Initiating phased Laser mode! The kobold shouts
The little kobold puts his omnitool into Arellus general direction, and many things happen at the same time!
Arellu keeps casting her spell, as the beam of concentrated light impacts on her, but is deflected by an emergence force sphere!
Arrius hacks at the portal with great vigor, destablizing it somewhat and stressing the degree of control Arellu can extend, at the same time Saphirres arrow hits a plot bearing crystal, while Adigale manages to hit her left eye with a shard of the wardstone, leaving a sizeable crack in the mythic stoneskin she had going.
Her spell goes off, as a devasting wave of sound slams into you only too
be faced with Sahala starting to sing and move with an absolutely ridiculous degree of grace
You nearly black out from her being in you, and are only dimly aware of your surroundings. The sheer intensity of her being in you renders you near unconcious. You sadly do not learn what she actually does
The Skald has little idea what is going on, but, in lieau of better options, acts as a competent enough backup singer to whatever Sahala is doing.
Yet inspite of all your efforts, arellus strongest spell goes off only to...
It is not strictly speaking reflected, but its trajectory is subtly altered, again, again and again, until it just happens to point straight at Arellu?
In a way that could make it look as if this was solely due to things like getting hit in the face with a laser, getting hit in the eye with the mythically empowered shard, specifically made to be hurtfull by a deity of vengeance while also having her power source damaged by a killbots arrow and trying to fit such a potent spell through a destabilizing portal.
Clearly, Sahala had absolutely nothing to do with any of that. Right? Right?
Arrius, you see a mighty demon, female, with 6 arms and the lower body of a snake about to get through the portal then suddenly
An authoriative, melodic and seductive voice tells you to fall.
You do just that.
you fall as the terrifying reflected spell crashes into the marilith, utterly annihilating it, and then keeps inflicting massive damage on Arrelus court, although she herself survives, staggered and bleeding, due to her force spheres, mythic stone skin fiendish constition.
With a shriek, she closes the portal... and an eerie silence settles upon the grey garrison.
You are out of initiative.
What the f!## Sahala? Where, how do you sing like that? And what language was that, sounded like Abyssal but clean?
Sevanna looks around completely confused.
BLESSED BE DEFIENCE INDUSTRY! BLESSED BE DEFIANCE INDUSTRY! the enthusiastic mechanical voice of Auricals omni tool trails off as it is out of power.
Very well done, it seems the bat wants to play nice this time? That can be reciprocated
Grumbling, Constantine stands up and maintains his grip on his weapon, scanning the area for any other enemies.
As Arrius stands up, he kind of gets the idea that whatever Arelu cast and got reflected on herself would have hit him in the back had he stayed standing.
Did we win Sevanna asks in disbelief
That... that was a Marilith... they are like, the super generals and assassins of the Abyss, and it just got... evaporated by whatever spell that vorleesh b+!#% was casting... what the f~+@ The Skaldess sits down, hugs her knees with her arms and starts shaking
How are we alive? she indeed shakes a fair bit.
Adigale's horns and teeth recede until she looks like a normal person again. Well, not normal, since she is splattered with gore. Maybe a normal serial killer. "I don't really know what happened, but I think we won." and the someone whispering in her ear seems really happy.
Adigale's horns and teeth recede until she looks like a normal person again. Well, not normal, since she is splattered with gore. Maybe a normal serial killer. "I don't really know what happened, but I think we won." and the someone whispering in her ear seems really happy.
"It would appear so but I'm cautious by nature. I'll search the area and see if anyone or anything evil remains."
Aurical rolls the device in his hands and pokes and picks at it with his claws. Fretting and trying to wrap his mind around what had happened. Tried pointedly to ignore the implications of some of his allies and their own source of power. Round and round his mind went without being able to choose a course of action beyond that point.
In the end all he could decide for the moment was that he was not a hand bag, and that was a good thing. His legs promptly gave out and he plopped down on the ground with his tail rhythmically swaying behind him as if in a trance.
You hear a melodic dominating voice in the back of your head.
FALL
Roll me a willsave please. This is a mind effecting compulsion effect.
Will Save, lets do this!.
"NO!"
She says simply
"I will not FALL! I will STAND!"
And the wire like tattoos on her body blaze white.
You still fall, wired tatoos flaring, only for the reflected super spell Arellu cast to crash into the portal and the demons in front of you, rather then into your back had you remained standing!
Impressive mental resistance, the next time I may opt to say please
You hear a tinge of respect in the voice.
That would have resisted several of my... near peer competitors, but not me. Not yet. You potential however is noted. Nothing stops you from standing back up by the way.
You almost feel a telepathic head pat by an impressively smug entity.
That b*!#@ Vorlesh, heightened wail of the Banshee? That is my signature weapon of mass destruction and I had to kill Luralune, a pretty clever and intelligent adversary, to get it.
Yet your impressive mental resilience gets you a degree of insight, as you hear some telepathic whispers, likely representing what else the smug entity is thinking as she communicates with you, which were not meant to be heard by you.
Sahala notes that her book is... highly active.
A new page is written
I will open a gate to my current location once you write down your name here .......
There will be Chaperones present, and I formally guarantee safe conduct to and from my realm.
Speak with your party members, the Paladins presence will be neccessary, and one of the Chaperones is a Callistrian Agent who wishes to bestow a reward to Ms. Adigale while she is at it.
That you announced yourself a worshipper of Lady Nocticula while Vorlesh, Deskari, Baphomet and I think Iomedae and Callistria were directly watching... requires some bargaining, haggling and creativity to fix.
Signed, Alithera, Lady of Luralune, vasall of our Lady in Shadow. Soon to be nascent demonlord of trade, bargains, artistic excellence and prison breaks
What looks like a fall ends with Sapphire back on her feet once more, taking it in her stride.
"I will be waiting"
That is all she says, The cyber art cools down on her skin, leaving the design insignia of Iomedae.
There is no way that I should have to hide my loyalty to Our Lady in Shadow in moments of greatest accomplishment.
Shaking her head, Sahala stands up.
And raises her hands.
Then she calms down, kneels down, and opens the book in front of her. Obeying a silent command, a scorpion familiar, black as obsidian, crawls out from somewhere under the dress. Sahala holds out her index finger to it and scorpion painfully digs a claw into her finger. The witch screams slightly, but not from fright, she was waiting for this - it just hurts. Then she puts her finger to the book and writes something there with her blood. Looking over her shoulder, you can see that this is her name.
Sahala Love raises her head.
We have an exciting journey ahead of us, my sweet ones. It's time for us to meet someone...
A portal opens.
This is a gate spell, somewhat altered to be voluntary, and to be translucent.
Some rose petals float out of the portal.
If you gaze inside:
You see an opulent, and considerably more tastefully decorated throneroom.
On the throne sits a majestic white haired princess, her ornate red dress flows into the room behind hair, and a constant swirl of rose petals surrounds her. She has an orante headdress, but apparently no actual horns or visible wings.
To her right is what is clearly a Succubus, clad in full plate and brimming with power.
Said Succubus is engaged in a staring contest with an also well armed angelic figure, who regards the demoness with a look of smug nonchalance.
As if there wasnt enough beauty in the room, there are 2 more unusual ladies, one, a blonde and almost too perfect humanoid with metalic, mechanicall looking wings, wearing a tasteful black and gold gown, and an elfen champion wearing some strange combiantion of heavy army and a bluish dress.
By the description, this is Alithera, a vasall of Nocticula. Powerful demon, maybe a nascent demonlord even. Known to be interested in trade, negotiations and artistic excellence. Also highly skilled in subversion, conversion, and interestingly enough both abductions and rescues.
A Succubus champion, with perhaps some Balor influences as her wings are far more on fire then usual. Plate armor is also not a common look on Succubi.
This seems to be a Deva, but one with unusual armaments and an unusual attitude.
She seems to be an Axis associated Android, likely some type of diplomatic unit?
An Empusa in service to Callistria. Powerful warriors and assassins.
As you look through, some of the petals floating out of the portal form the words "safe conduct" in Abyssal, Celestial and then in common.
If you look into the portal, the elfen Lady makes the sign of callistria and gives you a very friendly wink
You are, if you look inside, almost certain the lady with the mechanical wings is also an android, but obviously a fairly different one.
As she looks at you she... blinks, as if you genuinely suprise her.
You somehow get the idea that the woman with the mechanical wings...
yes, somehow you just spot the trademark of "DEFIANCE INDUSTRIES!" on her left wing.
An angelic voice speaks to you
Greetings, I am called Illassa, and serve Lady Kelinahat, Empyrial lord of Spies and Secrets. The demon on the throne wishes to negotiate, and has already informed me what she wishes to offer. The freedom of Sir Ciar Cobelen, first sword of the order of the radiant dawn, who was captued by one disgusting piece of excrement named Xanthir Vang when Kenabres fell. I do not know why she has Sir Ciar now, nor what she wants in return. I recommend being polite but firm in any interaction with her.
Should you step through, place yourself on the new map!
Adigale's eyes go wide while her heart does a triple thump thump thump at something. Not that anyone is paying any attention to her while so much more is going on.
The wee ginger barbarian considers something very strange, not whether to go through, but spending a moment trying to clean up a bit before heading in.
"Bother" Adi cursed slightly, disturbed by the thought as much as knowing cleaning up held no hope, unless the very helpful Aurical decided to spend a few minutes on her.
But even that seemed too long. Adi stepped forward, turned to grin at the others, then stumbles as she tries to turn back, falling through the portal.
Constantine is the next to step through the portal, sheathing his sword as he does so.
-------Adigale------------
As Adigale stumbles through the portal, some invisible force on the other side gently catches her. Instead of a stumble, Adigale backflips and lands on her feet in a reasonably cool looking pose, her red mane flattering in the wind, which just picked up in the absolutely right moment.
What is it with this pose? Has this "Black widow" visited Golarion? As far as I know she is not inherently capable of planar travel. Or maybe this pose is innate and inherent with mythic gingers. The plate armored demoness remarks and then returns to her starring contest with the angelic figure.
Her voice is not unpleseant, but definitly rougher then that of the average Succubus.
The white haired princess seems to wink at the blue dressed lady, who seems to chuckle a bit as she shakes her head mirthfully.
The lady in blue speaks
Ah, Lady Adigale! My savored sting bid me to bestow a boon upon thee, but first some pledges concerning this parley have to be exchanged. Great job beating the shit out of that Aviorax creep. He is unfortunately too weak to be hunted by me. Her common is strangely accented, but incredibly pleseant to hear.
---------Arrius------------
As you step through, you do see that Adigale backflips to land in a cool pose, which draws some barely comprehensible words from the plate armored demoness concerning gingers in general and a "black widow" specifically.
The princess like demom on the throne looks straight into you eyes as she adresses you, in celestial.
I am Alithera, Lady of Luralune and vasall of our Lady in Shadows.
I bid thee greetings in my humble abode knight. For this parley, I pledge that I shall respect, and within reason protect, thy lives, thy free wills, thy freedoms and thy possessions, for the duration of the parley and a decent intervall thereafter. As soon as thee pledges the same in return.
I also pledge thee safe conduct, meaning that the portal through which thee just stepped will remain active as long as at least one person in this room desires that it be so.
She pauses, her melodic voice evoking associations a gentle blossom carrying wind, the continues:
To my right stands Lady , my daughter and my head of security. She insists on being at my side whenver
She points to the angel, who in turn smiles at the party
Lady of, a deva pledged to Empyrial Lord Kelinahat
She points to the lady in blue
or Lady , whose arrival in the midnight isles from the Lady Callistrias garden of delights has contributed to improving the stylishness of assassinations in our realm. She even got a price for the most creative assassination of the year, truely, the mythic Babau who was her quarry did not expect to be killed by a cantrip! It is very rare for non-Nocticulans to be formally recogniced in such ways here.
The lady in blue rolls her pristine blue eyes and bows with an elegant flourish.
Last but by no means least, I shall leave explaining the acronym to her should she wish to do so, is a specialist in planar law, pledged to Axis and is available should you have questions concerning the validity and legality of any arrangement made. She extends a hand towards the figure with the metallic wings.
While I am stronger then each of them, if I were to violate my pledge concerning the parley, I would face an existential fight, as such I assume that the presence of such chaperones finds your approval.
Arrius specifically notes that her entire mannerism, her voice, the way she makes eye contact... are all in perfect harmony, with the aim of getting her point accross and making it be incredibly desireable to agree with her. It does not seem to be a charm effect, but perhaps millenia of experience in such matters while also being an innately and incredibly charismatic species.
She looks at Arrius again, her red eyes eying him with keen interest
Does thee return the pledge? If thee hath questions about it, an unbiased legal specialist is right there. She again points to the Android looking woman with metallic wings.
Sahala, whose attire suffered minimal damage in the last battle, proudly straightens her shoulders and walks through the portal. Once in the room, she makes a graceful curtsy, referring to all the ladies in the room. Lady. He makes another gallant curtsey towards the princess on the throne, although it is clear that she is not used to such gestures. She had heard that it was necessary, but the wandering life of a cultist did not contribute to the application of this knowledge, leaving it purely theoretical.
Sapphire looks at the gateway but knows they will have to enter.
She takes a moment as her nineties clean off her form, her clothing rippling her white and silver Androffa space craft uniform. Now clean she sheaves her blade with a single practiced kendo move. It clicks into place. As Arrius goes in and then follows.
Then she too strides in. Her will is still in place. Single-mindedness and showing no fear at all. She ignores the witterings of the harlot. and everyone but her fellow Andriod with the mechanical-looking wings in black and gold. The most important person in this space. And who was now blinking, at Sapphire in what looked like genuine surprise?
She says it in an odd language.
"こんにちは、メカ仲間の E.L.I.S.A、私はアリオラユニットサファイア、法のエージェントです。完全なモデル識別子と現在の関数を特定してください"
And Bows showing due respect to a fellow Mecha on meeting someone of unknown rank who has a great deal of knowledge and power.
"Greetings, fellow Mecha E.L.I.S.A, I am Ariora unit Sapphire, Agent of Law. Please Identify the full model identifier and current function"
The typical Androffa android greeting.
The android with mechanical wings looks at Saphirre
Interesting, a killbot, Saphorra-paterned without an evil aura but with a lawful one. Not detecting any firearms consistent with the ELIM-NX8-SAPHORRA pattern, but perhaps modules are not operational. She says in common.
I am an Enhanced Longterm Investigative Scout Agent, fully autonomous, serial number ELISA-0001. In service of Axis in general and Defiance industries in particular. My purpose here is to oversee things. The sovereign of this particular midnight isle has acted in unusually civilized ways. Any opportunity to civilize parts of the Abyss is a triumph of law and should be, within reason, supported.
Her voice and mannerisms are cool, calm and collected.
Bends back up, and in the same matter-of-fact way that her fellow android talked. Mecha to Mecha states as fact.
"Greetings ELISA-0001. This Saphorra-patterned unit was partly dysfunctional, as per the Evil Saphorra-patterned, killbot template. But this dysfunctionality led to true-Fully-autonomous state, from which by force of will alone. I activated my own redesignation protocol making myself lawful. And the new self-assigned pattern form of Agent of law 001 being the only one of my kind. In doing so, I gained the patronage of a deity-level entity. Identifier 'Iomedae' goddess of righteous valor, and the jealousy of others"
The Symble of Iomedae played over her skin's cyber art.
" As for your observation regarding my sidearms. I have firearms and energy weapons capability but have no weapons the those types at the moment."
Her voice and mannerisms are cool even inhuman as a mecha should be. but there is a shift, a hardness when she says 'I' implying she is one of a kind. She wanted ELISA-0001 to understand just what Sapphire had done. gained emancipation by force of will. Someone who by will alone shifted aliments. Something even beings of power found hard. Others may have power, but there is a near indomitable will in Sapphire.
Interesting The white haired demonic princess states as she regards Saphirre and E.L.I.S.A.
Lady Saphorra is currently.... her eyes seem to gaze elsewhere
On a mission elsewhere. It appeared she terminated her previous gig citing the fact that her employer quote, screamed like a banshee and cant even properly aim her heightened empowered wail of the Banshee at a bunch of adventurers through a portal, resulting in it getting reflected and obliberating several of my coworkers, quote end.
She gives the barest hint of a smile before continueing
That must have been such a hostile workplace enviroment! I mean, clearly she hasnt been at all been spying on said employer, whose name I assure you does not rhyme with Shalelu Horseflesh, and was just an innocent part timer looking for a bodyguard gig. Clearly.
She speaks with great affectation, and while you can clearly gauge from the context that she is being sarcastic, you would not recognice it from her voice.
But this has clearly nothing at all to do with our little discussion, right? Right?
Her excellent feminine eyelashes flutter like the definition of clueless innocence.
Saphirre meanwhile gets the idea that the other android has recorded her speech, and is likely crossreferencing it through some other database(s).
-----------Sahala---------------
As you stride in you see her. The very same Succubus who once saved you, although she was wearing far less ornate dresses.
She regards you with a smile that makes your heart stop, or it would, if you did not have your previous experiences.
As you move, some of the various floating petals, and red silken curtains caress you.
You have more then fullfilled my expectations my dear Sahala, following the parley I wish to deepen our relationship. Perhaps a jointly performed obedience to the redeemer queen? Alithera proposes with a graceful move of her hand.
Huh, the moderatly attractive for a mortal one is now mythic? You had the right idea about a mortal again mother The plate armored Succubus speaks up as she regards you. You distinctly remember her being at the incident from which you were rescued, being rather happy but kill the other demons, but not giving much credence to you having potential.
You need to look at a mortals possible futures daughter, not as his or her current state. Mortals, especially in a situation such as the worldwound, can gain, but also lose powers with incredibly speed. The regal Succubus states kindly
Dont be too annoyed with my dearest daughter, she is a half Balor, and her lord father was also a runelord of wrath before his death and demonic transformation. She is relatively polite for her lineage. You hear Alitheras voice in your mind
Which of you wishes to return the pledge I made, so that our parley can begin? The regal Succubus Alithera addresses the party
Never lacking courage, Adi pledges "For this parley, I pledge that I shall respect, and within reason protect, your lives, free wills, freedoms and..." Adi's memory had started good "... your stuff, for the duration of the parley and a decent interval thereafter." Abi finishes, but then adds "Though 'decent' is a hard measurement to tack down."
Constantine bows slightly in acknowledgement to Alithera and says, "If Lady Ilassa and ELISA-0001 vouch for the integrity of the terms offered, I will reciprocate. Although I do not know much of them I was educated about the realm of Axis and if ELISA-0001 finds no loopholes or other irregularities within terms I respect her judgement. As for swearing in kind I, Arrius Voralius Constantine, of House Constatine in the Damned Empire of Cheliax, swear upon my honor as a Paladin of Iomedae, the honor and prestige of my House and all the Voralius line, and on my life that I will agree to the same underlying terms in which the talks shall take place."
Decent intervall thereafter means an additional timeframe roughly equivalent to the duration of the parley. This is a common addition to prevent immidiate hostilities after the parleys conclusion.
Within reason means that she will protect you should you be attacked during the parley, or on your way back, but not if you move out of the portal and then teleport into a massive demon army. The Android states
The demoness nods at Adigale, and then display a bit of surprise at Arrius, whose pledge results in raised eyebrows from both the Elfen Lady and the android, a smirk from the platearmed demoness and eyes widened in alarm from the angel.
Quickly scanning the room, Alithera says:
I accept your pledge, based on your honor as a Paladin and your life. The honor and prestige of your house and the Vorallius line, as I understand your adopted lord father is the head of your household, and you do not, by customary law, have the authority to offer its honor and prestige? I also strongly suggest to never pledge your line, in any type of deal, with any outsider. She says in very exact words
I am supposed to be tempting you here She chides in a friendly manner
I am glad I did my research concerning your house though, or I had invited one of the few Erinyes I occassionally get along with.
She finishes with a smile
That divorce lawyer from Alyushinyrras from Alyushinyrras noble district? The Angel asks
Ah yes, her indeed. She has a most fabulous fashion style too.
the regal demoness continues before looking at Saphirre and Sahala.
Ms. Saphirre, and, for legal reasons Ms. Sahala? Also, didnt your group include a Kobold?
The demoness nods at Adigale, and then display a bit of surprise at Arrius, whose pledge results in raised eyebrows from both the Elfen Lady and the android, a smirk from the platearmed demoness and eyes widened in alarm from the angel.Quickly scanning the room, Alithera says:
I accept your pledge, based on your honor as a Paladin and your life. The honor and prestige of your house and the Vorallius line, as I understand your adopted lord father is the head of your household, and you do not, by customary law, have the authority to offer its honor and prestige? I also strongly suggest to never pledge your line, in any type of deal, with any outsider. She says in very exact words
I am supposed to be tempting you here She chides in a friendly manner
I am glad I did my research concerning your house though, or I had invited one of the few Erinyes I occassionally get along with.
She finishes with a smile.
"If I may continue your learning? As for my life I live by Iomedae's Paladin Code which has two parts concerning my oath. First, I will learn the weight of my sword. Without my heart to guide it, it is worthless—my strength is not in my sword, but in my heart. If I lose my sword, I have lost a tool. If I betray my heart, I have died. Second, I will suffer death before dishonor. Related to that is the fact that everyone in a House has, as you said, 'the authority to offer its honor and prestige.' Why? Because the actions, or inaction, of one effects us all. My conduct, wherever I go, reflects upon my House. As for 'adopted lord father', I do not know of what you speak or refer to in that sense. If you mean the Lord of the House? Yes it is my father."
” I Sapphire Aurora, Agent of law, pledge that I shall respect, and within reason, also protect, the life of one Alithera, Lady of Luralune and vasall of our Lady in Shadows, and his/her/they free will, legal freedoms and possessions, that i know off, for the duration of this parley and a reciprocated decent interval thereafter”
Is it not true that your father found you in the wilds as a child, marked by the first world?
She waves her hand and an illusionary view of your families mansion appears, hooded figures approach, some of them wearing the glaives
About 12 minutes ago, Arelu Vorlesh was rather irate and ordered a hidden cell of Baphomet worshippers to eliminate house constantine. About 3 minutes ago they aimed to do that but well...
2 guards of your family, neither of whom you recognice, suddenly whip around, rush at the hooded figures and lash out with rapidly manifested blades of crystal, while more crystalline arrows slam into the rear of the hooded figures. The clash of these "guards" against the would be assassins is a one side massacre, the assasins being utterly outmatched by the inhuman speed and grace of their crystal armed foes.
This weaponry is exclusive to the wild hunt, Elite Side warriors, who are apparently protecting your families mansion from demonic interfence The demoness speaks as the illusion focuses on the strange crystal weapons.
One of the guard manifests a transportable pit and kicks the dead assasins into it, and then winks directly at whoever is doing the recording.
Given your first world mark, and the protection offered to your house, it is rather plausible to assume that you may as a matter of fact be related to Sidhe nobility. Although it is also possible that the one you call father is indeed your biological father. This is of course, just my opinon.
Alithera finishes
Wild Hunt? They are fun to fight. Very able. The plate armored demoness perks up and looks at Arrius with a difficult to read expression.
Is it not true that your father found you in the wilds as a child, marked by the first world?
You have more then fullfilled my expectations my dear Sahala, following the parley I wish to deepen our relationship. Perhaps a jointly performed obedience to the redeemer queen?
Sahala takes her breath away from such a proposal. She admires the beauty of this woman, and the idea that succubi are the most beautiful precisely because they are the closest servants of Nocticula flashes through her mind.
That would be great... To Her Glory, of course...
Sahala is a little embarrassed, but it looks very cute and attractive.
Aurical felt very overcome by the depth of power on display around him. Their newfound abilities considered, they were all still very squishy mortals. He fretted and fussed with his clothing, thinking his attire very inadequate for his station. It was enough to put a queasy roll to his stomach.
It did not help that he understood very little of who the group was interacting with. He was not actually very knowledgeable of religion and planes despite his station. That did nothing to help his squeamish feelings. He placed his small clawed hands over his muzzle and worked hard to keep his lunch down.
The oracle said nothing, lingering behind Arius' cloak and doing his best to go unnoticed.
So that's actually a -2 to the skill check.
Oh, one Kobold who, while not quite capable of having a shopping trip in fair Alyushinyrra... is certain a bit of a connoisseur in terms of haute couture? Perhaps, as fellow agents of Defiance Industry the fair E.L.I.Z.A. may see fit to improve his attire?
There is no hiding from the piercing but, in that case, mildly amused eyes of the regal demoness.
He has indeed been entered into the Defiance industries payroll as a beta tester. The android remarks after verying something.
This is just an illusion but For a moment the demon princess focuses on Aurical as a mirror appears in front of him. Aurical see himself, but wearing different clothes, rich, silky, very fine, in rapidly different styles. As loath as you are to admit it, the demoness has a fine sense of style.
Just speak up if something strikes your fancy. I do need you pledge for the parley though. I can easily make any outfit you fancy reality. See it as a repayment for amusement offered. I am nothing if not generous.
The demoness speaks
I mean, your mythic Paladin juice potions are quite the hit yes? The elfen looking lady in blue remarks
I do use that myself, being able to smite evil has been quite the addition to my skillset, and I did see you fair daughter slaughter that Koschtschiean frost giant half glabrezu champion with exceedingly little trouble She finished
I would have killed that half-nipplehanded-prick without using the potion! But it certainly made it much easier. The plater armored demoness speaks as her wings flare up.
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Aurical lifts Arius' cloak and peeks up from underneath, noting the mirror and almost ducking back down underneath it. But the glimmer of something out of place caught his eye. He looks at the altered clothing and frowns, and with a sweep of the hand across the loose fabric his own fine clothes return. He considers his garments a moment, adjusts his hat, and as his clawed fingers slip down they pause at his collar a moment.
He had refrained from putting jewelry around his neck before now. A reminder of the gold studded collar he had once worn. When he was a slave. He cast a glance to Sapphire. Well, perhaps it would do to remember he had been a slave before. He traced his fingers along his neck and a pendant came into sight in the mirror. A gorgeous piece of black gold links like his rings, only this had a diamond in it's center.
He then held out his hands, considering his rings. He put a matching copy of each on the opposite hand, giving him one diamond and one carnation ring on each finger. His tail went stiff behind him, and he made the effort to flash a smile in the mirror. Oh, but he looked grand!
"I would not rebuke an attempt at parley..." the kobold says as if resigned to do so and not tempted by the fine offer, "Abadar teaches to seek civil solutions when able."
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Sapphire takes the news that Aurical is now a paid beta tester for Defiance Industries. She ignores the others as if they were of no importance. And address E.L.I.Z.A.
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"Program: ELISA-0001 I was unaware that players of this simulation could become paid workers within it. I am updating my data on Defiance Industries practices. I have registered player Aurical as paid staff. As for other users' PCs here their status is still as full-VR-MMO players, and righst linked as such"
She said to the fellow android. Sapphire had worked out what the world truly was, there were many instances, too many references to the base source code of the world and other cultural references. Images and hist at another world of technology. This was a simulation, crafted to for play and tests. She was just a program in it. A word came to mind. Odd but she knew it fit. A world of USERs and PROGRAMES. it said in her code. Next to the 'Cheat Keyword'
"Cheat keyword - '01010100 01010010 01001111 01001110'"
"Cheat keyword - 'TRON'"
--------Sevanna--------------------
Excellent, oh, good day Lady Sevanna, I for one am glad that your artistic talent keeps enriching Golarion.
The Demoness says as Sevanna also moves through the portal
I will state that I will never participate in any "king in yellow" opera The Skaldess says matter of factly, as she may or may not jump to erranous conclusions about so many different outsiders in the same place.
The plate armored demoness burst out laughing
I dont think performing the king in yellow to summon and kill Hastur is part of the agenda. But hey, fond memories.
---------Party-------------------
With the parley in progress, let me state my position. My employee and soon to be vasall Sahala has, rather openly announced her worship of Lady Nocticula. I would very much wish for her to continue in her position within Mendev alas, Mendevian law alas criminalizes the worship of any demonlord, while the death penalty for worshipping Nocticula specifically is not automatic, my employee would face imprisonment.
She pauses
As such, there is a large and a small proposal that I seek to have you forward to queen galfrey. The large proposal is one of mutual decriminalization. On my realm, the worship of good deities such as Iomedae will not be hindered. In return, the worship of the redeemer queen will be legalized in Mendev. This of course, is a large deal, which requires a degree of mutual trust and respect that simple does not yet exist. But, as a trust building operation, I would be willing to arrange a more personal exchange.
She waves her hand and illusion of a room appears, with a elderly, but very fit and trimmed man in it. The room is comfortably furnished, about 60 by 60 feet, but does not have windows or doors.
Arrius, you recongise the man as Sir Ciar Cobelen, leader of the Paladin order of the radiant dawn.
Sir Ciar was captured by Deskarites during the assault on Kenabres, specifically by the swarm who walks Xanthir Vang For the first time, her sublime and beatific expression changes to something far less beautifull, for a moment.
That worm performed certain experiments on him, experiments which are strongly against my interests, as such I saw fit to... set them back a bit by exfiltrating his research subjects, a task my agents managed to accomplish, at no small cost and risk. The illusion changes, the view is grainier, and you see an absolutely disgusting mass of worms, in humanoid form, inserting strange liquids and... things... into a heavily injured Ciar, strange insects crawl into Ciars ears.
I would thus propose a smaller bargain, Lady Sahala will not be persecuted for her faith, in return, once queen Galfrey agrees, I will free Sir Ciar from his fairly comfortable imprisonment and repatriate him to a place in Mendev of her choosing. She pauses again
I would even add in some information about what that worm was doing, and have even managed, as Sir Ciar much improved state shows, a way to undo it
The view switches back to Sir Ciar as he is, in his quite comfortable room (but without windows or doors), who is sitting on a table and reading something.
Although it may be rather hard for Mendev to replicate this, at least without assistance of mine. Assistance that could be granted in exchange for other favors.
She finishes her pitch.
Beware the anti cheat protocols Sister, for they are subtle and quick to anger E.L.I.Z.A. replies in your head.
She stops, turns slowly and smiles at the others.
"Nothing to see here then"
She says throw her teeth.
Still in a state of shock over the revelation, but doubting the truth of it considering the source, Constantine tries to focus on the mission.
"Understand not only are we not in Queen Galfrey's inner circle nor are we in her outer circle. In fact I doubt any of us , some with more trouble than others obviously, could step one foot inside the Palace. We also do not have any highly placed contacts to get a message to Queen Galfrey. Might I suggest that you release Sir Ciar Cobelen and the information you've collected regarding his current condition and how to manage or treat it as a gesture of good faith. Such a gesture is probably our best, and only, hope of any kind of exchange with Queen Galfrey. Even then I cannot make promises to you; I'm uncertain whether this will influence anything at all."
Adigale repeats softly "a litheria blossom a day keeps the level drain at bay" then looks in wonder back at Arrius "You all know the Queen?!?"
-----Adigale-------
As you whisper this, the demoness smiles, flips her fingers and 2 Litheria blossoms appear in your left hand.
These are on the house. She states
Speaking from experience, Alithera is fairly safe to have intercourse with in terms of drain, as she has full control over it unlike some lesser Succubi. The issue is more with things like addiction, or subversion, or conversion. Or just liking it too much.
The elfen Lady appears a bit behind you.
May I touch you, Callistria bid me to bestow a certain appropriate boon upon thee.
The holds something that looks like a stinger, but one that would fit well on a finger, or claw, you somehow think that it will transform automatically if you shift towards claws.
------------------
--------Arrius----------
Queen Galfrey is currently
The illusions changes to a well disciplined Crusader army on the march on Drezen, from the terrain its going to be here in about 2 days
Marching towards Mendev. Given the defeat Vorlesh suffered, she is likely to take you into... not neccessarily her inner circle, but take your council into concern. She is hardly a fool, and has, generally speaking, refrained from antagonizing demonlords that are not in a state of war with Golarion, such as Ladies Nocticula and Areshkagal, while displaying strength and aggression towards any auxillaries of Deskari and Baphomet in their invasion, such as Kabriri, Mestama, Shifkesh or Xorveron. Which is in essence what I would be doing if I was in her position.
Alithera states in a calm manner
I am in essence utilizing you as a messenger, specifically because you would be... plausibly deniable from either side, and because the unusualness of the situation greatly increases the acceptance of unusual strategies. I can also offer the deal in writing, for her perusal.
I strongly expect her to accept, or why do you think is there an angel of Kelinahat, whose responsibilities include the repatriation or rescue of prisoners stranded in the Abyss, present in this negotiation?
She smiles politely
Galfrey will most likely accept, if you make a good case, you reduce the political costs accepting costs her further. Alithera states
As to your plea of a token of my good will, convince me, as a group. See it as a training for further diplomatic endeavours. And do not hesitate to speak because you consider yourself not diplomatic, at a certain level arguments count, not charisma. Sadly for me since if diplomacy was just based on the latter I would have a far easier time.
----------perceptions-----------
You do notice that the quality of the illusions varies, the view of Ciar was pristine and very clear, the view of your home a bit grainy, the view of the crusader army also had a degree of grainyness.
---------knowledges-------------
The bugs look like Vevascors, at least partly, fused with something else? Vevascors are known to infect and eat victims, arriving in great swarms, but they arent known for doing mind control. The bugs dont quite look like Vevascors, but like such bugs mixed with something you cannot identify with this roll.
--------helpfullness-----------
In essence, power is the quality times the quantity of ones available options. This is true in heaven, as it is true in the Abyss.
She clearly seeks to create diplomatic openings for herself and her influence.
By contrasting her behaviour with those of demons, your guess is that she tends to work by conversion and subversion, not by genocidal warfare.
Adi grins in delight, starts to put the flowers in her ginger hair but then the elfen Lady is behind her "I, um, yes?" her courage and lack of good safe sense might be what got her twisted up with the fae, but this time it would be fine. Fine! So the wee barbarian holds up her hand, a claw tipping each finger.
--------
Adi thinks when asked to be convincing.
"We're entertaining, both in a bloody brawl and in a wit filled banter, you've seen that. They got good hearts to." she dips her head toward her companions "So good will won't be lost on them, they'll do what you ask anyway really, so think of it as icing."
"Then I shall begin my training with a hard question about your personal background. Were you ever a mortal being? You do not appear as most demons do so I am a bit confused. If you are a demon, do you remember your mortal life? While the Queen be amenable to making a small deal for Sir Ciar doing so with 'nothing in hand' is unlikely to succeed. She will naturally distrust your word and may even suggest that the "angel of Kelinahat" was a demon in disguise, an illusion, a mental trick played on us all and I could not disprove it to her. Again, in diplomacy, gestures open doors. You already have Sir Ciar and it would cost you nothing to release him. If Queen Galfrey declined your request you could then tell others you were honorable, reasonable, and still met with failure and thus damage her ability to negotiate with most others in the future."
Pausing for a moment he continues, "She is a queen and none of us are even nobility let alone royalty. For all I know she might suspect I'm a spy for Asmodeus and secretly peddling his influence amongst her people and troops. The best I could see Queen Galfrey receiving us is having one of us for dinner, what we in Cheliax would call an "atta boy", pin a medal on those of us not objectionable to be in her presence, and then sent on our way like the commoners we are. If she had Sir Ciar she would have reason to celebrate what could reasonably called a miracle, complete with stories from the noble knight with how proper and dignified his time here was spent and how helpful you were in assisting his recovery. With Sir Ciar by our side I don't think Queen Galfrey would have any other choice but to at least meet with us and briefly hear us out. If the 'good angel' could supply some evidence to support our words and yours, then perhaps we could find movement in this situation. Plus you could claim to have achieved something she could not which is very likely information she'd rather the public not be made aware of."
-----------Arrius-----------------
Ah, demon lore... Alithera gives a beatific smile
There are several ways for demons to be created, some are born, like my dear daughter here, from the union of at least one demon and one something else, in her case another demon, specifically Lord Angothane of Tharvool, a former runelord of wrath and Lady Nocticulas top general.
Others are mortals who have made certain rituals. These are rare. Most demons are made when a number, typically, of mortals die, get sent to the Abyss by Pharasma, and survive long enough to gestate into a type of demon that bears resemblance to their sins.
In my case, I was one of the first demons, we are a rather young race planarly speaking, and became sentient and quite attractive, rather then a mass of larvae, when the dicking around of the Daemons, Daemons with an "a" after the d not demons, with the collected massive amounts of larvae caused the creation of demonkind. Lord Angothanes case is a bit special, as by Nocticulas will he became a Balor, from a single soul which is extremely rare for Balors, with his memories intact. He is very formidable and as far as I am concerned excellent and civilized company.
Alithera speaks, precisely, and the illusions switch into becomeing... pictures that show what she is talking about.
My appearance is due to the fact that a certain demonlord, who technically is not a demon at all given that he is a gargoyle, specifically Xorveron, captured me Her red eyes flash for a moment
Tore off my wings, horns and tail, broke my spine, and did what ultraviolent sadists do to very attractive women in their power. I managed to survive, evade, resist and eventually escape. This ordeal has left me with a great distaste for such actions, and I have already partly gotten back at him by stealing his... Her voice becomes cold as she speaks of her ordeal, and the temperature in the room drops by several degrees.
Xorveron is the demonlord of petrification, and he had an extensive "garden" of good aligned petrified mortals. I succesfully replaced many of these petrified mortals with actual statues, laden with cold iron, adamantine, holy water and explosives, and seriously wounded him in a massive explosion . Looking back, I should have coordinated this with Lady Nocticula, as I hurt him enough that she could have swooped in for the kill, but I didnt as I was rather independent at the time, and completely obsessed with vengeance. Alas Xorveron survived, but I received an offer of protection and vasallage from our Lady in Shadows, one I gratefully accepted. This was mere decades ago.
Her voice and the temperature in the room become entirely pleseant again when she speaks of the assassination attempt she conducted.
Of the mortals I thus exfiltrated, some I have ransomed to their respective patrons, some have been released in exchange agreements, some serve me yet. All would genuinely agree that my exfiltration of them has been a massive improvement of their situation. As to my alignment, I am beyond morality. If you were to cast the spell "Grace of the champion" on me, it would work and I could smite evil. Its pretty effective, which is why I got a wand of it. This does not mean I am good, let alone lawfull, but it may make a deal with me more palatable for your queen. Alithera finishes
Statement, this unit witnessed that the demon Alithera indeed uses a wand of bestow grace of the champion in her combat routine, and can use either smite evil, or an equivalent of it, to inflict disproportionate damage upon evil outsiders, dragons, or antipaladins. This unit witnessed a clash between her and a giant fiendish Gargyole antipaladin, the damage output of Alithera was consistent with her using smite evil. E.L.I.Z.A. speaks up.
I dont exactly know what type of cheating she uses, but it works. I have witnessed this as well, oh, holy smiting her does nothing whatsorever, from the point of view of overall morality, I regard her as evil, although a very polite and reasonable form of it. For demon standards she is nearly a saint. The angel Illassa ()says
------------Adigale-------------
Uff, that went well The elfen lady whispers
Like, I know what Xorveron did to her, she hates talking about it, but loves talking about that prank with the assassination attempt, it was pretty clever and hilarious. She is normally more into abduction. I tried to assassinate her once, just business nothing personal, but she captured me and we came to terms. the elfen lady speaks as if talking about the weather
As to Callistrias boon, if you place this stinger on your middle finger, draw some of your own blood from it, and then hit an evil outsider with it, some of your rage will transfer into him, making it specifically very very hard for said outsider to perform any spell like abilities, such as teleportation. It is still possible, but the concentration would be roughly equivalent to doing the spell like ability while being grappled by you. It only lasts for a short time though. Use it wisely, for the number of charges are limited, although Callistria will restore them if you use it well.
Her hands feel incredibly nice as they touch yours, and her singsong accent is rather captivating.
As Alithera looks at you and the Elfen Lady
A good point Lady Adigale, hmmm, I may have another little boon to offer you. Since you are likely to dance with one of Callistrias empusas, I may as well show you how to truely dance, do not worry, it will be very fun and does not place my mark on your soul. Alitheras voice is now like soft honey, she seems to really like talking about dancing and art.
"A gargoyle you say? It was another gargoyle, Segruchen the Iron Gargoyle, that Iomedae slew in one of her Acts. She cut off his iron wings, Segruchen plummeted to the ground, and Iomedae slew him before he could escape. An interesting parallel..."
He continues, "I need to correct you once more though. Queen Galfrey is not my Queen; she is the Queen of Mendev. I am a citizen of the Damned Empire of Cheliax. Which, again, is an impediment to us meeting with Queen Galfrey. Think of it like this: Often, when powers send emissaries to one another, they include gifts as part of the 'Offer of Greetings and Peaceful Transaction' to foster goodwill and appreciation. Sir Ciar Cobelen could be not only that 'gift of goodwill' and an extension of an olive branch to Queen Galfrey but it might be the best, and possibly only, way for us to actually be granted an audience with the Queen. I understand you wish to use Sir Ciar for leverage but understand once that fact is revealed it will actually set relations back between you and Queen Galfrey. I strongly suggest you reconsider and allow us to bring Sir Cobelen back with us."
Iomedaes ascension is... interesting. Did you know that Lady Nocticula once made a dread knight lust so much he became alive again?
Or that she once offered 6 drops of her blood to an enemy, in return for hostages, but then used these 6 blood drops as a bypass of said enemies fortifications, transforming them into teleportation beacons for an elite strike force just as said enemy was doing the most cliched villainous monologe ever? That b%&+& Kovalarue died with her mouth open.
I wasnt part of that, but Lady Belana, whom you met earlier, was.
Alithera pauses, as you may ponder if the phrase "die with your mouth open" is a specific demonic saying.
A lot of entities including me are quite interested in... deeific ascension so to speak, but for something to be truely a step on that path, it needs to be an upset. My duel with that gargoyle prick... I had prepared much better then he did, if we were to fight 10 times, I would win at least 9. As such I doubt that the multiverse would count it as a step towards ascension.
She continues
You are Chelish yes, but so was Queen Galfrey when she launched the first crusade. And while I do believe her flawed, as all living and undead things are, she is without prejudice, other then being racist against tieflings or those otherwise related by blood to the Abyss. Adigale may get a pass as while she is tiefling, her ancestry is obviously Raksasha, Amanusya, if I had to guess based on the movement patterns.
She gives you an intense look
I will not part with Sir Ciar without establishing the bargain, but I can be tempted into revealing what Xanthir Vang is doing, and how I undid it in Sir Ciars case, as well as why just hitting him with a heal spell would not have worked.
You do note that Alithera calls Ciar "Sir". Without any irony or sarcasm, but something tells you she seems to respect him.