

“Big sis is always right!” comes a voice from another tent “She’s helping everyone!”

“Go to sleep Ebby” you say.

“But Sis” comes the whine

“Now” you say

“Of course it’s a good thing” comes your doubles voice from the third tent. Velya help you, is no one sleeping?

“A few hundred shapeshifting mind-reading infiltrators will really speed things up for me” she continues “I can see why you won’t want them in Dalvin – too many complications about them using their powers on others, and if it’s morally right to restrict the use of their natural powers, plus I know you’re too soft-hearted to actually enforce a rule regarding children. The Tribal Lands is really going places – or it will do with all these new residents.”

“Now wait a minute” you say “They get to choose where they’re going, not us.”

“Of course, of course” says your double soothingly “but have you considered how the rest of Dornmer will react to the Demon Barony of Dalvin? A bunch of angels is one thing but hundreds, maybe thousands of fast-breeding demons, the King could order you to get rid of them.”

“He won’t” you say, though you’re not sure.

“But if he does?” she persists

“Uh, shapeshifters” says Jal “Mind-readers, remember? Just have them pretend ter be regular folk and no one will know.”

“Brilliant idea Jal” says your double sarcastically “And what about Philly, or Lunia, or any of the other priests or paladins in the realm?”

“By ‘em off” says Jal “wi’ money, or a succubum cuddler”

“And for those that don’t think with their coinpurse” says your double “Or with their holy sword?”

“You think there’d be that many?” says Jal in surprise

“Consider it a hypothetical” your twin suggests

“Get some sleep, both of you” you say. A few hours later Jal takes over the watch and you try to rest, struggling with these thoughts, at war with yourself. You realise that’s not the only problem, you have a fever, you never get sick but you’re burning up. You close your eyes and look within yourself, trying to find the source of the, ah, there it is. The pool of arcane energy within you that fuels your spells is, for want of a better concept, boiling as you absorb the corrupt arcane energies of Hell to restore your powers. Your own magic is cleaning and purifying the arcane energies you are collecting, slowing the rate at which recover them, but protecting you from any nasty side-effects. You wake Ebby and your double – both of whom are experiencing similar effects. Jal, the only non-mage in your party appears unaffected, but you will keep an eye on her just in case.

There are strange noises in the night, but no trouble, the next morning you push on to the mountains, landing at one of the caves Hyalia told you about.

“Are you sure we need to do this?” asks your double, seems she likes being underground as much as you do.

“Yes” you say, heading into the caves “This is the only way.”

“So that underground war” says Jal “Yer want me ter scout on ahead ter avoid trouble?”

Scouting
>Jal scouts
>Stay together
>Other (what?)

Underground war
>Just avoid them
>Try to negotiate safe passage
>Other (what?)

>>36267310
>Stay together
DON'T. SPLIT. THE. GROUP.
>Just avoid them

>>36267310
>Stay together
>Just avoid them
Okay now i'm worried because someone may have scryed the place where the succubutts where and found us.

>>36267310
>Jal scouts
You know, we haven't seen our little angel in a while. Did I forget something happening to it?

>>36267399
No I just keep forgetting to write him in.

>>36267310
>>36267399
Ah sorry, didn't mean to quote that option, I already voted.

>>36267310
>Stay together
>Try to negotiate safe passage
Might be new allies in the future. I do love quest hooks

>>36267310
>Jal scouts
>Just avoid them

>>36267385
What sort of QM would I be if I gave you an option like that?

I like the idea though

>>36267461
First the werespiders, now this. I need to stop giving you ideas.

>>36267496
Great idea!

Hellspiders!

>>36267310
>>Jal scouts
But not far! And with telepathic communication, if doing that for a long time isn't too straining.

>Just avoid them

avoiding then, awaiting tie breaker on splitting party.

Next vote has it

>>36267542
There is no tie,>>36267399
was a misklick.

>>36267512
[spoilers] now if only I could use my powers of suggestion for Magical realm rather then spider horror.

>>36267550
Ah yes, my apologies, staying together it is.

Please roll 2d20, first is stealth, 2nd perception.

Rolled 18, 19 = 37 (2d20)

>>36267602
Nah it was my fault for not paying attention in the first place.

Rolled 6, 1 = 7 (2d20)

>>36267602

>>36267618
Hot damn!