"We'll go first" Xandarian said, scratching his magic-ed brown hair. "I just need directions."
"I've got my flight hex. It's only good for short flights, minutes at a time but I think it'll be enough for here. I don't have invisibility but am pretty good at not being seen, unless I'm a flying fox in daylight...."
Contact established she is on our side and aware of a secret tunnel transmitting coordinate and meeting point
The communication resumes as markus faithfully recounts what he has gained from Satinder information wise, but he leaves out his drug deal side business.
Quince relates all the information that Markus had relayed to him to Jorne.
Quince looks at the others as they prepare to leave. "We don't want to be seen all together but that is what the second wand is for. Greater Invisibility and fly its how we got in and hopefully how we get out."
"Remember its a good idea to hold hands so we don't loose each other invisible flying around."
Training contract? Currently occupied at least short term, give it 2-3 nights. Contract specifics?
He replies neutrally
Type of minions? Number? Duration? Location? Payment? Security of payment? How many casulties during training are acceptable? Is the contract with you, your liege, or Drelev? Do you have favorites among minions who are not to becomes training casulties, or annoying fools whose "fatal training accidents" would be desireable?
He telepahtically rattles off questions, some she can instantly answer but are irrelevant, some she probably cant answer, some she can answer and which are highly useful to know.
Also, what of your own deal? We can probably setup some price gouging by cooperating as employees against our employers, I would be willing to share additional economic benefits realized from such sharing such secrets.
He, after finishing the previous question with a *desireable*, finishes the next one with *secret*.
Congrats on joining the Ballet, watching them was truely impressive.
He telepathically states, quite truefully adding some flattery.
Currently running errand for the local near peer competitor priesthood, terminate some pests reducing economic potential.
Need to gain degree confidence first, as well as demonstrate superior violence, to present credible deal on changing allegiance.
Markus sends , technically correct, specifics of his current status, but the Lady will assume he is seeking to convert Satinder to Nocticula or Shamira, which is certainly, from the pov. of the Succubus a worthwhile and meritous attempt, it may also protect Mrs. Morn from the Succubus .
Outwardly, Markus meanwhile does idle smalltalk, pretending to get increasingly smitten.
It is clear to competent observers that his mind is a bit elsewhere though.
Contact established she is on our side and aware of a secret tunnel transmitting coordinate and meeting point
The communication resumes as markus faithfully recounts what he has gained from Satinder information wise, but he leaves out his drug deal side business.
Quince relates all the information that Markus had relayed to him to Jorne.
Quince looks at the others as they prepare to leave. "We don't want to be seen all together but that is what the second wand is for. Greater Invisibility and fly its how we got in and hopefully how we get out."
"Remember its a good idea to hold hands so we don't loose each other invisible flying around."
"Roci and I can be employed however you see fit milord Quince."
Xandarian offers a hand to one of the party as the group mgets ready for a mass liftoff.
The paladin disappears from view as the greater invisibility take effect. "..Zounds!.."
Quince nods, "Of course."
Quince has now expended another 7 charges of gtr invisibility and 6 charges of fly. Of course he did fly first
The group takes hands as Jorne touches one of his rings making himself turn invisible. Up into the air the group goes as Quince and Kendryl cast gtr invisiblity on the last of you. The group flies for about 6 rounds before the first one made invisible becomes visible. Luckily, in that time you have made it out of town and over the wall. Going north towards the destination.
After a half hour or so Satinder Mourne walks out of the tree line, only if Markus is present. She pleasantly states, "It is good you brought so... many allies."
Training contract? Currently occupied at least short term, give it 2-3 nights. Contract specifics?
He replies neutrally
::No contract is neccessary, unless you need one, you would be working under me, for favors or gold each day.:: The innuendo is obvious.
Type of minions? Number? Duration? Location? Payment? Security of payment? How many casulties during training are acceptable? Is the contract with you, your liege, or Drelev? Do you have favorites among minions who are not to becomes training casulties, or annoying fools whose "fatal training accidents" would be desireable?
He telepahtically rattles off questions, some she can instantly answer but are irrelevant, some she probably cant answer, some she can answer and which are highly useful to know.
::Humans, half orcs, and dwarves. Mostly bandits needing a bit of training. 20 to 30. As long as you can endure. Fort Drelev fore courtyard. Favors or gold. Zero casulties are acceptable, if it happens your pay will be deducted. This simple accord would be between myself and yourself.::
Also, what of your own deal? We can probably setup some price gouging by cooperating as employees against our employers, I would be willing to share additional economic benefits realized from such sharing such secrets.
He, after finishing the previous question with a *desireable*, finishes the next one with *secret*.
:: Trust me, you don't want to deal with my employers.::
Congrats on joining the Ballet, watching them was truely impressive.
He telepathically states, quite truefully adding some flattery.
::Thank you! Maybe I can show you some moves in our down time.::
Currently running errand for the local near peer competitor priesthood, terminate some pests reducing economic potential.
Need to gain degree confidence first, as well as demonstrate superior violence, to present credible deal on changing allegiance.
Markus sends , technically correct, specifics of his current status, but the Lady will assume he is seeking to convert Satinder to Nocticula or Shamira, which is certainly, from the pov. of the Succubus a worthwhile and meritous attempt, it may also protect Mrs. Morn from the Succubus .
Understood, I will be at the foreyard in 2-3 days asking for one Lady Amber. unless a different designation is prefered.
Markus notes while his outward appearance responds to the innuendo, his mind is entirely businesslike.
It is possible that I receive instructions to infiltrate/influence Greenwatch/Elkheart into adopting policies consistent with Alyushinyrran interests. Will keep you updated, this would have priority.
Markus provides himself with a legend as to why he could be seen as helping Elkheart in the future.
Have an errand to run, fare thy well and may thy encountered Paladins be both attractive and seduceable.
From reputation, she had a type. Maybe related to that new steroid for demons called "Paladin Juice?".
Markus buggers off to the north
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"Have an errand to run, fare thy well and may thy encountered Paladins be both attractive and seduceable."
From reputation, she had a type. Maybe related to that new steroid for demons called "Paladin Juice?".
As the group flies over Markus they see he is speaking to someone. She looks up and cocks her head to the side.
+2 vs Fey, +4 vs Humans
+2 vs Fey, +4 vs Humans, +4 Forests, +2 Underground
"Milord Quince, that one down there, the one wearing clean guard gear. Talking to Markus. I believe she spotted us."
"Oh crap! We've been spotted!" The paladin whispers to the others in flight.
Jorrast hears the discussion and shrugs his fox shoulders. "Oh well...."
I dont have see invisibility or detect good, at least not for now.
He replies truthfully
Good auras you say? Did scout out Greenwatch/Elkheart in terms of like, how they react to half fiends, economical potential, military strength, special combat potentials. They had a Paladin of Cayden Caylean, which is pretty rare, serious magical backing, and their duke hits harder then I do. They were quite open to cooperation, and well exploitably non-racist against fiends. Infiltrating/influencing them further is probably my next bigger gig from Lady S. . At least I think its Lady S. but relatively few things dole out half fiendhood.
He gives her a neutral glance
My guess is that Alyushinyrra is going for a "whoever loses we win" setup. If Drelev and tiger lords win, you influence them, if Elkheart wins I would be prepositioned to make sure Alyushinyrras interests are respected. Question is, how do we make sure neither of us dies? Killing for Alyushinyrra is fun, dying is for other people.
Here is my pitch, if Elkheart wins, you have been planary bound, rather then called, always disliked your summoner, and have just been waiting for a meritous opportunity to backstab. I will well, vouch that you acted as a diplomat in the past, which isnt wrong, and that having Alyushinyrra be inside the tent pissing in is far smarter then pissing it off. That should transfer you from influencer/guard in Drelev to ambassador in Elkheart, probably a sizeable upgrade. You could see it as upgrading your consorts via replacement. He pauses
If Drelev wins, we both pretend that you got a dominate off on me and I serve you freely and willingly for a year and a day.
He offers pretty standard merc terms, hopeing that his reputation and earlier rapport with her, his word, if given freely, is extremely good for a half demons, will do the trick.
He is mentally ready to defend himself should negotiations break down but he thinks his pitch was pretty good.
Quince nods, then realizes he is invisible. "If things are going well. Its the contact Markus spoke of. Stick to the plan. Even if she has way of seeing invisible if she is concerned for her own safety and on our side she will want to know we are making an attempt to be secretive, and folk involved in such intrigues will think better of us not being trusting fools. However volunteered to stay invisible or hidden still do so. Keep watch if its a trap we will still want to know. Shall we."
Quince began a decent and became visible about 7 or 8 feet behind Makus about 3 feet off the ground. He holds out his empty hands to show he means no harm. "Well met." Quince said to the clean dressed woman. "Is this our new friend big guy." Clearly speaking to Markus careful to not share a name that Markus may or may not have divulged.
Hmm, that woman noticed us quickly. And she's particularly clean, compared to the other people here.
"She's very clean, unusually so, i must say. Almost as if made to look particularly plain for a disguise."
Her voice is melodious and luscious as she speaks to Markus in regards to Quince and the group that likely follows, "So they are allies of yours?"
How to make sure neither of us dies, well I am covered with that. May I suggest getting to know Sulvanii the Fire of Greed. Use that title, he only uses it with close companions.
Yeah... that is a big if... but yeah that can be done.::
Despite being aware of the woman's eyes on her, Ulricha remains invisible, watching closely for signs of treachery.
Zsófia follows Quince, and when she hears her allies say their contact can see them, she shrugs and lands beside him. "The spell will end in a few seconds anyway," she says with an ironic twist of her lip. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, servant of the Savored Sting." She bows floridly, looking Satinder over appreciatively with a professional eye, as one entertainer to another. She wonders how far they can trust this Calistrian cleric, though she doesn't let it show in her features.
Markus thoughts are sealed as he thinks quickly
S&#*, how am I to unf$@~ this!
Some of them Colleages, not the most circumspect, but clearly sufficient to infilrate this area without incident, at least if you werent here. It is interestingly curious however that we just met. Considering the overal Succubus population of Alyushinyrra, the relatively low odds of someone like the lord of drelev being able to hire you specifically etc. it stands to reason that some entity capable of answering prayers is involved.
Markus speaks telepathically
I would venture that they are considerably more competent then the various mercenaries you mentioned to need training, and I am assuming that their souls are about as strong as mine. With the duke and some of his command staff having more powerful ones.
He kind of feels like he is praising one all you can eat buffet over another. As he keeps pitching the "join the good likely to win side", or at least wait and see.
The question of course is, what do you want?
He sends a telepathic smilyface
Markus head seems to be racing, there are some tells like his posture changing, his claws subtly lengthening and his eyes getting a bit darker.
There is a fair bit of, if not fear then healthy respect of the female, and he seems to consider the situation to be rather dangerous. Markus is not someone whom you would regard as easily afraid, or whose respect is easy to earn.
Markus normally speaks a lot and rather quickly, his talking with the female, both on his and the females side was rather superficial, while this could have been due to one or both pretending to be someone else, it is also possible that the actual communication is telepathic. Markus himself mentioned that his active telepathy is limited to message cantrips, implying that the female is telepathic.
The message cantrip cast by Markus is still up, yet he hasnt used it while talking with that female. Together with his current posture, he likely suspects that it would be intercepted.
::Oh Greenwatch, they do have major backing don't they. The fool Drelev did send a force that way.
How to make sure neither of us dies, well I am covered with that. May I suggest getting to know Sulvanii the Fire of Greed. Use that title, he only uses it with close companions.
Yeah... that is a big if... but yeah that can be done.::
The plain woman you are speaking to is not Satinder.
She catches herself and states, "Oh I am flattered but I am not Satinder of the Velvet Corner."
What do I want? Mmmm I am seeing a lot of hot meat!::
The woman seems to not sweat the new pressure, revealing steely nerves with the appearance of so many.
Alice turns towards her spirit thrush, which seemingly landed to eat a worm it saw on the ground. Getting a quick idea, she casts guidance, using the unknown language between them, in casting guidance on herself and her thrush.
"Stella, would you help me with something?
That lady we saw when we approached, she is definitely in some form of magical disguise. But since our fiendish half-orc colleague is the middleman in this secret meeting with a mystery contact, could you give me your opinion on his own behavior? Call it that female's intuition."
The bird's own humble observations added and relayed in the same soft speech, Alice is left wondering what is going on. The mystery woman became even more of an enigma.
She catches herself and states, "Oh I am flattered but I am not Satinder of the Velvet Corner."
"So then what name do you go by, miss?"
Alice recalls the refugees drafted into the attack force speaking of people taken away. Logically, no oppressor would want people of skill or risk left to oppose them. But then, here stands one, had she eluded capture with deception magic?
If the Knowledge local is high enough to know of nobody by those criteria, Amber becomes a greater mystery to Alice. With her deception, and that DC 29 Sense motive on Markus' odd behavior, Alice goes through whatever she remembers of stories or literature about creatures able to cast things like alter self.
Eh, as long as you mostly respect their lives, freedoms and properties I honestly dont mind seduction. The whole seduction thing is more interesting that way yes? As I said, their souls should be about as strong as mine, meaning they can be quite gainfully utilized rather then be used as a snack.
He gives a mental smiley shrug
Mrs Amber is an acquaintance from a previous mercenary contract. One that concerned the... regulation, with extreme prejudice, of the ocal trepeneurially depressin ghoul population numbers.
Markus introduces his acquaintance and sends a secret message, to the party and amber
Markus is talking about Leng ghouls, far more dangerous foes then normal ghouls. The implication is that Amber is a highly capable combatant.
Do you remember when old Rejnsköld got swallowed whole by this huge Leng-ghoul, when we counter raided Kabriris realm because some Leng ghouls sold drugs in Alyushinyrra without paying the requisite bribes? Rejnsköld bloodraged, became large and clawed his way out of its belly! Honestly, you giving him the nickname "Baby" was rather funny given that he is an old hardass aasimar and likes to troll Iomedeans about how he is older then their deity. The thing were you spammed suggestion to "kill all the ghouls within 200 feet" on us to overcome the competing compulsion spells of that ghoul priest coven was also hilarious, no ghoul wins a charisma contest against a Succubus.
Markus telepaths hopeing to make her more... consensual by reliving the "old times".
"You met an old acquaintance?"
"Indeed on closer look this is Satinder." Quince's mind raced with the tension in Markus' posture, did we just let an enemy agent know where to find a resistance leader.
"So Mrs. Amber what brings you to the outskirts of Drelev on such an evening. Hopefully no undead infestations."
Zsófia follows Quince, and when she hears her allies say their contact can see them, she shrugs and lands beside him. "The spell will end in a few seconds anyway," she says with an ironic twist of her lip. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, servant of the Savored Sting." She bows floridly, looking Satinder over appreciatively with a professional eye, as one entertainer to another. She wonders how far they can trust this Calistrian cleric, though she doesn't let it show in her features.
Xandarian and Boffy, along with the others materialize near Markus's new lady friend, as his wings retract from view. "I am Xandarian Quartermain, paladin of Cayden Cailean, at your service!"
Jorrast lands, looks around and runs over by Alice, brushing against a leg while watching the new lady and listening.
Jorrast lands, looks around and runs over by Alice, brushing against a leg while watching the new lady and listening.
As cute as she finds the little fuzzy shape Jorrast currently is in, Alice keeps her composure right now.
She lets Markus introduce her to the group after Alice's prompt. Doing a slight bow in response, her smile still upon her face.
She cocks her head to the side in confusion at Quince's words. Then states, "I am not Satinder. We are still in town... I was on my way to get a bite and ran into Markus. A fateful meeting." She smiles at the reference or that you understood the secret message.
She looks at Xan and responds calmly with, "Be careful who you say 'at your service' to, they may take you up with it."
Xandarian gracious accepts the compliment, all the while casting detect evil at Markus's new friend.
Eh, as long as you mostly respect their lives, freedoms and properties I honestly dont mind seduction. The whole seduction thing is more interesting that way yes? As I said, their souls should be about as strong as mine, meaning they can be quite gainfully utilized rather then be used as a snack.
He gives a mental smiley shrug
::I like my snacks! I hear you as long as it doesn't interefere with my duties.::
Do you remember when old Rejnsköld got swallowed whole by this huge Leng-ghoul, when we counter raided Kabriris realm because some Leng ghouls sold drugs in Alyushinyrra without paying the requisite bribes? Rejnsköld bloodraged, became large and clawed his way out of its belly! Honestly, you giving him the nickname "Baby" was rather funny given that he is an old hardass aasimar and likes to troll Iomedeans about how he is older then their deity. The thing were you spammed suggestion to "kill all the ghouls within 200 feet" on us to overcome the competing compulsion spells of that ghoul priest coven was also hilarious, no ghoul wins a charisma contest against a Succubus.
Markus telepaths hopeing to make her more... consensual by reliving the "old times".
::Oh yeah that was a good one. Too true. Shall I introduce them to the real Amber?::
Amber seems to open up and her demeanor is more friendly.
The group is presently in the town still as you flew over Markus as he was walking the streets. Landing there to meet his acquaintance.
** spoiler omitted **
Amber seems to open up and her demeanor is more friendly.
I am not sure if I know them long enough to provide genuinely useful advice in terms of seduction. Although... The Paladin? As a Caydenite, exfiltrate some slaves or prisoners, put on a spiel about how you need a cover story for who freed them, and that that cover story is him, which puts him in your debt. Initially be like "Hello there mortal, I want to exchange super cool Caydenite booze for prisoners" so he thinks its not about him and then... I mean, Caydenbooze with Paladin juice should be one hell of a combo right?
Exfiltrating prisoners is just like an abduction, but with a more cooperative target right?
He thinks rather merrily into her
I shall hint at your nature without making it obvious, the mystery adds some appeal right?
He continues his pitch
thinking
If she wants to seduce them she wont inform Drelev right now. I need to seperate her interests from those of Drelev. to only himself
Lady Amber did likely save my life once, although that debt has been repaid, we are on rather reasonable terms, yet further introductions are perhaps best conducted in a more private setting.
He says in a subdued tone as a way of introduction.
You seem to be Markus, fighting with your axe drawn in some underground dungeon? And your axe bisects an unusually strong looking ghoul. Kill all Ghouls within 300 feet A voice, femine and attractive, sings in your head. You see yours, Markuses comrades, a group of mercenaries wielding various weapons and armor, fighting against Ghouls. The ghouls seem surprised, as if your group was interrupting some ritual.
Another Ghoul, as Markus you recognice his markings as a higher ranking member of Kabriris, demonlord of ghouls and hunger, clergy, focuses his power upon you.
The harsh, shrill voice of the Ghoul shouts into your head, for a moment all of your muscles tense as you are paralyzed
Kill kill all the ghouls, they dont have no taste!
Kill kill kill them all, not one blow goes to waste!
But the pleseant voice is like, vastly more charming and easily overpowers the compulsion to halt, you have a funny idea as the ghoulish priest approaches, while you pretend to be totally paralyzed.
As the Ghoul thinks he is to deliver a coup de grace, your react, violenty and viciously to its attack, sending its two halfs tumbling to the ground.
Your smile alas fades as a Kabririte Demon, one Markus recognizes as a Nabasu teleports in to support his flock. A far mightier foe...
Get the Nabasu Markus, I know you have Litheria blossoms on you, and unlike your squadmates you didnt use them for amusement
You hear a request from the singing voice
F~$@ me, this is going to suck You/Markus thinks as some type of flower comes out of a quickdraw sheeth and you/Markus takes a deep breath from it.
F$*% you? If you win, sure! Litheria blossom is on me.
Thats a cheery thought You/Markus think as you discard the used flower, fly into a Bloodrage and charge straight at the demon, who, lucky for you, seems unaccustomed to mortals doubling in size and charging straight at it.
The vision ends
"Well, let's get inside somewhere, from out in the open like this", Xandarian suggested, looking to the skies.
The group is presently in the town still as you flew over Markus as he was walking the streets. Landing there to meet his acquaintance.
Amber quickly offers, "No, you obviously have some business that I don't want to know about. You head off and if there is trouble I will do what I can to help. Don't worry Markus I got your back." With that she breaks from the group and begins to walk down an alley if allowed.
I am not sure if I know them long enough to provide genuinely useful advice in terms of seduction. Although... The Paladin? As a Caydenite, exfiltrate some slaves or prisoners, put on a spiel about how you need a cover story for who freed them, and that that cover story is him, which puts him in your debt. Initially be like "Hello there mortal, I want to exchange super cool Caydenite booze for prisoners" so he thinks its not about him and then... I mean, Caydenbooze with Paladin juice should be one hell of a combo right?
Exfiltrating prisoners is just like an abduction, but with a more cooperative target right?
He thinks rather merrily into her
::Yes that does sound like a devious plan. I like your thinking Markus. It seems you have become even more pliable and useful being a half fiend! This should be fun!::
By Koscthschies phantom balls, Zurahs padded t#@%, Qlippoths beneath bugger my barely existing lovelive
Markus does some rather creative swearing after she leaves.
That was a fairly powerful and highly competent Succubus.
I personally know her as a mercenary liasion, as a martial arts instructor and as a skilled Ballerina. According to second hand information, she is also a "moral resource acquisition" specialist, meaning abduction, conversion or, for some lucky gits, exfiltration out of a prison.
Can be hired as such but expensive.
He continues
Has been hired by Drelev but is not in he least loyal to them.
Xandarian and Zsofia, she will most likely seek to seduce either of you. Xandarian because she likes booze and is into Paladins, Zsofia because you are beautifull and she is competitive about dancing. I recommend playing hard to get but to be polite.
Openly he says
Do I actually know you spontaneously appearing flying people?
Markus seeks to scatter and get back to the meeting point pretending to be a bit dazed and confused.
On a positive note, I did not have to explain or come up with a reason as to why I wouldnt take her profane gift. He thinks to himself
By Koscthschies phantom balls, Zurahs padded t~*#, Qlippoths beneath bugger my barely existing lovelive
Markus does some rather creative swearing after she leaves.
That was a fairly powerful and highly competent Succubus.
I personally know her as a mercenary liasion, as a martial arts instructor and as a skilled Ballerina. According to second hand information, she is also a "moral resource acquisition" specialist, meaning abduction, conversion or, for some lucky gits, exfiltration out of a prison.
Can be hired as such but expensive.
"That's not at all unsettling." Quince smirks sarcastically complaining at fate.
Has been hired by Drelev but is not in he least loyal to them.
"What sort of payment does she take to leave. Is the price higher if she informs us of everything she knows and leaves? Anyway to make sure that's not taking our money and fulfilling both contracts." Quince sighs looks around for other folk on the street, "You don't think she is going to inform on us?"
Xandarian and Zsofia, she will most likely seek to seduce either of you. Xandarian because she likes booze and is into Paladins, Zsofia because you are beautifull and she is competitive about dancing. I recommend playing hard to get but to be polite.
Quince smiles and looks up at Xandarian, "A paladin of the daring drunk. He's already figuring how he can make it a 3-way." He straightens up and winks, "For the cause."
Openly he says
Do I actually know you spontaneously appearing flying people?
Quince looks around for witnesses. Worried about more exposure.
Alice was working down through the many things Amber might potentially be, but there were just too many. Fey, demons, other outsiders, highly skilled mages.
At that moment Markus' message gets through.
"Hm? You are personally acquainted with such a seductress?
That must have been one unusual story of a meeting."
On the comment about the priority targets of the succubus,
"So until that happens, the rest of us are relatively safe from her efforts? A good thing i haven't kept up with dancing lessons, waltzes and formal speech etiquette can be tiresome. Ugh, those dresses."
Things noble houses participate in every so often.
Xandarian decides to sweep the area of evil, just in case.
Another Ghoul, as Markus you recognize his markings as a higher-ranking member of Kabriris, demon lord of ghouls and hunger, clergy, focuses his power upon you.
The harsh, shrill voice of the Ghoul shouts into your head, for a moment all of your muscles tense as you are paralyzed
Kill kill all the ghouls, they dont have no taste!
Kill kill kill them all, not one blow goes to waste!
But the pleasant voice is like, vastly more charming and easily overpowers the compulsion to halt, you have a funny idea as the ghoulish priest approaches, while you pretend to be totally paralyzed.
As the Ghoul thinks he is to deliver a coup de grace, you react, violently and viciously to its attack, sending its two halfs tumbling to the ground.
Your smile alas fades as a Kabririte Demon, one Markus recognizes as a Nabasu teleports in to support his flock. A far mightier foe...
Get the Nabasu Markus, I know you have Litheria blossoms on you, and unlike your squad mates you didn't use them for amusement.
You hear a request from the singing voice
F*@~ me, this is going to suck You/Markus thinks as some type of flower comes out of a quickdraw sheath and you/Markus takes a deep breath from it.
F!#& you? If you win, sure! Litheria blossom is on me.
Thats a cheery thought You/Markus think as you discard the used flower, fly into a Bloodrage and charge straight at the demon, who, lucky for you, seems unaccustomed to mortals doubling in size and charging straight at it.
The vision ends.
That was a fairly powerful and highly competent Succubus.
I personally know her as a mercenary liasion, as a martial arts instructor and as a skilled Ballerina. According to second hand information, she is also a "moral resource acquisition" specialist, meaning abduction, conversion or, for some lucky gits, exfiltration out of a prison.
Can be hired as such but expensive.He continues
Has been hired by Drelev but is not in he least loyal to them.
Xandarian and Zsofia, she will most likely seek to seduce either of you. Xandarian because she likes booze and is into Paladins, Zsofia because you are beautifull and she is competitive about dancing. I recommend playing hard to get but to be polite.
A curious look comes over the paladin's face. Again, Xandarian sidles next to Markus and whispers, "Markus. You seem to know quite a bit about demons. I have a question. I feel like I can get a straight answer from you." The caydenite looks around, then asks, "Do succubuses really suck your soul out from your p3nis?!"
I have been to the Abyss, and the mercenary company I was part of was eventually hired by Nocticulas armed forces.
She was a liasion for our platoon, I was one of the squad leaders.
For local standards at least our relationship was professional and businesslike. I never needed any anti-energy-drain restorative magic to deal with Succubus induced energy drain.
He does speak truely, but he is definitly leaving some things out, and his language was oddly specific.
In response to Xandarian vision
Demonlord? I saw Lady Shamira once, but I sure as hell never fought alongside her. Thats why above my paygrade.
I did hear that detect evil can sometimes grant visions, maybe when whatever grants you the vision is like "how the f~+& am I supposed to rate this? See for yourself bye".
Fighting Leng ghouls? The worst thing I fought there was a Nabasu, they are annoying little s!!#s with a soul draining gaze that raises those slain as ghouls. I killed one because Death ward is pretty good against them, if you close the distance and they dont get their magiks off... they arent strong on their own in melee, just dont get caught flatfooted or flanked, they are little sneaky s&+~s and hit a lot harder if they get the drop on you.
He chortles as Xan makes his second question, almost assuming the pose of a teacher.
They can suck your life force through any type of intimate contact, including tickling, huggles, actual sex, caresses etc. Interface with your genitals is, from their pov. useful but not neccessary. If you are alive, they can drain you, no particular genitals required.
They can also drain violently, akin to the spell vampiric touch, thats what they use in outright combat, or against thing they consider exceedingly ugly if they dont have mortals to throw at the problem.
If they are going for the gentle caress, you are under a strong suggestion to just let them continue. Even if you are under death ward or the like.
You get the feeling Markus has held that talk a couple of times. Maybe in "orientation week for Abyssal mercenaries", "Succubi and less unsafe sex", or even during "a short and concise introduction to alimoney payment avoidance strategies in Alyushinyrra.".
Xandarian frowns. "Just once! JUST ONCE! I'd like something from the Kaer Maga Bibles to be correct!!"
Jorrast curls up in a sheltered corner waiting for the group to decide where they are going next. Anyone listening carefully might hear the fox quietly chuckling.
I mean, yeah they can do that, but especially in combat it isnt that practical. Kissing is more practical but requires someone not wearing a full helmet, caresses are even more practical. The can caress through most armor, unless its like, specifically enchanted against ethereal like things. A Succubus can drain me by kissing in about a minute, which is less then the time needed to get me out of my clothes and armor.
Markus is apparently rather analytical. Which is perhaps also weird, and perhaps why he survived the Abyss?
Markus would last 42 rather then 60 seconds. Although the degree to which he overestimates his survivability is relatively modest.
Vandomir moves to play some Rock-Paper-Scissors with Jorrast.
Ulricha remains silent, listening to the exchange. Though there is much of it she doesn't quite follow, the stalwart warrior finds herself increasingly concerned with the situation they find themselves in, and whether or not Markus was setting them all up to be betrayed.
"Xandarian and Zsofia, she will most likely seek to seduce either of you. Xandarian because she likes booze and is into Paladins, Zsofia because you are beautiful and she is competitive about dancing. I recommend playing hard to get but to be polite."
"Thank you for the warning," Zsófia says, with a curl of her lip and a quick prayer to Shelyn under her breath. "I trust we will now proceed to our original purpose?"
No one is seen on the street within eyesight of the group.
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