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Verene blinks up at Idaya with obvious surprise and pleasure.
"How lovely to find another enjoyer of language! You and I and Thesius should compare notes to see if we might learn from each other. Personally, I always rather liked Thassilonian," she says thoughtfully. "No one speaks it any more, of course, but you can see its influence in modern Giant - almost all the words are built of smaller sub-concepts, arranged in a universal and internally consistent order. But where Giant tends toward a superstitious avoidance of certain names and exact words, such that it can become a maze of euphemism and epithet, Thassilonian is extremely precise, at least in official documents and decrees. You can tell they really did think that the world could be controlled by language, and with their success at runic magic, who could disagree?"
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The big half-orc hears Verene's question and opens his mouth to answer it, but the looks at Laulieh then back at the mage and says "Dr. Tickles will do for now." He knows demons have a thing with names, and doesn't wish to give his up freely. It is fair to imagine that Laulieh would be able to find out his name very easily if she wishes to, but he also thinks it's unwise to save her the effort.
This topic makes him drop in a word on the conversation of creatures with evil auras and their deeds. He says "Despite not necessarily having to do something blatantly evil, the stronger a creature's evil aura is, the bigger the potential for evil it has. As it keeps living, its musings and actions have a bigger and bigger chance of doing unspeakable things. And their search for power for the sake of power also empowers those who do act on their evil side." Shaking his head, still angrily due to his alchemically born rage, he continues "No, creatures with the stronger evil auras are the greater evil, even when they sit in their lairs doing nothing."
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Thesius' mind started to race. Insight and knowledge he did not recall ever learning raging through his mind. How did he know these things...he could not be sure, but he felt as if he could trust them. They did not seem to hallucinatory or brought on by some kind of spell. It was as if he was connecting to something more. He had moments like this before, but it was more intense this time.
Turning his eyes to Laulieh, he speaks plainly. "Based on prior accords of between Desnans and Noticula, I would suggest a similar agreement. Any of yours that are released would spend there efforts fighting one we will simply refer as you know whos." The inflection in his last words making it clear he knew exactly who those words referred to and that she would as well.
Turning his eyes to the rest, he quickly adds, "They are referring to an incident thought brought the very fabric of time to heel. In doing so a major incident was made to never happen. And while I would like to go more in to depth about it, I suggest we quickly resolve the matter at hand and return above. I hate to say it, but we have information to report, rest would do many of us well, and we could use time to solidify are relations with each other."
He eyes settle on some words as he whispers, "Though the Desnan construct intrigues me..."
Interesting, you know about them?
Laulieh seems to focus on Thesius, then breathes out as if willingly stopping herself from something. For a moment, Thesius felt a touch on his mind, but there was no delving.
Desna, while as chaotic as myself, typically compartamentalizes her mortal agents, those who know about *them* are those who fight them, while her demon-facing personel tend to be blissfully unaware that *you know whos* exist.
I can agree to such a stipulation, oh, we have some information on the Babau leader, acts as a mercenary and a fairly well regarded one. Nurgals legions are... agreement capable in principle, far more so then Baphometans, let alone Deskarites. She says, looking towards Merixia
Yet if you are mortal, you first need to establish that you are really good at violence. Drastically defeating them both establishes a deterrent and actually increases your diplomatic options in further encounters with his forces. He, and perhaps one of his leftenents, may have something that you would associate with a Taldane legionaries Dog-Tag, although its the Taldane tradition that originates from a Nurgalite practice, one that dates back to old Azlant and Thassilon, not the other way round. Obtain these dog marks from their dead bodies. If you later wish to Parley with Nurgalite personell, brandish these dogmarks and tell, mostly truely but laced with profanity and insults, how you brought those who bore these dog marks low. Dont expect redemption or anything like that, but if you are doing this, other Nurgal-following mercenaries will significantly increase the rates they demand from Baphomet or Deskari to face you, which will in turn complicate matters for your actual foes.
Thats accurate advice.
Merixia would specifically know that these dog tags, irrespective of the extremely irreverent attitude of Nurgalite mercs according towards just about anything that isnt violence for hire, hold genuine religious significance to them.
Posession by violence of one such dog tag also... makes one, in whatever counts for Nurgalite law, able to challenge Nurgalite personel to duels, and if they accept (which they often do), the duel will be typically fought fairly, though of course always to the death.
One specific Ulfen Ragathiellan saint by the name of Asleifr the furious battled, against a host of Nurgalite and Kabririte demons. When a Kabriran demon dared to interfere in a duel between Asleifr the furious and a champion of Nurgal, the nurgalite champion violently struck down the Kabriran interferer, *violently hewing the cur in twain with great fury* before Asleifr could do so himself.
Thesius' eyes narrow as he feels something intruding upon his mind, but relaxes as he feels it's presence wane. He could accept that the attempt was made, but prematurely ended. Habit was hard to break.
Something registers to Thesius. He talks in a flat tone as he responds, "I think I'm beyond being a mere agent at this time."
Thesius turns his head to Merixia. It was clear he knew something, but he preferred to give her the chance to acknowledge this if she was aware of what it entailed.
Perhaps an imprecision in translation? One of Lady Nocticulas *agents*... killed one of the "you know who"s, one of the ones who can grant prayers to their crazy followers. Killed that thing as an at that point atheist mortal, who, while more experienced wasnt all that much more mythic then you are now, and also wasnt empowered by Lady Nocticula yet, that came later.
She regards Thesius with an unreadable expression.
He didnt kill it permanently, these things are... theoretically possible to kill permanently, but it is much harder to do so then with a demonlord. A demonlord merely has to be killed twice within a year and a day of the first time he dies. Quite doable in many cases. The you know whos meanwhile? They quite frequently die if they venture, or in some cases wake, to where they are highly unwelcome, but invading where they would respawn? Incredibly difficult. We have tried. Even if one theoretically succeeds, these areas... are in some cases not even theoretically affected by basic principles of causality, or could simply rewrite the conditions under which one such thing finds true death on a whim.
To truely defeat them would require us to bring... rationality, order and logic, so to speak, into their core areas where they hide and shield what is most important to them. A task to which demonkind alas is incredibly ill suited.
Have I mentioned that Atheists have, historically speaking, statistically significantly better odds at killing entities capable of answering prayers then those who follow competing divine entities? She says with a beaming smile to Verene.
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Thesius listens, but when given the chance, he takes the moment to try to better direct the flow of the conversation to the current needs. "Seeing as I don't think we'll be facing off against your target today, we may have time to better nail down these particulars above. I'm assuming you'll need evidence of the kill, which means you'll need to stay in contact with us in some fashion. For now, I suggest we decide if there is anything else we need to accomplish down here before we leave to recuperate and update our companions."
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However, you are mythic mortals. Nearly nothing in the multiverse can grow more explosively in terms of power then you can. Six months ago, a Dretch was a dangerous foe, and a Schir a dire threat to you yes? Now they can barely even scratch you. Who knows where you will be, in terms of power, 6 months from now?
"Wait. There's a word for what we are? Have you seen this happen before?" Merixia would really like more information on exactly what she is and what she might be able to do. The question is whether Laulieh will demand anything in return for said information.
As for a counter offer, my agents and servants are instructed to surrender, should they be trapped by the forces of good and do not believe that they can prevail, or retreat. Fighting to the death is or fights with devils, Qlippoths, and externals. An exchange for freedom for one of my agents, let us limit it to one with no more then a moderate aura of evil? I believe you can, in this context, make such pledges on behalf of Ragathiels church?
Merixia bites her lip. "I am a cleric, Lady Laulieh, and as such I must pray before making such an important decision on behalf of my faith." She's used this excuse before when she wanted more time to think about something, but this time it's actually true. This time she might get a response.
Yet if you are mortal, you first need to establish that you are really good at violence. Drastically defeating them both establishes a deterrent and actually increases your diplomatic options in further encounters with his forces. He, and perhaps one of his leftenents, may have something that you would associate with a Taldane legionaries Dog-Tag, although its the Taldane tradition that originates from a Nurgalite practice, one that dates back to old Azlant and Thassilon, not the other way round. Obtain these dog marks from their dead bodies. If you later wish to Parley with Nurgalite personell, brandish these dogmarks and tell, mostly truely but laced with profanity and insults, how you brought those who bore these dog marks low. Dont expect redemption or anything like that, but if you are doing this, other Nurgal-following mercenaries will significantly increase the rates they demand from Baphomet or Deskari to face you, which will in turn complicate matters for your actual foes.
A bit of obscure religious lore that Merixia actually knows about! "She's right. A Nurgalite's dog tags are unholy objects to them. Take them off the body of a Nurgalite who you defeated in combat and other Nurgalites will accept a challenge to a duel. Saint Asleifr the Furious, a cleric of Ragathiel, fought against a host of Nurgalite and Kabriran demons. He challenged the champion of Nurgal to a duel, which the champion accepted. When a Kabriran demon attempted to intervene, the champion of Nurgal chopped the cheater in half before Asleifr could react."
I have access to sending, and would reply to a sending. There are alternative ways of having a less expensive connection, and your bardic ally has shown considerable capability, and could even project my weapon song.
I am willing to pledge I shall use the gift solely for communication and projecting my weapon song, for a period of a year and a day, and bear no hostility if it were to be dispelled, either in that timeframe or thereafter. I would further pledge that I would revoke it only in case of the threat captivity by the forces of hell on Mr. Wulfrics part
She offers regarding Wulfric
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To Merixia
Yes, there is a word. Mythic. Although it likely covers a multitude of specific effects.
I strongly believe your destiny is tied to the worldwound, and to closing it. Your powers will likely increase further when you walk that road. But you are in a fulcrum, you will have to run fast, even just to hold your position.
She pauses
A fulcrum is a period in history, where milennia happen in mere years. Golarion is in one. Runelords returning? Aboleth plots? Shards of Nurgal being found? Too much is going on on this planet specifically in an incredibly short timeframe.
She pauses again
I mean, Nocticulan intelligence believes that someone or something, likely something that wants to free Rovagug and thus trigger the end of the multiverse, is altering probability to make all the possible Apocalypses targetting Golarion at least once. While having these Apocalypses look like disjointed and independent events, and thus maintaining plausible deniability. And I think they are on to something
But back to mythicness, Iomedae, whose career I followed, became mythic when she fought the father of Morghs, and it deepened thereafter via her other acts.
Norgober was... always very good at keeping his abilities hidden. By no means everyone who becomes mythic becomes a deity, for example, Srinian Aldori was mythic, as is Baba Yaga.
Founder of the Aldori swordpact, disappeared mysteriously.
One of the most powerfull witches in existence, uninterested in answering prayers.
I would generously reward anyone who can bring information about Srinians fate, but that is unlikely to be a thing on your trajectory.
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Idaya listens politely, refraining from additional conversation about languages until they are properly leaving for camp, and nothing with Laulieh unless directly addressed (where not engaging would be rude). The demon lady is too gifted with her words for the paladin to wish to unnecessarily duel with her.
Instead she shifts for foot to foot, on occasion, to keep circulation and for something to do. Her hands on the crossguard of her huge sword while she uses it a prop to lean on, a click being heard here and there as her armored thumbs tap out a nonsense melody.
At the mention of Iomedae, she blatantly ignores the tug to ask about her goddess in any way, not wishing to attempt to separate temptation from fact.
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Dr. Tickles doesn't really like that they're discussing destiny. He was sure he was destined to die at the hands of Xanthir during one of his experiments and he decided that destiny was a bad thing to think about. At the same time, he couldn't explain his own powers fully, as much as he studies alchemy very thoroughly. He is sure he can't contribute to the conversation, although he is curious.
"Dr. Tickles will do for now. Despite not necessarily having to do something blatantly evil, the stronger a creature's evil aura is, the bigger the potential for evil it has. As it keeps living, its musings and actions have a bigger and bigger chance of doing unspeakable things. And their search for power for the sake of power also empowers those who do act on their evil side." Shaking his head, still angrily due to his alchemically born rage, he continues, "No, creatures with the stronger evil auras are the greater evil, even when they sit in their lairs doing nothing."
Turning his eyes to Laulieh, he speaks plainly. "Based on prior accords of between Desnans and Noticula, I would suggest a similar agreement. Any of yours that are released would spend there efforts fighting one we will simply refer as you know whos." The inflection in his last words making it clear he knew exactly who those words referred to and that she would as well.
Turning his eyes to the rest, he quickly adds, "They are referring to an incident thought brought the very fabric of time to heel. In doing so a major incident was made to never happen. And while I would like to go more in to depth about it, I suggest we quickly resolve the matter at hand and return above. I hate to say it, but we have information to report, rest would do many of us well, and we could use time to solidify are relations with each other."
He eyes settle on some words as he whispers, "Though the Desnan construct intrigues me..."
"Have I mentioned that Atheists have, historically speaking, statistically significantly better odds at killing entities capable of answering prayers then those who follow competing divine entities?" She says with a beaming smile to Verene.
"Wait. There's a word for what we are? Have you seen this happen before?"
"Yes, there is a word. Mythic. Although it likely covers a multitude of specific effects.
I strongly believe your destiny is tied to the worldwound, and to closing it. Iomedae, whose career I followed, became mythic when she fought the father of Morghs, and it deepened thereafter via her other acts. Norgober was... always very good at keeping his abilities hidden. By no means everyone who becomes mythic becomes a deity, for example, Srinian Aldori was mythic, as is Baba Yaga."
"I have access to sending, and would reply to a sending. There are alternative ways of having a less expensive connection, and your bardic ally has shown considerable capability, and could even project my weapon song."
Verene follows the very comprehensive account of the current and previous occupants of the fortress, the revelations about what she still thinks of as the Wardstone phenomenon, and even the asides about a kind of unknown threat that apparently both demons and Desna are fighting and that Thesius has never spoken of before, with every evidence of interest. At the same time, she is making a circuit around the now-damaged summoning circle that called Laulieh to the Material Plane and examining it closely with her cantrip to detect magic in effect.
"We also have the ability to cast a sending and have had success communicating through them, so I think it will not be necessary for Wulfric to take on any gift, thank you," she says politely but firmly, at the same time as Azira just says, "No." The paladin seems to have turned her glowing golden gaze on the succubus for a brief time during the conversation.
Gracefully, Verene continues, "I will trust your judgment in the matter of a possible future acceptance of surrender at the time it is to happen, Thesius. That is all you will get from me, I'm afraid, Lady Laulieh." While bursting with curiosity about this hidden war with — if she understood the exchange correctly — possible time travelers, she does not inquire now. "But thank you for the conversation. It has been... Enlightening. On multiple levels.
"I do agree that we should leave soon, for Lady Irabeth needs to know what is coming. But there should be time to investigate the Desnan construct first. I hope you will choose to join us where the rest of the crusaders are camped, Ms. Idaya and Doctor Tickles. And please, call me Verene."
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Idaya was looking at the chain mesh between her first two fingers, perfect now, where before it had been uneven from a bad repair. Contemplating what constitutes accepting demonic gifts. When she is addressed, she looks up quickly, abandoning that train of thought. "Yes, I would be honored to accompany your group." a smile accompanying her words included to represent thanks for the offer. in truth she didn't know if she had another place to go at the moment. Even her church might have misgivings about accepting one back with what she has gone through. The potential for hidden taint compromising her at the worst moment is great.
This circle is actually old, and was build upon an earlier summoning circle made by likely the citadels initial occupants, and inteded to calling and summoning celestials. With sufficient if expensive materials, it could be repurposed.
You are quite certain that Laulieh can return to the Abyss whenever she wants.
She herself has an absurd number of magical auras on her, her sword being artifact level and being the most notable. She also has an especially fine looking bag of holding.
As you scan her, she smiles at you and flicks over something that you identify as an Iridescent-spindle-ioun-stone over to the turncoat cultist, who takes a quizzical look at her bag of holding and nods.
You do recall that Laulieh gave her name as Laulieh Aldori, indicating that she is a member of the Aldori swordpact. To you knowledge however, no current swordlord is supposed to be a mythic Succubus, and Restov, the homeland of the swordpact so to speak, has quite frequently supported Mendev with manpower and material.
You also recall a defunct prophecy, from Arodenite times, that someone called Aldori would slay a Demonlord.
In the age of prophecy, it would certainly make sense for the likels of Laulieh, or her Lady in Shadow, to establish a degree of control over him and his organization.
You also, yes what a surprise, recall that one of Srinians initial companions was female, beautifull and nicknamed "Golden Eyes".
You start wondering if there is anything on Golarion in which she had no influence whatsorever.
Your deity Lady Merixia, Lord Ragathiel, is currently watching as he has been invoked and we... share some history. You can likely pray right now.
She says politely to Merixia.
Mr. Rodric, kindly ready yourself for teleportation unless you have any more information to share? She turns to the Cultist as she smiles at Verene and flicks something to the traitor cultist.
I shared what I know, anything else is guesses at best. Use the spindle Ioun stone, and get into the bag yes Lady Laulieh? The cultists asks her as he uses the Ioun stone
Huh, I feel fine and am not staggered? He adds, evidently surprised
I do not use flawed equipment Laulieh answers as she hands him the bag of holding, in which he awkwardly tries to put himself in.
There is a... bar in here? Not touching it. His voice comes out of the bag
I admire your astute sense of self preservation Mr. Rodric The Succubus says with a chuckle.
"Fare well. Courage to the enemies of Deskari and Xanthir Vang." Verene finds it difficult to smile in a natural rather than frightening way with the kobold's lipless and somewhat immobile snout, but she nods to their temporary ally of convenience and waits placidly with her clawed hands folded over her monkish robe for the teleportation Laulieh is clearly capable of performing at any time. Up until the very last moment, she is examining the magical architecture of the fine bag of holding with no little professional envy, and an eye to perhaps improving on her own first effort, currently carried by Merixia. In fairness, at the time I made it, I had only gained the ability to make magical items three days before.
When the succubus has gone, she remarks, "I believe this circle dates to the original construction of Drezen, and was originally intended for summoning celestial allies. It could possibly be repaired and turned to that purpose again." She turns to face the direction in which the spell had shown some kind of Desnan artifact or construct, and begins walking. "Eighty-five feet this way, yes? We can surely spare that much time. Did I understand you to say you had died in battle, and been resurrected by them for some reason, or were you simply knocked unconscious and taken prisoner?" The last is directed at Idaya.
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"I do not know, simply put." Idaya says with a sigh as she moves to follow the spellcaster, lingering just enough to see if the others are joining, not wishing to leave anyone behind. "I was in a battle, it was not going well, they killed my dog..." a cavernous frown before continuing "I turned to at least kill the one to do that, only to see nothing but flat pitted steel. In the period after, I have decided was a hammer, a very large one." it still hurt when she thought of it.
"I did not stand before the gates of heaven, only to be pulled back into breathing. Just nothing, before waking, with a scream and a lot of thrashing, Already on the bug lord's table." the pain in her voice is long and weary deep but held with a resigned familiarity at this point.
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Pray now? It's always kind of awkward in front of an audience, but Laulieh does have a point. Merixia nods and walks off toward a corner of the room to get at least a little privacy. Unsheathing her sword, she rests the point on the ground in front of her and bows her head. (Ragathielites do not kneel to pray, for they must always be ready to fight.)
Lord Ragathiel, hear my prayer... She goes over the conversation with Laulieh, trying to balance information with conciseness. After all, Ragathiel is a very busy angel. If you have any information on Hell that she might be interested in, might I suggest trading that for the information she offered? Perhaps information on her enemies in the Abyss? It's pretty clear to me that she sees us as an opportunity to be rid of an old enemy with no risk or cost to herself. Turnabout is only fair.
You do feel Ragathiels presence
Her own spy network is considerable, but... I can offer a significant degradation of Canias security systems due to... external factors, such as a celestial raid.
Which I would transmit to you, and you then to her 16 hours before it happens, which should give her enough time to mobilize.
Transmit this offer telepathically to her. The recognized gesture is to tap the place between your right eye and right ear twice. She will, while under the effect of the pledge you made, not read your thoughts otherwise.
As she well knows it would be... inappropriate, for a celestial force to openly cooperate with a demonic one. But if a demonic force just happens to raid Cania at the same time as an Angelic one, and our infernal foes are too hard pressed to repell both?
The celestial presence pauses
I do alas have some doubts. She is a demoness who has... genuine cause to hate me, as my own actions contributed significantly to her being tortured by some of hells worst torturers for several centuries. Far less evil entities then her would become my arch foes in regard of this, but why does she not?
Oh the cultist says from the bag of holding
The *Desnan construct?* is located in the actual prison, which is to the east, Eustiorax is south, in an area mortal cultists had no access to so I dont know what is there
Aponavicius bath, according to my reports, and whatever is beyond I do not know. I dont recommend drinking her bath water, or generalizing, ever, from my standards of hygiene and cleanliness to those of demonkind as a whole. Laulieh says with a smirk
For a moment her expression changes to incredulous suprise and the amusement
Most favored consort of mine, can you repeat, you did what with what to whom? She says as if speaking to someone who isnt here
She snaps back
Pardon, a telepathic communication from my most favored consort. Private, for now, but... extremely amusing. Now how shall I reward him...
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You feel a surprisingly gentle mental touch, almost like a polite knock, as if someone is walking on eggshells and absolutely does not want to break a certain established rule
Ragathiel wishes to clandestinely propose something? I shall look at this and only this.
However Merixia is not yet fully used to telepathy and
You see the demoness eyes blinking in confusion
Was that not what he said? Oh, before that You hear her, somewhat apologetic
You hear Ragathiels voice again, as if she is playing a recording of it
That is a compelling offer. I shall accept it
She says mentally
As to his other question, why I dont hate him?
His acts surprised me, and I guess everyone else at that time as well. Unfortunately, I was in Dis at the time he deserted hell, as his guest. Guest guest, not *guest-prisoner*, I could have left at any time prior to his desertion, but not doing so rendered me Socii Traitoris, and Doloras, as well as your infernal ancestor started to experiment on me to reverse engineer my weapon song.
I think I hold the multiverse title for person who got her vocal cords removed the most often. I later managed to free myself, by useing the fact that a number of devils literally had my vocal cords implanted in them to mind control them, resulting in the great Canian prison riot, from which I made my escape
I did sense his intention to defect, but misinterpreted it as defecting to the Abyss, had I secured that, I would have risen greatly in stature, so I took avoidable risks. Spoilt milk as far as I am concerned. Why would I hate him for acting in his own interests?
The demoness seems genuinely mystified
Tell Ragathiel I accept his terms Laulieh announces
Very well Merixia, here is how your infernal ancestor looks like
she flips her finger and the illusion of a Gylou, in with a strange dress and a mask, appears.
She is a Vivisectionist Gylou devil, who uses extracts and mutagens to considerably increase her combat prowress. She has a way to have longarm extracts apply to her tentacles, which considerably increases her reach with those.
In melee, she typically feints, and then attacks with all of her tentacles for considerable damage. She cannot feint me, I am too good a duelist for that, but it is an incredibly damageing number of strikes.
If they hit, they also grab, and as soon as she grabbed any remotely *significant* adversary, she will seek to pull that person into her tentacle cage and teleport away
I strongly recommend freedom of movement, which she or her cronies will seek to dispell of course, as well as... how is that spell called? In the Midnight Isles its called Balor-Condom... Ah, Particulate form!
She is unlikely to attack without intensive scrying first, if you can shut that down it would work well in deterring her. Unlike a great many devils, she is a coward, even fairly superficial damage will cause her to flee
the demoness activates a quick draw sheath and a scroll springs into her hands.
Here Merixia, a scroll of particulate form. I doubt you can cast it yourself anytime soon, but you may surprise me She says as she offers the scroll to Merixia
Oh, she does use Poison, but I am immune to that so I dont know which ones exactly. She is also... incredibly displeased with her looks, due to a certain long term prank I pulled on her, hence the strange mask. My analysts strongly believe that sundering or removing her mask could make her run, but I am not fully certain myself
Thesius takes a back seat to the rest of the conversation. Happy to let Verene navigate the potential downfalls of the deal with a succubus at that time. He would need time to better prepare for the next communication.
As he hears her note the Desnan artifact, his ears perk up. He was interested in looking into it, but did not want to press they do so before their return.
"I would not mind looking into the artifact, but only if we have time," he says. His words giving away his interest clearly.
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Merixia nods, opening her eyes. She puts her sword back in its sheath, then catches Laulieh's eye and taps the spot between her right eye and right ear.
I did sense his intention to defect, but misinterpreted it as defecting to the Abyss. Had I secured that, I would have risen greatly in stature, so I took avoidable risks. Spilt milk as far as I am concerned. Why would I hate him for acting in his own interests?
Interesting. As far as Merixia can tell, the succubus is being honest. Well, she's not about to look a gift horse in the mouth any longer. They already have more than enough demons, as well as some devils, hungering for crusader blood. If Laulieh is willing to let bygones be bygones, that means they can concentrate on the enemy at hand.
Tell Ragathiel I accept his terms, Laulieh announces.
Very well Merixia, here is how your infernal ancestor looks like
she flips her finger and the illusion of a Gylou, in with a strange dress and a mask, appears.She is a Vivisectionist Gylou devil, who uses extracts and mutagens to considerably increase her combat prowress. She has a way to have longarm extracts apply to her tentacles, which considerably increases her reach with those.
In melee, she typically feints, and then attacks with all of her tentacles for considerable damage. She cannot feint me, I am too good a duelist for that, but it is an incredibly damageing number of strikes.
If they hit, they also grab, and as soon as she grabbed any remotely *significant* adversary, she will seek to pull that person into her tentacle cage and teleport away
I strongly recommend freedom of movement, which she or her cronies will seek to dispell of course, as well as... how is that spell called? In the Midnight Isles its called Balor-Condom... Ah, Particulate form!
She is unlikely to attack without intensive scrying first, if you can shut that down it would work well in deterring her. Unlike a great many devils, she is a coward, even fairly superficial damage will cause her to flee
Yhe demoness activates a quick draw sheath and a scroll springs into her hands.
Here Merixia, a scroll of particulate form. I doubt you can cast it yourself anytime soon, but you may surprise me She says as she offers the scroll to Merixia
Oh, she does use Poison, but I am immune to that so I dont know which ones exactly. She is also... incredibly displeased with her looks, due to a certain long term prank I pulled on her, hence the strange mask. My analysts strongly believe that sundering or removing her mask could make her run, but I am not fully certain myself
Merixia accepts the scroll, tucking it away in one of her coat's many inner pockets. "One last question. What is this gylou's name?"
After Laulieh answers
"Thank you, it's been a pleasure doing business with you. Safe travels, Lady Laulieh." Merixia inclines her head respectfully. Once the demoness departs, she turns to Thesius. "I'm curious about this Desnan construct myself. As long as we don't run into another Janeamine or Chorussina, we should be fine."
She currently refers to herself as *Shirangele*, she changes referal names frequently, about once a century, if I knew her truename she would be well... not dead. With her I would get very creative. And I am already useing one captured Gylou to feed several tens of thousands Orphans in the midnight isles who would otherwise go hungry, so I would have to top even that hmmm
The demoness says with a wicked smile
Gylou hate children, especially babies, and frequently do... extremely evil and fatal things to them, including eating them.
Reversing this would be the ultimate humiliation for one.
Oh, I would be willing to offer a significant bounty if she dies, and a more minor one if someone could tell me how her face looks like. I dont actually know exactly what my prank did,
but she has never been publically seen without a full mask since... 5400ish years ago.
As to the prank, lets just say that making verbal wishes, while having an expert in sound based spells as your sworn enemy, can be a really risky business. Especially if the Efreet Noble you make your wish to has been forced to do so, once, and has the means to clandestinely inform said expert in sound based spells of what is going on. I dont think anyone ever got more value out of a Ventriloquism spell.
The demoness takes the bag of holding, cultist inside, and with an elegant motion disappears, as she does so, the dome of blindness and deafness disappears as well.
The paladin sighs in relief as the demoness disappears, finally relaxing that last little bit. Then looks a little embarrassed for that sound to be so long "Temptation is... well, plain tiring." she runs her hand through her hair, and attempts to divert "Which way?" she asks the one called Verene hopefully.
The demoness takes the bag of holding, cultist inside, and with an elegant motion disappears; as she does so, the dome of blindness and deafness disappears as well.
With her cantrip to detect magic still up, Verene briskly begins taking everything magical or obviously valuable from the bloodsoaked ruin of the succubus and insectoid sorceress's corpses and popping it into her haversack for later thorough inspection.
"I'm curious about this Desnan construct myself. As long as we don't run into another Janeamine or Chorussina, we should be fine."
"Agreed. To the east it is." Through her whisper spell, she adds, "I can still see invisible things for the time being, but it will not last much longer. Knowing that this Vakrashek and his babaus apparently like to strike from invisibility, I would not like to be down here without it. Perhaps tomorrow I should prepare it more times."
"I do not know, simply put." Idaya says with a sigh as she moves to follow the spellcaster, lingering just enough to see if the others are joining, not wishing to leave anyone behind. "I was in a battle, it was not going well, they killed my dog..." A cavernous frown before continuing, "I turned to at least kill the one to do that, only to see nothing but flat pitted steel. In the period after, I have decided was a hammer, a very large one." It still hurt when she thought of it.
"I did not stand before the gates of heaven, only to be pulled back into breathing. Just nothing, before waking, with a scream and a lot of thrashing, already on the bug lord's table." The pain in her voice is long and weary deep but held with a resigned familiarity at this point.
"I am sorry for what you endured," Verene says gravely. "And for the loss of your dog. As you may have guessed, we also have a bone to pick with Xanthir Vang, though I had never heard his name before two days ago." She looks curiously at the insectoid wings of the half-orc, so similar to the sorceress. From his behavior toward the worm-brained puppet-qlippoth, he has his own quarrel with the swarm mage.
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Time before fight started:
Str mutagen: 80 minutes
Barkskin: 80 minutes
Rage: Concentration + 8 rounds. Assume he didn't stop concentrating.
Enlarge Person: 8 minutes
Long arm: 8 minutes
Shield: 8 minutes
Expeditious Retreat: 8 minutes
Arthur grunts as soon as Laulieh leaves. He is still magically enraged, but he visibly relaxes. He tells the others "My name is Arthur. I didn't want to release my name to the demoness. You see, demons have a thing with names, you never know."
He turns to Idaya and says "I'm glad it was you who appeared when I read the scroll. The demoness gave me that scroll, I was afraid it would summon another demon. It's good to have you in the material plane."
He says "I have prepared for combat. We should move east as quickly as possible to release this construct."
Thesius face scrunches at the thought of how Laulieh had turned the tables on a Gylou, but he does find it easier to breath as the demoness takes her leave. He quickly moves to help gather what they can from the various slain entities scattered across the room before moving with the party.
"Agreed. It best we make this quick. I would like to get out of here before we're left in worse shape then we are now," he says as he moves towards the front of the party to start looking for potential threats (enemies, traps, etc.) and making his way towards the direction the construct was noted to be. Counting his steps and doing some mental math to get an idea of when they were close.
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Arthur grunts as soon as Laulieh leaves. He is still magically enraged, but he visibly relaxes. He tells the others "My name is Arthur. I didn't want to release my name to the demoness. You see, demons have a thing with names, you never know."
He turns to Idaya and says "I'm glad it was you who appeared when I read the scroll. The demoness gave me that scroll, I was afraid it would summon another demon. It's good to have you in the material plane."
He says "I have prepared for combat. We should move east as quickly as possible to release this construct."
"Pleased to meet you, Arthur." Merixia smiles. "I didn't tell her my whole name. Most Chelaxian tieflings have a secret name as well as their given and family names. We are outsiders, and can be called and bound as such, so that's how we protect ourselves."
"Agreed. It best we make this quick. I would like to get out of here before we're left in worse shape then we are now."
"Yeah, I'm out of my best spells and running out of the lower level ones." She moves to follow Thesius, several paces behind so as not to crowd him.
This possible relief attempt worries me Azira says
If this Laulieh had this Kirandra on her recruit short list, she is likely... at minimum more capable then this Janeanime, Staunton or Chorussina
And I know from one of Iomedaes lesser known deeds that the swords of the wild hunt pierce armor, yes, but they can be parried.
She paces
I propose we split, I, Wulfric and Elliot will assist Irabeth in repelling possible relief forces, while the rest of you strikes furter. Our number are, in any account, becoming to large for combat in tight dungeons
Idaya gives Author a smile and a nod of respect "As well as I am glad it was you who summoned me. They explained somewhat the situation I would be arriving in, but I have seen too often where some wizard summoned something and then ordered it about to blindly attack until dead or some odd time limit happened to come about." she held out her hand "I seem to be permanent. And with my own will intact."
"It is nice to meet you, Arthur, and thank you for your help. Azira, I am also worried about this relief force, so shall we move quickly to investigate this construct so we can return to talk to Lady Irabeth about having two groups — one to fight this Kiranda and one to retrieve the Sword of Valor?"
As you move east, Verene sees 2 Babaus, both of them are, unusually for their kind, dressed in quite gaudy armorr and, presumably, acid resistant clothing.
Spiderwalking very silently upside down on the ceiling.
Verene likely blinks ones, and seeks to turn the discovered ambush into the crusades advantadge, seeking to repay the intended damage with interest, but
One of them, dressed even more ostenatiously and armed with a Bardiche rather the a longspear, sees that Verene sees them
Наша засада раскрыта, отступаем и перегруппировываемся с основными силами.
He says in a surprisingly sonorous bariton
Our Ambush has been discovered, retreating and regrouping with main force
There is the telltale smell of sulfur as both Babaus verene sees teleport away. This is echoes by 2 more emanations further down the hallway
Why was the discovered Babau talking audibly when they are telepathic to a range of 100 feet?
"Babaus abo—" Verene's whispered warning cuts off as a loud voice speaks from above and then obviously teleports away, followed by three more. "Rat pox."
"Well, they do like to be invisible, and if not quite flying, to walk on the ceiling and be out of reach from the ground. And from the way he was dressed, at least one is a bard, whose magic depends on being audible to his fellows. ... Actually, they were all dressed like traveling Players. A demonic theatre troupe? Horrifying thought. I expect he spoke out loud because something farther away than their effective telepathic range of about a hundred feet is repeating his words to alert other enemies. We should be quick."
She hurries on her way.
"Fitting." Idaya sighs, though clearly does not want to elaborate on why demons being actors makes sense to her. Instead she follows the wizard to face their foes. "How far do they teleport? Are there additional spells to use if conflict is around the next corner?"
"It could also have been a clarion call spell, akin to what we heard of Laulieh's objections to the binding ceremony while we were still above, in the barbican," Verene says, half musing to herself and half for the benefit of those who were there at the time. She refocuses on Idaya. "Like many demons, babaus can teleport themselves and a moderate load of items at will, to anywhere on this plane that they know well or have a good description of. I would prepare for them to still be at the level of the ceiling and invisible. But there is not much I can do until we see them again. Would you be able to use a shielding wand on yourself? That might be wise, and you would be welcome to a charge. I think Elliot might have a potion to allow one to climb the walls and ceilings, which you would also be welcome to, as he can now fly at need." She offers one of the kobold-sized wands she carries on her little bandolier.
"With your permission, I would like to add you two to the message system we use to communicate." Verene re-casts her cantrip with a bit of copper wire, targeting all seven people plus herself. Her tiny whisper then comes to everyone. "Since I am currently under a spell that allows me to see invisible creatures and objects, I can see that they really have gone from their previous positions. One noticed that I saw him, which is why they teleported away. So, they are out of sight now. But they may not have gone far, it's true."
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Verene's large clawed feet launch her several inches into the air before she recovers. "Goodness! Yes, but not through the spell. To use it, you must whisper. Other vocalizations will not come through."
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Ugh, Merixia had been hoping to avoid another fight. No help for it though. "I have one more divine favor and one prayer. As far as scrolls go, let's see..." She opens her coat and begins riffling through the scrolls stored in the inner pockets. "Hedging weapons might be useful. I have a wand of spiritual weapon. Oh, my pearl of power! Nice, I can give someone protection from evil. That's probably my most useful spell of that level for other people."
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Thesius stops with the rest. His eyes going between them and the surroundjng area looking for additional threats. A quiet groan had escaped his lips upon hearing about the enemy. He felt guilty for letting his curiosity get the better of him.
"I don't have much left in reserve at this time, but I do have a way to shut down verbal effects within a 10 feet radius. The issue is it would include friendly effects too."
"I would like to use the spiritual weapon wand just before we enter the next chamber, Merixia, if you do not mind. A silencing spell could be very useful in dealing with that babau who was speaking aloud, I think. It might be hard to get it to 'stick,' so to speak, in a way that he could not simply leave. But if took advantage of its duration, and also cast it when we think we are close..." Verene sketches the outline of a plan for Thesius and Arthur.
The corridor is small, very dark, and there are plenty of nooks and crannies from which to spring an ambush.
From further down, you all hear a speech!
Fellow Demons, murder mortals, we have not fought at all today, on account of Shitty Stunted-brain-Staunton Vhanes stupid CUKABLYAD orders,
and as such the shitty, shitshmeared shittalking Crusaders-cunts
have pushed us into this tiny, shriveled pathetic corner,
their bling and drip enchanced by all the shinies they looted from the likes of Soltengrebbe, Chorussina, whatshisface-the-Kalavakus-a#@&%@$ and Janeanimine.
But this is opportunity for us! If we stab them in the face and kill them, all of their stuff is ours! As is all of the stuff they looted!
So, rise up and strike! Hard, fast and then again!
As a Bonus, for every shitty-f%+@ing-cunt-crusader you kill, you will receive a fine bottle of Stauntons booze, with generous side serving of Alyushinyrran Urban Potato bear.
FOR NURGAL AND MOTHERF&@&ING-GOBLIN-CUCKED-BAPHOMET!
WHOEVER DIES FIRST SIMPS FOR SHITTY SHAMIRA, MAY SHE EXPLODE WHILE FARTING! A bass voice, different from the Bardbaus Bariton you heard earlier, announces.
Cruel laughter from the darkness echoes that announcement.
The accent in Abyssal, as well as terms like *Murder-Mortal* for *somewhat respected mortal ally*, CUKABLYAD for generic thing meriting significant emotional reaction or "Alyushinyrran Urban Potato bear" for *probably once sapient mystery meat* strongly imply that the speaker is from the midnight isles, although distinctively lower class, much unlike your aristocratic hosts.
Shamira is a high ranking demon noble, and governeur of Alyushinyrra, the largest city in probably not just the midnight isles but the Abyss. Who is extremely unpopular with everyone there who is part of the *lower classes*.
Baphomet is indeed Lamashtus consort, who is also his mother, and it is generally assumed that Lamashtu is also intimate with the various goblin gods *under her*. It also occurs to you that these Babaus serve Nurgal, the Vampire probably serves Zurah, or perhaps Shax, the formidable horned demon earlier served Nahyndri. It appears that actual Baphomet or Deskarite worshippers have been... surprisingly rare.
You recognize the voice as that of the Babau leaders.
Who, other then Kirandra, was, inspite of being more then a bit insane, fairly *well liked* and quite respectfull to mortals who *pulled their weight*.
Especially after he publically threatened to murder Staunton Vhane after Staunton hit one of the mortals who joined his Nurgal cult.
You recall the words were "Get your bug-buggering goat-gooning hands of my murder-mortal, or I will take Shoulshear from you, ramm it up your ass, and have a chat with my ole friend who is stuck in it about old times.".