Noticing Radamares scar tissue, Liliya turns to her after casting a wary glance at Gathroc.
Thank you for vowing,
Scar tissue on an Azata? Likely Hellfire caused?
As your newfound comrade, I would recommend removing these scars as a priority after the conclusion of current operations.
From a millenia or so of being highly adversarial to hell, I am reasonably certain that the infernals can track scars made by hellfire via specific scrying rituals irrespective of the plane their target is on. This is expensive for them, and not something they do all the time, but you are likely "important" enough to be targeted in such a way.
The implications on your own operational security from this are rather obvious.
If Paradise has the resources to "transplant" the scar tissue on some manner of trap, you could potentially utilize this to creativly mislead hellish pursuers or lure them into an ambush, using their own means, and even the wounds they inflicted upon you, against them.
Such a plan worked for me in the past, which is why I have this suspicion.
There are resources in Alyushinnara to do this as well, but I strongly believe that Paradise's capabilities in terms of healing considerably exceed those of the Midnight Isles, and could further by marshalled risk free for you, which is empathetically not the case for their Alyushinnaran equivalents, although my patronage would mitigate risks somewhat.
Best Wishes, Liliya
Radamare would notice that the telepathic communication had an entirely businesslike and calm intonation, without the coyness or cheekiness her earlier telepathic inquiries had.
Liliya closes the communication, absentmindedly touching the mostly faded scar on her throat again.
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"Well, now that's out of the way." Shamira started, looking at everyone present. "We'll get started on the proper mission details. The first of which, is where you all will begin your journey. Which sadly will not be the Midnight Isles. Several possibilities have been considered as to a starting location. Ahvoth-Kor, Ishiar, the Undersump, and the Spiral Path all contain paths down far enough... but they're all under assault. The Rasping Rifts, once Deskari's domain, has simply already fallen. The same goes for Rankarrus, and many other realms that lacked a Demon Lord's presence..."
She gives a moment of dramatic pause, before continuing. Pulling a Plane Shift tuning rod and placing it down onto the table. "However, there is one realm that hasn't been taken over. One that frankly, just hasn't been really touched at all. Vlorus. Once the realm of the late Demon Lord Xar-Azmal, the "Lord of Rust, Sin, and Steel"." She flexes her fingers to show her irreverence for the dead deity. "The entire realm is one massive scrap heap. It's also relatively low in terms of the various Abyssal Realms, and no one has even attempted to claim it. With luck, it's got its own rift or a rift close to it that has not been discovered."
With that finished, she looked over at Rahlmuut and frowned. "Divination has been... odd. It's not consistent. Some spells work at some points then fail. It's seemingly random. If I had to hazard a guess, there are not any specific spells being used. Rather, the Abyss itself is... buckling under the sheer weight. This brings up the topic of the Abyss favoring the Qlippoth... We don't know. No Qlippoth's have spawned in the upper reaches, but we haven't gotten a good look at Yad Iagnoth or the deeper realms to confirm or deny if they're now producing Qlippoth."
Radamare pauses as the Ardent Dream begins to speak again, demanding her attention. She evidently is not as adept at splitting her focus between multiple simultaneous conversations as geniuses such as Rahlmaat or Britta.
~Well, I may tell you later.~
"Vlorus..." Radamare indicates the rod. "I take it this is a key to that abandoned realm. I can make use of such keys to bring us there. I am willing to do so as soon as tomorrow, unless any of us need longer to prepare."
"But speaking of that, on the question of whether we will need to rush...?" she inquires. "If you do not wish to openly discuss how precarious - or not - the war may be, I understand, but we do at least need to know how aggressive - and risky - a pace we must set if we are to be successful. Will we have time to take our time?"
"I go in expecting battle. That is what I saw, but hellish landscapes always do seem to depict battle when I look at them. Perhaps because they are always in that constant state of flux. In any case, I'm ready for combat. If you need rest, I'm willing to set up accommodations nearby if our hosts have not prepared something already. I would not wish to step on your toes...," Graciously waving to the Lord and Lady, "...so please, do not count my willingness as interference to your will. I merely wish to be hospitable to this new team of mine."
Vlorus? Liliya opines.
Sadly a bad place to test out these Earth Realm Radios, too much metal that would interfere with Radio Wave propagation. If memory serves me correctly, some of its denizens are a threat to especially mellee equipment she continues looking at Sabrina and Gathroc.
I would recommend considering options to restore equipment alongside those restoring direct ailments. She unfurly her wings, draws her sniper rifle in a very non threatening way and shows a load/unload procedure, which takes her less then half a second. She also equips her "Snipers Barret" (excalty the same as a Snipers helmet, I cant really picture Liliya using a helmet. Not showing off her fabulous hair? Heresy!).
While I can craft to an extent, it is more to be capable of replenishing my ammunition stores without requiring any type of logisitical train, or to keep my own weaponry in peak operationg condition. I do not think that I can craft or repair magical items I am not familiar with. My rifle is silencing and shadow firing, but the latter is a last resort, shooting actual ammunition that cannot be disbelieved is far more reliable.
Looking at Britta, her child-like companion and making some educated guesses.
I believe Mrs. Britta perhaps has us covered crafting and repairing wise, although I doubt this is something she would efficiently do during a raging battle, as actually bringing the battle to a close and then repairing unperturbed will likely be a better use of her time. .
Liliya adjusts her armor with a caress and probably a telepathic command, suddenly making it stealthy, the silk or her writing armor now moving in ways that make her blend with her enviroment, rather then draw attention to her form.
As for my own general capabilities, I am actually, surprisingly enough given my proclivity for excessive verbal expression, quite stealthy, highly mobile and predominantly attack at respectable range for respectable damage, especially against heavily armored but easily touched targets.
She finishes smiling merrily at Gathroc.
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"I see she's attentive. I purposefully put those tools out there so they'd notice. Only someone who has seen magical items being crafted would recognize them."
In response, she flourishes a hand to either side of her in a silly curtsey as if "taking the crown" of being the group crafter. She is absolutely certain that any one of them there could very well be better than she is, but she doesn't deny the attention.
Liliya curiously eyes Britta and her "kid".
Internal monolouge:
"Really interesting, some sort of automaton in the shape of a kid? Perhaps a recording device? Phylactery? Nope, cant be a Phylactery, does actively ping as good. Ah, perhaps some sort of bomb or trap designed to blow up or destroy those who would go for the old I HAVE YOUR CHILD YOU MUST OBEY ME ploy? Damn, thats smart, I need to consider adding this trick to my arsenal, well, few people would go for this ploy vs a Succubus. Still, something to be considered."
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"Fascinating," Rahlmaat murmurs, her eyes gleaming with excitement at this new mystery. "It's almost as if the Abyss is fighting itself... it would make sense for it to do so from time to time, given what it represents, but I can't think of a time on record it has. Though the way you speak of it buckling under weight... that's an interesting concept, as well. What sort of weight could break a plane, hm?"
She seems to be thinking aloud, almost oblivious to everyone else. "Of course, without further information any hypothesis is just a guess. We'll need to get deeper, observe the differences between layers, see if there's any... direction to the changes. If it's like a weight... maybe it's something like a mass's distortion of space-time in the material plane, but... conceptual, a mass of philosophy, maybe..."
Rahlmaat turns and starts pacing back and forth, shifting back to her sphinx form as she does. "Of course there's also the fact that it's likely a deliberate effort on the part of the Qlippoth, meaning we may have to deal with misdirection efforts. We can't just accept our first conclusions or assume our first measurements are accurate. We'll need to go to several points and examine the properties of the plane..."
I am somewhat uncertain if there actually is only "one abyss" or wether it is more of a collective mind, in which different aspects chaotically struggle for supremacy..
Liliya replies to Rahlmaat while binding her hair to a more pragmatic ponytail.
My pet theory was that it is perhaps in the process of giving birth to "something". My hopefully untrue theory is that the "weight under which it is buckling" is well, maybe the Qlippoths are running from something, perhaps with the direct aim of seeking Rovagugs succor against this "whatever", rather then invading.
Liliya double checks her equipment and armaments.
Anyway perhaps Lady Sabrina gets to vowing as well? Before we are all off to Vlorus to find out rather the speculate? I am certain our great Lords and Ladies Liliya courtly bows before Lady Shamira and Lord Korada have made the same speculations and some others on top of those.
She eyes Gathroc and apparently uses an ability.
Tounges, keyed to undercommon. Liliya speaks and understands undercommon now, strongly implying she did not before.
Adressing Britta and Gathroc in Undercommon
Well, lets be off then. If the rest speaks undercommon as well, we can use this as a war language in case it is imprudent to rely on telepathics. Qlippoths innately speak Abyssal, a language that could possibly be used to bluff them, but they are usually too alien for this.
Radamare indicates that she does, in fact, understand Undercommon.
Rahlmaat stops and looks at Liliyashanina with bewilderment for a moment before catching herself. "What an interesting hypothesis," she comments after she's collected herself and her mind has caught up to her ears.
"And yes, I do speak Undercommon," she adds.
Liliya quizzically eyes Sabrina.
Perhaps our Paladin is conversing with her deity?
Liliya asks in Koradas general direction.
Looking back at Sabrina she says loudly:
Fully mentally occupied on account of handling heavens beuroucracy? Probably to fill out form ROFL98-751 "Willingly associating with multiple evil characters for a limited timespan because of extraplanar emergency?" I think this would actually be subpar, and get clogged up in the celestial beurocracy.
I think the optimal form to utilize is actually WTF69-832c because the evil characters include at least one outsider and at least one undead, but no Daemon.
Dont forget to specifically cite the Rovagug precedent in attachment c.
I think if you mention me being a direct vasall of Lady Shamira, and governess of a midnight isle,the report should get tagged as "Military priority" and go directly to... probably Lord Ragathiel? Rather the Lady Eritrice who is rather famous for excessive degrees of contemplation, even for Heavens standards?
Thus hopefully quickly bypassing the less speed affine parts of the celestial beurocracy? WTF69-832c forms of course require the signature of an Empyeral Lord, alternatively the signature of an Empypreal Lords direct vasall, in attachment 1, but we do have the former in close proximity!
Liliya flashes her eyelashes at Lord Korada, while displaying an amount of "knowledge beurocracy" that either speaks of massive cheating and/or spying on heaven and/or hard won experience gained by navigating Soviet war time beurocracy. Most likely all of the above.
Throwing a short look at Rahlmaat, she expounds telepathically on her theories, including Radamare, who had earlier showed some philosophical interest, in the message.
With a cheerfull intonation, she telepaths
To be honest, the main argument for my hopefully untrue theory is that, in the Abyss, the only certainty is that things are highly likely to get worse.
The main argument for my pet theory is that the only thing the Abyss likes more then getting worse is surprising those who think they have figured it out, by assuming it always gets worse.
Neither of these are particularly scientific, but they do originate from about 2 millennia of lived abyssal experience.
Radamare watches the two greater powers and waits for them to consider her question.
~I also wonder whether you may not be right about the loss of demon lords helping to spark all this. From what I know of the history of that terrible place, it has been many ages since it lost multiple demon lords at the same time. And one of those was not just destruction, which perhaps also pleases it in a way, but a deliberate defection. I am not sure whether a demon lord has ever before spurned the Abyss. Those who have posited that the Abyss has true sentience often say that it must be alien and incomprehensible beyond measure, but it may be that it feels rage at such a spurning all the same.~
Scratching her chin, Liliya telapathically doles out some knowledge planes and demon politics gossip to those interested and not refusing telepathic communications.
Historically,there have been cases of planes being added to the Abyss.
Lamashtus deal with the 4 hero Goblin Gods was essentially the that, with realms being added to the Abyss, Goaty McGoatface also essentially added the inelectuable prison, stealing it from Hell.
There has been at least one case of 2 demon lords dying in short succession. You see, back when Lady Nocticula and Lord Socothbenoth were still allied, there was an utterly irrelevant brother-sister pair of demonlords who both claimed to be Lords of incest, well, I think you can all guess what happened, given that both of them are now demon isles.
These 2 died together. Within seconds of each other as Lady Nocticula wanted at least somewhat of a challenge. If memory serves me correctly, which I am pretty sure it does because there was much bragging, Nocticula struck the nerval central of the female one with such precision that she obtained control of her just murdered enemy, and then used the female part of the pair to murder the male one.
Nocticula claimed their dead bodies as midnight isles, Socothbenoth their domains of incest and fully solidified his claim on the domain of perversion. That was like, a bit over 2 millenia ago though if my memory is correct.
Continuing she espers
Demon Lords rarely die unless Lady Nocticula was involved. Which would presumably make her departue particularly enraging for the Abyss.
The total "demon lords killed count" for hell is 2, for heaven, another 2, and Lady Desna famously overkilled Aolar so hard the Abyss nearly united, inspite of the "Lady of the hunt" being entirely unmissed.
Lady Nocticula, well, there are 24ish demon isles, and these are just the ones we know of, oh, demon isles sometimes sink, based on how relevant the demon lord was vs how long ago he/she/it was killed, so 24 is less then the minimum estimate, you do the math.
Now, I think that Lord Gorum gets partial credit for some of the demon isles, as he was on "Smesh demon lord who invades the Maelstrom or Elysium"-duty for quite a bit until about 3000 years ago.
The considerable likelihood of first getting your head(s) smeshed into whatever digestive terminus you possessed by Lord Gorum,
and then have Lady Nocticula spontaneously inviting herself into your inner sanctum to say "hi and good bye" or "hippity hoppity you be my property" or "knock knock" to you, while stabbing you in whatever bodily orifice you have remaining, when your abyssal regeneration kicks in, kind of discouraged in person invasions into Elysium or the Maelstrom.
And yes, she actually said that. One really powerful mortal wizard gave her a claim on her soul, if she were to spout certain nonsensical barely funny phrases, thrice, when killing demon lords, within a century, making these phrases the last thing they ever heard.
Needless to say she won that soul. Kind of creative of him to essentially use his soul as payment to get 3 demon lords killed.
I think his Larva got instant Balored.
I am also fairly sure the Lord in Iron and the Lady in Shadow had a deal concerning the regulation of the more migration inclined parts of the Abyssal Demon Lord population.
Liliya obviously finds this funny, and an utterly normal thing to gossip about. She also uses very very long sentences when telepathically communicating unless she pays explicit attention not too.
”That is indeed, the a tuning key for that realm.” It was a simple question for Shamira to answer. A small sigh escaped her as Radamare asked the question of how quickly they must act. ”That’s a question I don’t fully know the answer to… The other Demon Lords have been tight on how well their defenses have been holding up. Likely out of fear of betrayal, not that I blame them. By my best estimations, you have a year or so to get this done, but that may change quickly.”
”And on the topic of accommodations.” Korada stepped in there, flashing a smile to the haughty and imperious looking Shulsaga floating above the room. ”Qualshikim here has made arrangements for you all to stay at least a week in the city. As long as you all don’t cause trouble, you’ll be undisturbed by the resident Shulsaga. Of course you all wouldn’t cause trouble, it’d be ridiculous for you to cause trouble.”
Shamira gave Gathroc a slightly odd look as he mentioned making a planar fortress in Vlorus. ”I suppose so. If you don’t mind making your fortress out of scrap that’s been sitting in abyss juice for around a couple thousand years.” Her eyes stayed on Gathroc, even as she spoke telepathically to Liliya.
Liliya politily curties and addresses Qualshikim.
My heartfelt thanks for your hospilaty mighty Qualshikim,
to what degree can your libraries be made available? I have fought Qlippoth before, but it may well be that my own experience can put on blinders on what is actually happening. It may well be that an outside perspective on our mutual enemies can be greatly enlightening
While adressing the local authorities, Liliya instantly responds telepathically to Shamira.
He will not. I plan to establish a degree of control over him by isolating him diplomatically from the rest, I am flexible, he is not, I am attractive, he is not, I am highly capable of saving lives, he is much less so, and I can offer gifts while he has only threats to offer.
Hell establishing a foothold in an Abyssal realm whose overlord was slain by the Archdevil Dispater, although as the still party ruined state of Dis shows not without cost, is completely unacceptable.
Adressing the party, as well as the esteemed Lords and Ladies.
Xar-Azmak was rather infamous for laying boobytraps everywhere, given that he was killed by Dispaters armies at the end of a long struggle, it is highly likely that any attempt by anyone, and by infernals in particular, to create and utilize permanent structures will trigger massive and unusual traps.
There is a reason no demon lord claimed this area, despite its relative richness in metallic and other resources.
Xar-Azmak was literally the demon lord of "nobody benefits from my death" which is part of why Lady Nocticula never attempted to end him. She likely considered the risk of a possible Demon Isle of Xar-Azmak fouling up other demon isle as too significant.
I believe that it is more prudent to move quickly, lightly and without a logistical trail. Qlippoths excell at overrunning fixed positions, they are difficent in stealth and mobility, compared to abyssal forces, I deem it more prudent to play to our strengths and to their weaknesses.
Nodding to Gathroc, she says
Of course, possibilities exist to perhaps trigger such traps on top of the Qlippoths, if they are in Vlorus, however, you would likely have to take on existential risks to utilize such ploys.
Liliya is truthfull.
She seems to be overly set on not establishing permanent fortifications.
Her information on Xar-Azmaks peculiarities is likely correct.
Her emphasis on speed is in part because she likely wants to minimize longterm extraplanar presence in the Abyss.
Permanent extraplanar presence from hell on an abyssal layer that has been successfully invaded by hell in the past in particular.
Vlorus was the domain of Xar-Azmak, a demon lord strongly associated with Rust, Ruin and denial. In a massive war that left parts of Dis ruined, he was slain by Dispater once, and then slain again within a year and a day by an invading army from hell in his own domain.
Links from Vlorus to hell and back likely exist, Vlorus is rich in minerals and metals, an infernal presence in Vlorus would be close to unacceptable to a number of demon lords with nearby holdings.
Vlorus cultists were infamous for striving hard to never let anyone achieve a benefit from their deaths. The same may in part be true for himself and his abyssal plane.
Estblishment of a hellish outpost, by a party that is under Shamiras Aegis, would be a deadly threat to her and to the midnight isles, as essentially any Demon Lord could claim "Devil supporting traitor" and attack her. As in, more then usually.
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"Our group establishing a fortification in the Abyss would also be... politically inexpedient," Rahlmaat points out, giving Liliyashanina a sly grin.
Her expression settles into a serious one. "Given the number of unknowns, we should approach this as if we have much less than a year. We should move with all reasonable speed that we can, without risking ourselves."
"If we stay put somewhere, we're losing. We're not going in to fight a war. Our purpose is to scout--something difficult to do from behind walls. We'll need to be on the move anyway."
"With all that said, I came prepared to face the Qlippoth. I would prefer to move soon--on the morrow, if possible. Much as I should like to study the knowledge stored here in Yulgamot, I fear I would get rather... distracted by the opportunity. Perhaps if we return successful?" She looks to Qualshikim expectantly.
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"Very good, my lord," she answers to Korada. Without knowing the personality of Qualshikim, she does not say anything to the being, but does bow her head in thanks, and allows others to speak while she observes them.
The wizard, smirks at what is said about the reasons behind why certain things shouldn't be built in the abyss. She doesn't even try to hide her near eye-roll. Clearly, she is in the know of the truth. To Ralhmaat, she refocuses and nods.
"I too prefer to set out tomorrow. I was ready today, but I didn't expect us to make it happen. If we are able to keep a room for the week, I don't mind having this location attuned as well, to which we perhaps can just return to rest instead of worrying about being swarmed by Qlippoths for a week, though I do have means that it shouldn't be a problem, I'd think."
She is interested to hear the answer concerning the library.
"I don't mind spending some of today researching if it is allowed. Also, I would like to see what items you have for sale here to outsiders, if that is also permitted?"
Looking at the area around them, she looks to see if they have roads in this region or if they are in a part of the city that is separated by dimensional rifts or gaps in space.
"Where is it we will be staying? The name?"
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Radamare takes note of Liliya's thoughts. Out loud, she voices her agreement with each of Rahlmaat's suggestions. She takes up the planar key to Vlorus, expecting that she will be the one to work the plane shift.
She turns to Britta as the archmage speaks of research and purchases, though she addresses the whole group.
"If we are to set out tomorrow, then after doing anything else you may wish to do today, let all of you also gather with me before I go to rest. I will then draw blessings around us all that may offer some measure of protection against the many dangers of the depths below."
Liliya eagerly agrees with Radamare suggestions.
A possible alternative to increase cooperation and cohesion is to familiarize ourselfs with each others combat routines and capabilities.
Turning to Qualshikim she asks
are there perhaps Arenas or training grounds in this city which we could utilize for such a purpose mighty Qualshikim?
To the rest of the group she says, looking at Sabrina first.
I have, somewhat uncharacteristically perhaps, only limited experience fighting either with or against Paladins, perhaps because my targets for recruitment were generally speaking more likely to be contested by Hell or Abbadon rather then Heaven.
turning to Rahlmaat
I have fought both with and against Sphinxes, although in both cases of a notably different alignment than that of our fair Lady Rahlmaat and am uncertain how much of this experience is transferable
turning to Radamare
I have fought alongside Azatas before, although they were unaware of my nature, I have not fought against Elysium for millenia as I am strongly in favor of minimizing my number of active enemies. Also, Desna, Gorum and Calistria are not to be trifled with.
turning to Britta
My operational guess is that Wizards are Wizards, and thus inherently unpredictable from a martials perspective. Standard tactics of shooting things that want to stop you from doing your things probably apply yes?
smiling an absolutely beatific smile at Gathroc as she turns to him
I have plenty of experience in fighting the undead, fighting infernals, and even fighting undead infernals, it will be a most welcome and new experience for me to fight alongside one. I will be watching you most intensely..
Undead infernals are rare, Liliya may, a common mistake, think that bone devils are undead. Given that her prefered matter for dealing with any unseducable adversary is presumably to shoot it in the brain until it stops existing, her mistake here may matter quite little.
Qualshikim stares down at the Liliya, a slight curl to his lips and wrinkling of his nose showing his disdain for her. He looks over to Britta and the expression fades, as he just nods. "Outsiders are rarely allowed, but in this instance, an exception shall be made. The Libraries of Xinalata shall be opened to you all with supervision. Do not abuse this privilege. The shops are always allowed to outsiders, so you all are free to find them and browse as you see fit."
"You'll be staying at Lord Korada's estate in the city." The mentioned Empyreal Lord gives another smile and waves at that. "If you all wish to train before leaving, the training grounds will be made available to you. They're located behind Xinalata in the forest. Please try to not cause too much damage. I would rather not have to reattach chunks of rock."
"I am unusual amongst my species," Rahlmaat states imperiously. "You shall find that I have a much more versatile repertoire of arcana than the average, or even above-average sphinx. Though I did not bring my entire library of spells with me--given a large portion of it is carved into temple walls, it's rather difficult to transport, even with magic."
She turns her gaze to Britta. "We should coordinate our preparations. Qlippoth are... irritating in their defenses against certain magics. And of course, there is no need for both of us to cast the same defensive or supportive spells on the group, unless we think we need redundancy. Though we should also keep in mind that not all of our opposition may come from the qlippoth and be prepared as best we can for the unexpected."
Liliya is aware of the general geography but of little else.
My thanks for your hospitality as well then Lord Korada. I genuinely look forward to discussing Philosophy with you, time permitting.
Liliya says curtseying gracefully before the Emyperal Lord.
From reputation, Shulsaga armed forces are highly perceptive, professional, alert and innovative.
Would it be permissable for me to match my aptitude at stealth against their known skills at detection of threats? I would freely pledge to inflict no harm upon them and to conduct no violence, if they pledge to play by the same rules.
If they spot me, they win and can claim considerable bragging rights and glory.
If not, a frequently used way is that you give a missive of demerit, should I succeed in giving it to a local commander, without him noticing, then he is to be demerited. Should he or the forces trained by him spot me instead, he should be rewarded due to his success. I would be willing to contribute to their reward in a matter deemed reasonable and appropriate by you.
I believe volunteers willing to prove their abilities could be found quickly under such terms?
She adresses the Lord of the city. Training, in her opinion, is only worthwhile if something is on the line, even if that something is just bragging rights.
Gaining information on Shulsaga capabilities, while possibly also increases relations with them while showing off the capabilities of the midnight isles is just a cherry on top.
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This is likely something that no one has ever heard of except perhaps those who live here and the supreme beings present, but somehow this commonly clothed wizard seems to know something about it. Regardless of the answer, she bows to the Empyrean Lord and once again to Korada for the courtesy of his home.
When the huge-sized sphinx looks down upon her, she gazes upward to meet its voice.
"I never suspected such a beautiful race as the sphinges to be all alike. You are so vastly different from each other, but many are intelligent and wise, not to mention exotic and immensely beautiful," she flatters openly, being sincere. "I would relish the opportunity to work with you to prepare something, and you no doubt, may have on you some spells that I do not have. I do have a significant repertoire with me that may come in handy." "I had a bit more foresight than some regarding this...And these spells typically aren't meant for qlippoths, but demons all the same."
Britta takes in a deep breath as Liliya addresses the group. "If she hadn't seemingly known so much about Shamira, I would have maybe thought she was sincere in this kindness. Perhaps we are messing with infernal levels of deception here in this one?"[/b] As she continues, turning to each member further, [i]"I'm supposing she means alignment in the cosmic order of good and evil? It seems she's fought alongside and against many. Hmm."
When Britta gets classified as a 'wizard', which is only partially accurate, it shows just slightly on her face with a little smirk. She can't blame the woman though. They have just met.
"I would say that would be true for anyone being attacked, but that works for me," she half giggles. "I am sure I will have significant time to see you in battle. When you have finished your training, you may come to my room and perhaps together, with any others who wish to come, we can travel to the library and shops. Would that be satisfactory?" She looks also to the others there who may join.
Liliya chuckles happily on the topic of getting hit.
Well, I had a mortal consort once, Sigurdr "Blood Eagle" Skraelingson. Abyssal Ulfen Bloodrager, incredibly fond of his oversized and impact enchanted Orc Butchering axe literally called "Ferocious Overcompensation", Lady Nocticula joked that I nearly lost a romantic contest with an axe.
His battle vocabulary consisted mostly of "COME AND GET ME YOU $INSERT SPECIES APPROPRIATE INSULT HERE$" although he certainly was no slouch at pre battle trashtalking.
In battle, he was running into melee, shouting "COME AND GET ME", and somehow nearly always getting to hit them with his compensatory device before they actually hit him. It was effective and hilarious to watch, although you do need someone capable of casting predistigation if you are within 30 feet of him and dont want manually remove the viscera of "whateever" he was fighting from your clothes. Almost a pity I didnt knew that Chainsaws were a thing back then. Him with a chainsaw,
Her ears perk up as if receiving a sudden bolt of inspiration
a perhaps, should have been completely hilarious.
Pharasma sent him to Gorums halls rather then the Abyss, not that I mind all that much, I more than recouped my investments in him while he was alive.
Liliya starts pulling out a book, apparently a diary, and writing in it while murmuring.
Chainsawaxe, I need to write that idea down, and send it to my engineer. He will probably end up building some type of wire-guided ballistic gatling chainsaw bayonet for his Maxim gun instead but its still going to be good.
Liliya does not have much cash to burn but will happily tag along. She would take note if any shop as a gunmans duster though, this being her next big item purchase.
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The veiled woman regards Liliya thoughtfully.
"I should not be surprised that you could keep your nature concealed from my comrades," she replies. "It is as if it were you, not I, who is veiled, even to my eyes, which ought to see the auras of fiends whatever shape they take."
The azata agrees to accompany Britta to the libraries at least to learn where they are and what they hold in case they should need to return and consult them, though she voices no interest in trading or shops. Nor does she does move to rise just yet, instead waiting on the two powers to indicate whether the meeting is at an end or whether there is anything else they wish to convey.
In the meantime, she turns to Rahlmaat.
"I am afraid that I did not learn enough about most of you before this meeting to prepare a suitable gift in token of alliance. However, everyone knows about sphinxes and riddles, so I have made one for you, with the help of a friend. I am not clever enough at riddling to create a completely new one suitable for a sphinx, so instead I took a very ancient riddle, reworked it and made it new again."
Such renewals, taking something old and stale and changing it, are a frequent feature of azata artistry.
"I was going to wait until evening, but I think I will tell it to you now, so that you may have something to ponder this afternoon to distract you from missing the Libraries of Xinalata. Or at least, I hope it will last you the afternoon."
In the time of my youth -- twice-two fountains I drink from.
Once I grow older, cut, -- I cut vales and mountains
from the dark depths -- dare to overturn Nature.
After wasting away -- borne down by bitter death,
then bereft of body -- body I embrace,
and courageously confront -- rose's twelve-quartered roar.
Thus the years' turning -- transforms my fate.
What am I?
This is a riddle that a farmer would likely figure out very quickly, since they frequently work with the answer.
A plow-ox; as a calf, it drinks from its mother's teats (which are arranged in two sets of two); in its adulthood, it is cut (neutered), and works with a plow, cutting furrows (vales and mountains), into the fields and overturning the dark soil; after it has died and its meat has been eaten, its skin is made into a farmer's coat, keeping out the wind.
It comes from Lorsch Riddle XI (Latin original here), which I have adapted and altered for added alliterative appeal.
Chuckling gently Liliya speaks Why there, "fellow I do not need sleep friend." I am certain our party will be positively delighted to have 2 completely inherently trustworthy personages such as us 2 Liliya winks at those she considers in need of occassional sleep
keeping their solemn night time vigils over their prone and vulnerable sleeping forms. It could actually be tolerable, on account of the blood oath and on account of us 2 not getting along much and thus being unlikely to agree on betrayal, but I would strongly expect that this arrangement is not neccessarily sleep enchancing for our allies.
I would strongly assume that they would wish to make their own arrangements concerning nighttime security on top of what we can provide.
To your riddle,
I would say seasonal winds, but this is probably wrong. On account of wind being very much a part of nature, although my engineer would start sperging about solar eruptions and delve into astrophysics.
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Rahlmaat ignores the banter for the time being, though she responds to Britta. "I am curious as to how you're hiding your magical auras," she comments to her fellow arcane spellcaster. "And of course I am willing to share the spells I have with me, though you may find some of them recorded in unconvential ways."
Normally she would be much more protective of her spells, but in present circumstances...
Her head swivels as Radamere speaks of a riddle. "An old riddle renewed? I do appreciate the thought. Though to tell you the truth," she smiles, "All of you are some of the most intriguing riddles I have had for some time, so you don't all need to try quite so hard."
She pauses for just a moment. "The answer is an ox. It's a clever variation, though. The vales and mountains of overturned nature are a good metaphor for plowed soil." The sphinx seems for all the world like a wine-taster analyzing a new vintage.
There is a bit of a look of shock on Britta's face, wondering where this was going with Liliya's exclamation of her ax. Then with a sly shake of the head after finding out.
"Well, you certainly have your future tasks laid out for you. You never know what you'll find here though. They may have something like that already," she states, gesturing to the city.
As the great Rahlmaat leans her understanding in graciousness down to the much smaller Britta, she answers "There are many ways to hide magical auras, some more effective than others. Some are spells, some are natural, some are divine. I am a ritualist. A universalist. A master of arcane magic, but yet still just a baby in the understandings of the multiverse compared to some. I have, over time, devised understandings from this multiverse and the concealment of my auras is one of these discoveries. But enough about me. I have little room to brag with such a wizard in our presence, not to mention the two lords."
If they are excused, Britta will pull out a small gourd and uncork it. It appears as though she doesn't cast anything, but she does. For those keen-eyed, you manage to see her each time she casts . The spell manages to conjure up a lovely blue and gold-trimmed carriage for their usage. It can hold 6 people inside and has an invisible coachman and two quasi-real light horses to pull it.
"Come," she states to her two followers. The ooze she will lovingly pick up and deposit on the top of the carriage, to which it adheres. The boy will take up a seat next to the invisible coachman. The dragon remains around her neck, nestled on her backpack, leaving the inside other 5 seats for the others who wish to come with. If Gathroc is particularly...gooey...and a stinky undead, he can ride the back of the carriage rather than cause them all inside to suffer. If he is similar to a vampire, she will let him in (even though he could technically run alongside without tiring, as could she).
On the way to the library, she will cast a cultural adaptation spell to better assimilate and be an enjoyable guest to those administering aid to them in the library and shops.
At the library, she targets the books therein and will utilize her commune with texts spell to find the direct information they wish and to save time. She wishes to find any documented information on Qlippoths written in the past. She even will find the books located through the spell, and will pull them out, then speak to them, asking about the one who wrote them and how he came by his knowledge, what experiences the book went through when being written in this manner, etc.
For shopping, she is looking to find unique knickknacks (souvenirs) and books in the natural language, particularly folktales of giants or cyclopses. She also wants to keep an eye out for a magical item shop. If she finds one, she will see if they have an understanding of the prosperous room spell and the buisness booms spells. If not, she will give their business the blessings out of the kindness of her heart and for the future purpose of establishing a working relationship with them. The profit the store can keep (which should be immense).
That night she will give the party a ritualized non-detection spell for those who don't have protection from being found out. Again, it is hard to tell she is actually casting a spell. If you are able to see it, she pulls from wild realms of magic, as well as the arcane weave and does so while holding a rod of extend magic, though it doesn't bear that magical signature in her possession.
Alone in her room, she will commune with the Akashic record.
She wishes to know what unique event started this new production of qlippoths and what action is responsible for causing this event.
Liliya eagerly accepts "Eyes and ears of the city"
and finds out much I presume.
She then assists Britta in her research efforts in knowledge planes and knowledge history.
Apparently distracting her from the latter while being of use in the former.
If Britta cues her in on doing Akashic record, she will assume that it is equivalent to a high powered scry attempt, assume that a cunning adversary will have prepared "fry in case of getting scried" defenses against this and ready an action to shoot anything hostile (like, a Qlippoth, or Demons that are not Shamira, not a random Shulsaga librarian who thinks its too loud) that spontaneously gets summoned in the face.
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Qualshikim stared down at Liliya as she made that offer, his lip slowly curling upwards at the thought. He was about to respond verbally when his head whips to stare over at Britta, an incredulous expression coming over his features. Several more moments pass before he sighs and rubs his forehead. Glaring back down to Liliya, he gives a simple response. ”No, I don’t think the order has time to waste in such an endeavor. If you all are done, I’d rather get back to my work. Done? Good. I wish Lady Shamira and Lord Korada pleasant travels.”
With that minimum of courtesy, he very obviously casts Dimension Door, exiting out of the building and leaving you all alone. Lord Korada sighs, even as Shamira lets out a laugh. He looks at the party and shrugs. ”Qualshikim isn’t exactly the most… personable individual out there. Add in the stress this has been causing him as one of the few people capable of sealing Planar Rifts, and it’s expected for him to be rather busy. Well, it doesn't matter. My estate’s easy to find, simply go to the forest and look for the lotus flowers.”
”I can’t exactly leave the Midnight Isles alone for too long, and Lord Korada has a lot of work as Nirvana’s Emissary. You’ll be on your own from now on, but you know where to find us. Ciao~” With a dainty little wave of the hand from Shamira and a more solid wave from Korada, they vanish with castings of Plane Shift. Now alone, the party is free to climb into the carriage Britta summoned and go search the city along the way to Xinalata.
On the way through the city to the library, Britta does in fact spot a magic shop. Multiple in fact. It seems Yulgamot’s status as a neutral city in the grand planar scheme attracted a certain type of outsider. Mercanes, having set shops they return to in the city when not traveling in search of deals. The first one she finds with the large blue outsider actually there and not traveling is stocked to the brim with various magical wares. The jolly giant either has got it, or knows someone in the city who’s got it. He also knows about the spells Britta asks about, but is more than happy to lend her a quicken spell rod to cast it. Saves him from hiring a wizard in the city.
The great library of Xinalata isn’t as massive as some of the libraries of the Outer Sphere. It is, however, home to knowledge that can’t be found anywhere else. Records of Planar Rifts, meticulously kept by the Silver Order. Stray thoughts fished from the eddies and written down by bored Shulsaga’s. The various demiplanes that form and whose existence is closely guarded. In terms of information on the Astral Plane itself, the only place that would have more knowledge is the Akashic Record itself.
Well friends, thats a pretty useful spell thanks Britta Liliya reveils her informations gained from eyes and ears of the city.
known from information gathered: Qlippoth incursions in the astral planes are already happeneing. Planar rifts to the Astral planes are already a thing, whenever one is closed by defending forces another one opens up.
Qlippoth targetting seemingly random, parts target the river of souls, which is fairly rational for Qlippoths, parts target nascent demi planes, about which I have an opinion that I shall share in a moment, a few just try to eat as much Ethereal matter as possible.
Having stated what she knows, she proceeds stating what she thinks it means.
speculation/reasonable guesses on my part:
Qlippoths trying to eat the river of souls is Qlippoth strategy 101. Some Qlippoths can turn mortal souls into Abyssal quintessence, they are very fond of doing this because it starves us demons of recruits and resources, as these souls do not become Larvae, or anything else that would be able to resist and fight Qlippoths at some point.
Liliyas posture indicates she is quite confident in this guess. Looking rather more contemplative and guessing, she continues:
Targetting nascent demi planes is interesting. I have 2 not neccessarily exclusive guesses.
My first relatively wild guess is that they intend to use these nascent demiplanes as vehicles or transport systems to reach out farther. A nascent demiplane is still somewhat mobile planarly speaking, if the Qlippoth fully control one they could probably use this to spread into planes less adjacent to the Abyss, and perhaps bypass hopefully increasing demon resistance this way.
My second guess is that they are after "Planar cores". A demiplane typically has a some type of core, which, depending on the plane in question can be a thing of considerable power. Being a pessimist, perhaps controll a number of X demi plane cores allows them to blow up or somehow corrupt the core of a real plane, perhaps a real plane like Golarion which would probably free Rovagug and do very interesting and no doubt unpleasent things with the star stone? Lets hope they are just joinking demiplanes for essentially logistical purposes rather then actually having a creative way of freeing Rovagug by surprise, fully ignoring the formidable defenses of Rovagugs prison. Lady Sarenrae is quite diplomatic, and could probably bring the full might of heaven and then some to bear against a frontal assault, but a remote attack may bypass much of that.
Alternatively, they could just cobble together a bunch of demi planes in a haphazarad fashion, weld a crude drill out of them and just throw this at Golarion, hoping to cause a mass death event and damage rovagugs prison.
Liliya absentmindedly pulls out a bottle, pours it into a glass and takes a sip.
Vodka anyone? Not that I can get drunk because sometimes poison immunity is such a drawback...
Having drunk quite a bit, she continues.
Possible opportunities:
1:Messing with the river of souls will not endear them to Pharasma. I am on reasonable terms with the Boneyard myself, however, the Psychopomps probably have their hands full and are unlikely to support us directly.
Shooting a glance at Gathroc, another reason for a likely dearth of pharasmin support, in the process before continueing.
2: Second, it is interesting that the number of rifts to the Abyss in the ethereal plane is apparently constant. At a later point, we should be able to affect a closure of such a rift, and then measure where the next rift opens. If we triangulate from there, we may be able the guess position of whatever they use to create these rifts on their side. Once we have that information, we pay it a visit and shoot this whatver in the face. Qlippoths are going to Qlippoths, so my guess for the "whatever" is big fat burrowing worm which maybe doesnt have a face, but I am pretty sure I can shoot it where it will be hurt anyway.
3: These speculations arent exactly rocket science, our respective overlords have probably had the same ideas, and may have come up with Vlorus as a possible guess, which is why they may have send us there.
Liliya finishes, having notably perked back up at the thought of shooting Qlippoth in the face.
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It is clear the red cheeks on Britta's face, she is responsible for the incredulous look given by Qualshikim, and as he leaves she looks far too innocent and just gives a wave to him as he leaves.
As Korada tells them where to go, she bows her head.
"Thank you for your hospitality. I shall see you this evening." "I wonder if some of these here are hungry?"
With Lady Shamira bidding them farewell, she just nods and gives a little bow.
"Targeting specific.. Hmm...Yes...I was wondering if there would be signs we should pay attention to here. I don't know how much Qualshikim has time to focus on the people here, or your incredible eyesight it seems. I think sometimes even simple spells often overlooked yield great results eh? So we now know why he is stressed and somewhat the overarching danger looming over the planes."
For the rest of the ride, she enjoys the sights of the city. When they get to the library, she seems more excited.
After her commune with the texts and explaining to those there what exactly is tearing holes in this planar material, she listens to Liliya and will take the offered vodka (well away from the books).
"Well well, a wrackworm. It may not have been known." She then expounds on how they are tied to Rovagug in such detail that only those truly interested will wish to remain in the room. It may even floor the succubus who has lived so long. "What has been behind it and what it is may not have been known. Often simple details can be overlooked by even the great. We can let Korada know tonight and they will let Qualshikim know. In any case, shooting your 'gun' at the beast would be a task for the frontlines, and now that they know what could be doing it, and that it is targeted, they can possibly predict where these events will occur and what they are after. For us, we have a task, to find out what started it and to put an end to it." Assuming Radamare came with them, she looks briefly to the girl who holds possession of this tuning rod.
"On to shopping then! Unless there is something else delicous you wish to know in among these odd texts? Eh?" It appears Britta is acting childishly devious, wagging her eyebrows at "the possibilities" of knowing unknown things in the universe. If they are ready to continue on, she drops the act and just shrugs, clearly not as childish as she seemed. If someone does want more information, she will pull it for them, as well as some more for herself, particularly tales of curses that have harmed giants and where these individuals may be found.
They get back into the carriage after putting the books back carefully. Britta is of the mind that if you are going to die, you might as well have some fun and get some things you like. She buys gifts for her colleagues at the college, some nice dress-up shoes (alien in origin of course) and some gorgeous evening dresses; not to mention numerous Shulsaga street wares. All in all, not a lot of money is spent, as she is a harsh bargainer, but fair. She also prefers to handle her own business and not have others interfere with charms and whatnot.
At the magic shops, she will lightly peruse them until she finds the one with the large, blue, giant outsider. Britta can be quite enchanting and cute herself. It doesn't take long for the shopkeeper to find some common ground with her and her with him. After geeking out on magic items and their creation, expounding some knowledge even the giant didn't know, she will ask him enchanting questions about how he set up his business, how he feels about the coming threats, and about how hard competition is with so many shops nearby. With him openly speaking to her, turning things a bit more personal she asks him about his family, some questions about growing up here, or if he has heard rumors of giants long ago, twisted and ruined by evil energies and inverted. If so, she wishes to know who he heard these rumors from and where they can be found. If asked why, she wishes to help. Clearly, there is more than meets the eye concerning this mysterious, wondrous woman.
"We may need all the help we can get..."
The mage can be found relaxing. If there is a pool or spa, she is seen swimming, drinking, relaxing in this area until dinner is getting ready to be served. At this event, she will do her hair nicely and wear one of her new outfits.
"What...the...hell..."
She will take some time to prepare a spell to contact an entity, one she knows. Three River's Convergence. The great wurm, her friend. In doing so, she hopes to ask him if he has ever heard of the Akashic Record having a lag and no truth to it? With respect, she will inform the great time dragon of all that is happening and her experiences. She also thanks him for his scale and that his dragon ally spell is quite beautiful to see. It gives her comfort to have a facsimile of him near her as a reminder of her bond of friendship with him.
She will read her notes and then forge a Pearl of Power I. She may wish to use it.
----------------------------------------------------
That next morning, the youthful mage is up and ready early. In fact, she never went to sleep, but the party wouldn't know that unless they were creeping around the outside of her room, in which case, they'd see her little ooze lingering there on the ceiling watching them do so .
Britta has her hair styled instead of looking as drab and normal as she did the previous day. The outfit she wears today is blood red with a slit up to the hip and under, she wears shorts. It is a battle dress, meant to get covered in nasty blood and who knows what else, but it is drop-dead sexy, even having a plunging neckline. About her adorable cheeks and across her face is a veil of silver metal. Those who were shopping with her would know the thoughts going through her mind as she repeated the words a couple of times: "If you are going to die, might as well go looking good."
In her hands is a magnificent crossbow with a horseshoe hanging from it. Upon her wrists are springloaded wrist-sheathes and across her waist is a belt hugging her dress close. The belt has numerous wands and smokesticks. Every bit of her gear, including clothes, has a tiny symbol etched into them, almost imperceptible.
Magical enchantments are already in place and she will bless her team by letting them take sips of her wine . Any who are not able to withstand the effects of the planar realm, she will give them a planar infusion once they get to the abyss.
Liliya has some fun in the training range, first seriously demonstrating her stealth and mobility by repeatedly hitting targets at 400 feet range (using her rifles shadow shooting property to conserve ammunition), then rapidly and stealthily switching positions using greater teleport.
She assumes, quite reasonably, that some agents of the Qualshikim are watching her and gives them a polite show, by performing some three dimensional Swan-Sea like Ballet while still hitting her appropriate targets. If anyone appreciates 3 dimensional Ballet it should be the innately hovering/flying Shulsaga.
to improve opinions
If more appropriate
After she is done with her diplomatic forays, she greater teleports in front of Koradas mansion, not wanting to accidentaly trigger any safeguards the Empyreal Lord may have in place against incoming teleportation by demonic outsiders.
She goes inside of her assigned room, and delightfully finds that Lord Korada graciously placed a Grammophon with Bolschoi theatre recordings in her suite. Lord Korada has clearly done his research concerning her background, and is clearly also showing that he is quite a cultured gentlemen.
Knowing full well how ugly fighting Qlippoths will get, she uses the Grammophone, dances and sings which would be audible outside of her room but not loud enough to distract or prevent sleep, essentially filling herself up on happieness before things will get worse.
Because Qlippoths.
If anyone knocks on her door she will welcome them in.
"An ox indeed. Radamare confirms. "I am glad that you liked it. As for the other riddles, I am going to visit the libraries, but not to read, so I should not be long. After that, if you wish to talk, I will be at Lord Korada's estate until it is time to begin."
------------------------------
To the Libraries!
Radamare accepts the offered mystical carriage ride despite her innate powers of teleportation, though the azata proves a rather taciturn riding companion, spending more time looking out on the city passing by than engaging in small talk with her companions. What little she does say is strictly business, as she determines which of her blessings the others can benefit from and which may be of no benefit due to individuals' unique nature or powers.
Similarly, at the libraries, it quickly becomes clear that Britta is a peerless loremaster, and Radamare does not attempt to compete with her formidable mix of skill and mystical guidance. Instead, the azata approaches the library's staff, seeking to make contacts that the party could call on if they need some mystery researched in the libraries but do not have the opportunity to break off their adventure and return to the Astral Plane to perform such research themselves.
The azata is polite enough, but she is cagey about revealing exactly what they will be doing that might prevent them from using the library themselves, except to any who are clearly already in the know. It seems best not to spill too many details about a supposedly secret mission. Instead she merely explains that they will be busy on behalf of the city.
Assuming Radamare came with them, she looks briefly to the girl who holds possession of this tuning rod.
"On to shopping then! Unless there is something else delicous you wish to know in among these odd texts? Eh?"
"Whether there is any particular part of Vlorus that I should aim for. Although plane shifting is not very precise. Depending on local conditions, arrival may be off target by many miles." she adds for the benefit of others who may not have as much planar lore as herself, much less Britta. "If we do not identify a particular place, then I will try to bring us as near the center of that realm as possible."
She detaches from the group before they go shopping and returns to Korada's estate, where she meditates to prepare the blessings she will invoke that evening.
------------------------------
At Some Point
At some point, whether it be during the breakup of the council, the carriage ride, or the gathering at Korada's, Radamare comes into close enough proximity to Gathroc to feel his aura of sheer panic.
The only reaction is a slow turn of the head as her veiled gaze comes to rest on him once more.
------------------------------
At Korada's Estate
When the party have all returned to Korada's estate and it is nearing time to rest, Radamare gathers them to weave her blessings as promised.
Now that they are in private quarters and there is no risk to bystanders, she has discarded her veil at last, and the great light of her flashing eyes catches everyone who meets her gaze. There is no heat, yet at the same time there is the sense of heat, a radiant, shimmering fire.
From time to time it seems that there are also half-glimpsed shapes moving within the light, faint hints of something perilous and altogether deadly, yet her companions' mighty nature shields them from fully experiencing these.
Now Radamare's dark hair floats about her and the embroidered silk roses of her robes seem to ripple in wind as she invests her companions and herself with divine power.
Weave a circle round me thrice
And close your eyes with holy dread
For I on honey-dew have fed
And poison milk of Paradise
She grimaces as smoke curls from those scars that are visible on her arms and from elsewhere beneath her robes - a minor drawing upon mythic magic to fully empower the spells.
Liliya, who is intrigued by the Azata anyway, shows no fear when the attractive Azata removes her mysterious veil. Likely her thoughts concerning Radamare do not include running away from the attractive Azazta at all.
Alas:
However, Gathrocs Aura of terror, undiminished by any sensuality and reinforced by being a combination of the 2 most seduction averse classes ever (A grave knight/Hell knight?), leaves her shaken, although she takes great pains to hide it.
Thinking on Radamares unusual poem, and feeling uncharacteristically philosophical
Liliya espers telepathically
Behold, the strength of broken chain
discarded, yet they bind the mind
past omen's bonds, a heavy wind
roams forth to tether then to maim.
I do not know if you feel like
considering life advice from a Succubus.
But I recommend to focus on the hero you are
not the prisoner you were.
You are free, you are fearless, you are potent.
By these things already, you refute
the chains of your past
by deed not word.
Liliya considers the question carefully. It is a good and insightfull one. Pacing around the room she answers:
The question of the former Qlippoth lords is a somewhat fraught one.
The demon lords who were Qlippoth lords formerly are
Cyth-V'sug, Dagon, Jubilex, Mazmezz, Yhidothrus and Zevgavizeb.
I would find it likely that Cyth-V'Sug, whose ascension to Demon Lord ness was somewhat accidental, he basically ate too many of us, and who hates Demons, would be an adversary, and a potent one at that.
Lord Dagon reveres his new found intelligence, does not bear the Qlippoth particular ill will but did not allow them within his realm. He could, in my view, go either way.
Jubilex would likely prefer to stay neutral and could thus go either way as well.
Lady Mazmezz is quite attached to having worhshippers, and is perhaps the one former Qlippoth Lord with whom one could have an long pleaseant conversation, she is also the one Qlippoth Lord were credible reports of something surviving sexual intercourse with her exists, well, I do know what she actually looks like, but well, who am I judge Lord Socothbenoth's carnal adventureism. Liliya shudders visibly.
Of all former Qlippoth lords, she is perhaps the most likely to fight alongside demonkind.
Lord Yhidotrus is, a relatively rare thing among former Qlippoths, a conquerer and a destroyer both. He may actually have an incentive to not free Rovagug because the wild beast would overshadow him in his core areas of interest, but this is a long shot.
Lord Zevgavizeb, hmm, he had diplomatically established relations with Lady Nocticula among others, was striving for goodhood. He also considers himself the leader of the former Qlippoth demon lords and is known to dislike Rovagug and Shiggareb in particular.
I would cautiously put him as maybe anti Invader Qlippoth.
Finishing her thoughts on the former Qlippoth Lord Demon Lords she cautions:
It should however be noted that the prospect of ruling the Abyss once more is a potent incentive to all of these entities.
Of the known Qlippoth Lords well...
Aonaourious is the enigma knot, not even I know anythign about it.
she says, shrugging her shoulders.
Chavazug hates Demons so much there have been cases of it cooperating with mortals and infernals. Definitly an enemy and the likely "Rift appearance master". Almost definitly highly hostile.
Continuing with palpable concern:
Isp-Aun-Vuln, well, her stated goals are the complete eradication of mortal life and thus demon kind, although she is one of the few of them who can be subtle. I believe that she has yet to fully strike, likely in conjunction with Yamasoth. There is unfortunate synergy between the former capabilities of infiltration, and the latters capabilities of fleshwarping pathogens. They are both cunning enough to not go for simple mass deaths, as such events would strengthen Demon kind short term, but for perhaps something akin to mass sterilization, perhaps with a pathogen that initially strengthens the host.
Moving on to adversaries she considers less dire, she continues.
Oaur-Oung, well, the mother of Qlippoth kind is alsmost certainly a foe.
She was also reported to be birthing something big. Killing her would be a big deal I believe.
Tuskchoon, this one is mindless relatively often, but never displayed anything but hostility to demons when not, likely fully on team Qlippoth. She adds, clearly not deeming him a major threat, continuing while sounding somewhat worried.
Shiggareb is my bet for main antagonist. She has the same attitude of complete hatred of demons that Chavazug has, but is organized about it which makes her incredibly dangerous.
Taking a short break, she graciously stretches and continues.
This would be extent of my knowlege. Predicting Qlippoths is of course even more fraught then predicting Demons, because we Demons have understandable incentives, and while I believe that Qlippoths have incentives, they are perhaps only partly discernable to non insane minds.
As to non Qlippoth Demon Lords who may oppose us:
Mimicking Koradas earlier gentle scholar pose, likely as a lark, Liliya speaks:
Lady Shamira inherited neither Nocticulas alliances nor her foes.
As such, the 1 demon lord who could be hostile, although not overly aggressively so, to us would be Koschtschie, on account of him hating females in general, and powerful females in particular, and the latter applies both to Lady Shamira and to the majority of our party.
Lord Socothbenoth is in a precarious position himself, and may seek to ursurp parts of Lady Shamiras assets and resources in order to improve his own, in particular. He would see me in particular as a stealable resource. Although I would expect him to be reasonably diplomatic about it.
A similar thing would apply to Areshkagal. The self proclaimed Queen of Sphinxdom would see any sphinx that does not follow her as an insult. We should, at least in the context of the current operations, strive to minimize our interface.
Lord Orcus is quite powerful and considers himself the Lord of Undead, claiming dominion over all Undead. I have killed or captured ehhhmmm,
Liliya stops for a second as if counting or collating information in her head
about 3 dozen of his necromancers and She does some more math in her head
somewhere between 150 and 300 of his lesser cultists over the centuries, the less cultists I nearly universally killed though because the boneyard had no bounty placed on them and they were just in the way to me reaching their leaders
She continues after digressing a bit.
in a quest to improve my relationships with certain pragmatic elements of the Pharasmin hierarchy, and we have among us an undead whose alignments clearly are not with him.
I would deem it prudent to minimize out interface with his forces as well.
Of the demon lords most likely to be highly cooperative to us:
Showing an appreciative glance at Gathroc
Lady Zurah indeed relies on mortals, even in her armies, to a degree only matched by Lady Nocticula previously and Lady Shamira currently.
In economic terms, she relies on mortals to an even greater extent. She also was mortal once, and fully remembers her mortal life. I do not mean this as an insult, in my experience, the few demons who remember their previous existence tend to be, on average, far more formidable then their peers.
Lady Jezeldas werewolf Legions also rely, at least to an extent, on mortals to a greater degree then other demon lords. She is likely to vigorously oppose the Qlippoths for similar reasons as Lady Zurah.
I would add that both of them are cunning and capable leaders.
Pausing for a bit she continues.
Lord Socothbenoth and Lady Andirikfu are relatively "pro mortal" and quite personable actually, they also exploit mortal aspects such as Lust or greed that are completely "un-Qlippoth".
Lord Nurgal will likely be well disposed towards "assisting" because he is essentially a 10 times grumpier Gorum who gives exactly zero f@!@s about honor or fairness. The Qlippoths are empathetically on his lawn, and he will seek to remove them with grotesequely over the top mass-violence. He is good at being insanely violent, as even hells formidable legions can attest.
Rahlmaat transforms to her catfolk form again to ride in Britta's carriage. She's surprisingly quiet for the trip, though her intense gaze lingers on each member of the group in turn. If anything, it seems like she spends the library-and-shopping trip more on observing her companions than anything else.
That morning, upon meeting up with the group, she has a new scroll. Upon the blessing of Radamare, she thanks the Azata and blesses her with Britta's own magic. It is impressively overpowering to feel wash over those who accept the gift of nondetection and far stronger in quality than most spells experienced of their caliber.
On the subject of Qlippoth Lords, she seems uninterested as Liiliya goes into her ideals on their enemies and potential allies. She doesn't despite knowledge of a long-lived being like the succubus, but she also imagines her opinions on them are from her view. In any case, it doesn't matter to them if they are far from the reach of these entities. Only the Qlippoth lords particularly are of any interest to her, and she has already suspected as much concerning them.
"We will keep an eye out for any willing to aid us, but I would not lean on such hopes while there. Short of the magnificent Rahlmaat, we are a rather unassuming group in appearance compared to the horrors we may face. No doubt this weakness of size and appearance will invite a challenge from even our potential allies' forces as they seek to kill, steal, and destroy. Appealing to their leaders may only be possible after a show of force, unless those in command of them are particularly intelligent and well-versed in recognizing you, Lady Liliyashanina."
"In any case, I believe we are set and ready. Prepare yourselves."
With that, she will nod to Radamare to send them to the plane. Britta's companions huddle close.
Liliya chuckles merrily.
Unless it involves particularly polite demons, Abyssal negotiations typically figure a couple of "shows of force", or proving that you know the adversaries weakness. The tricky thing is to know when to display superiority and when to display competence.
Displaying unknown or unexpected capabilities works fairly well in either regard, my phantom ammunition can work particularly well here. Most of my peers who know what my sniper rifle is would also know who I am, which should ease negotiations anyway.
I also suspect that you dear Britta will have some tricks up your sleeve as well.
Our Dear Gathroc would lilely get some respect points as well for running around in the Abyss in essentially infernal colors, this could be a great asset when we go for intimidation. It could provoke attacks too, but I think I can mitigate this. Are you fine with me pretending that I am dominating you in situations where this would be of use Gathroc?
"Dont touch my pet Hellknight-Graveknight, he was difficult to aquire!" is a lie that would be more believable then the truth.
Liliya is ready to travel to Vlorus as well.
Hmm, this is a reasonable concern of Sir Gathroc, can I make this more reasonable on my part as well hmmm.... Liliya thinks, before proposing a perhaps improved alternative:
A good call on keeping your hell knight abilities a surprise.
I could alternatively claim that I gained control of you via clever manipulation of an infernal contract, by cheating a Phistophilus who was renting you out, rather then yourself.
This would have several advantadges.
First, you own status would not suffer as you would not be seen as a dominated sucker. This would also increase your diplomatic value as a deterrent, and be a useful net benefit to our entire group.
Second, you would not have to act "being dominated" at all. I do not believe that acting is neccessarily among your core skills yes? It is among mine, but even I could easily slip up on a long mission.
You could be your normal self, including talking back at me in public etc. which a dominated target would not do.
Infernal contracts frequently specify services of advice and counsel, which infernal servants typically see as free reign to publically remind their "charges" of their many shortcomings.
Third: There would be, if I was actually attempting to dominate someone like you longterm, certain precautions I would be taking, and whose absence would raise questions, at least from the perspective of high level Succubi/Vampires/Lilitus/Glabrezus.
Liliya pauses a bit before continuing, moving directly to Gathroc and closely inspecting his gear.
You do not wear any items that would enable me to establish control of you in the absence of active domination, and unless it is Shamira herself, I would be sceptical of any other Succubus having a Gravenight dominated without securing this by utilizing appropriate rings, headbands or collars as a fall back. If I was long term dominating you, I would not take the risk of someone getting lucky with a simple dispell magic or break enchantment cast.
Long term domination is sub par at best in general, if you are a Succubus and cant obtain freely willing vasallage, you are simply doing it wrong.
Yes, I believe this variant is a far improved lie for all involved.