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Sitting back in your throne, Sheldrake dutifully collects the latest intelligence reports from your undead field agents and infiltration cult. He quickly reads all of it and presents it to you in the typical fashion you've come to expect from him: orderly and without pause.

"This comes from Ir'as. It seems that the lake men are beginning to take adverse action in response to your raiding ship, my queen. Bruut and his, well, brutish tactics in kidnapping and destroying smaller communities along the water's edge have reached the attention of the local government."

"You mean the king?"

"As the communities of the Great Lake are independent from the kingdom of Highvale, they do not have a king. Rather, they govern themselves through a meritocratic system of representation in which a community elects someone to represent their interests in government assemblies. The latest assembly was convened only a few days ago and your raiders were a focal point of discussion. It has been decided to divert numerous vessels from fishing purposes to search for them; local men of strong arm and will have been recruited to man these ships."

"I see..." You lean back and caress your chin in thought. "I suppose someone was going to take notice sooner or later. My brand upon Bruut tells me he isn't harmed, so they haven't been found yet."

>Move onto the next issue
>Send word to Bruut to let up on the raiding until the heat dies down
>You will take action against these ships and see them sunk
>Let Bruut and his men be found and see how he handles himself
>Other

>>2508214
>Send word to Bruut to let up on the raiding until the heat dies down

Should focus on gathering his strength. Maybe we could even take over the Lake Towns ?

>>2508214
>Send word to Bruut to let up on the raiding until the heat dies down

They know of his presence, so it's kinda useless hiding him, but I agree on laying low to hit a major town.

>>2508214
>Send word to Bruut to let up on the raiding until the heat dies down

>>2508214
>>Send word to Bruut to let up on the raiding until the heat dies down

Is it possible to send some agents to infiltrate or just influence the assembly? We could revive a witch queen candidate with some social graces if we don't.

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>>2508216
>>2508228
>>2508251
>>2508274

Taking out your orb, you focus on Bruut until his image becomes clear through the fog of interdimensional scrying. He is lying on a desk and snoring loudly; his office is trashed and a bloody axe is sticking out of the floor.

"Bruut," you speak to him, but all he does his stir. "Bruut! WAKE UP!"

His eyes shoot open with a startle. "Wait wot? Who said that? 'earing voices, now?"

"It's me, Bruut. Your master."

"Oh, good ta hear from ya! Better ta see ya, though. Still the most bootiful in the land, I hope?"

"Save the flattery for now. The lake men are hunting you."

He grabs his axe and steps off the table, where he almost slips on a bottle. He reaches for a nearby warhammer. "Alroight, bring 'em on then! I'll bash in their heads!"

"Not what I had in mind. I need you and your crew to go into hiding at the river landing for the time being. Hide the ship, don't do any raiding, and wait some time for the heat to die down."

His shoulders slump. He must obey, but is obviously disappointed and protests. "Aw, really? I could take 'em! And the men'll get jumpy if we stay cooped up for too long. S'what happened last time 'fore I came along, 'member that?"

"I do. But you have the means of keeping yourselves entertained, do you not?"

"Couple'a girls, yea. And they're still fresh! Mostly."

You roll your eyes and are about to end the talk when you pause. "...What do you mean by that, exactly?"

"I mean seeds ain't been planted, if you see wot I'm sayin'. Not fer lack 'a trying!"

"Who has slept with them, exactly?"

"Well, me, for one. Or two or three, hehe."

"Have you often had trouble with this kind of thing?"

"Never stuck around a tavern whore long enough ta see the end result."

"Hm." You take your hand off the orb. "Strange..."

Sheldrake steps forward. "My queen?"

"I seem to remember something... but I can't quite place it. Odd. There was something long ago while I was in Bridge Town, a rumor about something, but I can't remember it." Your brow furrows in thought, but nothing comes.

"Is it important?"

"Probably not," you say with a dismissive wave of your hand.

>Move onto the next piece of intel
>Get in contact with Ir'as, your revenant spy in the region
>Learn more about the lake men and their ways
>Enough intel for now, let's move onto something else
>Other

>>2508278
>>Move onto the next piece of intel

>>2508278
>Move onto the next piece of intel

>>2508278
>Learn more about the lake men and their ways

>>2508278
>Move onto the next piece of intel

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>>2508281
>>2508283
>>2508296

"What's next, Sheldrake?"

"Your revenant Komortha reports that her tribe of northmen are planning a raid on the eastern kingdom of Binulia. They intend on attacking a border community that is more lightly garrisoned than several others along the defensive wall that separates both territories."

"I see... Does she think her people will be successful? And if so, what will this mean?"

"The northmen are hostile to all other cultures and territories as a general rule, and conduct raids on a regular basis. They are well-accustomed to battle and will likely succeed if surprise is on their side. Success will mean the capture of the border town, which would allow other allied tribes to pass south more easily. The various tribes of the north are all allied under one warlord, whose name is not known. The barbarians have never surrendered it, even under torture."

"Really now? And he's the one making war with the eastern kingdom?"

"Correct, though he is also maintaining a loose alliance with a population of ogres. They don't like each other, but tolerate working with one another towards similar goals: namely, raiding and pillaging Binulia."

"My tower was attacked by ogres once. Do you think there is a connection?"

"I doubt it. It was likely a local group, as Dragodia is too far west of the ogre lands to maintain direct lines of communication and planning. For ogres, mind you. Their plans rarely extend past their next meal."

"Of course. What if this attack should fail?"

"It wouldn't be the first. The northmen will retreat, lick their wounds, and gather their strength for a later day of raiding. It is their way."

"Would our revenant be in harm's way?"

"She has become advisor to the tribe's chief, and will likely not be put in direct harm's way."

>We should help this attack on the border town.
>I want a word of warning sent to the border town. The barbarians will be repelled.
>Let the situation play out naturally without interfering.
>Perhaps the barbarians could be persuaded to attack another target?
>Other

>>2508316
>We should help this attack on the border town.
Because nothing distracts the public and the government quite like barbarian raids.

>>2508316
>Let the situation play out naturally without interfering.

>>2508316
>We should help this attack on the border town.

>>2508316
>I want a word of warning sent to the border town. The barbarians will be repelled.

We've been playing so far to look "good" in the eyes of the common folk. Maybe we could use this as an opportunity to make Ben (and through that, us) a hero.

>>2508353
Ben's got no business being that far north. Not yet, anyway.

>>2508353
If the threat isn't big enough, it's not worth our effort to get Ben involved. Let's let things escalate. Our biggest problem is how easily we get sidetracked by meaningless shenanigans like this border town raid that by all accounts they're going to win anyway

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>>2508329
>>2508339

"This could be a wonderful distraction," you muse. "We'll help this attack on the border town."

Orb in hand once more, you contact Komortha. She retreats into a private hut in order to speak with you. "My mistress. What would you have me do?"

"I've been informed of the forthcoming attack and have decided to assist the tribe. Tell me what you need."

"The tribe is great is number and strength, and their will could not be more suited to battle, but their equipment is lacking. Several people are making sharpened sticks for use in the coming raid."

"That's no good. We're a bit beyond sharpened sticks. I mean, don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to be stabbed by a sharp stick, but I think we can do slightly better than that."

"What do you have in mind, your malevolence?"

"Well, I'd love to provide a bunch of weapons from Aran, but I don't want this linked to me so easily. I'll need to find a means to provide arms and armor to your tribe without evidence of their origin."

"Shall I inform the chief of the coming shipment of weapons?"

>No, we'll make it a surprise. Perhaps we can twist it to their faith in some manner.
>Yes. Delay the raid until I can deliver them; this will increase your standing amongst them.
>Perhaps we can do something instead of weapons; my magic will assist in the attack.
>On second thought, nevermind. I'm sure the attack will be just fine without me.
>Other

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Here's a map for context.

>>2508372
>Do what you feel is best to increase your standing among the tribe

>>2508372
>Do what you feel is best to increase your standing among the tribe

>>2508372
>>Yes. Delay the raid until I can deliver them; this will increase your standing amongst them.
OH BOY
It's good to have you back Damashi.

>>2508372
>No, we'll make it a surprise. Perhaps we can twist it to their faith in some manner.

>>2508372
>>No, we'll make it a surprise. Perhaps we can twist it to their faith in some manner.

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>>2508377
>>2508381
>>2508393

"I may need some time to acquire weapons for your new tribe. Delay them if you can, but only if it will not lower your standing with them. If they move before I can, so be it."

"It shall be done as you say."

You take your hand off the orb. "That settles that, for now. I'll need to look into acquiring some weapons and armor, discreetly."

"Would you like an update from your spies in the capital?"

"By all means."

"Your infiltration cult has taken root in Highvale. For the time being, they are keeping a low profile, posing as bakers, beggers, textile traders and such. They are also listening, and talk in the capital is rife with rumor surrounding the high elven princess. Heroes from all over the human and elven lands are making plans to rescue her."

"But none of them are going to get to the moon," you say. "Still, it's nice that 'Sirena the Traitor' is no longer the biggest topic of discussion. There must be some way we can use this to our advantage; perhaps saving the high elven princess could clear my name in some fashion... But I faced my ancestor once already, and her power was great. Perhaps greater than my own even with all that I have done since. Hmmm..."

You stand up from your throne. "Either way, I don't think the matter of my ancestor is of immediate importance." As you walk off, something falls from your robe onto the ground. You turn your head and look at the small package. "What is... Oh! Francis asked me to deliver this for him!" Leaning over, you pick it up and examine it. "In exchange for what I did with Krom in his tower. He wanted this taken to some fairies near where that gnome Trixie lives." He was rather sour with what you had done, you recall, and this would help mend your relationship with him.

>I've no time for this. I'll send a revenant.
>Well, it won't take long. I'll take care of it.
>I wonder what's inside...?
>Throw it away; Francis' concerns aren't yours.
>Other

>>2508446
>Well, it won't take long. I'll take care of it.

>>2508446
>Well, it won't take long. I'll take care of it.

>>2508446
>Well, it won't take long. I'll take care of it.

>>2508446
>Well, it won't take long. I'll take care of it.

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>>2508450
>>2508454
>>2508458
>>2508472

You shrug. "Alright, well, this won't take long. Anything else of a pressing concern at this time, Sheldrake?"

"No, my queen."

"Fantastic. I'll return soon enough."

"As always."

You are about to leave the chamber and proceed to the teleportation circle when you pause and look back. "Oh, and I met with the Witch Hunter."

"You live. Am I to assume he is dead?"

"No, he isn't dead. Trying to figure out his deal. Faye is with him currently, but he doesn't know it. I'd say to have the lich keep an eye on her, but he's got anti-scrying magic like I do. So when and if she pops up, contact me, won't you?"

"I shall."

Within minutes, you are back in the tower and back in your disguise as Mary. You smile as you look at yourself in the mirror; it's like putting on an old dress you have fond memories of. Since Alex and Bargum left for Bridge Town when Ben started acting up, and Xerro taken to be the caretaker of your stolen green dragon eggs, Merriam and Kayless in Youngwater and Ben still at Lady Silverwind's estate, that only leaves Amber.

You find her outside tending to a pair of horses, her's and Ben's. "Mary, good to see you," she says with a smile and a light blush. "How are you?"

"I'm well," you say politely back to her. "I need to take care of some business with some gnomes and fairies a ways north of here."

She blinks. "Oh. You're not joking, are you?"

"No, I have to deliver a package for a... friend, let's go with that."

"Well, alright. Do you need me to come with you? I mean, that is, I wouldn't want anything bad to h-happen to you. Ahem."

You crack a smile. She's actually becoming flustered in your presence! That's adorable.

>Sure, come along.
>No thank you, stay here for now.
>Actually, I need you to run an errand for me.
>Other

>>2508529
>Sure, come along.

>>2508529
>Sure, come along.

A meat shield is always useful

>>2508529
>Sure, come along.

>>2508543
>>2508545
>>2508563

Trixie's tree hut isn't too far north, but it is a place we've yet to ever go.

I'd like some 1d100s, please, for random encounter generation.

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>2508593

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>2508593

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>2508593

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>>2508594
>>2508596
>>2508599

Following the river west towards Cross Lake, you and Amber both hear the sounds of shouting and roaring up ahead. Amber takes the lead and rushes forward, whereupon you both discover three woodsmen being attacked by a large brown bear. Two of them are trying to attack the bear while one of them are pinned; they carry axes and knives, but the bear is a strong and tenacious beast. The pinned man is bleeding quite heavily but is fighting for his life.

Amber draws her sword and prepares to rush in!

>Let Amber handle it.
>Help out with your magic.
>Keep Amber back and you both watch.
>Keep Amber from joining; just keep on with your journey.
>Other

>>2508621
>Help out with your magic.

>>2508621
>>Help out with your magic.

>>2508621
>>Let Amber handle it.

>>2508621
>>Help out with your magic.

>>2508621
>>Let Amber handle it.

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>>2508624
>>2508626
>>2508656

As she charges in, sword drawn and fearlessly ready to face the ursine creature, you raise a hand and conjure an illusion upon her armor that makes it glitter like the sun. The bear looks up as the radiant warrior enters the clearing, letting out a roar and immediately retreating. The woodsmen help up their wounded companion as you dispel the illusion.

"Thank the gods someone came along!" one of them cries. "If you hadn't, poor Ullic here would be a goner!"

"He's badly wounded," Amber says, sliding out of her saddle. "Mary! Can you stop the bleeding?"

You ride up and similarly dismount, trying to keep your frown in check. You kneel at Amber's side as she keeps the man steady. While you prepare your spell of healing, Amber looks up at the other two. "What were you doing up here?"

"Just our jobs," one of the men replies. "Lookin' for good trees to cut down on the other side of the river."

"The trees north of Cross Lake are off-limits and protected by woodland spirits and druids," Amber says in a low tone. "Surely you knew that. You realize you are at the border of man's dominion, do you not? The elves rule past here."

"Well those damn Cutters aren't letting anyone else have the best trees."

Having cast you spell and stopped his bleeding, you speak up to his friend. "There are plenty of trees in the forest south of the river. I suggest you find some and never go farther north than this."

As the one who was speaking helps up his friend, the other is staring at Amber. She puts away her sword and then glares back at him. "What?"

"What's your name?"

"Amber Graves."

"Graves! I knew it!" he says with a smile.

"You... know me?"

"No, I knew your father! I was in his company back in the day, I was a friend of his. Say, how's he doing these--"

Suddenly he is cut off as Amber launches her fist into his stomach, knocking the wind out of his lungs. The other two woodsmen back off as the redhead lets out a fierce cry and brings up her knee, smashing it into his face as he leans forward. This lays him out on his back. You blink a few times as Amber kicks him while he is down.

"Amber!" You reach out and take her shoulder, pulling her back somewhat. "What is wrong with you?"

"We got rid of the bear and stopped the bleeding. We're leaving." She climbs atop her horse and begins trotting off; you quickly follow, leaving the men behind to tend to their other wounded friend.

A few moments pass in silence after you catch up to her. "So... Something you'd like to talk about?"

"No," is all she says, her face hard and her eyes glued forward. You catch a glimpse of a quivering lip but she quickly stifles it.

'Clearly not, based on how she left that man back there...'

>Ask about her father
>Leave the subject for now
>Talk casually; get her to relax
>Stop the horses; we need to chat about what just happened
>Other
>

>>2508682
>Talk casually; get her to relax

>>2508682
>Talk casually; get her to relax

>>2508682
>>Talk casually; get her to relax

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>>2508685
>>2508692
>>2508695

You clear your throat. "Hmm. So. Ever dealt with gnomes or fairies before?"

"No. I usually fight monsters."

"Right. Of course. Say... where did you grow up, again?"

"I'm not going to talk about my father, Mary."

"That's fine. You don't have to. But you should know that I am here if you would like to."

"I know. I've never really had friends before like I do now, you and Ben and the others... but I, uh, I need some time. To figure some things out. I'm..."

"Yes?"

"Nevermind." She straightens her back and changes the subject. "We're at the lake."

Up ahead, Cross Lake looms. You and she follow the river to the water's edge. You take out your map. "Her tree is on the northwestern side of it, which is the exact opposite side that we are on."

"It'll be a long ride. Probably night when we arrive."

You frown. Looking a bit further south, you see the lakeside tavern where you know Vincent the vampire lairs beneath. Perhaps someone there has a rowboat you could borrow. Then again, you could always fly over the water... but then you'd have to leave Amber behind, as you aren't strong enough to carry her.

>Ride around the lake with Amber
>Take a boat across the lake
>Stop by the tavern
>Fly across the lake and leave Amber behind
>Other

>>2508682
>Leave the subject for now
>Talk casually; get her to relax
We'll get someonr else to pry for us later

>>2508718
>Take a boat across the lake
In before we get the "What? Cross the lake into fae woods? Forget it" response.

>>2508718
>Ride around the lake with Amber
We got time.

>>2508718
>Take a boat across the lake

>>2508718
>>Take a boat across the lake

>>2508729
>>2508732
>>2508733

A boat it is. Some 1d100s, please, for the purely innocent lake that surely has no monsters in it.

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>2508736

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>2508736

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>2508736

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>2508736

Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>2508736

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>>2508738
>>2508740
>>2508744
>>2508745

You find a dock near the water's edge and pay an old man for the use of his boat. "I'm not usin' it," he says. "Kelpie's stop me from going too far out."

"A what?"

"Water-horse. Shapeshiftin' lady-thing. I heard they lure men to swim with them and then drown 'em. Happened to me cousin, it did. Or he just drowned. Hard to know."

"What about women?"

He shrugs. "Eh. You'll be fine."

"I like the sound of that..." Amber deadpans.

Tethering the horses to the dock, you and she push off from the shore and begin to row. Well, Amber is doing all the rowing, really -- she's got the upper body strength for it.

About halfway across the lake is when you catch glimpse of something in the water; a small splash. A few seconds later, another occurs, this time closer. You begin to see brief wakes in the nearby water.

"Just keep going," you tell her. "I'll be ready to defend us."

She's about to reply when suddenly the head of a water horse breaches the water nearby. It is a beautiful thing, with blue skin and a green mane. But rather than attack, it sprays you both with water, soaking you utterly! The playful creature seems to laugh before vanishing beneath the surface. You bring your hand up to your face and pull back your now-wet hair; Amber is sitting across from you with a rather sour expression on her soaked face.

>Splash it back.
>Ignore it. Keep going.
>Try to communicate with it.
>Attack that insolent creature!
>Other

>>2508774
>Ignore it. Keep going.

It just want attention. If we ignore it, it will go away.

>>2508774
>>Splash it back.
Can we fuck a water horse, do we have a water-breathing spell?

>>2508774
>>Splash it back.

>>2508785
We're a lady.
We get fucked by the water horse.

>>2508774
>>Ignore it. Keep going.

>>2508774
>Splash it back.

>>2508774
>Ignore it. Keep going.

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>>2508785
>>2508801
>>2508809
>>2508784
>>2508805
>>2508813

"Why, that little..." You shake your head a bit, droplets flying in a few directions, and prepare yourself. "Stop the boat."

"Let's just ignore it," Amber says, clearly unamused.

"Like hell!" Suddenly the creature's head pops up again, ready to spit more water, but this time you conjure a gust of wind that surges towards the water, splashing it back! The kelpie lets out a yelp of surprise and goes back underwater. You sit back, satisfied. "There, see? I beat it at its own game."

As Amber is about to resume rowing, suddenly a massive column of water rises nearby, an impossible tower of spiraling lakewater.

"Just so you know, this is your fault," Amber says with a sigh.

The column of water curves towards your boat and the torrent of water comes crashing down upon you both. Your boat and yourselves are not swept away under the water, but are now completely, utterly drenched, and half your boat is filled with water.

You look up as Amber spits out a mouthful of water. "I hope this was worth it."

Suddenly both of you are drawn to the sound of nearby laughter. A woman is sticking her head out of the lake; she looks human, but her skin has an almost shimmering-like quality. "Oh, that was wonderful fun! Do you give up? I can keep this up all day, hahaha!"

Her long, dark hair spreads out from her in all directions and her eyes are strangely dark, but she seems nothing but sunny and cheery. "Oh, what a delight! What an absolute delight!" She swims over with one kick of her legs, still laughing. "My name is, my name, hahah! My name is Pearl! Ahahaha! I'm sorry, it's just, the look on your faces! Priceless, I say, priceless!"

Amber cocks a brow. "You know, I've never killed a kelpie before..." she says, low enough so that only you can hear.

>Talk to Pearl.
>Ignore her and get to the shore.
>Ask for a good place to dry off.
>Attack her.
>Other

>>2508774
>Splash it back. And amber

>>2508832
>Talk to Pearl.

>>2508832
>Talk to Pearl.
Water fight

>>2508832
>Talk to Pearl
>Go full ham
>I WILL NOT BE SO EASILY DEFEATED, WORTHY ADVERSAARYYYY
>Conjure four giant tsunami wave illusions heading for pearl
>splash her gently in the face

>>2508832
>Ignore her and get to the shore.

>>2508832
>Talk to Pearl.

>>2508849
Dont you mean kiss kiss her

>>2508832
>Ask for a good place to dry off.

>>2508832
>>Talk to Pearl.

>>2508849
>>2508832
I will support this gentleman

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>>2508837
>>2508838
>>2508849
>>2508879

In spite of everything and the indignity of being covered in water, you find yourself laughing along with the watery sprite. Her laughter is infectious, and even Amber manages to crack a smile. You scoop your hand into the water and splash Pearl again, and she does it back; this goes on for several minutes of pure joy that you didn't know you could have. There's something so liberating and wonderfully fun about simply splashing water that you briefly forget your quest for revenge. You even splash Amber once for good measure.

Several minutes later, you are on the shore, having parked your boat, and are stripping down to hang up your clothes on a nearby tree's branches. Pearl finds a rock alongside the shore to sit on, exposing her naked form to you. Amber blushes. "What are you doing?" she asks you.

"Well I can't very well walk around in wet clothes, Amber. It's nothing you haven't seen before."

"Are you two good friends?" Pearl asks.

"Very good friends," you say with a wink in the redhead's direction, which makes her even more flustered.

"This is a stranger, Mary," she reminds you.

"A naked stranger."

"I don't even wear clothes! Ever!" Pearl says with a bright smile. "They just get in the way when you're swimming."

Amber looks around. You and she are surrounded by thick trees, but this part of the woods is where the fey things live. She gulps, thinking that there could be eyes everywhere. Elves, fairies, ents, sprites...

"Don't be a prude," you tease her, now fully naked yourself. Pearl's eyes go wide as she looks at you. Nearby, Amber grumbles to herself and starts taking off her armor, uncomfortable with the idea of being naked in an unknown enchanted forest.

"You're beautiful!" she compliments you. "I love your hair! I always have trouble with mine."

"Thank you," you say, sitting next to her. She's very pale, and now that you are up close with her, you notice several small details about her human form that she has wrong. For example, she has no nails on her fingers or toes. "You aren't very familiar with people, are you?"

"I don't get to meet many, so no!" You take her hands in your own and show her your nails, as well as the small wrinkles in your skin. Before your eyes, the shapeshifter copies your nails to match the same color, though yours are painted.

"Close enough," you shrug.

>Ask about her people
>Ask about other creatures in the lake
>Ask about the other people in the woods
>Tell her about yourself
>Other

>>2508895
>Ask about other creatures in the lake

>>2508895
>Ask about other creatures in the lake

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>>2508904
>>2508905

"So, what other creatures live in the lake?"

"Oh, all kinds! Turtles, fish, eels, those are the nice ones."

"And the not-so-nice ones?"

"The ones who try to eat you. Like snappers, big crabs, snakes, and the big octopus who guards the sunken ship."

"Wait... there's a sunken ship?"

"Yeah! But that's where he lives, so nobody can get to the treasure."

Amber, in the midst of removing her shirt, stops and looks up. "What kind of treasure are we talking about, exactly?"

"Shiny things. Big chests full to the brim! I don't really know what makes them so valuable or why so many people have tried to get to them, but the big octopus eats anyone who comes near. Sure, they're shiny, but it isn't worth being eaten alive by an octopus!"

"I see..." You bring up a hand and scratch your chin. "You know, I happen to know some water-breathing spells and I'm quite potent with my magic. Perhaps I could slay the octopus and claim the treasure." You look over at Amber. "With your help, of course."

"I've never fought underwater," she admits. "It's not exactly my thing."

"What about you, Pearl? Do you know any magic?"

"Only a little," she admits. "And most of it, I was born with. Nobody's ever taught me anything else."

>First we deliver the package to Trixie, then we get the treasure.
>Why don't we go take a look for ourselves while our clothes dry?
>We don't really need to tangle with an octopus right now. Forget the treasure, deliver the package.
>Wait until your clothes dry, spend time with Pearl and Amber.
>Other

>>2508960
>Wait until your clothes dry, spend time with Pearl and Amber.

>>2508960
>We don't really need to tangle with an octopus right now. Forget the treasure, Get dry. Deliver the package.

Add it on our to do list

>>2508960
>We don't really need to tangle with an octopus right now. Forget the treasure, deliver the package.
We'll just sit on that one.

>>2508960
>We don't really need to tangle with an octopus right now. Forget the treasure, deliver the package.
Let's teach Pearl a cantrip or two, maybe the sparks spell?

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>>2508964
>>2508970
>>2508962
>>2508999

"Well, it's another curiosity to add to the list for later," you say with a shrug.

For the next hour or so, while you wait for your clothes to dry as the sun begins to crawl towards the evening horizon, you spend time with Amber and Pearl. The redhead is still quite shy about open nudity in front of a stranger, and so modestly keeps her hands covering herself, but the kelpie has no concept of modesty and simply relaxes openly with her new friends. As for you, you find the time rather relaxing yourself, perfectly comfortable with your body.

"I've never really had any surface friends," Pearl says. "What's it like, not being in water all the time?"

"Well, we usually wear clothes..." Amber mutters, still embarrassed.

"Oh don't mind her. The most fun on the surface is had when the clothes come off, trust me," you say with a wink. You take a moment to cast another wind spell to help dry out yours and Amber's belongings, making the redhead shiver slightly. "So, where's the rest of your kind, Pearl?"

She shrugs. "To be honest, I don't know. I'm the only one in the lake. I swam up a river and got lost, so now I live here."

"All by yourself? That must be terribly lonely," you say, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Well, we don't live far away. I'll make sure we come and visit you every now and then."

She lights up. "Really?" she gasps. "Thank you!" She throws you into a hug, her perpetually-slick skin feeling cool to the touch. "I'm so happy to make new friends!"

"Me too," you say with a smile. "Amber, come over here, get in on this."

"Ah, that's okay," she says with a nervous smile, keeping herself covered. "I'm fine, really."

Before she can protest, Pearl bounds over to her and wraps her arms around her, sliding her cheek over hers in an affectionate nuzzle. The warrior, still abashed from her lack of clothing, is now doubly so with the nude girl hugging her. "Gah, h-hey! Personal space!" You check on the status of your clothes; still somewhat damp, but workable. And your hair is dry now as well, which is a bonus.

>Get dressed, head to Trixie's.
>Leave Amber with Pearl; you'll be right back.
>Build a fire to completely dry your clothes; have dinner.
>Seduce the kelpie

>>2509037
>Get dressed, head to Trixie's.

>>2509037
>>Get dressed, head to Trixie's.

>>2509037
>Get dressed, head to Trixie's.

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>>2509042
>>2509043
>>2509064

You get dressed and wave goodbye to Pearl, who dives back into the water. "That was fun," you say with a smile.

"If you say so," Amber says, but she relents when you give her a friendly tap with your elbow. "I mean, sure... she's interesting. Never met someone like her."

"Ever met a gnome?"

"A few."

"Well, this one might be cranky, because she's pregnant. Just be on your guard."

"I always try to be. That gets difficult when I'm around you."

You give her a sulty gaze. "Oh, is that so?"

Suddenly, she blushes. "I, I didn't mean it like that! I meant, because we're always getting into weird situations, is all..."

"Sure," you say with an added wink for good measure.

Not long after, you're standing in front of a large tree with a gnome-sized doorway built into the trunk and tiny stone steps leading up to it. You approach it and knock politely. You hear a window open and the gnome, Trixie, pokes her head out. "Hello? Who's there?"

"My name is Mary. We met at Francis' tower?"

"Who's Francis?" you hear Amber ask, but you don't respond.

"Oh! I remember!" Trixie shuts the window and you hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet inside. She opens the door. "Welcome! I had convinced myself you weren't ever going to drop by to say hello."

"I've been terribly busy," you say, taking her hand and giving it a friendly squeeze. You notice how round and distended her belly is. "Are you feeling well?"

"For the most part. How can I help you?"

"Well, I have a package here," you say, taking out the small box. "It got wet, but I'm hoping it isn't damaged. Francis wanted it given to some fairies he was having some trouble with, or something. He said you would know."

She sighs. "Oh, I know, alright. It's typical that he'd get you to deliver it for him."

"Well, let's just say that I slighted him recently, and I'm trying to make up for it."

"Ooo! I proudly support anyone who makes that greasy pile of dung angry!" She takes the package and gives you a wink. "Don't worry. I'll get this taken care of."

"How did you meet him, anyway?"

"He was looking for an illusion trainer, and nobody's better at it than me. In fact, I'm not even really in front of you!"

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>>2509110

Suddenly, her and her entire home vanish in front of you in the blink of an eye. You are left stupified for a moment, until you hear her giggling nearby. Her tree is on the other side of the small clearing, and there she is... with the package! Amber is similarly confused.

"What! That wasn't an illusion! I felt your hand, I gave you the box!"

"That's a trick of mine I'm rather proud of," she says with another giggle. "Not one spell, but several working in tandem. People think illusions are just visual, but they aren't! Sight is just one part of it. Sound, smell, touch, all of these things add up to someone's total perception, and all of them can be tricked! We gnomes are the best at it, and I don't let many people get too close to the real me. After all, that's partially how this happened," she says, pointing at her belly.

"So, is that the real you I'm looking at?"

"Maaaaybe," she says with a wink.

>I'd like to learn.
>I'd like to learn, but later. I've got too much on my plate at the moment.
>Perhaps you'd be interested in playing a prank on Francis?
>Ask her to demonstrate her most impressive illusion.
>Other

>>2509112
>I'd like to learn, but later. I've got too much on my plate at the moment.

>>2509112
>I'd like to learn.

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>>2509112
>I'd like to learn.
Time to learn the ways of the MINDFREAK.

>>2509112
>>I'd like to learn, but later. I've got too much on my plate at the moment.

>>2509112
>>I'd like to learn, but later. I've got too much on my plate at the moment.

Just taking a dinner break.

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>>2509118
>>2509142
>>2509202

"Your illusory powers are greater than I'd anticipated... I'd like to learn, honestly, but I've got too much on my plate at the moment."

"Oh, I completely understand," she says with a wave of her hand. "I've got quite a handful myself, especially with relatives popping in to check on me every now and then. My sister's been trying to get pregnant for months to no avail and it's like she's trying to treat my kid as hers before it's even here!"

"I know a thing or two about having a troublesome family, believe me," you say with a wry grin. "Well, good luck!" you say, turning back to Amber. "Shall we?"

With your task for Francis done, you begin travel home. By the time you've returned to the boat, rowed across the lake and gotten your horses, the sun is well below the horizon. Pearl didn't swim up to say hello; she's probably tired out herself. The old man blows a candle out in the lantern you used to guide yourself back to the dock as Amber ties the small boat to the mooring.

You look nearby at the inn where you once stayed with Faye. You suppose you could rent a room for the night, if you were disinclined to travel through the woods at this hour. And perhaps you could pay Vincent a visit...

>Enter the tavern, but don't plan on staying
>Rent a room for the night
>Push on towards home
>See what Vincent is up to
>Other

>>2509293
>Rent a room for the night

>>2509293
>Rent a room for the night
Mybe say hi the V boy

>>2509293
>Rent a room for the night
>See what Vincent is up to

>>2509293
>Rent a room for the night

>>2509293
>Rent a room for the night
nothing like a little bonding time with amber

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>>2509299
>>2509316
>>2509325
>>2509343
>>2509403

"Come on. I could use a drink and a room."

You enter the tavern. The usual shady crowd mulls about; hooded figures, men who look on the run, thugs and the like. Several eyes are drawn to you both as you walk towards a booth with Amber closely following behind.

"I don't like the look of this place," she says in a low tone.

"Then we won't stick around long. We'll axe the drink."

As you negotiate a room for the evening, several eyes remain lingering from various corners of the room, but no one attempts to make a move. You whisk Amber up the stairs by the hand and close the door behind you.

"Those creeps down there looked like they were ready to be knocked around," she says, taking off her sword and shield and setting them near the door. She pauses when she realizes there is only one bed in this room. "Oh."

"Something the matter?" you ask in an innocent tone. You pat the bed next to you, indicating for her to sit.

"No," she says softly, sitting down next to you. "Just still not used to it, is all."

You take one of her hands in yours and slip off her glove. Her hand is worn and tough, but still has an air of delicate femininity to it -- much like herself. "It's alright. Would you like to talk?"

"Not really," she admits, casting her eyes to the corner of the room. "If it's okay with you, I'd really rather just sleep."

Judging from her tone and expression, you guess that a certain event from earlier is still weighing heavily on her mind. You move behind her and begin to rub her shoulders, gently coaxing her into a more relaxed state. No words are initially exchanged, until she surprises you by asking a question in an uncertain tone.

"Mary, did you know your father well?"

'Excellent... she wants to have a heart-to-heart.' Out of her sight, your brow furrows as you try to remember the cover story you told the Cutters so long ago. 'Mary' was just an orphan now. But Amber remains one of the few people you haven't told the truth about your true identity to. While she has become rather trusting, her volatile nature may yet make her reaction unpredictable... but maybe you could slip in pieces of the truth in order to better relate with her and get her to open up? She does appear somewhat vulnerable at the moment.

>Maintain your cover as Mary.
>Reveal yourself as Sirena.
>Slip in bits and pieces of the truth, but keep your true identity hidden.
>Be vague and don't reveal anything; keep the discussion focused on her.
>Other

>>2509473
>Maintain your cover as Mary.

>>2509473
>Slip in bits and pieces of the truth, but keep your true identity hidden.
Only what is relevant for the conversation.

>>2509473
>>Slip in bits and pieces of the truth, but keep your true identity hidden.

>>2509473
>Slip in bits and pieces of the truth, but keep your true identity hidden.
maybe snuggle just a bit, no overly lewd

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>>2509488
>>2509489
>>2509550

"I did... but we didn't have the best relationship."

She looks over her shoulder, meeting your gaze. "Really? Why?"

"I wasn't what he wanted. He wanted--"

She cuts you off. "A son?"

"Yes," you say. Suddenly, Amber turns and hugs you.

"I had no idea," she whispers, pressing her face into your neck. "M... me too."

You smile softly and stroke her hair. "But I wasn't, and I never could be, so I didn't try. He never really made time for me, anyway."

She is quiet for a moment. "I tried to be. I think I still am."

"You don't have to be afraid to embrace who and what you are, Amber. You don't have to fit yourself into someone else's mould. You can be yourself."

Her hug grows just a bit tighter. "I just... I always wanted to prove him wrong, that I could be as good as what he wanted, even if I wasn't what he wanted to begin with, you know? I pushed myself so hard for so many years to be like him, to be better than him."

"I know exactly how you feel. When I was growing up, I was overshadowed in his attention by my brothers. I was jealous, for a time. Then I grew cold to it. I learned that if I was going to do anything, it had to be because I wanted it, not anyone else. I had to become selfish and keep myself from connecting with others."

She pulls away, looking at you with hurt eyes. "I was the same way. I never wanted to, to be with anyone, because I was afraid it would make me... weak, or something."

You smile and bring her hand up to your lips. "Well, if there's one thing I've learned ever since separating with my family, it's that I'm not weaker for having others around me. I'm stronger. I might not have been born into a very good family, but I can make my own and do better."

"You really think so? You aren't afraid that... that if you were to have a family, have... children... you wouldn't just make the same horrible mistakes your own parents did?"

As she breathes those final words, you finally understand. "Amber, you're strong. You would make a wonderful mother."

She averts her eyes. "I don't know... I, I'm scared. What if it's too early? What if Ben wasn't the right choice? What if I'm not ready to stop being what I've trained my whole life to be? This isn't a problem I can solve with a sword."

'Well, actually...' You shake the dark humor from your mind. Now isn't the time for such a thing. You gently pull her in for another hug. "There, there... You're not alone. We'll get through this together."

You feel a small tear run down her cheek onto your shoulder. "Thank you... for everything."

"You're family. It's the least I can do."

Together, after shedding the rest of your clothes, you and she cuddle beneath the blankets. She rests her head on you as your gently stroke her hair until she falls asleep.

>Sleep...

Morning. Amber is sound asleep, and you've some time to yourself.

>Check on someone.
>Get her up and head home.
>See if Vincent is around.
>Let Francis know the package is delivered.
>Other

>Let Francis know the package is delivered.

>>2509618
>See if Vincent is around.

>>2509618
>See if Vincent is around.
>Let Francis know the package is delivered.

>>2509618
>>Let Francis know the package is delivered.

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That's it for me tonight. I'll be back tomorrow! Stay tuned.

>>2509644
awesome to have you back. missed this quest. thanks for running

>>2509618
>>See if Vincent is around.
>>Let Francis know the package is delivered.

>>2509645
Well, glad to be back. Sorry for the hiatus, but I had a lot of stuff to take care of. I had to focus on my career for while, glad to say that I'll be getting promoted soon. I'm hoping to get back to running on a fairly regular schedule now that things are stable.

>>2509668
Sweet deal. Yea i hear that about having to take care of the home front but glad to hear that things are doing good

>>2509618
>See if Vincent is around.

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>>2509622
>>2509624
>>2509633
>>2509634
>>2509663
>>2509682

You stand up from the bed as Amber curls beneath the sheets. For good measure, you cast a spell of deep sleep upon her. You approach your belongings and sift through them until you take out the communication orb Francis gave you. After a moment, he appears in its surface, his image somewhat distorted by the sphere's roundness, but nonetheless the same greazy perverted archmage you've come to know.

"The package is delivered," you say politely.

"Oh, good. Thanks for doing that. Hey, listen, I uh... I'm sorry for how much I blew up back at my tower."

"Francis, please. You were justified."

"Yeah, but even so, I wasn't exactly composed. Alright, I just wanted to get that off my chest. When you get a chance, I'd like to talk to you in person about something strange I've noticed."

"Which is?"

"It might not be anything, probably just a coincidence. In fact, forget about it, I'm sure it's nothing. Probably."

"Francis."

"When you have time. I need to run some tests, check on a theory, confirm if it's anything at all. We'll talk later."

Suddenly he cuts the communication and leaves you with a frown. 'He's acting rather odd. Hmmm...'

You brush the thought aside and walk downstairs. It's fairly early, so the tavern is in a state of inactivity. You proceed downstairs to Vincent's lair, which is surprisingly empty. The large dining table, his throne, all are bare and clean.

Just when you are about to leave, you suddenly hear the sound of sweeping. You turn towards one of the smaller chambers and poke your head inside only to find a man with a broom cleaning the floor. He is pale and middle-aged, with a scruffy beard.

"Excuse me," you say to get his attention. "I'm looking for Vincent?"

"Oh. He's not in at the moment. I'm cleaning the place while he's away on business."

"And you are?"

"I'm his janitor-minion." He gives you a smile, showing off his fangs. "We haven't met before because I'm not allowed at his parties. I just clean up after them."

You blink a few times. "He turned you into a vampire, into his minion, just to clean up after him?"

"He has a lot of parties. A lot of blood gets everywhere. How did you think it got cleaned up?"

"Oh, well, I suppose... Are you happy with this arrangment?"

"Eh... Not really. I've made it clear to him a great many of times, but hey, I'm his minion, you know? I can't exactly refuse. Plus, he keeps all the nice, cushioned coffins for himself and his favorite girls. I sleep standing up in the janitor closet."

"Oh. That's unpleasant."

"Tell me about it. Well, back to work." He resumes sweeping. "Nice thing about the closet, though, is the thin door. I can hear everything he says down here. Every plan, every person he brings down here to talk with, where he's gone. He likes to monologue a lot, you know."

>Ask where Vincent is
>Get Amber and leave
>Get some more info on Vincent's schemes
>See if you can break the man's enchantment
>Other

>>2510512
>Get some more info on Vincent's schemes
>Ask where Vincent is

>>2510516
support

>>2510512
>>Get some more info on Vincent's schemes

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>>2510516
>>2510521
>>2510551

"So, where is Vincent now?"

"I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to talk about where he is or what he has done," the janitor replies nonchalantly. "After all, I was specifically commanded to never tell anyone, to never speak of the things I have heard or where he is. Of course, the specific command was in regards to speaking, and not to, say, writing anything down, which does not directly involve telling anyone anything. And were such writings kept in a journal, I wouldn't be at liberty to reveal the location of such a journal. I am, however, entirely able to say that such a journal, were it to exist, is NOT in my closet under a wooden stool."

Your brow slowly rises upwards. "Well, thank you for not telling me."

"You're welcome. If you'll excuse me, I'll be cleaning another room, where I can't see my closet, not anyone entering it. Lots of ground to cover. Good day."

He walks off as you smile. 'Quite upset with your master, are we? Good to know. If this janitor could find a loophole in his master's conditioning and commands, that's a good lesson to keep my minions in my good graces... At the very least I should invite them to my parties.'

You find the closet, open it up, push aside a broom and find the wooden stool. Underneath it is a dusty journal containing page upon page of the janitor's gripes, but also exceptionally detailed information about Vincent and his family.

>Read it now
>Keep it, read it later
>Skim it for anything important and leave it here
>Find some means to repay the janitor
>Other

>>2510608
>Keep it, read it later

>>2510608
>>Read it now
>Find some means to repay the janitor

>>2510608
>>Read it now

>>2510608
>Skim it for anything important and leave it here

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>>2510623
>>2510638

Opening the book, you discern from the more important sections amidst the janitor's ramblings about how much he hates Vincent that he and his brothers, Albert and Herbert, are preparing for an undead uprising against the kingdom of Dragodia. Combined with information you've learned throughout your dealings with the brothers, you are able to put together their plan: Albert is creating the bulk of the army with his undead abominations and plagues that transform people into said abominations. Vincent is placing his vampiric thralls in key locations across the land to gather intelligence and act as assassins for when the time comes; with enough vampires in the right places at the right time, he could cripple the leadership of the military and the noble ruling families of various regions. As for Herbert, you still have the least amount of information when it comes to him, but it seems he is on the cusp of creating a form of perfectly-functioning undead life that can be acheived without any kind of magic.

All of them, however, are minions to their true mastermind, their father. A figure still shrouded in mystery, the journal contains almost no details of who he is: only where he is. The family lair is a castle that sunk into the nearby swamp, now buried in a massive underground cavern created by the father's magic. The cavern is hiding an army of undead created from years of labor, waiting to be unleashed. As a minor detail, the black dragon and green dragon in that very swamp are completely unrelated to the family, but have served as an effective means of keeping people from investigating the swamp itself.

You don't know when the attack is coming, but it is soon. You close the journal and throw it back into the closet. 'Now, what to do about all of this?'

>Ally with the father and his sons.
>Deal with the dragons, then deal with the family.
>The family must be eliminated; they are too dangerous to be left around.
>Deal with them later. For now, focus on other things.
>Other

>>2510787
No idea what to do.

>>2510787
>>The family must be eliminated; they are too dangerous to be left around.

>>2510787
>>The family must be eliminated; they are too dangerous to be left around.

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>>2510833
>>2510853

'Well, they're obviously rivals. They intend on taking over the kingdom that I was going to take over! That's no good. I'll have to eliminate them... But without knowing just how powerful that patriarch is, I can't risk moving against him. That's just asking to be taken by surprise.'

With a wave to the janitor, you proceed upstairs and wake up Amber. Together, the two of you ride east and reach your tower in a short period of time; it's only late morning when you arrive.

As Amber tends to the horses, you proceed inside and up to your room. Looking out from the top window at the treetops, you begin to wonder about your next move.

'Faye.' You'd very much like to check in on her progress, but doing so could reveal her to the Witch Hunter. Any intelligence gathered about this man could be invaluable. Though it pains you, you'll just have to be patient.

>Check in on Ben and Lady Silverwind
>Check in on Alex, Bargum and Amanda
>Check in on Merriam and Kaylessa
>Check in on Francis
>Check in on Krom
>Return to Aran
>Other

>>2510917
>>Check in on Alex, Bargum and Amanda

>>2510917
>Check in on Alex, Bargum and Amanda

>>2510917
>>Check in on Alex, Bargum and Amanda

>>2510917
>Check in on Ben and Lady Silverwind
>Check in on Alex, Bargum and Amanda
>Check in on Merriam and Kaylessa

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>>2510938
>>2510988
>>2510995
>>2511010

You tap your fingers on the window a few times. 'Well, Ben is taken care of, and likely very comfortable at Lady Silverwind's estate. I should link back up with Bargum and Alex.'

Leaving Amber to watch the tower, you proceed on the short ride to Bridge Town, where you immediately see that something out of the norm is happening. A large throng of people are gathered near the bridge, and as you approach the group from behind, you see why. Excited townsfolk gather to cheer for Sigmund Venstroyer and his paladin warriors, who appear to be passing through the town. Though you are disguised, you make sure to remain as inconspicuous as possible.

The paladins spread out, remaining dutifully near their leader Sigmund, who appears to be speaking with Amanda Lightguard. You also notice Bargum and dwarven runepriest nearby, but no sign of Alex. You take advantage of a curious townie's questioning of one of the paladins to eavesdrop.

"We won't be here for long," the paladin tells the woman. "We're merely conducting a wellness check, as it were. It's important to keep a presence in towns such as these, especially since it was recently attacked by orcs."

"Oh, yes, it was terrible! Can't you stay much longer?"

"I'm afraid not. We're needed elsewhere. Many things happening these days, but fret not, you're safe. Your town guard do a fine job."

You slip between two buildings and crouch behind some barrels. You cast a spell of farsense to the spot where Amanda and Sigmund are standing, allowing you to see and hear them both as if you were standing right next to them.

"We could use you on this journey," he says.

"I'm afraid I've become rather fond of this town, and it could use my help if anything else were to happen. Ever since that devil, I'm keeping an eye on it."

"Yes, I remember your letter on the subject. I am no longer your direct superior, Lightguard, but I do think your talents are wasted here. The real battle is being fought somewhere else."

"With all due respect, sir, you should probably be getting there yourself."

He lets out a contemplative breath. "It is fortunate that I respect you so. Fare well."

"And you." As he turns away, his paladin guards follow along a step behind him, one on either side of his broad, armored shoulders. Once he is out of earshot, Bargum walks up. "My former paladin-commander," she says to the dwarf. "From a time best forgotten."

"Aye. I didn't pick up much friendliness betwist ye."

She is about to ask him a question when suddenly a voice from behind you startles you out of the spell. "Excuse me, ma'am? Are you alright?" You turn around to behold a lower-ranked paladin with a confused look on his face. "Did you lose something behind these barrels?"

>Act like you found what you were looking for
>Flatter him; pretend to be embarassed by such handsome men in armor
>Knock him out with a sleep spell
>Berate him for sneaking up on a lady
>Other

>>2511077
>Berate him for sneaking up on a lady
>Act like you found what you were looking for

>>2511077
>>Berate him for sneaking up on a lady
>Act like you found what you were looking for

>>2511077
>>2511077
>Berate him for sneaking up on a lady
>Act like you found what you were looking for

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>>2511087
>>2511094
>>2511105

"Ah!" You pop up and turn around. "How dare you sneak up on a lady!"

"Oh, sorry!" He holds up his hands and takes a step back. "I didn't mean to. It's just, you looked like you might need help."

"Well, I don't!" You take out your lucky coin from your pocket and drop it on the ground, then pick it up. "I was just looking for my family heirloom, is all!"

"My apologies, ma'am. I'll leave you to your business."

"Yes, well, see that you are more polite! Hmph."

He sheepishly walks back out onto the street to rejoin his companions. As they move on, you approach Amanda and Bargum. "Good day," you greet them.

"Mary, how nice to see you," Amanda says with a smile, taking your hand in hers. She brings it up and kisses the back of it like a gentlemen would. Though, given what you know about her from Faye, you doubt her intentions are purely noble.

"Oh my, thank you," you say with a slight bow of your head. "Bargum, aren't you going to greet me just as nicely?"

"Nah. Not much for chivalry."

You shaek your head. "So many rude men around today."

"Tell me about it," Amanda says with an appreciative wink.

"Where is--"

You are about to speak when Amanda suddenly presses a finger to your lips. "Ah-ah, why don't we go and talk inside, shall we? Catch up away from any... prying ears." She casts a sidelong glance at two paladins who are nearby, though they don't appear to be listening.

Curious, you follow them both into the small chapel that Amanda has helped set up. It isn't anything fancy, but it works for the purposes of humble worship and quiet conversation when needed.

"Alex didn't want to be found by those paladins," Amanda says in a low tone.

"What? They're looking for him?"

"No, they're not specifically here for him. But if they found him, they'd take him."

Your eyes narrow. "Whatever for?"

>Let Alex explain it himself.
>Hear it from Amanda
>Where is he now?
>Does anyone else know he is here?
>Other

>>2511178
>>Hear it from Amanda

>>2511178
>Let Alex explain it himself.
>Does anyone else know he is here?

>>2511178
>>Let Alex explain it himself.
>Does anyone else know he is here?
They can't be allowed to take our shota.

>>2511178
>>Let Alex explain it himself.

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>>2511187
>>2511287
>>2511308

"Here, let him explain," Amanda says, stepping over to the podium and moving it aside, revealing a tiny trap door. It opens from below as Alex pushes it up.

When his blue eyes meet yours, they light up. "Mary!" He hops out and runs over to give you a hug, tightly squeezing you around the neck.

"There, there," you say, gently patting him on the back. You pull back and look at him. "What's going on, Alex?"

His smile fades and he looks downwards. "I... They're looking for me, Mary."

"No, they aren't," Amanda reassures him. "We found out that they're just passing through."

"Oh, truly? Thank the gods."

"Alex," you get his attention by taking his chin in your hand and turning him to face you. "Why would they be looking for you?"

"You remember when I told you that I ran away from the priest? I was worried that they were coming for me, to take me back. I don't want to go back, not even if I find out the truth of my family's history. I... I want to stay out here."

"I understand. I promised you that I would make sure nobody would take you away." You look up at Amanda and Bargum. "Thank you for helping to hide him."

Amanda crosses her arms. "I wasn't about to hand anyone over. I'm not exactly on good terms with my old commander. Frankly, I'm just glad he wasn't here for the boy."

Bargum nods. "Ye were just spooked, lad. They'll be movin' on soon enough."

Alex lets out a sigh of relief. "I'm glad. I was really convinced they weren't going to leave without me."

Amanda kneels alongside you both and asks, "Is it really so great a thing that they would send paladins to find you? How much pull could one priest have?"

The boy once more averts his gaze. "It... wasn't exactly a lower-ranked priest." A small tear forms in his eye that he wipes on his white sleeve. "I lied to you, Mary. I'm so sorry."

>Get him to tell the truth.
>Let him talk about this later, when he is more comfortable.
>Forgive him for lying; he meant well.
>Return to the tower.
>Other

>>2511359
>Forgive him for lying; he meant well.
>>Get him to tell the truth.

>>2511372
this

>>2511359
>>Forgive him for lying; he meant well.

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>>2511372
>>2511378
>>2511436

"I forgive you," you assure him. "Your intentions were good, that's all that matters. But please, Alex, tell us the truth."

"It wasn't just a priest. It was the High Priest of the Order of Light, the First Faith's guiding circle. Sebastian Ignus Oberhan the Second."

You and Amanda look at each other. Both of you know him by reputation alone; the most powerful man in the country's church, perhaps the second-most powerful man in the country behind the king.

"He is the one who wanted to exploit you?" you ask, to which he nods.

"Exploit how, exactly?" Amanda asks. "This is serious, Alex. Leave no detail unspoken."

"He... He spoke to me in private about wanting to use my powers to influence people. People who didn't follow our religion, to make them follow. And that sounds good, but the way he said it... He spoke about forcing them to. And nobody should be forced into following a religion, a-at least that's how I feel..."

"Go on," you urge him.

He takes a deep breath. "I don't remember all of it, but... I was going to be made into a saint, he said. My power could be used to bring about a new age. He said many things that made me uncomfortable. It was strange... I always pictured the High Priest to be a noble and just man, but behind closed doors, he seemed very different... Angry, impatient and demanding."

Amanda frowns and asks, "What exactly did he want you to do?"

"I think he wanted to use me as some kind of..." He trails off. "A puppet? A figurehead? He said that if I said things, people would believe me, because he would tell them I spoke for the gods. They would believe me because I am a child. But he said that he would be telling me everything to say."

You put a hand on his shoulder. "Was there anything else at all?"

"Yes... He started using words that made me... scared. Things like 'purging' and 'cleansing'. A 'rebirth' for the faithful. I nodded, afraid, and was sent to bed... I ran away that night."

Amanda has a deeply troubled look on her face. "I think we should get Alex back to your tower," she suggests.

"I agree." As you stand, Alex hugs your leg, burying his face away from the others. "Let us not speak of this to anyone else."

"Aye," Bargum nods, stroking his beard pensively. "Aye."

>Wait until night to bring Alex back
>Smuggle him out of town
>Wait until the paladins leave the town
>Draw a temporary teleportation circle
>Other

>>2511453
>>Wait until night to bring Alex back
lets not risk pinging any magic detectors.

>>2511453
>>Wait until night to bring Alex back
Another potential enemy. great

>>2511453
>Wait until night to bring Alex back

>>2511453
>Wait until the paladins leave the town

Maybe use the time to talk more to Amanda.

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>>2511461
>>2511468
>>2511522

"We wait until night to get him back. Just in case."

Amanda nods. "Well, you're more than welcome to stay here for the time being. Alex, do you want to go back into the hidey-hole?"

"No, that's alright, thank you. I'll stay up here and read."

"I'll keep an eye on the lad," Bargum volunteers, sitting next to Alex in a pew.

The paladin turns back to you. "We've got some time to kill until nightfall. Want to get a drink?"

"A little early, isn't it?"

She shrugs. "Doesn't have to be a heavy drink. Water, even."

>Spend time with Amanda
>Contact someone else
>Check in on the brothel and mercenary guild
>Visit with the mayor
>Head north to Cutter farm
>Other

>>2511542
>Spend time with Amanda

>>2511542
>>Check in on the brothel and mercenary guild

>>2511542
>Check in on the brothel and mercenary guild
Business befoe pleasure
and since i can't find a way to do both at the moment...

>>2511542
>>Check in on the brothel and mercenary guild

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>>2511569
>>2511577
>>2511622

You take the opportunity to inspect your two local businesses; the brothel and the mercenary guild that you helped Amber establish. Both are in fine working condition, though the brothel, having been around longer, is doing better business-wise. You collect your cut from both, as well as from the nearby Digger mine. A decant haul of two-thousand.

You notice Brutus approaching the town, with Ben's younger siblings Todd and Fred following. The large minotaur is an intimdating sight for the townsfolk, and they give him a very wide berth. The kids seem to enjoy this. "That's right, out of the way! Big-time minotaur, coming through! We're walking here!"

The minotaur seems somewhat irritated by this, but doesn't stop them. He approaches a fruit stand and begins to negotiate; apparently he's picking up groceries for the farm. You walk up to him and put a hand on his shoulder. "Hello, Brutus."

He looks back in surprise. "Mary! Good to see you."

"Are you keeping well?"

"I am. The work is good, and the farm is a nice place. Miss Jan is a wonderful woman." Nearby, one of the two kids chases after a chicken while the other laughs at him. "And the children are... well. They simply are."

"I understand. I trust you are keeping your axe sharp? I may have need of it soon."

He nods. "I'll be ready for when you need my help."

"Fantastic. Please, give my regards to the Cutter matriarch. Tell her that her son is well; he was sick recently, but I found a cure for him. He's meeting many wonderful people and earning quite a reputation for himself."

"I'm sure she'll be glad to hear it."

>Wait until night
>Contact someone else
>Spend time with Amanda
>Visit with the mayor
>Other

>>2511658
>>Spend time with Amanda

>>2511658
>>Visit with the mayor

>>2511658
>Visit with the mayor

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>>2511772
>>2511793

You decide to spend some time with Ben's uncle Jed. He isn't in the mayor's office, but rather is at the docks, speaking with the captain of a merchant vessel about bringing in some new goods for the town. You approach him and he gives you a smile before introducing you to the captain, an unremarkable man. They conclude their talk and Jed turns to face you fully.

"Mary, always a pleasure. How can I help you?"

"How fares the town since the attack?"

Just as he is about to answer, there is a small flash of light in front of you both. A tiny, palm-sized spider appears in the air before falling to the ground.

"Gah! Look out!" Jed raises his foot, but you quickly recognize that arachnid and push him out of the way! He stumbles back on one leg and falls.

"Terribly sorry!" you say, scooping up the spider. "I just... I really like nature and, stuff!"

You run out of sight. Beneath the great bridge of Bridge Town, you find an alcove and set the spider down, whereupon it transforms into your twin. Faye shakes her head and stretches her arms. "By the gods, remind me to NEVER spend that much time as an insect ever again..."

"Arachnid. And what did you learn?!" you demand, grabbing hold of her shoulders and speaking in as low yet urgent a tone that you can muster.

"Calm yourself!" she pleads. "I learned much. After you left with the barbarian, I slipped onto the Witch Hunter's back and rode with him. Unfortunately I had to remain hidden, so I do not know the way to his lair."

"Well? Go on."

"He isn't alone, or at least, doesn't work alone. I think he has some kind of master, a teacher he is learning under. They spoke but I was unable to get a glimpse of him. In fact, he may not have even been physically present, or it may have been a spirit. I didn't risk casting any spells. But whoever this person was, he was reporting facts about you to him. About what you had said to him and done."

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>>2511915

"Anything else?"

"Well, this is where things get kind of strange. They started talking about some kind of prophecy that he suspects you may have a role in. Unfortunately I didn't learn too much about it; it was sort of like they both knew what each other was talking about, so they didn't repeat anything they wouldn't already know, right? Very inconvenient for someone attempting to listen in."

"What did he do next?"

"He ate, then sat in front of a pool of water and sharpened his sword while staring into it. For hours on end! Then he slept. I took the chance to set up a web in the corner of his room. That was the first day. Then today, all he did was meditate, sharpen his sword and stare into the bowl of water. He didn't have any books or anything, nothing to clue me in on where he was. Eventually I got bored, so I teleported to you."

"Bored! Oh, Faye. What was his lair like?"

"It was in some kind of cavern. Very sparse furnishings. No personal belongings other than what he carries with him -- not even any money. I thought this guy got some kind of huge reward twice for killing the last two Witch Queens? I didn't see a single coin."

"Strange... it sounds like he lives some kind of monk-like lifestyle."

She shrugs. "Sorry for leaving him. I would've stuck around longer, but..."

"But what?"

She smiles. "I have a surprise for you!"

You stare blankly at her and keep yourself from narrowing your eyes in suspicion. You remember spying on her during her talk with Angelo behind your back -- something about a 'surprise.' And the last time she tried a surprise, it created a mess you had to clean up.

>Go along with it.
>You don't want it, whatever it is.
>Scold her for leaving the Witch Hunter's lair before getting anything truly valuable.
>Confront her over her dealings with Angelo.
>Other

>>2511922
>Go along with it.

Fine.

>>2511922
>>Go along with it.
remain on guard look out for anything suspicious

>>2511922
>>Go along with it.

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>>2511936
>>2511939
>>2511954

Putting your hands on your hips, you shrug while shaking your head. "Fine. What is it?"

"We need to be in Aran."

"Well, first thing's first, we need to get Alex back to the tower." You look out from under the bridge at the setting sun. "We can move soon. We're smuggling him out of the town."

"Why? What happened?"

"Long story."

"Oh, I hate not being around for important things. Also, I'm very hungry. All I got to eat were flies for the last two days."

"We'll deal with that when we get home. We need to find Amanda and Bargum, they're helping us."

"Ohhh, Amanda, eh?" Faye licks her lips, but you slap her hand. "What? Not NOW, I know that."

Several minutes later, you, Faye, Bargum and Amanda are leaving town on a wagon. Bargum is driving it while you sit next to him. Faye and Amanda sit in the back, exchanging meaningful looks. And on the floor of the wagon are three sacks of grain, one of which isn't grain at all, but a little boy trying very hard to keep still.

Upon reaching the tower, you let Alex out of the sack and he dusts himself off. Bargum takes him inside.

Amanda clears her throat. "I should probably return."

Faye wraps an arm around her. "No, stay, stay! We insist. After all, you're in this now too, whatever it is. Right?" She looks at you for validation.

"She can stay if she so chooses."

Amanda thinks for a moment. "I suppose... Just to keep an eye on Alex."

"Great! Come on in. I'll give you the grand tour! You know, this is where I met Mary for the first time..."

>Take Faye to Aran
>Spend the night at the tower
>Talk to Alex
>Contact Francis
>Other

>>2511997
>Take Faye to Aran

>>2511997
>>Take Faye to Aran

>>2511997
>Take Faye to Aran

>>2512002
>>2512005
>>2512092

I'd like some 1d100s, please.

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>2512095

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>2512095

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>2512095

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>2512095

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>2512095
But like after she gets handled by the paladin

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>>2512106
>>2512122
>>2512123
>>2512125
>>2512193

"Not so fast," you grab Faye by the arm. "We've got some business elsewhere, don't we Faye?"

"Oh... of course!" She looks at Amanda. "If you'll excuse us."

You and she proceed downstairs, stand in the center of the teleportation circle, and return to Aran. There, you turn back into your true self and let your hair back down as you cast aside your wide-brimmed hat. "Alright, Faye, this better be worth it."

She snickers. "Oh, I think you'll like it very much!" She skips upstairs like a child and you roll your eyes as you follow along, prepared for whatever may be coming.

Leading you to a great balcony, she puts her hands over your eyes. "Just what do you think you're doing?" you demand.

"It's a SURPRISE, Sirena. Relax..."

You hear something in the distance, but are not sure what. It sounds like lots of stomping and rustling. Faye stops you at the edge of the balcony and removes her hands, allowing you to look down. "Taa-daa!"

At first, you aren't sure what you are looking at, but then the crowd arranged below becomes quite clear.

It is an army. There are three companies of grey-skinned humans covered in black tattoos, several groups of a man-raven species you are unfamiliar with, and a calvalry of armored centaurs. Your captain of the guard, Vorkath, is at the head of this group, standing in front of ten similarly-armored shades, each standing in front of ten unarmored warriors still in training.

"What?" you say, slightly dumfounded.

"Happy birthday to us, my dear twin!" Faye says, hugging you from behind. "This is my gift to you!"

"But... how?"

"I've been busy in my free time. I made some connections on other planes. Once we combine this force with the goblins, ants and dragonspawn you've acquired, we'll have a force to truly reckon with!"

>Hug and kiss her.
>Inspect the troops.
>You got these from Angelo, didn't you?
>Wait, it's our birthday?
>Other

>>2512291
>>You got these from Angelo, didn't you?
I swear to gods faye

>>2512291
>Hug and kiss her.
>You got these from Angelo, didn't you?

>>2512291
>Wait, it's our birthday?

>>2512291
>You got these from Angelo, didn't you?
>Wait, it's our birthday?

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>>2512327
>>2512338
>>2512396
>>2512371

You look back at her. "Our birthday...?"

"Well, technically tomorrow. I knew you'd forget."

"How?"

"Because you never talked about it. So I never brought it up, and made it a surprise! I've been planning this for nearly a month. That's a long time for me to plan something, you know!"

"You... You got these from Angelo, didn't you?"

"Oh, you know about that?" she says, slightly disappointed. "Well, only the centaurs. He had a bunch of them lying around that he won in a bet. He said he wasn't using them. But look!" She points at the avians. "I got you a bunch of raven people! I thought you'd love that touch. I wanted to get giant spiders or spider-people, you know, for me, but I was worried they would eat the ants. Or that the ants would eat them. One or the other."

"And the grey ones?"

"Oh, they're great. They're called shadar-kai, and I stole a bunch of them from another realm of shadow, a really boring place. They can teleport! Isn't that neat?"

You put your hands back on the railing and look down at the army below. "I'm just... caught off guard slightly, is all."

"I know, I know. It's a lot to take in. Well? Are you happy with your gift?"

Silence falls for several moments. "How am I to trust that this force will fight loyally, Faye? You went behind my back again."

Her smile slowly fades. "Because you recruited them," she says. "Remember that you love yourself above all, and I am you. This army is yours because it is mine. Just as you have been gathering allies, so have I! This is the fruit of my labor, and of yours! They belong to the Witch Queens of Aran!" Now she takes your hands into her own. "You saw the same vision that I saw, Sirena, of us merging into one being. Someday that will happen! Until then, simply accept that I have done this for you because doing something for you is the same as doing something for myself. We're in this together!" Her smile returns as her sincere speech comes to a close.

>Accept her gift.
>Reject her gift.
>I want to speak with Angelo.
>I'll need to think about it.
>Other

>>2512454
>Accept her gift

>>2512454
>I want to speak with Angelo.

>>2512454
>Accept her gift.

>>2512454
>>I want to speak with Angelo.
Make sure there isn't any strings attached.

>>2512476
>>2512498
Faye has to have learned since our last tiff about Angelo. She even said he has no use for the centaurs, so he basically donated them.

>>2512509
Are you sure you want to trust that it was completely free, or that he mentioned that he'd need a little something later on?

>>2512563
Because considering the last time Sirena blew up about getting Angelo involved, Faye would've mentioned if there were strings attached.

>>2512454
>Accept her gift.
And fuck her/ourslfs its been some time

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>>2512466
>>2512476
>>2512487
>>2512498
>>2512581

"Very well," you say with a low breath. "I accept this gift."

"Yay!" She hugs you and gives you a kiss on the cheek. "Isn't this exciting? We have an army now! What should we do with it? We should invade something!"

"Calm yourself," you urge her. "First thing's first, I want to meet Angelo. Remember how we agreed that we would make a deal with him about starting trade for our realm? I want that meeting to happen, and to confirm that these centaurs don't have any strings attached. Can we even feed them? Don't they need plains or something to roam around in?"

"I wouldn't worry about that," a smokey voice from the shadows says. Your nostrils suddenly pick up the scent of sulfur and brimstone.

"Faye..."

"I... might have invited him into Aran," she says with a nervous grin.

You turn around and behold the well-dressed devil. His shiny shoes click on the dark stone as he approaches you, his burning eyes set above his usual grin. "My, my, my, look at you! Sirena Le Doux, Witch Queen. It's a good look for you, honey. And a very happy birthday to you indeed."

"Angelo. Charmed, as always."

He smiles around his long, thin cigar. "I must say, I do like your new home. Could use some color, but I'm open to all tastes." He reaches for your hand, and when you decline to offer it, he takes Faye's and kisses it instead. "So, shall we get down to business?"

>Tell me about these centaurs.
>I want trade coming into Aran.
>Let's take our talk inside.
>Offer him his book back; you never read it.
>Other

>>2512616
>Tell me about these centaurs.

>>2512616
>Tell me about these centaurs.

>Let's take our talk inside.

>>2512616
>Tell me about these centaurs.

>>2512616
>>Tell me about these centaurs.
>Let's take our talk inside.

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Sorry for the break; had a phone call. Writing the next update now.

>>2512623
>>2512629
>>2512638
>>2512659
>>2512912

"Tell me about these centaurs." You look out over the balcony at them. They are tall and powerful, with wide shoulders and rough skin. All of them, without exception, wear helms that conceal their faces.

"I won them in a bet from a demigod who could talk a big game but couldn't play cards worth a damn. He provided me this tribe to cover his losses. Thought I could get some use out of 'em, but they weren't interested in areas I was willing to invest in."

"Such as?"

"I have a great many fields that need tilling. They didn't like farming. Ended up tearing through several of my plantations."

"And you're handing these incredibly volatile creatures off to me, are you?"

"As a birthday gift, yes. If you're worried about them tearing the place up, don't be. So long as you give them some space to roam, they'll be alright."

"I'll have to get with my butler on that one," you mutter. "They are good warriors?"

"Oh, wonderful. Bloodthirsty, savage, relentless and without mercy, the whole package deal. They've got enough ferocity to tear through a town and then the next several over before they cool off."

"Good to know." You turn and head inside with the two of them, whereupon you sit at a table. Drinks are summoned, wine is shared, and the discussion turns mercantile.

"My dear Faye has explained that you'd like to open your realm to trade. I could certainly fascilitate such a thing; I know a great many merchants and I would be very modest in my fee for setting up certain connections."

"What would it require?"

"Materials to create sustained portals to various realms, contract fees with the parties your realm is going to trade with, and your permission, of course. It would also help to know just what exactly you're interested in getting, and then we can talk about what your realm has to offer."

>I want weapons and armor.
>I want food and general supplies.
>I want people to immigrate into the realm.
>I want luxury items like silks, gems and spices.
>Other

>>2512967
>I want food and general supplies.
>I want people to immigrate into the realm.

>>2512967
>I want food and general supplies.
>I want people to immigrate into the realm.
Get the basics, and the rest will come to us.

>>2512971
I don't trust demon immigrants. When they come over, they're not bringing their best...

>>2512967
>>I want food and general supplies.
>I want weapons and armor.

>>2512967
>>I want food and general supplies.
>>I want people to immigrate into the realm.


Make our stuff in-house.

>>2512994
Actually since they're all about contracts, we can just have stipulations about who is eligible.

Pretty sure we can layer our own compulsions on them too, so they should have already agreed freely to that ideally.

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>>2512971
>>2512984
>>2513002
>>2513049

"I'm interested in trade that will help boost my population and keep it healthy. Food, general supplies, medicine, and enough immigration to add some much-needed genetic stock to Aran's populace. I've already got goblins, but they only breed amongst themselves, and now I'll have centaurs and giant ants and dragonspawn. I'll need a variety of supplies to keep these people well-fed so they don't eat each other."

"Wise, very wise. Food is thankfully one of the easier things to acquire -- there's no shortage of realms with plenty of farmland, after all. I've got a few in mind, but let's talk about this immigration issue: how do you feel about devils?"

"I'd like to keep my dealings with devils to a minimum. One, ideally."

"Well, I'm flattered." He looks at Faye. "I am the one, right?" She nods, and he looks back at you. "Like I said, flattered. But I know quite a few devils who deal in the kind of livestock you're looking for: humans, elves, orcs, that kind of thing."

"Let me lay something on the table, Angelo: I'm not interested in slaves, breeders, soulless husks or indentured servants."

"Well, pardon my honesty, but you'd have to force people to move here to get them to stay in the condition it's in."

"Up until now, Aran has always done that. I think we can change the realm for the better and make it a place where people actually want to stay."

He rubs his bearded chin. "Interestin'. Not quite what I was expecting... but workable. Let's focus on the food, then."

>Cheap Food: worms, fungi, tiny animals, garden crops
>General Food: farmland crops, slaughterhouse animals, fruits
>Expensive Food: larger animals, high-quality meat and grains
>Luxury Food: exotic breeds, imports from rare realms
>Other

>>2513180
>>Expensive Food: larger animals, high-quality meat and grains
Work on the Quality of Life, and people will follow.

>>2513180
>Expensive Food: larger animals, high-quality meat and grains
I mean, if you're gonna live in a pocket dimension devoted to one person, you may as well make it worthwhile.

>>2513180
>>Other

Expensive food. Also ideally fertilizer and crops suited to the environment so that we can create "local" dishes.

>>2513180
> also hire short term contractors who are specialists in creating a biome or setting up industry, with them agreeing to be under a loyalty contract with a memory wipe at the end for the duration they stay here?

>>2513180
>General Food: farmland crops, slaughterhouse animals, fruits

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>>2513198
>>2513202
>>2513220

"I want quality over quantity, but ideally a quantity of quality would be best. I'm willing to pay a lot from my realm's treasuries to have high-quality imported food. A good meal goes a long way to improving one's mood and health. If I'm going to restructure this realm from the ground-up, the building blocks of what my people eat are a high priority."

"Naturally," he says, taking out a notepad. He flips through several pages. "Now, my days as an amateur planeswalker are long since past, but I do have a lot of friends from that time."

Faye leans over the table. "You were a planeswalker?"

"Just as a hobby, not professionally, but it does run in the family. I've got a half-cousin on my mother's side, a decent C-Tier planeswalker. He's from a place called Innistrad, but that probably doesn't have what you want. Hmmm... Let's see here..."

>An earth-like realm with a little bit of everything
>A realm managed by an angel of the goddess of agriculture
>Open trade lines to an ocean-realm; lots of fish and other oceanic resources
>Wild realm of jungle, forest and great beasts
>See what can be found in the lower planes of existence; deal with wilder beings
>Other

>>2513518
>Other

Industrial farming and factories.

M:TG is fucking gay.

>>2513518
>An earth-like realm with a little bit of everything

>>2513518
>An earth-like realm with a little bit of everything

>>2513518
>>An earth-like realm with a little bit of everything

>>2513518
>A realm managed by an angel of the goddess of agriculture

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24 KB PNG

>>2513528
>>2513588
>>2513606

"Nothing too strange," you clarify. "Similar conditions to my home plane would be helpful."

"Well, that narrows down the list a bit," he says, licking a finger and flipping a few pages. "How about... your home plane? That'd make things simple."

"It would, but the fewer connections I have to my world with Aran, the better, I think. Harder to track me down."

"Fair enough. Don't want all your eggs in one basket. I can respect that. There are a few lesser-known planes that are very similar in respect to yours, set up by beings who consider it worth replicating. Me, I'm more of a hellscape man, but what can I say -- you can take the devil out of hell, but you can't take hell out of the devil, am I right?"

You smile. "Go on."

"As for general supplies and medicine, I've got that covered. I know several merchants who deal in such generic wares. Good blankets, rope, building materials, tools and the like. I know a guy who deals in the absolutely most delightful pillows you've ever rested on. I'm quite serious, they're so good you'll--"

"Angelo."

"Right, right, don't let me ramble, I'll follow a train of thought so long you'll regret ever bookin' passage." He takes his cigar and pushes it into an ashtray. "Immigration... Well, with all due respect, it'll take some time to spin your realm into a positive light."

"I'll worry about that."

"Of course." He closes his notebook after jotting a few things down. "Great. I'll draft up a contract and send it to your mailbox when it's done. You can look over it all you like and we'll hash out the details. Unless, of course, you'd like to just shake on it," he says with a smile, holding up his hand.

>Send me the contract.
>We'll shake on it.
>I want a third party to draft the contract between us.
>Send me the contract, but I'll be having someone look over it.
>Other

>>2513719
>>Send me the contract, but I'll be having someone look over it.
Does Aran have any lawyers? or do we need to go and hire/kill and raise one

>>2513719
>Send me the contract, but I'll be having someone look over it.

Anyone else getting flashes of the Metalocalypse episode where they were gonna bargain their souls for blues fame

>>2513719
>Send me the contract, but I'll be having someone look over it.
I'm sure we have a legal department around here somewhere.

>>2513719
>I want a third party to draft the contract between us.

Only because we respect him as a tricky bastard but don't particularly want to go through the effort here.

That Witch from the village is probably a notary.

>>2513741
>>2513757
>>2513763
Alright, goodnight folks. Thanks for playing today, we'll be back tomorrow!

>>2513881
Thanks for running!

>>2513452
Before we continue, any backers on this? Essentially hiring druids or something to make Aran more green (or whatever biome we desire).

>>2513452
>>2515270
Sure